Changes Part 131

[dotd]

janice said:

Dot, it was a wonderful chapter and I will comment more tomorrow or over the weekend. But, for now, I have one thing to say. I was glad to see Bryan, but could you please get him a woman???

The scenes with Bridget were heartbreaking and heart-warming at the same time. Absolutely superb!

Thanks.

Thanks! Can't wait to see what else you have to say!
Who would you want for Bryan? Someone already in the story? Someone new? Any ideas?

[dotd]

jrtllf01 said:

All I can say is WOW! This chapter was absolutely AWESOME! It was well worth the wait and hit on every level. Where to begin?

Bridget's HIV-positive status is heartbreaking. I really hoped that the test would come back negative. But, of course, where's the drama in that? This is such a timely issue because young people are becoming infected at increasingly younger ages. I thought the reactions of those who love her were very realistic. I'm so glad that they didn't wait to tell Brooke and that Brooke informed Eric immediately. I was also moved by all the regrets the grownups had. I think that Bridget is handling this with more maturity than I gave her credit for. I have no doubt that she wants things as normal as possible and that she wants to have a positive outlook on her future. And, thank you for NOT including Stephanie in this! Like Brooke, I don't think I could have handled her attitude right now. She's such an evil, spiteful person. I have no doubt she would have found a way to make this all about Brooke and Michael and would have showed her ass. Imagine, someone going to someone else's home intent on stirring up trouble! I look forward to seeing Bridget's REAL family deal with this. I don't include Stephanie in that number. She can say all she wants about how much she loves Bridget and Rick, but her actions speak much louder than any words ever could.

I thought about making it negative, but I knew that would be a dramatic let dowh. Right now Bridget is healthy and scared. Everyone is scared and this is what makes the story work so well. I wanted to show how everyone had regrets and blamed themselves and yet they didn't blame each other. I knew that Bridget needed time to deal with the tests and listen to Michael but that Brooke had to be told right away. I think I did it in a realistic way. I also knew that while some family members could be left in the dark for a little while, that couldn't apply to Eric. Brooke was there to take him away and tell him immediately. It also gave him another chance to bond with Michael and see just how good this man was for his daughter.

I also thank you for dealing with the storyline realistically. I've always hated the way Tony's storyline was handled. I also think that having a major character become infected makes the story that much more compelling. I still remember how devastated I was when GH's Robin Scorpio contracted HIV from Stone, who unknowingly had full-blown AIDS. What really made the story that much more poignant was that viewers saw Robin grow up as a little girl. I also think this is the case with your Bridget, whom we've all "known" since before she was born. And, nice touch, too, in having the grownups discuss the importance of testing. I know that people snark on the message boards all the time about how Brooke, Ridge, this character or that, should have venereal diseases by now. But, having the characters examine their own sexual behavior and the cavalier risks they may have taken is a nice touch.

Well, I think you remember how mad I was at Brad for the Tony story. I told it badly on a personal level and I wrote to everyone about it LOL! It could have been done well, but it wasn't. So right now I have Bridget in a position that seems hopeless, but she, through an educated step dad, is seeing that there is hope no matter how hard it seems. I also thought it was important for it to affect the adults who have led less than innocent sex lives. Glad you liked how I did that too!

I'm so glad we got some Brooke and Michael lovin'! It's about time! LOL! They really needed to connect on so many levels and as they said, they've still got it. That's why I was surprised by the blowup that came later on. WOW! I have to tell you this was more laughs than Peyton Place! Like Brooke, I am also disappointed that Michael couldn't hold it together and just had to show his ass like that. How embarrassing for Brooke and Bridget! I know that Michael was under considerable strain, but to disrespect Brooke like that in front of her guests was outrageous. I don't blame her for letting him have it. Getting into a fist fight over an ex-wife who used to be an EFF-buddy? Uh uh! Brooke has definitely had enough of looking over her shoulder and dealing with the ex-wife blues. Hopefully, the Copelands can work through this. Obviously, they need to be a family for Bethany and Bridget's sakes. BTW, I loved Brooke's comment about Michael's "inner Ridge." LOL! Oh, and even funnier was Adrienne's comeback to Brooke's comment about Michael and Joey being brothers. As much as I love Brooke, even I gasped, "oh, no she didn't!"

