A/N- Sorry it took me so long to update everyone. Apparently, my muse decided to take a vacay without me. (How rude!) But she is back and that's a good thing. :D Just these few lines to say thank you to my readers who have been enjoying it so far and also thank you for your patience. Please feel free to leave comments and reviews. (sigh) Here we go! :-)

Scene 23

"Thorne." Ridge answered as he turned around.

"Ridge." Thorne replied, an exact match to Ridge's tone.

Both stepped forward and exchanged stares.

Oh god, I'm about to have Armageddon in my office...

"Unc, nice to see you. What brings you round?" Thomas patted Thorne on the shoulder and placed himself between the two.

"I came to check up on my star pupil," Thorne said, refusing to shake Ridge's stare. " First day, new office … I wanted to make sure that you weren't too distracted. Looks like I made it just in time."

Thomas caught Ridge's facial reaction out of the corner of his eye. Here they go-

"Dad," he said quickly walking back to his desk and hitting the intercom, "how about Andrea give you a quick tour of the place? Andrea?"

"Yes, Mr. Forrester?"

"Can I see you in my office for a moment?"

Thomas released the button. Within minutes, Andrea knocked.

"As soon as you get back, we'll talk Dad." Thomas smiled.

He watched as Ridge followed Andrea out. One down-

" You mind telling what your beloved father is up to?" Thorne asked. The rage emblazoned his features.

Scene 24

"Mom told me different." Dayzee answered, her defiance clearly visible.

Ella laughed sarcastically. " Now why would an addict lie to her daughter?"

"For the same reasons that a molester lies to his wife." Dayzee uttered.

Dayzee felt the sting before she had time to react. Ella's chest heaved against her heavy breathing.

"You will show some respect! Don't ever say that about your uncle again."

"How does it feel to still cover for him after all these years?"

"That's enough."

"A little too close to home? You should be used to that."

"I said that's enough."

Ella spun around.

Dayzee moved closer. " Is that why me and Kenya apart? Afraid of the truth?"

"You really think your momma was sweet and innocent in this? Did she ever tell you how she used to throw herself at him? How she used to entice him ? Make him come to her rescue-"

"You mean, how he would find time to be alone with her? How he would tell her that if she told anyone, no one would believe her because it was his word against hers? That you wouldn't mind sharing him?"

Ella swung at her again, however Dayzee anticipated her. She clicked her tongue, waving a finger at Ella.

"The last one was a one time deal, auntie dear." Dayzee remarked through clenched teeth. "Weren't you taught to play nice?"

Scene 25

Thomas released a sigh of frustration and reached for his sketchpad off the bookcase.

"Thorne, whatever Dad has planned or not planned- I can handle it."

"That's what I'm afraid of. Do I have to remind you of what occurred during you father's last ego trip?"

Thomas' anger rose as the intruding memories flashed in his mind. All those months in the basement. Thomas walked on eggshells around him, proving his loyalty more than once. Ridge would dangle a chance of forgiveness and then snatch it away; like a child pestering a lion at the zoo.

"Still here you are... leading the snake into the garden." Thorne emphasized with a wave of his hand.

"I haven't done anything yet... he is my father."

"All the more reason to be on guard. What did he ask for this time? The blood of a newborn, perhaps?"

Thomas shook his head.

"Dad made me an offer."

Thorne's eyebrows rose.

Thomas felt his uncle's eyes follow him as he sat down.

"Well?" Thorne asked.

" It's alright, son. I'll tell him. I asked him to rejoin the company under Taboo. Thomas and I are going to be partners again, right?" Ridge answered, arms folded across his chest.

Thomas cringed in his seat as two pairs eyes stared him down.

Damn, I should have took my losses with Armageddon...

Scene 26

Ella located a chair and sat down.

"Boy, you? You are definitely your mother's child alright, right down to every rotten bone." Ella hissed.

"You're just like your mother-always expecting someone to take care of your messes. Once again, I have to carry the load and bear it."

