'As soon as the woman's name replaced that of a heartbreaker, the task of breaking the new destiny out of maximum security becomes difficult...'
Karolina Scott, Stephen Scott, Aaron Deschanel
and Lace July
And introducing-Claire Mora'luq
With special appearences by Natalya Glory and Duke Mason
Alia and the Boy: Fixed Teeth on a Jaw
Written and Directed by
Dan Sherrill and Wooden Box Theater
She runs. Fast. Toward an escape boat. Someone is following her. Until she is totally in his sight.
She owes him money. Lots of money. Unpaid for attorney fees. For a deceptive appearance.
Deceptive to those around her. And to the one who gave everything to be with her.
He manages to hitch a ride with the manager of the harbor near the outskirts of East Kaesa. The body of water leads to Juw'que. A place where no one, but members of her race are allowed to cross.
She is almost out of view.
Starter Fluid-Olivia Scott!
Olivia Scott-How do you know my real name?
Starter-The Father told me. Listen. Pay me what you owe me for representing you in hurting Dan Sherrill, and you can go.
Olivia-I can pay you, but he is still hurt!
Starter-How?
Olivia-He made his choices!
By now, onlookers are taking notice of the shouting match that has erupted across the harbor.
Starter-They all know who you are. Dan's been wired the whole time! The Father planned the whole thing. The whole 'Cross Shatter Eye' thing. To rid the universe of you and the admiral.
Olivia-That's not true!
Starter-It is!
Olivia-Why do you care?
Starter-You don't owe me my heart back, like you do to Dan. You owe me $50,000 for my time and your deception.
Olivia-You want $50,000?
Starter-Yes.
She reveals a suitcase with a label. And one word. 'Distance'
Starter-What's that mean?
Olivia-Don't call me Mythaq anymore! Use my real name. Olivia Gayle Scott. My brother Stephen is one step ahead of The Father.
Starter-How do you figure?
Olivia-Because I know he sent you here to get the money.
Starter-No, He didn't. This is between you and me.
Olivia-Get me away from Kaesa and Iley.
Starter-I can't. You're being investigated and theres a warrant out for your arrest. There's a reward for your capture.
Olivia-The Father knows I'm not human.
Starter-Yes, but we both know your name isn't Olivia, either. All the name changes in the world aren't going to cover up what you have to hide. The Father is omnipresent. He will find you.
She sits down on the tiny boat.
The driver of the one Starter has been shouting from brings him closer to her.
Jase Quin-Are you going to be alright, buddy?
Starter-Yeah. Thanks for the lift.
As told, Jase speeds back to shore, leaving Starter and Olivia to discuss their next move.
Starter-I heard he called you. A couple of weeks ago.
Olivia-Yeah. We talked. Well, he talked. Then I talked. I felt bad about what I said, but we did talk.
Starter-Why'd you answer the phone, then?
Olivia-He needed closure.
Starter-Well, we all knew that.
Olivia-Where do you wanna go?
Starter-Somewhere that we can talk. In private.
Olivia-Why?
He removes a mask. A carefully constructed mask, to reveal himself to her. As Dan Sherrill.
Olivia-Hello.
Dan Sherrill-Do you like the mask Starter made for me?
Olivia-Shut up!
Dan-No.
Olivia-Fine. Talk. Then go.
Dan-Okay. First, I'm here to arrest you. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford one, The Father will hire one for you. You're being charged with...
He can't finish his sentence, as he realizes that he's with her as Dan Sherrill, and without his badge, making him Commander Aaron Deschanel.
Olivia-You can't finish my Miranda Rights?
Dan-You're being charged with...
Olivia-Come on. Get it over with. Handcuff me and drag me to jail!
Dan-You're being charged with breaking my fucking heart! There, are you happy! I said it! I'm hurt.
Olivia-Fine, I'll play along. But just this last time. I really do owe Starter the money I have here.
Dan-Back to you and me, though, why did you hang up on me?
Olivia-You let me talk. So I did. Now it's over. Why are you back on my trail, trying to have me arrested?
Dan-Because you hurt me, lady. You should pay for that.
Olivia-How do you think I should do that?
Dan-Stand trial for it.
Olivia-You need help!
Dan-For getting my heart broken?
Olivia-I'm sorry.
He pushes her hand away from the steering wheel of the tiny boat, and restarts the engine. Then floors the gas.
Olivia-You're starting to scare me.
Dan-You haven't seen anything yet, lady.
Olivia-I'm going to jump, if you don't slow this thing down!
Dan-Where did you get this thing anyway?
Olivia-I stole it.
Dan-Really? Who from?
Olvia-That's not important. You still haven't put the cuffs on me.
She holds her hands out, but notices that both of Dan's hands are on the steering wheel.
Suddenly he feels a rifle jab him in the back. Hard.
Olivia-Slow this thing down. NOW!
The rifle is dug deeper into his back.
Dan-You are being charged with deception, full scale lies, breaking my heart, ruining my Christmas, lying to me, pretending to love me, hanging up on me, being the most beautiful woman in the world...
She tries hard to hide her tears, but the next sound she hears is the sound of him crying.
Dan-I love you so much. I haven't talked to you since the night I called. I thought it would be closure, but it wasn't. I know if it had been in person it would've been so much different. I feel cheated. I feel betrayed. I feel hurt worse than ever. My friends keep telling me to get rid of you in my heart, but I can't. I love you too much.
She closes her eyes and pulls the trigger of the rifle. Shooting directly into his heart.
She takes over the controls of the boat, and drives slowly to shore, while he lays motionless in the seat next to her, bleeding from the bullet.
Once she stops the boat, she yells at the top of her lungs.
Olivia-I have a shooting victim in my possesion! He needs immediate medical attention!
A swarm of medics and lifeguards hurry to rescue Dan's body from the boat.
Zan Quin-Who are you, lady, and how did you find him?
Olivia-I'm Olivia Scott. I have a house on East Kaesa. I found him swimming, or trying to.
Zan-He's losing so much blood.
The lifeguard's hands are dark red from handling Dan's body.
Zan-Duke? Get over here. I need a DNA sample from this rifle.
Duke Mason-That's Dan Sherrill. When he's wearing his badge, he's a North Iley commander. Who would shoot him in the heart like this? With perfect aim.
Zan looks at Olivia with a hundred questions going through his mind.
She walks away.
Olivia-He's all yours guys.
Zan-I don't know weather to arrest her or thank her.
Duke-She just drove off in a shiny red car. A convertable.
Zan-We'll see about the DNA results of this rifle.
Duke takes a closer look at the contents of the tiny boat.
The paramedics arrive shortly after being called. A woman walks with them to closely examine the gunshot victim.
Paula of Iley-Who did this?
Zan-We don't know. This woman drove him back here in her boat and now he's being loaded into the ambulance, and I'm going to get to the bottom of this.
Paula-Hi Duke.
Duke-Haven't seen you in a while.
Paula-This is my job now. Assistant paramedic. Sure beats police work.
Duke-I work at the coffeehouse down the block. A lot has changed since the days at the bookstore. I like it here. I love the outdoors and the water. The sand. The cute girls.
Paula-You'll never change.
Duke-They're taking him to East Kaesa Memorial. That's the normal destination for anyone who almost drowns.
Zan-Hey, get a look at this. There's a Bible in the boat. Why would there be? Was that lady a Christian? There's also a Book of Mormon, and wait, a business card stuck in the soft covered blue book.
Stephen Scott, Attorney At Law
He uses his cell phone to dial the number. It's disconnected.
Zan-Strange. Most lawyers don't disconnect their phones for no reason. Hey, Duke? Do you have one of these books of Mormon? The missionaries came down to the lifeguard station a few nights ago. Something about this guy Smith finding some plates with ancient records of the Americas written on them.
A brand new looking car drives up to the beach and it's two drivers insist they speak to Zan and Duke.
Once the attendants agree to let them into the beach area to meet with Duke and Zan, they appear to almost be marching up to shake hands.
Lehi-Hello Duke.
Duke-How do you know my name?
Lehi-From 'Alia and the Boy.' You're in the earlier novels. Anyway, did you get a proper ID on the woman who just dropped off Dan Sherrill?
Duke-I've never seen her before.
Nephi-Dad, look, she had a Book of Mormon with her.
Lehi-Nice. Who's investigating the shooting that took place a few minutes ago? We saw it and want to help.
Duke-How'd you see it?
Lehi-We're friends of The Father.
After a three week stay at East Kaesa Memorial under strict observation, Dan Sherrill finally regains full strength in his body and is ready to count the questions floating through his thoughts at this given hour.
He is alone in the hospital bed this night, with only the TV, which he's gotten kind of used to watching late with the nurses, who by now are all used to hearing about him being a local author and karaoke singer.
A man knocks on the hospital room door and is let in. Dan is suddenly not alone.
Canyon-Listen, Dan, someone told me you mentioned my name in a negative way recently.
Dan-What the Hell do you want? I'm in the hospital.
Canyon-I have a message from someone.
Dan-Oh yeah, I've had a conversaiton with someone about something I gave to Rachel Deschanel. Why are you here?
Nurse Braha-Mr. Sherrill, would you like this man removed from the room?
Dan-In a minute. Let me just tell him something. Wait, nurse?
Nurse Braha-Yes, hun?
Dan-Hand me my badge from on the table over there.
She walks to the table which displays flowers from Empress Alia and the other Ileys, and grabs his North Iley badge, which reads his name, Aaron Deschanel, Commander of the North Iley Star Fleet.
Once it's applied to his hospital t-shirt, he readies himself for one Hell of a speech.
Canyon-Okay, I get it, buddy, you're going to tell me off.
Commander Aaron Deschanel-No. I'm going to make you listen to a voicemail I received on my cell phone from the new husband of my exwife. It's amazing how you and your gang butchered my friendship and my marriage to her. I just saw Rachel in Heaven and she claimed to be leaving with Natalya Mission to some alien base on Universe 3. Really? That was a joke, obviously. She was really going away with the likes of you and your repulsive gang to who knows where and now she won't talk to me. That's the truth of it all, isn't it Canyon?
A look comes over Aaron's face that the nurse thought she'd never see.
Aaron-Isn't it!!
Canyon-I told you this before, that maybe you had her misjudged, maybe she really didn't like you as much as you claimed she did. Look, she probably just played along at the two performances you guys did together and, hey, she worked at a jewlery store. They're paid to be nice to anyone who walks through the door. Remember when I told you all of this before. You should've written her off a long time ago. Why hold out for her? She's not even the same woman anymore. I used to see the love in your eyes for her. It wasn't hard to mask. We all saw it, week after week. It's been five years, my friend.
Aaron is visibly crying.
Nurse Braha-Commander, I have your release papers for you to sign. The Father is here, too. I'm releasing you to Him.