Yeah, I needed to get their loving in, I missed it almost as much as they did. They needed it before the news and needed it even more after it. But the sex wasn't a bandaid, it was truly about two people who are very much in love. And no matter what happened in the end of the chapter, they're still very much in love. They just have issues to deal with and hopefully calmer heads will prevail.
Michael held it together for as long as he could and then he just couldn't do it any more. Brooke saw that and she was kind enough to excuse it. All she wanted was for him to keep in control, but he's human and he couldn't seem to do that. I think no matter what else was going on that he wasn't going to react well to Ade and Joey, but under the circumstances it just made him go insane. And Joey was so ready for him to be angry that he was already on the defensive. I'm sure as Pam said, that this is not the first time these two brothers have rumbled and it probably won't be the last.
Brooke had just had all she could take and she wasn't going to just let it go. I can't take credit for the "inner Ridge" line LOL! I was talking to Pam saying that Brooke was going to be very angry that Michael was being so Ridgelike and she said that he was showing his "inner Ridge" and I just HAD to use it! Thanks Pam! But I WILL take credit for Ade's line to Brooke. I just felt it and could see KKL's Brooke saying that line about them being brothers and I knew Ade was way too feisty to just let it go LOL!

I wasn't sure it would work at first, but I think Jade has definitely grown on me. Score one for Pam for recognizing the potential! They are smoking HOT! Frankly, I don't know how Ade was able to keep a straight face, much less walk straight, after the preview in the car. I can't wait to see what you have in store for them next!]/quote]
I have to wonder if Michael's reaction is going to make Ade rethink her decision to give it a try or it it will make her more determined than ever. And what about Joey? As much as he wants Ade, he has been aching for his brother to accept him again. Can he throw that away just when he finally has it? But yes, JAde is hot! LOL! Once more, Thank Pam!

How does Eric stand being married to that hateful shrew? What does he get out of the marriage? That woman is so busy obsessing about Ridge and Brooke that she didn't even look at the baby. She should just let Eric go and end the misery already. I've never seen such a negative person in all my life. And, Brooke's a better woman than I am because if my mother was being hassled by some hateful hag in my own home, there would have been TWO fistfights my guests would need to break up! Quick question: Does Eric not know about what happened between Felicia and Michael? And, if he ultimately found out, will this impact how he feels toward him especially since Bridget trusts Michael so much?

I know I should probably divorce them and give Eric his freedom, but the story has more drama with them still attached. More is going to come out with the Keith connection and I think I want Eric still tied to her for that. As for his knowing about Felicia and Michael, no, he doesn't know. I think that he's started to appreciate Michael and because of that he might actually listen to his side of it. But if Stephanie gets her lies out first it could be really bad, especially for Bridget.

I have to admit that I'm disappointed that Thorne's leadership appears to be a failure. I honestly hoped that he would thrive in his new position. Is this a one-time thing based on circumstances beyond his control (such as market forces), or is he really not cut out for a leadership role? I'm also disappointed that his own family has so little faith in him. I'm sure if it was Ridge, they would have bent over backwards to encourage him. Whatever the bad news is, it must not be pretty any time Brooke has to practically be begged to come back. Will her faith in Thorne's leadership be justified in the end?

I'm not sure if it's a one time thing with Thorne or not, but he isn't getting any cooperation or support from his family. Brooke still has faith in him and is willing to offer her assistance to him. She, like you, can't understand why no one wants to give him a chance. He IS family, just like Ridge.

And, the search for Jason's family has taken a really interesting turn. I'm very curious as to whether they will want him, or if Storm and Colin's orientation will be a factor in their pursuing Jason.

