Control Part 4

Later on that morning, at the hospital…

“When will that woman ever be out of our lives?”

Eric looked at his wife, shocked by her statement. “Stephanie, how can you blame Brooke for this. Granted, I would love it if you never had to hear her name again, but, Macy was the one drinking. Macy was the one that decided to drive. And Macy is the one that ran into Brooke. None of this was Brooke’s fault.”

“The accident may not be her fault, but you know she will use this accident to her advantage. I bet she will do everything in her power to cause Macy and Thorne problems - legal, emotional, whatever. When has she ever done the right thing for anyone but herself?”

“Look, I know things haven’t been wonderful at work ever since the Venice photo shoot. But at least we don’t have to see Brooke on a daily basis. And things are running smoothly at Forrester Creations, even with the new ‘company policies’. You can’t argue with that can you?”

“No, but we have no control at our own company. The company that we started all those years ago, and Brooke stole.”

“I know how you feel. But there is nothing we can do about that anymore. Think about the good things. Ridge and Taylor are happily married and their kids are doing great. Rick is doing better every day and seems to be happy. Bridget, thank god, is a normal teenager, and except for this latest mishap, Macy and Thorne are doing well.”

Stephanie smiles at Eric’s latest statement. Thank god my boys are free of Brooke. After everything I’ve done to keep Brooke and Thorne apart, I couldn’t stand for Brooke to get her claws into any one of them ever again. The only good thing Brooke ever did for my family was to threaten to fire them if they came into direct contact with her. That is the only thing she has ever said that I agreed with. No more contact means that Ridge and Thorne could get on with their lives, with the women they are meant to be with.

Eric interrupted her thoughts. “What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, nothing important.” Thank god no one questioned my memory of the time before my stroke since right after it happened. Everyone just assumed that time was lost forever. “I was just thinking about how much I love you.” That and everything you and Ridge did to keep Brooke and Thorne apart. That was the best gift I could have ever gotten. Brooke is out of my family forever.

“I love you too. Did Thorne say when he was coming back down?”

“He should be back soon. He had to see when the doctors were releasing Macy into the custody of the police. He also has to deal with Sally and Adam (she shuddered) I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

“Stephanie, behave. They are his in-laws. I think Sally is really worried about Macy. When she and Adam went to see Macy, they said Macy wouldn’t tell them anything about what happened last night; not the accident, what caused her to start drinking, nothing.”

“Where are they now?”

“Dealing with the lawyers. Can you imagine if this was happening to any of our kids? I just keep thinking back to when Rick was in his accident. He almost died. Thank god Macy’s injuries were minor.” Stephanie moves to hug her husband. “Thanks, I needed that. Focus on the good. (Both were silent for a minute.) Speaking of Rick, have you talked to him or Bridget lately. I mean really talked. All I get out of either of them lately is single work responses. They rarely come over at all anymore.”

“It’s the same for me. The only time I see then nowadays is at the office. And I know they are not coming to visit me. I loved having Rick living in the guesthouse. I wish he were still there. I wish I knew what was going on with them.”

“I can bet Brooke has something to do with this.”

“Did either of you ever think, that is why Rick and Bridget don’t want to spend any time with either of you?” Eric and Stephanie turned around to see Katie walking towards them.

“Katie, what are you talking about?”

“Oh, let me guess Stephanie. How about the fact that you are constantly talking badly about Brooke in front of Rick and Bridget? You blame her for everything that has ever gone wrong in your life, and you aren’t silent about your opinions.”

“Why should I be? That woman has done her best to ruin my family. She not only attacks professionally with Forrester Creations, but personally, trying to ruin the lives of my children.”

“ ‘Ruin my family’ Do you include Rick and Bridget in with your family?”

“Of course I do. I love them as much as anyone.”

“Yet, you continually forget they aren’t your children. They have one mother, Stephanie, and her name is Brooke. Maybe the kids got tired of always hearing the negative things you say about her. Of course, if you stopped badmouthing Brooke, you wouldn’t have anything left to say.”

Stephanie and Eric are outraged. “How dare you speak to my wife like that! I am their father and Stephanie is their stepmother. Even when we weren’t married, the kids always loved Stephanie. Rick used to live with us. You don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Rick only lived on your property because of Amber. You remember her don’t you? Your protégée who tricked everyone and lied, and did everything she could to hang onto Rick. She would also badmouth Brooke. When Rick got rid of her, whom did he turn to? His mother. Not the two of you. Did you ever wonder why that was? Because he finally saw the way you two treat her. (Seeing the disbelief on their faces) Fine don’t believe me. Just ask the kids. Besides, that isn’t the reason I’m here anyway.”

