Previously: Alva Vermillion confided in Rhoit Saffron that she had overheard Lady Lavender and Baron Bronze discussing a demonstration that Lavender’s company, PlantCorp, had planned as a way to gain the company new investors. Alva worried that the plan involved harming citizens of Blackport at an event at the Blackport Performing Arts Center and wanted to alert the police. Rhoit, however, convinced Alva to keep the news to herself until they could gather more information, as not to cause the town to panic. Later, Jessie Sumac and Alva were approached by Madame Puce, who asked if they would be interested in participating in the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest. Jessie jumped at the chance, but Alva turned Puce down. But when Puce told them that the gowns the contestants wore to the masquerade ball were going to be paid for by the pageant directors, Alva agreed to participate. As they were leaving to go and get their ball gowns, Alva received a call from her mother that her boyfriend, Jake Summers, was involved in an accident and was in emergency surgery. Meanwhile, Rhoit Saffron went to Baron Bronze’s suite and told Bronze that Alva had indeed overheard the company’s plan and that she was going to go to the police. Bronze assured Rhoit that Alva would be stopped before she had the chance to warn anyone.

“Masquerade Mix-Up” Part 1

At Blackport Memorial Hospital, Ramona Vermillion sits in a waiting area with an older back woman, Joyce“Jojo” Summers. Nearby the elevator doors open and Alva Vermillion steps out. Alva goes over to a nurse’s station.

“I am here to see Blake, uh, I mean Jake Summers.” Alva says breathlessly to the nurse.

“He was just brought into the recovery room.” The nurse tells her. Alva’s tense shoulders relax as a young black woman walks up behind her.

“Alva.” The young woman says. Alva turns from the desk.

“Audrey.” She cries. The two embrace.

“He’s alright. He made it through surgery.” Audrey says.

“Thank god.” Alva says, wiping away a tear. “Where’s Jojo?”

“She’s over in the waiting area with your mom.” Audrey says.

“When can we go in to see him?” Alva asks.

“They said they would let us know when he wakes up.” Audrey says. They walk over to the waiting area.

“Alva.” Jojo Summers says, standing up.

“I am so sorry I wasn’t here.” Alva says, hugging her.

“It’s alright, Jake is gonna be alright.” Jojo says.

Down the hall, in a private hospital room, John Boddy and Coral Black stand vigil at Emily Peach’s bedside. “You should let Ash take you home, Aunt Coral.” John says. “You’ve been up all night.” Coral remains silent, holding Emily’s hand. “I will be sure to call and let you know when Em wakes up.”

“I am not leaving my daughter.” Coral says. “I’ve already lost one child.”

“Aunt Coral, Emily is strong; she is going to come out of this.” John says, putting his hand on her shoulder, when there is a knock on the door. John goes over and opens it. John is a bit taken back at seeing Emily's adoptive parents, Frank and Melba Peach.

“Oh, John.” Melba Peach says.

“Mr. and Mrs. Peach.” John says. Coral looks up at them. “Please come in.”

“How is she?” Mrs. Peach asks.

“She’s fighting.” John says. Mrs. Peach goes over to the bed and looks at Emily.

“My beautiful girl.” Mrs. Peach says tearfully.

“I am going to get some coffee.” John says. “Aunt Coral can I bring you some?”

“No thank you, dear.” Coral says. John leaves the room. Outside he is met by Dr. Paul Mandarin and Mr. Ash. “They didn’t waste any time getting here from Georgia, did they?”

“I hope you don’t mind that I called them, sir. I just thought that their presence might bolster Miss Emily’s spirits.” Mr. Ash says.

“It was very thoughtful, Reggie.” Dr. Mandarin says.

“Very.” John says, glancing back at the door of Emily’s room.

“Master Boddy.” Blanche White says, joining them in the corridor. “I know this may be an inappropriate time, but the Mayor has been trying to get you all day.”

“The ball.” John says. “I completely forgot.”

“I told him about the situation, but he still wants to speak with you personally.” White says.

“Thank you, Mrs. White.” John says. “I will go and give him and call.” John walks off, but turns around, “Mrs. White how is my mother?”

“She is resting, sir.” She tells him. “I am just heading back to the manor now to start dinner for her.”