The Father walks through the door and sees Canyon, and Dan crying, as Aaron.
The Father-What is the meaning of this? Aaron, take your badge off.
As asked, he removes it, making him Dan Sherrill, once again.
The Father-Canyon, why are you here? If I remember right you tried to steal him away from Rachel, am I correct?
Canyon-I heard he was in the hospital and decided to come over and set things straight. She doesn't wish to hear from him or see him again. As Dan or Aaron. He'd tried making contact with her and someone close to her while here in the hospital and I was sent to make him cease contact with her.
The Father-We just saw Rachel recently.
There is a brief pause.
The Father-No! I'm not buying this! We just saw Rachel in Heaven. She was with Aaron. They were fine! Why now is she forbidding us from seeing her?
Canyon pulls out a folder and hands it to The Father.
Canyon-She wanted you to have this. Both of you.
The Father opens it to reveal every last 'Alia and the Boy' flyer Dan had ever given her and letters, notes, and cards. Everything. There's a note, though.
The Father reads it outloud.
Dear Daniel and The Father,
I regret to inform you that I am unable to locate my key to the North Iley castle. I was always unsure as to why I receieved it in the first place. I was just a friend. I could've never been any more than a friend to you, Daniel. I also wish that you would not try to contact me anymore. By phone, in person or in letter. Myself and my new destiny wish to be left alone by The Father, also. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm a gypsy, but this is how things have to be. I never really was able to return your love for me, which I know was great. My new friends are taking care of me quite well, thank you, and I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I am fine. Please do not show up at my doorstep again, Daniel. I'm sorry if I was rude to you last time you did, but we are not and will never be on speaking terms again. I cannot have you back in my heart and in my life. We could've been great friends at some point, but at this time it's unlikely, as we differ on religious beliefs greatly, as you have exemplified to me on a number of occasions. If you cannot accept who I hang out with and who I go to church with, then this friendship and love will cease to exist. I see you still hang out with The Father and the group in Heaven, which is nice, but there is nothing for us to say to each other now. Goodbye and God bless.
Formerly known as 'Rachel'
In about four seconds Canyon is pinned to the ground by Dan.
Dan-You bastard! What have you done!!
The Father looks on amazed at Dan's recovery from Olivia's gunshot, but doesn't do anything to separate him from Canyon.
Dan-You must take me to her!!
Canyon-No! I can't!
Dan-Why? Don't tempt me to cause you to breathe less and less!
Canyon-They reprogrammed her. She won't recognize you!
Dan-I knew it! I knew it was a cult! I knew she got mixed up in a fucking cult!
The Father-Fine, then I'll go!
Canyon-No, you can't go either!
Dan lands another punch to Canyon's left eye, which causes it to bleed.
He finally lets go of Canyon's throat, leaving a complete handprint on it.
Once he is free, Canyon races out the door yelling at top volume that Rachel will never see the Ileys again.
He heads down to the main floor in the elevator and into a waiting car.
The Father closes his eyes, briefly, and is able to contact a friend of his. Lace July.
Lace July-Yes?
The Father-Track Canyon. I don't care where. He doesn't know your face. Track him. Then take me with you, to wherever it is that you find him at. This is going to be a long night. Tell my Kid where I'm going, too.
Before leaving the hospital he finds the nurse and rattles off an address and hands her a letter to deliver on her way home.
Nurse Braha-Sure, i'll drop this off. She lives right by my house.
Dan-Thanks.
As he walks away he stops and returns to her side to be able to read it outloud for her to hear.
Dan-I want you to know just what you're being put in charge of delivering.
He unfolds the letter and begins to read.
Thursday May 4th, 2006
Dear 'Rachel,'
I don't even know what to write. I guess this is it. I did get the voicemail you were hoping I'd get. It pains me to think about you now. After everything we went through together, you didn't have it in you to leave it yourself. I knew I'd need my key back because I'm moving in a few months and why would you want it? To have one last thing to hold us together? I don't get that part. It was supposed to be easy. I was supposed to call you and ask for it back with the alterior motive of seeing you one last time. I always did think we were friends. I guess we weren't. Was it all just customer service? Then why drag me along on your adventures with Canyon? To show me that there never was any hope for us? I invested so much in you. In what I thought was my friend. I listened to the voicemail twice. I actually saved it on my phone, then deleted it a few days ago. Yeah, it hurt quite a bit.
The main reason it hurt was because I felt like I could tell you anything. I never knew it was secretly being turned against me. I remember the day I came by to tell you my great grandmother had just had a heart attack and was dying and you wouldn't even talk to me for 5 minutes. That should've been a sign right then and there. I came by because I was hurting and I trusted you. I don't know why? You'd hurt me several times before. Remember that? I know why I gave you that key to the North Iley castle. To use in case you needed to get out of the house. Yeah, that's it. Now that I'm leaving and moving I've been feeling a little nostalgic about the whole thing and I remember very well that you accepted it and kept it. Didn't have it in you to reject me, did you?
So if this is goodbye then I have a few things to say to you. I don't really care than 200 people are going to read this, because they're used to me being straight up honest. This is bullshit. You owe me, lady. After all the love and everything I felt for you. For this to be 'it' is not acceptable. Maybe for a coward who can go around hurting people. I think I know about being the victim of that. I just was with the lady from the Lutheran church. I forgot, you don't know her. Well let's just say at least she gave me one last conversaiton before shooting me point blank in the heart a few weeks ago.
I respect her wishes for that. This is just plain rude. No matter who I tell this to, they're going to agree with me. I'm looking at apartments. I think I found one. It's $375 a month in a new castle. Still on Iley territory, but different scenery. I know I'll love it. Before I move I want to stand there at my doorway and gather my unrelenting feelings for the way I moved in. I moved in with just a clock radio CD player, like I have now. I used to play 'our songs' while I wrote the scripts that would become the next few 'Alia and the Boy' performances we would do together. Only guess what? You never bothered to show up. So I was stuck telling everyone that the beautiful woman who acted with me at two of the most successful performances, was no where to be found.
Think that didn't upset me? You seemed to have a different excuse each time. Then I got worried. I wanted to help you. I wanted to save you from whatever the Hell was bugging you. I grew attached to you. Not as a rescue mission, but as a love. I remember I used to call Patrick and tell him that I'd fallen for you. The truth is, I fell for you the very first time I handed you one of my flyers. I guess I was really shy and bashful around you. That was my nature. I knew I wanted to give the flyers to all the beautiful women I could find on Iley. I thought that I'd start at a jewelery store. I started with you.
You used to be so nice to me. We'd talk until you had to get back to work. I made you smile. Whenever we'd do a Wooden Box Theater performance I always wanted you to come, and everytime something came up, until the one that broke ground for us. The one we acted in together. I know I was right to fall in love with you. I'd had a crush on you for months. You weren't really in any shape to return it, I know, but it seemed so perfect. Everyone could tell that night. Surreal, but perfect. Then I'd have to see you leave and go back to whatever it was that was hurting you on the inside, and I'd be back to hurry and write another performance for me to come by and invite you to. Things seemed great.
I guess things really weren't all that great. We did do the next performance together, and it was nothing short of amazing. But, I guess it made me love you even more after that. Maybe it was my fault, but holding your hand and kissing you felt pretty good. Forgive someone for falling deeply for you. It happened because it seemed like it was returned.
Then something seemed to come up whenever there'd be a new 'Alia and the Boy' performance. Then that fateful day when I handed you one to read. One that you'd missed. One I'd written for you. It was returned and I cried. I couldn't look at you or think about you for months. Almost a year. You mercilessly hurt my heart, lady.
If this is really goodbye I wanted you to know a few more things, my former friend. And love. I've already went through months of someone who did nothing but smash apart what was left of my heart, without anything resembling remorse. I got betrayed by someone who used to read my stories, I got a couple thousand dollars in car repairs to remember. I'm at a job I can't fucking stand half the time, and I feel my life passing me by and it's just getting out of control. I didn't need you leaving me for good, too. But I guess it's the icing on the cake.
Not that you care or anything, but my heart is about to turn to ash from things like this happening and a woman I will never try to think about being in my heart again. But you did one good thing for me and that's taking my mind and heart away from Lady Violet. I guess I owe you for that. I owe you this last letter before you up and leave.
In many ways I'm glad I got that voicemail while I was in the hospital and couldn't leave my bed to come and confront you about it. I think part of the confrontation would've been me asking you for more tissues so that I could keep my eyes dry from crying all over your living room floor.
I guess the point here is that I'm going to miss you. I took a few minutes after I wrote that last paragraph to calm down. You were very special to me, and I wanted you to always remember that you've had a special place in my heart since day one. I'm sorry I wasn't good enough to rescue or save you from the things that haunted you. I fully apologize for not being able to take you in when you needed somewhere to go. I managed to make you a key. I never knew or still never know if you've ever used it. They did put a lock on the front door of the castle, but still I never knew if you'd used the key before then. I fully expected you to. Everytime I'd leave. I left notes for you a few times. I know it's not much, just a studio apartment in a castle, but it was enough for me. At the time I moved in I didn't have any money for anything any bigger, so I settled on it. And since 1999, it's been home. Even when I was married for a brief time in 2002 until 2003, and even through the Crayonnah Corda'lie mess to recently with the lady from the crazy church to now. And I think the one thing I'll miss the most in leaving is the feelings I had for you. I guess this really is goodbye. Wow a couple of novels ago I was saying goodbye to someone else, you should read those, too. From 'Cross shatter Eye' to the beginning of this one.
She was brutal on my heart. It was like one of those barbed wire wrestling matches you see on TV. That's how it felt. Every day with that woman in my heart, and in all honesty, I don't really think about her all that much, anymore. Days and days have started to go by when her beautiful face doesn't show up in my thoughts. You will be thought of and missed. I knew you for 7 years, honey. See, there's me calling you honey.
I met someone while I was out singing karaoke recently. Someone who used to work for the candy shop where I used to go to get candy for you. Remember that? We used to have so much fun together on our visits. It was the highlight of my week. I just told her that I had a huge crush on you. Yeah, that's what it was, wasn't it? Maybe it should've stayed that way.
Much love and prayers for whever your life takes you.
Daniel
The nurse is visibly crying as she sees Dan fold the letter and hand it back to her.
Dan-Think you can handle delivering this her?
Nurse Braha-Damn right I will. You take care of yourself. Don't let yourself get shot again by an evil witch. There's plenty of nice girls out there. Don't let one or two age you. You want some advice before you go?
Dan-Yeah, sure. I've got a terribly messy apartment to go back to. I've been here for three weeks, so everything's probably dusty.
Nurse Braha-Get a different job. This fall. Move and get a new job. Do both. Give yourself a change of scenery, change of outfits, change your living situation, drink a few beers and have a blast this summer. Listen, you're a gunshot victim now. Don't try to find the person or woman who did this to you. Shut that door and find someone new. Don't tell the next gal that you were married once.
