Everybody hates Claudia!

[Rampage]

Don't EVEN GO THERE, Nicolas! YOU were too busy trying to reel Morgan back in to CARE how I felt, too worried about AVOIDING ME per ALISON'S ORDERS to REALIZE that the ONE THING you could do to honor my PROMISE to stand by you was to NOT ABANDON ME! No, YOU backed out on ME, Nicolas. You threw my love away, don't you DARE try to put that on me.

REALLY?! You know what, it is not even worth trying to explain to you. You believe what you want. It makes no difference anymore. You wanted what you wanted, I didn't do it, and now you love Zach. GREAT. Good luck with that.

Nicolas went back to his spot to try to continue when he picked up Haleigh's actions regarding the aide, as well as her terror at the loss of her family. He also picked up a clue as to what Claudia could ACTUALLY do. Interesting...

Haleigh, let her GO. Her family is at risk. Claudia will have them all killed if she doesn't make the call. Unless you plan on finding a way to protect her FOREVER, I will free her.

Nicolas prepared to push open the door to let the assistant escape the room unless Haleigh responded.

Morgan took her place with him and whispered.

you watch those hands...you stalking monster!

Nicolas sighed quickly, his mind not ready to take any more from Morgan Victoria. He whispered back quickly as he distracted the photog a moment.

I have had it with you Morgan. You think you are such hot shit that I have to stalk you? NO ONE IS important enough to STALK. I have apologized and been struck by you, begged, pleaded, took your shit, been accused of stalking and murderous intentions, and now you let Barbas convince you that I am the one doing this you? GET a GRIP. While you chilled in Limbo last night I was at MP getting my arms pulled out of socket as me and Alison went to battle against him. For YOU and Ma and ALL of us. So if you want to be mad, fine. I don't care anymore if you hate me. Apparently NOTHING I do will change THAT. But I am tired of you believing ANYTHING about me because you're heartbroken. It is beyond OLD and shows how little you must have cared for me in the first place. Because you have your own monster inside and I NEVER thought that about you.

Nicolas took his place and was ready to work. His powers gave him an advantage over any other male model in that the photographer need not give him any instruction. It was uncanny, and Nicolas found that it gave him a good reputation in the industry...

 

[Siren]

Haleigh: I hope you enjoy it while it lasts, Claudia… because I GAVE you your winning chance, but you're not making wise long-term decisions here. It's too bad.

"I don't need anything from you. And NIETHER does my sister."

She stated hotly, watching Haleigh head over to Morgan who looked visibly pissed off. Rolling her eyes, Claudia casually checked her watch for the time. She would stay around only to watch the intimate scenes between Morgan and Nicolas before exiting. The rest of the photoshoot didn't interest her.

Morgan: People....

Glancing over at Morgan, Claudia looked thoroughly uninterested at what she was about to say.

Morgan: This is the FASHION INDUSTRY! Catfights, tantrums and drama are as much apart of the process as hair, make up...and << looking at Claudia.>> FAKE BREASTS.

A huge spotlight hit Claudia once Morgan said 'fake breast', causing Claudia to force an unamused smile while shrugging her shoulder up as if to say 'oh well'.

"Oh, Marty! Could you put a little bit more makeup around Morgan's eyes. I can see her CROWSFEET from here. This isn't a campaign for MAC's geriatric collection. [with a playful wrinkle of her nose] Thaaanks!"

Marty was standing a few feet away from Morgan, who was across the soundstage from Claudia. Projecting her voice loud enough for everyone to hear, Claudia's 'forced' smile from Morgan's breast comment soon turned into a geniune one. As the spotlight 'mysteriously disappeared' from Claudia, she narrowed her eyes watching Morgan head onto the set and stand next to Nicolas. The tension between the two was so obvious, Claudia eyes flashed with glee.

The first round of shots went relatively well considering what unfolded, which was a little disappointing for Claudia. But the BEST part of the shoot was yet to come. The 'kissing shots'.

Barbas: You have no idea what you're getting yourself into.

[deadpan] "So i'm told."

Barbas: Your father WAS right about you...you are STUPID.

Rolling her eyes shut, Claudia was getting sick of Barbas popping into her head and stating EVERYTHING she's already heard before.

"Go. Away."

Barbas: By pissing off ALL these people, you're not only putting yourself in danger, but CLARA. But then again....you don't really care about her now do you? You LIED to her this morning....let her walk out the house instead of going after her...and for what? To throw a wrench in Morgan Victoria's career? You're a spiteful witch, Claudia. And YOUR actions are going to get the only person who still loves you killed.

Claudia's eyes travelled to the ground, listening to what Barbas was saying....realizing that it WAS true. She was inadvertently putting Clara in danger simply because she was associated with her. Claudia didn't care about risking her own life; she actually got off on having people trying to kill her. It made life seem worth living. But CLARA....she didn't want to hurt Clara anymore than she had already.

Barbas: What? No smart remarks? No quips? Nothing..? Finally realizing the truth are you? If you haven't already pushed your sister away because of your pathological lying, the fact that you're acting EXACTLY like Anthony WILL.

Claudia's eyes expressed a fearful sadness as she turned her head away from the shoot, 'casually' running her fingers through her hair to divert attention away from her face. Even though the entire area she sat in was dark due to all the lights being focused on the set, she wasn't going to take a chance of anyone seeing her upset. But the painful reality of Barbas' words struck Claudia. She had this revelation this morning....but STILL, she came to the photoshoot. Ready to rip apart Morgan's world. Claudia's self distructing ways kicking in full throttle.

