Nathan's Dilemma

[Will1682]

This story takes place six months later from what we are seeing now on tv.

(University Hospital)

Nathan walks into the reception area looking over a patient chart. He signs off on it and puts it into a folder. Maxine walks up behind the counter.

Nathan: Maxine, I am leaving this folder for Dr. Luris to review. Could you see that he gets it?
Maxine: Dr. Luris?
Nathan: The specialist from New York that was brought in to consult on Mr. Moore's case.
Maxine: Oh yes.
Nathan: He should be in sometime this afternoon, this is my examination report.
Maxine: I will make sure he gets it.
Nathan: Your a doll Maxine.

Nathan walks off down the hall and into the staff lounge. Ann Craft from the human resources office sits at a table watching the local news on the wall television.

Nathan: Ann, how are you?
Ann: Dr. Horton, I have been looking for you.
Nathan: Is everything ok?
Ann: Oh yes, nothing like that. I just wanted to let you know that a letter arrived at the HR office for you.
Nathan: Was it from Salem University by chance?
Ann: I dont think so. To be honest, it appeared to be a personal letter.
Nathan: A personal letter? I wonder why it was sent here instead of my home address?
Ann: I put it in your box in the mailroom.
Nathan: Great, thanks for letting me know.
Ann: Should I be on the lookout for a letter from Salem U?
Nathan: Possibly. They have been wanting me to come in and speak to the medical students.
Ann: If anything comes in I will be sure to let you know.
Nathan: Thanks again.

He hurries out of the lounge and to the mailroom. He takes the letter out of his box and looks at it. His name and address on the envelope is handwritten. He starts to open it. "Nathan" a familiar voice says behind him. He turns to see Melanie standing in the door way.

Nathan: Melanie, I thought you were off today?
Melanie: I am. I just......I just needed to talk to you if you have a minute.
Nathan: Of course. I actually just finished my rounds, so this is perfect timing.

She smiles weakly.

Nathan: Mel, what's wrong?
Melanie: I just talked to my dad before coming here.
Nathan: You talked to Daniel?
Melanie: Yeah, I was actually shocked that he finally returned a call. He is back in California.
Nathan: Well, it has been three months. What did he say?
Melanie: He is still upset with me, he made that very clear.
Nathan: And?
Melanie: But he said that no matter what has happened, I am still his daughter and he loves me very much.
Nathan: Of course he does.
Melanie: But I dont deserve his love, not after keeping the secret from him.

Nathan sighs and hugs her. They walk over to the table and sit down.

Nathan: You listen to me. You were not the only one who kept the truth from Daniel, and you didnt know that Philip was Parker's father.
Melanie: But I knew that Chloe cheated on him regardless. I should had never kept that from him.
Nathan: Well, Daniel was for sure betrayed by many people, myself included.
Melanie:Yeah, me, you, my mom, Chloe, Philip, Stephanie, Caroline.
Nathan: True, but I will always believe that those who knew Philip was the culprit should have more blame than those who did not.
Melanie: But even so.
Nathan: I know, even so we still betrayed him.
Melanie: I cannot stop feeling so guilty. I dont know if I ever will.

Nathan hugs her again.

Nathan: Just give it more time. No matter how we try to look at it, it will always be a regretful situation.
Melanie: I'm so glad Maggie let me move back in with her. I dont know what I would have done without her support the last couple months.
Nathan: Grandmother loves you Mel.

She smiles and wipes a tear out of her eye.

Melanie: This divorce process has been so difficult. I really did love Philip.
Nathan: I know you did. That's why I have been so concerned. Your not only going through this aftermath with Daniel, but divorcing Philip to. I know everything has taken a toll.
Melanie: I dont know what I would have done without your support either. Thank you.
Nathan: I will always be here for you, always.
Melanie: But you went through your own devastation, finding out that Stephanie knew the whole truth for so long.
Nathan: It was hard to take, but what was meant to be happened.
Melanie: Have you heard from her?

He shakes his head.

Nathan: Not since the email she sent me. I suppose she is still with her parents in Africa.
Melanie: You know, what I feel most guilty about is baby Parker. He is so innocent through all of this.
Nathan: Chloe and Philip were actually here this morning, they brought Parker in for his checkup.
Melanie: Did you speak to them?
Nathan: No. I didnt think it would be a good idea.
Melanie: Yeah, your right.

They both stand up, Nathan looks at her.

Nathan: We will all get through this Mel. And you know I will continue to be here for you.
Melanie: Thank you Nathan.

They hug again. She looks at her watch.

