Chapter 19
Julian sets ground rules. Fox meets with Nigel Reedy.
Julian sat in his study, looking over some files by lamplight. He was wearing a white, terrycloth robe.
Eve and the twins were asleep. Julian, however, had been unable to.
He didn't want to bring up how he was feeling for Ethan, over the loss of his wife. It would just make Eve feel bad...and most probably guilty, over what Simone had done.
Julian wanted to go the hospital tomorrow and give his former son, his condolences. But, he suspected he wouldn't be welcome there.
He also wanted to be of some comfort to Rebecca. He doubted Eve would begrudge him that.
If he had not been downstairs anyway, he would've never heard the doorbell. Julian frowned and looked at the clock. It was almost 11:30 at night! Who the hell would be coming over here at this hour?
Julian stood up. He hoped it wasn't Abe Carver, looking for a place to stay! He began to walk out of the room and down the hallway. Then again, Julian thought, maybe it would be a good thing if it was Carver. Because then, he could tell the man that he knew he had designs on Eve, and that he'd better not come around here again!
But, when he opened the door, Julian was more than a bit surprised, to see John Hastings, and his fugitive step-daughter from hell, Simone DiMera. Julian leaned against the door and grinned!
'Well, well, well!'
Simone rolled her eyes and began to turn away.
'Come on, John. I'd rather go to prison than look at this fool!'
'Would you now, dear?'
'I'm not your dear, and you're damned right I would!'
At that moment, a howl could be heard in the night! Simone clung to John's arm, who looked around uneasily.
'What was that?' John asked nervously.
'Abe Carver is back in town, and doesn't take too kindly to people that swear...that would be you, Simone.'
'Can we come in?' John asked, looking around. The last thing they needed right now, was to be ambushed by a Sasquatch!
Julian's eyes widened in a mock fashion.
'NOW, you want to come in? I do believe you gave my wife and myself, the middle finger sometime this evening, Mr. Hastings. You owe both Eve and I an apology.'
'Come on, John! I told you this was a bad idea! Let's go!' she snapped, grabbing his arm and turning to leave.
But Julian reached out and gripped one of her arms, hard!
'Let go of me!' Simone cried out.
'Not until I talk some sense into you! And believe me dear, I am not your mother, so you won't be riding roughshod over me!'
Julian pulled Simone into the house. She looked back at John, who just nodded kindly at her. He loved Simone, but she could be so stubborn! Julian Crane was their best, and last hope, to keep her, and their unborn child, out of prison. For John believed in his heart, that the baby was his.
Julian pulled Simone into the study. She was tempted to drag her feet, just so she would make herself heavier for him, but, she decided to behave herself, for John's sake.
He had practically begged her to ask Julian for help! And ordinarily, Simone would have flat out refused. But her future seemed so bleak, and the more she thought about it, the less brave she became. Finally, she decided that if asking the man that helped break up her family, for help, was the only way she could stay out of prison, and maybe get to raise her and John's baby, then she would swallow her pride and do so.
But, as per the norm, Julian Crane was acting like a pompous ass! She was shoved into a chair, while Julian stood in front of his desk, looking down at her. John pulled up a chair and sat next to her. They held hands.
'Why are you here, Simone?' Julian asked.
But it was John that spoke.
'I am sorry, Mr. Crane, if I was disrespectful towards your wife, or you, earlier tonight. I was just so shocked and upset about Simone. Simone called me and decided that running away would not be the right thing to do. She wanted to turn herself in...I convinced her not to. I convinced her that maybe...maybe you could do something to help.'
Julian looked from John, to Simone. Simone looked away.
'Simone, DEAR, I haven't heard from you yet. Why do I get the feeling that you aren't as enthusiastic about asking for my help?'
Simone stared at him defiantly!
'Look, I'm not going to beg you...'
Julian smirked!
'Oh no, Simone, that is exactly what you're going to do! Your begging me for help, would not begin to make up for all of the trouble you've caused me! And it definitely won't make up for the pain you've caused your mother!'
Simone stood up.
'Where is my mother?'
'Asleep. And that's how she's going to stay. Like I said before, you're dealing with me from now on.'
Simone looked down at John.
