CHAPTER 3 - MAMA'S BABY; PAPA'S MAYBE?

[jrtllf01]

This chapter has been moved to the new archive board.

[SL Tan]

Ooh, I love the fight between Bridget and Stephanie. Fun, fun fun. The revelation from Catherine was certainly eye opening to Step. Applaud to the hotel manager and staff for telling Ridge off his sorry ass. Sheila is as angry and evil as ever.

I could understand Eric's need to have his children tested, but still poor Thorne, Kristen and Felicia. My, I love Brooke's reaction to Nick.

Come back soon Ms JR. Loved this update.

[barbara]

I really really enjoyed that chapter- first I reread Chapter 2 (quiet day at work) but where is chapter 1??

Thanks!!

[yash]

Does poor delusional Bridget really think she can take on Stephanie and win? I can't wait until she gets her butt kicked by the queen bee.

I'm glad that Eric is doubting everything about his life with Stephanie even the paternity of his other kids. I hope the other kids are his.

Nick, Nick, Nick. I think Brooke and Katie's tea is just about to get even more interesting.

I can't wait for more.

Yash

[montanalindy]

Thank you! This was a wonderful read ... I can't wait for the next installment. (Greedy, I know!)

You have Stephanie's snobbish arrogance and Ridge's arrogant selfishness down pat! I liked Catherine's insights into the goings on at Deadwood Manor. Me thinks that Bridget, the sneaky little twit, is in for a big shock when she tries conning the Queen of Cons, Stephanie, with her innocent act. Poor Eric, Felicia, Kristen and Thorne trying to come to terms with Stephanie's deception and the ripple affects of how it will affect all of them. Much more realistic than what we were served up on B&B.

I liked Katie and Brooke spending time together. I also enjoyed Brooke's verbal showdown with Freda. Loved the line about not caring what people said behind her back but that nobody could get away with insulting her hats! LOL!

Never was a Sheila fan -- but the thought of her dragging Massimo onto Maury for a paternity test and shouting match certainly made me smile!

Oh, and I am really looking forward to the meeting of Brooke, Nick, Jackie and Katie. Bring it on! ;D


(Modified to change smilie -- I had a bad one and wanted a winking one!)

[jrtllf01]

brookefan said:

Ooh, I love the fight between Bridget and Stephanie. Fun, fun fun. The revelation from Catherine was certainly eye opening to Step. Applaud to the hotel manager and staff for telling Ridge off his sorry ass. Sheila is as angry and evil as ever.

I could understand Eric's need to have his children tested, but still poor Thorne, Kristen and Felicia. My, I love Brooke's reaction to Nick.

Come back soon Ms JR. Loved this update.

Thank you so much for the compliment, SL Tan! I had a ball writing that fight between Bridget and Stephanie. May the best (or worst) woman win!

Poor Ridge! He's almost as delusional as Bridget, but there are others out there who are so unimpressed with who he is. Sheila is the typical narcissist--doesn't believe that the rules apply to her. I'm not sure that Massimo wants to keep ignoring her.

Eric feels horrible for even thinking about having his children tested; Felicia is okay with it, but will Thorne and Kristen agree?

I'm glad you loved Brooke's reaction to Nick! I suspect she'll be so glad that she didn't stay home.

Thanks again for your comments!

[jrtllf01]

barbara said:

I really really enjoyed that chapter- first I reread Chapter 2 (quiet day at work) but where is chapter 1??

Thanks!!

Good evening, barbara! I'm glad you enjoyed these chapters.

There is a link at the bottom of the main board for the fan fiction archives. If you click on that link, you'll be able to find the Prologue and Chapter 1.

Thanks again and happy reading!

[jrtllf01]

yash said:

Does poor delusional Bridget really think she can take on Stephanie and win? I can't wait until she gets her butt kicked by the queen bee.

I'm glad that Eric is doubting everything about his life with Stephanie even the paternity of his other kids. I hope the other kids are his.

Nick, Nick, Nick. I think Brooke and Katie's tea is just about to get even more interesting.

I can't wait for more.

Yash

Hi, yash! Thank you for reading and for your comments. Apparently, Bridget is just delusional enough to think she can take on the queen bee and win. It will be interesting to see which one of these women will prevail in the end.

Eric is in a lot of pain right now and it's unfortunate that Stephanie has deceived him for so long and one time too many. I also suspect that even if the others aren't his biologically, he's still their father in every way that counts.

Brooke and Katie's tea will, indeed, get a lot more interesting.

Thanks again for your compliments and I'm looking forward to reading more from you, too!

[jrtllf01]

montanalindy said:

Thank you! This was a wonderful read ... I can't wait for the next installment. (Greedy, I know!)

You have Stephanie's snobbish arrogance and Ridge's arrogant selfishness down pat! I liked Catherine's insights into the goings on at Deadwood Manor. Me thinks that Bridget, the sneaky little twit, is in for a big shock when she tries conning the Queen of Cons, Stephanie, with her innocent act. Poor Eric, Felicia, Kristen and Thorne trying to come to terms with Stephanie's deception and the ripple affects of how it will affect all of them. Much more realistic than what we were served up on B&B.

I liked Katie and Brooke spending time together. I also enjoyed Brooke's verbal showdown with Freda. Loved the line about not caring what people said behind her back but that nobody could get away with insulting her hats! LOL!

Never was a Sheila fan -- but the thought of her dragging Massimo onto Maury for a paternity test and shouting match certainly made me smile!

Oh, and I am really looking forward to the meeting of Brooke, Nick, Jackie and Katie. Bring it on! ;D


(Modified to change smilie -- I had a bad one and wanted a winking one!)

Good evening, Lindy! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter!

