It's about 5:30am and Rod returns to the bedroom with Jacob in his arms.
"Hey little man. Come to mommy." (Danielle)
"Now what is all that fuss about? Did you have a bad dream?" (Danielle)
Danielle feels Jacob's forehead to make sure he isn't running a fever. She surmises that physically he appears to be okay. Rod is deep in thought and decides to discuss his thoughts with Danielle.
"Honey, I'm not sure you meeting with Melanie alone is such a good idea." (Rod)
"We are both grown intelligent women. You really shouldn't worry so much." (Danielle)
"Maybe I should come with you." (Rod)
"No. You seem to bring out the worst in that woman. I would like a chance to have a decent conversation with her and I'm not sure that's possible if you are there." (Danielle)
Rod complies and warns Danielle to be careful. Now almost 6am, they decide to get a little more rest before the alarm goes off at 6:45.
Danielle has no trouble falling right to sleep. Rod, on the other hand, lays there wide awake.
Melanie converses with her assistant, Grace.
"I need you to reschedule that appointment with Mr. Wiggins. I need to do a little more research before we meet. I also put a meeting on the schedule today with a Danielle. I forgot to tell you about it. She should be arriving in about an hour." (Melanie)
"Okay. I will take care of Mr. Wiggins and I will send Ms. Danielle in when she arrives." (Grace)
Melanie gets back to work and before she knows it, an hour has passed and Danielle is standing in her office.
"Melanie?" (Danielle)
"Yes, that's me. You must be Danielle. Have a seat." (Melanie)
"I was wondering what my replacement would look like. I must admit, I am a little surprised. Rod was never keen on light-skinned women." (Melanie)
Danielle is a little taken aback at Melanie's bluntness. She tries not to overreact to the comments.
"I guess he wanted to try something new. (long pause) Thanks for meeting with me. I thought it would be good for us to meet each other, for the sake of Nicole." (Danielle)
"That's interesting. I'm surprised my darling ex-husband allowed you to come alone. He usually likes to be front and center controlling things." (Melanie)
"I thought it would be best is we met alone. He wanted to be here, but I thought the meeting would go smoother without him. And for the record, Rod doesn't control me. I am pretty good at making my own decisions." (Danielle)
"Well let me caution you about making your own decisions with him. Strong, independent women, who 'make their own decisions' may find themselves put out to pasture before they know it. " (Melanie)
"Look, I'm not here to talk about Rod. I really just wanted to meet so we can get on friendly terms. I really think that is best for Nicole, since she will be the one most affected by all of this." (Danielle)
"I appreciate you being so concerned about my daughter's well-being, but I can assure you she will be just fine. She has a mother who loves her and who is more than capable of providing her everything she needs. I've been raising her for ten years now, and haven't needed anyone else's help." (Melanie)
"So the next time you want to come in and offer your advice on what is best for my daughter, don't." (Melanie)
"I'm sorry if I offended you. That was not my intent." (Danielle)
"Look Melanie, I came here with good intentions, but apparently you just aren't ready for this. When you are ready, give me a call. In the meantime, I will continue to love Nicole and make her feel very welcome in our home." (Danielle)
"One more thing... the next time you say something mean and hurtful to either of my children, be ready to deal with me." (Danielle)
"I think it's time for you to leave." (Melanie)
"I think you are right." (Danielle)
Danielle turns to leave and Melanie sinks back onto the desk.
"Damn. That didn't go so well."
Epilogue
Lawdy, lawdy, lawdy. Now you guys know I was really trying to get them on the high road. I was NOT going to have any more drama surrounding these two. I'm telling you, Melanie had other plans. I couldn't get her to say any of the things I wanted her to say. Somehow I will have to get these two communicating with each other. I don't have a clue how I am going to make that happen. I may just have to wait for Melanie to come around.
Finally they meet! I am amazed that danielle kept her cool with all of melanies smart remarks. Im glad that Danielle is the mature woman her! Great story!!
ReplyDeletewilliam - Finally! It didn't go quite as I had planned. These darn dolls are just doing their own thing! Rod is not going to be happy.
DeleteNow, did Rod and Danielle discuss having a little one???? I really want them to have a baby
ReplyDeleteraven - I'm sorry, they had other things on their mind. Having a crying toddler getting up so early in the morning, didn't entice them to discuss having another baby.
Delete"I was wondering what my replacement would look like. I must admit, I am a little surprised. Rod was never keen on light-skinned women."
ReplyDeleteWOW! Eva against Eva! Luv this story!!
Sergio - That Melanie is a piece of work!
DeleteGulp! Oh Melanie, never can be too blunt hmmm? I'm glad Danielle was able to act like an adult and not pull out her mama bear nails!
ReplyDeleteVerona - Danielle was somewhat prepared by Rod's little pep talk. I think she was still thinking about that episode of The View she saw and trying to keep it together.
DeleteI really admire the way Danielle handled the situation. I don't know if I could have handled those comments half as well. I guess Melanie needs to realize that holding onto all of her pain and anger will only end up hurting her worse than anyone else in the long run. Hopefully she gets to that point soon though.
ReplyDeleteAlura - I hope Melanie gets there soon. It reminds me of times I was pulled into drama I didn't want to participate in. Not fun at all. Poor Danielle.
DeleteI'm not sure Melanie will ever come around. Obviously she has more issues than I thought. What makes her think Danielle's complexion is lighter than hers or was she just using that comment to anger Danielle.
