[After several minutes searching, the contents of drawers and cupboards strewn over the floor of the cabin, Grace rips open a first aid kit and goes to the bed where Laura is still and silent. Dipping a wad of cotton wool into warm water, Grace sighs heavily.] Now look what you’ve gone and done, Laura. If you’d just minded your own business… [She gently cleans the wound and dabs some antiseptic on it. It’ll do until Stefano gets back with the medical supplies. With nimble fingers she applies a dressing to it and sits back, gingerly feeling the wound on her own neck. A low chuckle erupts from her throat.] Nice ruse wasn’t it? I wonder what would have happened if you haven’t turned up, Laura. [Smirks.] Still, I almost think it was more fun that way. You make it almost too easy. [She rolls Laura over and checks her pupils. They’re dilated and her breathing is shallow.]

Damn, Stefano! [She presses her fingers to the carotid artery in Laura’s neck and counts the sluggish heartbeats with a tinge of concern.] C’mon Laura, dying on me would not be a good look. Who would I have to torment then?

[It’s almost as if Laura hears her and her pulse strengthens slightly. Grace smiles.] That’s my girl. [Brushes the hair from Laura’s face.] You know I almost can’t decide if I should hope that you don’t remember anything when you wake up. It would be far less dangerous for me that way, but probably far less interesting. [She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the handcuffs. Flicking her gaze from them to the bedstead and then to Laura.]

What do you think honey? If you wake up with these on and don’t remember anything, they’re kinda gonna give the game away huh? [She quirks one eyebrow as she crosses one slender leg over the other.] Of course on the other hand, if you *do* remember, they’ll stop you getting away to tell your little friends all about big bad Marlena. [Her crimson lips curl into a speculative smile as she watches Laura who looks as if she’s peacefully slumbering.] And then there’s the added bonus of having you completely at my mercy… [She leans back against the wrought iron at the foot of the bed.] My, my, such a tough decision….
confessed by Marlena at 8:22 PM

[Grace lifts bloodied fingers from the wound at the base of Laura’s skull with a shiver. Despite herself, in her own twisted way, she has grown almost fond of Laura in the last few days and she feels a swell of anger.]

Christ Stefano, you could have broken her neck!

Stefano: [Tightly.] I was trying only to protect you Grace. I warned you that you were playing with fire with this woman.

Protect me? [A strangled sound of disgust comes from her throat.] Stefano, she’s hardly a threat.

[Stefano doesn’t offer an argument, unwilling to fuel Grace’s fury any further as she crouches beside Laura, weighing her options. Craig’s medical bag is back at camp and several people saw her leave with Laura earlier. If she goes back to camp and Laura doesn’t show, people will get suspicious soon. On the other hand, if she takes Laura back to camp, people will start asking questions. And then there is the matter of Laura knowing a little too much for her own good…. Making a decision, Grace stands and turns around and looks at Stefano.]

You’re still here then? Why don’t you make yourself useful and help me get her somewhere where I can treat this injury. [She gestures in the direction of a cabin she knows is nearby. Stefano gives a grunt of annoyance and then scoops Laura up in his arms. She resembles nothing more than a limp ragdoll as he follows Grace.]

[When they reach the cabin, Grace makes quick work of the door lock and motions for Stefano to deposit Laura on the bed.]

Right now, I’m going to see what I can find here. If you really want to get back into my good books you'll go back to camp and see if you can get Craig’s bag for me. [Narrows her eyes.] But make it discreet, for God’s sake!

Stefano: [Angrily.] I do not take orders Grace.

All right then. [Her tone faintly saccharine.] Stefano, *please* go back to camp and get Craig’s medical bag. And *please* be sure no-one sees you or you’ll mire me deeper in the shit than you already have. [Angry sarcasm has replaced the false sweetness as she turns back to the cabin. Stefano lets out a growl but obviously his sense of self-preservation gets the better of him as he sees the set of her shoulders and he slips out of the cabin.]
confessed by Marlena at 8:20 PM

*Tribal Council Results*

(abbreviated for consideration of time and BadAss Sanity)

The votes are in and the tribe certainly has spoken. Nancy Wesley, gather your things and hop on the ferry boat back to Salem.

Everyone else....yeah....whatever you've been doing...go with that....

(traipses off through the woods in search of some magical hidden nerve pill stash...)
confessed by Your Host, The Big BadAss at 8:04 PM

[Without further comment, Grace turns to leave as Laura looks on in stunned silence. Taking in great gulps of air, Laura blinks owlishly and tries to still the tremors running through her. Finally taking note of Grace's receding form, she rushes forward--her voice ragged but firm.] Wait! [Grabs Grace's arm.] I'm not through with you.

Grace: [Arches her brow], Oh...[Grace's eyes darken and her lips curl into an evil grin.] I think you are.

