***As Sherri Reynolds made her way down the vacant sidewalk of Garden Ridges Park, she tried to get through to her sister's for the third time today.  She was anxious to make amends for everything that went down about a week ago at Monte Carlos. Thinking back on the night, she could not believe how she acted and the things she said about her own sister:

Sherri snapped out of her recollection, to be greeted with her sister's voicemail message yet again.  Only this time, she opted to leave a message as she stopped alongside the sidewalk near a couple of trees.
Sherri:  Hi Sandy, it's me.  (A group of birds propelled from their branches into the mid-afternoon sky, leaving a lone black-capped chickadee behind to continue its bashful cry against the unrelenting solitude)  I was hoping I wouldn't be getting your voicemail, but... I suppose after all the awful things I said I shouldn't be surprised.  I would just like the chance to make up for it all.  Please call me back.  (she ended the call dejectedly as an incoming Jay Elkasinogen came to a stop upon spying her on the side of the sidewalk)
Jay:  Sherri?  (he asked, surprised to see her outside of their normal stomping grounds.  As he came to stop, the subtle taste of his body's salty deposits were no longer a foreign to him)
Sherri:  (looking up in his direction, she was pleasantly surprised to see her colleague standing in front of her, even if he was dripping in sweat) Jay. I didn't realize you were a jogger.  (She giggled, the world seeming less unyielding in that moment)
Jay:  (shrugging it off) Eh... it helps me clear my head.  A friend and colleague of my wife and I died last night.
Sherri:  Oh, I'm so sorry to hear.
Jay:  Thanks.  So how are you?
Sherri:  I'm fine. (she lied, as her problems paled in comparison)
Jay: (sensing she was covering) Okay, but if you ever feel the need to talk, I'm around.
Sherri:  I appreciate that.  But actually, I wouldn't mind taking you up on a run.
Jay:  Really?
Sherri:  Yeah, last one to and from lays the rotten egg. (Jay agreed and Sherri begin the countdown on three, but after calling out "two," Sherri sped off, leaving Jay at a disadvantage)

Meanwhile, Sandy Reynolds stood outside of Cypress Gardens Plaza, spying another missed call from her sister as Dr. Romain Chandler came upon her, making his presence known.
Romain:  It's got to be illegal to purposedly avoid phone calls.
Sandy:  (she turned to see him smiling at her, a sight that she returned following the initial wave of her astonishment) Romain, what are you doing here? I would have thought you'd be at the hospital.
Romain: (waltzing inside the plaza, she followed behind)  It got a little depressing, so I decided to take a break.  (he said as he made his way to the sales clerk)  "Decaf, please." (That told Sandy right away that it must be serious, but before she could inquire, Romain asked about the phone call she'd been avoiding) So who are you avoiding?
Sandy:  My sister.  I just can't handle it right now.  Plus, I think it would be good to have her squirm for a while knowing that she's the one in the wrong for a change.  (Romain looks at her slightly disappointed) What?
Romain:  Don't you think these tactics are just a little juvenile?
Sandy:  (a part of her realized Romain was right, but she just really had no interest in hearing what her sister had to say) She practically branded me the home wrecker of Hallandale in front of a restaurant full of people, I don't think it gets anymore juvenile than that.
Romain:  I'm in no way saying what your sister did was right, but hear her out.  She's your sister, after all.
Sandy:  and your ex... who you still care very much about.  (Sandy remarked as if it was news to her or Romain)