“Good. I hope last night’s chaos hasn’t affected my mother’s recovery.” John says. He walks off.

In the waiting area, Audrey returns with some coffee. “Here you go, Alva.” She says handing her a cup.

“Thanks.” Alva says. “The doctor’s let Jojo in to see Jake. She said she would come back in a few minutes so that you can go in next.”

“No, you need to go in next, Alva. I can see him when you are done.” Audrey says.

“Are you sure?” Alva asks.

“I know my brother, and he would kill me if I didn’t let you in there ahead of me.” Audrey smiles. Jojo comes out of the recovery room and joins them in the waiting area.

“How is he, Aunt Jojo?” Audrey asks.

“He is holding his own.” She says. “He’s asking for you.”

“Me?” Audrey asks.

“Yes.” Jojo responds.

“Well, I think Alva wants to go in first.” Audrey says.

“No, if Blake is asking for you, you should go in.” Alva says.

“I will only be a few minutes.” Audrey says. She hands Jojo a coffee cup and hurries to the recovery room. In the recovery room, Jake Summers lies motionless, his neck in a cast. Audrey opens the door and looks in. “Hey there.” She says.

“Hey.” Jake whispers.

“How you doing?” She asks, closing the door behind her.

“I’m great.” Jake jokes.

“I see.” She goes over and kisses his forehead.

“Is Alva alright?” He asks.

“Yes, she’s just outside. Surprised you wanted to see me first.” Audrey says.

“Yeah, I need to talk to you.” He says. “I lost the ring I was going to give to her, in the accident.”

“Oh, Jake. You can worry about getting her a new engagement ring when you are better.” Audrey says.

“But I can’t afford to get her another one.” He says.

“I am sure Alva will understand that, Jake.” Audrey says. “She’s loves you.”

“But she deserves to have a nice ring.” He says. “I need you to find it for me.”

“Find it?” Audrey says. “How do you want me to do that?”

“At the station, when they recover things from accidents they put the things in a room.” He says. “The evidence room.”

“So what, am I supposed to go into the station and stake claim to a $2,000 diamond ring?” Audrey says.

“Please, Audrey.” Jake says.

“Ok. I will get the ring, Blake.” She smiles.

“Blake.” He smiles. “Alva is the only one that calls me that anymore.”

“I’ll go get her.” She says.

“Thanks, sis.” Jake smiles.

Across town at Madame Puce’s estate, the young woman that will be taking part in the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest, begin to arrive. Madame Puce is on the phone in her office, while Darcy Puce talks with Mai Le and Kirby Canary in the drawing room.

“I am so excited.” Kirby says. “I love my gown!” She says, holding her masquerade ball gown up to her.

“It is lovely.” Mai Le says.

“I can’t wait for Copper to see me in it.” Kirby says.

“It was really great of your mom to get tickets for Copper, Chad and Rhoit.” Mai Le says.

“Copper’s ticket.” Kirby says. “I left it in the envelope with the others.”

“Where did you leave the envelope?” Darcy asks.

“With Rhoit, at the Black Towers.” Kirby says.

“Well, just call Rhoit and tell him to give Copper his ticket.” Mai Le says.

“Copper isn’t going back to the hotel; he is working with his father and is going to meet me at the Mayor’s house.” Kirby says. “I have to get Copper’s ticket. Otherwise, he won’t be able to get into the ball.” Jessie Sumac and Carrie Bluebell join them.

“Those gowns are breathtaking.” Mai Le says.

“Thanks.” Jessie says. “Where is Kelley?”

“She should be here soon.” Darcy replies. “Have you heard from Alva?”

“She just called me actually.” Jessie says. “Jake made it through surgery and she is going to go buy a dress.”

“She hasn’t gotten her gown yet?” Madame Puce says from the door of the drawing room.

“She’s working on it, Madame Puce.” Jessie says.

“She’d better hurry; Maybelle’s selection was rather limited.” She tells them.

“I am going to change and then head back to the hotel.” Kirby says.

“The hotel?” Madame Puce says. “I thought I made it clear that we were all going to go to the ball together?”