I loved writing Stephanie and Ridge's scenes because they are so full of themselves. Evidently, everyone else needs an attitude adjustment, but not them! It never made sense to me that Catherine, who is the children's primary caretaker and who is more intimate with the children than anyone else, wouldn't have had something to say about what was going on in that mausoleum. Poor Bridget! She has no idea who she's fooling with; Stephanie has seen it all and done it all and Bridget's faux innocence isn't fooling her one bit.

Stephanie's family--the one that she's ignored for years--is devastated by her treachery, and it will take them some time to come to grips with what has happened. I had a blast writing the catfight between Brooke and Freda; I didn't want Brooke feeling sorry for herself. Freda is like a takeoff of Hedda Hopper, who was also despised, feared and known for her hats.

You know how I feel about Sheila; I can't stand her. I wanted to also deal with another one of those loose threads that made absolutely no sense onscreen--how she was able to have a baby while presumably incarcerated and then spring it on Massimo after she escaped. For once, I wanted to bring some realism and address the challenges that incarcerated women face because of their special needs. Massimo may want to stop ignoring Sheila though because she's not about to give up. After all, she has nothing to lose at this point.

I wanted Brooke to have some fun and she, Katie, Nick and Jackie will have a very interesting encounter in the next chapter.

Thanks again, Lindy, for your comments!

[fan2c]

Gee MissJR, Ifve nearly been successful in severing all ties to the show and then you have to go and dangle one of your edgy chapters in my face. Almost missed it but saw the heads up at Scottfs. If it wasnft for my habit of checking the spoilers and a couple of the sites in the odd moment here and there when I donft have enough time to do anything else, Ifd be totally disconnected. I used to make time for B&B and the fanfics but no more. Itfs no aspersion on the fine talent here just that the dark, cheesy and smarmy pall that hangs over the show has virtually ruined all the characters for me and thus my enjoyment of the fanfics. The only character I still care about is Brooke, but there is no one left Ifll tune in to watch her interact with.

Bell has done such a number on Ridge, but TIIC (singular) is still having a hard time grasping and accepting what a irreversible character assassination hefs wrought. Bell certainly hasnft learned anything from his debacle as hefs sent a longtime fan pleaser like Eric and a hot new property like Nick down the same destructive path at an even more accelerated speed than Ridge traveled. And promising newcomers like Whip, Oscar, Hector, and Dante even Thomas never made it off the launching pad before they were decimated. And you delivered a beautiful and powerful one-two punch to point up the problem with Ridge. Ridge would stand out as the jerk of all jerks in the midst of a group of all-time jerkiest jerks. What a quick, clear way to expose Ridge in all his heinous, vainglorious reality than to show his attitude and treatment towards service personnel who have been trained to be deferential in the face of extreme provocation to preserve their jobs in a very competitive industry. Bell hasnft been much more subtle in depicting Ridgefs elitist, sexist, even skirting the racist element in serving up Ridgefs insufferable arrogance on the show. And just like Bellfs Ridge, your Ridge doesnft have the intelligence of a gnat to figure out his sorry behavior isnft getting him anywhere much less what he wants. How stupid can a man be? I donft think I have to worry this moral and mental midget will be bungling his way back into Brookefs good graces.

Okay, we all know Ridge canft manage life without his handlers. I got a fiendish little chuckle out of the latest battle shaping up for control of his person and household- his mother v.s. his daughter/baby sister. What a stark way to expose the underlying perversion of the old Brooke/Stephanie (it never was a Brooke/Taylor rivalry, the real competition has always been between Brooke and Stephanie) tug of war over him than to remove whatfs left of Brookefs shielding charisma. Now we see the real nastiness hidden inside. The triangle straight from the incestuous cesspool, Stephanie/Ridge/Bridget. I didnft think anything could make me feel sympathy for Ridge, but sandwiched between those two just might do it. Of course Ifll enjoy whatever licks you mete out to him from those two while the two duke it out over the sorry remains of his carcass. What a pathetic figure of a man I see as he watches from the sidelines.

And Ridge barely remembers he even has children while his mother and potential lover jockey to use them as a major pawn and put a pious spin on their future battles. Thank god for Catherine, and thank you for portraying her as the intelligent, responsible, and wonderful asset to the family she is. Like so many caregivers, Ifm sure shefs underpaid, under-appreciated, and taken for granted. Too bad we can all see why that just isnft enough and the kids will suffer. Shefs being undermined, ignored, and dismissed by three very self-absorbed supposed adults who like to tout their superiority. As if!

Ifm having a little trouble seeing your Stephanie. I just donft see her boohooing it up at Taylorfs grave. Mouthing some sad regret with moralizing platitudes at losing her tool of choice, er. . . .handmaiden, er. . . .whatever, for keeping Ridge in line; okay. But waterworks are just so not Stephfs style. I see her whipping up her anger and making threats behind her mask of sorrow, then taking off to dispense her twisted justice in the name of all her warped, hypocritical morality. And I couldnft see her backing up from Bridget either. Not one step. Shefs the bully of all bullies, but she doesnft shy away when her target stands and confronts. She doesnft tuck her tail between her legs and run. Remember this woman physically attacked Deacon and look at the way shefs browbeaten Eric and other strong characters over the years. A woman whofll physically take on a man the way Steph does wouldnft hesitate with the likes of Bridget. Bridget is a lightweight and has shown a tendency to toady to Steph as well. A combination Steph finds attractive in the women she likes to pimp to her son. And if Steph thinks she could use Bridget to get Ridge away from Brooke, I have no doubt she would use her. At least in the short term. We all know Stephanie has no trouble putting aside her high-minded scruples to further her own agenda. Whatfs a little incest that on a teenie technicality is no longer incest to someone like Stephanie with her past record of lies, misdeeds, and deceit? So what is it about Bridget that has the power to make Steph back off? Something in Bridgetfs bloodline perhaps? I think itfs more than just that Beth and Brooke are counted in Bridgetfs antecedents. What are you up to JR?

