Control Part 1

Before beginning reading this story, I would like to say a few words.

I’ve been on the B&B forums for a while now. And every now and then, I’m amazed by the many talented potential soap writers on the boards. Many just say: what if? And offer their own vision of the future. It lasts one post, some times 2 but what is special with Wendy is that not only she has good ideas but she also writes them and goes to the bottom of it. And that is how her fan fiction began. Control Part 1 is the “what if” posted some day that AGAIN, we were all disappointed by the way Brooke’s character was written. From part 2, the real story begins. Each week, dozens and dozens of posters are looking forward to reading her stories. Now it is also available on this site. And I’m really proud of it!

I’ll let you now enjoy Wendy’s writing. The story begins when they are all back from Venice. Thorne is married to Macy and thinks that Brooke cheated on him with Ridge. Taylor does not know that Ridge forced himself on Brooke. Rick just learnt that Eric III died and was replaced by Becky’s baby.

Alexandra

The only way for Brooke to have any type of future on B&B is to gain control – control of her family, her company, and her life. She would have to remove herself from the rest of the Forresters, to let everything cool off, but then some event would occur to bring everyone back together again.

Control of her family.

Although everyone would like to forget, Brooke is the mother of Rick and Bridget, so she will always be a part of the Forrester family whether anyone likes it or not. I would love for her children (yes, I am including Bridget) to remember that they do have a mother. Once Amber is exposed to the entire family I would love to see Rick go towards his mother and apologize for all of the pain he had caused her over the past year and a half. He would say, “you tried over and over to warn me about Amber and never accepted her like the rest of the family. Instead, I cut you out of my life and I am so sorry.”

Brooke would tell him there is nothing to be sorry for and give him a hug. She would ask him to move back home, as there is nothing but bad memories at the cottage. Stephanie, who has recovered from Amber’s news, and Eric try to talk him out of it saying that this is his home and belongs there. Rick disagrees saying the only home he had there was built on lies. Rick moves back home while Eric and Stephanie shoot her dirty looks (we all know what their faces look like when they glare at Brooke).

Over the next month or so Brooke and her children reconnect and Brooke and Bridget help Rick grieve for the child he lost, and the child he loved that was taken back to Paris with Becky.

Control over her love life.

While helping Rick Brooke spent about a week trying to get Thorne to talk to her and forgive her. He refused to talk to her face to face and was still furious with her. Besides, Macy would never let him be alone for more than five minutes unless he went to work, and Brooke hasn’t been at work. Seeing everything Rick is going through, Brooke thinks about her relationship with Thorne. She gives up on convincing him they were set up and calls him one last time. “It is too bad that I had more faith in you than you had in me.” As Thorne is about to interrupt, Brooke continues. “ How many times did I see Macy hanging all over you, or hugging you, and you almost marrying her at your mother’s. But I always knew that you loved me and would try to get away from her. I never blamed you for the situation we were in with Macy. But this will be the last time I call you. You have made your choice without all of the facts and married Macy. You and I both know that you will be miserable with her. But, because I love you I hope you will try to be happy.” With that she hung up. Thorne stares at the phone more miserable than ever. When Macy asks who it was he doesn’t answer her.

Control of her company.

Brooke would have taken time off of work to help Rick deal with the Amber situation, and also give her some time away from the rest of the Forresters. Megan has kept her up to date but she hasn’t been in to work until now. On her first day back she call a meeting the boardroom with Ridge, Eric, and Thorne. Speaking to all of them she begins her speech. “Starting today there will be changes here at Forrester Creations and with me. This is my meeting and there will be no interruptions. (She pauses to look at all three of them) Number one: Eric, you have tried your best to keep me out of the Forrester family, whether it was through my love life or my children. Well, I give up. You win. The only Forresters I will ever have contact with again are my children. I never want to see you, Ridge, or Thorne ever again. And that especially goes for any Forresters there are by marriage.” Eric starts to look giddy, and Ridge and Thorne look miserable. “Eric, unlike you I would never keep the children away from the rest of their family. If you or anyone wants to see them you will can their private lines to set up a meeting somewhere other then my house. No Forrester will come to my house or call me on the phone, IS THAT CLEAR!”

Eric does interrupt, “Does that mean you are going to quit Forrester Creations?”