I think it will get even more interesting as the pieces fall into place and the different players make moves to get what they want from the situation. You will meet Aunt Pam and the question will be whether or not she knows who his parents are and why he was given up.

As annoying as Ridge can be with his constant reminders of how much he loves his "Logan," I couldn't help but be as exasperated as he was. It's like he couldn't do anything right in this chapter! LOL! I just knew that the moment he was allowed to hold Bethany that he would catch hell for it. He's desperately trying to hold on to his marriage, but he needs to respect Taylor and give her the space she needs and stop trying to take advantage of every little opening. He screams at his mother and it just goes in one ear and out the other. Poor thing. I'm sure he's wondering, "when is it MY turn to get some respect?" And, then there's still the matter of Vanessa, who I fully expected to show up on Ridge's doorstep or at the party.

I know, I didn't think it was in me to make Ridge sympathetic, but I'm drawing on the Ridge that we used to care about. He loves Brooke and is never going to deny that, but his heart is with Taylor and he wants his marriage back so very badly. Now it seems even his good intentioned mother is throwing that into jeopardy. And you're right to wonder about Vanessa, we know she can't be far behind.

This was an awesome and exciting chapter! I look forward to reading more, as well as more of Paradise and ITNOT.

Thank you! I know Paradise is next, but part of me wants to return to ITNOT, though I am getting some major grief in suggesting that. But I will try my damnedest not to make you wait too long for a new chapter of something!

Thank you so much for your awesome comments!

[yash]

Okay back to my page lengths. I so admire you, Dot, and all the other talented writers who are able to be so prolific. I can't do it. I think the most I've written for one chapter is like 10 pages and that's on the extreme end. I think my chapters are usually around 4 to 5 pages, which is why I post weekly. So I think my frequent post make up for the non-novel like chapters and gives me time to stay a couple chapters ahead of what I've posted.

"I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy."
Yash

[dotd]

yash said:

Okay back to my page lengths. I so admire you, Dot, and all the other talented writers who are able to be so prolific. I can't do it. I think the most I've written for one chapter is like 10 pages and that's on the extreme end. I think my chapters are usually around 4 to 5 pages, which is why I post weekly. So I think my frequent post make up for the non-novel like chapters and gives me time to stay a couple chapters ahead of what I've posted.

"I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy."
Yash

That is very true, I just hope that you are using that to give me an excuse for not posting as quickly!

[janice]

dotd said:

Thanks! Can't wait to see what else you have to say!
Who would you want for Bryan? Someone already in the story? Someone new? Any ideas?[/quote]

Oh, Dot, I definitely have someone in mind and I have a whole backstory. If you are interested at all, I would like to email my idea to you. That way, if it's stupid I won't be embarrassed and if you use any part of it, it would still be a surprise to everyone. Is that okay with you?

[dotd]

janice said:

dotd said:

Thanks! Can't wait to see what else you have to say!
Who would you want for Bryan? Someone already in the story? Someone new? Any ideas?

Oh, Dot, I definitely have someone in mind and I have a whole backstory. If you are interested at all, I would like to email my idea to you. That way, if it's stupid I won't be embarrassed and if you use any part of it, it would still be a surprise to everyone. Is that okay with you?[/quote]

I'd love it! Please send your ideas to me!

[barbara]

Hi Dot,

I was expecting Bridget to be positive, it would have been anticlimactic otherwise, especially after Michael's scare. I can rely on you do to it right and do it justice, not like Bell Jr.

I, like many others am totally. hanging. out. for Jade action!!!!!!!!Yowza.

Michael and Brooke can both be hotheads, and with the shock of Bridget's test, and alcohol (for Michael) and seeing that fight (for Brooke) it's not too surprising the evening degenerated somewhat for them. However I can't see a divorce on the horizon.
Thanks
Barbara

[dotd]

barbara said:

Hi Dot,

I was expecting Bridget to be positive, it would have been anticlimactic otherwise, especially after Michael's scare. I can rely on you do to it right and do it justice, not like Bell Jr.