'I'm not putting up with this! I'd rather rot!'
'Then rot! But leave Eve out of this!'
Simone walked up to Julian. John tried to grab for her hand, but she pulled out of his reach.
'Simone, don't! We need his help!' John cried out.
Simone looked from Julian to John.
'No, we don't! I told you I was prepared to go to prison and have you raise our baby!'
Julian snorted!
'Now the baby is John's? Why? Did DiMera dump you?'
Simone turned and began to walk out of the study. John jumped up, angry!
'Would it kill you to be a little more sensitive to her situation?'
Julian's face turned dark!
'How dare you tell me to be 'sensitive' to that little brat's tantrums?! I don't know how Whitney and Simone could've turned out so differently, but she is definitely T.C.'s daughter! I don't care what your girlfriend thinks of me, but I will not help her, and have her disrespecting her mother, one minute more!'
'Like your wife hasn't earned some disrespect?!' John yelled back.
Julian's eyes widened.
'You little creep! Eve has apologized over and over again for her part in your little debacle! And as for Simone, what she wants is for her mother to apologize for loving me! That's what she wants! Well that's not going to happen...not ever!'
Simone flounced back into the room. She looked at John.
'John? Let's go!'
Julian looked at her.
'You are a brave young lady, Simone! I wonder what giving birth in a prison hospital will be like? I've heard that the stir-ups are made of metal.'
Simone began shaking her head wildly.
'You shut-up!'
Julian began walking towards her. John tried to pull on his arm, but he snatched it away!
'I was the one that watched, while your mother bore your rejections, time and time again! I was the one that tried to soothe her broken heart, when you went off and married DiMera! I bet you're sorry you did that, aren't you? Was it worth it?'
John looked at Simone. His eyes were shiny with tears.
'Simone, honey, we don't have anymore choices here. We need his help. Please....'
Simone said nothing, but looked down. Julian closed the gap between them.
'I'll help you, Simone. But your attitude is going to change, do we understand one another?'
Simone glared up at him, but then looked at John. His eyes were pleading with her to cooperate. She looked away from him, but could not meet Julian's eyes. She nodded.
Julian grabbed her chin and forced her to meet his eyes!
'Good! Because you will be the loving daughter from now on, Simone. And you will be an even more loving step-daughter to me and half-sister to Erin and Evan. Because if you make my wife cry one more time, I will make you regret you ever came to me, are we clear?'
'You don't have to be so rough with her!' John whined. 'She's pregnant!'
Julian abruptly let go of Simone's chin and turned back to look at John.
'Oh, I am perfectly aware that she's pregnant, Mr. Hastings. I have been made painfully aware of every mistake my step-daughter has made...through my own wife's pain and suffering over them!'
Julian then looked at Simone again.
'I know you will probably never understand my own pain and suffering, Simone. For you see, while helping you will make my wife happy, and give her piece of mind, I was quite fond of Gwen...and Ethan. And I am still close with Rebecca. Helping you will probably cost me my friendship with them. But, your mother is everything to me. And since you are important to her, that makes you important to me.'
Simone looked at him, thinking he was so full of %$$#%! But, she loved John. And she would at least try to pretend to be civil, for him.
John walked over to Simone's side. He put an arm around her.
'Thank you, Julian. Believe me, you won't regret giving us a chance.'
Julian folded his arms.
'No, I won't. Because I'm going to be watching you both like hawks.'
Simone and John looked at one another. Then, Simone looked at Julian.
'What do you mean by that?' she asked.
'It means, that John is going back to the cottage to live with Fox and Whitney. You will be staying here with your mother and me.'
'No! Look, I'll be nicer and everything, but I can't live here! I'll be sick!'
'You'll be sweet as pie, is what you will be! Or your circumstances will change drastically, do I make myself clear?'
John squeezed Simone's hand. After a few seconds, Simone squeezed his back. She then nodded at Julian.
'Fine!' she said shortly.
Julian smiled at her.
'Oh now, you can do better than that! After all, we're family!' he crowed. Julian then opened his arms wide!
Simone's eyes widened and she looked at John and began shaking her head wildly!
'No!'
'Simone, honey, just give him a hug!'