Melanie: I had better get going, I am meeting my mom at Salem Place.
Nathan: I will talk to you soon.

He watches her walk out of the room. He looks back down at the envelope on the table and picks it up. He pulls the letter out and reads it. A confused look comes over his face and he sits back down. He reads the letter again, this time in disbelief. He looks up at the wall and shakes his head.

Nathan: No, this is not possible!

 

[Will1682]

(Maggie's House)

Maggie and Victor walk in the front door.

Maggie: Thank you for brunch Victor.
Victor: It was my pleasure, we should do it again soon.
Maggie: Maybe. I have to admit I somewhat enjoyed hearing about Vivian's downfall.
Victor: Well, I was thrilled to tell it.
Maggie: I'm sure you were.
Victor: Come on Maggie, cut me some slack when it comes to Vivian.
Maggie: Well, atleast she is out of our lives for now.
Victor: Hopefully she stays out of the country for good this time!
Maggie: I can't say that I disagree.

Victor smiles. Maggie walks to the other side of the room and checks the thermostat.

Maggie: It's a little warm in here dont you think?
Victor: I feel fine.
Maggie: Would you like some coffee before going back to the office?
Victor: I would love some, but before that I was hoping I could speak to you about something.
Maggie: Of course.
Victor: I didnt want to bring it up over brunch, but its about Philip and Melanie.
Maggie: Victor please, we have discussed this before.
Victor: I know, but just hear me out.

Maggie looks at him.

Victor: Philip is very remorseful over what happened.
Maggie: He should be!
Victor: But it was a clear misunderstanding. He never intended to cheat on Melanie.
Maggie: Victor, we were having such a pleasant afternoon.
Victor: But Maggie....
Maggie: No matter what Philip's intentions were, he still has to be held accountable for his actions!
Victor: I agree. But all I am saying is that Melanie should give the marriage more time. She should know for sure if a divorce is what she really wants.
Maggie: Look, we both decided that I would support Melanie and you would support your son. What happens to their marriage is their decision.

He sighs.

Victor: Your right. I will respect whatever decisions they make.
Maggie: Good.

They both walk into the kitchen. Maggie is surprised to see Nathan sitting at the table.

Maggie: Nathan! I didnt know that you were here.
Nathan: Sorry Grandma, I just....

Maggie notices that something is wrong. She turns to Victor.

Maggie: Maybe we should take a reincheck on the coffee.
Victor: Of course. I will call you soon.
Maggie: Thank you.
Victor: I will let myself out.

He leaves through the kitchen door. Maggie walks up to the table and sits down, she notices Nathan staring at an opened envelope laying in front of him.

Maggie: Nathan, what is wrong?

He looks at her. She reaches over and takes his hand.

Maggie: Sweetie, you know you can talk to me.

He pulls his hand away slowly and scoots his chair back. He lets out a small laugh and runs his hand through his hair.

Nathan: You know Grandma, I have spent my whole life trying to figure out why my father never wanted anything to do with me.
Maggie: Well, Pete Jannings has always been a complicated person.
Nathan: I often wondered if it was me, that maybe I didnt live up to fatherly expectations or something.
Maggie: Of course not! Why would you even think that?
Nathan: I also thought maybe he was paying my mother back by hurting me! Paying her back for the affair with Lars Englund!
Maggie: Dont you ever think that! That was long before you were even born!

Nathan gets up and starts to pace.

Maggie: Nathan! Don't you ever blame yourself for the relationship with your father! You have done nothing wrong!
Nathan: All throughout college and medical school, I always wondered why no phone calls, why no birthday cards.
Maggie: Nathan, please calm down!
Nathan: I can't Grandma!
Maggie: What has brought this on so suddenly?!

Nathan stops and leans foward against the wall, his back to Maggie.

Maggie: Nathan, please talk to me.

He turns around and looks at her.

Nathan: It's suddenly so clear. With the snap of a finger everything has suddenly become so clear.
Maggie: Im confused!

He walks over to the table and picks up the envelope.

Nathan: If what I read in this letter is true, then Pete Jannings is not my father!

Maggie takes the envelope and gets the letter out. Nathan walks to the other side of the kitchen and stares out the window. Maggie reads the letter and closes her eyes. She drops it back onto the table and looks at Nathan.

Maggie: I am so sorry that you had to find out this way.

Nathan turns and looks at her. He walks back to the table.

Nathan: I have to talk to mom! I have to know if the letter is true. I have to know if this Wesley Watson is really my father.

Maggie looks up at him.

Maggie: You do not have to speak to your mother to find out the truth. Wes Watson is indeed your father.