I, like many others am totally. hanging. out. for Jade action!!!!!!!!Yowza.

Michael and Brooke can both be hotheads, and with the shock of Bridget's test, and alcohol (for Michael) and seeing that fight (for Brooke) it's not too surprising the evening degenerated somewhat for them. However I can't see a divorce on the horizon.
Thanks
Barbara

LOL! Oh you know me too well, I can't divorce my couple, but I can throw in some conflict and some fights and hopefully some lessons for them too.
Glad you're enjoying JAde, I am too, they're a lot of fun.
I had to go with the positive for Bridget but this is not going to become a medical story or even a Bridget story so there may be some twists and turns ahead too.
Thanks for reading and commenting!

[missyb]

Thanks so much Dot, this was just what I needed before my long trip. And speaking of trips....this chapter was full of them.

I commend you on your writing and the way that you are developing the characters. Fantastic! This story is a difficult one dealing with a young girl and her being HUV positive. However you do it in such a positive way. Bridget is learning that she not only has options but she has a loving family to help her through this difficult time. Her life has changed forever however that doesn't mean that she doesn't have a life. She does. She has plenty of options and a lot to live for.

Bridget has really matured. Gone is the jealous girl who used to be afraid that Micheal would replace her in her mother's heart and here is a young woman willing to look at her future and demand the best from it.

It will be Bridget's family who is going to have to go through a great deal of transitions in order to deal with what this diesase might do to Bridget. I find it fitting that all of Bridget's family was at the party (even that evil woman Stephanie) because they do all love each other.

It was a wise move to have everyone pretty much find out in the same chapter. No point dragging it out any further. The dynamics in this chapter is chilling. You have Michael putting on a strong front yet knocking back his drinks. Brooke is trying to stay strong yet it honestly frightened for what this could mean to her daughter. Not to metion the tensions rising regarding Ade and Joey's soon to be affair. WOW, I didn't expect Joey and Mike to be fighting. As upset as Mike might be it was unfair for him to try to make Joey choose beween he and Ade. He has no right. I admit that I had to laugh at Brooke's reactions and Ade's "reminder" that Brooke has run along the same family line more than once. LOL...Yes Brooke, it wasn't that to long ago that you had father, brother and brother.

I can completly understand Brooke's reaction to how Mike reacted to Joey and Ade. She spent years wondering if Ridge wanted his ex and she isn't going to allow Mike to do the same thing. Now I'm sure that Micheal loves Ade as a friend and NOT as some romantic counterpart, however Brooke can't allow herself or her children to even get embroiled with that kind of drama. Micheal is going to have to lay off his brother cause if he can't HIS marriage is going to be in shambles. Somehow I got the feeling that they maight be ewasier said than done if Micheal sees his brother with Ade. This certainly could spell diaster to his marriage with Brooke.

Poor Brooke, just when she was finally happy and settled. Damn it! Can't you just leave them alone Dot. LOL...

What about Forrester? What was in that file and is Thorne really running the company tinto the ground?

I've got to admit. I'm loving the stronger Taylor. She is standing her ground and I think that Ridge is finally learning his lessons. Maybe he can convince his wife to take him back...

Well as suasual you've given us a lot to not only think about but to be excited in seing in the next chapter. Just make sure that Brooke and Mike are going to be just fine lady. LOL

[dotd]

missyb said:

Thanks so much Dot, this was just what I needed before my long trip. And speaking of trips....this chapter was full of them.

I commend you on your writing and the way that you are developing the characters. Fantastic! This story is a difficult one dealing with a young girl and her being HUV positive. However you do it in such a positive way. Bridget is learning that she not only has options but she has a loving family to help her through this difficult time. Her life has changed forever however that doesn't mean that she doesn't have a life. She does. She has plenty of options and a lot to live for.