'No! That I won't do! I don't care!'
Julian coughed!
'Simone, dear, I'm waiting for some 'sugar'! A hug might convince me that you won't go back on your word.'
Simone felt 'night sickness' coming over her! How did she get to this low point in her life?
John put a hand on her back, then gently pushed her towards Julian. Simone then slowly inched into his arms, then squeezed her eyes shut, as his arms went around her in a tight hug. God! His cologne was making her sick!
She then abruptly pulled away and walked back over to John. Julian smiled.
'John, say goodnight. Simone, I'll show you to your room. Breakfast is at 7:30.'
****
'Julian! Just tell me what it is! You know I hate surprises!' Eve said.
But Julian had his hands over Eve's eyes, as they entered the dining-room. She sniffed the air.
'Julian? Did you order breakfast in? That was nice of you, but we really need to hire some servants and...'
Julian removed his hands from Eve's eyes. Eve's own eyes widened.
Evan and Erin were sitting in their high chairs. And Simone was sitting next to them as well!
Eve looked back at Julian.
'What is this?' she asked, before turning and walking over to Simone.
'Simone? I don't understand...'
Simone stood up, ignoring Julian's gaze.
'I decided running was not the answer, Mom. You've been right about everything and I was wrong. John and I came to Julian last night, and he agreed to help me stay out of prison. I'm sorry for causing you so much heartache and...and I'm sorry it took me so long to see what a great man Julian is. Do you forgive me?'
Eve's heart was swelling with joy!
'Of course I do, honey! There is nothing to forgive! And we're going to make things better, you'll see! And we'll buy everything you'll need for the baby! Oh, Simone, I have prayed for this day!'
Eve pulled her into a hug. Simone met Julian's eyes. He winked at her. She looked away, then pulled out of the embrace.
'I was the one that made breakfast...just to make up for everything. I think I forgot a plate of bacon in the kitchen. Let me go and get it.'
'Oh, honey, I'll get it.' Eve said, and began to move. But Simone touched her arm.
'No, Mom, you sit here with Julian...and the twins. I'll be right back.' she said, and headed for the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Eve threw her arms around Julian. He smiled as he returned the embrace. They held one another for a few moments, before she let go of him.
'Thank you.'
'For what? Making my wife happy?'
Eve sighed.
'Do you think the Crane lawyers can really get Simone off?'
Julian nodded.
'I spoke to them today. As long as we go with the accident story, they're positive they can get her probation.'
Eve reached for one of his hands, then brought it up to her lips. She kissed it.
'What was that for?' he asked softly.
'I know what this is going to cost you, Julian. I know that you liked Gwen...I liked her. And I know that you still care deeply for Ethan and Rebecca. This will just give people in this town another reason to hate us.'
'I'm more concerned about you, my darling wife. Now, I want you to sit down here and enjoy Simone's breakfast. I'll be back. I just have to make one phone call.'
Eve smiled, then touched his cheek. She then sat down next to the twins.
'Your big sister is here. Finally, our family is almost complete.' Eve said, thinking of the first born she never knew.
Meanwhile, Simone's hand was on the doorknob to the backdoor, when Julian's hand snaked around her wrist! She jumped.
'What?! I was just going outside for some fresh air!
'No, you were just going over to the cottage to tell your boyfriend what a meanie I am!'
Simone snatched her wrist away!
'You made me cook breakfast and change those brats dirty diapers!'
'Ah, ah! Watch it! If you ever refer to Erin and Evan as 'brats' again....look, Simone, this doesn't have to be an unpleasant stay. If you would just meet me halfway...besides, the diaper changes will be good practice for you.'
Simone lurched away from him and walked out of the kitchen. He didn't mind her attitude, as long as she didn't show it in front of Eve!
****
Fox knocked on Nigel Reedy's hotel room door. He yawned. It had been a strange night.
John Hastings had returned to the cottage, late last night. Fox knew that if he and Whitney had been asleep, they would've assumed he was an intruder or something.
He then told them a strange tale. Basically, that Simone had been kicked off of the DiMera jet before take off, by Tony, when she told him that her baby was possibly John's. From there, they got together and decided to ask Julian for help. His father agreed, as long as Simone acted like someone she's not!
