Chapter 34
Emma's at home while Sean's at work, she calls Manny
Manny: Hello?
Emma: What are you doing?
Manny: I'm getting ready to go to the studio. How are you feeling?
Emma: I feel like I'm about to pop. Hospital said I'm high risk for early labor
Manny: I'm sorry what?! You said hospital? And I wasn't informed why?
Emma: I wasn't feeling good, nearly passed out at Degrassi, and Nick called an ambulance for me.
Manny: When was this?!
Emma: Last week
Manny: Emma!
Emma: I'm fine! My body was trying to go into early labor, he took me off work on bedrest until I have her. How are you feeling after the car accident?
Manny: I'm good, Me and Chester are finally in a good space now.
Emma: Good. I know you were worried about him when his dad died.
Manny: I still worry, but not as much, you know what I mean?
Emma: Ow, Yea I know I know
Manny: What happened?
Emma: Your god daughter is beating my insides.
Manny chuckles
Manny: I broke down on Chester yesterday morning
Emma: About what?
Manny: The miscarriage and having a family
Emma: Awe, I'm sorry. How'd Chester take it?
Manny: He was super supportive and everything
Emma: Really?
Manny: He reassured me everything would be ok, and we would have a family.
Emma: Awe Manny that's great
Manny: I tried so hard not to cry happy tears when he told me that, Em.
Emma: I bet. I'm glad you and Chester are finally in a good place and are finally happy now
Manny: That man amazes me more and more everyday
Emma: I'm so glad for you Manny. I'm glad you both worked past everything you guys were going through
Manny: I know this is the honeymoon stage as they call it, but I don't care, I'm falling more in love with this man every day
Emma: Good for you!
Manny: How's things with you and Sean?
Emma: We're great, we got the baby's room all put together
Manny: Awesome, I can't wait until she's here. She's going to be so spoiled
Emma smiles
Emma: I can't wait until she's here either. Then she can stop beating me up
Manny: Alright sista I just pulled up at the studio so I'm going to let you go. If you need anything call me.
Emma: I will
They hang up as Manny walks in the studio
Danny: Hey Manny
Manny: Where's Tommy?
Danny: He took today off; his mom is in town
Manny: Oh ok. So, it's just you and I today then?
Danny: Hope that's ok
Manny: Yea that's' fine. Let's get to work
Danny and Manny discuss possible song choices for the new record
Danny: What do you think?
Manny: I think it's good, just need a bridge and chorus.
Danny: it'll get there.
A receptionist comes to the studio door, she knocks on it and slides it open
Receptionist: Sorry, to interrupt but there's someone waiting in the lobby for Manny, Says he's a big fan
Manny peeps out the door and sees a tall young man with bleach blonde hair
Manny: Hm, ok. Thanks, I'll be out there in a minute
The receptionist leaves, Manny and Danny exchange looks, as she gets out of her chair and exits to go to the lobby, as Danny looks on from the studio
Manny (to the young man): Can I help you?
Man: I'm one of your biggest fans and I was wondering if -
Manny: Sure, I'll give you an autograph, what's your name hon?
Man: I was going to say, if you would go out with me?
Manny: That's sweet but I'm actually a newlywed, My husband and I just got married about a month ago
Man: But does he love you?
Manny: Excuse me?
Man: Does he love you? Like I do?
Manny: Honey I think you need to leave.
The young man gets closer to Manny as she backs up
Man: Don't you see, We belong together Manny. I know you wrote that song "Nobody" about me
Manny nods at the receptionist as the receptionist picks up the phone and calls security
Manny: How- How do you know about that song? It's not even released yet?
Man: I love you Manny
Manny: That's sweet but I love my husband
The young man reaches in his pocket and grabs a gun and aims it at Manny, the receptionist calls the police and then calls Danny in the studio office to inform him
Manny: Whoa
Man: He doesn't love you Manny!
Manny: Ok, your right, he doesn't love me.
Man: I'm the one for you, not him. When the tabloids reported you were out with another guy, I knew he wasn't good enough for you.
