Melrose unplugged

[Firebird]

Apartment 4

It had been a few moments before Blaze finally broke the silence. She hadn't once interrupted Karen once. She had a valid argument and it was beginning to sink into Blaze's thick skull. She moved to scope up Tinkerbell into her arms, cradling the cat like she were an infant.

"As much as I'd like to argue you have valid explanations here. And while Haleigh may be difficult her sister is here. And I did make the attempt to be there for her. Its not as though she's made of glass. Morgan risked a lot for me and I wasn't there for her the way I should."

Scratching Tinker across her soft fur, Blaze glanced away, "But how can I be there for Morgan when she needs time? I'm not supposed to be here technically. I can be there when she's ready. But until we cross that bridge I'm unsure what I can do other than wait."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 4

<< Karen nodded with approval as Blaze seemd to finally understand.>>

The fact that you REALIZE what I'm saying is enough of a start. As I told Morgan earlier today, things will be okay. We'll find a way to work things out.

<< she watched as Blaze held Tinkerbell.>>

Tink has been through alot today. I know Nicolas didnt mean any harm by wanting to spend time with her, she's kind of the unofficial mascot of the Six.

In all of the confusion, she must have went and hid herself. Mike found her and brought her back.

<< she stands up with Blaze.>>

I can see now, that you DO care about Morgan and that You are not going to betray her. That was my first objective with this conversation. And now that I'm here, I will do what i can for Morgan and you as well...I know you are Christopher's daughter...but you're my daughter's sister and so, that makes me...your unofficial step mother.

<< she winks at Blaze.>>

Go home and rest for a while, and stay out of trouble, okay?

 

[Firebird]

Apartment 4 to Blaze's apartment

The fact that you REALIZE what I'm saying is enough of a start. As I told Morgan earlier today, things will be okay. We'll find a way to work things out.

"Well, what can I say I'm hard headed."

She smirked over to Karen feeling a lot better than she did. Even through their little 'chat' Blaze knew Karen was looking out for Morgan but she also wanted to understand Blaze's lack of actions today.

Tink has been through alot today. I know Nicolas didnt mean any harm by wanting to spend time with her, she's kind of the unofficial mascot of the Six.

In all of the confusion, she must have went and hid herself. Mike found her and brought her back.

"Yeah she is, we'll have to get her a little kittie uniform."

Chuckling under her breath at the jest.

I can see now, that you DO care about Morgan and that You are not going to betray her. That was my first objective with this conversation. And now that I'm here, I will do what i can for Morgan and you as well...I know you are Christopher's daughter...but you're my daughter's sister and so, that makes me...your unofficial step mother.

"I would never betray Morgan not without some valid reason like being possessed. I appreciate your kindness and warmth. I'm glad you're actually here but no matter your title you're the closest thing to a mother for me. So I don't consider you my step mother in the least."

Go home and rest for a while, and stay out of trouble, okay?

"I will, all this drama is exhausting. I'll try I can't get into too much if I'm resting."

Blaze smiled before she put Tinker down and at the last moment hugged Karen before bidding her good-bye.

Exiting out of Morgan's apartment Blaze moved across the courtyard and up the stairs to her apartment. Collapsing down onto her bed she pulled her pillow next to her head to rest. Still wide awake from the day's drama.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 6

"Okay, okay… I'll think about it, alright?"

She reluctantly agreed, giving her sister a small smile. Her sister assured her that she could ask for ANYTHING at all and for once… Haleigh did feel a little comforted by that. Before her sister's arrival today, Haleigh had refrained from contacting her other than to check in every now and then… she knew her sister needed to recover and didn't want to bother her… but more and more, Haleigh was wondering why she'd even bothered to leave Aerie HERSELF. Of course… initially she'd wanted to reestablish contact with the outside world… but every day she missed the seclusion of Aerie a little more… and she missed her sister and her pets… and her home there.

Ava: "So I call dibs on your bed."

"EXCUSE me? MY bed?? [after a beat] yeah, you can have it. Maybe I'll find someone else's bed to sleep in… take the edge off… unwind… etc."

Returning her sister's hug, she sighed contentedly.

"I love you too."