“Yes, we heard about Brooke. Is she going to be ok?”

“Do you even care, Eric?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, I won’t bother asking you Stephanie, we all know how you feel. (Stephanie shoots her a dirty look) Where is the rest of the Forrester clan?”

Stephanie bristles at the word ‘clan’, but answers anyway. “Ridge and Taylor aren’t here. We filled them in on the accident. Taylor is at home with the children, and Ridge is at the office.”

“Where’s Thorne?”

“He should be back any minute.”

“Good, I have a message for all of you and I don’t want to have to repeat it too many times. I’ll tell the two of you and Thorne, and one of you can tell Ridge and Taylor.” Katie sits down to wait for Thorne. Having no other choice, Eric and Stephanie wait with her.

As Thorne approached, he was surprised to see Katie with his parents. Eric stood. “How’s Macy?”

“They are releasing her into police custody any minute. Her parents are going to follow her to the station. She doesn’t want me there though.”

“Son, It would probably be hard on her, to see you there. You will be able to visit with her later though. We were waiting for you.”

“Hey Katie, how’s Brooke today?”

“She’s going to be fine. She’s the reason I need to speak with the three of you. I have a message from her, one that will be repeated by her lawyer.”

“See, I told you Eric. Brooke couldn’t wait to start trouble for poor Macy.” Thorne was about to speak up when Katie spoke first.

“Just shut up Stephanie. And you wonder why Rick and Bridget don’t want to spend any time with you. Must you always believe the worst? Just let me finish. (She glared at Stephanie, daring her to interrupt. Stephanie wanted to speak up, but when Eric took her arm she stayed silent.)

“Why don’t you continue?”

“Thank you, Eric. Brooke is willing to do everything in her power to help Macy. She won’t press charges and will speak to the police and DA on Macy’s behalf. (Everyone is stunned) According to the following conditions.”

“Of course, there are conditions.”

“Stephanie, do you want to hear them or not? (Again, Stephanie was silent.) Macy has to go in for treatment for her alcoholism. That one is the most important. Then for the rest of you, just like at work, no one with the last name Forrester is to try and contact her here at the hospital. No checking up on her recovery, talking to doctors, trying to see her, bully her, or anything else. Even better, stay off her floor.” (Although speaking to each of them, Katie looks directly at Thorne.)

“Fine by us, I take great pleasure in never having to see Brooke anywhere. Thorne, if you are all right? (He nodded) I suggest we go home then. Do you need a lift, Thorne?”

“No, I have my car. I’ll speak to the two of you later. I just need to speak to Katie for a minute.”

“Call us if you need us.” Eric and Stephanie start to leave but Katie calls after then.

“Don’t forget to pass my message to Ridge and Taylor, Stephanie.”

(Sarcastically) “Oh don’t worry, we will. It is my top priority.”

As they walk out of the hospital Stephanie worries about Thorne. “Eric, how do you think Thorne is doing? He didn’t look well to me.”

“He’s just worried about Macy. The accident, possible criminal charges, finding out about Brooke, it’s a lot for him to take in. He’ll be fine though.”

“I suppose you’re right.” But what could he have to say to Katie? He better stay away from Brooke. After all these months, he has been so happy with Macy. The best thing that could have ever happened to him is breaking up with Brooke. What am I saying, he probably just feels some guilt because it was Macy that hit her. What else could it be? “Why don’t you try calling the kids? With Brooke in the hospital maybe they can spend some time with us.”

“Good idea.”

“What do you want Thorne? You heard Brooke’s offer and the conditions behind it. Unless you want your wife in jail, stay away from Brooke.”

“That’s what I need to speak to you about. Before I learned about the accident, Megan gave me a message from Brooke. Brooke said she would see me today. Surely that doesn’t go against the deal. Is she up for visitors today?”

“Yes and no. Yes she is seeing visitors, Megan is up with her now, her kids and Giovanni (Thorne bristles when he hears Giovanni’s name) are coming later, but she won’t want to see you. (Thorne is about to protest) Brooke told me about her message to you. She said she would speak to you, not see you. Big difference.”

“I don’t see it. (Katie just looks at him) Fine, can I call her here?”