 

[Black Widow]

and NOW I love Zach? No dear. I ALWAYS loved Zach… I tried to forget about him with you. But you… you let me DOWN, Nicolas. You FAILED me… and you failed Morgan too. Hell, you REPETITIVELY FAIL HER. Zach…. For all his faults… he never left me when I needed him.... But he DID leave me alone when I asked… something you can't seem to do for Morgan.

She thought back, getting a bitter dig in. Her patience was deteriorating… but if he really wanted to do this now… she'd be right there to correct him. The only GOOD thing about this little 'disagreement' between them… was that CLAUDIA didn't have the benefit of witnessing it… Claudia was none the wiser that she had created the conditions that caused the brewing argument between Nicolas and HALEIGH… she was only aware of the reaction Morgan had to it and Haleigh was aware enough to not let Claudia have the satisfaction of seeing that there was a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL to her machinations.

Claudia: "I don't need anything from you. And NEITHER does my sister."

[smirking as she walked away] "Not YET anyway."

Claudia might not have HEARD Haleigh's response, but it amused Haleigh all the same. Haleigh directed her LCI staff this way and that, adjusting the lighting and other small details, but she mostly trusted her photographer and the shoot director to handle the big issues… and for a moment, she just allowed herself to FORGET the drama and focus on the shoot… but Nicolas' meddling would ensure that her forward progress HALTED.

Nicolas: [in thought]
Haleigh, let her GO. Her family is at risk. Claudia will have them all killed if she doesn't make the call. Unless you plan on finding a way to protect her FOREVER, I will free her.

Barbas: You just gonna let him undermine your judgment call like that??

[under her breath] "NO…"

Nicolas… if you open that door I'll KILL the girl where she STANDS. That actually work out rather WELL, wouldn't it? If the girl is dead, there's no reason for Claudia to worry about her family. [making eye contact with him] It makes no difference to me… the girl is EXPENDABLE in my eyes. You may not LIKE me for that, but it's an ugly truth you have to deal with. I didn't bring her INTO this mess, CLAUDIA did, but I'll DAMN SURE take her out of it. I'm going to KILL that STORY, whichever way necessary. So I'll let you decide. Open the door and she dies… or don't and she lives. It's not going to HURT HER to stay in there until I can properly DEAL with her. I'll have you KNOW… I was going to HANDLE it with less bloodshed, myself. Give her some money, get them out of town… Claudia will soon have TOO MUCH on her plate to worry about a bunch of nobodies. ME, on the other hand… I'm willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to make this COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL. I don't think you UNDERSTAND the situation here, Nicolas. WE NEED for this to go off without a hitch… the whole TEAM needs a morale boost and Morgan NEEDS to feel like she WON something… and after everything… I OWE IT TO HER to make sure that happens for her. If you care about Morgan HALF as much as you say you do… then you'll do what you can to make this EASY for her. Take one for the TEAM, Nicolas. The stakes are high but I guarantee that if Morgan comes out of this feeling GOOD about it across the board… things will IMPROVE and if you FACILITATE that for her… you'll be a LITTLE BIT closer to forgiveness. If you make this hard for her… or ANY OF US… you'll be RIGHT back where you started before Alison vouched for you. So keep that in mind… and don't make that face… you look like you swallowed a bug.

Morgan: "This is the FASHION INDUSTRY! Catfights, tantrums and drama are as much apart of the process as hair, make up...and << looking at Claudia.>> FAKE BREASTS."

A spotlight hit Claudia on cue, no doubt Delilah's doing. Haleigh smiled slightly but stayed out of it… until Claudia got a dig in about Morgan's age. Haleigh narrowed her eyes… Claudia just couldn't HELP herself, could she? Well that was okay… if she was lucky she'd learn FAST… she wasn't just messing with Morgan anymore… she was messing with ALL of them and if she wasn't prepared for the fall out of THAT… then she'd end up on her ass and Haleigh was more than happy to give her a brief little preview of that… and she eyed Claudia where she sat in a 'director' style chair. It was mostly made of wood but the steel metal pins that held the thing together were Haleigh's playthings and mentally she BROKE THEM precisely at their load bearing points… and Claudia's chair COLLAPSED right under her, sending her splaying onto the floor with a loud clatter. Haleigh, being nearby, feigned concern, all smarm that would be apparent to Claudia [and the people that knew Haleigh better]. To the rest of the crew… it would look and sound like apparent concern and good will.

"Oh DEAR…. Are you alright? How STRANGE that chair just BROKE like that!"

A couple of staff members had rushed over and were offering Claudia assistance in getting up… Haleigh glanced back at Morgan with a smile and a surreptitious wink.

 

[Rampage]

and NOW I love Zach? No dear. I ALWAYS loved Zach… I tried to forget about him with you. But you… you let me DOWN, Nicolas. You FAILED me… and you failed Morgan too. Hell, you REPETITIVELY FAIL HER. Zach…. For all his faults… he never left me when I needed him.... But he DID leave me alone when I asked… something you can't seem to do for Morgan.

