ALTERNATE ENDING
Theresa, heartborken, trudges back to her hotel room. Ethan is in a snit and goes to the bar downstairs. Theresa decides that a chat with her son would help her feel less suicidal, so she pulls out the laptop and begins to set up the video cam with Little Ethan, whose name is is seriously considering changing at this point.
She notices that the videocam of Ethan and Gwens rooms is active. So she takes a peek. Low and behold Gwen and Rebecca are jubulent about how they have triumphed over Theresa once again.
With a jolt of inspiration Theresa presses the RECORD button and catches every last cackled confession on video, which she not only makes a DVD of but saves to the hard drive and mails herself a copy. And then she mails Ethan a copy...anonimosly.
Part 2
Theresa smiles the smile of a woman victorious. This time she will not mess it up by being impetious. Besides she is still smarting from the tongue lashing Ethan gave her.
She resists the urge to send a copy to Gwen and Rebecca. Why give them a warning. It would be so much sweeter, besides, to see their reaction in person.
With visions of a new future in her head she is all smiles while talking to her son. She tells him she'll be home soon, and she may have a nice surprise.
Part 3
The Monk is Revealed to be Alistair but that's a whole different story...yada yada yada...
Everyone is going back to Harmony. Ethan follows her to the airport but she stops him from getting on "her" jet. "Ethan, you wouldn't want me trying to seduce you all the way home, now would you", she says with a sly smile. "You better find your own way home".
Ethan, stunned, has to go book a flight on a commercial airline. And has a hard time of it since his credit cards are maxed out, and denied. He calls Gwen asking her to wire him some money for the ticket home.
Gwen goes off into another Theresa bashing, little knowing what surprises are in store.
Ethan apoligizes to Gwen saying he never should have listened to Theresa in the first place. Gwen will not shut up until...what's that on her computer monitor?
Part 4
Rebecca sees it first. She clutches her scantily clad but ample bosom in shock. "What on Earth!" she says falling onto the bed.
"What? Gwen says frowning amd frightened. "What are you looking...?"
There on the screne, in glorious digital image, is the whole dancing confession act the two Hodgkiss woman had performed shortly before.
Gwen turned paler than usual and passes out.
Rebecca sees her daughter fall, and gets a second wind herself. "Gwenny, wake up. How do we stop this thing? I don't know how..." she rants pressing random button until the screen goes blank. "Oh I think I broke it. But at least that ...that...whatever stopped!"
Becky runs to her daughter shaking her to wake her. She gives her a little slap when she gets no responce.
"Owwww! Gwen says coming to. "Why did you hit me?"
"Oh I just got excited. Gwenny what was that thing? Whjere did it come from?"
The two of them put their heads together and a single thought forms between them.
"Theresa!" they say in unison.
Part 5
"That's right, the scoop of the century! " Theresa's saying into the cell phone.
"Well, I'd have to clear it with legal, but I think this would make a great segment for my show on Lies and How They Ruin Marriages", the voice on the phone says. "Thanks for the video."
Theresa departs her limo with a satisfied smile on her face.
Gwen and Rebecca are in full panic mode tring to figure out what to do now.
"How did she get this...what do we do now...Mother!!!!
"Don't look at me, "Rebecca says. "You're the one with the computer smarts."
"Mother, this could be all over the internet by now. We are sunk!" Gwen says driopping into a chair.
"Well, Rebecca flusters, " maybe we can say it isn't really us...some sort of computer trick...computer generated people...I don't know. "
Gwen just gives her a look and shakes her head.
"This is the end, Mother. The end."
But not the end of the story...stay tuned for more adventures.
Alternated Ending Part 6
Theresa's Revenge~ Best when Served Cold
Finally Ethan boards a commercial airline...coach. He is seated by the window and he looks out at the runway and starts to daydream.
The voice in his head wonders why Theresa acted so differently so suddenly. "Has she finally accepted the truth that I am staying with Gwen?"
His mind drifts and he pictures a home coming...