Bridget is not alone. She has a huge support system and there is a lot of knowledge there too. Michael is a doctor and he as many contacts who will kept him abreast of any new medications and procedures. Storm and Colin, being gay, are very familiar with the disease and they will be able to encourage her and lead by example. Brooke and Eric are adoring parents who would move the world for her. They will give her all the love she can stand and then more. Rick is a great brother and he will be there to make her laugh and smile and keep her happy. There are aunts and uncles and cousins and friends and she will never be alone.
She is already taking a positive attitude, thanks mostly to Michael for being there for her right from the start. When he just wanted to help and not judge she was able to see that she could deal with this.

Bridget has really matured. Gone is the jealous girl who used to be afraid that Micheal would replace her in her mother's heart and here is a young woman willing to look at her future and demand the best from it.

It will be Bridget's family who is going to have to go through a great deal of transitions in order to deal with what this diesase might do to Bridget. I find it fitting that all of Bridget's family was at the party (even that evil woman Stephanie) because they do all love each other.

Bridget has grown, but I'm sure we'll still see some of her insecurites and jealousies, after all she is still a young woman and she has a lot on her shoulders right now.

It is going to be hard on the family. They will have to try to hide their own fears and be encouraging and positive. It's hard. Michael found it almost impossible. He had stayed so strong but then it hit him and he just let loose. I know he will regret it and try harder next time.
I can completly understand Brooke's reaction to how Mike reacted to Joey and Ade. She spent years wondering if Ridge wanted his ex and she isn't going to allow Mike to do the same thing. Now I'm sure that Micheal loves Ade as a friend and NOT as some romantic counterpart, however Brooke can't allow herself or her children to even get embroiled with that kind of drama. Micheal is going to have to lay off his brother cause if he can't HIS marriage is going to be in shambles. Somehow I got the feeling that they maight be ewasier said than done if Micheal sees his brother with Ade. This certainly could spell diaster to his marriage with Brooke.

It was a wise move to have everyone pretty much find out in the same chapter. No point dragging it out any further. The dynamics in this chapter is chilling. You have Michael putting on a strong front yet knocking back his drinks. Brooke is trying to stay strong yet it honestly frightened for what this could mean to her daughter. Not to metion the tensions rising regarding Ade and Joey's soon to be affair. WOW, I didn't expect Joey and Mike to be fighting. As upset as Mike might be it was unfair for him to try to make Joey choose beween he and Ade. He has no right. I admit that I had to laugh at Brooke's reactions and Ade's "reminder" that Brooke has run along the same family line more than once. LOL...Yes Brooke, it wasn't that to long ago that you had father, brother and brother.

I let them all pretty much find out out of my own selfishness. I didn't want to have to write the scene over and over and over. This way people could start dealing with it together. Eric will have to tell Stepahnie and Brooke will tell Ridge and Taylor. Anyone else will be told "off screen" LOL!
Michael, like I said before, was very strong and brave, but it got to him and he felt like he personally failed her. He used a crutch, one that doesn't really fit him and he's paying for that. Brooke understood, but she got angry when he couldn't stay in control and then when he and Joey went at it like a couple of boys it was too much for her. I think in her heart she knows that Michael isn't jealous and isn't playing games with her heart and doesn't want anything from Ade other than her friendship. But she was mad. Michael IS worried that Joey will hurt Ade, but they're both adults and they need to be free to make their own decisions. I'm glad you liked that little snippet from Ade to Brooke LOL! I wanted to have a little fun there!
Poor Brooke, just when she was finally happy and settled. Damn it! Can't you just leave them alone Dot. LOL
Michael and Brooke are both emotional wrecks and they both were doing and saying things that normally never would happen. I do think it's serious but I don't think that they are going to abandon their marriage. I'm sure at the moment Brooke meant it, but she loves this man and I don't think one mistake is going to make her give up on him. As for Michael, he needs to sober up and realize that his responsibility is his wife and their children. He loves Ade, he loves Joey and he needs to let them live their own lives and to give them advice if asked, otherwise he has to BUTT OUT!