There was a short silence between them… as Haleigh thought over everything that had happened in the last couple of days. She knew everyone felt bad for Morgan… and Haleigh was unanimously declared the villain… but Haleigh was stubborn, and even if she WASN’T… she still didn't feel like what happened today was SOLELY her fault. She'd been stressed out and stretched thin… in addition to being sick and possibly pregnant, Zach had showed up and after Mike inexplicably ATTACKING HIM, her discussion with him had done some good initially, yet it'd ended badly…. And to top it all off… Nicolas, one of the very few people with whom she had still been on speaking terms this whole time had suddenly decided to go into hermit mode and hadn't so much as spoken to her or LOOKED at her since the other night at the club… except to try and blackmail her into submission this morning. The ONE bright spot in all the darkness had been Blaze… but that was an association that Morgan [and probably a few others as well] OBVIOUSLY would try to destroy… And with the frail balance that Haleigh'd managed to maintain all this time becoming increasingly wobbly, she neared the limitations not just with her patience, but with what little sensitivity she'd ever managed to scrounge up regarding Morgan's current broken heart. So when Morgan bullied her this morning…. When Morgan had dared her to do anything but scamper away with her tail between her legs… Haleigh had responded the best way she knew how…. To protect herself but putting Morgan on the defensive with the revelation of the alternate timeline. Of course… if anyone ELSE had mustered the courage to tell Morgan BEFORE it was left to Haleigh… she could have been told with more gentility and perhaps it would've HELPED the woman the way Haleigh had hoped it would. But it was too late for that NOW, wasn't it? Oh well. No use crying over spilt milk. At least she still had her sister… and, like it or not… it appeared she had Zach as well.

"Ava… there's one more thing I haven't told you… Zach's here… in L.A…. I appeared in his apartment the other night, after getting shitfaced drunk and apparently trying to confront Morgan. He's worried and stubborn and he wants the same thing you do: to make sure I don't lock my emotions away…. And for some reason… I find myself searching for reasons to stay angry with him. I mean… he wasn't HONEST with me but at least… he never left me when I was counting on him. Not like Nicolas just did… or Cameron before him… Patrick, my father… nearly ALL the men in my life. Maybe THAT's what my problem is…. I've spent my whole life searching for a man who WON'T leave me high and dry, and as it turns out… I THREW AWAY the love of the only one who never will [Zach]. [scoffing chuckle] I'm a fucking headcase."

She was still a little conflicted about it... but she HAD decided to at least apologize for going off on him for something as benign as a kiss. Deep down... she knew he hadn't done it to take advantage of her... he knew better than that.

Blaze left the group, heading back to her own apartment.... it was the separation Haleigh had been waiting for in order to relay the good news... she hadn't wanted to send any kind of transmission while Blaze was in there... less a nosy somebody or other ask about it and thus create an open discussion about the possible pregnancy... but little did Haleigh know that not only had Blaze volunteered the information... but Nicolas had as well! She sent Blaze a quick text message:

>>Bld tstd neg for prgncy. smthng else is th cause. thnx 4 keepn me cmpny lst nite.

Briefly she considered relaying the news to Nicolas as well... but he likely knew as soon as she did.... so at least she didn't have to bother speaking to him. She was more than a little upset at his behavior today.... not just his reversion to his 'set side'-- that part of him had been there the night they'd slept together, that part didn't bother her other than his rather abrasive, rude handling of Delilah, who hadn't deserved it. What had Haleigh the MOST upset was his retreat! He HAD left her alone out there, even as Morgan BEAT HER into the outside of his apartment. Was it not at the very least customary for a man to ATTEMPT to defend the woman who might be pregnant with his CHILD?? Of course... the physical battering itself had hardly bothered Haleigh... it was the fact that as many times as he'd SWORN to be there for her, SWORN that all they had now was each other and that they should stick together... he hadn't so much as TRIED to stand up for her. In fact... he'd ADMONISHED her! So much for presenting a united front.

 

[Rampage]

At least you're not knocked up, right. Not by a pussy.


It was a simple statement, devoid of emotion. Nicolas was beyond that for a while.

Why do you think I went so crazy Haleigh? Because she did jump on you and you could have been...you know what, FORGET IT. You could have cared less how I felt when you decided to keep it real today...you would think by now that you would know how shitty you are at it...I don't even know why I waste the time to explain, why what you think should matter...what I thought certainly didn't. Enjoy your time with Zach.

Nicolas had been dialing the phone when he received the negative thoughts about him from HALEIGH of all people and he was disappointed. But he wanted to at least her tell what was really up, and now he'd done so to his satisfaction, so he was gone.

Nicolas continued dialing, and waited for the voice on the other end...

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Claudia: "Gotta go, Clar! I'll see you at lunch later!"