It was easy for Zach. He had only one function, and you got mad he was sharing that. Now you crawl back, good luck for when you find he's sharing that again. I am sure he will go away again, until you need an itch scratched.

Nicolas continued on working until he heard her response to his statement about the girl.

Nicolas… if you open that door I'll KILL the girl where she STANDS. That actually work out rather WELL, wouldn't it? If the girl is dead, there's no reason for Claudia to worry about her family. [making eye contact with him] It makes no difference to me… the girl is EXPENDABLE in my eyes. You may not LIKE me for that, but it's an ugly truth you have to deal with. I didn't bring her INTO this mess, CLAUDIA did, but I'll DAMN SURE take her out of it. I'm going to KILL that STORY, whichever way necessary. So I'll let you decide. Open the door and she dies… or don't and she lives. It's not going to HURT HER to stay in there until I can properly DEAL with her. I'll have you KNOW… I was going to HANDLE it with less bloodshed, myself. Give her some money, get them out of town… Claudia will soon have TOO MUCH on her plate to worry about a bunch of nobodies. ME, on the other hand… I'm willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to make this COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL. I don't think you UNDERSTAND the situation here, Nicolas. WE NEED for this to go off without a hitch… the whole TEAM needs a morale boost and Morgan NEEDS to feel like she WON something… and after everything… I OWE IT TO HER to make sure that happens for her. If you care about Morgan HALF as much as you say you do… then you'll do what you can to make this EASY for her. Take one for the TEAM, Nicolas. The stakes are high but I guarantee that if Morgan comes out of this feeling GOOD about it across the board… things will IMPROVE and if you FACILITATE that for her… you'll be a LITTLE BIT closer to forgiveness. If you make this hard for her… or ANY OF US… you'll be RIGHT back where you started before Alison vouched for you. So keep that in mind… and don't make that face… you look like you swallowed a bug.

It was the most disgusting thing he'd ever heard. And HE was the MONSTER?! He sent one last message...

Then HELP her Haleigh. That was all I was trying to do. Maybe if you were listening to what I said instead of trying to LEVERAGE me like you do everyone else, you would have seen that. So...just help her. TRY doing the right thing.

Haleigh then collapsed Claudia's chair with a crash, covering her tracks by asking if the CEO was OK. Nicolas laughed in spite of himself.

 

[Spellbinder]

MAC campaign

PAY ATTENTION, NOVICE! and MOVE over there!

<< Morgan screamed as Nicolas missed his cue...too busy "talking" to Haleigh and unknown to MORGAN, he was DEFENDING a woman that was about to spread her LIES across the tabloids at Claudia's behest. Had Morgan known, she would have punched Nicolas...AGAIN.>>


<< at that very moment, Claudia's chair COLLAPSED. OTHER People may have actually been concerned, but Morgan was NOT. in fact, she smirked with CONTEMPT even as Nicolas laughed out loud.>>

I guess the bitch isnt as svelt as she thought << implying that her ASS might be as big and fat as her ego and sense of accomplishment << . how utterly incompetent...

<< Morgan said as she smiled with a a couple of the models that were giggling too.>>

<< and as Morgan moved over to the double chaise lounge to take her place, the background models followed direction into their position and now, Nicolas was to kneel down and pose behind/over Morgan, much to the sorceress dismay. but she weathered it like a veteran. >>

<< after a few more shots in the "victorian lounge" setting, the time came for the "kissing shots" LUCKILY they only required Morgan to kiss Nicolas on the CHEEK, but she had to be close, relating to him in an INTIMATE way...and she HATED that. she didnt wat him touching her...EVER!>>


<< a quick recess, followed by touch ups, and Nicolas' jacket and shirt were removed. OTHER women present may have been all in, but Morgan could only roll her eyes.>>

enjoy the view ladies. be thankfull you dont know what lies BENEATH it all!

<< she thought bitterly.>>

<< and then came the moment where the final and most difficult [for morgan] shots would begin.>>

<< if Claudia thought she was going to relish this moment, she'd find that Haleigh and Delilah werent the ONLY ones that had something planned for her at this shoot. ALISON had said she was leaving...but she didnt say how far she was going >>

 

[Siren]

The more 'glamourous' shots of Morgan and Nicolas were almost finished and soon everyone would take their positions for the more 'sexy' shots. Keeping her eyes focused on the photoshoot, she tried to concentrate on anything BUT what Barbas had just said to her. It was clear that Claudia's bitchy demeanor had subsided JUST a bit....up until Haleigh sabotaged Claudia's chair causing the brunette to fall on her ass.

"OOF!"

Mouth opened in shock and eyes narrowed in contempt, a few of the crew members quickly rushed over, including Haleigh.

Photographer Assistant: Miss Zacchara!

Intern: Oh my Gosh, are you okay?

Haleigh: Oh DEAR…. Are you alright? How STRANGE that chair just BROKE like that!

Pushing Haleigh away from her as the men helped her up, Claudia growled out in anger.

"Don't TOUCH me."

Shrugging the men off hotly, Claudia narrowed her eyes, glaring at Haleigh.

"Don't FUCK with me bitch. I'll tear your world APART peice by piece."

Claudia's glare was replaced with a wicked look; her mouth curving into a smirk. Walking away from Haleigh, Claudia turned, pointing her finger at the blonde as if she just realized something.

"Come to think of it....I DO remember where I know Zach from. And it definetly has nothing to do with politics."