Dan-It was six months and really not even long enough to be considered much of anything. For $80 it was over and my life started fresh. Yeah, then I met Crayonnah. Anyway, you're right. The same apartment can do the same thing over again.
Nurse Braha-Can I give you some more advice?
Dan-Sure, hun.
She takes the handwritten letter to Rachel and tears it in two, and then again. It rests safely in the Nurse's Station paper shredder.
Dan-Why did you do that?
Nurse Braha-It's out of your system now, isn't it?
Dan-I guess you're right.
Nurse Braha-What did you expect her to do when she would've read it? Call you? She can't, she's with someone now. It's best to let it go.
A woman walks down the hall and by the Nurses, with flowers.
Violet of Iley-Is Dan Sherrill still here?
Nurse Jett-Yeah, actually he's just checking out.
Their eyes meet and then lock on each other. Why would she be there with flowers?
Violet-Relax, hun, I'm unarmed. I heard what happened. Alia has kept me posted the whole time. I heard you were being released so I'm here to give you a ride home.
Dan-Well, this is a little sudden. We aren't supposed to be talking, remember?
Violet-That was six years ago, babe. Nurse, I'll take him home, it's alright.
Nurse Braha-Remember what I said, Dan.
Dan-I will. New job, new apartment, new girlfriend. Got it. Thanks for listening.
Nurse Braha-I'm here if you need to talk again.
They make their way into the elevator as he continues to look at her beautiful face and wonder what is with her anyway, picking him up from the hospital.
Violet-I know what you're thinking. I do. Trust me. This is just a request from The Father, who called me. I didn't quite know how to respond. So I just drove over here and, well, here you are.
Dan-I was shot in the heart. I know it sounds funny, but she had perfect aim.
Violet-It's on TV. I have to tell you something.
Dan-Okay?
Violet-Mythaq Ostery, as you know her, has been arrested and jailed for your attempted murder. I'm sorry to have to tell it to you like this, but she's facing life in prison. The Father wanted me to tell you. He's busy trying to track down Canyon, whoever that is. I know it must tear you apart. I think I am the right person, at the moment, to be with you, so we're not going home just yet. The fingerprints on the weapon match hers perfectly. She was booked and is currently being held in a cell awaiting trial. The cell is temporary, since she couldn't raise the bond money of $350,000 in time so they had to keep her. You can see her if you want, but...
There is a long pause.
Once they are outside by her car, he asks the question again.
Dan-You just stopped talking back inside the hospital. Why? You said I could see her and then nothing more. What's up?
Violet-Look, you're one of the witnesses.
Dan-For the prosecution or the defense?
Violet-Both.
She starts the car and drives with him sitting to her left, away from the hospital.
Violet-Where do you want to go?
Dan-Hell, I don't know. Somewhere other than home. I'm really liking this time that I'm getting to spend with you. Thanks for coming.
Violet-Oh, it's nothing, really.
Dan-Are you sure you're Violet, and not just someone in a mask again?
Violet-You're free to check.
He actually takes her up on her offer and checks around her neck and face with his fingertips to see if she's wearing a mask.
Violet-Happy now?
Dan-No.
Violet-What do you think you're going to find?
Dan-I don't know. I'm just overly cautious, having just been in the hospital for a gunshot wound that, from what I hear, took them a long time to close.
Violet-Yeah. I'm sorry you had to go through it. I'm even more sorry that you have to be involved in a court case against someone you loved dearly.
Dan-How did you know about that?
Violet-Your writing site has about 5,500 hits on it, right? Don't be too sure that I don't see flyers and stuff around. Can't a gal be curious?
Dan-Do you like them?
Violet-To a point. They're often heartbreaking. I cried during one. The 'Legal Aid' one. It's hard to read.
Dan-It was hard to live through.
Once they find a stop light, she wraps her arms around him.
He returns it by crying on her shoulder.
Violet-Am I still in your thoughts?
Dan-To be honest, yes. You are. Sometimes. A lot of the time. I just tried to put it out of my memory for obvious reasons.
Violet-Let's not talk about that. It's over and done. You got it cleared up and that's all that matters. Best that we just talk in 'Alia and the Boy.' I can't let anyone know I'm anywhere near you or North Iley. I'd be in trouble and wouldn't be able to come back.
Dan-Understood.
Violet-Did you really love me, Dan?
Dan-Excuse me?
Violet-Did you really love me, all those years ago?
Dan-That's an awkward question.
Violet-Sorry, just wondering. Friends saw you around the time you wrote 'Crash Through Split Fragments.' Said you looked good.
Dan-That's a fun time to remember. That night I decided to bring back Wooden Box Theater. It had been missing since I was married.
Violet-Alia told me about your battle with binge eating.
Dan-Why!
Violet-Doesn't matter. I don't want to see you get messed up again. Sounds like this Mythaq Osterly lady brought it out of you again, when you were doing so well.
Dan-My binge eating problem is no secret around Iley. I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you a few minutes ago. I just don't want you to see the shape my apartment is in right now. I had another binge. It's ugly. I'm working at a job that brings it out of me. I like some of the people and the job itself is alright, but I pretty much messed my life up when I took it almost two years ago.
Violet-Yeah, you were working on Kaesa. A medical place, right?
Dan-Yeah, but I got the wild and crazy idea to quit and go somewhere else, on a whim, of course. I left with no notice so I can't technically go back to square one. I'm stuck making the best out of a job I only partially like. Until I can find someting to replace it, I guess I'm stuck. Don't get me wrong, some of the people are nice, and I don't mind the line of work, I've been doing it for six years, but still. Maybe I just need another change of scenery, altogether. Something a little more relaxing with people my own age. I can't be around older people, because then I feel old and depressed and I don't want to do anything but eat more on breaks and lunch. Can I tell you something?
Violet pulls into the parking lot of a nearbye shopping mall.
Violet-I've got a few dollars, do you want to pick out an outfit to go home in?
Dan-Sure. I get paid tomorrow, I can pay you back.
Violet-It's alright. I'm going out of town this weekend. Alia said you have a crush on a pastor's daughter? That's good, right? Just go into it with your chin up, but we can't have you going in with ratty clothes. You've got to dress to impress.
Her cell phone rings.
Violet-Hello?
The Father-How is he?
Violet-He's alright. We're picking out an outfit for him for Sunday. He's got to impress this girl that he likes.
The Father-Thank you, again. Her name is Claire Mora'luq. She's very, very sweet.
Violet-Thanks for having us spend time together. I don't really mind him now. You're pretty special yourself.
The Father-I know he's got feelings about being in a church again, so try not to mention it too much.
Violet-Can I take him to see Olivia? He's in one of the CD stores, so I can ask you.
The Father-She's being transported to a North Iley holding cell. They're trying to get a definite answer on life behind bars, for attempted murder. If you go, she's under the name Olivia Scott. He won't be able to have physical contact with her, only just a phone receiver on either side of a sheet of glass, and some chairs.
Violet-Have you been to see her?
The Father-No, not yet. I've been busy with Lace July, trying to locate Rachel.
Violet-Any luck?
The Father-Sadly, no.
Violet-I have a theory.
The Father-What's that?
Violet-I think Olivia and Rachel might know each other.
The Father-Wait a second, how do you figure?
Violet-It's just a theory. Just a thought. Possible. When Alia showed me the dance club footage of Dan meeting Olivia, or Mythaq, as she was called then, I think I saw more people standing around Dan when the two were dancing?
The Father-Are you trying to tell me that you think you saw Rachel and Canyon at the country line dance club the night that Olivia met Dan? That's...
Violet-Possible. I'll prove it to you.
The Father-I still don't see any motivation for Rachel and Canyon to have anything to do with our lady from the messed up church.
Violet-Maybe it's nothing, but why else would Canyon visit Dan in the hospital, if someone hadn't been monitoring his progress and his recovery.
The Father-Do you think the shooting was planned?
Violet-Listen, she had no idea that Starter wasn't on the boat. She assumed it was him, until he revealed himself to be Dan in a mask. Most people don't arm themselves with a loaded weapon to go boating. Especially where she was. A body of water leading to Juw'que
The Father-Lace July is trying to call me with news about Canyon, but thanks for your insight. No one knows that I'm the judge in this court case. Gives me a chance to use my 'YHWH' name.
Violet-I see Dan, I'll talk to you later.
Dan walks up with a questioning look on his face.
Dan-Who was that?
Violet-The Father.
Dan-Can I use your phone.
Violet-Sure, why?
Dan-I haven't talked to Joseph S. in a while. Not sure if you know him, but he's part of the Mormon church. Actually he kinda founded it. I've been thinking about the shooting and I can't help but remember seeing Olivia with a Book of Mormon on the floor of the boat we were both on.
Violet-A Book of Mormon?
Dan-Yeah, I have some Mormon friends who are dear to me. I just haven't had a chance to get back to their church in a while. Car trouble, and being sick, then getting shot. And then a couple weeks ago, seeing Claire for the first time.
Violet-Oh yeah, did you see any outfits to wear to church?
Dan-Well, you were on the phone so I didn't know if you liked any of them. I want some new cleats, jeans, and a nice shirt to wear. I'm sick living like a shabby transient where my wardrobe is concerned. That's one thing I need to change, if I'm ever going to be good enough for a pastor's daughter. She probably has very high standards. I know she's down to Earth, but I've looked really horrid lately.
Violet-Yeah, I mean, I've noticed this much about your presence the last hour or so that we've been together. You don't seem all that together.
Dan-I'm not. I'm sorry, but I'm not. I'm sad on the inside. Sad about Olivia, or Mythaq, as I knew her. I've got to face her, in jail. I don't know how I'm going to keep pressing charges against someone I still probably love with all of my heart. Hey, there she is.
Violet-Who?
Dan-Claire.
Violet-Are you going to introduce me?
She notices him and walks closer to the conversation.
Claire Mora'luq-Hi Dan. I'm just here picking out a dress for Sunday, howabout you?
Dan-Umm...
Violet-Hi, I'm Violet of Iley. I'm Dan's friend.
The two shake hands.
Dan-Hi Claire. Sorry, I'm just a little surprised to see you.
Claire-Why's that.
Dan-Well, I wrote a poem for you. Actually, I have it written down, mind if I read it to you?
Claire-I guess. You two want to get something to eat over in the food court?
He pauses, then feels Violet poke him in the shoulder.
Dan-Yes, we'd love to.
Once they're seated and have picked up their orders for lunch, he reaches into his pocket for the poem he wrote for Claire.
Dan-Forgive me for being a little nervous.
Claire-It's alright. Really, it is.
He takes a deep breath.