Clara gave an unintelligible groan…. She was still trying to sleep… even as some of the other residents outside got louder and LOUDER… eventually, she rolled out of bed, going to the window, more irritated than anything…. She got there just in time to see Morgan PUNCH Nicolas in the face, then take the blindside advantage to start BEATING on Haleigh like some kind of unrefined lunatic!

"Christ ALMIGHTY… what is WRONG with these people?! Do they not know how to DISCUSS a situation in a remotely civilized manner… or do they simply revert to the most neanderthal cheapshot tactics in EVERY confrontation??"

She asked herself. Johnny appeared behind her, injecting a 'huh?' that didn't startle her because after all these years, frankly, she was used to him [and other less amicable people] sneaking up on her.

"The PEOPLE we share this complex with… [As Nicolas reemerged from his apartment, putting on a show with his power and replying, increasingly hostile and vulgar with every word] each is more crass and psychotic than the one before! They are impulsively violent and HONESTLY! What kind of man speaks to women that way?!"

Johnny: "Not the kind you OR your sister should deign to associate with. Come on, breakfast is getting cold."

He said, holding up her robe and trying to draw her away from the TRAIN WRECK outside the window.

"NO KIDDING. I'm going to WARN Claudia about that CRETIN. [slipping her arms into her robe and then tying it in front] I don't CARE if he's attractive. That's null and VOID if his personality is so REPULSIVE and brutish!"

They sat down at the breakfast bar, and the cook served up a fresh plate for Clara. Johnny sat back down to a glass of orange juice and the morning paper. Clara ate, quickly as always, not one for talking [or interrupting his reading]. She did, however question a packet of paper and a pair of keys on the counter in front of him.

"What's that, John?"

Johnny: "Hmm? [glancing over the edge of his paper] oh. The keys to my new 'bachelor pad'. Claudia did the paperwork for me and everything. I'll be moving my stuff in this evening. It's just down the street a couple of buildings. No matter, since I can teleport back and forth in an instant. And you get to have the full expanse of your bed back… [teasing] so you can resume doing unabated tae bo in your sleep."

[gasping playfully] "WHATEVER, I do NOT!"

He didn't respond with anything more than a smirk… and she went back to eating. Today they were going to tour the casinos she'd been interested in -- something she hadn't gotten to yesterday.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Nicolas [in thought]: At least you're not knocked up, right. Not by a pussy.

Indeed. I'd have to live with constant worry that no matter HOW I raised the child, COWARD might run in his or her blood.

She thought coldly. He had SOME NERVE, invading her thoughts right now. He just didn't know how to leave well enough alone, did he??

Nicolas [in thought]: I don't even know why I waste the time to explain, why what you think should matter...what I thought certainly didn't.

No, you're RIGHT about that. What you felt or THOUGHT stopped mattering the SECOND you started IGNORING ME at the request of one of THEM. Which one was it? Sharon, or Alison? Did they tell you if you didn't stop fraternizing with me, you'd be even more of leper than you are? SCARE TACTICS, Nicolas... and you fell for them hook line and sinker. And then this MORNING… you DARED to beg me to just LET Morgan STEAMROLL me! Well I'm NOT a kissass like YOU, Nicolas…. And I'm TIRED of being HATED for something that I kept under control until YOUR FATHER manipulated me! If she wants to STAMPEDE around here like a rhino and AMBUSH ME every time I'm in range, then god damn it, I'll give her a BETTER REASON to HATE ME! And if YOU want to just STAND THERE IDLY BY as she VILLIFIES me, and then HIDE IN YOUR APARTMENT like the RECREANT that you are, as she brutally BEATS me, even after SWEARING to me that we were in this TOGETHER, then you can PISS OFF and go be Morgan's LAPDOG. Hopefully Tinkerbell won't mind her mommy having a new 'pet'.

Nicolas [in thought]: Enjoy your time with Zach.