What about Forrester? What was in that file and is Thorne really running the company tinto the ground?

Remember, for a while now Eric and Ridge have wanted to get Brooke to sell her shares to them if she doesn't want to work anymore. Stephanie hates her and doesn't want anything to do with her and all of them feel that Eric or Ridge should be in control, not Thorne. The reports may not be great but it may not be that serious either. Brooke still has faith in him but we will have to see.

I've got to admit. I'm loving the stronger Taylor. She is standing her ground and I think that Ridge is finally learning his lessons. Maybe he can convince his wife to take him back...

Taylor still loves him, but she's done being his doormat and she's done having him compare her to Brooke and she's done looking over her shoulder. She had given him another chance when she left Bryan for him. Now she is wondering if she blew her chance at happiness. But remember, Chris is interested in her now too so Ridge may not find it that easy to crawl back into her heart!

Well as suasual you've given us a lot to not only think about but to be excited in seing in the next chapter. Just make sure that Brooke and Mike are going to be just fine lady. LOL

I like to keep you wondering. As for Brooke and Michael, they may have a rough time for a while, but I think their love is way too powerful for them to split up over this. Mike, however, may be in the doghouse for a while though LOL!
Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Lexxie]

OMG, I've been gone for one week, not checking in on the board, and a new chapter is waiting for me, that's great. I'm printing it right now, Dot, and I'll let you know what I think later today or tomorrow Hugs ;D

[ca_gal]

I love all the action in this chapter. You sure know how to write sexual tension. The Jade storyline is growing on me. It was so bizarre that Michael went all "Ridge" on his brother over Ade. I think he has plenty on his plate without worrying over his ex. Yes, they are close, but as soon as he knew Ade was on board he had no room to talk. I know Brooke's firm stance will straighten his ass out real quick. The whole family is wound so tight with the Bridget news and all the stress of a new baby and everything else.
I was kind of surprised that Michael hit the bottle that hard after just getting it on with Brooke. I guess reality came crashing back in.

Had to smile at the story of Thorne running FC into bankruptcy with his ineptness. Your little dig at the character. Hee. We can kind of see where this is going - a history lesson ala the BeLieF formula. Eric wants to be reasonable and fair and Stephanie wants to play dirty and not give an inch. Eric was wise enough to learn from the first time and know they may end up with nothing. It really seems like Brooke is ready to let go of the company and probably would sell her shares if approached reasonably.

Bridget has really grown up fast! I'm glad her attitude turned around - her good outlook will really help all aspects of managing her condition. I guess once she had time to process her diagnosis, she really matured quickly.

Now I'm starting to wonder if one of Jason's biological parents is someone we already know...

Thank you for entertaining us.

[dotd]

cagal said:

I love all the action in this chapter. You sure know how to write sexual tension. The Jade storyline is growing on me. It was so bizarre that Michael went all "Ridge" on his brother over Ade. I think he has plenty on his plate without worrying over his ex. Yes, they are close, but as soon as he knew Ade was on board he had no room to talk. I know Brooke's firm stance will straighten his ass out real quick. The whole family is wound so tight with the Bridget news and all the stress of a new baby and everything else.
I was kind of surprised that Michael hit the bottle that hard after just getting it on with Brooke. I guess reality came crashing back in.

Thanks. I like writing the sexual tension and the fun stuff that comes eventually too LOL! I'm glad you're getting inot JAde. They're fun to write and I think that they are well suited in many ways, though not in some others. Michael has a lot on his plate and he was handling it well, but then when everyone started coming over it just sunk in and he felt helpless and useless and he just suddenly couldn't deal with it. Brooke tried her best to be understanding and she did tell people to let him be. She did understand, but it got out of hand. Michael and Joey have always had a volitile relationship and Michael is still not trusting his brother. He was in protective mode with Bridget and it carried over to Ade big time. He overreacted but he sure did get called on it. And yes, I think Brooke is already straightening out his ass LOL!