Poor Eric, I donft blame him a bit for questioning all of his childrenfs paternities. Hefd be a fool not to, especially Felicia with her remarkable resemblance to Ridge. (See it is just impossible to keep the nastiness of the show from intruding. Nick trussed up unknowingly perhaps with his sister and niece through his father and brother, ick, ick, ick. Not to mention the scuzziness and incestuous overtones if RJ as well as Bridget and Feliciafs spawn are all Nickfs even if Felicia and Bridgetfs paternities stand. The convoluted nasty shadows are there and can never be totally erased, especially with what happens with paternity tests on this show.) Knowing Steph has maintained a close relationship to Mass all these years, one shefs reminisced over as being more supportive and fitting than her relationship with her husband, itfs not outside the realm of possibility she did more mattress dancing with him over the years. Wefve seen Stephanie dally outside her marriage, and whatfs one more paternity lie to her? And with Ridge, Nick, and Diana as an indicator, we all have a pretty good idea of the irresponsible and irreverent manner Mass handles his potent little swimmers. Lies, deceit, murder, wefve seen it all from Stephanie, including the way shefs emotionally abused and used her own children without a whit of conscience to slow her down. Ifd think her children would want to know too. Theyfll all be better off knowing the truth, whatever it is, then just left wondering. The question is though, can this family trust any paternity test? Eric has been such a patsy for so long and shows some of the classic symptoms of an abused spouse. I still see the remnants of a decent guy hiding inside, thatfs what got him into this mess in the first place, and Ifd like to see him reclaim his self-esteem for his childrenfs sake. All of his children, not just the onefs he supposedly had with Stephanie.

I was glad to see Brooke with Katie. Everyone needs a support system. And I was glad to see Brookefs eyes finally seem to be open in regards to Ridge and the truth has set her free. Your little riposte between Brooke and the gossip-slinger went a long way in showing me Brooke is bouncing back from this with a healthy attitude and determined to get on with a Ridge free life. A suggestion, could we maybe see some mother-daughter angst where Brooke deals with Bridgetfs betrayal and Bridget actually is faced with what shefs done? I know it wonft be anytime soon, considering Bridgetfs attitude she did no wrong and is using what happened to press her pursuit, but dayam Iem tired of her free passes while she polishes her halo. Now everyone is looking mighty fine indeed as they enter that tea room, and it is time to bring it on. What a place to leave us hanging, JR! I think we deserved a bit more of a payoff after slogging through all the sludge of Steph/Ridge/Bridget and the pain of Eric and his children. Not that it wasnft good to get a little glimpse of Nick and Jackie and Brooke and Katie fdressing it up and taking it out.f But I need more of a bright spot in the midst of all the dark going ons. I definitely am starved for some refreshing romance that doesnft have Bellfs perverted taint all over it. Oops, got to put Bellfs depraved slice of life out of mind or Ifll never be able to read another fanfic.

Thanks for your latest installment. You never cease to disappoint me with your knack for cutting right to the heart of Bellfs hypocrisy and going him one better to showcase the ugliness behind his work. You go where he leads but doesnft have the guts to openly own up to. Hefs just like Ridge, he incites his trashy little catfights then ducks. I appreciate the slick, backhanded digs you take at Bell on behalf of all fans of B&Bfs former glory days. I may not have the stomach for his games anymore, but Ifm glad to see someone with fight still in them.

[Lexxie]

Thanks a lot for the new installment JR, it was a very good chapter!

It's so great to have Brooke and Katie together, and I love spunky Brooke who won't let anyone take her down! Her sparring with Freda had me chuckling!

Ridge is an a$$! He really needs to get over himself. He's so used to Brooke letting him get away with everything, he thinks he can do anything! I'm glad she won't let him toy with her anymore.

Bridget is really sick! I can't belive you actually got me agreeing with Stephanie about something LOL. However, Stephanie isn't doing anything for the right reasons, and she really should try to take better care of Thomas. However, he might get angry at her now, knowing that she doesn't want Bridget to be his new mom.

Catherine was right on the money! And I had to laugh at your descriptions of Tricia. It's so true though, Taylor's best friend, who nobody had heard about before.

And Nick looked very handsome coming in with Jackie on his arm. I hope he'll be able to make Brooke totally forget Ridge, but that they'll take things slowly! I think going a bit slowly is something BB should learn.

And poor Eric! He must think his whole life could be lie! Although I understand Kristen and Thorne, I can also understand that Eric would like to test himself and the children. And they don't really need Stephanie to do that, do they? Only Eric and the 'children' would need to be tested to know for sure if Eric is their bio father, I would think.

And please keep going with Sheila! She's one of the best vilains ever, and has that great love-to-hate thing going for her.

I hope you'll continue this story soon, and you would really make my day if you posted a new chapter of La Femme Fatale as well (hint, hint)

Thanks a lot for the chapter! I really enjoyed it! ;D

[dotd]