“Yes, ma’am, you did, and I promise I will be back in time for us to all arrive at the Mayor’s mansion together.” Kirby says. “Come on, Mai, let’s go get ready.” She and Mai Le leave the room.

“Don’t worry, Miss Canary will only be gone a few minutes, mother.” Darcy reassures her.

Meanwhile, at Maybelle’s costume shop, Alva Vermillion frantically looks through the few last remaining gowns they have available. “I knew this was a bad idea.” Alva says. “I should have just stayed at the hospital with Blake.” Alva sighs. “This is ridiculous; I’m going back to the hospital.” She turns to leave when she sees a rack of dresses in a corner of the store. “This one is not too bad, and it’s my size.” Alva reluctantly takes the pale yellow gown and goes to a fitting room. “I’m never going to make it to Madame Puce’s house on time.” Alva says in the dressing room. She slips into the ball gown and looks at herself in the mirror. “Not to shabby.” She says. She goes over to her purse and takes out her cell phone. Dialing a number, she looks at her watch, “Madame Puce is going to flip.”

At the Black Towers, a clerk at the front desk answers the phone. “Black Towers Hotel, this is Kim, how may I help you?”

“Kim, its Alva. Can you do me a huge favor?” She asks. “Tell Gavin Gold that I am on my way to the hotel and that I need him to give me a ride to the party at the Mayor’s mansion. I will be there in ten minutes.” She flips closed her cell phone and looks at the price tag hanging from her sleeve. “Seven-hundred dollars? You’ve got to be kidding.”

Meanwhile, Kim, the clerk at the hotel, goes to the employee break room with a small piece of paper in her hand. She finds Rhoit Saffron and Gavin Gold sitting at a table. “Sorry guys, but Gavin I have a message from Alva.” She hands him the paper.

“Thanks.” Gavin says. He unfolds the message and reads it.

“Everything ok?” Rhoit asks.

“Oh yeah. Alva just needs me to take her to the masquerade party in the limo. She’s on her way.” Gavin says.

“Really? I thought she was going to go with the other girls.” Rhoit says. Gold shrugs.

“I better pull the car around back.” He says. “Later.”

“See ya.” Rhoit says. As soon as Gavin is gone, Rhoit takes out his cell phone and calls Arthur Bronze. “Alva is coming to the hotel. She is having Gavin Gold take her to the ball in the limo. I think this is our chance.” He closes his phone and leaves the break room.

Back at Madame Puce’s estate, the girl’s excitedly finish getting ready for the ball. The phone in the hall rings, and Madame Puce answers. “Hello.” She says.

“Madame Puce, its Alva Vermillion.” Alva says, as she walks down the street in her ball gown, heading toward the hotel.

“Hello, dear. Did you have any luck finding a gown?” Puce asks.

“Yes, I did. I am on my way to the hotel now.” Alva reports.

“The hotel?” Madame Puce asks. “I thought I told you I wanted you to be here, so we could all go to the ball together.”

“I know, but I am never going to make it there in time.” Alva says. “I have a driver waiting for me at the hotel.”

“Well, I insist that you meet us out front of the mayor’s residence no later than 6:45.” Madame Puce says.

“Yes, ma’am.” Alva says. “And I have the receipt for my gown.” But Madame Puce has hung up. “She better give me my seven-hundred bucks back.”

In a dark alley across from the rear exit of the Black Towers, Rhoit watches as Gavin Gold pulls the limo up to the door. Gavin turns off the car and goes back inside the hotel. A moment later, Rhoit sees Alva, in her pale yellow gown and masquerade mask briskly walking towards the hotel. “There you are.” Rhoit says, as he puffs on a cigarette. At that very moment, Kirby Canary, wearing the exact same gown as Alva, enters the hotel lobby, via the front entrance. She sees her mother, Corrine Canary standing in the lobby.

“Mother.” Kirby says as she approaches her. “You will never believe this.”

“Kirby, what are you doing here?” Corrine asks.

“Not only did I forget to grab Copper’s ticket to the ball, I just got a flat tire on my way over here.” She says, frustrated.

“Oh, dear.” Corrine says.

“Is there anyway I can go with you to the ball, I am never going to make it back to Madame Puce’s house in time.” She says.