'An angel named Claire'
You always see pictures of angels in magazines and documentaries. They try to illustrate just what an angel looks like by drawings and paintings, but they never seem to get it right. An angel is someone who brightens your life and makes you smile just by thinking about them or talking to them, even for a few minutes, or being in their presence. That's what I believe an angel is. I'm glad I know one. Thanks for being so nice to me Claire. You're the first person who comes to mind when I think of the word 'angel.'
He takes another deep breath, making sure she's still smiling.
She is.
Violet-That was very sweet, wasn't it Claire?
Claire-It was.
Something makes Violet get up from her chair and grab some tissues to dry a few falling tears.
Claire-How do you two know each other?
Dan-I don't want to answer that. Look, I was shot three weeks ago by an ex girlfriend. The one I told you about, from the church. I'm just now getting out of the hospital. I was let out that one day that we met in church, but I had to go back for physical therapy right after the service. That's why I couldn't go to lunch. I'm fine now, it's healed, but still.
Claire-No, don't apologize to me.
Dan-I'm sorry I don't have the greatest track record with finding sweethearts. I've been hurt before. A lot. See that woman over there? Yeah, she did a number on me a while ago. I don't know why the Hell she's talking to me now, but at least I trust her, and you.
Claire-You've been through a lot. Remember your car trouble a few months ago, and now this shooting. I don't know if I could deal with it alone.
He stands up in front of her.
Dan-I'm not dealing with it very well, hun!
Huge tears start to fall from his eyes.
Dan-I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to yell and stand up like this. You didn't do anything.
She stands up herself and holds him in her arms.
Claire-Shh. Just hold me.
Several minutes pass, as she's now crying, too.
She whisperes something into his ear, and holds him close to her body.
Dan-I see him, too.
There's a red dot appearing on Dan's chest from whatever weapon Canyon is using to target him.
Claire-Get it off you!
Dan-I can't. Violet!!
She races and draws her hidden weapon and aims it at the mall balcony, where Canyon, and Stephen Scott are standing with loaded weapons, ready to fire.
Dan-Run, Claire! You're not involved in this!
Claire-I am now!
Dan-No, you're not! I just have a crush on you!
Claire-I have one on you, too!
Dan-What?
Claire-Yeah, I kinda like you back.
Dan-That's the best news I've gotten all day.
Claire-Now, let me rescue you!
Dan-Fine! Violet!!
Violet-Go! I'll clean this mess up. Get out of here, Dan. Get Claire to safety. Maybe you'll score some points in the process.
Dan-Claire?
Claire-Yes?
Dan-Being with you is like Heaven.
Claire-That's so sweet.
Dan-I meant it. I'm done finding psychos.
Before Violet can race up the stairs to the balcony to take care of Stephen and Canyon, they are able to fire one more shot, right where Dan and Claire are standing.
Claire-It missed us, honey! Let's go!
Hand in hand they race from the food court to the outside, and to her car. He leaves Violet a note on her windshield and is off with his new destiny.
She won't let go of his hand from the moment they drive away from the mall to the moment they come to a complete stop.
Claire-Honey, someones trailing us.
Dan-What kind of car is it? I'm scared to look.
Claire-It's jet black. The plate says 'Nephi 23.'
Dan-Hey, it's a couple of friends of mine. Pull over.
Once she does, the car following them pulls to a complete stop.
Lehi-Hey, kid. Violet just called me. Actually she called The Father and He called me and my boy here. Are you hurt?
Dan-No. But, the red light of their weapon was right on my chest.
Nephi-That must've been scary.
Claire-Aren't you going to introduce me?
Dan-Hun, this is Lehi and his son Nephi. They're Mormons. Remember when I told you I went to one of their services, which actually reminds me that I haven't been to see them in a while. Anyway, they're part of the reason we have the record of the Americas during the time that Jesus visited there. It's a long story, but anyway, they're friends of mine.
Claire-Hi Lehi, and Nephi. Your names sound alike.
Nephi-Everyone says that.
Dan-How are Joseph and Karolina doing?
Nephi-Uneasy over the arrival of Stephen. He has said that he wants her dead. She's staying with Joseph in Heaven under strict monitoring.
Dan-All this points back to Stephen's sister. That message was for me. Brother and sister are working together. She shot me as a warning. She knew I'd heal. She knew this. That's why the Book of Mormon was in the boat. This is all making sense now.
Claire-Honey, what does all this mean?
Dan-Claire, can you drive me to the North Iley holding cell, where Olivia is?
Claire-Sure.
Dan-Can you guys follow me?
Lehi-You got it. This was a way to get to Joseph. Or to get back at him for finding out that Karolina is his soul mate. That she doesn't belong to Stephen. Stephen had Olivia fire at Dan and shoot him. But, would she have shot Starter? Because originally she thought it was Starter, who she owes money to.
Dan-I think she suspected something was up, since she knew that Starter was working for us toward the end.
Lehi uses his cell phone to dial a familiar number.
Tyrone Fluid-Yes, Lehi?
Lehi-Track our two vehicles.
Tyrone-Two?
Lehi-Me and Claire's. She's driving Dan to visit Olivia Scott.
Tyrone-Can I talk to Dan first?
Lehi-Sure...Hey, Dan, Tyrone wants to talk to you.
Tyrone-Dan?
Dan-Yes?
Tyrone-Don't see Olivia.
Dan-Why?
Tyrone-Because it will destroy you.
Dan-I have to, if I'm supposed to be testifying for and against her motive in trying to kill me in cold blood!
Tyrone-I've pulled some strings. You don't want to hear this but her lead attorney is an old friend of yours.
Dan-Who is it, Tyrone?
His vehicle pulls up close to the others.
Once he gets out of the car Dan asks the question again.
Tyrone-Buddy listen. Pastora Condon is representing Olivia.
Dan-This is turning out to be a long night. Claire, I'm so sorry that you're seeing my whole world crashing down on me in one night. I trusted Pastora with my life!
Claire-It's alright. I guess I'm getting a crash course in the life of Dan Sherrill.
Dan-That you are, unfortunatly. I was at the mall with Violet to pick out an outfit to wear to church with you on Sunday. Guess you and I will have to go back and check some clothes out tomorrow.
Claire-Alright.
Dan-Tyrone, I'll be alright, but follow me. I don't care how, just do it. I have to see her one more time before the trial begins.
Tyrone-I guess I'm not going to win in my mission to have you reconsider.
Dan-I'm sorry.
He gets back into Claire's car as Nephi, Lehi and Tyrone prepare for the worst in following the two to the holding cell.
Once there, the guard lets Dan and Claire into the area where Olivia is being kept.
Their eyes meet. She also sees Claire's face for the first time.
He signals for her to be released into the telephone confrence area, so that they may speak via the receivers and the glass see through wall separating them.
Claire holds his hand the whole time, which makes Olivia angry.
Dan-Hello.
There is silence.
Dan-Guard! Is this thing working!
Guard 1-It is, buddy, she's not saying anything.
Dan-Fine! Olivia, say something. If you want me to testify for you, then you better let me talk to you!
Olivia-So you don't call me Mythaq anymore, huh?
Dan-That name means nothing to me anymore. It's been since February since we've spoken and I took your damn advice and I threw you out of my heart. I also threw Cay'q Stem out of my heart, too. I also deleted a few people out of there, too. I got a clean slate now. I found out I was just 'flattering' Cay'q and whatever I was saying was going in one ear and out the freakin' other. That was a rude wake up call. Anyway, onto you. What business do you have with my ex wife, Rachel Deschanel?
Olivia-Nothing. I mean...
He pulls out his 'Commander' badge and applies it to his shirt.
Commander Aaron Deschanel-Listen, lady, how do you know my ex-wife?
Olivia-You don't want to know.
He stands up and uses his fist to try to break the glass that separates them.
It appears to be bullet proof, but that doesn't stop his knuckles from bleeding.
Aaron-Guard! Lock this woman up for life right now!
Olivia-Ask Nurse Colby!
He freezes in place.
Guard 2-I think it's time you left, commander!
Olivia-You know this is true.
Claire-Let's go honey.
Aaron-No!
He turns and notices his knuckles bleeding more.
She sees him walk back to where Olivia is sitting and he, himself, sits back down in the chair and picks up the telephone in order to communicate with her.
Aaron-Rachel?
Olivia-No. I'm not Rachel. I know her, though. You still love me Dan, don't you?
He takes off the badge and puts it back in his pocket.
Then, he puts his head down on the table, and cries. Hard. She manages to put her hand up on the glass so that he can see her reach out to him.
Five minutes pass of him crying to himself, while his ex and his new crush look at him with care.
One of the guards hands Claire a tissue.
Guard 2-These things are always hard.
Claire-I know.
He finally lifts his head, full of tears.
Dan-Why God? Why do this to me? Why have my sweetheart in the same room as a woman who robbed me of my faith in you, briefly? Why have me here at all? Why?
He puts his head down again.
Dan-Dear God, I just pray right now for Olivia and Claire and the rest of the Ileys. I'm at a point of total frusteration now. With my life. My fractured heart and my spirit. It's all ruined. Every last part of it. I found out one woman was just stringing me along. One woman was just 'being friendly' when she used to tell me she would blush when we would talk and that I made her happy. One woman lead me on for three months only to claim I wasn't her type, one woman tried to murder me in cold blood, and now I'm here in front of her and I know that I love her with all of my heart and soul, but I can't love her. She's going to jail for the rest of her life. I just want to stay the night in the jail and never walk out. There's not much for me. Except Claire, who I've grown to adore. Sometimes she's all I have that resembles an angel. She's made me so happy in the short time we saw each other the other week I felt like a real life angel fluttered down from Heaven just for me. Just to make me smile, and you know what, God? She did. She did make me smile. I guess that's why you have her in my life. To do just that. Well in that case, thank you. Deep down I know Olivia still cares for me. She must. In Your name, God. Amen.
He hears her voice over the phone.
Olivia-Don't hang the phone up. Please.
He holds it close to his ear.
Olivia-Dear God, I just pray right now for Daniel, and that his heart is full of your love and grace. I know what I did was wrong. All of it. Listening to Canyon was wrong. Listening to Rachel on that night was wrong. All of it. Breaking Daniel's heart was wrong. I'm sorry that I'm so fragile.
None of the others can hear her prayer, but Dan, who is openly crying.
Olivia-I regret hurting Dan. I regret being paid by Mr. Corda'lie and Canyon to do it all those months ago. It's been a year and two months. I confess, Lord, to doing this. Now whatever punishment you have for me, I deserve. I'm so sorry. Amen.
She, too puts her head down and cries on the table.
Dan-Olivia?
Olivia-Yes?
Dan-I love you.
Olivia-I took the money to do this do you. Damn you, if you still love me.
Dan-I love you, and I'll prosecute you in a court of law if I have to get this resolved once and for all.
Hearing him say those words causes Claire to leave the holding cell area and walk outside.