Whitney had burst out laughing, when she heard Julian's demands. John didn't think it was so funny. Whitney had challenged him to tell her, what was so hard about being nice to both her mother and Julian?
John had told her that it was the 'being nice to Julian' part, that would be taxing on Simone, and possibly cause her stress during her pregnancy.
Fox, though, had scarcely been listening. For he was waiting for night to change into day. Then, he would learn what his mother was hiding from that tabloid reporter, Nigel Reedy.
Whitney had given him a couple of funny looks this morning, asking him if anything was wrong? Fox decided against telling her about anything that involved Simon Cowell. While she claimed to have made peace with what Simon almost did to her, he did not want Whitney to even have to think about that man!
Now, here he stood. Outside of a London tabloid reporter's hotel room. He knocked once, loud and sharply. After a few moments, the little man, with the red, beady eyes, opened the door to him and smiled.
'I take it your mother was not forthcoming?' he asked in a know-it-all sounding voice. Fox shoved past him and into the room. Nigel closed the door, then faced him.
'Look, I don't want to play anymore games here. What is this story about, that you're writing about my mother?'
Nigel shrugged and walked up to him.
'Fine, Mr. Crane. No more games. If that's the way you want to play it.'
'Tell me, now, Reedy! Who is this Amanda Cowell? Is she a relative of Simon Cowell's?'
'Oh yes! She's his daughter.'
Fox raised a brow.
'Simon Cowell doesn't have any children...at least none that are legitimate.'
'Well, this dear girl, was turned over to his brother and his wife to raise. They couldn't have children of their own.'
'Oh. My mother said something about her getting ready to marry one of the royals or something. So, is that the big secret? You're going to spoil this girl's chances of marrying into the family, by revealing that her father is her uncle or something?'
Nigel smirked.
'Actually, the even bigger deal, is who her real mother is.'
Fox said nothing, as everything began to come together. His mother, was this Amanda Cowell's mother. He knew from the look on Reedy's face. His smirk had turned into a full-fledged grin!
'What proof do you have of this?' he asked, keeping his tone cool.
'Oh come on, Mr. Crane! You believe it! I could see it written all over your face just now!'
'What proof?' Fox asked again. This time, his tone was icy.
Nigel's was equally chilling.
'You'll read the proof, when you read the story. I frankly think your mother is handling this completely wrong. I hope she doesn't plan to deny it, because she'll be perceived as an even bigger bitch than she already is!'
'Meaning?'
Nigel snorted!
'A rich woman cheats on her husband with a slime like Simon Cowell, then gives the baby away, not because she was too poor to care for her or anything, but because she didn't want to get caught! How do you think our readers will interpret that, Mr. Crane?'
'Like the retards they are! My mother was married to my father at the time, Reedy! She couldn't very well ask him to raise her! You're real story should be why Simon Cowell was too lazy to raise his own daughter!'
Nigel said nothing to that. Fox peered at him.
'Does this Amanda know?' he asked.
'Do you mean does she know she has half-brother and sisters, living in the United States? No. By now, she may know that Simon Cowell is her real father. He claimed he was going to tell her before my story came out.''
Fox nodded absently, his mind spinning. Why was he not surprised that his mother could just give away a baby? His thoughts went back to his previous conversations with her. She did not want this story to get out, and not because she was worried about her 'daughter', but because she was worried about herself!
Nigel cleared his throat.
'Now that I have you here, I was wondering if you'd like to comment on another rumor I've heard?'
Fox came back to the present.
'What rumor?'
'That Simon Cowell and you, don't get along, because he seduced your wife, then fiancee, Whitney Russell, when she was trying out for 'American Idol' in L.A.?'
Fox's hand snaked out and grabbed Nigel Reedy by the throat!
'I don't care what kind of filth you write about my mother... I had better not see my wife's name anywhere in this article, are we clear?'
'Crystal!' the little man wheezed.
Fox let go of him abruptly and walked out of the door. He then stopped and took a deep breath. His mother and Simon Cowell? And there had been a child?
Fox suddenly felt nauseous. He began breathing deeply, as he approached the elevator.