Hey, here's an idea. How about YOU go FUCK YOURSELF? It's not really any of your business what I do with Zach, is it? Hey, I've got ANOTHER idea. Why don't YOU enjoy YOUR time with Morgan. Oh, wait… that's right. You're not going to HAVE any more time with her… you fucked that up pretty good when you destroyed a third of her building, ASSAULTED her and just about everyone ELSE with your powers and acted like a complete IGNORAMOUS in some kind of catastrophically LATE and IDIOTIC show of force. Or maybe… I fucked that up FOR you when I told her the TRUTH about what an impotent, hulking SAVAGE BEAST your alternate turned out to be. [deadpan]MY BAD. It's actually FUNNY, now… I'm GLAD she finally really KNOWS what the man she was sleeping with is actually CAPABLE of. Now she can make the same decision I did… because after all, I KNEW all that and STILL hopped into bed with you… DESPITE the fact that nearly EVERYONE you're trying to cater to right NOW were trying to convince ME to let them KILL YOU at the time. It's ALSO funny that you're so foolishly EMOTIONAL about a woman that just tried to MURDER YOU, and wouldn't HESITATE to do so AGAIN if you EVER showed the SLIGHTEST indication that you might be CONSIDERING reverting to your NATURAL form, SET JR.

At first… she'd just been mildly ANNOYED that he had the audacity to just ENCROACH on her thoughts… but his snide little comment about Zach really SET HER OFF! If he THOUGHT he could just pop in and mentally BERATE her without EXACERBATING the problem between them… then he wasn't thinking very clearly and apparently he didn't know Haleigh very well at ALL. She wasn't going to let MORGAN antagonize her, and she SURE AS SHIT wasn't going to let NICOLAS invade her THOUGHTS to harrass her without striking back TENFOLD. She no longer CARED if the worthless squirt had hurt little feelings. He'd shown his TRUE COLORS lately... and she wasn't thinking about his 'dark' side. She had seen all she needed... SHE knew better than anyone that it's not who you are UNDERNEATH.... it's what you DO that defines you.

 

[Silver Swan]

MP courtyard

[ Sharon hugged Nicolas. One small but important step was taken....how many MORE were left?]

[ as the young mutant disappeared, She stood up, and stretched, taking in the ocean air while running her armor covered hands through her flowing hair.]

Now...to get home and check on my children [ the gryfalcons]

[ and so, the mutate takes off, launching into the air and streaking across the ocean expanse. flying fast and tight, she takes the opportunity to practice some more aerial moves. the mutate could achieve faster flight speeds as her invulnerability made wind friction not a problem and so every chance she had, she practiced her moves in the air, pushing herself to become an accomplished flyer and aerial combatant.]

[ covering many miles in in minutes, the mutate arrives in view over MP. and descends before swooping around once and landing in the courtyard, noticing that Alison had restored everything structurally. It was quiet, save for the wind and the unusual amount of dried, dead leaves flowing around the courtyard. ]

[ there were no elevated heart beats. and everyone who was home was in doors. Sharon decided to let Mike know that Nicolas was stable at the moment. Since her apartment was right next door to his, it was an easy enough thing to do.]

 

[Persephone]

"EXCUSE me? MY bed?? [after a beat] yeah, you can have it. Maybe I'll find someone else's bed to sleep in… take the edge off… unwind… etc."

"Maybe you should hold off on hoping into bed with anyone else...Knowing your luck he'll end up being Morgan's long lost brother."

Ava laughed, trying to lighten their deep conversation. But partly what Ava said was true....Haleigh had a TALENT for getting involved with the wrong people. And those people were SOMEHOW linked to Morgan. It was a cruel gift, that was for sure. And speaking of men whom were once involved with someone close to Morgan, Haleigh brought up Zach being in LA. Ava sighed heavily....not because she disliked Zach or that Haleigh had somehow wound up in this bed in a drunken state, but because she LIKED Zach. Zach was the one man Ava could see Haleigh settling down with. Being herself with. Aside from the revelation that he was once involved with Sharon, he was a good guy.

"Hales, maybe that's your heart telling you something. Like...oh [shrugging knowingly], I don't know, that you still LOVE Zach? You analyze everything to death, but love is something you can't just compute. Look, i'm no expert in relationships or love....my last marriage ended, quite literally, in a blood bath. But unlike me you HAD a man who would move heaven and earth for you. That doesn't just come around every day, Hales. So maybe instead of worrying about that freakshow Nicolas King, you could...go on a date with Zach. Have coffee. Do one of your...brawl...things. [Ava never understood that. ] You know, try and build a friendship with him and see where it takes you. It wouldn't hurt having someone else on your side around here. Plus....I like him so that should count for something."

Smiling, Ava would damn near do anything to push Haleigh as FAR away from Nicolas King as she possibly could. And if that meant playing match maker for her and Zach, then so be it. Unfortunately for the goddess, she was totally unaware of the fact that a barracuda named Claudia Zacharra had already sunk her poisonus teeth into Zach. A strategic plan that would no doubt cause MUCH tension between the Davidoff/Cassadine and Zacchara clans.