Placing a seed in Haleigh's head about her involvement with Zach, Claudia turned back around and made her way closer to the set, standing next to one of the MAC represenetives that came to oversee the shoot. At this point, Nicolas had just taken his shirt off and Morgan was laying on the chase lounge. Folding her arms across her chest, Claudia watched as they began to shoot the 'intimate' shots.

 

[Black Widow]

Whatever Haleigh'd said had proven to affront Nicolas enough that he mostly backed off after a completely lame attempt belittle Haleigh's relationship with Zach. It didn't matter… Haleigh didn't need or WANT Nicolas' approval, on Zach, OR on her decisions to contain a potentially catastrophic smear campaign. Haleigh wore a smirk.

You know, Nicolas… for a telepath, you continue to prove that you have surprisingly LITTLE insight.

Nicolas balked at her proposition for the aide locked in the dressing room, imploring Haleigh to HELP her… imploring her to do the RIGHT thing. Haleigh shrugged.

Nicolas…. I was TRYING to before you got self righteous and inserted yourself into the situation. Why don't YOU try to help her by minding your own GODDAMN BUSINESS, ESPECIALLY if what you're about to do might be potentially HARMFUL to someone you CLAIM to care about.

Claudia was shrugging off the men who'd come over to help her, much to Haleigh's amusement. The assistants dispersed, leaving Haleigh and Claudia to glare at each other knowingly.

Claudia: "Don't FUCK with me bitch. I'll tear your world APART piece by piece."

Haleigh gave a deranged laugh and an eerie smile, dropping her voice so as not to be heard by anyone else… a homicidal glint in her eyes.

"I'LL tear YOU apart piece by piece."

All said with a smile that would, to any onlookers, appear cordial. Claudia, however, would be able to see it for what it was: a maniacal exclamation mark to her threat. Claudia started to walk away… but proving her inability to exercise ANY self-preservation, she turned back around and laid a cryptic revelation on Haleigh. The hybrid kept her smirk painted on, even if she was immediately suspicious of the implication Claudia was making.

"Oh… you remember, do you? Well PLEASE… do tell… where would a world class WHORE like YOU ever run across Zach, if not in politics?"

But it seemed that Claudia wanted Haleigh to mull over it a bit… and instead of responding, just left her to go stand next to a MAC representative. They were beginning to prepare for the more intimate shots now, and Nicolas took off her jacket and shirt, much to the pleasure of many ladies on the set. Like Morgan, Haleigh hardly enjoyed it. He was nice to look at, sure… but there was so much else that they both knew about him that it distracted from any appreciation of the view.

 

[Spellbinder]

MAC shoot

<< With Haleigh and Delilah's help, CLAUDIA wound up looking like just as much of the fool that she had wanted MORGAN to appear as.>>

<< Morgan was smirking with wicked glee, when she caught sight of Haleigh's WINK! >>

SHE made the chair collapse!

<< Nicolas couldnt detect Morgan's thoughts, and so, the secret was safe with HER. If she could she would have high fived Claudia. That woman many have thought she had one upped Morgan, but the contract , if it remained, worked BOTH ways. Claudia was JUST as obligated as Morgan and Morgan was not about to make ANYTHING easy for this woman any more. any of the HIGH END accounts that she brought to Affinity would be alligned with HER. Claudia didnt know it, but Morgan was inspired by haleigh....just like that chair...Morgan would see to it that CLAUDIA'S hold on Affinity would COLLAPSE! :fdevil: >>

and i'll do the same thing to the REST of her life.

<< but in the meantime, working with Nicolas...without VOMITING was her first priority. she could hear all the women oohing and aahing over him and again she rolled her eyes.>>

<< blissfully unaware that a woman was trying to sic the tabloids on her , that haleigh had STOPPED her AND that Nicolas was INEXPLICABLY defending the woman...there was so much happening today. This shoot was charged with personal energy, both positive AND negative and Barbas was there, ever present , feeding on the NEGATIVE. Claudia had given him MORE than enough to enjoy, so that TONIGHT would be one of the worst nights to date!>>

<< and so, the director called for Morgan to lay on her back, with Nicolas crawling up the chaise lounge to meet her. Morgan played her role, doing her best to make sure her hand HARDLY touched his back and as his face reached her's she spoke in his ear.>>

you disgust me. i HATE you!

<< the lights flash.>>

I don't even want to be in the same ROOM as you.. You ruined my life! and now you're trying to ruin this for me too!

<< amazing how she could "LOOK" the part for the shoot, but if they knew how much she truly LOATHED being so close to him...>>


You won't get away with this...I promise you that, you psychotic stalker from hell!


<< the director called for them to sit up, with Morgan's legs wrapped around him at the waist, her arms drapped over his shoulders and she was to cast a slight side glance at the camera while HE was to...lightly bite her sinfully red lower lip!>>

<< Morgan looked away for the BRIEF moment she had to herself, catching the eyes of her mother, Delilah, Mike and Blaze. she HATED this.>>

I dont want him touching me!!!

<< but she must not...DARE not cave in, not before that conniving piece of trash, Claudia...and certainly not her nemesis, who was RIGHT in front of her face!>>

Barbas: any closer and he could suck the very life out of your body! remember what THAT felt like in the nightmare MORGANNNN??