Julian sets ground rules. Fox meets with Nigel Reedy.
Julian sat in his study, looking over some files by lamplight. He was wearing a white, terrycloth robe.
Eve and the twins were asleep. Julian, however, had been unable to.
He didn't want to bring up how he was feeling for Ethan, over the loss of his wife. It would just make Eve feel bad...and most probably guilty, over what Simone had done.
Julian wanted to go the hospital tomorrow and give his former son, his condolences. But, he suspected he wouldn't be welcome there.
He also wanted to be of some comfort to Rebecca. He doubted Eve would begrudge him that.
If he had not been downstairs anyway, he would've never heard the doorbell. Julian frowned and looked at the clock. It was almost 11:30 at night! Who the hell would be coming over here at this hour?
Julian stood up. He hoped it wasn't Abe Carver, looking for a place to stay! He began to walk out of the room and down the hallway. Then again, Julian thought, maybe it would be a good thing if it was Carver. Because then, he could tell the man that he knew he had designs on Eve, and that he'd better not come around here again!
But, when he opened the door, Julian was more than a bit surprised, to see John Hastings, and his fugitive step-daughter from hell, Simone DiMera. Julian leaned against the door and grinned!
'Well, well, well!'
Simone rolled her eyes and began to turn away.
'Come on, John. I'd rather go to prison than look at this fool!'
'Would you now, dear?'
'I'm not your dear, and you're damned right I would!'
At that moment, a howl could be heard in the night! Simone clung to John's arm, who looked around uneasily.
'What was that?' John asked nervously.
'Abe Carver is back in town, and doesn't take too kindly to people that swear...that would be you, Simone.'
'Can we come in?' John asked, looking around. The last thing they needed right now, was to be ambushed by a Sasquatch!
Julian's eyes widened in a mock fashion.
'NOW, you want to come in? I do believe you gave my wife and myself, the middle finger sometime this evening, Mr. Hastings. You owe both Eve and I an apology.'
'Come on, John! I told you this was a bad idea! Let's go!' she snapped, grabbing his arm and turning to leave.
But Julian reached out and gripped one of her arms, hard!
'Let go of me!' Simone cried out.
'Not until I talk some sense into you! And believe me dear, I am not your mother, so you won't be riding roughshod over me!'
Julian pulled Simone into the house. She looked back at John, who just nodded kindly at her. He loved Simone, but she could be so stubborn! Julian Crane was their best, and last hope, to keep her, and their unborn child, out of prison. For John believed in his heart, that the baby was his.
Julian pulled Simone into the study. She was tempted to drag her feet, just so she would make herself heavier for him, but, she decided to behave herself, for John's sake.
He had practically begged her to ask Julian for help! And ordinarily, Simone would have flat out refused. But her future seemed so bleak, and the more she thought about it, the less brave she became. Finally, she decided that if asking the man that helped break up her family, for help, was the only way she could stay out of prison, and maybe get to raise her and John's baby, then she would swallow her pride and do so.
But, as per the norm, Julian Crane was acting like a pompous ass! She was shoved into a chair, while Julian stood in front of his desk, looking down at her. John pulled up a chair and sat next to her. They held hands.
'Why are you here, Simone?' Julian asked.
But it was John that spoke.
'I am sorry, Mr. Crane, if I was disrespectful towards your wife, or you, earlier tonight. I was just so shocked and upset about Simone. Simone called me and decided that running away would not be the right thing to do. She wanted to turn herself in...I convinced her not to. I convinced her that maybe...maybe you could do something to help.'
Julian looked from John, to Simone. Simone looked away.
'Simone, DEAR, I haven't heard from you yet. Why do I get the feeling that you aren't as enthusiastic about asking for my help?'
Simone stared at him defiantly!
'Look, I'm not going to beg you...'
Julian smirked!
'Oh no, Simone, that is exactly what you're going to do! Your begging me for help, would not begin to make up for all of the trouble you've caused me! And it definitely won't make up for the pain you've caused your mother!'
Simone stood up.
'Where is my mother?'
'Asleep. And that's how she's going to stay. Like I said before, you're dealing with me from now on.'
Simone looked down at John.