He throws the phone down and races outside to find her back in the car and ready to pull away.
Dan-Claire, wait!
Claire-Alright. I'm sorry. Will I see you Sunday?
Dan-Yeah.
Claire-I won't be happy if you come back here before the trial starts.
Dan-My heart is not big enough for two people to have 100% of it.
Claire-I'm going to help you. This will be a hard thing to endure. You need to be over her first before you prosecute her for breaking your heart.
He gets in her car and puts his head down and covers his eyes and lets out an ocean of tears.
Not knowing how to react, she starts the car. The drive to his apartment seems like forever. No one really says much. When she pulls into the driveway, she takes one last look in his eyes, which tell her that he is still very much interested in her, but at what cost?
Dan-I promise, I'll see you on Sunday.
Claire-Okay.
Dan-Claire, listen. There's something I want to tell you.
She turns the car off and opens her ears to listen.
Dan-Listen to me. I know I told you before that I liked you, well, a lot. But you are in my thoughts all the time. I know we've known each other only a few months. Well, since winter, but sometimes people just seem to come into your life and brighten it right up, whenever you think about them. That's what you do for me. We don't even talk much. I wish it was more. Just the fact that you have me in your thoughts sometimes is enough to heal my fractured heart. You know that woman we just came from seeing? She ruined everything. She did. I'm sorry you had to see me face her again. I hadn't seen her since Christmas Eve. The hardest night of my life.
Claire-It's okay.
She surprises him with a kiss on the cheek.
Dan-Sunday. I promise.
She waves at him through her car window as she drives away.
Once inside his apartment, things are thrown hard at the wall. Clothes are slung everywhere and thoughts of Olivia are being erased at a record pace.
Saturday night comes. Then he'll return to her thoughts. And her to his heart, in the morning. He's got it all planned out. Go singing. Shake the cold he's managed to catch and see his angel.
It all sounds too perfect.
Go see KJ Dan, and Heather and the singers at the familiar karaoke place, go club dancing, and come home with enough time to get ready and be among friends.
Some of it happens.
When he wakes up he realizes that it's 2:30pm and he's missed church. Things need to change.
He's still got a sore throat, and sang four songs, but something seems to have been missing. Four and a half hours before, for whatever it's worth, there was the chance to see a real life angel.
Things like that can't be replaced.
He hears a knock on His office door at a little after 3pm, and answers it.
The Father-Hey Dan. How was church?
He gives Him a sad look.
The Father-How come you didn't go? Isn't it the one Claire goes to?
Dan starts to cry.
The Father-Alright, what happened?
Dan-Do you have a minute?
The Father-Sure. I always do. For a friend.
Dan-Well the truth is, yes I've been sick for the last couple of weeks, and I know this trial is coming up, and moving in August and the fact that I want to find a new job to go with my new apartment, and still being broken hearted over Olivia, or Mythaq or whatever her name is. I went through Hell to get her to notice me and to stay on the phone the last time we talked. I saw her tonight. Claire was there. I felt so bad. She left the room at one point. The words 'I love you' slipped out when I was talking to Olivia in the holding cell area.
The Father-First of all, get over Olivia.
His cup of pens and pencils goes flying across the office. From Dan throwing them.
Dan-I can't!
The Father-Why didn't you go see Claire? Was it just because you're sick. You sound a little stuffed up and you're voice sounds a little fragile, but I think you would've managed.
Dan-I may have fallen for Claire.
He takes a deep breath.
The Father-So why is that bad?
Dan-Have you seen her? She's like a majesty. She's down to Earth, I know, but am I just too fragile right now to handle more than a friendship? Or is this finally someone who's not going to hurt my heart? Trust me, it's been hurt enough! It's been hurt plenty for a year or two. I don't want to drag anyone into the closure I'm hoping to get from sending Olivia to jail for what she did to me.
The Father-Calm down, my friend. Whoever said I didn't replace Olivia with Claire?
Dan-Did you?
The Father-Will it make you less nervous around her if I told you that I did? If I told you that she was broken hearted and sad that you weren't there this morning? You can't hardly replay time and go and sit right by her, can you?
Dan-You know how I spent last night?
The Father-Thinking of her. I know. You're easier to read than a clock radio manual.
Dan-Thanks for being there for me.
The Father-I'm never not there for you.
Dan-You're the only one who's consistent. You're sincere and honest with me.
There's a knock on the office door.
The Father-Hang on, Dan, I have to get that.
A hush envelopes the room as she walks in and sits down right next to Dan, in front of The Father's desk.
Natalya Glory-Dan, hi.
Dan-Hi, Natalya. It's been a while.
Natalya-My sister never operated a alien monitoring base with Rachel on Universe 3. That was a lie. I just talked to her. I actually talked to her for an hour. I know this won't do anything but ruin your day to hear, but I had to tell you.
Dan-I'm not going to the line dance club anymore.
Natalya-Good.
Dan-It's not much of a workout, and the last few times have been dead. I'm just not keen on the country music anymore. Would rather be around hip hop than country.
Natalya-Violet called me. I don't know how she got my number, but she did. Alia must've given it to her. Anyway, she wasn't able to track down Canyon, so he's still out there. And targeting you. Something about a folder exposing his little cult group.
Dan-Yeah, but I lost a friend because of it. Anyway, do you two want to go downstairs and get a cup coffee with me?
The Father-Sure.
Once they walk into the cafe part of the office building and place their orders, Dan picks out a table for the three of them.
The Father-What's the pad and paper for?
Dan-I'm going to try to write her a letter, you know, explaining my absence this morning.
The Father-Wouldn't you rather see her?
Dan-I've been dealing with depression ever since Olivia and that thing on Christmas Eve. I don't know if I'm ready for anything like a relationship, yet. I'm not much fun, if I'm mourning the loss of a heartbreaker.
Natalya-Then keep your chin up, babe.
Dan-Okay. Here goes.
Claire,
I really had my heart set on coming this morning. Had to wait until I had the courage to write this to you and tell you. I can't seem to get rid of this cold that I have it's been two weeks now. I wouldn't have wanted to be coughing through the service. I went to sing last night and couldn't really get through it without feeling bad. Then I woke up with a sore throat and still under the weather.
Do you have any free time this week?
You're very special to me.
Dan
Natalya-That's not what you want to tell her.
Dan-I know. And plus I could email it and she might read it, but what if she doesn't write back. What if I'm not meant for anyone, least of all the most beautiful woman in the world. What the Hell would she want with me? Someone who drives a sort of loud, older car, who can't seem to pay his rent on time, or stay healthy, or wears his heart on his sleeve. She wouldn't want that, because it's ugly. No one wants to hear about my battle with binge eating, and how I fell for some evil Sunday school teacher, who trashed what little was left of my heart, without any remorse. I guess I don't know how to start fresh. Things always sort of try to creep up and tap me on the shoulder. If I really go through with next Sunday and show up and look in her eyes, I know I'm going to fall for her, and I'm scared.
Natalya-We all feel that way sometimes. You get hurt, and you don't want to go through it again. You don't want to feel that way ever again. I heard you had a few bad blind dates. Hey, don't let it get you down.
Dan-But it does. Sometimes. Sometimes I feel alone. There, I said it. She could very well be the greatest woman in the world, but do I have enough in my heart to share?
The Father-I think you need to clean it out. See who's stil in there that's causing it to be so full that you feel like you have nothing to give someone else. I'm still not going to say if she's Olivia's replacement, but we'll just say that all signs point to her. Rachel, um, she's hopeless. She's remarried and she's pretty deep into these new friends of hers. I'd like to show Canyon his front teeth, but it won't gain you or me anything. Olivia, weather you carry on with this trial or not, is never going to just run back into your arms. Too much has happened, and I know you're mad and upset and everything else but, it'll never be like the night you two met at the line dance club. It never will. I know you're crying, I can see the tears fall out of your face, but you need to let this go. Violet agreed to sit and talk to you a little later. You don't have to testify in the trial. Starter and Tyrone can cover that part up. As a matter of fact, I don't think I want you anywhere near the court house during it. You're done with this. You're done chasing after lost causes. I don't want to see you upset and all worked up over someone else who's going to invite you to her house to watch movies and then goes out of her way to be rude to you, after you drove 30 miles to see her on a summery day. From here on, work on good causes. Not the same storylines that you know are just going to turn your heart inside out.
Dan-Thanks, you two. I'm just going go for a walk. I'll catch up with you later. Here, I'll give you my comlink. I just don't want to be bothered for a little while.
Natalya-Take care of yourself, Dan.
Dan-I'll try.
He gets up from his chair and leaves the cafe, grabbing some tissues on the way out. To dry his eyes.
He sits on one of the curbs in front of The Fathers main library on Liea St. and gets out his notepad and pen to try to clear his thoughts. He makes a list of all the things he can't seem to find in the perfect girlfriend.
My name is Dan Sherrill. I'd like to find a faithful, and genuine girlfriend.
Someone who can be romantic, but also has an 'It's on' attitude when it comes to club dancing and going out. I'd love someone creative and hopefully not just a follower. I am a single faithful male author (16 novels) just looking for someone who can be honest and trustworthy.
I've had a really hard time finding honesty and someone genuine where I live so I thought I'd put this part on here and see what happens. The ideal person is someone who's honest and doesn't unravel as you get to know them. Location isn't a problem as much as someone who doesn't know if she wants a relationship or not. I like someone with a decent amount of energy who lives for the moment instead of analyzing every aspect of life. Falling in love shouldn't require taking a step back at any point and trying to think of ways to get out of it.
I'm 28 (29 in July), and 5'7 and a half...from North Iley. Half an hour west of Kaesa. And home of the North Iley Star Fleet.
Basically, the perfect girlfriend is someone who's not afraid to have a creative side or to live a little. I'm a full time financial worker and novel writer, with a ton of free time to spend with the right person. It's just finding one among people only out for someone to string along for two or three weeks.
I have loads of free time and a flexable schedule at work, and I can write my novels anytime I want. I don't have anyone telling me what and when to write. Not having a publisher rocks!
While I don't drink or smoke, and am a Christian, it'd be perfectly alright to find someone who maybe did drink, smoke, and wasn't a Christian. I'm not judgmental, like most people. I'd rather grab a Red Bull or some energy drink, and a multivitamin and run off onto the dance floor. I LOVE to slow dance, though, and just cuddling up with a movie, or going for a walk holding hands...perfect! Try finding a girlfriend nowadays that appreciates things like that?
It's a little boring when you keep finding women who just want to date a different guy every 2 weeks and not have anything last longer than that. Doesn't do much for someone who's looking for something REAL and something that will last. Not looking for someone indecisive with relationships. I know it sounds like a lot, but I keep finding the wrong ones. I guess. I'm sick of meeting people who say they need 5 years to get to know you, then another 2 to decide if they want to date you 'exclusively.' That's a long time to be strung along.