"Ethan, it's about time you got back here after gallivanting all over Eurpoe,"Gwen screeches. " I have to go to work and you have to take care of your daughter. She's been acting up since the moment you left."
"I'm sorry Gwen. But everything is going to be different now," Ethan apoligizes.
"You bet it will be different, buster! No more chasing after that ^%$# Theresa. Your place is here."
Ethan sighs. Then he looks down at himself. He is dressed like Lucy Ricardo in full housewife cleaning gear.
"And you've got some 'splainin' to do, Ethan!" Gwen says, her voice echoing in his head.
He shudders awake from his dreamlette to find the seat next to him is being taken. Even Ethan is impressed with the man's continental good looks and air of importance. What's this guy doing in coach?
The man nods at Ethan as he takes his seat.
"Goodbye Rome,' the man says looking past Ethan out the small window.
Part 7
"Pleasure trip?" the man asks Ethan looking at his casual attire.
"Not really," Ethan says. He's still trying to shake that mental image of himself. "Are you on Business?"
"A little of both.Tell me, how do you like this airline? They treat you well?
Ethan is suprised at the query but has nothing better to do so he answers. "I suppose. I had to make this flight at the last minute when my ride..er...well, let's say I missed my ride."
Oh," the man nods. "So the airline was accomidating with last minute reservations? That's good. Good." the man says with a smile.
"You own stock in it or something?" Ethan asks.
"You might say that. I'm the owner. I like to fly like the customers and get a feel for their reactions to my airline. It's a great way to gauge what improvements need to be made."
"Very smart. And it's nice to meet a business man who cares about his customers," Ethan says. "Ethan Winthrope", he says putting out his hand.
"Butler Manyard...but my friends call me Rhett" he says with a wing as he shakes Ethan's hand.
Ethan is visible impressed all over again.
"I hope my airline is on time because I ned to make a connecting flight to a little town called Harmony," Rhett says in passing.
"Harmony? I don't believe it. That's where I live. You have business in Harmony?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes I have business in Harmony."
The way the man said it Ethan wonder what sort of business this handsome suave man might have in sleepy little Harmony.
Part 8
Back at Crane Mansion Theresa has arrived home.
"Mama! I am soooo glad to be back home. How is Little Ethan? I missed him so much," Theresa says sweeping in the door.
"I am so happy you are home, Theresita," Piliar says looking worried. "Did you find what you were looking for in Rome?"
"Mama, I found things I never expected in Rome," Theresa admits cryptically. "And how is my boy?"
"He's sleeping. I'm sure he would love to see you, but I don't think you should wake him...it is late."
"Right," Theresa says heading for the desk. "Mama you are not going to believe what I have. But first, I think I need to tighten up some loose ends." she says seeking out a phone number.
"Theresa, who are you calling? What did you find?"
"Ah here it is."she says punching in the numbers and smiling. "Just a moment more, Mama, and you you know everything."
" I don't like the sound of this, Theresa," Pilar worries.
"Hello, yes, this is Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald Crane and I would like to do some restructuring of my assets, and I want it started immediately." She smiles a knowing smile at Pilar, but Pilar is baffled.
Part 9
"Do you have family in Harmony?" Ethan asks Rhett.
"Not really, but I do have 'interests' ", Rhett says.
"I'd better give my wife a call and tell her when I should be home," Ethan says taking the plane phone from the back of the seat in front of him. "I like these!" Ethan says with a smile and a nod to Rhett.
"That's good. And have you tried the TV? It's a long flight. You can catch up on the news." Rhett says pointing out the monitor beside the phone.
"Nice touch. I'm not getting an answer at home. Maybe she's gone to bed." Ethan says hanging up.
Gwen is speechless. The phone is ringing but she will not go near it.
"Aren't you going to...Rebecca starts pointing at the phone.
"No. It's probably Ethan. And I can not talk to him now. He may know everything. Mother what are we going to do?"
"We?" Rebecca asks shocked. "He's your husband."