<< GASPING, as if she were suffering from the first stages of a real asthma attack, Morgan SHOVED Nicolas away. Haleigh could SEE that reaction was more than a mere act of disdain. it was time for a recess. medical personal rushed over to Morgan to check her. her pulse was rapid and her breathing HAD become more labored...they mandated a 15 minute break. >>

<< as she wrapped herself in a robe, the MAC representative complimented on Morgan's technique and work effort, but unfortunately, he believed that NICOLAS was the male model that she agreed to...and he LIKED the addition to the shoot. Morgan gave her best fake smile and most gracious reply before hurrying off to her dressing room. She called for her FAMILY to come to her dressing room.>>

<< while in the dressing room, waiting on the others, Morgan EXHALED.>>

 

[Rampage]

you disgust me. i HATE you!

<< the lights flash.>>

I don't even want to be in the same ROOM as you.. You ruined my life! and now you're trying to ruin this for me too!

<< amazing how she could "LOOK" the part for the shoot, but if they knew how much she truly LOATHED being so close to him...>>


You won't get away with this...I promise you that, you two psychotic stalker from hell!

I hate this just as much as you do. You are so full of yourself it is DISGUSTING to behold, you demonic hypocrite! At least poor people will get some money for well-needed things out of this. It will be the first good thing your empty career has brought to anyone other than YOURSELF.

Nicola performed what he was to do...very well in fact, and it was now time for him to nibble her lip for the final shot. He did as he was told, shooting a resigned but grim glance at the audience before advancing. As he did what he was paid to do, Morgan diva'd out, having an "asthma" attack. She shoved at him, which did nothing to move him at first, the he sat back, waiting for medical personnel to attend to her. Just yesterday he would have sprang up to help her, but the woman before him was unrecognizable compared to the Morgan he knew, or THOUGHT he knew. THIS Morgan would probably applaud Haleigh's willingness to kill so she could get good publicity. So he sat back and just waited for the drama to pass. He couldn't BELIEVE he loved THIS woman, in fact, he was more sure each moment that he did not.

 

[Firebird]

Morg's dressing room

As both women exchanged catty remarks, Blaze sat next to Karen not impressed. But she did grin inwardly as Claudia's legs fell up into the air.

"When isn't that woman on her back and her legs up in the air?"

Blaze quipped to Karen before the next shot began, this time with Nicolas and Morgan. From where she sat, Blaze could see and feel Morgan's discomfort. The desire to go to her sister was great but like Karen, Blaze remained where she was. Even Blaze kept a mindful on Nicolas making sure he kept this shoot professional. Protectively, Blaze leaned forward on her seat, almost prepared to react on her sister's benefit.

As soon as the shoot was over, Blaze was on her feet and she was walking towards Morgan's dressing room. Pushing one of the assistants roughly, "Out of my way, bean pole." Hot fire flickered in Blaze's eyes as she was immediately at Morgan's door, knocking once before stepping inside.

"Morgan."

Crossing the distance, Blaze wrapped her arms around her sister's shoulders. "Are you alright?" Looking her over with a slight worry in her eyes. Blaze pulled away from the embrace to stand up, "You look stunning, Morg. You definitely out class those anorexic bitches."

Looking her sister in the eyes, "Never mind Claudia or Nicolas. They will only attempt to set you back. You've worked too hard to turn back now."

Unknown to Blaze, Claudia could control water a stark contrast to her element of fire. With Claudia choosing to ruffle Morgan's feathers there was bound to be a rivalry between Blaze and Claudia as well. Blaze had stood in the background for far too long. That was all about to change.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

audience booth

<< Karen allowed herself to be seated as she glared at Michael.>>

<< huffing with annoyance as she opens her purse and takes out her estee' lauder compact.>>

the very idea...

<< slamming her purse down in Mike's lap. >>

interferring when my DAUGHTER is in distress!

<< but ALISON reassured Karen and reminded them why things were happening as they were. Karen primped for a moment, and then closed her compact. Blaze promised Karen she would MELT Claudia's pretty little face if she hurt Morgan. Karen nodded and mumbled an audible approval. >>

Well I don't care, if that manipulative little tart vexes my daughter to the point of damage, there is going to be HELL to pay!

<< she takes her purse back and as Delilah rejoins them, Karen looks over.>>

What did you find out, Delilah?

<< Delilah filled her in. Claudia was a bitch, a whore and a slut. >>

<< Karen sat, mildly amused as her daughter and Claudia engaged in catty comments toward one another and between the spotlight on Claudia and her now "suspsect" FAKE bosom, and then her chair collapsing under her as if she were an ELEPHANT, Karen looked at Blaze as more commotion ensued.>>

Is this a photo shoot or an episode of an Aaron Spelling show?

<< the shoot progressed and Karen looked at Mike.>>

Morgan is doing well, despite having to work with Nicolas.

<< But like Blaze, Karen FELT her daughter's growing discomfort and distress. Karen shook her head with disapproval as women on the set began acting like tarts in heat over a shirtless Nicolas.>>

really...

<< and the more intimate aspect of the photo shoot began. Karen cossed her feminine legs at the knee.>>

It requires a sort of acting ability doesnt it? to project the ILLUSION...the ALLURE and the promise of "success"...


