Episode 8.15 [New Year’s Eve]

Shavano Inn—Honeymoon Suite
The wedding dress of Cassie’s dreams hung on a hook on the door. It was a retro inspired Oleg Cassini design, the tea length skirt and its embellishments were something Cassie had never dreamed she could find. She stared at it as she waited for her sister Maggie to arrive. Any time she’d gotten nervous the last few days, all she had to do was go and look at this dress for a wave of calm to wash over her.

Her hair was done, half pulled up with the rest of her curls falling down her back.  Her makeup was perfect and she was thankful for all her years trying to be a beauty queen. Though the nerves she felt right now made those in the past look silly.

The door opened, Cassie felt herself jump when she turned to see her sister who looked at her in awe.

Maggie took in the view of her sister in her purple robe looking at her dress. “You are already so beautiful, Dan might not be able to breath when he sees you.”

Cassie could see tears in her sister's eyes, “No crying. If you cry, I’m going to cry and that just won’t do.”

Maggie took a moment to breath. “I promise to try not to cry. That’s the best I can do.”

Cassie smiled, “This is really happening, isn’t it?”

“It better happen. You and Dan deserve to be happy.” Maggie started to busy herself by gathering bobby pins from the dresser.

Cassie reached out for her sister, “You deserve to be happy as well. Last time I checked Conner was still single, Kendall is gone, you and Jeff are divorcing.”

“Divorced, it's official.” Maggie nodded, part of her afraid to think about the idea of her and Conner. “Today isn’t about me however, it’s about you and that Dan Adams.”

Cassie sat on the bed, a dreamy look came over her face, “First time I ever met Dan was at your and Conner’s wedding reception. We were arguing over eating grapes or something ridiculous like that. We bickered and argued for so long that when I realized I loved him, I was so scared of rejection.”

“He didn’t reject you though, he has never rejected you.” Maggie reminded her.

“I screwed up, I know I did with everything after the accident. I spent five years praying I could move on from him, but I couldn’t. We both tried. Dan is a part of me in ways you only know when you find your other half. It’s not always the big grand moments, sometimes it’s the simple feel of his arms around me when I come to bed after he’s already fallen asleep. It’s that look he gets in his eyes when he sees me after a bad day. It’s the look I give him after a bad day and I finally see him. Hell it’s the way my heart races just a little bit when he enters the room. No one else ever gave me that, just like the only person who makes you realize those things for yourself; is Conner.”

“Let’s just focus on getting you and Dan married first. Then I’ll figure stuff out with Conner, okay?”

Cassie nodded before getting up to put on her dress.

Shavano Inn—Banquet Room
“You ready for this?” Abby moved a bit slowly as she and her brothers entered the room.

“Are you sure you should be here?” Dan asked, worried about her health.

“I’m fine. I wouldn’t miss this. Chad will be picking me up right after so you better go through with it.” She warned.

“Oh if he doesn’t I might have to kill him.” Sam piped up.

Dan stood at the end of the pathway, looking towards the door where Cassie would come from, “This is it isn’t it? Cassie and I are really going to get married.”

“Yeah it is.” Abby squeezed his hand before looking sadly at Sam.

“I’m going to be fine Abs, I promise. You need to worry about those kids of yours not me or Dan.” Sam realized as he spoke that it was true, he would be okay. Lysa wasn’t the love of his life, he’d convinced himself she was for fear of being alone after everything that had happened in the past.

“Thank you, Abby, Sam for being the best siblings a guy like me could ever ask for.” Dan pulled them into a hug keeping them close for a moment before Gary came in with his camera.

“Well if it isn’t the photographer.” Dan teased his soon to be brother-in-law.

Gary shook his head, “Smile everyone!” He called out as he took a few shots of the siblings.

44 Rio Grande Drive

Amanda made sure to toss her earrings in her purse as she waited for Kit to come downstairs. "Kit, come on we're going to be late!" She was grateful that Jack had Ava this evening.

She heard the footsteps of her husband as he came down the stairs, something was off though. He carried a duffle bag as he looked at her, "I'm leaving. I can't do this anymore."

Her mouth hung open, her mind wrapping around the words as they processed in her mind. "What do you mean?"

"I'm tired of being second choice Amanda. I'm sick of wanting you to love me the way you love Jack. I can't go on like this anymore. I'm leaving you. We'll go to the wedding together, we can pretend to be a happy couple and afterwards I'll drop you back here and that'll be the last time you ever have to see me again."

Amanda found herself sinking to the floor, sitting on the carpet, leaving against the wall. "You are leaving me because of Jack?"