The other main thing I'm running into is finding someone, but then they say the work full time and go to school full time...You might see them once a month. Which is hard on any relationship.
I love running, working out, singing karaoke, singing period, raised a drummer, but can play piano and guitar, too. Love singing for people. Love line dancing, and club dancing. Love photography and writing.
Went to college 2 1/2 years for creative writing and journalism and have 4 yrs in newspaper writing experience.
Favorite shows...CSI, Law and Order, X-FIles, Raw/Smackdown, and Mysteries of the Bible. Also Seinfeld (everyone loves that, though), and SNL.
Sorry if it sounds like I'm listening to country music, but just feeling a little alone right now. I just got out of a year long dramatic storyline of a relationship, and just looking to start fresh with someone genuine and not another heartbreaker...done with that.
Dan
A car pulls up to Dan and the woman who gets out of the car walks up to him, but notices the draft of what looks like a personal ad. And him asleep, sitting up.
A couple of tears fall down her face.
She reads the entire draft.
Suddenly she whispers in his ear.
Claire-I can do that.
Rather than wake him, she gets back in her car and drives away.
His cell phone rings, which eventually wakes him.
Joseph S.-Dan?
Dan-What? Yes?
Joseph S.-Hey, it's me, Joseph. I can see you sleeping on the curb. Hang on, buddy, I'll pull up and give you a ride.
Dan-Thanks.
Once he drives up to where Dan has been sitting, Dan notices that Karolina isn't with Joseph.
Joseph S.-She's someplace safe.
Dan-Where?
Joseph S.-Nephi is letting her use his extra bedroom. Don't worry, we're in constant contact. We don't want Stephen coming here and taking her away.
Dan-You must really love her.
Joseph S.-I want to ask her to marry me.
There is a pause, though, after he says that.
Dan-What's wrong?
Joseph S.-We don't think she's actually divorced, yet. She jumps around the topic when I ask her. I think they're just separated.
Dan-There's more I sense.
Joseph S.-I feel like I'm losing her. She's still afraid of him. I don't quite know how to calm her. How are you?
Dan-Not much better, but go on. I want to know the situation with Karolina.
Joseph S.-She claims he cheated on her. With a nurse.
Dan-Hmm. A nurse?
Joseph S.-A Nurse Colby.
Dan-That can't be.
Joseph S.-Why not?
Dan-She's my nurse. She's an Iley. I guess I haven't seen much of her since about 2002. Anyway, so she definitly pointing out Nurse Colby, one of the original North Ileys, as the homewrecker?
Joseph S.-I'm afraid so.
Dan-Nurse Colby helped to 'make' Rachel. You know she's not human. Not fully. There was a night that Rachel was created. I grew to care for her, but she was able to be manipulated. I'll never forget how beautiful she looked on stage with me the night we performed that portion of 'Alia and the Boy,' it was nothing short of beautiful and amazing.
Joseph S.-What does that mean to this case?
Dan-The point is that it might solve both cases, now that we can pinpoint the mastermind behind it, as Nurse Colby.
The car has been hit from behind. Hard. Both Joseph and Dan crash forward, being held back by only their seatbelts.
The security alarm on the car goes off. Alerting Heaven of the accident.
Dan manages to attach his badge and draw his North Iley weapon, just in case.
Joseph S. follows closely behind.
Joseph S.-My car!
Aaron-Don't worry about that, let's find out who's behind these tinted windows.
He knocks on the window. It doesn't seem to roll down.
Aaron-This is Commander Aaron Deschanel of the North Iley Star Fleet, I have a time limit running that's not running in your favor at the moment. Identify yourself or face attempted murder of a prophet charges!
Joseph notices that just the bumper on his car has been damaged.
The window of the assaulting car still has not been lowered.
Aaron draws his weapon and knocks on the car window again.
Aaron-Again, this is Commander Aaron Deschanel of the North Iley...
The window lowers...revealing the suspect.
Nurse Colby.
Aaron-Nurse?
Nurse Colby-I know who you are, honey. I'm your nurse. Get that thing away from my face.
Aaron-No!
Nurse Colby-No?
Aaron-Not until Alia gets here!
Nurse Colby-Put the weapon down! As designated medical supervisor and your own advisor, I order you to remove the weapon from poking me in the shirt!
He uses his comlink to reach Empress Alia, while Joseph looks on in awe.
Empress Alia-Yes, dear?
Aaron-Alia, Nurse Colby just tried to run me and Joseph off the road, then she wouldn't lower the car window when we walked up to ask her why.
Alia-She didn't know you were in the car, hun.
He looks at Joseph with a quesiton mark in his eyes.
Aaron hears his cell phone go off at a record pace.
Aaron-Alia, I have to take the other line. I'll put my weapon down and talk to Colby. Joseph, Colby, I'll leave you two alone. I need to take this call.
He finds a quiet set of steps to sit down on and to take the call he has received, and removes his badge.
Violet-Dan?
Dan-Yes, dear.
Violet-Where are you?
Dan-On Mire'Li Street. I'm sitting on the steps to an office. Looks like Abraham's office, why?
She walks around the corner, right up to Dan, and sits down next to him.
Violet-I want you to know something.
Dan-Yes, dear?
Violet-That I'm not stupid.
Dan-I never said you were.
Violet-With your actions, sometimes. I don't like that you have forgotten the very woman that you founded North Iley with. It doesn't sit right with me.
Dan-You made me forget about you, remember?
Violet-I miss you, Dan.
Dan-Yeah. I miss you, too. We didn't have much of a time to get to know each other. My life has been pretty messed up ever since we ended our storyline. It was the talk of the town, if I remember right.
Violet-Yeah, it was. Wasn't it?
Dan-I want you to know that I'm sorry if I had said or did anything to upset you before. I don't want to lie, I do actually think about you once in a while. I remember writing you that card. I never told you this. I never had the chance. It was New Years Eve night. I had planned on visiting Kara'lieanna and her friends. I knew my mom would be there for their big New Year's Eve party on North Iley and I made the mistake of seeing that three hour movie about the sinking boat. I went to the theatre over by where the Pelka race lives on Iley and I sat there for three hours and cried whenever the guy and girl would get ready to say their last goodbyes. I shouldn't have waited so long to find you, and to stumble over my words when I finally did. I should've just said I'm here because I had a huge crush on you for a long time, but here I am, and here you are...not single. That's what I should've done. Only a lot sooner. I was never jealous. I was disappointed. That's actually the word I want to stick with. I had to tell you, though. I had to tell you, somehow, that I had feelings for you. For a long time. You were just a pretty picture in a yearbook for a long time, until I worked up enough courage to find out what ever happened to the girl I never got to ask out in school.
Violet-What did happen to her?
Dan-Well her and I had one Hell of a storyline together for a couple of years. Looking back on it, the things we said and did seem silly. I mean so much could've been avoided. You could've...
Violet-Been your friend?
Dan-So many things went unexplained. Can it work now? I don't know.
Violet-Do you hate me?
Dan-No. I don't. I don't love you anymore, but I don't hate you. I'm somewhere in the middle.
Violet-Why did you fall for me, if all you did was see me in the yearbook, the year after I graduated?
Dan-I was sitting in the library, in my hometown, and checking out my awful freshman year picture. Mom didn't get us yearbooks until much later. I barely got a senior one. Wait, I did get a sophomore year one, but I just happened to turn to the right page. I was looking for someone else, someone who'd moved away. And I found your picture. It was so beautiful. I had no idea where the Hell you were. Homeless or not. So I was like, how in the world do I ask her out, she's probably in another state. I guess I just held onto that crush. I was 15. People do things like that.
She appears to be holding his hand.
Dan-Wow. Um. You're holding my hand.
Violet-Shh. Go on.
Dan-Just on a whim one day I turned on one of those talk shows and they had a show on about finding old high school crushes, and I thought, what about that girl from the yearbook? I watched the whole episode and I went online and typed in your name to see if you were around. Not that I was going to get them to call you in for a show, you didn't even know me. Anyway I don't remember what website I went to, but all I did was type in your name and the state, and guess what? Right on North Iley. There you were. So I bought you a card and I remember walking up your stairs and seeing you, in person, for the first time. I fell for you right then and there. I couldn't even tell you what we talked about, only that it was incredibly special. Then I was told your boyfriend was moving in. I was crushed. Not that I'd invested much more than just a few clicks of a keyboard and one hour watching that damn show on TV, and yeah keeping you in the back of my thoughts for a couple of years. I didn't have anything to lose. I wouldn't have traded in that first time we met in for anything. It's a shame that everything spiraled out of control for so long. I'm sure you've cursed my name into the dirt, but hear me out on this. I want to tell you about New Year's Eve.
She surprises him with a kiss on the cheek.
Dan-After I'd seen the movie I raced to my car and to see Kara'lieanna, and Mom. I ate a little bit of their New Year's food, and sat with friends over at their church house over on North Iley, and I don't remember staying too long. I was driving looking for one of the famous North Iley parties to spring to life, like they used to back in those days. I remembered that I'd had some cards in my glovebox in the card. Mom gets those cards for free. I probably shouldn't have told you that, but whatever. I'd given you a couple before, but those were just happy ones, and I knew this was going to be a sad one. I had to let it sink in that you weren't single, and that I'd waited too long to tell you how I felt that day in the library. So with just the light of the inside of the car, I used a pen and made out the card, still thinking about the sad, sad movie I'd just sat through, and just seeing Kara'lieanna, someone else who would end up now getting engaged, to someone who appears to be nice. I don't see her anymore, actually I haven't in a year. It's hard to see her. She broke my heart real bad one night, too.
Violet-Don't get off the subject.
Dan-I've never told anyone this before. But, since it's you, I might as well.
Violet-Go on.
Alia walks around the corner, looking for Dan, but freezes in her tracks at the sight of Dan and Violet, talking, after almost 10 years of fighting.
She hides in the corner, but just close enough to hear the conversation clearly.
Dan-I opened the card I'd picked out and started writing, in my car. I was sad, and happy, but didn't know if I'd ever get to talk to you again. A million things were falling out of my pen at the same time. All I wanted you to know with that card was that I'd had feelings for you since the first time we met, a couple of months before. Then I wished to myself that I'd never opened that yearbook that day at the library. I wished I'd never brought you to life in 'Alia and the Boy' and in the reality of my broken heart. I was going to write you once more, in the card, and tell you that I really liked you, but that I understood that you weren't single. Hell, you still aren't single. Anyway, I didn't see any lights on in your place, so I walked it up to the door and set it there. Along with a piece of my heart. Some of the original Ileys were having a party a few streets away, so I went trying to take my mind off of saying goodbye to that small, but still there, part of my heart I'd given to you the night we'd finally met. You have to look at it from my point of view. No matter how good or bad of a visit we would've had that night, it still would've been cursed a few days later, because it looked like nothing was going to come from it, other than our hands together for a handshake at the end, that could've lasted forever, for all I cared.