<< Karen was happy her daughter could carry on in the face of adversity. she had no idea how RUDE Nicolas was being to her daughter as they spoke to one another on set. But soon, Morgan began to show signs of distress, from something BEYOND Nicolas.>>

Her asthma!

<< she began to stand up as the medics rushed over. It was declared a 15 minute recess and Morgan's guests were guided to her dressing room. Walking with elegance and a purpose, Karen was at the front of the group but Blaze was the first to greet Morgan, even going so far as to shove an assistant out of the way! Karen noted where they were, and motioned for Delilah to shut the door behind them once they were all in the dressing room.>>

<< Karen went to Morgan's side and took her hand, gently stroking Morgan's hair with her other hand.>>

Morgan, honey...are you alright? you've been having a ROUGH day...

"Never mind Claudia or Nicolas. They will only attempt to set you back. You've worked too hard to turn back now."

<< Karen nodded in agreement.>>

I imagine... i would HOPE that Nicolas understands how important this is for you and will not make it any WORSE than it already is. I know Alison has vouched for him and I believe her...but for goddess' sake, couldnt he have checked BEHIND Claudia? The woman has the integrity of a COBRA and the morals of a SAVAGE!

<< she said with a sharp tone of disdain.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah shut the door as Karen indicated. She grabbed a bottle of water from a countertop and handed it to Morgan, looking down at her with worry. Morgan’s asthma was nothing to scoff at – it had threatened her life more than once. And all this emotional trauma wasn’t any good for her, either.

“If it was anyone but Alison, I wouldn’t believe it.”

She crossed her arms.

“BUT if he had any respect for you he would have quit the moment he realized what had happened.”

She furrowed her brow.

“How are you feeling, Morgan – if you want to stop now, I’ll go talk to Claudia. She doesn’t scare me. Your health has to come first.”

 

[Siren]

Haleigh: Oh… you remember, do you? Well PLEASE… do tell… where would a world class WHORE like YOU ever run across Zach, if not in politics?

Claudia simply walked away, laughing under her breath at Haleigh. How naive WAS this woman? Leaving her to squirm with the many different ways that Claudia could know Zach, the brunette stood near the set watching Nicolas climb shirtless ontop of Morgan. A sly smile tugged on her lips, seeing Morgan's body tense at Nicolas' touch. He nibbled her lip, and her breath caught in her throat. Little things that wouldn't be noticed by someone without Claudia's abilities. But soon, Morgan's subtle dislike turned into an all out asthma attack. Everyone quickly rushed over to Morgan's aid; the blonde pushing Nicolas away before being rushed off to the back of the soundstage and to her dressing room. A fifteen minute recess was called.

Taking a water bottle from the craft services table, Claudia made her way onto the set and over to Nicolas. Holding out the bottle for him, his body was coved in a sheen of sweat, most likely due to the hot lights.

"Here. It looks like you need this."

Claudia's eyes narrowed just slightly.

"Although considering you LAUGHED at me falling after my chair 'mysteriously' broke, I should let you dehydrate."

She stated in a bitter, yet sarcastic tone. Still curious as to who sabotaged her chair, she would LOVE to get a hold of Nicolas' telepathic abilities and probe each one of the MP residents minds. See what they can do and if they're any sort of real threat. But she'd take it one step at a time.

 

[Black Widow]

Morgan wore a smile of glee, and Haleigh knew she realized that Haleigh was responsible for the chair breaking…. Even NICOLAS had a little chuckle at Claudia's expense. Off to Haleigh's right, Blaze and Karen had a conspiratorial little giggle and poked fun at Claudia and so…. The battle lines were drawn. Haleigh may have WANTED access to some of the Zacchara resources before, but NOW the woman was not only messing with her FAMILY… but she was insinuating something about Zach too. If Claudia wanted trouble…. Haleigh was capable [and now WILLING] to show the woman what trouble really WAS.

The more uncomfortable part of the shoot proceeded. Morgan and Nicolas didn't APPEAR to be speaking, for they were very quiet and surreptitous about it, but Haleigh had amplified hearing and the ability to focus her hearing on a particular sound… and so she was able to listen in on the exchange happening between them. Morgan wasn't happy with him being here and she was letting him KNOW it… Haleigh noticed she sounded a bit on the PARANOID side.

Nicolas didn't HELP the situation either… he spit back as much venom as he GOT from Morgan… and it only served to WORSEN an already bad situation… as Morgan tightened and her vitals soared. It was more than JUST he expressed disgust with him… she was approaching an ASTHMA attack and as she shoved Nicolas away, Haleigh stepped in QUICKLY and signaled for the on-hand EMT. A break was called for, Morgan hurried off… Haleigh glanced around the room suspiciously before tossing a particularly harsh look Nicolas' way.

Christ, Nicolas. For ONCE, do you think you could just DISENGAGE, or is your EGO that much of a problem?? I think Barbas is here, CAPITALIZING on Morgan's distrust of you and you're only making it EASY FOR HIM being SELFISH and SELF RIGHTEOUS!

Claudia slithered her way over to Nicolas with the excuse of giving him water, and Haleigh just rolled her eyes at the whole mess. She wasn't JEALOUS… just annoyed. She didn't give a rat's ass WHAT involvement Nicolas had with Claudia, but she did hope he realized that Claudia had just USED him to upset Morgan, and that he'd played RIGHT into her plan and was even making it MORE enjoyable for her, at Morgan's expense.