Manny: That was a mistake
Manny's voice begins to break
Man: Don't cry
The young Man approaches Manny, as Manny backs up
Manny: Why don't you put the gun away
Danny comes out of the studio office and gets in front of Manny. The Man begins waiving the gun around as he sees Danny come out of the office
Danny: You need to leave, buddy.
Man: Not without Manny
Danny: Manny, I want you to run to the office, the big office and lock the door.
Manny (cries): No, I'm not leaving you here
Danny: Manny, it's ok, just go
Manny: No!
Man: Both of you, shut up!
Man: Manny, honey, come over here.
Manny: No!
Man: Come here, or I shoot your friend
Manny walks over to the man with tears rolling down, As Manny walks over, she sees the police outside along with a media outlet
Manny: What do you want with me?
Police: This is the Toronto Police Department, we have the building surrounded, Come out with your hands up and no one will get hurt
The man takes Manny by the arm
Man: Who called the cops?!
Manny cries as she looks at Danny with fear as he nods at her
Danny: Hey, let her go
Man: No. We're in love.
The man takes Manny over to the door with the gun aimed at her for the police to see
Man: If any of you come in here, I'll start shooting, and my newfound love here will be first
Manny: Let me go!
Man: Baby-
Manny (cries): I'm not your baby
Manny: I'm not you're anything
Meanwhile back at home, Chester's watching tv and he's working out, he sees the breaking news alert come over the Tv
Reporter: Breaking news alert, there's a hostage situation going on at this moment at G major record label in downtown, it appears a deranged Fan took a singer hostage
Chester's heart immediately sinks as he picks up the phone and calls Manny's phone but no answer.
Reporter: Police are asking everyone to stay away from this area, this is an ongoing situation, Stay with us as we bring you more information as soon as it's available
Chester grabs his keys and his wallet and heads out for the door as his phone rings
Chester (panicking): Manny?
Chuck: No, it's Chuck.
Chester: Now is not a good time.
Chuck: I just saw the news report, that's why I was calling you ,to see if Manny's ok
Chester: I- I don't know, she's not picking up her phone and no one is answering at the Label. I'm walking out the door now to go down there
Chuck: Chester, you're not going down there alone
Chester: What if she's hurt, Chuck?!
Chuck: Chester-
Chester: We finally are happy, I can't risk losing her.
Chuck: Chester-
Chester: What?!
Chuck: I'm on my way to your house now, I'm going with you.
Back at the studio
Man: We'll be so happy together Manny, I'll give you everything you ever wanted and then some
Manny (struggles): Let me go!
Danny: You want to take someone, take me, just let Manny go.
Manny: Danny-
Danny: Manny, It's ok. Everything's going to be fine, just keep your eyes on me
Danny said calmly as he looked at Manny. Manny nods
Man: How do I know you're not going to try anything?
Danny: Like what? I'm unarmed, my cell phone is in my studio where I was working
Police: We have you surrounded, come out now!
Man: Shut up!
He turns his gun and Shoots it at the front door 2 times, Manny is able to break free and runs to Danny
Danny: Manny, go where I told you it's ok.
Manny (cries): I'm not leaving you alone.
Danny: Run! Now! I'm right behind you,
Manny runs while the man isn't looking, Just as Danny turns around to run, the Man fires his gun 2 times again, and hit's Danny in the arm and in the chest. He falls to the ground
Man: Yea, you're really not going to try anything now.
Manny hides in fear as she hears the man coming
Man: Sweetheart, Won't you come out? I promise I don't want to hurt you
Manny places her hand over her mouth as she weeps, thinking about Danny's laying there on the ground
Man: Manny, Dear?
The Man begins looking in the studios for her, as he gets down the hall, Danny gets up and runs out the door
Danny: Don't shoot! I'm unarmed! He's still in there, Manny Santos is hiding, I don't know where, but she was able to break free when he shot at the door.
Danny Lifts his shirt up and reveals his bullet proof vest under his shirt as he grabs his wounded arm
Officer: Let's get that wound looked at
As Danny walks with Police to the ambulance, he hears a familiar voice
Chester: Danny!