 

[sportzgirl916]

Ooh... I wonder where this story will go... I wonder who this Wes is?
Nice seeing how Nathan is dealing with Mel and the situation. He seems to be a true friend and she needs one now... Glad Steph got kicked to the curb!

 

[DJM]

Wow. Great story Will. Love that Nathan is being a friend to Melanie and not taking advantage of the situation. Boy so anxious to see what is going on with Wes

 

[Will1682]

The next morning.

(Titan)

Philip opens the door to his office, he and Melanie walk in.

Philip: Thank you for coming up here to talk to me.
Melanie: Well, I was shocked when you called this morning and said the divorce papers were ready. Thank you for getting it done so quickly.
Philip: Gene Brisco is my fathers best attorney, I knew he could pull some strings.

Philip walks over to the mini-bar and pours a brandy.

Philip: Would you like something to drink?
Melanie: No, I'm fine.

They both sit down. Philip takes her hand.

Philip: Mel, I just want you to know that I am truly sorry.
Melanie: Philip, we have been through this.
Philip: I know I know.....but I just really want you to know that I am. I never intended for this to happen, it just did.

Melanie gets up.

Melanie: I really cant do this right now!

Philip gets up and shakes his head.

Melanie: Its just too much! This divorce, trying to deal with my dad leaving town.
Philip: I understand. I shouldnt have asked you to come up here. Im sorry.

Melanie gets her purse and starts towards the door.

Philip: Mel, one more thing.

She turns and looks at him.

Philip: I want you to know that your always welcome to come and see Parker. You were a big part of his life his first few months.
Melanie: I heard you and Chloe took him in for a checkup yesterday.
Philip: Yes, he is doing great.

Melanie smiles.

Melanie: Thats good to hear. Thank you for the gesture Philip, I may take you up on it one day.
Philip: Well, I know he would be very happy to see you.
Melanie: Thanks.

(Maggie's House)

Maggie sits at the kitchen table gripping a cup of coffee. She stares blankly at the wall. The door opens and Jennifer walks in with a bag of takeout from the pub.

Jennifer: Aunt Maggie, your still in your night robe.

Maggie looks at her.

Jennifer: Are you feeling ok?
Maggie: I didnt sleep well last night.
Jennifer: I can tell. I brought you some breakfast from the pub.

Maggie smiles weakly.

Maggie: Thank you dear, but I'm afraid I'm not very hungry at the moment.

Jennifer puts the bag on the counter and sits down.

Jennifer: Hey, what's wrong?

Tears start to roll down Maggie's cheeks. Jennifer takes her hand.

Jennifer: Did something bad happen?

Maggie whipes the tears away and looks at her.

Maggie: I'm afraid so.
Jennifer: Is it Melanie? I know she has been going through a hard time.

Maggie shakes her head.

Maggie: No, its Nathan.
Jennifer: Nathan? What happened?
Maggie: His life is about to change forever.
Jennifer: What do you mean? Where is he?
Maggie: He left for Nashville last night, he is going to see Melissa.
Jennifer: Melissa? Oh no, did something happen to her?

Maggie shakes her head again.

Jennifer: Aunt Maggie, I dont understand.
Maggie: I thought Melissa and I did everything possible to protect Nathan from the truth.
Jennifer: The truth?
Maggie: Yes, the truth is about to come out.

(Interstate 40)

Nathan stares ahead at the road as he drives. His conversation with Maggie repeats over and over in his mind from the day before:

Nathan: What do you mean that Wes Watson is indeed my father?

Maggie stands up and turns away from him. He walks over to her and puts his hand on her shoulder.

Nathan: Grandma, please tell me what you know.

She turns and faces him.

Maggie: Oh Nathan, you were never supposed to know.
Nathan: Know what?
Maggie: The truth about your father.
Nathan: Why? Why wasnt I supposed to know?

Maggie turns away from him again.

Nathan: Grandma, please tell me what is going on!
Maggie: I cant!
Nathan: Yes you can! And I want to know now!
Maggie: No Nathan, I really cant!

Nathan turns away and lets out of cry of digust.

Maggie: Your mother....

He turns back around and looks at her.

Maggie: Your mother should be the one to tell you.
Nathan: My mother? Fine!

He walks towards the kitchen door.

Maggie: Where are you going? You should call her right now!
Nathan: No Grandma, I am not going to call.
Maggie: Why not?
Nathan: I need to talk to her face to face. I am leaving for Nashville right away.

A semi-truck honks as it passes by. Nathan looks at his watch and sighs.

Nathan: Soon I will know everything.