 

[Siren]

Modeling allows me to work as hard as i play. Fashion is something that touches all society, its a pulse that can't be ignored.

"Oh believe me, the moment I stepped foot in Milan I was hook. I must have bought ever red shoe Dolce and Gabbana had designed that year."

Claudia laughed, closing Morgan's portfolio. Even though Claudia's temper could flip as easily as turning on a light switch, right now she was relaxed and professional. Pleasent, if that was even possible. It shed some light onto how Claudia COULD be when she wasn't acting like a psychotic bitch.

Affinity is the west coast's foremost authority on the pulse of fashion. Its the only natural choice for me as I look for representation.

"I'm not a stupid woman, Ms. Victoria. And it would be EXTREMELY stupid for me to allow you to walk out that door and end up at some two bit 'anorexia-is-the-answer-to everything' modeling agency, like Elite or Wilhelmina."

It was no secret in the modeling world that Claudia despised stick thin, curveless models like the ones being sent down the runways in France. Growing up in Milan, Italian woman had pride in their curvy bodies. They didn't aspire to be six feet tall and a measly eighty pound.

Unfolding the morning paper to the print ad that Nicolas had paid for featuring Morgan, she tossed it onto her desk in front of Morgan. An 'unintentional' salt into the wound trick.

"If you're gaining this much publicity when you're OUT of the buisness, there's no doubt in my mind that you will have no problem jumping right back in and dominating. I'm a buisness woman, Morgan, and I know a good investment when I see it."

Sitting back in her chair, Claudia had offered to represent Morgan under Affinity Models. Not because she LIKED her and thought she was too wonderful to pass up, but for her own selfish needs. To be honest, she didn't even like Morgan's look. She was too thin. And too old for the industry. But she had connections to very wealthy people that could bring A LOT of money into her company. Which meant laundering even MORE money. It was a win win situation in Claudia's eyes.

"So now that we have that out of the way, lets talk money. Tell me your expectations and we'll go from there."

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Ava's words startled Haleigh out of her mental argument with Nicolas, bringing her back to the 'present'. Even Haleigh had to laugh as here response… then, making a slightly concerned face… she agreed.

"Yeah, perhaps you're right."

Ava: "Hales, maybe that's your heart telling you something. Like...oh [shrugging knowingly], I don't know, that you still LOVE Zach?"

[warily] "That's what I'm AFRAID of."

Ava continued to coax Haleigh into reconnecting with Zach… and Haleigh half wondered if she was only doing it to separate Haleigh and Nicolas. It didn't matter if she WAS… Nicolas was doing just fine driving a wedge between himself and Haleigh all on his own.

The more Ava talked about it… the better it sounded….. But that could be said for the proposed vacation, too. Ava had become quite PERSUASIVE, hadn't she?

[joking tone] "WELL… since YOU like him. [chuckling a bit] I guess I've got plenty to think about. [stifling a yawn] Mmm. Alright. Well listen… I didn't get much sleep last night… on account of the you-know-what scare… so I'm going to go take a power nap. I know you're DYING to get over there and find out what Alison and the rest are doing in the wake of this catastrophe."

She suggested, giving her sister a wink.

 

[Persephone]

Ava smiled at Haleigh, glad that her sister wasn't just writing off everything she said. That alone prooved that she was growing as a person, dispite what others may have thought.

"Alright. [hugging Haleigh] I'll stop by a little later before I head back to Aerie."

"I know you're DYING to get over there and find out what Alison and the rest are doing in the wake of this catastrophe."

"Oh quiet. I'm sure i'm the last person they want to see considering i'm the sibling of the most hated woman in Melrose Place [Ava smirked playfully] I'll see you later."

Letting herself out, Ava made her way down the spiral staircase, heading across the courtyard to Delilah's apartment. Knocking on the front door, she was pretty certain she saw Alison and Delilah heading to this door as she left to check on Haleigh. Knowing her luck she would be knocking on MIKE'S door, of all people.

 

[Firebird]

Apartment 8

Blaze was just starting to doze off when her Voyager chimed once to signal she had a text message. Who would be texting her? It hadn't dawned on her that it could be Haleigh. Reaching over she grabbed the black phone to open it as the keys illuminated. The animated picture of an envelope would open as she read the next message from Haleigh.

>>Bld tstd neg for prgncy. smthng else is th cause. thnx 4 keepn me cmpny lst nite.