“No, for two reasons. First that would make you way too happy. And second, if you do remember, this is my company. I own the majority, I am the reason sales have increased, and I have created new clothing lines. The same rule that will apply to my house will also apply here. I never want to see any of you ever again. I must approve all designs, all decisions must be approved by me, and basically anything that has to do with the company has to be approved by me before it is to be done. You and any other Forrester will submit any designs, proposals, budgets, and etc. to me in writing. Megan will be your only contact when it comes to me. Anyone that doesn’t like it can quit. Your offices will be moved so I never have to see you in the halls. If any of you, or your wives come to see me to try to change my mind her husband will be fired. Don’t think that this company can’t survive without any of you. And if it doesn’t, I am at the point where I don’t care. Let Forrester Creations go down in flames. Now, GET OUT.” Eric storms out of there, Ridge starts to but looks back at Brooke. There is some regret on his face but he leaves quietly. Thorne just sits there.

“Get out Thorne, isn’t your wife waiting for you to call her and check in?”

“Brooke, we need to talk.”

“No we don’t Thorne, I did all of the talking that I was going to do last month, and you refused to listen. Now it is too late. Get out before I fire you.”

Thorne sadly leaves. Outside the boardroom, Thorne just leans against the wall. He knows that Brooke was right all along. He is miserable with Macy and only wants Brooke. But now it is too late and she hates him.

Inside the boardroom, Brooke falls slowly back into her chair. She still loves Thorne but she will not beg him or deal with his family so they can be together.

Control of her life.

This last aspect is a little harder. Her children never knew that she had been seeing Thorne, or what the rest of the family had done to break them up. Rick is doing much better, and is dating Kimberly. They are taking things slow, and Kim and Brooke get along very well. Bridget is still in high school and is having fun. Work at Forrester continues quite well even with the restrictions Brooke placed upon it. The rest of the company is confused about the new management strategy but no one says a word. Megan and Giovanni keep her up to date on all of the gossip concerning the Forresters. No one is quite sure who was angrier, Eric or Stephanie. According to gossip there have been many Forrester family meetings (without the children) to try and figure out a way to “Stop Brooke once and for all”. Defeat is imminent but Stephanie and Eric refuse to see it. However, they have been following her rules.

The children still see the rest of the family but are confused why there is no contact between Brooke and the rest of the family. Anytime they ask, the subject is changed.

Reconciling with her children, and dealing with the Forrester at work definitely decreases her stress, but she hasn’t been feeling well. About a month later, while talking to Giovanni, Brooke faints. He catches her just as Thorne comes into the room. All he sees is Brooke in Giovanni’s arms. Without saying a word he leaves, very upset. Brooke comes to a minute later, embarrassed she fainted in his arms. Brooke assures him she is fine and leaves. When Kimberly comes in later that day for a shoot, Giovanni tells her about Brooke’s fainting spell. Both are concerned about her health.

Brooke goes to the doctor and finds out she is 3 months pregnant. She realizes it happened in Italy. Devastated and happy at the same time she goes home and talks with her sister. Saying she is pregnant Katie is dumbfounded.

“What are you going to do Brooke?”

“I don’t know, but I know what I’m not going to do, tell Thorne or any Forrester. I finally got all of them out of my life. Is has been peaceful and quiet around here without them around. Can you imagine the reaction I would get? Yeah, I will call a Forrester meeting and just drop it on them I’m pregnant. Do you want to take bets on who would yell the loudest and longest?”

“But you and I know that you still love Thorne.”

“Yes, but considering he is married to Macy and shows no signs of divorcing her he is out of the picture. Besides, there is no way I am going to use this child to get him back. He and I are over and there is nothing that is going to change that.”

“But you can’t hide this. He will figure out it is his when he counts backwards.”

“That is if he ever finds out.”

“What are you talking about?”

“No one has to know I’m pregnant. I never see any of them anymore. They only ever see Megan. She would keep my secret. I can keep working and just hide this pregnancy. When I really start to show I would just work from home to keep the rest of the employees in the dark. All they have to know is that I decided to adopt a baby, and my wish came true in about 6 months. I will make sure to have the baby out of LA. I will just decide to take a trip to pick up my newly adopted child. How difficult can it be? The only real problem is the children. They would have to know the truth and keep it from the rest of the Forresters.”

“Do you really think they can? What about Kimberly? She is here all the time with Rick and she is Macy’s sister. How can you keep this from her?”