(<- H & B Fashions Agency ->)
It was their second to last practice shoot before the big show and Danielle was running late, a trait very uncharacteristic of her.  She couldn't figure out for the life of her how she slept through her alarm clock.  After all, a sudden movement at the door or in her room, and she was as wide awake as a lamb.  Yet, that wasn't the only thing she had a hard time explaining.  Last night, she woke up in a cold sweat with a craving for something.  She didn't know what it was, but the food in her fridge did not suffice.  Of course, that was all a distant thought the moment she came crashing through the doors of H&S to find Stephen, Michelle and Lucien's attention precipitated in her direction.  Her sister was the first to speak, moving forward as Danielle approached the gang.
Michelle:  Are you alright? (she asked, pulling Danielle into confidence)
Danielle:  I'm fine.  I ovesrlept, believe it or not.  (although she was having a hard time wrapping her own mind around it) First time for everything, I suppose.
Michelle:  Yeah, just isn't like you -- (her words are drowned by Stephen's incoming voice)
Stephen:  Well, I hate to rush things along, but the photographers are only here for a limited amount of time.
Danielle:  Of course, I'm just going to freshen up a bit and get some fluids into my system.  (she smiled before leaving them for her dressing room.  A concerned Lucien followed while Stephen reviewed the layout of the shoot once more with Michelle)
Lucien:  Hey Danielle.  (She turned when she heard him say her name, her eyes asking for him to continue) I just wanted to make sure you were alright. (he looked at her as if looking right through a mirror)
Danielle:  Everything is fine, but I better hurry up if I want to avoid getting Stephen and the photographers on my back.  See you on the catwalk.  (As she raced quickly down the hall toward her dressing room, Lucien once again wrestled with a nagging, biting suspicion regarding his modeling partner)

(<- Cypress Gardens Plaza ->)
Leigh Gray raced up the path of the plaza to find Shaquanna Nichols veered off at a table to Leigh's right, sipping on a cup of tea while reading a copy of today's paper.  Shaquanna didn't know Ben Hemmings, but she emphasized with his loved ones' loss, especially when readers were privy to the ongoing details every morning.  As she placed the paper down along with her cup of tea, she saw Leigh headed straight for her table.
Leigh:  Hi.  Sorry I kept you waiting.  It looks like it's going to be one of those days.
Shaquanna: (nodding with no particular concern) It's okay.  It gave me the opportunity to catch up on my reading.
Leigh:  Good.  At least you were able to get something accomplished.  (she smiled while finally taking a seat.  She then pulled a notepad from her purse, then proceeded to grab her tape recorder as well, but realized she probably should check to see if Shaquanna was okay with their interview being tapped first.  When Shaquanna gave her the all clear, Leigh placed the taperecorder on the table and hit the record button) Okay, I suppose we can start with what brought you to the Hallandale Weston that day?
Shaquanna:  A representative for L'OReal Cosmetics was interested in our signature model. We were to meet with him around 3:30pm?
Leigh:  We?
Shaquanna:  My business partner, Malina Ramirez.

(<- Lincoln Manners Resort ->)
Following the excitement over the upcoming Masquerade Gala, Malina fell asleep on the sturdy couch while looking up costume ideas for her and Anton.  While tossing back and forth in her sleep, Malina's mind rushed back to yesterday at the Hallandale Weston Hotel.  Instead, this time, she was not only a participant, but an ethereal witness to the events taking place in the lobby of the hotel.  Malina watched as her double covered her mouth in horror as the first set of gun shots went off in the direction of the elevators, where Garrettlyn Michaels and Romeo Sullivan had just stepped off.  It all happened so fast, there was no way to tell if they had been hit.  The situation continued to spiral out of control as Seth went gunning for Queen DaVille, who was scurrying for safety.  Foolishly, Adam Weston jumped in heroicly to prevent anymore unnecessary gun fire or violence.  Unfortunately, during the struggle, the gun went off and Malina watched as her double was hit, the brunt force of the pistol's bullet piercing into her upper arm and propelling her body backward, as she landed butt first onto the floor.  Malina watched as her double whenced in pain from the gunshot before passing out at the sight of the blood emerging from the wound.  Shaquanna, who noticed her friend go down, rushed to her aid as Adam overpowered Seth.  Malina moved forward as Shaquanna launched over her [Malina] double. Shaquanna attempted to wake Malina's double by lightly patting her in the face, but in this sequence, Malina's didn't open her eye and Anton would arrive much earlier to discover she'd been shot.  As Malina watched herself bleeding out, she urged Shaquanna to do what she had done that night.  However, Shaquanna couldn't hear Malina's shadowy self, only the surge of urgency in Anton's voice as he told her they had to stop the bleeding.  Malina watched as he tore the bottom half of his shirt, pressing it firmly against the wound, but it didn't let up.  He pressed, it bled.  What Anton didn't realize was that the bullet had punctured a major artery and while he kept telling her to hold on, Malina's shadowy self watched as the color started to fade from her double's face.  She screamed no several times as she watched Shaquanna just sit there and do nothing while Anton begin to tear up over Malina's weaken body, which was losing more blood every second.  The sheer shock of the dream's plot twist sent Malina back to reality, where she found herself home alone with a bandage on her arm from the bullet wound last night.  Except everyone, but Shaquanna, thought it was a minor graze.