Well my dear you’ve certainly been busy filling in all the blanks that Brad has abruptly left in this show. I know it had to be hard for you to pick it up again and stay on the track you initially planned. Believe me I know. I commend you for doing so and I hope you’re able to keep it up.
First let me tell you that Bridget is one skanky bitch LOL! She’s got to be really bad if even Stephanie is against her. I didn’t know who I should root for in their showdown. Let the worst bitch win? It’s funny because in some ways I can understand Stephanie. She loves her son and wants what’s best for him. The problem is she has no clue what is best. She hates Brooke for irrational reasons or for reasons that just don’t exist anymore. Well she got her out of his life but it’s still not good enough. She has to cut her down and moan and groan about her. She had no clue at all about Tricia and she seems to have forgotten everything about Bridget. Bravo Catherine for setting her straight, standing her ground and showing her just how strong she is. And it’s nice that she actually cares about those kids. I know Stephanie loves them, but she doesn’t really think about them, only about herself and what she wants. How true to Stephanie she was at Taylor’s gravesite. She found no peace until she ranted about Brooke. I have to wonder, are you planning on keeping Taylor dead?
I have to feel sorry for Thomas a bit too. He worships the two hypocrites. He’s young and impressionable and the one person who should be monitoring all this insanity is so caught up into himself that he doesn’t see the damage that he and the others are causing his son. Ridge is not being a good father at all. I am not advocating his not marrying Brooke because of Thomas, but I think he should have been more sensitive and spent more time explaining things to him, bonding with him, and helping him get to know Brooke. But Ridge is so much an island to himself. He is acting like a total maniac and he doesn’t even see it. His behavior at the hotel was atrocious. Not only that but if he loves Brooke like he claims to he should show her some respect, give her some space and some peace and then later go to her and make his case. Now Ridge has been through a horrible experience. Losing Taylor was harder on him than he wants to admit. He hasn’t even dealt with it. The way he fell into Tricia’s trap and Bridget’s illusions only show that. And as much as I hate to say it I think his reasons for wanting to marry Brooke have everything to do with ego and filling a void and little at all to do with love. Hopefully Brooke is going to remember that. She’s being very strong and she’s being honest too. She admits that she still does love him, but she doesn’t like him. Stay strong Brooke!
I just love Brooke and Katie. It’s so wonderful that the two sisters can bond and be there for each other and find joy in the stressful, crazy time. Katie is younger but still very protective. I think Brooke appreciates that. I think Brooke will need Katie around so she has support if she starts to weaken when Ridge is around. Now one thing Brooke has to do is realize that baby sister knows better about a lot of things and one is that Captain Payne truly does only have eyes for Brooke LOL! Now Brooke might not be ready, but I think she needs to think about getting there. The world doesn’t begin and end with Ridge. Brooke needs to have fun and see her options and Nick is certainly an option. I really hope to see more of this scene soon. I know that Jackie and Katie are going to both be on their side. And that is just wonderful!
I really liked the scenes with Eric and his kids. I always wondered why he didn’t wonder if maybe, just maybe, one or more of them weren’t his. And when Felicia said that about looking like Ridge while it made Thorne and Kristen angry at her, it was something that should have been brought up. I also applaud her for wanting to do that test. None of them will abandon him, but he has a right to know. I know they’re all scared but nothing is going to make them less of a family. Crazy as it sounds I hope that in time Eric can forgive Ridge for turning to Massimo so easily. I know he loves Ridge and he wants him back. I’ve forgotten. Does Eric know about Ridget yet? I’m thinking he does because there is more reason for the wedding being called off and everyone wants to know.
I’m glad that you are revisiting Sheila and not just because of the baby that was just forgotten. The entire fact that she shot them seems to have been forgotten. There was no trail, no closure, no anything and I think that was a mistake. They could have milked that one for some good scenes, even if you hate Sheila, imagine the emotions from Ridge, Stephanie, Brooke, Eric, everyone. So I am glad it hasn’t all been pushed aside here. Now that Sheila is a crazy one and yet she knows what’s going on. I can’t say I won’t enjoy her making Massimo’s life hell!
And speaking of Massimo, I have to wonder if you are planning on making Captain Payne into Nick Marone. And if not are you going to have a Jackie connection or anything?
The chapter was very good, very exciting and makes me want more!
So my requests are, more Bricky, less of a wait, let’s find out about the paternity issues, let Brooke deal with her pervert daughter and well, anything else you want too! LOL!

[jrtllf01]

fan2c said:

Gee MissJR, Ifve nearly been successful in severing all ties to the show and then you have to go and dangle one of your edgy chapters in my face. Almost missed it but saw the heads up at Scottfs. If it wasnft for my habit of checking the spoilers and a couple of the sites in the odd moment here and there when I donft have enough time to do anything else, Ifd be totally disconnected. I used to make time for B&B and the fanfics but no more. Itfs no aspersion on the fine talent here just that the dark, cheesy and smarmy pall that hangs over the show has virtually ruined all the characters for me and thus my enjoyment of the fanfics. The only character I still care about is Brooke, but there is no one left Ifll tune in to watch her interact with.

Bell has done such a number on Ridge, but TIIC (singular) is still having a hard time grasping and accepting what a irreversible character assassination hefs wrought. Bell certainly hasnft learned anything from his debacle as hefs sent a longtime fan pleaser like Eric and a hot new property like Nick down the same destructive path at an even more accelerated speed than Ridge traveled. And promising newcomers like Whip, Oscar, Hector, and Dante even Thomas never made it off the launching pad before they were decimated. And you delivered a beautiful and powerful one-two punch to point up the problem with Ridge. Ridge would stand out as the jerk of all jerks in the midst of a group of all-time jerkiest jerks. What a quick, clear way to expose Ridge in all his heinous, vainglorious reality than to show his attitude and treatment towards service personnel who have been trained to be deferential in the face of extreme provocation to preserve their jobs in a very competitive industry. Bell hasnft been much more subtle in depicting Ridgefs elitist, sexist, even skirting the racist element in serving up Ridgefs insufferable arrogance on the show. And just like Bellfs Ridge, your Ridge doesnft have the intelligence of a gnat to figure out his sorry behavior isnft getting him anywhere much less what he wants. How stupid can a man be? I donft think I have to worry this moral and mental midget will be bungling his way back into Brookefs good graces.

Okay, we all know Ridge canft manage life without his handlers. I got a fiendish little chuckle out of the latest battle shaping up for control of his person and household- his mother v.s. his daughter/baby sister. What a stark way to expose the underlying perversion of the old Brooke/Stephanie (it never was a Brooke/Taylor rivalry, the real competition has always been between Brooke and Stephanie) tug of war over him than to remove whatfs left of Brookefs shielding charisma. Now we see the real nastiness hidden inside. The triangle straight from the incestuous cesspool, Stephanie/Ridge/Bridget. I didnft think anything could make me feel sympathy for Ridge, but sandwiched between those two just might do it. Of course Ifll enjoy whatever licks you mete out to him from those two while the two duke it out over the sorry remains of his carcass. What a pathetic figure of a man I see as he watches from the sidelines.