"I can't beleive this. You would desert me now? Now? This is all your doing, Mother. It was all your idea."
"We'll, yes, it might have been, but I didn't do anything illegal..."
"What?" Gwen says actually getting color in her cheeks."What?" she says again shaking her head.
"The phone stopped ring, " Rebecca says.
"I should wring your neck. You are the one that got me in this trouble. When Ethan sees that video...Oh My God."
Part 10
"I need to settle this right away," Theresa calmly tells the person on the phone."I see. And this client is more important than me?" she says after listening to the response. "Well, I could come to you. This can't wait."
Pilar is perplexed.
"Alright, I suppose I should get some sleep now, myself, but I will be there in a few hours. Just draw up those papers I asked for." Theresa finishes.
"Mama," she says with a big smile on her face. "From now on, everything is going to be all right."
"I don't like the sound of this, Theresa," Pilar says shaking her head.
The flight drags on and Ethan's mind wanders into another dreamlette. Maybe, I shouldn't have said those things to Theresa, he thinks. I never thought she would sink to taking drugs, but with Theresa I just never know what to expect.
"Drink,sir?" the flight attendant asks Ethan.
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea." He takes his wallet out to pay for the drink and is distracted by Theresa's picture.
"I can see why you're in a hurry to get home to your wife. She's a beauty!," Rhett comments, nodding towards Theresa's photo.
"Oh. No she's not my wife," Ethan fumbles for the right words but Rhett hears the hesitation.
"Very continental. And she also lives in Harmony? Or was she the reason for the trip to Rome?" Rhett asks. "If I'm not being too intrusive."
"She was the reason, I mean my sister was the reason..."
"Your sister? Funny you don't look alike..."
"No she's not my sister...You know, it's way too complicated." Ethan flusters and to distract Rhett he switches on the TV.
"Have it your way," Rhett smiles knowingly.
An entertainment news program is on.
"We have an exclusive update in the works about a major srory we ran several years ago," the perky blonde reporter says into the microphone."And we'll be breaking news on that when we have the total scoop. And from what I've heard, it's juicy, folks. So stay around and we'll be right back after this word from our sponsor..."
Part 11
Ethan nods off.
Rhett finishes reading his newspaper and can't sleep, so he puts on the TV.
"All I can say at this point is that there has been a shocking video circuating the internet involving the wife of a prominant Northeast family former member. Try saying that three times fast, Bart," the blonde reporter quips to the entertainment anchor, Bart, back in the studio.
"Well, we're waiting for further developments. Leesa will be covering that story, and more on tomorrow's show."
Rhett couldn't help but notice that the photo flashed on the screen of that prominent family had a member that looked a lot like the guy snoozing next to him.
"I think this is going to be a very interesting trip," Rhett says.
The initial shock has worn off for Rebecca at least, and she has gone into full recovery mode.
"All right, now Gwenny. There must be something we can do. Can we distroy this video?" she asks waving her hands. Maybe blow up the internet?"
Gwen stops hyperventilating and stares at her mother. "Blow up the internet?" she says flatly. "Is that the best you can come up with? Mother, my entire life is on the line...it's On Line in fact, and there's not a thing I can do about it."
"It's all that Tacocitta's fault, Gwen,. This is her doing." Rebecca says.
"That doesn't matter right now, Mother.. Ethan and..the whole world will see this soon. I won't be able to show my face..."
"Oh, please. I've been in far more provocative films than that, and I..."Rebecca starts.
"I can not listen to you about your exploits. I have a real problem here. Ethan is on his way home. If he hasn't already seen this surely someone will show it to him. Oh Mother. He'll want to kill me!
"Deny deny deny," Rebecca chants.
Theresa falls into bed with a serene smile on her face. "This may possibly be the best night of my life, so far," she says dreamily. "And tomorrow may be even better." And to her own surprise she giggles like the innocent young girl she was before this whole mess started.
Part 12
"Good morning, Theresa. You still haven not explained to me how you think any thing good can come of all this," Pilar wearing a robe says sipping coffee .