Kit sighed, "Amanda, I've said my peace. I'm leaving."

"Fine, just go." She felt herself shaking as she forced herself up. She grabbed her car keys, "I'll go to the wedding alone. Don't come, I don't want to see you again."

"You won't." Kit opened the door, looking at her one last time, "If you love him the way I think you do, you must have been miserable with me all this time."

Amanda heard the click of the door close as she stood. She waited for his car to leave the driveway before she stepped outside, the air cold and fresh, a new year about to start. Her mind and heart trying to wrap itself around everything that had just happened. She needed answers. 

208 Shavano Court
"Please Ava, just eat your dinner. I won't let you try to stay up late if you're not going to eat your dinner." He begged his daughter when he heard the doorbell ring. "Stay and eat."

Jack walked to the living room, wondering who would be at his door this time of night. Everyone he knew was either at parties, or weddings. He peeked through the window, pausing for a moment when he saw her. As he swung the door open he suddenly felt scared, nervous with her here. "What are you doing here Amanda?"

She stepped in, taking off her wrap, kicking away her shoes before she turned to him. "I want answers Jack."

"To what?"

"Kit left me, what did you do to make that happen?"

Jack sighed as he tried to hide his joy. He didn't want Amanda hurt, he wanted to make her happy. She'd been happy with Kit, but not as happy as she could be. He knew that. "He knew I kissed you on your wedding day, he confronted me on Christmas Eve. I haven't tried to hide the fact that I love you, I don't think it’s fair to hide that."

Amanda wasn't sure what she felt, "He's my husband, I love him. What did you think? Did you think you could drive him away and I would come rushing to you?"

Jack tried not to smile but he did, "That's exactly what you've done."

"Shut up!" She yelled in a way that shocked him and her. "You have chased my husband away. Do you think I wasn't happy with him? That I didn't love him?"

"That's not it Amanda. I didn't think it was fair that he pretend you never loved me. You and I weren't just a one night stand that oops resulted in a child. You're the first and only woman I have ever loved damn it. We have a child together and yes I made a crap load of mistakes back then, the biggest one being pushing you away. Can you blame me though? Can you really?"

"Yes, I can blame you. You didn't trust me enough. I was a victim of a madman and you pushed me away when the most wonderful thing could've happened--did. You're lucky that I let you anywhere near Ava." She moved closer to him, adrenaline pulsing through her. "You infuriate me so much Jack. You haven't given me any reason to trust you in all of these years. If you had me, you would lose interest as soon as something bad happens. You won't be there for me when I need you. You aren't the shoulder I can cry on when everything I know is falling apart."

"Yes I am. If I wasn't, you wouldn't be here right now damn it!" Jack pulled her close to him, his arms around her as she fought for a moment before she began crying.

"I'm here for you Amanda, I won't let you push me away this time. I made mistakes when we were younger but I'm not going anywhere. I love you too much. I know you might never fully trust me but I will do everything I can to regain your trust if it’s the last thing I do in this world."

She looked up at him, choking back tears, words escaping her before she kissed him. Her tears going from sorrow and anger to joy. 

Shavano Inn--Banquet Room
Everyone had arrived, the guests were seated and Dan stood waiting for his bride to enter with his brother by his side.

Music filled the room and a moment later Maggie walked down the aisle in an icy blue dress and the bouquet of blue and white flowers. She took her place across from Sam, turning towards the door which opened to showcase Cassie on the arm of her father Larry.

Dan felt his heart tighten when he saw her, she had never looked more beautiful then in this moment. This was the sort of thing he wasn't sure he would ever get to see as she started down the aisle it took everything he had to keep himself from running towards her.

Cassie felt her heart racing as she kept her eyes on Dan, the man she loved more than she ever thought was possible. His hand took hers, and her father gave his blessing. Everything moved so quickly until they reached the vows, she felt Dan squeeze her hand before he started.

"Cassie, when we first met I never thought we would be here. Though it was at a wedding, when I accused you of hogging all the grapes. We bickered and drove each other crazy when I was your body guard. I didn't know how to handle the feelings you sparked inside of me. After everything that happened in Chicago I knew I couldn't lose you. I just didn't know how to tell you. When you left for Nashville you took part of me with you and I thought I would never have that part back. You're here with me now and I'm complete. Without you I'm lost. I love you Cassie, you are everything I need in this world."