Violet-It was the wrong time, my dear.
Dan-I know. Once I'd left the card for you I was relieved to know I had a party to go to, and to find a pretty gal to dance with. I don't remember what band was playing, but there was one. I saw a friend from high school. And other friends. And you.
A tear forms and falls from his eye.
Dan-I didn't know if you'd gotten the card yet, and I know how it must've looked to anyone watching that when I walked up and held you in my arms, you had no idea why I was doing that. Maybe you did. Maybe you didn't. I just wanted to know what it was like to share a photograph moment with someone I'd grown to care about. It should've ended right there, but no matter what, I was upset. It was New Year's Eve, I'd just written a heartfelt card for you, and now here you are, not single, and right in front of me, after I'd just sat throught the saddest movie of the year. I was upset in my heart, and all I wanted to do was sit down and cry my heart out before everyone in attendance of the party we were both at. That's all I wanted. Goodbye to another messed up year. I had just felt like I couldn't do anything right. I mean here I finally find my crush from high school and she's not even single, and I probably just messed up any chances of just being her friend, by letting my feelings and emotions come out at a party that I was supposed to be having fun at.
Violet-So you just sat there and cried. I don't understand. But I know better now.
Dan-Then I started up 'Alia and the Boy' and was handing out flyers one day for the early 'episodes' and thought it would be fun to hand some out at a jewelery store on North Iley. I had an open heart. No one had any claim on it. You weren't single. Hell, we weren't even speaking to each other. I did invite you to one, but I think by that time our speaking terms were definitly off. But I met a woman who eventually acted with me in a couple of the performances.
There is a long pause.
Violet-At the jewelry store?
He doesn't say anything.
Violet-Rachel Deschanel. Am I right?
There is still silence. Then tears.
From both Dan and Alia, trying not to be seen.
He stands up on the steps, in front of her.
Dan-Why can I make laundry list of people who have broken my fucking heart? Why can I draw a map and use push pins to plot out the next one? I cherish Claire, so far. She's never been anything but sweet to me. Too bad these memories of you and me and me meeting Rachel can't at least partially be good. It's nothing but hurt and bullshit and more hurt and more drama. God, I'm so sick of this. Things start out really, really good, and then get really, really awful. There's always a damned storyline, complete with theme songs and places you can pinpoint where you spent dates that didn't work out. I just want to start fresh.
Violet-Are you sure Claire's church doesn't have a Saturday service, like Kara'lieanna's does?
Dan-There's another one. I'm not feeling sorry for myself here, but there's another one.
She walks around the corner, trying not to have them notice her drying her eyes.
Alia-Dan, I hope you didn't forget about your meeting today.
Dan-The group I'm supposed to give a speech to about binge eating?
Violet-Take me with you.
They arrive in Alia's car to their destination. A Jr. High health class. There is about 30 seventh graders sitting in class, as Alia, Violet, and Dan walk through the door.
The teacher smiles when she sees Dan.
Linda Carsell-Class this is Dan Sherrill, Empress Alia of Iley, and...I don't know your name, Miss?
Violet-I'm Violet, also from Iley. Ever read any of Dan's novels? Just kidding.
Linda-These three Iley's are here to speak about the topic of eating disorders.
Dan walks to the front of the class, and sits down on a folding chair.
Dan-This is a hard topic for me to talk about. It is still a problem for me. I'm sorry, class, I've been in a minor car accident today, missed church because of feeling under the weather, and now I'm here, having not really slept all that much, but I won't break my promise in coming here for all of you. I might be an author, club dancer, and karaoke singer, but I do have a problem where my diet and behaviour is concerned. I sometimes overeat to the point of getting sick. I've prayed about it, and tried to stop and done other things to try to stop but, I don't eat three square meals. I might have a super toxic energy drink, and then comepletely eat. A lot. I've called off sick from work from all night binges. I let it take over my life for months, actually a couple of years. I was in a very dramatic relationship with a woman last year that tested my faith in God and everything else about me. All I wanted to do after her was eat until I was ugly.
Alia and Violet are both crying in the back of the classroom.
Dan-I didn't want to know anything about anything, and as a result I became ugly. To myself. I know my coworkers wouldn't notice it, I wear big clothes. I was eating three and four double cheeseburgers, chips, fries, and whole large pizza's, by myself. On a nightly basis. I'd go to the library and write my stories, then go on binges from about 2am until 3:30, then drift off to sleep with the stuff in my system. Imagine trying to sleep on a large soda, with a ton of caffine in it. Then trying to get up at 7am to drive 30 miles to work for eight hours. You know what happened? I'd get hungry again at about 10, then it was the vending machines, then lunch came around a couple of hours later, and I'd be off on my own to buy whatever sweet thing I could find. It was so ugly that I ended up puking in the bathroom of a chineese style buffet on lunch and had to call into work and tell them I couldn't come back.
Someone raises their hand with a question.
Trin Ver-Did you seek help?
Dan-It's not something that can be cured. At least not in the way that people think. The greatest cure in the world for something that is depression related is to fix whatever is depressing you. We had one last conversation. The woman and I. You might have heard her name, Linda. Olivia Scott.
Linda-Only from television. I'm sorry about your wound.
Trin-Are you the one who was shot by your ex girlfriend? We saw it on the news. I knew you looked familiar.
Linda-Thank you, Dan.
Alia-Thanks for having us.
As they go to leave, they all hear a voice coming from the classroom.
Admiral Osterly-Alia, wait!
She turns to face him.
As asked the three Ileys follow Osterly out of the classroom and into the hallway.
Natalya and The Father walk through the holding cell area and are seated in front of the familiar bullet proof glass that Olivia is sitting on the other side of, ready to pick up her telephone receiver.
Olivia-Hey there.
He can't help but to notice a tear or two beginning to form under her eye.
The Father-I wanted to see you before I change into my role as judge in this deception case.
Olivia-Don't you just know the outcome already, my friend?
The Father-I didn't look ahead. I'm blocking it from my thoughts. I want to hear both sides before I make my choice in the end.
Olivia-So you want to be objective. I mean what kind of questions is Tyrone going to ask me? Do you know?
The Father-Dan's being represented by Tyrone and Starter. The Fluid twins. Which, I assume, you know.
Olivia-They're going to hang me on the witness stand, aren't they?
The Father-Not if you don't testify.
Olivia-But, I have to, don't I?
The Father-Did you say once that 'it's a free country.' Don't say anything that will make it easy for them to win.
Olivia-Did you already pick someone new for Dan?
The Father-No.
Olivia-Why? I told him I wasn't going to marry him. He heard my voice tell him. Is this what this trial will be about? My rejection of his proposal. It wasn't a real proposal anyway.
The Father-Yeah, but you know what he meant.
Natalya-We shouldn't be here.
Olivia hears her through phone.
Olivia-Is that Natalya Glory?
The Father-Yeah, why?
Olivia-Dan mentioned her, once.
The Father-In a good way?
She yanks the receiver from The Father's hands.
The Father-Hey!
Natalya-Was it in a good way?
Olivia-What's it to you? You ran off into the sunset with someone else! I found that much out.
She slams the phone down on the table, and storms out.
The Father-Listen, and listen to me very clearly. Natalya Glory is not to be upset like that. She's only here for Dan. Everyone knows what you, yourself, did to him. We're not going to go the mudslinging route, like every other girl who broke Dan's heart deserves to be on trial. You involved his faith in Me as part of your deception, that's the part that troubles me. That's the part that's keeping me from just letting you off the hook with a slap on the wrist. As much grace as I have in My heart for you, I remember all the happiness He found in you. Everyone in Heaven saw it. Through his smiles and love for you. Why couldn't you guys just get it together?
Olivia-I don't know. I just don't know.
She openly cries in front of him.
Olivia-I just don't know. He wanted an answer. He wanted to be my boyfreind exclusively. He wanted an answer. I don't know. I wasn't ready for that. I didn't know how to handle it, and here he was professing his love for me so soon that I didn't know how to react.
The Father-You did react. You kissed him. I saw it. We all did. I could play you footage of you two together so that it's clear as day to you that it was from your heart, even though you may never read this novel that's being written as we speak about this sad topic, I want you to know from Me, not Dan, that I had so much faith in this relationship and it working that I think I might be the saddest one out of the deal to get hurt here. You want to know something, lady? I'm going to tell you something right now. Listen, I've never said this before, so take note. When the two of you were in the car at the bookstore that night, and you were kissing and telling each other how great the other one was, I was listening. I was smiling. I was glad. I was happy. I was everything. Most of all I was calm and content to sit and watch two of my followers fall deeply in love right before My eyes and you know what, lady? Weather you choose this block this out of your mind or not, it did happen, because there was a witness, that you may or may call to the stand. I swear I will raise my hand and promise the courtroom that I will tell the truth when I retell the night you met at the bookstore and the night you fell in love as a true occurance. It did happen.
Huge tears fall. This time from The Father's eyes.
The Father-It was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen in the history of Heaven. It's times like those that make this job of Mine worth while. The classic girl meets guy dancing and then they meet up for the first time without of the flashing lights, and drinks, and they sit there and he's so shy he stumbles over his words and ends up telling his life story to the girl sitting in front of him. Blushing at every turn. Even turning his science fiction magazine over so that you wouldn't think any less of him for reading it while waiting for you to arrive through the front door. Carrying a piece of his heart in your hand from the first kiss you two shared while saying goodbye at the dance club. I don't care if you were paid by Rachel and Canyon, or Mr. Corda'lie or whoever else. That's not the issue. I okayed Dan doing this prosecution of you to get the truth out of you once and for all.
Olivia-And what is the truth you hope to uncover?
The Father-That no matter the motivation, no matter the money involved, no matter the brand, make or model of your car. The matter that you're relationship with Mr. Corda'lie was exposed, and all of the Book of Mormon influences and hidden meanings and all of that that's made the last few novels a mystery. The unfolding of that mystery depends on one thing. That being the fact that footage more powerful than the now famous danceclub footage from last March exists in my possession.
Olivia-What are you trying to say?
The Father-The thing of it is...is that when you two are alone, there's fireworks. I've seen it. All different colors. Well, you know what I mean. I've gone through your phone calls, his letters, his emails, your emails, your Ecards, his Ecards. Listen, this is my honest take. It all came from the heart. Even if you were paid off to feel something for him, nothing can come close to the piece of footage I'd like to show you right now.
He signals for the guard to wheel over a color television and hands him a video tape from His library, in Heaven.
A small pile of tissue, full of tears, is forming on her side of the glass. And now one on The Father's side, too.