Dayzee let the confusion mark her face. " What are you talking about?"

Dayzee viewed the shock consume Ella.

"Nothing. Just leave."

"What did you mean?" Dayzee asked.

"Now I have something you want?" Ella questioned incredulously. " My, how the tables have turned. Tell me where she is."

"Go to hell."

"Guess we're at a standstill, then."

Dayzee reached for the doorknob when Ella's words echoed in her ear:

"Your mother has been in a coma for the last two months. Your Uncle Preston will have the honor of pulling the plug next Friday. Not soon enough, if you ask me."

Scene 27

Dayzee gripped the doorknob. "What?"

"You heard me."

"You're lying."

"Am I? The hospital bill looks real to me."

Dayzee shut the door, advancing a few steps towards Ella. She shook her head. " It's not true."

"Don't believe me? This should help." Ella reached for her purse on the desk. She rumbled through and pulled out an envelope.

"Here," she waved the evidence in a hurried motion.

Dayzee's hands trembled, her eyes refusing to believe. That sinking feeling hit. In the upper corner voiced "ST MARY'S OF THE GENESSEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL". Her mother's name was centered in the middle, with the words "CARE OF MRS. ELLA GAINES". Dayzee swallowed hoping that it would ease the tension in her throat.

"Not good enough?" Ella asked, providing a questionable look. " We can call Preston-"

"How did it happen?" Dayzee asked hoarsely.

"Your mother doing what she does, of course. Wrecking havoc and damning the consequences. But that's always been your mother's way. And somehow you turned out-"

"What happened?" Dayzee asked, leaving no question about the edginess in her voice.

Ella aligned herself as she crossed her legs. She examined her nails as she spoke.

"She was such a mess, the last time you entered foster care, Dayzee. She swore this was it. She was gonna straighten up and fly right. So she came back home. Well, my home. She cleaned herself up, rehab, the works... until Child Services claimed they couldn't find you. And since you were almost of adult age by then, it would be a waste of their time to locate you. She even tried on her own. With my money, obviously, but to no avail. Every private investigator said the same thing- you didn't want to be found. Imagine her surprise when she sees you on the TV accepting the keys to your dream place. Not some regular middle class family, but the Forresters, no less. You practically wiped her off your radar. How could she compete with that? So mommie dearest diverted back to what she knows. This time she created one doozy of a Molotov cocktail-take too long to rattle off how many drugs they found in her

system. Doctors think she was brain dead before she even hit the floor."

She looked at Dayzee, the coldness and hatred penetrating her amber orbs. She glanced down at her nails once more, pretending to brush away some dirt off the surfaces.

"How tragic for a mother to lose a bond with her child. It's almost like the damage can never repair itself. Is that how you feel at times, Dayzee? Quite a burden... knowing that you possibly assisted in the demise of the woman who gave you life."

She rolled her eyes; her hands in mocked prayer. "Thank God, my darling Kenya and I are not like that."

Dayzee couldn't move. The numbness controlled her.

"I want you to know how much I struggled with my decision to say anything," Ella said, placing her hand on Dayzee's shoulder. Dayzee recognized the reeking sentiment of sarcasm.

Dayzee quickly moved away. The confines of the room was starting to entrap her. She felt constricted.

She glanced at the door.

"Thank you." Dayzee answered distractedly.

Ella walked over to the mini fridge and retrieved a tiny bottle of whiskey. "If there's anything we can do. Just know that your family is here for you."

With one final turn, Ella poured the liquid into the glass. She heard the soft closing of the door and sighed. She yanked at the nightstand drawer and took out a cigarette. God, she couldn't wait for that heifer to leave. That child twisted her nerves. Ella had to admit it was quite humbling to see that abomination knocked off her pedestal. She lit the cigarette, inhaled and felt the calmness take over. She needed that, she thought as a smile crossed her lips.

