Sidestepping
Sami had to squeeze tightly her glass to prevent it from slipping to the floor from her loosened grip. She had known what this toast was about but she hadn't realised that EJ wasn't behind it after all. He had been in utter shock when Stefano had made his toast. Something Sophia had said must have warned him but it had been too little too late and there wasn't anything he could do to fix things now. Sami took a deep breath and glanced around looking for her fiancé. How odd it was that she already considered EJ as someone she was about to marry? Something that surprised her even more was the fact that she actually felt happy about it. She shook her head to banish such thoughts. Then there was a crash.
Hope turned to see what had happened. Bo was on her side still though snorting at the DiMeras. Someone had lost their balance and trashed a tray filled with champagne glasses. As Hope turned back to make sure her husband hadn't come up with any bad ideas someone stood out from the crowd. Hope had to smile at that thought. Standing out was something so easy for EJ to do.
"Somehow I knew that would get your attention. Thank you father", EJ turned to address Stefano before continuing, "I'm sorry about the joke my father made in order to get all of your attention. And no, I'm not talking about the trashed tray. We are here tonight to celebrate my parting with Salem, for good. Yes, I'm leaving in few hours and I don't expect to return. And as we all know that this room is filled with people wanting nothing more than to see me leave, today your wishes will be filled after this farewell party. Goodbye Salem." EJ raised his glass and sipped before turning to say something to his father.
"I wonder what's that all about", John said as much to himself as to his beloved Doc.
"What has Sami gotten herself into again?" Marlena just snorted completely ignoring Johns comment.
"Doc, this isn't about Sami. Stefano is behind this and we need to find out what's going on in his head", John tried to make Marlena see sense but she just kept steaming:
"Of course this is about Sami. She's gotten herself in trouble and is waiting for us to save her once again."
"Then why didn't she come begging us to stop Stefano making his toast? She's been here all along and she didn't look at all surprised when Stefano made his announcement." Marlena looked shocked. She hadn't realize Sami had been avoiding her throughout the party.
"Benji? Is everything all right?" Sophia asked and saw her husband shook his head.
"But isn't this what you wanted? Didn't you want EJ to leave Salem?" He gazed her and shook his head again. How could he make her understand that this wasn't what needed to happen for Stefano to abandon his favourite son.
"This isn't how I wanted it to happen", Benji signed and as he saw few men separate themselves from the guests heading for the rooms in back he continued to sign, " I need to go. There's no need for you to stay. Go home and take care of the boys. I love you." Benji kissed her quickly and rushed to follow his brothers and father. Sophia turned to return his words with a goodbye but he was already gone.