Danny looks at Chester
Chester: Where's Manny?! Is she ok?!
Danny: I told her to run, I don't know where she is
Then everyone outside hears a single gunshot
Police: Go! Go! Go! Move now!
The police storm the building, as Danny walks to the medic
Medic: That vest saved your life.
Danny: My Father used to be a cop, always told me, you never know when you might need it
The medic bandages Danny's arm
Medic: You're all good, the bullet just grazed your arm, The police are going to want to speak with you and take your statement.
Danny nods as he begins walking toward the police officer, they hear another gun shot, he gets down and crawls over to Chester
Chester: Manny!
Danny (To Chester): Last I saw her, she was scared but physically ok.
Chester: God, she has to be ok. I don't know what I'll do if-
Suddenly The police come out and Manny comes running out
Chester: Oh, my g od, Manny!
Manny looks up and sees Chester, she runs right to his arms,
Manny (cries): Oh my god, Baby!
he picks her up, twirls her in his arms, kisses her, and holds her in his arms cradling the back of her head
Chester (voice breaks): I'm right here honey, I'm right here.
Chuck rubs Manny's back for support
Manny: That guy is crazy, he shot Danny, I don't know if he's still in there or not, but he saved my life, He came out of the studio and got in front me.
Chester: It's ok baby. It's over now.
Manny (cries): No, The guy threaten to shoot Danny if I didn't go over to him, and as he shot at the door, Danny told me to run, he was behind me then the guy shot him
Chester holds Manny tightly in his arms
Manny: Danny saved my life.
Manny buries her head in Chester's shoulder as Chester gives Danny a nod, Danny comes walking over to Manny, softly placing his hand on her back
Danny (Softly): Manny, I'm ok. Turn around
Manny sniffles as she turns around to see Danny standing behind her smiling
Manny: How? I saw him shoot you?
Danny lifts his shirt up and shows a bullet proof vest. Manny begins crying as she hugs Danny
Danny: I'm just glad you're ok, Where did you hide?
Manny: Jayme's office, upstairs. You save my life in there
Danny: No, you saved our lives
Chester walks up to Danny and Manny as he places his hand gently on her back, pulling her into his arms
Chester (to Danny): I owe you a beer, for saving Manny
Chester smiles as he puts his hand out for Danny to shake, he smiles and shakes Chester's hand
Chester: Baby, I was so scared when I saw the news report.
Manny: He kept insisting you didn't love me, he even know about the song I wrote for you that's not even out yet.
Officer: Ms. Santos-
Manny: It's actually Mrs. Johnson now, I'm keeping my maiden name as my stage name
The officer nods
Officer: I'll need you and your husband-
The officer said as he points in Danny's direction
Danny: I'm not her husband, I'm her co producer. I work with her
Chester: I'm her husband.
Officer: My apologizes, I need you, and your co-producer to come with me. I need to take both of your statements.
Manny: I- I just want to go home.
Officer: Ma'am I can understand, this has been a traumatic day, but I need your statement while it's still fresh
Manny looks at Chester with fear in her eyes
Chester: I'll be right here when you're done, then we can go home, baby.
Chester gives Manny a kiss on the forehead as she leaves with Danny and the officer. Another officer walks up to Chester and Chuck
Officer 2 (to Chester): Are you, her husband?
Chester: Yes
The second officer hands Chester Manny's cell phone
Officer 2: Do you know if this man has tried to contact your wife before?
Chester: Not to my knowledge.
Officer: This man, Mr. Blair, just got out of jail recently, for stalking and harassing different female musicians, claiming to be a fan but really an overly obsessed fan. I'm honestly surprised, he went for your wife as his next target, and normally doesn't bring a weapon.
Chester: I received a random call yesterday, but I didn't answer cause we were a little preoccupied, I figured it was my psycho ex calling me from jail again.
Officer 2: If you don't mind me asking, who is your ex?
Chester looks over at Chuck and then back at the officer
Chester: Bianca SinClair
Officer 2: Ah, one of our trouble making inmates.