Haleigh stopped by the tech station to review the photos they had so far… and then when no one was looking, she slipped off down the hall to the room where she'd been holding Alexandra Gray. She checked that the coast was clear, then manifested a metal briefcase and let herself in. The aide looked up with relief, mumbling something about having been stuck in here and her phone not working. The aide seemed a little distracted and didn't pay Haleigh the proper attention… until she moved to leave and Haleigh deliberately blocked her path.

"Hold on there… not so fast. I know that Miss Zacchara approached you and threatened your family… and I know she wants you to spread a story to the tabloids. Unfortunately for Miss Zacchara… that's not going to happen."

 

[Spellbinder]

Morgan's dressing room

<< Morgan immediately sat up, pulling away from Karen and Blaze as she rushed over to a sink and practically VOMITED before scrubbing her mouth, wiping all of the lip stick off and cleaning her mouth. She looked so UPSET and she was so FRENZIED about it, that it caught Karen, Blaze, Delilah, and Mike by surprise.>>


Karen: Morgan, honey what is the MATTER?? your photo shoot isnt over yet...your make up team will have to...


Morgan: He TOUCHED ME!

<< she exclaimed in between scrubbing her mouth and brushing her teeth.>>

and he said AWFULL things to me!

Don't you understand what he's doing!?

<< against the noise of the running water.>>

He's stalking me, and he's trying to RUIN my life even MORE than he already has!

<< Karen walked forward and placed her hand on her back.>>

Karen: Morgan, maybe you should stop this shoot. I think this is too much.

<< she looks at Mike, Delilah and Blaze.>>

Karen: Claudia is responsible for this. She set Morgan up! She hired Nicolas, somehow KNOWING that it would cause this What kind of unprofessional savage is she?

<< Morgan turned around, looking very upset and unhappy.>>

NEVER MIND HER! what about HIM!

<< Morgan shrieks!>>

He knows how important this is to me...and he's here..like he's doing me or anyone ELSE a favor!? going on about his vaunted "CHARITY" work...like that changes the fact that he's the son of a monster and psychotic stalker from HELL!? Why can't any of you see what he's doing? All these ATTACKS on me lately...the fact that he's ALWAYS somewhere that is of importance to ME!? He's out to get me...

This was supposed to be my COMEBACK and he's RUINING IT!

<< but what none of them realized, except perhaps Haleigh, was that Barbas was using the scenario Claudia had engineered to push Morgan closer and closer to the edge. They were MISSING the signs, just like those among them who could remember had missed before the INFERNO.>>

I would hate to have to KILL him....to DEFEND MYSELF! before you realize what i'm telling you is all TOO TRUE!

 

[Rampage]

Christ, Nicolas. For ONCE, do you think you could just DISENGAGE, or is your EGO that much of a problem?? I think Barbas is here, CAPITALIZING on Morgan's distrust of you and you're only making it EASY FOR HIM being SELFISH and SELF RIGHTEOUS!

Nicolas looked directly at Haleigh. His eyes said what he thought. He was sorry for what had occurred, but he was also tired of hurting.

Maybe you're right. Hales. But I am tired of being shit on. This level of distrust and paranoia? THIS level of venom? NO ONE in our group has EARNED this. No matter WHAT I do, its still just shit, and I am getting tired of trying. Morgan may be a target of Barbas, but all of us are, and she is the only one pulling this shit. She is supposed to be Sorceress Supreme for God's sake. Look Haleigh, I won't say anything else to her. Just make sure she's OK.

Claudia approached him, handing him a water...

"Here. It looks like you need this."

Claudia's eyes narrowed just slightly.

"Although considering you LAUGHED at me falling after my chair 'mysteriously' broke, I should let you dehydrate."

Nicolas laughed again, eyeing the woman before him. She was dangerous, and BAD...but she was pleasant to him and right now, that was better than present company. he took the water, drinking it quickly before tossing it easily into a trash container at least 40 feet away and cracking his neck and back, flexing and displaying his physique in a way that nearly made the makeup lady faint.

Judging from the cushion you possess in the back, the only thing hurt just now was a bit of your pride, which you could use being taken down a peg. I hope you're enjoying this, because you just opened a hornet's nest. I'm not even taking the time to be PERSONALLY pissed overmuch, because you have made enough other enemies today as it is. But I do want ONE thing.

Nicolas' face became serious.

Leave the aide ALONE. She is not in this and she and her family should be safe from you. You may not find her important, but I do. I think considering the last few days events its the LEAST you could do for me. Now...

Nicolas face brightened again.

You have a call to make. Because I am certain that your sister is pissed that I sent a replacement for what was broken during your...episode and I know she will want to vent with you. I figured it was the least I could do, especially since...

Nicolas sniffed.

I prefer it when you wear your OWN perfume rather than your sister's.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike walked back to see Morgan with the others. Nicolas was fine overall, and they had an understanding...

As he walked in, he saw what made his eyes widen. He had not seen Morgan during the inferno, but he had seen men in war under duress. Morgan seemed like this, her musings about Nicolas less coherent, her outbursts more and more sharp and her actions disjointed from her task at hand. She even washed off her makeup which would certainly have tongues wagging around here. Mike stood off to one side as Karen attempted to calm Morgan to no avail. He decided to speak up to try to help the Doctor out.

Morgan...