"Mama. If all goes as planned today we will be sitting pretty for life..."Theresa says. But a clouded look follows her smile.
"Ethan, on the other hand, is another matter,"she says quietly.
"Where are you going this morning?" Pilar asks. "You son would like to see you!"
"I have to see my legal team, but as soon as that business is over with I am taking my son out for a great time! I have not been spending enough time with little Ethan and that's all going to change right now. Mama, if you could meet me with litlle Ethan at the office we can all have some well deserved FUN".
"Oh, that sounds wonderful, " Pilar says smiling. "I only hope you know what you're doing with this legal matter."
"Don't worry, Mama. I have a plan." Theresa smile
"That's what I'm afraid of," Pilar thinks to herself.
Ethan wakes with a headache. He thinks back to his arrival home and is foggy on the details. Rebecca insisted he have a night cap before turning in and that was all he remembers..
As he opens his eyes he sees the room is in disarray. Someone has been cleaning out the dressers, or packing.
"Gwen?" he calls out. Sitting up he notices the laptop is missing from the desk. Maybe Gwen is working and didn't want to wake me, he thinks.
He gets dressed...shirt last of course, and calls out to Gwen again.
In the hall Gwen and Rebecca are frantically plotting.
"Just deny everything, Gwenny," Rebecca keeps repeating.
"But when he sees the proof...we can't keep it from him forever!" Gwen says her voice rising.
"Gwen?" Ethan calls out again.
"He's awake!" Gwen says not sure is she should run now or face the situatioin straight on.
"Oh, there you are," Ethan says from the doorway. "I thought you left me, " he says smiling."Are we going somewhere?"
"What?" Gwen says
And a light bulb literally goes on over her head.
"Oh, yes! I thought we needed some family time. You me and Jane."
"But what about your job?" Ethan questions.
"Colier has rewarded me with some vacation time for doing such a great job ," she lies.
"Really?" Ethan says delighted.
"Yes, he felt bad that he worked me so hard..."
"Well, that's great." Ethan says rubbing his head. Then he looks confused. "Did we talk about my trip last night? I must have been more tired than I realized..."
"We'll have plenty of time to discuss that later. Right now you need to get ready to go."
"Now?"
"I know. I'm sorry Honey, but we have to leave as soon as possible. Your bags are already packed," she offers.
{Yeah, I know it looks like she may get away with it, but wait. I must inflate this bubble before I can burst it!}
Part 13 (The lucky number?)
"Now you're sure this is air tight?" Theresa questions the band of lawyers assembled before her.
"Irrevocable," The head lawyer says. "You now have control over any and all Crane assets foreign and domestic. You and your son, when he comes of age, are the only ones who can touch it."
"Fantastic!" Theresa gleams." And Fox and Chad are still heading up Crane Industries. I want them to continue. They're doing a good job."
"That's at your discretion, Ms Crane," one of the lawyers ventures.
"Wonderful. You all get a bonus!" She says turning to the door. "And now I am going to make up for lost time with my son."
Theresa thinks of some last minute details she ned to take care of before she begins the day of fun, and takes out her phone.
"Hello Mr. Colier." she says. "Oh you recognize my voice? You know, I have reconsidered this whole Gwen Winthrope thing. I think she needs to spend way more time with her family. Way more. In fact, I would like you to fire her right now. Can you do that? And once you do that...well, our busines is concluded. Understand?", she says."Great! It's been a pleasure Mr. Colier. I'll see to it that you get an extra contract, okay?" She says cheerfully.
One last call, she thinks to herself.
"Yes, this is Mrs. Alistair Crane. I have decided that I do not wish my dear sweet husband to suffer in a coma any longer. I am instructing you to pull the plug."
Theresa is stowing her phone in her purse after making one last call while walking towards the door. She doesn't see the man entering the door and collides with him.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I didn't see you. So sorry! I thought my clumbsy days were over,": she practically giggles.
"No harm done. I seem to have all my working parts intact, " The man says with a smile.