Chester: what does my ex have to do with this?
Officer 2: I'm not sure yet but I think it might be connected. Anyway, thank you for your time, if you have any questions or concerns, here's my card
The officer hands Chuck and Chester his card, as he walks away. A Couple minutes later, Manny comes up and grabs Chester's side
Chester: Hey babygirl.
Chester said as he rubs her arm and kisses her forehead
Manny: Can we just please go home?
Chester (smiles): Sure, thing honey. Danny you need a ride, bud?
Danny: No, I'm good man, my car's over there. Thanks.
Danny places his hand on Manny's back
Danny: I'm so glad you're ok Manny. Take the rest of the week off, don't be in a rush to come back because of the album, the execs will understand.
Danny looks at Chester
Danny: Call me if you need anything, ok?
Manny nods
Manny: I will, thanks Danny.
As Danny leaves the studio, a reporter comes up to Manny and Chester
Reporter: Ms. Santos? Are you ok? What happened? Is this your husband?
Chuck gently pushes Manny and Chester out of the way of the reporter
Chuck: I'm her brother in law, and I say we have no comment at this time, please respect our family as well as her privacy during this time.
Chuck said as he gets Manny and Chester in the car, then drives them back to their house.
Manny: I quit music, I'm done
Chester: Baby, music is your dream.
Manny: I'm not going to deal with having guns pointed at me, or any weapon for that matter or deal with deranged fans.
As Manny cries in Chester's shoulder ,his cell phone rings
Chester: Yea?
Emma: Hey it's Emma, I just saw the news. Is Manny, ok?
Chester looks over at Manny in his arms
Chester (voice breaks): Yea, she's ok. She's visibly shaken, but she's ok physically, we're on our way home now.
Emma: Ok, Tell her I love her and I'm happy she's ok. If she needs anything, tell her to call me.
Chester: I will, thanks Em.
Manny curls up in Chester's arms and lays her head on his shoulder in the car
Manny: Who was that?
Chester: It was Emma, baby. She wanted to make sure you're ok.
Chester said as he kisses the top of her top, rubbing her back in comfort
Manny: I was so scared, all I could think about was if he'd shot me-
Manny's voice begins to break, as Chester pulls her closer in his arms
Chester: Shh it's ok baby, I know.
Manny: All I could think about was never seeing you again.
As Chuck gets down the street from Manny and Chester's, he sees a ton of press in front of their house
Chuck: Hey guys, you might want to duck.
Manny: Oh god! Why? What's happening?
Chester looks up and sees the press
Chester: It's ok baby, the press is at the house
Manny (cries): Can't they leave me alone! I literally just relived a high school memory I never thought I'd have to go through again.
Chester: I know honey, I know. Just duck down honey
Chuck: I'm taking you guys to my house, at least you'll be safe there.
Manny (sniffles): Chuck I really apricate you going out of your way like this
Chuck: Manny, you're family now. Family looks out for each other.
Chester gives Chuck a smile as he holds Manny in his arms
Manny: I'm sorry you guys have to deal with the press like this, all because of me
Manny said as Chuck drives pass her house
Chester: Are you kidding me? I don't care about them, I knew once you started working on your album, they'd be all over you. You're my wife, my partner, your problems, and issues become mine too honey.
Chuck: Chester's right Manny, we're all family now. We're there for each other.
Manny sniffles as she wipes a tear away
Chuck: Ok, we're good now. You guys can sit up now
Chester and Manny sit up, Chuck's cell phone rings
Chuck: Hello?
Tori: Hey! Is Manny, ok? Are you with her? Where's Chester?
Chuck: She's ok hon, she's just visibly shaken up. I'm with them both, Chester wanted to go down there by himself, and I wouldn't let him. We're almost to our house, can you open up the garage for me sweetheart? I'm bringing them to our house, cause the press is all over theirs, I'm going to park in the garage and bring them in that way
Tori: I don't blame you. She's been through enough today, last thing she needs is press on her. I'll see you guys in a bit, tell Manny I'm glad she's ok. Love you
Chuck: I will, see you in a bit. Love you too
Chuck hangs up
Chuck: Tori said she's glad you're ok.