As Malina sat up on the couch, she saw a note from Anton glancing back at her on the table.  Picking it up, she was quite surprise to see that it was note saying he had to take care of some emergency at the office.  Since she didn't recall him leaving prior to her nap, he must have left when he figured she would be out for a while.  "Probably just as well, she thought."  She needed to get out of the house, and it wasn't likely she would have gotten very far with Anton still here.  Maybe now she could get to the bottom of what happened last night.

(<- Cypress Gardens Plaza ->)
Leigh:  So for all intensive purposes, you were about to leave Queen DaVille at the hands of Mr. Stapleton when he cornered you? (her question came off a little more condemning than intended)
Shaquanna:  Well, forgive me, but I really didn't see it as my civic duty to risk my life for a situation I knew nothing about.  There were other people in that hotel when that first gunshot went off.  None of them stuck around.
Leigh:  Very true. (She didn't find it hard at all to relate to Shaquanna's position.  After all, it's a dog eat dog world out there.  You need to be able to look out for number one)  So what happened after Mr. Stapleton stopped you and Ms. Ramirez from leaving?
Shaquanna:  He got into an altercation with Queen DaVille and ended up forcibly placing his gun to her head.
Leigh: Ugh. (she shuttered to even think about it)  That had to be intense.  What were your thoughts at the moment?
Shaquanna:  To be honest, I was glad it wasn't me.  Of course, I also kept hoping the gun wouldn't accidentally go off.  I mean, that's not something you would want to see.
Leigh:  (she made a few notes in her notepad before proceeding)  During this time, you begin to gain insight into Mr. Stapleton's thoughts, correct?
Shaquanna:  Slowly.  He began to explain that his only goal in holding Queen DaVille was to get to the truth and prove that he wasn't a thief.  He believed Queen DaVille set him up, or so that's what my colleague and I gathered.
Leigh:  Do you believe that to be the case?  That this all came down to a wrongful termination?
Shaquanna:  (with each question compounding itself one after another, the people around her started to feel like a gallery of her peers rather than idle customers going about their daily business)  I think it's a fair possibility.  Although I can't imagine going to such lengths for a job.  But different people react differently. (she smirked at the oximoron)
Leigh:  (glancing at her notepad) and how was Queen DaVille throughout this whole ordeal?
Shaquanna:  ("Where the hell is Carmen Sandiago again," she thought) I don't know.  There were times where she was scared, but other times, she seem to deliberately rattle his cage almost.
Leigh:  I guess that leads us to the actual shooting.  What sparked the numerous firings?
Shaquanna:  I think it was just the heightening of the situation.  The cops asking him to surrender, elevators opening -- things were happening too fast that I really can't remember what led to it.  I don't think it was his purposedful.
Leigh:  (jotting down Shaquanna's response as she posed her next question) So do you think the state should proceed with pressing charges against Mr. Stapleton?
Shaquanna:  Umm... can I plead the fifth?  (Leigh laughed along with her.  Shaquanna had no idea how to begin approaching that question, nor was she sure she wanted her thoughts on that privy to readers)