Smirking, she sighed with relief. That would be like an atomic bomb hitting Melrose Place if Haleigh was pregnant with Nicolas' baby. Morgan would have killed the both of them then.

Blaze's fingers flew across the full keypad as she texted her back.

'That's great news, sweet pea. I'm glad you're not! I hope you feel better. Alison and Karen have already grilled me today for not helping this morning's situation. And Morgan...well I'm no longer welcome at her place. Karen says I should give Morg time. It sucks but you know how she is when she's hurt and upset.'

Hitting the send button, Blaze shut her phone before she sat up to flip on the television. General Hospital was on again! A marathon was being broadcast on the Soap Channel. The character Claudia sauntered into the room as she moved over to tantalize Ric.

"Oh, what the hell."

It wasn't like she had anything else to do. And Karen did advice her to stay out of trouble. Plus Morgan no longer welcomed her in her apartment. Moving into the kitchen, Blaze grabbed the popcorn bag and placed it in the microwave. Waiting for it to pop as she returned to her bedroom as she saw Ric slowly unzipping Claudia's boot agonizingly slow.

"Dayum that's hot! Maybe I SHOULD check this out!"

 

[Spellbinder]

Affinity Models

<< Morgan could see that Claudia was well versed in fashion, both as a business woman and a fashion maven. in this day and age, WOMEN had to be a double threat if they wanted to stand the test of time. outside of Margaux Hemmingway and Janice Dickinson, who are considered the "First Generation" of SUPER MODELS, the only ones from the "second generation" to survive the twilight of their career on the catwalk were Tyra, Naomi and Morgan. All three women pushed the limit of what was "too old" and all three had branched out into the business side as well as other aspects of the entertainment industry.>>

<< the brunette CEO tossed the fashion section of today's paper on the desk ,revealing the splash shot of Morgan from RAIN. It was one of the ads NICOLAS had purchased. Morgan immediately felt a flash of resentment and anger, but maintained her composure, as she looked at the picture and then politely folded the paper up, lightly smiling at Claudia.>>

<< as she looked at the woman, she takes the paper, rolls it up, stands up and SMACKS Claudia upside her head....>>



<< after her "Ally Mcbeal"esque fantasy sequence, Morgan blinked her eyes a few times and prepared to respond to the woman. the time had come to discuss the contract. Morgan knew that one of her BIGGEST draw backs was now her AGE. Though she didnt really LOOK her age (due to a strict health regime and her magick) it was impossible for her to claim to be in her 20s after being in the spotlight for over a decade. She was tall, thin, but blessed with supple, firm and ample breasts and a lil' something "in the back too". But Claudia's comments about anorexic models and stick thin figures was an indicator that she was not looking to show case "androids" [ the term used to refer to most models on the catwalk]>>

<< Morgan slid a piece of paper with the dollar amount she expected on it. a MULTI MILLION contract for one year. [ Morgan had no intention of working for SOMEONE ELSE for very long.] Claudia was a smart woman, she recognized the opportunity when she saw it and Morgan had the clout and q rating to make Affinity Models a GLOBAL envy. It wasnt just about the catwalk, which Morgan herself was not entirely too interested in anymore. it was also about her connections etc.>>

I will bring several lucrative multi million dollar accounts to your agency from the start including MAC, Carolina Herrera, which I will be the signature super model for as well as sole representation at all MTV awards shows (due to her connection to Madonna ) .

Today's savvy super model must be more than a pretty face. She must be well connected.

<< Morgan had the skill and experience. her record spoke for itself. Now it was time to see if Claudia would play ball.>>

Residuals for any broadcast and print ads that I do is also a requirement.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

MP courtyard

<< Karen decided to pay Mike a visit, as Morgan had not gotten back home yet.>>

<< coming outside into the late afternoon, she noticed it was still gray and chilly out . the clouds were rumbling...THREATENING to rain but nothing came down yet. the winds were still gusty too and those leaves...where did they all come from? even the pool water seemed to be waving up a bit.>>

<< she saw SHARON was back and knocking on Mike's door and as she came down the spiral stair case leading from apt. 4 she walked on down by the pool over toward Sharon.>>

Sharon! you're okay!

Sharon: Yes...and thankfully, Nicolas is stable too.

Karen: What did you do? Stun him into a stupor with your sonic scream?