“I wish I could say yes, but I am going with Baron Bronze in his sports car.” Mrs. Canary says.

“So?” Kirby says, confused.

“It’s a two-seater, dear.” Corrine says.

“Wonderful.” Kirby says. “How am I going to get to the mansion?” Kirby asks, just as Alva enters the Lobby. Kirby spots her. “Oh my god.” Kirby says. “This night just can’t get any worse.”

“What is it, dear?” Mrs. Canary asks.

“She is wearing the same dress as I am!” Kirby shouts. She points to Alva, who comes over to them.

“Oh my heavens.” Mrs. Canary says, trying to stifle a laugh.

“It isn’t funny mother!” Kirby says.

“Oh, Kirby,” Alva says, removing her mask. “I am so sorry.”

“Alva?” Kirby says. “I can’t believe you did this to me!”

“I didn’t pick the same dress on purpose.” Alva says. “It’s the only one they had left in my size.”

“But canary yellow is my color!” Kirby says. “I have to go get Copper’s ticket and find a way to the damn ball.” She stomps off to the break room.

“Oh, Mrs. Canary, I didn’t mean to get the same dress.” Alva says.

“It’s alright, Alva.” Mrs. Canary says. “Kirby is just a little dramatic sometimes.” Ramona Vermillion joins them in the Lobby.

“Mom? What are you still doing here?” Alva says. “I thought you would have been at the mansion by now.”

“I had a few issues with my dress.” Mrs. Vermillion says, turning to show them two safety pins holding her dress together. “I won’t be doing much dancing that’s for sure.” She shrugs.

“Mom, I just had an idea.” Alva says. “I’ll be right back. Don’t leave for the ball without me.” She hurries off to the break room.

In the break room, Kirby sits at a table, crying. Alva enters and sees that she is upset. “Kirby, I had no idea that you and I would be dressed in the exact same gown.” Alva says, handing her a napkin.

“I know, it’s just I spent so much time finding the perfect one.” Kirby blows her nose.

“Listen, I know you said that you didn’t have a way to the ball, so I was thinking, I have Gavin outside with the limo waiting to take me.” Alva says.

“You mean you will let him take me instead? In Elizabeth’s car?” Kirby asks.

“Yes, it’s the least I can do.” Alva smiles.

“It is amazing. We even have the same mask.” Kirby says, putting her mask on. Alva slips hers on too.

“We look almost identical.” Alva says. “Gavin is outside; just tell him that I said to take you in the limo instead of me.”

“But how are you going to get there? You could ride with me.” Kirby says.

“It’s alright. My mother is in the lobby, I am going to get a ride with her.” Alva says.

“Oh, thank you.” Kirby says. They hug. “I guess I will see you at the ball.” Kirby leaves the break room and heads to the back entrance.

Outside, Gavin Gold has just exited the building and walks to the driver’s side of the limo. Suddenly, Rhoit Saffron appears behind Gavin and places a white cloth over his mouth. For a few seconds, Gavin struggles with Rhoit, but the chloroform on the cloth overpowers him and he passes out. Rhoit opens the driver’s side door and puts Gavin in. He then quickly climbs in behind the wheel and waits for his unsuspecting passenger to arrive. Kirby hurriedly walks down the hall to the back entrance and sees the limo waiting outside. “I am going to be so late.” She says as she exits the hotel. Rhoit watches her from the rear-view mirror and sees her open the door. Without looking for Gavin, Kirby climbs into the back of the limo, takes a seat and closes the door. A tinted glass divides the back of the limo from the front, and Kirby can make out the figure of a man behind the wheel, not realizing it is Rhoit and not Gavin. Rhoit, believing Kirby to be Alva, waves to her from the front seat and starts the engine. Slowly, Rhoit pulls the limo out of the parking area of the hotel. He then takes out his cell phone and calls Baron Bronze, who is in his sports car with Corrine Canary.

“I have Alva in the limo.” Rhoit tells Bronze in a low voice. “I will call you when we get to the Pine Cone Inn.” He closes his phone and turns left onto a street, heading away from Rainbow Mountain and the Mayor’s mansion. Kirby, who is checking her makeup in a compact mirror, is oblivious to the fact that she has just been kidnapped.

TO BE CONTINUED…