And Ridge barely remembers he even has children while his mother and potential lover jockey to use them as a major pawn and put a pious spin on their future battles. Thank god for Catherine, and thank you for portraying her as the intelligent, responsible, and wonderful asset to the family she is. Like so many caregivers, Ifm sure shefs underpaid, under-appreciated, and taken for granted. Too bad we can all see why that just isnft enough and the kids will suffer. Shefs being undermined, ignored, and dismissed by three very self-absorbed supposed adults who like to tout their superiority. As if!

Ifm having a little trouble seeing your Stephanie. I just donft see her boohooing it up at Taylorfs grave. Mouthing some sad regret with moralizing platitudes at losing her tool of choice, er. . . .handmaiden, er. . . .whatever, for keeping Ridge in line; okay. But waterworks are just so not Stephfs style. I see her whipping up her anger and making threats behind her mask of sorrow, then taking off to dispense her twisted justice in the name of all her warped, hypocritical morality. And I couldnft see her backing up from Bridget either. Not one step. Shefs the bully of all bullies, but she doesnft shy away when her target stands and confronts. She doesnft tuck her tail between her legs and run. Remember this woman physically attacked Deacon and look at the way shefs browbeaten Eric and other strong characters over the years. A woman whofll physically take on a man the way Steph does wouldnft hesitate with the likes of Bridget. Bridget is a lightweight and has shown a tendency to toady to Steph as well. A combination Steph finds attractive in the women she likes to pimp to her son. And if Steph thinks she could use Bridget to get Ridge away from Brooke, I have no doubt she would use her. At least in the short term. We all know Stephanie has no trouble putting aside her high-minded scruples to further her own agenda. Whatfs a little incest that on a teenie technicality is no longer incest to someone like Stephanie with her past record of lies, misdeeds, and deceit? So what is it about Bridget that has the power to make Steph back off? Something in Bridgetfs bloodline perhaps? I think itfs more than just that Beth and Brooke are counted in Bridgetfs antecedents. What are you up to JR?

Poor Eric, I donft blame him a bit for questioning all of his childrenfs paternities. Hefd be a fool not to, especially Felicia with her remarkable resemblance to Ridge. (See it is just impossible to keep the nastiness of the show from intruding. Nick trussed up unknowingly perhaps with his sister and niece through his father and brother, ick, ick, ick. Not to mention the scuzziness and incestuous overtones if RJ as well as Bridget and Feliciafs spawn are all Nickfs even if Felicia and Bridgetfs paternities stand. The convoluted nasty shadows are there and can never be totally erased, especially with what happens with paternity tests on this show.) Knowing Steph has maintained a close relationship to Mass all these years, one shefs reminisced over as being more supportive and fitting than her relationship with her husband, itfs not outside the realm of possibility she did more mattress dancing with him over the years. Wefve seen Stephanie dally outside her marriage, and whatfs one more paternity lie to her? And with Ridge, Nick, and Diana as an indicator, we all have a pretty good idea of the irresponsible and irreverent manner Mass handles his potent little swimmers. Lies, deceit, murder, wefve seen it all from Stephanie, including the way shefs emotionally abused and used her own children without a whit of conscience to slow her down. Ifd think her children would want to know too. Theyfll all be better off knowing the truth, whatever it is, then just left wondering. The question is though, can this family trust any paternity test? Eric has been such a patsy for so long and shows some of the classic symptoms of an abused spouse. I still see the remnants of a decent guy hiding inside, thatfs what got him into this mess in the first place, and Ifd like to see him reclaim his self-esteem for his childrenfs sake. All of his children, not just the onefs he supposedly had with Stephanie.

I was glad to see Brooke with Katie. Everyone needs a support system. And I was glad to see Brookefs eyes finally seem to be open in regards to Ridge and the truth has set her free. Your little riposte between Brooke and the gossip-slinger went a long way in showing me Brooke is bouncing back from this with a healthy attitude and determined to get on with a Ridge free life. A suggestion, could we maybe see some mother-daughter angst where Brooke deals with Bridgetfs betrayal and Bridget actually is faced with what shefs done? I know it wonft be anytime soon, considering Bridgetfs attitude she did no wrong and is using what happened to press her pursuit, but dayam Iem tired of her free passes while she polishes her halo. Now everyone is looking mighty fine indeed as they enter that tea room, and it is time to bring it on. What a place to leave us hanging, JR! I think we deserved a bit more of a payoff after slogging through all the sludge of Steph/Ridge/Bridget and the pain of Eric and his children. Not that it wasnft good to get a little glimpse of Nick and Jackie and Brooke and Katie fdressing it up and taking it out.f But I need more of a bright spot in the midst of all the dark going ons. I definitely am starved for some refreshing romance that doesnft have Bellfs perverted taint all over it. Oops, got to put Bellfs depraved slice of life out of mind or Ifll never be able to read another fanfic.

Thanks for your latest installment. You never cease to disappoint me with your knack for cutting right to the heart of Bellfs hypocrisy and going him one better to showcase the ugliness behind his work. You go where he leads but doesnft have the guts to openly own up to. Hefs just like Ridge, he incites his trashy little catfights then ducks. I appreciate the slick, backhanded digs you take at Bell on behalf of all fans of B&Bfs former glory days. I may not have the stomach for his games anymore, but Ifm glad to see someone with fight still in them.

Good evening, Fan2C! It's a real pleasure hearing from you after such a long absence.