<< Karen said with a bit of sarcasm. she knew that Sharon's sonic powers were among the most obvious foils to Nicolas but aside from that...she just wasnt ready to dwell on him right now.>>

Sharon: Karen....I'm a mother too...I KNOW How you feel right now and NO ONE can blame you for that. Nicolas was out of order and he knows it. He's ashamed as he SHOULD be for how he assaulted Morgan. I know I can't CHANGE what happened, but believe me when i tell you that Delilah, myself and even HALEIGH were not going to just stand there and let him do anything to her. Even IF Blaze was too weak and too slow to do the right thing...the REST of us were not just going to let it go down like that.

<< Karen folded her arms as she looked at Sharon.>>

Karen: I know YOU understand...with all that you did to try to protect Kyle that night in Arklay...and what you did to ultimately set him free all these years later. Usually I'm the one with answers, and advice to give to people, but when you're a MOTHER...its not about logic or psychological training and expertise...its about wanting to protect your child...and right now, it's a GOOD thing that Nicolas isn't in front of my face. I'm afraid my words might turn into ACTION.

Even HALEIGH, as BAD as she is, wouldnt cross that line.

<< shaking her head...>>

I'm still reeling from what i felt from my daughter at that moment. I didnt think i'd EVER experience that again after Set was banished.

Sharon: We all are. He reacted pretty badly...he claims it was because...

both women: Haleigh might have been pregnant...

<< they looked at each other in utter dismay.>>

Karen: Morgan had attacked Haleigh after Haleigh provoked her...by the goddess...even if I can't stand that wretched girl...

Sharon: But she's NOT pregnant...so there was no danger of Morgan causing her pregnancy to fail.

<< Karen sighed and rolled her opal blue eyes. If Haleigh HAD been pregnant and Morgan had unknowingly caused her pregnancy to fail...Karen didnt even want to think about it.>>

Karen: Sharon...this cant go on. Haleigh continues to cause chaos and destruction and Nicolas acts like a bull in a china shop.

I think Alison is right. Haleigh and Nicolas need to be expelled from Melrose Place and the Six. My daughter's mental health is at stake, the health of this TEAM is at stake. It's as if they have FORGOTTEN Ororo's prophecy.


Sharon: I talked with Nicolas, very frankly. He KNOWS this can't go on. He TRIED to flip it back on Morgan and the others, I wouldn't hear it. I know that you and the rest are not happy with him. I'm not either. But understand that I feel...drawn to try to help him. My own son would be his age now if he hadnt...been taken...by mystech. He'd be a mutant. When Kyle was taken with me, I had the unexpected pleasure of watching Nicolas grow up. What's happening with him NOW?? Gustav would not approve, in fact he would be heart broken.

I told Nicolas that he needs to get a frickin' grip and STOP being a slave to Set's memory. I told he has to make a choice, does he want to be GUSTAV'S son or the son of a MONSTER.

<< Karen was relieved that Sharon was taking Nicolas to task. SHE didnt have the PATIENCE right now to listen to Nicolas whine about Set and "what could happen". All she cared about was what he DID and what SHE might do if she saw him at this moment.>>

Karen: I think that you're the BEST qualified to deal with Nicolas right now. I dont even want Michael around him alone and unprotected at this point.

You're a mother, you understand just like i do AND you, like Morgan and several others have come to find BALANCE in dealing with the darker aspect of yourself. Nicolas is going to have to GROW UP and face reality and start CREATING a path rather than being blown about with every wind that comes.

<< Sharon nodded in agreement and understanding as the two women seemed to be on the same page.>>

as for Haleigh...

<< Karen once again looked less than thrilled.>>

Sharon: Let Ava deal with her. and if Blaze can somehow reach her...then LET her, but Blaze needs to understand that her FIRST priority should be to her sister. I think we were ALL appalled AT HER lack of action this morning.

Karen: Her lack of judgement IS appalling, she allowed that woman to use the revelation about the other timeline as a WEAPON against Morgan. but unlike mainstream Blaze, THIS one seems to be more willing to LISTEN and LEARN. I have confidence she will do better.

<< together they waited for Mike to open the door.>>

....the weather seems very hostile for this time of year and this particular part of the country...

Sharon: I know. It almost seems like...something CONSCIOUSLY changed it. But the only person with power over weather is Ava and it didnt seem like SHE changed it when arrived.

Karen: no...it seems like something else...more pervasive....

<< the two women both wondered what it was, but with all the negativity and strife in Melrose Place over the past 24 hours, they didnt realize THAT was the problem and that events had been set in motion far bigger and more encompassing than what they thought.>>

 

[Siren]

Morgan slid a piece of paper across Claudia's desk with an amount that she expected to earn. Taking the paper, Claudia looked at the figure for a moment then up at Morgan.