(<- H & B Fashions Agency ->)
Vanessa Manthroll quickly placed Danielle's energy drink back in the mini fridge and grabbed a bottle of water just as Danielle came waltzing into the room, visibly surprise to find Vanessa standing in the back of it.
Danielle:  What are you doing here?
Vanessa:  (she turned swiftly to her nemesis, amazingly able to shield how frantic she was to be caught near the fridge.  Fortunately, she was thirsty and grabbed a water, so she could use that as plausible excuse) Just grabbing something to drink.  It's hot out today and I'm all out.  I didn't think you would mind.  (Danielle didn't know what to make of the excuse, but considering the slithery dalliance of her rival's tongue...)
Danielle:  Well, I have to get ready.  The whole crew is waiting for me, so if you would excuse me.
Vanessa:  Of course.  (she smiled before gracefully exiting, leaving Danielle even more bothered.  Her politeness, the smile, borrowing water... it was starting to wierd her out.  But she really couldn't concentrate on that any longer.  She had a photoshoot to do, and judging by the unattractive shade of black forming under her eyes, she had some major prepping to do)

(<- Cypress Gardens Plaza :: Near Checkout station ->)
Romain:  My feelings for your sister have nothing to do with this.  Life is unpredictable, or didn't Mitchell's return teach you anything. (He realized that was a low blow, but he figured it would get her attention)
Sandy:  Thank you for the reminder.
Romain:  I'm sorry, but life doesn't always wait for us.  So don't spend any more time than necessary angry with your sister.  At the end of the day, she's the only sister you got.
Sandy:  What about you?  You didn't deny it earlier when I said you were still in love with my sister.
Romain:  I can't turn my feelings off over night, but I have come to terms with the fact that we can't be together.

(<- Garden Ridges Park ->)
Sherri took a deep breath, dousing her body with water as she came to a stop in the center of the park, Jay closely behind.
Jay:  I think someone's been holding out? (referring to her sprint across the park without pause)
Sherri:  I was a track star throughout high school and college, but you kept it challenging.
Jay:  Good because now I'm beat.  (he said, unloading himself on the park bench nearby as he gave himself time to regain steady breaths)
Sherri: (she laughed, patting him on the chest as she took a seat next to him, hydrating her insides with water)  Oh, that was nothing.  (he looked up at her and noticed that she wasn't as down as she was when he first found her)
Jay:  I guess the run help get your mind off things.
Sherri:  For the most part, but I have a feeling they will sneak back up on me before the day is over.
Jay: (sitting upward on the bench as his breaths returned to a normal) Well, you can always try talking about it.  It might help you feel better about the situation at least.
Sherri:  Maybe, but after that run, I'm famished.
Jay:  How about we track down one of those hotdog stands from earlier and grab a few?
Sherri:  Sounds good!  (she could practically taste the relish and mustard as she moved from the bench and led the way down the path)

***After grabbing his decaf drink from the cashier, Romain and Sandy were able to grab one of the few tables left, which happened to be pretty close to the line of customers building up at the mini station in Cypress Gardens Plaza. As they took a seat, Sandy shared her own physical and mental block concerning her relationship with Mitchell.
Sandy:  I wish things were that easy for me and Mitchell.
Romain:  It isn't easy, but I mean, at least you're not in the position where you're hoping to get back together.  I mean, Mitchell's married and has a child.
Sandy:  Step-child. (she chose to correct, even thought it made little difference to Mitchell, who made it clear to Sandy that Roy was his son in every way that counted)
Romain:  There's still a sense of finality, where as with me and Sherri, we're both still free agents.
Sandy:  Marriage may be final, but it doesn't make the loss any more easier when I know how much in love Mitchell and I were.  Akeira Smith wasn't even a blip on our radar back then.
Romain:  Nonetheless, she is one with the ring on her finger.
Sandy:  (she responded combatively) She ain't the first.  My sister had that honor and it didn't last long.
Romain:  But Mitchell married her for money, out of obligation for you.  I don't think he has the same reasons for marrying Akeira.
Sandy:  If only you saw the way we were the night he came back to town, it was like we were never apart.
Romain:  Wow, you're still hoping that somehow you two get back together, aren't you?
Sandy:  It's like you said.  You can't turn off your feelings over night.
Romain: (he laughed) Using my own words against me.  What a pair we make.