Manny nods
Chester: We're almost to Chucks babe. Then you can take a nice hot shower and try to relax
Manny: I can't even close my eyes cause all I see is him pointing that gun at me.
Chester wraps his arms tightly around Manny
Chester: You're safe now. I promise
Chuck: Ok, duck real quick. We're down the street from my house, just want to make sure no press followed us
Manny and Chuck duck down as Chuck pulls in his garage, and shut's the garage door.
Chuck: K you guys are good now. The doors shut. Nobody can see in here
Tori comes sprinting out of the house and over to Manny and gives her a hug
Tori: Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you're ok sweetie.
Manny (sniffles): Me too.
Manny breaks free from Tori and runs in the house in tears
Chester: Honey-
Manny: I just want to be left alone
Chuck looks at Chester as Chester's eyes are full of hurt and heartache
Chuck: Go to her, she's scared and she needs the one person she knows she can count on more than anyone else.
Chester nods as he goes in the house
Chester: Manny, Baby?
Chester hears Manny crying from the bedroom, he enters the bedroom and goes to her side
Chester (softly): Baby, come here.
Manny cries on Chester's shoulder and he cradles the back of her hand and rubs her back for support
Chester (softly as his voice begins to break): I'm right here babygirl, I'm right here
Manny: I was so scared
Chuck and Tori walk in the house
Chuck: She's going to be shaken for a while.
Tori: I can only imagine how horrible that must've been for her.
Chuck: The cop that talked to Chester and I, something tells me he thinks Chester's ex, Bianca had something to do with it.
Tori: Are you kidding me?
Chuck nods no
Chuck: Keep this between us, babe. I don't want to scare Manny more.
Tori gives Chuck a loving hug as she wraps her arms around his neck
Tori: I'm just glad you all are ok.
Chuck smiles as he places his hands on her waist and kisses her
Chuck: Me too. At least he's dead.
Tori: Good
Chuck: The police shot him and killed him.
Tori: I'm glad he won't be harassing anyone else
Chuck: Manny dealt with an incident similar in high school. Kid brought a gun to school, I think he was tired of being bullied, he shot one kid in the back and the kid ended up paralyzed.
Tori: Oh my god.
Chuck: Then he pointed it at Emma because Emma wouldn't go out with him or something, I forgot. Sean stepped in front of Emma, then the guy ended up shooting himself and killing himself in front of them.
Tori: Oh my god, Poor Emma. No wonder Manny was so traumatized
Chuck: I remember Chester telling me about it, just after we moved.
Tori: Thank god you guys moved, otherwise you would've been there.
Chuck pulls Tori into his arms
Chuck: Tori, You're the best thing that's ever happen to me.
Tori (Smiles): Same here honey.
Chester's comforting Manny in the bedroom
Chester: Let me go get you some water, honey.
Manny: No, I don't want to be left alone right now.
Chester: Ok, ok. I'm right here sweetie
Manny yawns as she sniffles and wipes a tear away
Manny: I'm sorry
Chester (softly): Hey, look at me
Chester softly lifts Manny's chin up as her teary brown eyes gaze at his
Chester (softly): You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault. That guy was crazy
Manny snuggles close in Chester's arms, as she whimpers softly
Manny: Chester, I was so scared. Scared I was never going to see you again or be there for our goddaughter when she's here
Chester rubs Manny's back, as his voice breaks
Chester (softly): Your safe now Manny. I'm not letting go.
There's a knock on the bedroom door, causing Manny to jump in fear
Manny (cries): No!
The bedroom door creeks open, as Chester sees Chuck in the doorway
Chester: Manny, baby it's ok. It's just Chuck
Chuck (to Manny): Manny, I know you're scared still, but I promise you, between myself, Chester, and Tori. You are safe here and you guys are more than welcome to stay as long as you need or want.
Chester gives Chuck a heartwarming smile
Chester: Will you and Tori run to my house and get a couple changes of clothes for us both? Please?