“Rick could help with that, either not bring her over as much, or give me warning to not be here.”

“Brooke, I don’t know. I really thing you should tell Thorne you are having his child.”

“NO, if everything goes alright, he will never know.”

Later that day she, Rick, Bridget, and Katie had their own family meeting where Brooke told them everything that had been going on, since she and Thorne first got together, and ending with she was pregnant. They sat there stunned.

“Rick, Bridget, do you think you can keep this from the rest of the Forresters? I hope you understand why I’m asking you to lie to your father and the rest of them.”

“Yes mom. I can’t believe they did this to you. I am so mad at them, I don’t know if I want to ever see Dad again.”

“Bridget, that is up to you, but Eric will always be your father. I had hoped never to tell you these things, but considering I’m pregnant, there was nothing else to do. Rick, you haven’t said anything. How do you feel?”

“I can’t believe you went through all of this alone. I guess I didn’t want to see any of it, and it was happening right in front of me. I’m so sorry.”

“Rick, you have nothing to be sorry for. This should have never concerned you children. I’m sorry for that.” They all hug.

“Yea mom, I’ll stay quiet. But like Bridget, I can’t believe they treated you like this, especially Dad.”

“Rick, there are two additional things I need to talk to you about. Kimberly can never find out I’m pregnant. It wouldn’t be fair to tell her because she wouldn’t be able to stay quiet. She is Macy’s sister and her first loyalty will be to her. Kim can still come over here, but when I start to show I will need warning so we don’t see each other until after I deliver. Also, I know it will be difficult for you to be around a baby again, so if you need to move out when the baby comes I understand.”

“Mom, no. It will be hard, but maybe this is what I need. A new brother or sister to help take care of.”

“Thank you. I could never go through this without the help of you guys.”

Bridget and Katie went upstairs while Rick stayed to talk to Brooke.

“Mom, do you still love Thorne, even after everything that happened?”

At first Brooke refused to answer, “What does that matter now? He is married and moving on with his life and so am I. (smiling) Or trying to at least. He had his chance when we first came back, but didn’t want to talk. He is my past. All that matters are my children. Now, I’m going to lie down for a while. Call me for dinner.”

Rick watches as his mother leaves. “That’s what I thought. She does love him.”

In the next few months, things went as planned. Eric and Stephanie still schemed to find a way to get rid of Brooke. They just couldn’t understand why Bridget and Rick were becoming more distant. The kids didn’t come over as often and the times they did only stayed for short periods of time. Stephanie of course blamed Brooke saying it was her bad influence on the children.

Ridge continued to be upset about his role in the “Plan” and what it did to Brooke. Looking back he knows Brooke was over him and truly loved Thorne, but there is nothing he can do to make it up to her. He truly misses their friendship. He continually tries to call her and set up meetings with her but Megan reminds him of Brooke’s wishes to never see or speak to him again. She assures Ridge that she is passing along his messages to Brooke however. Megan also knows that Brooke is pregnant with Thorne’s child and respects her wishes to say nothing.

Taylor cannot understand why Ridge is unhappy. She thinks it is because he lost any control of his designs at Forrester. She blames Brooke, but is secretly happy that Brooke and her husband have no contact. She just wishes she and the children were enough to make him happy.

After a few weeks of peace, Sally and Stephanie started disagreeing on the state of Macy and Thorne’s marriage and the time that each spent with the “happy couple”. One thing led to another and the Spectra/Forrester feud heated up once again.

Macy continued to work at Spectra and Thorne worked at Forrester. Macy tried to convince Thorne to quit Forrester and work for Spectra. She felt he was treated like an underling with no real power to get anything done. Over at Spectra her mom was waiting to give him a real job. Thorne kept trying to convince Macy that he could never quit Forrester and work for Spectra just like she would never quit Spectra and work for Forrester. Things between them deteriorated quickly, but Macy refused to see it. She was happy that he no longer had any contact with Brooke, but her jealousy over Brooke couldn’t be hidden. Thorne came home from the initial board meeting with Brooke very unhappy. Just like Taylor, Macy hoped that any unhappiness could be explained away by his lack of control at Forrester. But as the months went by, things never got any better. She wouldn’t give up on her third marriage to Thorne. She didn’t let any of her family know about the problems she and Thorne were having.