Leigh:  Well, that appears to be a wrap. (she stopped her tape recorder)  Is there anything else you would like to add? (Shaquanna really couldn't think of anything more, so she nodded her head no. Leigh took that as a sign that it was time for her to move on)  Thank you very much for your time.
Shaquanna:  Not a problem.  Plus, it's always good to see my name in print, unless the article is appearing in the PRC.  (Leigh chuckled)  When will the story be out?
Leigh:  If things go well with my last source, it should be out by tomorrow morning.
Shaquanna:  Alright. Good luck with your source.
Leigh:  Thanks.  (Shaquanna took a good heaping of her tea that was near chilled from the interview to hydrate her mouth as Leigh made her way out of the plaza toward the parking garage. Just as Shaquanna was about to pick up a magazine, Malina appeared in front of her)
Shaquanna:  Malina?
Malina: (helping herself to the seat that Leigh had previously occupied) Hey.  I tried calling you before I got word from the studio that you were here for an interview.
Shaquanna: (she picked up her cell that was hiding under the magazine and saw that she had a miss call from Malina.  She turned up her ringer slightly before placing it down again)  Sorry, I had my phone on vibrate.  I guess I tuned it out with all the questions coming at me from that reporter earlier.  How's your arm?
Malina:  It's better. 
Shaquanna:  So what's going on?
Malina: (she leaned in closer to Shaquanna and whispered)  I think you know.  We need to talk about what happened after I was shot.

(<- H & B Fashions Agency ->)
Danielle Marquez was a woman of her own mind and body, or so she appeared in front of the bright lights and camera as she performed the choreography as dictated by Stephen and his crew.  Being up there, feeling beautiful, confident and adored, Danielle thought back to how innocent she felt before all this.  It was as if she hadn't achieved womanhood until making the choice to be her sister's star model.  She felt more in charge as the camera ate up her every step, curve and turn across the stage.  She was barely an icon, and teenage girls would run up to her for an autograph, holding the issue of "Illusion" Magazine, where she and Lucien appeared in for an interview about the upcoming spring/summer show.  Of course, there was also her starring partner, Lucien Cane-Mieraves, sexy, but no sickingly so, with a caring and nurturing heart.  If it hadn't been for his support, Danielle doesn't know if she would have made it this far.  As the lights dimmed, the focus of the cameras went to her partner, who was leaning against a mock column, his feet hitting the wall at an angle, giving emphasis to his cowboy boots.  Through the flash of the camera, the audience (which consisted of Michelle and Vanessa) begin to make out that Lucien was wearing a long-sleeve cotton plaid shirt with black dickies, along with a big hat that hanged slightly below his face, shielding his eyes from view.  Michelle and Vanesa could only see the leftmost frame of his body due to the position in which he was in, but from where they were standing, the outfit complemented his frame quite well.  As upbeat urban music begin to circulate through the room, Lucien titled his hat forward, catching sight of Danielle out the corner of his eye.  For Lucien, modeling was art and a great form of role play.  Sometimes, however, it's difficult to decipher when role playing stops being a role that you're mimicking for the camera, but rather a role you're trying to consume for yourself.  As Lucien dropped his feet from the wall, he tossed his hat acrossed stage, and watched as it landed right where he intend... at Danielle's feet.  He grinned slightly, his dark wavy hair hitting slightly against his face, as he cruised upward from Danielle's foot, checking out the smooth lining of the avenue from afar.  "Was he still in a role?"  As he peered out of the dark section of the stage, pacing forth with a masculine stride, the string of rope at his side came into view.  Danielle picked up his hat, and watched as he moved forward, studying him inquisitively with her eyes.  His shape, his stance, the intensity of his eyes as they laid on her.  The old Danielle might have felt uncomfortable, but she wasn't the old Danielle.  "Was she also in role?" Stephen and his crew had to move around quite a bit to capture the dynamics of this sequence.  As Lucien came to a stop within a few feet of her, he held out his hand to signal that he wanted Danielle to return his hat.  She started to extend her hand outward, but then shifted her head backward, allowing her hair to fall to her back before slipping the big hat on.  Lucien snapped his rope a few times, surprise that she was brazen enough to try on a farm man's hat.  Danielle gave him a daring "Come Get it" glance.  As a result, he snapped his rope more intensely this time as a sly grin crossed his face.  "He was going to get it, alright."  He unbinded his rope and wrapped the end into a bit knot as Danielle looked on daringly, curious as to what this man was up to.  Stephen was loving it, while Michelle grinned at the action taking place.  She felt like she was watching a play, except there were no words.  Vanessa, on the other hand, just watched with no visible amusement.  It was rather creepy actually.  Fortunately, Danielle was heavily invested in her role on stage that she barely noticed.  As Lucien grabbed hold of the knotted end of his rope, he twirled his rope in the air like a cowboy and took aim across the stage, but he caught more than his hat when he reeled in his rope.  Danielle was wrapped tightly in his trenches.  Lucien grabbed his hat from her head while Danielle fought to untangle herself, a grin coming across Lucien's face.  As Danielle continued to play tug of war with the ropes around her body, Lucien's eyes just settled on her.  She didn't noticed until he finally placed his hands on the rope, putting a stop to her attempt to wiggle out.  He then pulled at the ropes with his bare hands, freeing her from her prison, all the while keeping her lock into his soul.  Once free, Danielle didn't move.  Lucien didn't move.  Even Michelle and the photographers were motionless.  "Was this still a role?"  One thing was for sure, the look on Vanessa Manthroll's face could kill.