Theresa smiles back, but feels a little uncomfortable with the look she is getting in return.
"Something wrong? she asks.
"No, not a thing. I'm just delighted to have the opportunity to "run into you" as it were." he says.
Theresa laughs.
"Well, I have to run. You have a fantastic day, okay?" she says rushing out the door.
Rhett turns to watch her go.
"A VERY interesting place", he says fhashing back to the photo Ethan carried in his wallet.
Outside the office Theresa meets up with Pilar and Little Ethan.
"I have a big surprise for you Little Ethan. We are taking a vacation," Theresa says. "Mama, I'd love to have you come along. No need to pack. I can buy you anything you need."
"Vacation? Where are you taking us?" Pilar asks half puzzled half delighted.
(Wait for it... wait for it...NBC here's a Budget saver!!! And if you use my idea you can send me there to watch the filming...)
"We're going to Universal /Islands of Adventure Theme Park! Where you can Ride the Movies!" Theresa announces.
NOTE: In case you didn't know, NBC owns Universal and this would be major advertising! Budget woes begone!
Part 14
"Don't you think this place may be a little too much for Jane," Ethan says from behind a brochure.
Oh, there are lots of things for little ones there. Seuss Landings and Shrek (Shameless plugs!). Jane loves that movie!" Gwen answers.
"I can't believe you got me back on a plane so soon," Ethan laughs. "But now I can relax and enjoy my family"
"Yes, Gwen smiles nervously. Enjoy your family" she says and thinks, While it lasts.Sigh.
"I almost thought Rebecca was coming with us," Ethan says checking Jane's seat belt for crumbs.
"I asked her, but this is not Mother's kind if theme park," Gwen says having unexplained flashbacks of Rebecca's many weird and wild costumes and props that have kept her so happy through the years.
Ethan nods and settles back into his seat.
"So," Ethan ventures, "did we speak about my trip? I must have been exhausted..."
"That there was some sort of cult or something drawing you all to Rome?" Gwen takes a guess.
"Cult? Did I say it was a cult? I guess it could have been. It was all very strange. I'll have to give Chad a call and see if he's found Whitney.:
"You can't call!" Gwen snaps. Then calming herself. "Cell phones must be turned off during filght."
"Oh, right, and no phones at the seats on this airline..Did I tell you about the man I met on the plane? I may have made a business connection. He was a vey nice guy and he said he was in Harmony on business. If he's looking for new blood in his legal staff...." he suggested..
"That would be great! Can we relocate?" Gwen asks too quickly.
"Look Gwen I know you hate being in the same town with....."
"Don't even say her name!" she says waving it off.
"Alright, alright. Let's have a moritorium on saying her name. This is a vacation after all."
"I'd love to forget she even exists," Gwen says.
Ethan looks out the window. Gwen calls the flight attendant for a blanket for the baby.
Maybe I should just tell him about the video and see how he reacts. Maybe he won't leave me if I can explain why I did it, Gwen thinks to herself. Now if only I can keep him away from any media before I have a chance to come up with a story and explain. After all, Ethan loves me.
Ethan recounts in his mind the last encounter with Theresa. She was so cold, he thinks. Has she given up on this whole tabloid thing? Given up on us? Has she finally stopped loving me? he thinks with a frown.
Part 15
Little Ethan is very excited looking over the clouds outside the jet window.
Theresa has never felt more secure in her life. She thinks back to her last phone call before taking off in the Crane jet.
"Mr. Crane is no longer pulling the strings, Judge Reilly. I am. All I want is justice, and by that I mean full custody of MY daughter Jane. This should be a no-brainer, even for you. Both of the people who have custody of her are unemployed, they don't own a home, and that wacho woman that Jane's father married is highly unstable and violent. Read the reports! She tried many times to kill me, and had a total mental breakdown. If I were to bring this case to the Supreme Court, which I will, you would look like a fool for even considering them over me..a finantially stable biological Mother. Both my children can have every advantage money can buy, plus they have my unconditional love. Jane could never get that from a woman who hates her mother," Theresa finishes.