The scene is of Dan and Olivia Scott, then known as Mythaq Osterly. Alone. In her car. While a country music version of 'Unchained Melody' is playing on her car stereo. She has just wrapped her arms around him, as he's told her, with all of his heart, that she's beautiful. She tells him that he's beautiful, too. And then kisses him, on the lips, again. A feeling comes over him. Clearly shown on the videotape, recorded by The Father, in Heaven. They're back in each other's arms, and then he pauses the tape.
The Father-Do you remember this?
The guards don't say a word, as they have all been secretly watching the footage, along with her. And Dan, who has just snuck into the holding cell.
The Father-Do you remember any of this?
Olivia-Yes. I do. Then he told me something, while he was crying in my arms. I didn't know what made him cry. He tried telling me over his tears, but I think at that point we were both crying. What did happen to him?
The Father-I told him that you were the one. With all of My heart, I was never so pleased with two people. I wanted to high five both of you, but I didn't want to ruin the moment.
He restarts the video as it shows the next few minutes, after Dan telling her that God just told him that he's just found his destiny. She reaches for a flyer advertising her church, and tells him she wants him there, with her. Soon they part, and the video comes to an end.
Dan manages to step quietly into the room and sits in the chair next to The Father, and says nothing. Knowing full well that she'd just seen the footage of their first date.
Olivia-Isn't Dan going to say anything?
The Father hands Dan the phone to talk to her.
He refuses.
The Father-He doesn't want to. He's just seen the footage for the first time since having it happen before his eyes.
Olivia-How can he be so cold?
The Father-The man is hurt. He's hurting. Can't you see that?
Olivia-I know. I guess I thought he'd always keep me in his heart. Now there's someone else. A singer. I'm no longer number one. He's protecting his feelings for me from someone new. She was here with him.
Dan continues to look in her eyes. With nothing to say. Worn out of trying to convince her to keep him in her heart. He finally gets up and walks to the door of the room and turns the knob and starts to leave.
In a rage, she throws the receiver at the glass and throws the chair at the wall. The guards walk closer and each take one of her arms, to lead her back to her cell.
She spends the rest of the night alone. Until someone asks the guards to speak to her.
She walks with grace into the holding cell area.
Claire-He's very sweet, you know. Writes me nice letters and I felt a connection when we held hands the first time. I'm not affected by this trial. He and I aren't dating or anything. I know he went through a bout with binge eating, and a few rough months over the winter, but what I do know is that he's alright with God and being a Christian, which is a huge plus. He mentioned that his holiday didn't go so well. Care to exlain? He seemed almost uneasy being in church, when he came to see me in mine. I know it stems from you. I know this.
Olivia-It does stem from me.
Claire-I just don't know how you could do something like this. I don't know the whole story, and for the record, I'm trying not to, but he seems alright to me. I'm hardly his girlfriend. I think he has a crush on me. Nothing more. Wait until he finds out I have very little free time.
Olivia-Neither do I.
They both share an unlikely smile.
Then the lights darken and the doors lock on the holding cell area.
Olivia-What's going on?
Claire-I don't know. Are you causing this. I heard about you!
Olivia-No, I'm not, and don't say things like that. Just because I did it once, doesn't mean I'm doing this.
Neither of their comlinks work.
Claire-Are their any other inmates in here?
Olivia-I don't know!
Claire-Well, take my hand. I don't want to lose you.
The glass of the telephone visitation area begins to smash. As by now the intruder alarm is going off at a record pace.
Claire-Someone broke in here!
Olivia-Who let you in?
Claire-One of the guards, I swear!
Olivia-Do you?
Claire-What's that supposed to mean?
Olivia-Don't come here, and expect to not be talked to. You're entering something that is not yet resolved. I'm an unresolved spirit.
Claire is startled to look into a set of glowing eyes.
Olivia-It will be a mistrial, as an unresolved spirit cannot be convicted of the crime of breaking someone's heart. They both must be present. You know what happens when he and I are present. Love breathes life into itself. My percentage of being human may be the ultimate question.
Claire-Who are you?
There is no answer from the glowing set of eyes, in the pitch dark room.
Claire-Who are you!!
Olivia-His hope for finding true love.
Claire-Then I'm his new hope!
Olivia-You can't be. Not until he resolves me!
Claire-He already has!
Olivia-Then ask him why he's still writing about his love for me, even though he's changed my name from Mythaq to Olivia, it's still me. You might have a problem leaving here tonight. My friends are outside to help me escape.
Claire-How will you get out of here?
Olivia-Dan still loves me. I'm just a spirit. I can leave whenever I want. And leave you locked in this real life jail.
In a flash, Olivia becomes a fugitive, as Claire grabs her hand, the convicted is now free, and the power returns, but the doors are not unlocked.
He's sitting, alone, in the courtroom where the trial will take place. He brings with him a pad of paper, writing her a letter.
Olivia,
As much as I'd like to send you to jail for breaking my heart, I'm afraid to tell you that it doesn't matter to me anymore. I've been thinking and recollecting things during the last few days that I'm now not even sure that I want to think about again. I've met someone who totally lights up my life. She might even just know it by now. I tell her every few days that she's beautiful. I know you and I are just a memory to you, but even that is both bad and good. If I had my way it would be all good, but it can't possibly be, can it? You'll just make me cry on the witness stand, by smiling at me from your seat near your defense team.
I want to call you. I have minutes on my phone, but that will just upset you and make you say things I know you don't mean. I will try to cross examine you on the phone and we'll both be the opposite of calm. Like last time. So I'm just going to write you this letter and walk away. I think I'm going to decline to testify against you. I'll leave that to the others who can testify that you made me happy for three all too short months, then made me ugly for the rest of the damned year.
I sat there looking at you through the glass and I couldn't think of anything to say to you. You messed with my faith in God, you messed with my healed binge eating addiction. I ate so much I wanted to be sick. I didn't want anything but to make things right with you, that now I don't know if they could ever be fixed now. Look at us, baby. Fighting over nothing. I've been thinking about the footage I saw in the jail tonight and I had nothing to say. I miss that night. It changed everything for me. I know I've been through all of this over and over and over in novels and in my heart, and yes, I'm really starting to like the new angel I found. She's so amazingly sweet to me. She'll never know how much her smile warms my heart.
You could take lessons on how to be genuine from her. I've been miserable since the day we parted in front of the church. I kissed you and told you that I loved you, only for you turn around and betray and hurt me worse than anyone in my entire life. How could I want to face anyone like that and know what in the Hell to say to them? Now I have to bring you to justice because if any crime in the world has been committed by you it's the crime of deceiving my already fractured heart. I didn't need that happening, especially from someone who, at first, professed to adoring me. God, I just can't get those images out of my heart. I wish The Father would just burn the videotapes that house my love for you and I could start over fresh with someone new, but He can't do that. He had His heart set on us working out and being together, but as much as I'm His follower and wanted to make Him happy with this news that I'd finally worked up the courage to propose to you on Christmas Eve, like I wanted and hoped to be able to do, it didn't happen. You turned my kiss on the hand into a cold hearted and formal handshake. Try putting yourself in my shoes. Just once, my dear.
Love,
Dan
He writes her name on the sheet of paper and leaves it on the chair she will sit in tomorrow morning for her sentencing in front of the judge, YHWH.
Just as he's ready to leave the courtroom, by himself, he walks back to the letter he had just written for her. Unfolds it. Places a kiss on the sheet of paper, and leaves it sitting. For her to find.
He picks up his phone and makes the call to the woman who had smashed into his car.
Nurse Colby-Yes?
Joseph S.-It's Joseph. Remember from the accident. Is your car okay?
Nurse Colby-It is.
Joseph S.-Why did you try to run me off the road?
Nurse Colby-Keep your eye on Karolina. Stephen is doubling his efforts in finding her. The accident was just a warning.Joseph S.-But you're one of the Ileys, right?
Nurse Colby-I reprogrammed Rachel Deschanel to listen to me. Me and Stephen, my love.
Joseph hangs up the phone, having just heard the confession of a traitor to the North Iley population.
Alia hangs up her end of the phone line as well. She was hoping to hear the confession as well.
Joseph S.-I can always get another bumper for my car, but I'm sorry you had to hear that.
Alia-I knew her for many years. I never knew she would do such a thing.
Joseph S.-You got my help.
Alia-Thank you, just keep your eye on your soul mate.
Joseph S.-I will.
Her cell phone rings.
Alia-It's a collect call from the jail where Olivia is being held.
She accepts the charges and listens as Claire asks her to come down and break her out of the locked holding cell area.
Once they arrive, Joseph and Alia easily break open the lock of the jail, and race to find Claire, in tears.
Alia-My dear, who did this? Why is the glass over there broken?
Claire-She's not human. She just walked out.
Alia-Oh, we should've told you she might. She's only here on her own free will. The Father can't force her to do anything. She's only partly human. She's the spirit of Dan's soul mate.
Claire-I don't understand. How is he going to prosecute her, if she just walked right out of here?
Alia-She's only around long enough to give him false hope. Don't you do the same thing. Or else...
Claire-I won't. I promise.
Joseph S.-Let's get you home, my friend.
Claire-You're much nicer than you look in those pictures and paintings of you.
Joseph S.-Those things can be unflattering. I think we know who the real villain is here.
Alia-I'll deal with Nurse Colby. Tomorrow.
Claire-Dan is very sweet.
The Empress manages to give Claire a hug.
Alia-You'll get used to all of us after a while. Come with me, Claire. Joseph, you better make sure Karolina is not missing.
The two shake hands, and make their way to the beginning of the day that will change the face of the North Iley population, and it's commander, forever.
The End
Faith Hill/Tim McGraw - Like We Never Loved At All
Special thanks to all my Myspace friends, Youtube.com, The Real You, Waking Ashland, Glory Nights, Dallas Taylor, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, The Chariot, The Felix Culpa, Chris, Kasey, Brenden, Divine Invitation, Kandice Ann, Susan C., Spencer, Elder Maw, Diane and my friends in Nauvoo, Friends at the Sycamore Ward, and FourSquare Church, Drew Moody, And then I turned Seven, An East Hazel Tango, Monika Santucci, Judge Greg Mathis, Jim Lohmiller, Pastor Tom May, Heather and KJ Dan, Christy Kiley, Dawn and Christine, John and Kickstand Productions, Rachel Verona, all the amazing 'Alia and the Boy' readers. Thanks for keeping this one of the most talked about online novel series on the internet.
This was a very hard and emotional novel to write, and in saying that there may be points in it that may be a little too emotional for some readers. They know who they are. Guess it shows the readers that I can't write fiction. Sometimes the truth does set you free.
Certain memories were brought back for this one that I felt I needed to write about to get them out in the open. Some recent and some I thought were hidden. It makes it easier to plot your next move, if you write about all the possible outcomes.
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