< HALF SEGMENT CREDITS >

Shaquanna:  Before I say anything, I need you to promise me that you won't say anything... to anyone, including Anton.
Malina:  I haven't said anything thus far. (she responded, although she didn't know if she felt comfortable agreeing to keep a secret from Anton, but she needed to understand what happened)
Shaquanna:  I have special healing powers in the tips of my fingers, which enable me to heal wounds, like I did with yours last night.
Malina:  (ordinarily, she might have thought her friend was a bit wacky, but Malina was there last night when Shaquanna put her magic fingers to work)  How is that possible?  I mean, what are you?  (Malina asked, her face slightly contorted as if she expecting Shaquanna to reveal that she was some alien from another planet)
Shaquanna:  I'm me, just with the power to heal and change forms.  It's something I inherited from descendents of my dad's, who were believe to have been romantically linked with intelligent life forces some odd years ago. (Malina found the story hard to believe, but she did see Shaquanna patch up a hole in her arm within seconds using just her hands)
Malina:  So you can change forms as well?
Shaquanna:  Around this time, I begin to lose control over the mechanisms due to the necessity of my body to hibernate.  That's why I typically take long breaks in the Spring, to offset any adverse effects during the Winter.  (she paused for a second, then continued when she saw that Malina was still listening)  However, with rebuilding Nichols' back to what it was, I sort of skimped on my vacation time and now my parents believe it is too risky for me to stick in town, especially after what happened last year with Michelle Dientes.
Malina:  Michelle knows?
Shaquanna:  She was present for one of my spontaneous shifts.  Thankfully, she was too frighten to say a word and probably believes it to have been a wild hallucination by now.  Still, my parents haven't let up about it.
Malina:  You risked a lot exposing yourself to me.
Shaquanna:  I couldn't let the only person in this town willing to give me a chance bleed to death in front of me.  (Malina, however, didn't feel all that spectacular about it.  After all, the only reason she chose to ignore Shaquanna's colorful past was because she really needed a job at the time) Plus, I trust you.
Malina:  Well, I shutter to think what might have happen if you weren't there.