He passes a "Welcome to Tennesee" sign.

 

[Delina]

Interesting story so far!I can't wait to read more!

 

[missvicki]

Wow! Thanks for the great chapters! I cannot wait to read more. Love that nathan and Melanie are still friends right now. Love that Victor and Maggie appear closer....LOVE that Stephanie is not in the picture. I just love this story. Thanks Will!

 

[Dreden]

Diggin' the story Will! Thank you! I can't wait to see where this is going!

 

[redsquirrel]

Great beginning! Looking forward to more.

 

[missvicki]

I keep getting excited when I see new posts cause I hope there is a new chapter...LOL

 

[Dreden]

That's funny MissV, I'm doing the same thing! I keep checking constantly and think there is a new chapter too!

 

[Will1682]

(University Hospital)

Melanie walks into the reception area and sees Carly standing at the desk.

Melanie: Mom.
Carly: Hey!

Carly puts the charts back into a folder and tucks it under her arm.

Melanie: Busy day huh?
Carly: Eh, the usual. So what did Philip want this morning?

Melanie puckers her lips and raises her eyebrows.

Melanie: Well, our divorce is final.
Carly: What? Already?
Melanie: Yeah, I was shocked to. Appreantly Victor's attorney Gene Brisco has some quick connections.
Carly: Say no more! I remember Gene very well.

Melanie smiles.

Carly: Atleast you can move on now.
Melanie: Yeah, its a weight off my shoulders for sure. But I am happy Philip respected my decision.
Carly: Me to. I suppose he is not entirely like his father.
Melanie: I am on lunch break, want to go grab something from the cafeteria?
Carly: Sweetie I would love to but I am due to make my rounds.
Melanie: I understand, I will call you later.
Carly: Talk to you then.

Carly walks off. Melanie walks behind the counter and looks over the nurse schedule. Lexie walks out from the recovery room.

Melanie: Dr. Carver.
Lexie: Hi Melanie, how are things?
Melanie: Fine, thanks. I was wondering if you have seen Nathan today? I thought he was scheduled?
Lexie: He was, but he has taken a leave of absence.
Melanie: A leave of absence?
Lexie: Yes, the HR department informed me this morning, they said he notified them yesterday.
Melanie: Do you know why?
Lexie: Sorry no. But I have to admit that of all people, I thought you would know.
Melanie: Why?
Lexie: Well, arent you staying with Maggie again?
Melanie: I am, but I stayed at my moms last night. This is the first I am hearing of this.
Lexie: I hope he is ok, it for sure seemed like a sudden decision.
Melanie: Thanks.

Melanie hurries over to the elevator and pushes the button.

Melanie: I have to see Maggie!

(Crossroads Halfway House)

Jennifer sits in the visiting room looking out the window. Hope walks in and smiles.

Hope: Jen!
Jennifer: Hey!

Jennifer gets up, they hug.

Hope: I wasnt expecting you to stop by today.
Jennifer: Well, surprise!

They both sit down.

Hope: Bo was here earlier, he brought Ciara.
Jennifer: And just think, one more month and you will be going home to her for good.
Hope: I cant wait!
Jennifer: So, any news?
Hope: I spoke to the social worker earlier, my testimony really helped the states case against the prison.
Jennifer: Thats great.
Hope: Yes, its good to know that justice will be served for those women who lost their lives. They may have been prisoners but none deserved what happened to them.
Jennifer: I am so proud of you Hope. All the odds were stacked against you but you still took action.
Hope: Lets not forget my two wonderful partners in crime, you and Bo.

Jennifer smiles.

Hope: And everything has worked out for the best. The madness at the prison has stopped, Bo only received a minor suspension, I am serving my remaining time here. It was all worth it.

Jennifer smiles again, but the smile fades as she glances out the window. Hope notices.

Hope: Hey, is something wrong?

Jennifer looks at her with a sad expression.

Hope: Jen?
Jennifer: I spent the morning with Aunt Maggie, she is a wreck.
Hope: A wreck?
Jennifer: Yes. Its the main reason I wanted to stop by and see you.
Hope: What's wrong with Maggie?
Jennifer: Well, she wouldnt tell me the complete details, but Nathan received a letter concerning his father.
Hope: Pete? Is he ok?

Jennifer shakes her head.

Jennifer: That's just it Hope. Nathan found out that Pete is not his father.
Hope: What?!
Jennifer: I know, I was shocked to.
Hope: If Pete isnt, then who is?
Jennifer: I dont know, Aunt Maggie wouldnt tell me.
Hope: What did she tell you?
Jennifer: Apparently the letter was from his fathers wife. Whoever he is, he's suffering from kidney failure and needs a transplant.