'I'm not putting up with this! I'd rather rot!'
'Then rot! But leave Eve out of this!'
Simone walked up to Julian. John tried to grab for her hand, but she pulled out of his reach.
'Simone, don't! We need his help!' John cried out.
Simone looked from Julian to John.
'No, we don't! I told you I was prepared to go to prison and have you raise our baby!'
Julian snorted!
'Now the baby is John's? Why? Did DiMera dump you?'
Simone turned and began to walk out of the study. John jumped up, angry!
'Would it kill you to be a little more sensitive to her situation?'
Julian's face turned dark!
'How dare you tell me to be 'sensitive' to that little brat's tantrums?! I don't know how Whitney and Simone could've turned out so differently, but she is definitely T.C.'s daughter! I don't care what your girlfriend thinks of me, but I will not help her, and have her disrespecting her mother, one minute more!'
'Like your wife hasn't earned some disrespect?!' John yelled back.
Julian's eyes widened.
'You little creep! Eve has apologized over and over again for her part in your little debacle! And as for Simone, what she wants is for her mother to apologize for loving me! That's what she wants! Well that's not going to happen...not ever!'
Simone flounced back into the room. She looked at John.
'John? Let's go!'
Julian looked at her.
'You are a brave young lady, Simone! I wonder what giving birth in a prison hospital will be like? I've heard that the stir-ups are made of metal.'
Simone began shaking her head wildly.
'You shut-up!'
Julian began walking towards her. John tried to pull on his arm, but he snatched it away!
'I was the one that watched, while your mother bore your rejections, time and time again! I was the one that tried to soothe her broken heart, when you went off and married DiMera! I bet you're sorry you did that, aren't you? Was it worth it?'
John looked at Simone. His eyes were shiny with tears.
'Simone, honey, we don't have anymore choices here. We need his help. Please....'
Simone said nothing, but looked down. Julian closed the gap between them.
'I'll help you, Simone. But your attitude is going to change, do we understand one another?'
Simone glared up at him, but then looked at John. His eyes were pleading with her to cooperate. She looked away from him, but could not meet Julian's eyes. She nodded.
Julian grabbed her chin and forced her to meet his eyes!
'Good! Because you will be the loving daughter from now on, Simone. And you will be an even more loving step-daughter to me and half-sister to Erin and Evan. Because if you make my wife cry one more time, I will make you regret you ever came to me, are we clear?'
'You don't have to be so rough with her!' John whined. 'She's pregnant!'
Julian abruptly let go of Simone's chin and turned back to look at John.
'Oh, I am perfectly aware that she's pregnant, Mr. Hastings. I have been made painfully aware of every mistake my step-daughter has made...through my own wife's pain and suffering over them!'
Julian then looked at Simone again.
'I know you will probably never understand my own pain and suffering, Simone. For you see, while helping you will make my wife happy, and give her piece of mind, I was quite fond of Gwen...and Ethan. And I am still close with Rebecca. Helping you will probably cost me my friendship with them. But, your mother is everything to me. And since you are important to her, that makes you important to me.'
Simone looked at him, thinking he was so full of %$$#%! But, she loved John. And she would at least try to pretend to be civil, for him.
John walked over to Simone's side. He put an arm around her.
'Thank you, Julian. Believe me, you won't regret giving us a chance.'
Julian folded his arms.
'No, I won't. Because I'm going to be watching you both like hawks.'
Simone and John looked at one another. Then, Simone looked at Julian.
'What do you mean by that?' she asked.
'It means, that John is going back to the cottage to live with Fox and Whitney. You will be staying here with your mother and me.'
'No! Look, I'll be nicer and everything, but I can't live here! I'll be sick!'
'You'll be sweet as pie, is what you will be! Or your circumstances will change drastically, do I make myself clear?'
John squeezed Simone's hand. After a few seconds, Simone squeezed his back. She then nodded at Julian.
'Fine!' she said shortly.
Julian smiled at her.
'Oh now, you can do better than that! After all, we're family!' he crowed. Julian then opened his arms wide!
Simone's eyes widened and she looked at John and began shaking her head wildly!
'No!'
'Simone, honey, just give him a hug!'