I'm sorry that you haven't felt particularly motivated to take up writing again. I know the feeling. All I can say is thank goodness for the wonderful ladies of the Shady Marlin! If it weren't for those clips of Brooke and Nick's first meeting, I would have sworn that I had imagined the whole thing. As you can imagine, it's been a real disappointment seeing what has happened to Nick under Bradley's pen. It's even more disgusting that the one couple who had real chemistry had to be destroyed to prop up a worthless and useless character like Bridget.

When I started this particular fan fic, I felt a pressing need to address all those issues that TIIC started and then abruptly dropped when it was too inconvenient and sticky to deal with them. It's unfortunate that the writers have no clue about how badly they damaged Ridge. It's so jarring to see them try to make Ridge a romantic male lead after his atrocious dalliance with Bridget. Ridge is damaged, but I would really like to clean him up to the extent possible. It may even be possible to even the playing field, so to speak. At the very least, I want him to realistically deal with his delayed grief over his wife's death, as well as his neglect of his chidlren especially Thomas. I remember being appalled when Thomas drank himself into a coma under Ridge's watch because he was feeling neglected. It was even more appalling that the boy wasn't counseled after that, but instead rewarded with a trip to an amusement park! That's why it's shocking when people onscreen constantly refer to Ridge as a good and "honorable" man and father.

Thank goodness the children have Catherine in their lives. As their primary caretaker, she is in a unique position to know everything that is happening with them. It would be nice if Ridge remembered why he and his wife hired Catherine in the first place.

I had to laugh at your observations about Bridget and Stephanie. LOL! You're right about their tug of war and how the real struggle has always been between Brooke and Stephanie. Now that Brooke has taken herself out of the equation, Stephanie is left dealing with something even more unsavory. Bridget is young, foolish and overly confident of her own charms. And, why shouldn't she be? For the better part of a year, her mother was beaten down, wihle Bridget was constantly told how wonderful, smart, brilliant and moral she is. Not to mention Massimo and all his nonsense about how she was the "perfert woman" for Ridge. She is definitely feeling her oats because of Ridge. Don't fear! Stephanie is definitely not done with the chit, as you will see in the next chapter. I suspect that she retreated because she was genuinely shocked that someone who gave her little trouble before stood up to her and was quite unashamed about it. To Stephanie, Taylor's death represents the end of an era. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, both Stephanie and Bridget have their own agendas.

Very interesting observation about Eric as an abused spouse. I can't support the rewritten storyline concerning the trust document on the show at all. It totally goes against what was presented about Eric's character when B&B first aired, as well as the history presented in the archives and the show's Tenth Anniversary Book. I don't believe for one second that Eric would pour his heart and soul into a company that he had to have known or should have known wasn't his. Nor, do I believe that he would willfully and knowingly cheat his children. As it is now, it's hard to trust any of the characters or their motivations at all on the show. Right now, in my story, Eric is devastated, feeling that the last 40-plus years of his life have been one big lie. Obviously, he doesn't regret his children, but in light of the deception regarding Angela, it's not too difficult to fathom that he would be having doubts about everything. He and his children definitely need to know the truth.

I definitely want Brooke to have a support system in the form of people who genuinely love her, while not being blind to her faults. I wanted her to open her eyes about Ridge and their relationship also. It's not necessary for her to bash or trash him since Ridge's behavior speaks for itself. However, I also wanted her to take a look at how she ALLOWED Ridge to treat her the way he has and to get away with it. She's also sick and tired of the smears and slurs against Hope and will no longer tolerate it, whether it's coming from some gossipy muckraker, Ridge or anyone else. And, there will definitely be some mother-daughter angst between Brooke and Bridget as they come to terms with what happened between them. Given that Hope is here, they have no choice. Right now, Bridget is riding high but she will come crashing down one day, and for her sake, she had darn well better hope she has the support system there for her.

I've already started with the Nick/Jackie/Brooke/Katie scenes and had hoped to include more in this chapter. Unfortunately, it was getting quite long so I wanted to leave off at a good breaking point and give the readers something to look forward to. They will all have a great deal of fun, and Brooke's eyes will be opened in more ways than one.

Thank you so much for your insightful comments! I enjoyed reading them and I sincerely hope you come back more often--and give us some more of your own writing!

[jrtllf01]

lexxie said:

Thanks a lot for the new installment JR, it was a very good chapter!

It's so great to have Brooke and Katie together, and I love spunky Brooke who won't let anyone take her down! Her sparring with Freda had me chuckling!

Ridge is an a$$! He really needs to get over himself. He's so used to Brooke letting him get away with everything, he thinks he can do anything! I'm glad she won't let him toy with her anymore.

Bridget is really sick! I can't belive you actually got me agreeing with Stephanie about something LOL. However, Stephanie isn't doing anything for the right reasons, and she really should try to take better care of Thomas. However, he might get angry at her now, knowing that she doesn't want Bridget to be his new mom.

Catherine was right on the money! And I had to laugh at your descriptions of Tricia. It's so true though, Taylor's best friend, who nobody had heard about before.

And Nick looked very handsome coming in with Jackie on his arm. I hope he'll be able to make Brooke totally forget Ridge, but that they'll take things slowly! I think going a bit slowly is something BB should learn.

And poor Eric! He must think his whole life could be lie! Although I understand Kristen and Thorne, I can also understand that Eric would like to test himself and the children. And they don't really need Stephanie to do that, do they? Only Eric and the 'children' would need to be tested to know for sure if Eric is their bio father, I would think.

And please keep going with Sheila! She's one of the best vilains ever, and has that great love-to-hate thing going for her.

I hope you'll continue this story soon, and you would really make my day if you posted a new chapter of La Femme Fatale as well (hint, hint)

Thanks a lot for the chapter! I really enjoyed it! ;D

Thank you so much for your compliments, Lexxie! I'm sorry that it's taken me some time to respond, but things have been really crazy at work.