"A bold request, Ms Victoria."

Placing the piece of paper back down on her desk, the brunette grabbed a pen and began to jot down a figure SHE thought was more sutible.

"This was more of what I had in mind."

Sliding the paper back over to Morgan with an amount ten million over what she asked for, it was most likely a move Morgan hadn't been expecting. An amount that NO ONE in the industry would be willing to pay, even for the infamous Morgan Victoria. And that was EXACTLY the reason why Claudia had offered it.

"And you will, of course, be compensated for all use of your image in print work or otherwise. [placing her pen down, Claudia sat back in her chair] I take care of my models, Morgan. You bring me buisness and money, and I reward you accordingly. So if you're happy with that figure, I can call up my lawyers and have them draw up a contract immediately."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah was bored. She was watching tv, but not really paying attention to it. She rolled over on the couch, squinting up at the light she had had to turn on - it was unnaturally dark for the afternoon. She jumped as she heard a knocking at her door.

She pushed herself up off the couch and fixed her ponytail as she went to the door. Looking through the keyhole (can’t be too careful) she saw Ava standing outside. THAT was someone she wouldn’t have expected. She opened the door, a quizzical look on her face.

“Ava? Please, come in.”

She motioned for Ava to do so with her hand.

“What can I do for you? If you came to see Alison, she’s taking a nap in the guest room…”

 

[Persephone]

As Ava waited for Delilah to open the door, she allowed her eyes to survay the complex in its non-damaged state. It was beautiful...a little less extravagant than what the six was used to, but fitting. Especially at this point in their lives. But even in it's beauty Ava couldn't help but notice the change in weather. It was cooler and the sky had darken.....narrowing her eyes with suspicion, something was off..

Snapping out of her daze as she heard Delilah open the door, Ava turned and gave the blonde a small smile before stepping inside her apartment.

"Hey, Delilah. I hope i'm not disturbing you.."

Del stated that Alison was taking a nap and Ava nodded. She had come to see both the woman, but she didn't mind speaking with Delilah one on one.

"I wanted to speak to you and Alison about what just happened....[pausing, Ava shook her head gently] Wait, you're alright, right? Nicolas TKed you back pretty roughly...[to herself] the bastard....You weren't hurt or anything?"

After Nicolas' little display, Ava had immediately went to go check on Haleigh. Delilah was a tough woman, but she wanted to make sure she hadn't been hurt or shaken up by Nicolas' ridiculous behavior earlier.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah smiled.

"No, I'm fine. A little bruised but nothing permanent. Not this time at least."

She shut the door behind Ava.

"Please, sit down. Can I get you anything to drink?"

She went to get a bottle of water out of the fridge.

"THAT MAN! I've never seen someone so egocentric. He just doesn't GET it. He'd rather point fingers at everyone BUT himself. He tries to say he's such the "modern man" - then he throws Morgan then Haleigh aside like trash."

She stopped where she was for a second, and glanced tentatively back at Ava.

"How- how is Haleigh?"

 

[Persephone]

Ava took a seat on the couch as Delilah headed to the kitchen, offering her a drink.

"No, i'm fine. Thank you."

Glancing at the TV, Ava smiled hearing Delilah begin to rant about Nicolas. It was certainly a comfort knowing that she wasn't the ONLY one who felt like he was acting like a fool.

"Please, you don't have to tell me twice. I've been trying to warn Haleigh about him since the moment she told me she had feelings for him. It's so frustrating watching someone you love get involved with someone who has the maturity level of a preschooler."

Rolling her eyes, it was like waiting for a train wreck. Ava KNEW something like this was going to happen eventually, it was just a question of when and how badly the destruction afterwards would be.

"How- how is Haleigh?"

Looking over to Delilah, Ava inhaled deeply wondering how much Haleigh would hate her for discussing her feelings with others.

"She's....angry at Nicolas. She's stressed out because of-- [pausing in mid sentence, Ava quickly caught herself before blurting out the pregnancy scare] everything. She's just hurt right now. As much as she doesn't want to admit it to anyone, let alone herself. Look, Delilah...I know you're loyal to Morgan, but I can honestly tell you that Haleigh NEVER wanted to hurt her like this. If anything, Morgan's opinions and feelings matter the most to her. [shaking her head, Ava sighed] Everything's such a bloody mess, and Nicolas going off in a damn rampage doesn't help matters."