“I’ll ask her. If she wants to talk to you I’ll have her call your cel phone. But if she doesn’t, don’t force yourself, or the deal for Macy is off. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Thorne watched as Katie left to go see her sister. I hope she will call me. I have so much to tell her, and explain to her. I just hope it’s not too late. Thorne knew he should go home but couldn’t make himself leave as long as Brooke was in the hospital. He took out his cel phone and started at it, praying that it would ring.

Up in Brooke’s room, Megan is visiting with Brooke.

“So, anything else you need from the office?”

“That should do it. I should be getting out of here tomorrow. Hopefully, business can wait until I’m home. Just call if anything major happens. Have some fun at the office. You know, the boss away the mice will play.” Both women laugh.

“Well, I will be happy to report to everyone that you are doing fine. There were many concerns when people found out this morning about the accident. Especially since this was supposed to be your first day of ‘vacation’.”

“Tell everyone thanks for me. What a way to start a vacation, huh.”

Katie popped her head in. “Am I interrupting anything important.”

“No, come on in, I was just leaving. I’ll be back later. Just to say hi, though. No more business, I promise. (Megan gave Brooke a hug) I’m so glad you and the baby are ok. Oh, Giovanni said he would be here later today as well. Bye Brooke, Katie.”

“Bye Megan.”

As soon as Megan left Brooke gave her sister a close look. “Oh no, I know that look. What happened?”

“Oh nothing. (Sarcastic) I just had a wonderful conversation with your ex husband and his wife. They are very concerned about you.”

“Oh I’m sure Stephanie is just overcome with worry.”

“Yeah, about everything but your health.”

“What?”

“Never mind, I just said some things to the two of them I had been holding back for a while. I don’t think it did any good, but it made me feel better. (Brooke glares at her) Don’t worry, no damage done to any of the parties. I did pass along the deal for Macy as well as the stipulations. They seemed fine with them and said they would tell Ridge and Taylor.”

“Ok, now I know something is up. What aren’t you telling me?”

“Thorne.”

Brooke tenses. “What about him? I’m sure he is relieved that his wife shouldn’t have to do jail time.”

“Yeah…”

“Oh, just tell me already.”

“He wants to see you. (Brooke starts to panic) Don’t worry; I talked him out of that. But he did mention that you had agreed to talk to him last night. I told him if you wanted to talk to him you would call his cel phone. (Brooke just sits there not saying a word.) Brooke? Are you alright?”

Brooke jumps a little. “Yes, I’m fine. Just surprised he still wanted to speak to me. His message said it was important, important enough that he was willing to be fired to speak to me. What do you think is going on?”

“I have no idea. But I do know one way you could find out?”

“How?”

“Call him. Geez and some people actually think you are smart. (With her good arm, Brooke throws a pillow at her sister.) Hey, don’t kill the messenger.”

“Oh, man. What should I do?”

“Brooke, I think you should call him. I know I said I wouldn’t keep bringing this up, but we both know you still love him. Isn’t it about time you told him that?”

“What more is there to be said that wasn’t said in January?”

(Sarcastic) “Oh, let’s see. How about the fact that you still love him and are carrying his baby? I think that would be a good place to start.”

“No. You know why I won’t do that.”

“At lease admit you still love him. (Brooke refuses to answer) Brooke? I’m not leaving until you answer. You are not the only stubborn Logan sister.”

“Fine, you win. Yes, I still love him. I never stopped; even when I found out he left me in Venice and married Macy only a few hours later. Satisfied?”

“Yes.” She moved over to the bed and hugged her sister. “Brooke, I know how hard this is on you, but you will never know what is going through Thorne’s mind unless you call him.” Both sisters just sit there for a few minutes in silence. Suddenly Brooke sat up and pushed her sister away.

“Ok, you have to leave now.”

“What?”

“Well, if I’m going to call him I’m not going to do it with an audience.” Brooke gives her sister a weak smile.

“Ok, I’m outta here.”

“Do me a favor?”

(Smiling) “Another one?”

“Yes, check on the kids. I know, both are old enough to take care of themselves, but you know me, I will always worry. Tell them to come around dinnertime, and bring me something good to eat. Man, one day and I’m already sick of hospital food.”

“All right, I’ll come back with them, dinner in hand.” Katie gives Brooke one last hug.

“Thank you, for everything.” Katie leaves.

Brooke just stares at the phone by her bed. Now, hopefully I won’t chicken out.

Downstairs, Thorne is still staring at his phone. When it actually does ring he jumps. He quickly answers it. “Hello?”

End of Part 4

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