Theresa smiles when she hears the answer. "Wonderful, Judge Reilly. Now I'll be out of town for a day or two, so you can have the papers presented to the Winthropes while I'm gone. I want them ordered to bring my child to me, understand?" She asks. "Fantastic. You have a great day now, Judge."
A huge grin forms on Theresa's face as she savors the memory. Pilar notices and comments.
" I have not seen you look this happy since...I don't even remember how long it has been, Theresitta." Pila is all smiles herself.
"Mama, from now on I will be working to make a better tomorrow for my entire family!" Theresa announces.
"Well, that's a wonderful thought, Theresa, but you do not control other people's lives. You must not," Pilar warns.
"Don't worry, Mama. Nothing but good can come of it. Let's just enjoy our well deserved vacation and have a great time."
Pilar can't argue with that and watches clouds with Little Ethan.
"We will be arriving at Orlando Internation Airport in about ten minutes Mrs. Crane," the Captain announces.
"I'll have to do something about dropping that Crane name when I get back. Too many bad associations," Theresa says.
Pilar looks doubtfully at her daughter, but then gets back into the spirit of excitment as they begin landing.
June 3 ~Alternate Endings~
Alternate Reality Theater presents another alternate ending
~Out with the Old, In with the New~
Part 1
Luis looks around the cabin of the airlplane. All these Harmonians... all these lives manipulated by one sick old man, he thinks to himself. Can anything ever be the same as it was? Maybe that's a good thing.
Fancy is trying her hardest to snub Noah. She purposely took the seat beside Luis. That would get to Noah good. Besides, being next to Luis was comforting, and well, maybe more.
Noah fumes behind Fancy and Luis. I don't care what they say, there is something going on with those two, he thinks.
Whitney sleeps beside Chad. Her wig and odd contacts have been removed and she is now looking like the woman Chad loves.
Whitney is going to need some serious help to get over the events that have just passed, Chad thinks, but I'll be right there to help her.
"Daddy?" Marty says from the seat next to Luis. He looks at his son trying to peek out of the window but the shutter is down.
"I'll fix that, son", Luis says pulling the shade up. "Son...it feels so great to be able to say that to him," he comments.
Fancy smiles. "Marty is my aunt's child, so he's my cousin...and this is the first time we have met," she figures. "He seems like a great kid. As crazy as she was, Beth," she whispers so as not to upset Marty," was a pretty good mother."
"Oh she was a Mother, alright," Luis grumbles, but then collects himself. "at least she took good care of Marty."
"Do you think he'll remember Sheridan?" Fancy asks.
"I'm sure he will, " Luis states.
Part 2
Paloma and Simone are feeling very protective of Jessica after her narrow escape. ( Note: I have no idea what happens with Spike and all, so I'm just assuming she makes it out alive!)
Their "Treasure Hunt" trip has been fraught with dangers, and now they would like some time to just relax and enjoy the beautiful city, before heading home. There are many more sites to see, and while they had cash they were going to see it all. How many chances do girls from Harmony get to travel like this?
"We have to try to get Jessica to forget about all this stuff," Paloma tells Simone. "We need to have fun!"
Simone is having trouble herself getting into fun mode, but she agrees. If Jessica does not come out of this brooding shell she has formed she may never recover.
"Let's do it. Let's paint the town red," Simone agrees.
"But no Night Life," Paloma says holding her hand up. "I've had enough of strange people in dark places for now."
"We'll be sure to be home before dark," Simone agrees. "Jessica, what do you say to a tour of the Collosseum and the Trevi Fountain?"
"Oooo, yes and the Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Oh and Shopping!", Palmoma adds gleefully.
Jessica looks that the girls, at first doubtful, but then their big happy smiles reach her and she nods okay.
A musical interlude follows of the girls having fun all over Rome, seeing the sites, trying on hats, getting looks from guys, and returning them on Paloma's part. Simome drags her on to the next site.