'No! That I won't do! I don't care!'
Julian coughed!
'Simone, dear, I'm waiting for some 'sugar'! A hug might convince me that you won't go back on your word.'
Simone felt 'night sickness' coming over her! How did she get to this low point in her life?
John put a hand on her back, then gently pushed her towards Julian. Simone then slowly inched into his arms, then squeezed her eyes shut, as his arms went around her in a tight hug. God! His cologne was making her sick!
She then abruptly pulled away and walked back over to John. Julian smiled.
'John, say goodnight. Simone, I'll show you to your room. Breakfast is at 7:30.'
****
'Julian! Just tell me what it is! You know I hate surprises!' Eve said.
But Julian had his hands over Eve's eyes, as they entered the dining-room. She sniffed the air.
'Julian? Did you order breakfast in? That was nice of you, but we really need to hire some servants and...'
Julian removed his hands from Eve's eyes. Eve's own eyes widened.
Evan and Erin were sitting in their high chairs. And Simone was sitting next to them as well!
Eve looked back at Julian.
'What is this?' she asked, before turning and walking over to Simone.
'Simone? I don't understand...'
Simone stood up, ignoring Julian's gaze.
'I decided running was not the answer, Mom. You've been right about everything and I was wrong. John and I came to Julian last night, and he agreed to help me stay out of prison. I'm sorry for causing you so much heartache and...and I'm sorry it took me so long to see what a great man Julian is. Do you forgive me?'
Eve's heart was swelling with joy!
'Of course I do, honey! There is nothing to forgive! And we're going to make things better, you'll see! And we'll buy everything you'll need for the baby! Oh, Simone, I have prayed for this day!'
Eve pulled her into a hug. Simone met Julian's eyes. He winked at her. She looked away, then pulled out of the embrace.
'I was the one that made breakfast...just to make up for everything. I think I forgot a plate of bacon in the kitchen. Let me go and get it.'
'Oh, honey, I'll get it.' Eve said, and began to move. But Simone touched her arm.
'No, Mom, you sit here with Julian...and the twins. I'll be right back.' she said, and headed for the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Eve threw her arms around Julian. He smiled as he returned the embrace. They held one another for a few moments, before she let go of him.
'Thank you.'
'For what? Making my wife happy?'
Eve sighed.
'Do you think the Crane lawyers can really get Simone off?'
Julian nodded.
'I spoke to them today. As long as we go with the accident story, they're positive they can get her probation.'
Eve reached for one of his hands, then brought it up to her lips. She kissed it.
'What was that for?' he asked softly.
'I know what this is going to cost you, Julian. I know that you liked Gwen...I liked her. And I know that you still care deeply for Ethan and Rebecca. This will just give people in this town another reason to hate us.'
'I'm more concerned about you, my darling wife. Now, I want you to sit down here and enjoy Simone's breakfast. I'll be back. I just have to make one phone call.'
Eve smiled, then touched his cheek. She then sat down next to the twins.
'Your big sister is here. Finally, our family is almost complete.' Eve said, thinking of the first born she never knew.
Meanwhile, Simone's hand was on the doorknob to the backdoor, when Julian's hand snaked around her wrist! She jumped.
'What?! I was just going outside for some fresh air!
'No, you were just going over to the cottage to tell your boyfriend what a meanie I am!'
Simone snatched her wrist away!
'You made me cook breakfast and change those brats dirty diapers!'
'Ah, ah! Watch it! If you ever refer to Erin and Evan as 'brats' again....look, Simone, this doesn't have to be an unpleasant stay. If you would just meet me halfway...besides, the diaper changes will be good practice for you.'
Simone lurched away from him and walked out of the kitchen. He didn't mind her attitude, as long as she didn't show it in front of Eve!
****
Fox knocked on Nigel Reedy's hotel room door. He yawned. It had been a strange night.
John Hastings had returned to the cottage, late last night. Fox knew that if he and Whitney had been asleep, they would've assumed he was an intruder or something.
He then told them a strange tale. Basically, that Simone had been kicked off of the DiMera jet before take off, by Tony, when she told him that her baby was possibly John's. From there, they got together and decided to ask Julian for help. His father agreed, as long as Simone acted like someone she's not!