Cassie felt as though she was going to cry and paused for a moment before she began, "Dan, you have been my hero in so many ways over the years. Even when I didn't want you to be. You're right, when I was in Nashville I took a part of you with me, just as you had a part of me here. We tried to pretend we didn't need those missing pieces, we failed though. When we're apart we're just not as good as we are when we're together. My life would be a mess and so lonely without you. You Dan, are my soul mate in every way that counts. I love you."

Dan could feel the tears in his eyes, as Sam handed him the ring and he looked at his bride once more, "I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live."

Cassie felt the gold band slip on her finger and then Maggie taps her with the ring for Dan. She smiled, feeling nervous, "I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live."

"I pronounce you Husband and Wife, you may kiss the bride." The officiant announced.

Cassie felt her heart swelling with joy as Dan wrapped his arms around her, kissing her gently for a long moment. She could hear everyone clapping, as Dan led her down the aisle. They did it. They had gotten married. A whole new life was about to start for them.

Hallow Hills—Pool House
Abby was resting on the couch with baby Zander nearby in his bassinet. Chad came in from outside carrying a pizza with the twins behind him.

“This is how I wanted to spend New Year’s.” Abby announced as she watched her husband and children get comfortable and out of their outerwear.

“So, Uncle Dan and Cassie are finally married huh?” Del opened the Pizza box and took a slice out.

“Yes, they are. So really, I think we just have to hope that Uncle Sam finds someone.” Abby sighed, “She’s got to be out there for him.”

“It’ll happen. Don’t things happen when you least expect them to? Like when you found me again, you weren’t expecting to find me that day. Especially when I’d been right under your nose for so long.” Fallon reminded her mother.

“So true.” Chad sat next to his wife before looking over at his sleeping son, “Here we are, all together about to celebrate a new year. This is exactly where I want to be, with my family.”

Shavano Inn—Banquet Room
Sam stood at the bar, watching his brother and his new wife dancing. To be honest, Sam never thought Dan would be the one to get married first. Maybe it was just because he’d felt cheated when he lost Pam. Perhaps it was the way he’d tried so hard for Lysa only to lose out in the end to Kip.

He took the final sip of his Red Bull and Vodka before he crossed the room, picking up a piece of cheese as his hand brushed against someone else’s.

“Sorry.” She spoke softly, pulling her hand back before reaching for something else.

“It’s fine.” He smiled, as recognition filled him when his eyes met hers. “Amber right?”

“Yeah, Sam right?”

He nodded, “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Well, you are most definitely in a better mood then our last encounter.” She popped a grape in her mouth and smiled.

“I sure am. Care to dance?”

“Sure.”

He led her out onto the dance floor, wondering if meeting the love of his life at the wedding buffet table would happen for himself as it did for his twin brother.

Shavano Inn—Balcony
Maggie had escaped outside, it was almost midnight. The sky was dark except for the light of the moon which seemed to shine down right where she was standing. She breathed in the cold air, filling her lungs as though trying to detox her body from the mistakes she’d make, the secrets she’d kept.

“It was a beautiful ceremony, don’t you think?” Conner stood behind her, his smile big and inviting when he looked at her.

She couldn’t turn around; she knew that if she did all the strength she had would vanish the moment her eyes locked with his. “It was perfect for Cassie and Dan. I’m so happy they found each other and decided to not let all the obstacles keep them from being together.”

“It’s not too late for us Maggie.” Conner was behind her, his hands on her shoulders.

 Maggie closed her eyes, trying to hold back tears. “We’ve had so many obstacles over the years, what would make this time different?”

Conner leaned closer to her, wrapping his arms around her, “Us, we’re different now. We are not the same people closing up shop at the mall like we were.”

“You still run Film Magic.” She reminded him, feeling the smile on her face.

“Yeah, well I don’t have to close up. I have someone else do that now.” He enjoyed the feel of her against his body. “Maggie, I love you. I have for so long. Even when I tried to forget it was still there. I have never been very good about hiding it. I might not say it, but you know it when you see me.”

Maggie just nodded, feeling herself welcome his body against hers.

“Do you remember when I locked us in that storage unit. You got so mad when you found the key in my pocket.”

Maggie giggled at that, “Oh come on, if I had pulled that wouldn’t you had been just a little bit mad?”

“No, I knew then that I wanted you and only you. You were the one that thought I should give Bethany a second chance.” He reminded her pulling away just a little bit.

“I thought it was best for Lysa, for her to have her mother around.” She pulled away and moved closer to the railing, “I pushed myself to fall for Kevin, but it was never right. It never clicked with him. I wanted it to. At the very least so I could forget you. Same thing with Carsyn, Jeff, and Carl. It was all me trying to forget you.”