Waitress:  (handing the medium size cup to Sandy) Here's your strawberry smoothie.
Sandy:  Thank you. (she took it with a smile, placing it on the table and giving the straw a quick swig around the cup before taking a sip) Hmm.  (she salivated upon removing her lips from the straw) So how about we resolve not to think about our exes for the rest of the day?
Romain:  That sounds like a worthwhile plan.  I'll drink to it.  But I have a question.
Sandy:  What is that?
Romain:  What on earth do we talk about? (They both laughed, knowing nothing would beat obsessing over your ex)

(<- Garden Ridges Park ->)
Sherri and Jay took a bite out of their third hotdog while enjoying the nice breeze that circulated through the park amongst the autumn trees.  The rays of the sun weren't as intense as they had been earlier when Jay and Sherri were jogging, allowing for them to enjoy a comfortable walk around the trail.  Sherri took the opportunity to open up to Jay about the mess that was her life.
Sherri:  So once upon a time, I had this wonderful guy who was open and serious with me about his childhood, life... then when things start to get serious between us, this mysterious secret takes life that he can't share with me.
Jay:  He no longer seemed open or honest.
Sherri:  Exactly.  He tried to tell me that it had nothing to do with us and that some things weren't meant to be talked about.  I tried to forget, but then the calls would come and I would be reminded all over again.  It just became too much.
Jay:  So you broke up with him?
Sherri:  It didn't seem like I had any other option with all the doubts running through my head.  Of course, my sister thought I was making a mistake and tried to throw us together every chance she got, but I always resisted.
Jay:  You sound as if you regret that.
Sherri:  I regret where things ended up, but I don't think our relationship would have lasted if he was contingent on keeping this secret.  So I continued to push him away, right into my sister's arms, it would appear.  I mean, who could blame him?  My sister was certainly more self-assure of herself than I was. (her fist binded just thinking about her sister and ex) But when I saw them kissing that night, something in me just snapped.  It was like instant betrayal all over again.
Jay:  It's natural what you were feeling.  I mean, you might be able to forgive a betrayal, but sometimes, it takes a while before you're able to forget it.
Sherri:  But how do you know when you've really forgiven someone for betraying you?
Jay:  I don't know.  I think at some point, you just feel it.  You don't think you've forgiven your sister for what she did?
Sherri:  I thought I had, but now I'm not so sure.  If you saw how I was or heard the things I said about my own sister the night I found her and Romain kissing -- the whole situation became about her trying to steal Romain away from me as she did Mitchell, even though Romain and I were no longer together.  It doesn't feel like forgiveness to me.

***Stephen:  (Michelle stood at Stephen's side smiling while he gave his accolades to Lucien) You and Danielle did a really great job out there today.
Michelle:  Too good, perhaps.  The photographers forgot they were here to take pictures, not watch.  Although it wasn't hard to see why.
Lucien:  (for Lucien, it's always rewarding when photographers congratulate you on a successful shoot.  It was sort of a validation for how far you've come along after months or years of sweat.  He couldn't help but smile proudly) Thanks.  I just hope it doesn't get too bland by the time the fashion show comes rolling around.
Stephen:  After seeing you and Danielle today, I'm fairly certain you both will be able to carry your act to new heights.
Michelle:  Speaking of my sister... (she scanned the room, but saw neither hyde or hair of her) where did she disappear to?
Lucien:  She probably escaped to her dressing room when we weren't looking.  It's her routine as of late.
Michelle:  Hmm... (as she continued looking up ahead, she noticed someone else was missing) Vanessa has disappeared as well.

As Danielle wiped some of the excess concealer from her face, she thought back to the photoshoot from earlier.  She couldn't believe how well it played out: every minute was just perfect, even if some of the choreography was rehearsed.  The actual intensity, the emotion, the level of commitment -- that all came from watching one another.  When Lucien tossed that hat from his head and marched toward her with his macho gait, she knew she had to pick up that hat and wear it like a cunning mistress.  The original plan was for her to hand it over, there hands to touch and for her to try to leave, but be pulled back in by Lucien's string of ropes.  However, when she finally got up there, she realized she wanted something more dynamic and was happy that Lucien saw where she was going.  Of course, after months of working on the same long running campaign, their relationship was becoming instinctual.  As she looked in the mirror again, she noticed the unfortunate dark spots from her eyes had faded, thus taking the brush on the right side of her dresser to straighten her hair before going out to join the rest of the gang.  As she headed for the door, she got an unexplainable urge to turn back, scanning her surroundings for a few seconds.  She wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for, thus resolving she was being silly, and proceeded to exit the dressing room.  After a minute passed, Vanessa Manthroll slinked back into Danielle's dressing room from the adjoining door and quickly tiptoed over to the fridge to return Danielle's energy drink with her own special concoction.
Vanessa:  We'll see how good you are after this.  (She proceeded to place the bottle in the fridge, but pulled away last moment) Hmm... I should probably add a few more for safe measure.  (She took out her vial of pills and quickly slipped two more capsules into the drink as an absent-minded Danielle returned to the room to retrieve her keys, only to find Vanessa with her sports bottle in her hand)
Danielle:  What do you think you're doing?