I thought it was very important for Brooke to finally have her family with her as support. Onscreen, she's such a lonely and polarizing figure. It irks me that virtually every female who appears on canvas automatically pegs her as the enemy. I certainly want the spunky Brooke back as opposed to the one who feels that she has to apologize just for simply getting out of bed in the morning. I loved the catfight between her and Freda and it's well past time that she stopped letting judgmental heifers walk all over her.

As for Ridge . . . what can I say? He wants what he wants. Not once has it occurred to him that Brooke doesn't WANT to see or talk to him. Instead, it's everyone else's fault, from Massimo to the hotel staff. He's going to be seeing a new Brooke soon and it remains to be seen if he can handle her.

Bridget is definitely one sick pup. She's another one who needs to get over herself. Stephanie will be more than up to the challenge of dealing with this latest threat for Ridge's mind, soul and heart. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, she's not blocking Bridget for the right reasons. For her, it's all about Ridge. As for Thomas, he sees these two as his guardian angels without recognizing that it's actually Catherine who is his guardian angel.

I loved writing Catherine's description of Tricia's appalling, predictable and transparent behavior. I remember thinking at the time this all played out onscreen that she was merely repeating what so many of us thought Taylor did—except she was more out in the open about it. LOL! As for Tricia supposedly being Taylor's best friend, this is another one of those loose ends that TIIC didn't bother with. Now that Taylor's back, we've yet to hear from her father or Tricia. Plus, it was already established that Taylor HAD no female friends, which was why she latched onto Morgan as her "best friend."

I wanted Nick and Jackie's appearance to be dramatic, and I wanted the Nick that many of us fell in love with in the spring of 2003. If Ridge doesn't get his act together, Nick may, indeed, have a very good shot at making Brooke forget Ridge. I also want Brooke and Nick to take things slowly (and have fun) especially in light of all the secrets whirling around.

Poor Eric is right! One drunken night at a fraternity party changed his whole life. Kristen and Thorne are understandably hesitant to open that can of worms but the family can't go on the way they have in light of everything that's come to light. Look for Kristen and Thorne to reach a decision soon. I will need to do some research regarding whether or not Stephanie would have to consent to the DNA paternity testing, or if Eric will need a court order. In any event, it will be fun to see her reaction!

I'm glad you like what I'm doing with Sheila. I can't stand the woman but I have to agree with you. When she's not being written as a cartoon, she's definitely one of the best villains ever! Plus, I wanted to use Sheila's pregnancy to highlight Massimo's hypocrisy.

Again, thank you so much for your compliments! I will definitely be continuing the story and have already started working on another chapter of La Femme Fatale.

[jrtllf01]

dotd said:

Well my dear you’ve certainly been busy filling in all the blanks that Brad has abruptly left in this show. I know it had to be hard for you to pick it up again and stay on the track you initially planned. Believe me I know. I commend you for doing so and I hope you’re able to keep it up.
First let me tell you that Bridget is one skanky bitch LOL! She’s got to be really bad if even Stephanie is against her. I didn’t know who I should root for in their showdown. Let the worst bitch win? It’s funny because in some ways I can understand Stephanie. She loves her son and wants what’s best for him. The problem is she has no clue what is best. She hates Brooke for irrational reasons or for reasons that just don’t exist anymore. Well she got her out of his life but it’s still not good enough. She has to cut her down and moan and groan about her. She had no clue at all about Tricia and she seems to have forgotten everything about Bridget. Bravo Catherine for setting her straight, standing her ground and showing her just how strong she is. And it’s nice that she actually cares about those kids. I know Stephanie loves them, but she doesn’t really think about them, only about herself and what she wants. How true to Stephanie she was at Taylor’s gravesite. She found no peace until she ranted about Brooke. I have to wonder, are you planning on keeping Taylor dead?
I have to feel sorry for Thomas a bit too. He worships the two hypocrites. He’s young and impressionable and the one person who should be monitoring all this insanity is so caught up into himself that he doesn’t see the damage that he and the others are causing his son. Ridge is not being a good father at all. I am not advocating his not marrying Brooke because of Thomas, but I think he should have been more sensitive and spent more time explaining things to him, bonding with him, and helping him get to know Brooke. But Ridge is so much an island to himself. He is acting like a total maniac and he doesn’t even see it. His behavior at the hotel was atrocious. Not only that but if he loves Brooke like he claims to he should show her some respect, give her some space and some peace and then later go to her and make his case. Now Ridge has been through a horrible experience. Losing Taylor was harder on him than he wants to admit. He hasn’t even dealt with it. The way he fell into Tricia’s trap and Bridget’s illusions only show that. And as much as I hate to say it I think his reasons for wanting to marry Brooke have everything to do with ego and filling a void and little at all to do with love. Hopefully Brooke is going to remember that. She’s being very strong and she’s being honest too. She admits that she still does love him, but she doesn’t like him. Stay strong Brooke!
I just love Brooke and Katie. It’s so wonderful that the two sisters can bond and be there for each other and find joy in the stressful, crazy time. Katie is younger but still very protective. I think Brooke appreciates that. I think Brooke will need Katie around so she has support if she starts to weaken when Ridge is around. Now one thing Brooke has to do is realize that baby sister knows better about a lot of things and one is that Captain Payne truly does only have eyes for Brooke LOL! Now Brooke might not be ready, but I think she needs to think about getting there. The world doesn’t begin and end with Ridge. Brooke needs to have fun and see her options and Nick is certainly an option. I really hope to see more of this scene soon. I know that Jackie and Katie are going to both be on their side. And that is just wonderful!
I really liked the scenes with Eric and his kids. I always wondered why he didn’t wonder if maybe, just maybe, one or more of them weren’t his. And when Felicia said that about looking like Ridge while it made Thorne and Kristen angry at her, it was something that should have been brought up. I also applaud her for wanting to do that test. None of them will abandon him, but he has a right to know. I know they’re all scared but nothing is going to make them less of a family. Crazy as it sounds I hope that in time Eric can forgive Ridge for turning to Massimo so easily. I know he loves Ridge and he wants him back. I’ve forgotten. Does Eric know about Ridget yet? I’m thinking he does because there is more reason for the wedding being called off and everyone wants to know.
I’m glad that you are revisiting Sheila and not just because of the baby that was just forgotten. The entire fact that she shot them seems to have been forgotten. There was no trail, no closure, no anything and I think that was a mistake. They could have milked that one for some good scenes, even if you hate Sheila, imagine the emotions from Ridge, Stephanie, Brooke, Eric, everyone. So I am glad it hasn’t all been pushed aside here. Now that Sheila is a crazy one and yet she knows what’s going on. I can’t say I won’t enjoy her making Massimo’s life hell!
And speaking of Massimo, I have to wonder if you are planning on making Captain Payne into Nick Marone. And if not are you going to have a Jackie connection or anything?
The chapter was very good, very exciting and makes me want more!
So my requests are, more Bricky, less of a wait, let’s find out about the paternity issues, let Brooke deal with her pervert daughter and well, anything else you want too! LOL!