Had to smile at the story of Thorne running FC into bankruptcy with his ineptness. Your little dig at the character. Hee. We can kind of see where this is going - a history lesson ala the BeLieF formula. Eric wants to be reasonable and fair and Stephanie wants to play dirty and not give an inch. Eric was wise enough to learn from the first time and know they may end up with nothing. It really seems like Brooke is ready to let go of the company and probably would sell her shares if approached reasonably.

Yeah, it's really a lot like the Belief story with one learning a lesson and another not. I can't help but pick on Thorne a bit, I just don't see him as a savior and I wanted them to really need Brooke back or Eric back at least. It may backfire like you said because Brooke was really ready to leave and now I'm just not so sure she will be.

Bridget has really grown up fast! I'm glad her attitude turned around - her good outlook will really help all aspects of managing her condition. I guess once she had time to process her diagnosis, she really matured quickly.

Bridget has been through so much and she is growing because of it. It helped when Michael treated her with so much respect and as an adult. The condition is enough to mature anyone.

Now I'm starting to wonder if one of Jason's biological parents is someone we already know...

No comment. lol

Thank you for entertaining us.

You are very welcome! I'm more than halfway through my next chapter of Paradise! I'm on a roll right now!

[Lexxie]

Wow! What a great chapter! But I really hope you either have Brooke over-reacting about getting a divorce in order to get her point across, or Michael passed out and had a night-mare like that! I do not want one of my favorite Brooke-pairings to get a divorce on just one thing like that. It's not like they think that married life is easy, so let them both continue to fight for it!

That doesn't mean that I don't agree with Brooke about Michael having to see that he is married to only her, and that Ade and Joey can do whatever they want to. I just hope that once Michael sobers up, he'll realize how utterly insensitive and over the top he was. And that he'll apologize to all involved, including Bridget for fighting because he was too drunk at her welcome home party.

Ade and Joey are going to be SO HOT together. I bet you can't wait to write the next chapter... hint hint, nudge nudge LOL

I don't understand why Stephanie wanted to come to the party, only to show that she wouldn't let anyone exclude her? And really, Eric shouldn't have told her that she could come IMO.

Will your Ridge ever learn? He still thinks that he can just charm his way into Taylor's good graces, doesn't he? I'm glad she's standing up to him! There also is Michael's new colleague who seemed quite taken with her, so let her keep her options open.

I'm glad Bryan and Connor found someone that might help them understand a bit more who Jason is. And I feel quite sure that even if Pam is his real mother, she'll let the adoption go through. Storm and Colin could still have a chance to raise him.

And so, on to the most important thing in this chapter, Bridget letting Brooke know the reason why she ran away from home. I felt so sorry for both of them, and you really wrote this beautifully!!! I'm sure a mother would react the exact same way Brooke did, and I also understand Bridget, I would feel so bad if I had to tell my mom something was seriously wrong with me, even if I could still live a very long time. Thank you so much for including this in your story, it is something we almost forget about again, since HIV and AIDS isn't 'new' anymore. I am stunned about how some people think it just doesn't concern them at all. My heart really broke reading how Brooke felt knowing her little girl has HIV, and that she might actually pass before her. I think that must be the hardest thing for any parent! It's not meant to be so that children die before their parents, and I think that kind of sorrow will never leave anyone ever again.

I absolutely loved this chapter, Dot, thanks again for spending time making something about B&B worth waiting for! ;D

[dotd]

lexxie said:

Wow! What a great chapter! But I really hope you either have Brooke over-reacting about getting a divorce in order to get her point across, or Michael passed out and had a night-mare like that! I do not want one of my favorite Brooke-pairings to get a divorce on just one thing like that. It's not like they think that married life is easy, so let them both continue to fight for it!