“What about when you actually did forget me?” He watched her as she looked out at the property of the Inn.

“I never really forgot you. They were just hiding from me, waiting.” She thought back to that afternoon in Heaven Beach with the rain.

“You’ve always been the one for me Maggie. Even if one of us is married, we find our way to each other in some really ridiculous ways.” He reminded her as if on cue a gentle snow started to fall.

“You know, you are the reason I got my memory back.” She blinked back the tears in her eyes as she looked out at the sky, afraid to go inside and ruin this moment.

“I was so conflicted that night on the roof of the mall.” He shifted around on his feet, looking everywhere but at Maggie. “One thing though.”

“What’s that?” She finally turned to him, her eyes locking with his.

He took a deep breath, tried to prep himself for this moment. No matter how many times they found themselves in something like this it never got easier, “That night you said something that I’ve held onto this entire time.”

“Wherever you go, whatever you do. I will be right here waiting for you.”

He nodded, “I’m tired of waiting Maggie.”

“Jeff and I are divorced.” She confessed, feeling herself finally relax as she released the secret.

Conner stepped just a little closer. “Is that so?”

“It is.” She took a step closer before walking around him in a circle. “So I’m not married, and you’re not married.”

He pulled her close to him, “How about we quit playing games.”

Maggie realized in this moment she was never going to let Conner get away from her again. They had spent far too many years apart. “I love you Conner.”

He smiled as he swung her around in his arms, “I love you Maggie.”

She held him tightly as she felt his lips on hers, the sound of fireworks going off as midnight was struck. It was a new year now, she wouldn’t

“Um, guys. I hate to interrupt this, but Cassie and Dan are going to leave in a moment.” Gary stood in the doorway with Hardy.

“We’re coming.” Maggie took Conner’s hand, leading him into the banquet hall.

Hardy looked up at his older brother, “About time that happened.”

“Yeah, it really is.” Gary smiled as he watched his two older sisters with the men they loved.

“You gonna get that?” Hardy pointed towards his brothers pocket where his phone was vibrating.

Gary pulled out his cell, looking at text message. Happy New Year. I love you. Hurry Home. Xoxo

He smiled, “I’ll respond later, right now we gotta go say goodbye to Cassie.”

“Right.” Hardy went inside, running towards his sister who hugged him tightly.

Gary was behind, when Cassie put Hardy down she looked at her brother, “It’s been a crazy long ride hasn’t it?”

 “It sure has been.” He hugged her tightly, “He better treat you right.”

Cassie giggled, “You can tell your boyfriend the same thing. Good night.”

Gary pulled away from his sister, not sure he could say anything else as he watched her leave with her new husband.

“You okay?” His brother tugged on his sleeve.

Gary smiled, “Yeah, I’m great. Let’s get some of that cake, what do you say?”

“Awesome!” Hardy ran off towards the dessert table, leaving Gary looking around at everyone left.

Conner and Maggie were dancing and gazing into each other’s eyes, his father and Step-Mother locked together as they had been since they got together. Sam was dancing with a woman Gary didn’t recognize but looked to be falling in love. Maybe this moment wouldn’t last, perhaps it was only momentary. This moment though, as a new year began was filled with love and laughter. Everyone was happy, no one pushing someone else away, creating divisions.

Divisions started in 2003 for several reasons. First I’d had this idea for a story about the people who worked in the mall. They weren’t all glamorous, they were down to earth people trying to get day by day and find happiness. Secondly, Port Charles had just been cancelled and I felt a little lost without it so I needed another soap in my life. Thirdly and finally, Divisions has been a writing exercise for myself over the years. Some of it is rough, choppy and I know that. A lot of it was a test for myself to see if I could keep it up, keep it going.

The original plan was to do a season’s worth of episodes and see how I felt afterwards. These characters wouldn’t leave me. I couldn’t let them go to the point where I put off writing the final installment for a long time. I always knew what I wanted to happen, at least for a few characters. I always knew that Maggie and Conner would be Right Here Waiting for each other.

This has been a story I have worked on since I was 21, almost 22, now I’m 30 years old. I’m not the same girl I was in college. These characters are not the same as they were at the start. We’ve all been on a journey, thank you for going on it with me and these characters.

I’ll be re-editing/re-writing the archives and posting them on a new tumblr blog I created just for this series. I do know at least one episode needs to be re-written from scratch since it got lost ages ago in a late night coding error. I’ll be posting an episode each Monday-Friday. You can either just now discover the series, or go on the journey again.

Thank You,

Kat Halstead