Hi, Dot! Thank you so much for your comments! I realize that the show is only on for half an hour, which explains their rushed pace and lack of character development. But, then I reminded myself that there was a time when all the soaps were only on for half and hour, and my mom can remember when some were on for 15 minutes. Yet, you knew what the characters were about. It's definitely been hard picking this up again; that's why I'm thrilled that you, Lisa and others have taken time to post those great clips of Brooke and Nick's memories. What a great way to remind me of how excited I was about this pairing back in 2003. And, this summer we again got glimpses as to why Bricky rocked! I definitely intend to keep it up now because I hate all the character assassinations that are taking place onscreen.

Bridget is definitely mired down in skankery right now. She's also fallen into the trap of believing her own hype. She and Stephanie were once allies so it's very interesting to see them butt heads. I figured that a great dilemma would be to take two of the worst women on the show and have them mix it up. Stephanie was appalled by what she learned. As you said, it's not for the right reasons though. A lot of it had to do with her hatred for Brooke. Her other motives include her loyalty to Taylor's memory. But, her number one cause celebre is her obsession with Ridge. Imagine butting heads with someone who is just obsessed with Ridge as she is! And, isn't it funny how she treats Taylor's gravesite as a hallowed place? And, good call on the way she was only able to find peace after ranting about Brooke. LOL!

Since Catherine has an intimate knowledge of what goes on in that house, I wanted her to put it all on the table. Who wouldn't be disgusted and shocked by what Ridge has allowed after Taylor's death? Like a lot of people, I was appalled by the cavalier way 12-year-old Thomas' drinking was addressed. It was the perfect time for Ridge to step up and be the great father that everyone claims he is. Instead, not only did he fall down on the job, but he actually rewarded Thomas for his behavior! He also totally missed the point as to why Thomas drank himself into a coma in the first place. Telling a grief-stricken boy who was close to his mom that "Forresters don't cry" is a horrible message to send. Instead, Ridge is busy obsessing about getting Brooke back, while ignoring his kids, the mess in his household, and his own grief and recovery. And, as much as I desperately wanted a Bridge reunion (pre-Ridget, of course), I thought that Ridge should have taken some time to work through his grief. That way, it would have been clear to everyone that he was marrying Brooke because she was who he really wanted, and he wasn't merely replacing Taylor. Right now, Ridge is so angry and humiliated that he's lashing out at everyone—especially those whom he perceives are beneath him.

I also want Brooke to remain strong and to remember. But, I do want to keep the character honest about her feelings for Ridge. Given how deeply and completely she loves, I don't expect her feelings for Ridge to die overnight, but her eyes are definitely opened. There was a time when she would have loved all of his attention and pressing her, but people do grow up. And, ITA with you that Ridge was being selfish and disrespectful for not wanting to give her some space to process the horrible experience she had gone through.

I want Brooke and Katie to have fun and I think it's important that Brooke have her family around her at this time. Katie reminds me of my own sister, who's 12 years younger than me. She's a feisty little thing and will defend me to the death—LOL! And, yes, in this case, baby sister is definitely wiser in recognizing what Captain Payne really wants. It will take Brooke some time to get there, but she's definitely attracted to him. Jackie and Katie will definitely be on their side.

I wanted Eric's scenes with his children to be intense. Like you, I also wondered why it hasn't occurred to him that Stephanie could have deceived him about other things. And, yes, the issue of Felicia looking like Ridge has been glossed over onscreen when they had the original actress reprise the role. It certainly presented a problem given the way history was rewritten to make Massimo Ridge's biological father. Kristen and Thorne are scared and would just prefer to let sleeping dogs lie. And, as angry as they are with their mother, they still are loyal to her. Eric feels ashamed that he even has these doubts, but he does have a right to know. I believe that Eric will forgive Ridge because he does love him. And, yes, he does know about Ridget, having overheard snippets of Stephanie and Massimo's conversation at Ridge's house the day before. He knows and it makes him sick.

I wanted to revisit Sheila because there was no closure onscreen at all. It made no sense to me that she murdered a woman from a prominent family and it wasn't dealt with at all. All we saw was Ridge visiting her in jail and going off on her. Given that Massimo actually slept with the woman who murdered his son's wife, I always wondered how he felt about Sheila's actions. People also forgot that Sheila set out to murder Amber (which explains the second-degree murder conviction) and that Brooke was also shot. Sheila is definitely certifiable and it will be very interesting to see her refuse to back down from Massimo ignoring her.

Dot, to be honest with you, I'm still up in the air about making Nick a Marone. I loved the character's independence and one of the things that immediately appealed to me was that he wasn't a Forrester or someone related to Ridge. Unfortunately, I spoke too soon. I do want to have that past connection between Jackie and Massimo though.

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! I will try to keep them coming more frequently and to fulfill your requests—especially having Brooke deal with Bridget! LOL!