That doesn't mean that I don't agree with Brooke about Michael having to see that he is married to only her, and that Ade and Joey can do whatever they want to. I just hope that once Michael sobers up, he'll realize how utterly insensitive and over the top he was. And that he'll apologize to all involved, including Bridget for fighting because he was too drunk at her welcome home party.

Ade and Joey are going to be SO HOT together. I bet you can't wait to write the next chapter... hint hint, nudge nudge LOL

I don't understand why Stephanie wanted to come to the party, only to show that she wouldn't let anyone exclude her? And really, Eric shouldn't have told her that she could come IMO.

Will your Ridge ever learn? He still thinks that he can just charm his way into Taylor's good graces, doesn't he? I'm glad she's standing up to him! There also is Michael's new colleague who seemed quite taken with her, so let her keep her options open.

I'm glad Bryan and Connor found someone that might help them understand a bit more who Jason is. And I feel quite sure that even if Pam is his real mother, she'll let the adoption go through. Storm and Colin could still have a chance to raise him.

And so, on to the most important thing in this chapter, Bridget letting Brooke know the reason why she ran away from home. I felt so sorry for both of them, and you really wrote this beautifully!!! I'm sure a mother would react the exact same way Brooke did, and I also understand Bridget, I would feel so bad if I had to tell my mom something was seriously wrong with me, even if I could still live a very long time. Thank you so much for including this in your story, it is something we almost forget about again, since HIV and AIDS isn't 'new' anymore. I am stunned about how some people think it just doesn't concern them at all. My heart really broke reading how Brooke felt knowing her little girl has HIV, and that she might actually pass before her. I think that must be the hardest thing for any parent! It's not meant to be so that children die before their parents, and I think that kind of sorrow will never leave anyone ever again.

I absolutely loved this chapter, Dot, thanks again for spending time making something about B&B worth waiting for! ;D

It’s not a nightmare, I’ve used that a few times already so I won’t go back to that for a while. But Brooke IS over reacting. And perhaps she is giving Michael a lesson that he’ll never forget. Emotions are running rampant and no one is really thinking before acting. I think the morning will open some eyes. Marriage isn’t easy but their marriage is important to both of them and I feel that they’ll both fight hard for it.

You’re right to agree with Brooke, at least to a point. Michael knows about her history with Ridge and he should have realized that his actions were just like Ridge’s. But if you look back, the first punch was thrown by Joey and it was when Michael said that he’d be going after Brooke next. These brothers are not strangers to settling things with their fists. As for apologizing, I can see Michael apologizing to Brooke and to Bridget and to Eric and to his sister, but I don’t see him apologizing to Joey or Ade, he still thinks that they’re wrong.

Ade and Joey are hot and they both want to try this relationship, but I wonder if the fight will make Ade think twice about it.

Stephanie doesn’t ever like being told she can’t do something. She feels that she is the matriarch of the family and that she should be included in anything to do with any member of the family. Eric should have said no, but I think she would have just come on her own anyway. At least this way he had a little control.

Ridge never wanted to let Taylor go. He thought they were back and happy but things kept putting doubts in Taylor’s mind. She still does love him but she needs time to think about her choices and yes, there is Chris who might be a fun distraction for her!

Bryan and Connor are working hard to help settle things with Jason. Things are starting to open up and it could be good, or it could be bad. If Pam is or knows the real mother things can get complicated. Would she approve of two gay men raising Jason? Could she fight to regain custody? Would she help Brooke and Michael get him?

Bridget’s story was hard to write and I’m glad that people are enjoying it. You’re right, a parent should never have to see a child die but maybe Bridget will do well for a long time. I think that this has made Bridget grow a lot and it is making the family grow closer. Of course there are always secrets that could come out and ruin some of that too!

Thanks so much for your comments and I’m glad you enjoyed the chapter. I’m working on Paradise now!