Chester reaches in his pocket to give Chuck his keys, he nods at Chester as he places his hand on Manny's back to console her,
Chuck: You got it. You need anything else from your house?
Chester: No, I think that should be it.
Chuck smiles warming as he leaves the bedroom. Chester pulls Manny into his arms and kisses the top of her head
Chester: I love you with all my heart babygirl, I'm right here.
A short time later, Manny begins to calm down as she drifts to sleep in his arms, he hears a door open, he carefully gets up out of bed, trying not to wake Manny, and quietly opens the door and quietly closes it behind him, leaving it cracked open. He walks in the kitchen and sees Chuck and Tori walking in the house
Chester (quietly): She just fell asleep maybe 5 minutes before you guys got back.
Chuck (nods): The press is gone now, but like I said you guys are more than welcome to stay here.
Chester: Thanks brother, I know she apricates it
Tori (to Chuck): I'm going to go upstairs, take a shower and go to bed.
Tori gives Chuck a kiss
Chuck: Goodnight, babe
Tori: Goodnight sweetheart. Goodnight, Chester
Chester: Goodnight, Tori
Tori goes upstairs as Chester goes in the fridge and gets him and Chuck a beer.
Chester (handing Chuck the beer bottle): Dude, I don't know what I would've done if you weren't with me today, man.
Chuck: I hate to say it little brother, that cop that talked to us, something tells me he thinks Bianca has something to do with that dude.
Chester (takes a drink of his beer): unfortunately, I got the same feeling too. I hope we're wrong but, at this point nothing she does or did would surprise me at this point.
Chuck: She's still trying to get back with you?!
Chuck said as he took a drink of his beer
Chester: Dude, she never stopped. The night before we got married, Manny had a dream that Bianca crashed the wedding, and I ran off with her, leaving Manny at the altar
Chuck: Are you serious?
Chester: This bitch is psychotic, man. She nearly killed me last year
Chuck: What the fuck?
Chester: Manny and I had everything set up to get a restraining order against her, we set her up and everything, I acted like I wanted her and this and that, had Manny act like she was walking in on me and Bianca
Chester said as he took a drink and went to check on Manny who was sleeping peacefully
Chuck (Quietly) Chester Allen!
Chester: The cops were on it, they were the ones who suggested that
Chester said as he sets his beer down and leans back against the counter
Chester: Dude I got to tell you, even though Manny was acting, it killed me to see her like that, like the pain and fear was real In her eyes.
Chuck: Damn.
Chester: Then when Bianca didn't get her way, she called her brother Brandon to come attack me, then he set mine and Chad's old house on fire.
Chuck: I remember that
Chester nods yes as he takes a drink
Chester: Fast forward, I went to the hospital just for observation, Bianca come to the hospital in the middle of the night and tried to suffocate me to death.
Chuck takes a drink
Chuck: I'm assuming Manny was with you when this happened?
Chester: Oh, she would not leave my side. She was worried Queen Psycho would come for her
Chuck: How long is she locked up for?
Chester: at least 4 more years. Hopefully long enough for Manny's music career to take off and us get a place somewhere else.
Chuck: does she know where Manny lives?
Chester: I don't think so, luckily.
Chester looks over at the bedroom door
Chester: That's why I'm so protective of her. Not just because I'm crazy in love with her, I want to keep her safe from Bianca and her nutjob family. Manny doesn't know this; Bianca told her whole family I broke her heart and this and that.
They each take a drink of their beers
Chuck: You had your hands full with that one. At least you were smart enough to get away and find someone who truly loves you
Chester smiles
Chester: Yea, I'm very lucky
Chester hears a noise coming from the bedroom, he sets his beer down and checks on Manny
Chuck: is she ok?
Chester: She's still asleep, so that's a good thing
Chuck: Well, I'm going to bed, you go be with your wife.
Chester nods at Chuck
Chester: Goodnight bro. Thanks again for today
Chuck: Goodnight, Chester.
Chester goes in the bedroom as Chuck goes upstairs