Mike walked a bit closer.

try to get yourself together. Even if Nicolas wished he couldn't harm you in the midst of all of us, including Alison. WE would NOT ALLOW it. Focus on doing your thing out there and proving Claudia and others like her WRONG. Up until your attack just now, you were doing so GOOD, you were BEAUTIFUL. Don't ruin that when you are so close to getting back what you wanted so badly. I remember you on Aerie, missing doing what you loved. I refuse to stand by and let you go back to that over Barbas, over ANYTHING.

Mike walked a bit closer.

You go be YOU, be Morgan Victoria the supermodel. WE are all here to help you with the rest.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Morgan's dressing room

<< Karen's opal blue eyes widen with dismay at her daughter's outburst. This was NOT a good sign. CURSE Claudia for her callous behavior and involvement in this. As the doctor prepared to respond, she turned her head at the sound of Mike's voice and looked at him as he spoke words of care, concern and encouragement to Morgan.>>

<< holding Morgan's hand, Karen brushes some of her daughter's blonde hair back into place.>>

Michael is right, honey. We're all here for you. We DO understand how much this means to you and that is why your "sisters" (adding Delilah to Blaze) , Michael and Myself are here. Haleigh is out there, helping you as best she can and I'm quite sure that Nicolas, in spite of his questionable judgement in this matter, is not INSANE to think that he could harm you in front of us.

<< but for Morgan, the threat of Nicolas was all TOO GLARING and apparent. Karen realized that was part of the problem, no one was acknowledging that straight on. most of them suspected or KNEW it was Barbas, but his growing attacks on Morgan were taking their toll.>>

We must be mindfull that BARBAS is looming and growing larger by the moment. Those of us who are witches are especially vulnerable.

<< Karen didnt know how LUCKY she was that Verna, her grandmother had cast a spell on HER to block the total first hand memory of her OWN ordeal with barbas. That would explain why she didnt seem to have more of a connection to Grammie's entry in the Darkhold about barbas...but the decline of Morgan's stability...it was in their face and some of them KNEW how it could turn out. what they didnt know was that Barbas intended to consume Morgan when she was at her breaking point, making her suffering prolonged and his pleasure sweeter.>>

We'll be here with you until your shoot is finished. You CAN get through this day and show Claudia, Nicolas and BARBAS that you will not be beaten.

<< Karen was grateful to Mike for his thoughtfull words and the timing of their delivery, she only hoped that Morgan would be ABLE to receive them and believe them, as well as compose herself.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as Karen spoke after him, working her motherly magic to soothe Morgan. As Mike listened to her he looked around, seeing the large broken light fixture. It was obvious that it had been broken very recently and that there were only 4 people here who could lift it (pnly one in the room when it "broke"), and it coincided with the crash they'd heard before the shoot. If Morgan was THIS jumpy when it was obvious that Nicolas was nowhere around...

Excuse me a moment.

Mike went up to the most important person he saw with the actual client outside the dressing room, having decided to run a bit more interference for Morgan while sticking a bit of a pin in Claudia.

Ms. Victoria will be ready soon and will need a touch up I believe. By the way, do you know who the hell is responsible for that light nearly braining her in her dressing room before this shoot ?!

(knowing it was Claudia as she booked the venue)

That she even DID the damn thing should leave you guys GRATEFUL. That woman is a real trooper. If your venue people cannot get their heads any farther out of their asses, I will be forced to assert further security control over her shoots with you. As of now she has determined that will not be necessary and has expressed continued confidence in you as a favored client of hers, but I wanted you to understand the level of peril she was in and how even though she soldiered on it still placed her in peril. Get the your people ready. In spite of this accident, she is going to continue to knock your socks off.

Mike came back in gingerly and came up beside Karen, his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. Everyone would notice that their bond had become ever closer, and PUBLICLY so...

Ladies, if you are ready, we can get this show in the road and get it behind us. I KNOW you are going to do the damn thing, Morgan, and then we can be on our way out of this shithole. Karen, an moment when you can dear.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Morgan's dressing room

<< Morgan's make up team HAPPILY came to touch up the super model. Karen watched them for a moment, wondering if they could be trusted. indeed, could ANYONE here today be trusted? Karen had no idea that Claudia was trying to get Morgan smeared across the tabloids even as they sat OR that Haleigh had stopped that....but something about this whole thing had bothered Karen even BEFORE they got her. Her maternal instinct was as sharp as ever.>>

<< as she reassured Morgan once more, Mike left the room for a moment and Karen looked at Delilah and Blaze.>>

What are we going to do about Claudia? Does she REALLY think she can return to Melrose Place and NOT have to deal with the PERSONAL fall out to her QUESTIONABLE "professional" behavior?

<< Mike returned and asked her for a word and so, she moved away from the vanity where her daughter sat with her make up team and Blaze nearby. she asked Delilah to stand by the door. With Delilah's perfect hearing, she would HEAR anyone coming. >>

Yes, Michael? What is it?

<< she said as she looked around him for a brief moment, not wanting to let her daughter out of her sight. just as it was taking a toll on Morgan, it was also having an effect on Karen.>>

I just want to make sure she's okay...you see.

Barbas could be here...there...anywhere!

But we can't get to him! and that wretched Claudia! how DARE she! why...I have half a mind to turn her into a ...a...TOILET BRUSH!