Scene 28

Dayzee wasn't aware that she was in the car until she noticed her hands tightly gripped on the wheel. Tremors bombarded her. Then stillness. She stared at the zooming traffic.

How could her mother be dying? A coma? Impossible. Why now?

She dialed the number.

"Hello?"

The words would not form. She tried to speak-

"Dayzee? What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Thomas, " she whispered.

His voice heightened with concern. "Dayzee, what happened?"

"Thomas, I..."

Tell him-I need you. Why can't she tell him?

"Please, Lady Day. You need to tell me where you are."

"Cardinal Rohas." she answered meekly.

"I am on my way. Don't move, angel. Okay? I'm coming."

Dayzee ended the call. She stared out at the traffic again. Angel, he called her. Dayzee scoffed at the word. According to her aunt, she was the reason for her mother lying in some hospital bed. Angel of death suited her better, she thought; waves of guilt crept into the crevices of her mind.

Thomas pulled into the next space near Dayzee and whipped the car into park. He hopped out and tapped on her window. She didn't respond, just continued staring at the traffic. He tapped again, this time a little harder and called out to her. Dayzee turned toward him; a glassy look hooded her eyes. Thomas motioned at the lock. She glanced down and unlocked the car.

Thomas slowly opened the door. " Dayzee, are you alright? Are you hurt?"

She shook her head.

"Let me take you home. We'll pick the car up later."

No response.

"Dayzee." he soothed. " Let's go home."

He leaned over and removed the keys out of the ignition. He held his hand out, watching her lightly placing her hand in his. He made sure she was secure as he placed her in the passenger side of his car.

Scene 29

Thomas' face filled with worry. So many questions he wanted to ask, but he decided not to push. He had to be patient. He rolled into her parking spot at her apartment.

He noticed Dayzee left her keys in the door. He watched as she sat down on the couch, acting as if she

had been rendered mute. Thomas reached for the keys and closed the door.

This wasn't his Dayzee; this shell before him. She folded into herself, pushing him out. He fought so hard to break through those barriers she created, only to find himself blocked by them again. He said he would fight for her and he meant it.

Thomas sat down next to her. " Dayzee," he said, cupping her face in his hands. "Lady Day, look at me."

He paused for a moment. "Whatever it is Dayzee- we will get through it. But I can't help you unless you tell me... what is it?"

She tipped her head a little. In one smooth motion, he was able to cause her to focus on him again.

"I 'm here for you always. You know that don't you?"

Dayzee nodded.

"Then what is it, angel? Tell me."

The tears escaped. " It's my fault. I killed my mother and it 's all my fault."

Scene 30

Thomas held her close. "Don't be ridiculous."

Dayzee moved in closer, nodding against his chest. "It's true, Thomas."

She proceeded to tell him everything, from what happened at the shop to the bombshell that Aunt Ella launched at her today. She also discussed Kenya. He said nothing and listened

She relaxed while Thomas rubbed her back. It felt like an eternity before he spoke.

"That's it?"

She sniffed. " Yeah."

"When are you going to see your mom?"

"As soon as I can get a flight. Leilani -"

Dayzee sat up. Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh no. Anthony and Leilani. They're probably wondering what happened to me. And thinking they have one heck of an absent minded boss."

Thomas encircled in his arms once more. " I think they'll understand."

He pulled out his phone.

"Thomas, what are you doing?"

He rested his finger n her lips. "Andrea? Can you check with the pilot and see how soon he can get the jet ready for..."

Dayzee shook her head. "No, Thomas."

He covered the phone with his hand. "Already done, Lady Day." Thomas went back to the call. "Sorry. We're headed for..."

"Maple Valley, Washington." she mouthed.

"Maple Valley, Washington." he repeated. "Get back to me with the details. Thank you."

Dayzee shook her head. "Thomas-"

"You are not doing this alone, Lady Day."

"But you're work. The fall line. I don't want to be-"

"You are my main priority, Dayzee."

Thomas intertwined her hands with his. "Together."

She smiled. "Together."