(<- Hallandale PD Headquarters ->)
Leigh Gray was quite interested in getting the story behind the hostage situation from the shooter himself.  She felt it was important that his side of the story be heard, and she hoped it would make for a far more interesting read than a blow by blow from a witness.  Thankfully, she had an inside connection with the HPD - Detective Lombard, who allowed her to be escorted down to the holding cell area to speak with Seth Stapleton.  As she got near the holding cells, which consisted of one row of eight cells on each side, she was hit with the smell of alcohol, urine and an ineffective air fresher fragrance that forced her to question whether or not she was still in the same building.  The walls of the holding cells were just as filthy; plastered with graffiti and obscenities, and those not objectified by curse words or graffiti were practically tearing at the seams.  It didn't appear the HPD was looking to provide these suspected criminals with the most suitable of accomodations.  Leigh only hoped she didn't catch something while down there or near the bars.  As she made her way to the end of the hall, she was greeted with the sight of Seth Stapleton laying face up on the cot.  With the putrid smell still distinctly in the air and perhaps probably more tolerable where she was now because more air was circulating, she had to wonder about the condition of the sheets he was lying on, especially after seeing some of the cots.  Of course, that seemed like a story in and of itself, so she chose to block it out of her mind as Officer Julio Ruiz rattled a cup against Seth's bars, informing him that he had a visitor.  Seth cut his focus from the ceiling to find what he deemed an attractive woman standing in front of him.  As he sat up and came onto his feet, he studied her outward appearance and found it hard to believe she was his lawyer, so who was she?
Seth:  Who are you?
Leigh:  Leigh Gray, Staff Writer for Showtime Limits.
Seth:  and you're here to see me?
Leigh:  There are a lot of questions about what went down last night, and the reasons for your holding Queen Helen DaVille hostage.  Who better to enlighten us than the man behind it all?
Seth:  You want enlightenment?  I'll give you a story.

(<- Cypress Gardens Plaza ->)
Shaquanna:  So, now that you know why I'm leaving town, are you willing to rethink taking over Nichols?
Malina:  You don't give up.
Shaquanna:  No, I don't.  This could be your chance to alter the past.
Malina:  What do you mean?
Shaquanna:  When I was healing you, I got an insight into some of your thoughts.  I know why you've been reluctant to take me up on my offer, but this isn't New York and your ex- husband is long gone.
Malina:  (Malina knew Shaquanna was right, Nichols wasn't the company that she was kicked out of in New York, but wait... Shaquanna had insight into her thoughts?)  Wait, you were able to read my personal thoughts?
Shaquanna:  (not entirely surprised that Malina was taken aback, she tried to lessen the blow) Eh... not much.
Malina:  How much?
Shaquanna:  Well, I know why you were really in my office yesterday, and then there's that bit about you and Anton at the Hallandale Weston that I really don't want to get into detail with, although I will say "wow." 
Malina:  Ugh!  (she lowered her head down, suddenly feeling naked to the world) I officially need a drink.  (Shaquanna giggled as a strange man walked up to her and handed her a piece of paper)
Man:  This is for you, miss.
Shaquanna:  Oh, thank you.  (She took the note as the man quickly rejoined his friends across the way.  As she opened the note, she was stunned to see the words "I know what you did last night!" staring back at her)

MYSTERIES OF OUR LIVES:
- Sandy has a run-in with her ex's new wife
- Leigh is moved by Seth's story
- Danielle discovers the pills Vanessa has been using to drug her!

Click here for Episode 304