At seven months pregnant, Brooke finally realizes that she can’t hide it anymore. She realizes she was lucky to be able to go to the office as long as she did. Luckily she doesn’t show much during this pregnancy although her style of clothes has changed to hider her belly. She is just now starting to get a lot of looks at work, but thankfully no one has said anything. She will work at home for the next month and then leave to go to the east coast and wait to have her baby. Bridget, Rick, and Katie will all go with her. They are going to tell the Forresters that it will be a family vacation. Just as she is leaving Megan pops in to her office.

“Megan, anything important. I’m exhausted and was leaving for the day. Starting tomorrow I’ll be working form home but you are welcome to come and see me at any time. I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and support through all of this. It has meant more to me than you will ever know.”

Megan seems hesitant to speak. “What is it?”

“Brooke, Thorne just called. He said he really needs to speak to you.”

“You know my answer to that.”

“Yes, but, this wasn’t like his other calls. He sounded really upset. He said that if you wouldn’t call him back that he would come over to your house tonight and didn’t care if you fired him or not.”

“I wonder what’s up. No, never mind, I don’t care.”

“Brooke, I think he really means it.”

“Fine, I’m too tired to deal with him tonight. Call him back and tell him I will call him from home tomorrow. OK?”

“Ok, I will. Take care of yourself. You are starting to look really tired. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.”

As Brooke started to drive home she couldn’t help but think about Thorne. I wonder what’s wrong. We haven’t spoken in four months and I thought everything was working fine. Oh, well, I guess I’ll find out tomorrow. I hope no one else finds out I gave in and am going to call him or every other Forrester will attack.

Also on the road is a tipsy Macy. She started drinking a few months ago as her problems with Thorne continued, but has managed to keep is a secret from everyone else. She is not yet drunk, but is driving erratically and talking to herself. I can’t believe he did this. I can’t go through another divorce. This is crazy and all Brooke’s fault. If the Forresters had control over the company, everyone would be happy. If things we like they were Thorne would be so much happier at work and at home. I can’t let Thorne give up on our marriage. I know things haven’t been great, but all we need is a vacation. We never had a real honeymoon. Once we get back everything will be fine.

Macy causes an accident with another car, Brooke’s. The paramedics arrive and take both women to the hospital where family members are called for both of them. Thorne has been called, as has Katie. Upon hearing the news Rick and Bridget rush to the hospital with her.

In the ER Rick, Katie, and Bridget all arrive.

“Nurse, how is my sister Brooke Logan.”

“Let me find out, stay right here.” All three start to pace back and forth. Bridget starts to cry and Katie comforts her.

“I hope she is ok, Oh my god, what about the baby.”

“Bridget, you have to think positively. I’m sure they will both be ok.” Over Bridget’s shoulder, Katie looks at Rick and they have identical worried looks on their faces. They notice that the police have also arrived and find out that the driver that hit Brooke was drunk and suffered very few injuries. Just then the doctor arrived to speak to the family.

As everyone moved closed to hear him, no one noticed that Thorne arrived as well. He sees them, and couldn’t help wondering what they were doing there. He was about to announce himself when the doctor began to speak.

“Right now we are doing everything for her. Ms. Logan is unconscious at the moment and has a few broken bones.” Thorne can’t believe it. What could have happened that Brooke is in the hospital? His face goes white as he continues to listen. The doctor hesitates for a second and Rick speaks up.

“What about the baby?”

“BABY! What baby?” Everyone turns around, stunned that Thorne is there.

End of Part 1

A few words from Wendy:

Well, how is that for the next few months? I know I will get flamed by anyone that hates Brooke, but this is how I wish it were written. Brooke needs to step back from the Forresters so they can run their own lives for a while without having Brooke to blame for everything that goes wrong. She and her children need to reconnect and this stupid peace between Stephanie and Sally needs to stop. Of course, there would have to be a reason for Brooke to be more involved with everyone’s lives after a while. There is no fun if there isn’t conflict, but in this way Thorne makes his decision without the influence of Brooke, she stops chasing and begging him for any attention, Macy sees their marriage was doomed from the beginning, Ridge buys a clue and truly misses his friend, Taylor can truly say that Brooke is out of their lives, and Eric and Stephanie still can complain and blame Brooke for stealing the company. But now Brooke has the control and realizes she can live without them, and don’t need their approval for anything.

Go to Part 2

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