Whitney had burst out laughing, when she heard Julian's demands. John didn't think it was so funny. Whitney had challenged him to tell her, what was so hard about being nice to both her mother and Julian?
John had told her that it was the 'being nice to Julian' part, that would be taxing on Simone, and possibly cause her stress during her pregnancy.
Fox, though, had scarcely been listening. For he was waiting for night to change into day. Then, he would learn what his mother was hiding from that tabloid reporter, Nigel Reedy.
Whitney had given him a couple of funny looks this morning, asking him if anything was wrong? Fox decided against telling her about anything that involved Simon Cowell. While she claimed to have made peace with what Simon almost did to her, he did not want Whitney to even have to think about that man!
Now, here he stood. Outside of a London tabloid reporter's hotel room. He knocked once, loud and sharply. After a few moments, the little man, with the red, beady eyes, opened the door to him and smiled.
'I take it your mother was not forthcoming?' he asked in a know-it-all sounding voice. Fox shoved past him and into the room. Nigel closed the door, then faced him.
'Look, I don't want to play anymore games here. What is this story about, that you're writing about my mother?'
Nigel shrugged and walked up to him.
'Fine, Mr. Crane. No more games. If that's the way you want to play it.'
'Tell me, now, Reedy! Who is this Amanda Cowell? Is she a relative of Simon Cowell's?'
'Oh yes! She's his daughter.'
Fox raised a brow.
'Simon Cowell doesn't have any children...at least none that are legitimate.'
'Well, this dear girl, was turned over to his brother and his wife to raise. They couldn't have children of their own.'
'Oh. My mother said something about her getting ready to marry one of the royals or something. So, is that the big secret? You're going to spoil this girl's chances of marrying into the family, by revealing that her father is her uncle or something?'
Nigel smirked.
'Actually, the even bigger deal, is who her real mother is.'
Fox said nothing, as everything began to come together. His mother, was this Amanda Cowell's mother. He knew from the look on Reedy's face. His smirk had turned into a full-fledged grin!
'What proof do you have of this?' he asked, keeping his tone cool.
'Oh come on, Mr. Crane! You believe it! I could see it written all over your face just now!'
'What proof?' Fox asked again. This time, his tone was icy.
Nigel's was equally chilling.
'You'll read the proof, when you read the story. I frankly think your mother is handling this completely wrong. I hope she doesn't plan to deny it, because she'll be perceived as an even bigger bitch than she already is!'
'Meaning?'
Nigel snorted!
'A rich woman cheats on her husband with a slime like Simon Cowell, then gives the baby away, not because she was too poor to care for her or anything, but because she didn't want to get caught! How do you think our readers will interpret that, Mr. Crane?'
'Like the retards they are! My mother was married to my father at the time, Reedy! She couldn't very well ask him to raise her! You're real story should be why Simon Cowell was too lazy to raise his own daughter!'
Nigel said nothing to that. Fox peered at him.
'Does this Amanda know?' he asked.
'Do you mean does she know she has half-brother and sisters, living in the United States? No. By now, she may know that Simon Cowell is her real father. He claimed he was going to tell her before my story came out.''
Fox nodded absently, his mind spinning. Why was he not surprised that his mother could just give away a baby? His thoughts went back to his previous conversations with her. She did not want this story to get out, and not because she was worried about her 'daughter', but because she was worried about herself!
Nigel cleared his throat.
'Now that I have you here, I was wondering if you'd like to comment on another rumor I've heard?'
Fox came back to the present.
'What rumor?'
'That Simon Cowell and you, don't get along, because he seduced your wife, then fiancee, Whitney Russell, when she was trying out for 'American Idol' in L.A.?'
Fox's hand snaked out and grabbed Nigel Reedy by the throat!
'I don't care what kind of filth you write about my mother... I had better not see my wife's name anywhere in this article, are we clear?'
'Crystal!' the little man wheezed.
Fox let go of him abruptly and walked out of the door. He then stopped and took a deep breath. His mother and Simon Cowell? And there had been a child?
Fox suddenly felt nauseous. He began breathing deeply, as he approached the elevator.