They arrive at the the Sistine Chapel, and the music stops.
"My mother used to tell me how much she wanted to see the Sistine Chapel, " Jessica says quietly. "I always thought I would one day see it with her."
Paloma and Simone exchange concerned glances. "You never know, Jessica," Paloma says. "You might get that wish some day. We did throw coins into the fountain."
Inside the Chapel, holding a guidebook and a new digital camera, a familiar woman fumbles in her large tote. Red heads tend to have sensitive eyes, and skin, so she dons a pair of dark glasses and a foldable floppy hat before reaching the bright daylight outside.
Part 3
Ivy and Sam are settling down to a nice quiet moment when the phone rings.
"What?" Sam says angrily. "What are you talking about? What news?" He listens, and points Ivy to the TV. "Put on Here's Harmony," he instructs her.
She clicks to the local talk show.
"The story is still to be confirmed, but what a shocker, Phil," the hostess quips to her co-anchor.
"What this about, Sam," Ivy questions.
Sam hangs up the phone and sits beside Ivy. That was some reporter asking me if it was true."
"If what was true?" Ivy blanches. Have my secrets come out? She thinks.
"Aw, we missed it," Sam says in frustration. "
"The reporter claimed that there was a video floating around on the internet that involves our son Ethan."
"What?" Ivy says shocked. And then her natural first response. "What has Theresa done now? I'll bet it has to do with one of her insane plots to win Ethan back," she reasons. "Oh I wish he would call. I tried to call him earlier but his phone must have been turned off."
"Did you try calling Gwen? Maybe she knows something" Sam suggests.
"I tried there, too. Sam, this is scaring me. What if Crazy Theresa has done something to Ethan? You never know with her. She can't be trusted. Ever since I foolishly let her into my home..."
"I'll try Ethan again, " Sam said punching in the number. "Voice mail. I"m sure it's nothing. Ethan is fine." Sam says unconvincingly.
"Wow," Ethan says stareing at the Portofino Bay Hotel (Another shamless plug. Boy, I would love to stay here... hint hint.
). "I feel like I just left here.""Isn't it beautiful, Ethan. It does look like Italy. And look, right over there across the water are the two theme parks. Let's just check the luggage and go right to the park!" Gwen says, skilfully avoiding any chance that Ethan can see a newspaper or TV before she has come up with a good explaination the actions that have led her to this point.
Gwen flashes back to the end of their flight when she carefully removed Ethan's cell phone from his pocket and left it on the plane.
Part 4
"Wait till you see this hotel Mama, It's supposed to look like a town in Italy, " Theresa says in the limo. Little Ethan can hardly contain his excitment, looking out the window and the huge green Hulk Coaster and then the entrance to Universal.
"Wow," little Ethan says. "Can I go on that?"
"Not with me you won't," Pilar smiles.
"I think you may have to wait until next trip for that one, but hey there are plenty of coasters and shows and rides..." Theresa says leading them both through the entrance of the Hotel.
The clerk hands Theresa their key card/admissions, and they are off to the main entrance of Universal.
They ride Twister, and during the climax of the attraction Theresa imagines Gwen riding on a broomstick swirling in the Twister. She shakes it off and it's on to the next attraction.
In Back to the Future, Theresa sees Gwen in the time machine before them laughing and jeering that she is getting away. Just wait Gwen, Theresa thinks. Just wait.
Theresa, Pilar and Little Ethan hop on the alien hunting vehicle in Men In Black and fire away at the aliens popping up all around them.. Little Ethan's and Pilar's scores are mounting, but Theresa's is lagging. Suddenly Gwen and Rebecca pop up behind some trashcans in an alley and Theresa zaps them both for bonus points.
"I loved that ride," Theresa says when they emerge ready to take on the next atraction.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the lake, Ethan, Gwen and Jane are entering Islands of Adventure. The whole adventure theme appeals to Ethan and he tries on a swashbuckling hat in a store in the entrance "village". Gwen manages a smile, but the whole" truth telling" is weighing heavily on her mind.