[Laura’s eyes brighten.] You think so, do you? Well I think that you are suffering some delusions of your own... Unlike some people, I've never made any claims to be anything other than what I am. [Her words take on a dangerous edge.] And I'm not going to stand here and let you twist things around to suit your agenda. I've not tried to hide myself away and take my medication in secret...and I'm going to let you make me self-conscious about taking it. I take it for a purpose...I take it because of a chemical imbalance...I know that; you know that; most rational people know that. And as for Shane...this may come as a shock to you dear, but not everyone finds your charms [quirks her brow], irresistible. So you go right ahead; you take you best shot--try to undermine my credibility with the rest of the tribe. But I'll tell you this, you're sadly mistaken if you think that you're going to find a lot of support back at camp. I mean really...just who do you think is going come leaping to your defense? Nancy, [feigns thought]...no, you burned that bridge when you slept with Craig. Roman...nah, not even he's that desperate. Or maybe you think Brady and Isabella will see things your way. Perhaps Kim or Shane or Sam...[Grace's lips twitch as black rage burns behind her eyes.] Face it...right now I would like nothing better than to wrap my hands around your neck and slowly watch the life drain out of you, and I'm still about the best ally you've got. You'd be wise to remember th...[Laura crumbles to the ground.]

Stephano: [Shifting from Laura's fallen form to Grace's fiery eyes, Stephano drops the remainder of the broken tree branch in his hand. His mouth curls wickedly as his rich baritone voice whirs in Grace's ears.] Well maybe not your best ally.

Grace: Damn it! What did you do that for?

Stephano: [His eyes darken dangerously as they latch on to her angry glare. His voice drips sarcasm.] Well, you're welcome.

Grace: [Exasperated], "You're welcome." I had everything well under control before you came along. Just what in the Hell happened to your brain Stephano? Did you ever stop to think that someone bashing her over the head just might give credence to her claim that someone's after her? [Ignoring the unspoken warning in his eyes], Just go...[Sighing heavily, she stoops down to examine the wound on the back of Laura's head.] Like everything else, I'll fix this myself.
confessed by Laura at 3:33 PM

Belle *Confessional*

(Belle has wandered the island for days looking for *something* but not sure what… she knows there was something or *someone* she had to find but that seemed to become irrelevant as she found herself lost again. Maybe it was her make-up bag since she seems to be without it. Her lips are parched without her lip-gloss. They are going through withdrawl - her upper lip sweating profusely and her bottom having severe chills. And now her tummy is crying for Jell-O and chowder but she can no longer even smell the fishy soup that hangs in the air around the merged camp. She stops and cries every few yards and wishes her cousin Shawn could hold her… and maybe kiss her! As she continues to wander and get more and more dehydrated she begins to hallucinate and interact with her favorite members of N'Sync. As she clings to Justin Timberlake, her fingers twirling imaginary curls, squeaking and squealing incoherently someone approaches her from behind and surreptitiously mugs her blabbering mouth with something that renders her unconscious. She drops in the stranger's arms and is dragged away.)
confessed by Belle at 1:18 AM

[Grace's golden eyes shimmer in the late afternoon sunlight as she faces off with Laura.]

Nice theory honey, but you're missing one thing in this nice "rational" little scenario you've created for yourself. I *am* Marlena. [A nasty smile twists her lips as she takes a step closer to Laura.] Have you ever stopped to think Laura dear, that the one with the problem is not me? Maybe it's you. [Laughter filters from her as she sees Laura flinch.] After all, you are the crazy one honey.

Laura: [Angrily, her eyes dark and stormy.] Don't play this game with me. I'm not falling for it this time. I'm onto you and I'm not going to let you twist my own insecurities back on me.

[Chuckles cruelly.] Insecurities? Laura, you're one step away from psycho-ville. As much as I love you honey, you're playing with one card short of a full deck and we all know it. [Her eyes soften sympathetically.] Why do you think Shane is so protective of you?

Laura: [Desperation threading her voice.] Shut up! Just shut up! I'm not listening to you.

[Takes another step closer and reaches out, drawing the back of her fingers down over Laura's cheek in an almost sensual gesture. Laura shivers, her eyes wide and she looks distinctly like a trapped animal.] Poor, crazy Laura. [Wrinkles her nose slightly.] No-one is fooled by the lucid act you know. We all see you running off to take your little pills. Why don't you just give in to it? At least then the rest of us wouldn't have to pretend that you're sane.
confessed by Marlena at 12:16 AM

cont'd from above

[Laura can't bring herself to say anything as Grace's hand drifts down her arm. She seems to have lost all impetus to speak, move, react; she can barely even breathe at this point.]

[An evil smile slips onto Grace's lips as she watches Laura's eyes, her pupils dilating until her eyes resemble nothing more than black pits of despair.] I heard about your little trip to catatonia honey. [She leans forward, her whisper laced with malice.] Come to think of it, how do you know that you're not still there? Who's to say I'm not some figment of your poor addled mind come to persecute you? [She raises one eyebrow.] *Poor* Laura the victim, picked on by her best friend, rescued by the debonair stranger... nice little melodrama you've created for yourself sweetie.

Laura: [In a strangled whisper] ...is...not...

[Laughs lightly.] C'mon now Laura, it's a lot more rational than anything you've come up with so far, isn't it? [Her eyes narrow.] I mean, let's face it, in what sane, rational world would Shane want you when he could have me?

[Grace's taunts are finally too much for Laura and she lashes out, her palm connecting with Grace's face. Grace looks shocked for a moment as her tongue slides across her lower lip, encountering the metallic tangle of her own blood. Then throwing her head back, she laughs throatily.] Hit a nerve did I? [Leans towards Laura again.] Just think about it, *honey*.
confessed by Marlena at 12:15 AM