Hope puts her hand over her mouth.

Jennifer: And she asked Nathan in the letter to be tested as a possible donor.
Hope: Does Nathan know this man? I mean, we were all told his father was Pete.
Jennifer: I dont think so. Like I said, Aunt Maggie wouldnt tell me the complete details. She said the best thing for now is to let Nathan and Melissa deal with this.
Hope: Nathan must be devastated! Have you talked to him?

Jennifer shakes her head.

Jennifer: He actually left for Nashville yesterday evening. He is going to confront Melissa.
Hope: My god. Why do I get the feeling that it's going to get much worse?

(Melissa's House, Nashville)

The front door opens and Nathan steps in. The house is dark and quiet.

Nathan: Mom?

He pulls the key out of the lock and shuts the door. He walks into the kitchen, the aroma of coffee looms.

Nathan: She must have stepped out.

He looks at the refrigerator and notices his high school graduation picture held on by a heart magnet. He pulls it off and stares at it. Melissa is hugging him, they are both smiling. He closes his eyes and remembers that day in the kitchen:

Nathan walks into the kitchen buttoning his shirt. Melissa smiles.

Melissa: You look so handsome!
Nathan: Thanks mom. Have you heard from dad?

Melissa shakes her head.

Melissa: I'm so sorry honey.
Nathan: Hey, I'm used to it. I havent seen him in two years, why should he come to my graduation.

He turns and waks out of the kitchen.

Nathan opens his eyes and puts the picture back on the refrigerator. He walks back into the living room and up to the fireplace mantle. He picks up the picture from when he was eight years old, he has a glove on and is holding a baseball. He closes his eyes again:

Nathan unwraps the present, Melissa and Pete smile as they watch.

Nathan: Whoa! Look mommy its a baseball glove and ball!
Melissa: Wow! Very cool!

He runs up to Pete and hugs him.

Nathan: Thanks daddy!
Pete: Your welcome Nathan, happy birthday.
Nathan: Can we go out and play catch?
Peter: I would like to, but I'm afraid I have to be going. My flight leaves soon.

Pete gets up and looks at Melissa.

Pete: I will see you guys soon.

Nathan opens his eyes and puts the picture back on the mantle.

Nathan: It was all a lie.

He turns around as the front door opens, Melissa steps in carrying two bags of groceries. Her eyes go wide.

Melissa: Nathan?! Oh my god!

She sits the bags down and pulls him into a hug.

Melissa: I didnt know you were coming down! What a surprise!

He doesnt respond, Melissa notices.

Melissa: Nathan, are you alright?

He nods his head.

Nathan: Just a little tired from the drive.
Melissa: I can understand that. Sit down, I have some coffee made.

She grabs the bag of groceries and walks into the kitchen. "I had no idea who's car that was when I pulled in" she calls out from the kitchen. Nathan takes a deep breathe, he reaches into his jacket pocket and grips the letter. Melissa walks back in with a cup of coffee.

Melissa: Here.

She extends the cup to him but he just looks at her.

Melissa: Nathan? What is wrong?

He pulls the letter out of his pocket.

Melissa: What's that?
Nathan: I want to know the truth mom, and I want to know now.

A confused look comes over her face.

Nathan: Who is Wesley Watson?

The cup of coffee suddenly falls from her hand, it shatters all over the floor. Melissa stares at Nathan, a mixed look of horror and shock on her face.

 

[missvicki]

Thanks for another great chapter Will!! I simply cannot wait to find out who exactly this Wes character is! Glad to see Bo only got a minor suspension and Hope is legally out in one month!!

 

[Jammers]

Great story!! I am wondering if either Melissa was raped or if Pete could not have kids and she used a donor??? Guess we are about to find out.

 

[missvicki]

My first thought was rape too. Hopefully not though...that's always a sad, sad situation....maybe he is not a Horton after all, but she adopted him?

 

[Jammers]

ahhhh...did not think of adoption...could be! Especially since Melissa is adopted too!

 

[gapeach]

Great story - can't wait to read more.

 

[susala]

If Nathan were adopted, it would not make him any less a Horton!

 

[missvicki]

Yes, I do agree with you on that one Susala; being raised in a family when they are not your blood would still make you a part of that family. I didn't necessarily mean it to sound like that. Sorry if anyone was offended by that!

 

[sportzgirl916]

For Melissa to have that look on her face, I am guessing rape. If he was adopted, the look on Melissa's face should be disappointment or relief, but definitely not horror.