Jane looks darling in a Dr. Seuss hat.
In Seuss Landing they all hop on a "fish" and have a blast squirting water and listening to the silly song, as they go round and round, and round and round....Gwen's mind drifts, and she imagines Theresa in the crowd smiling victoriously. a Squirt of cold water in the face from the ride brings Gwen back to the moment. Ethan laughs. Jane looks puzzled.
Jane sees a giant version of her hat, and they ride Cat in The Hat. The cat warns Gwen that she is running out of time, and must tell Ethan the truth soon, or else...Jane giggles as they spin, and Gwen focuses on holding on to the baby.
"Ah, Shrek!" Ethan says as they enter the Shrek attaction. They take a seat in the audience and wait for the show to begin. "This was a great idea, Gwen. I didn't know it, but I really needed this," Ethan says.
"I'm glad you're having a good time, Ethan,"Gwen says her smile slipping as the lights go down.
The 3D Shrek adventure is so real Gwen imagines her "prince" Ethan as the beastly but noble Shrek. In full CGI and 3D Ethan/Shrek takes her hand.
"Ethan," computer generated Gwen as Fiona says, "I have a secret I've been keeping from you."
"A secret?" Ethan/Shrek asks."What possible secret could you have" You'd never lie to me."
"Er...yeah, about that", Gwen/Fiona begins.
As they stand on the hill the sun begins to set and the magical time begins.
"True love's kiss will reveal all secrets, Gwen", Ethan/Shrek says as the air begins to shimmer.
Ethan/Shrek kisses Gwen/Fiona and a magical transformation begins on Gwen/Fiona. She swirls in the air and lands before Ethan/Shrek...as The Donkey.
Gwen screams, and Ethan looks at her oddly because this is a comedy not a horror movie.
Part 5
Reporters are hounding Ivy and Sam, banging on the door and calling endlessly.
"What is this all about?" Ivy asks baffled. "Why this sudden interest in Ethan..do you know, Sam?"
"If I could make a phone call, maybe I could find out, but these reporters are relentless," Sam complain.
"Should we ask one of them? Ivy says not believing herself that she asked that question.
"They want answers, or reactions. And I don't think you want all our family's dirty laundry all over the media...Maybe someone at the police station knows something. I'll try on my work phone."
"What can they possibly know, that we don't know?" Ivy asks.
Simone, Paloma and Jessica approach the Chapel.
Simone is reading a guide book while walking.
"It says here that after the recent cleaning, people were angry because of the bright colors revealed. They wanted the old colors back because it was how they have always loved it, not the almost pop art colors that Michelangelo actually used," Simone revealed.
"Let's go see it," Paloma urges pulling Simone towards the front entrance..
They can't help but look up at the ceiling as they pass the woman in the floppy hat. She is busy putting her guide book in her bag and doesn't notice them at first.
"Jessica, you have to see this...Jessica...??" Paloma calls back to Jessica who is standing frozen in the doorway.
"Jessica, are you alright?," Simone calls to her.
"Mom?" Jessica says staring at the woman in the floppy hat. "Mommy, is that you?"
The part of Rhett will now be played by Bryce
http://www.mpemodelmanagement.com/bryce.htm
Casting assistance by mema43 . Thanks!
"Is it always so hectic outside your office," Rhett asks shaking Fox's hand.
""Oh, you mean the reporters. No, there's some family matters that they're interested in...But what can I do for you, Mr Manyard?"
"Call me Rhett," he says amibicablly. "I'm interested in locating an office here in Harmony, and I've been told that Crane Industires controls most of the property here," he smiles.
"So you're looking for ofiice space?" Fox asks puzzled.
"Well, a bit more than that. A building or two would do," Rhett says."I'm so interested in a residence," he says questioningly.
"I suppose we might have something in our holdings. You're not going to be competeing with Crane Industries, are you?" Fox asks lightlheartedly, but means it.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Rhett says sincerely.
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