ReplyDeleteEven though the meeting was rather unpleasant, I am glad Danielle was able to issue that tactful warning to Melanie regarding her behavior toward Jordan.
Melanie needs to schedule several psychotherapy sessions with Dr. Tina or with another licensed psychologist in Morristown.
dbg
DBG - Technically Danielle is a tad lighter than Melanie. But Melanie may have made Danielle even lighter in her mind, after seeing Julian in person. But most of the off handed remarks were intended to anger Danielle. As a lawyer, Melanie often resorts to intimidation tactics when fighting a case. I think it's been hard for her to separate how she handles her professional work vs. her personal life. When she stood over Danielle, that was definitely an intimidation tactic.
DeleteDanielle had so many high hopes for this meeting. So did I. Real life experiences tell me that it's hard for exes to move on sometimes and they can be petty and trifling, even when they don't want to be. As much as I wanted to make this a positive interaction the way I think it should be, all the drama I've witnessed over the years regarding exes and jealousy, took over the story and the photoshoot.
Sometimes art truly does imitate life.
Deletedbg
Darn! I wanted Danielle to get Melanie told! She did a little but that wasn't good enough for me. Melanie needs a serious reality check! She's a grown woman and shouldn't act that way.
ReplyDeleteA-Lise - You are so funny. Melanie better be happy you weren't there. She would have been in trouble. Grown women act like that all the time.
DeleteYes, definitely! And you're right, grown women do act like Melanie.
Deletewhoa i thought it was gonna come to blows lol :)
ReplyDeleteTinisha - It had that feel to it, but Danielle has always be a calming force in Morristown from the very beginning. It's a shame she has to deal with this, but new and old wives go through this all the time.
DeleteHaha... I realized Grace is peeking in during their conversation... I would to. It was pretty intense. Hope it smooths over in the end.
ReplyDeletePriya - I wonder if Grace had the intercom on? She was definitely peeking in. I really thought this meeting would go much better.
DeleteOK where's Leslie I think we need to go find Melanie so we can fix this problem!! LOL
ReplyDeletejustJay - LOL! I think we just need to send you and A-Lise (another blog reader) in to see Melanie. The problem would be solved.
DeleteSo realistic! I'm sure even Melanie thought it would go differently but when you're faced with someone who's now with the person you once loved, sometimes emotions take over your words.
ReplyDeleteI love that as sweet as Danielle comes off, she's no wimp. And I think Melanie knows, she's met her match. :)
Loved it!!
Tracy - Sometimes the best intentions go right out the window when you are in the same room with the person. There is this underlying tension. You add the dynamic of a mom wondering if her own daughter will like her stepmom better, and you have a firestorm brewing. It really is a tough situation for all parties involved.
DeleteYou are right, Danielle is no pushover.
Ah, yes...I agree. When you put it that way, it makes you feel for Melanie a little. Amazing how one decision could change your whole world as we know it.
DeleteTracy - Hopefully Melanie will get to the place where she is more concerned about Nicole, and less concerned about herself. How's Nicole doing with everything? Is Danielle treating her well? Is she enriching her daughter's life? Is Nicole happy? If all of that is happening, Melanie should be thanking her lucky stars.
DeleteI think we've all been waiting for this episode. Good to see Danielle handled it so well. Poor Melanie, she really is struggling at the moment isn't she?
ReplyDeleteCarrickters - I can't believe it turned out this way. It really was supposed to be a more amiable first meeting. I think everything is still so fresh and Melanie hasn't had time to fully come to terms with everything. So far she just sees another woman with "her" family.
Delete"I was wondering what my replacement would look like. I must admit, I am a little surprised. Rod was never keen on light-skinned women." (Melanie)
ReplyDeleteYou know what, I"m not going to say anything!
Ebony - Darn, I would love to hear what you are thinking!
DeleteGreat episode Vanessa! Danielle put Melanie's mean behind in her place. I hope that they can come to mutual grounds at least for the sake of Nicole. P.S. Love Melanie's dress!
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Girl - Melanie, Melanie, Melanie. I think secretly she was hoping Danielle was some frumpy, ugly woman. I'm hoping for mutual ground, too. All that negative energy is such a waste. I don't remember where that dress is from. Maybe it's from a Fashion Fever doll.
DeleteOMG! It's been a great episode!! Danielle has shown she's a lady and a smart woman, and Melanie... Melanie wasn't at her best, but I guess it must be a very hard and even hurt-making situation. Good for Danielle, now the ball is on Melanie's roof.
ReplyDeleteRossetti - Melanie wanted to be better, but the situation got the best of her. I think she just needs a little more time to work through her issues.
DeleteWOW! Melanie will only change with her daughter says she disapproves of her behavior! That might be the only true reality check. I just hope this doesn't become a visitation/custody thing! For a person like Melanie, meeting her on neutral ground might have helped.(the whole not in my home/office thing) Also, having the sister-in-law there too might have diffused things for Melanie. Melanie notices things don't go well but doen't do anything about it afterward...it's like "oh well". Yeah, a little more time with the Doc!
ReplyDeleteMs. Leo - Danielle agreed to the office meeting because she thought this would help Melanie feel more at ease. But she had that power/control thing going on from the very beginning. I'm not sure bringing the sister-in-law into this is the right thing to do. Rod, Danielle, and Melanie should be able to work this out. If I were Antoinette, I wouldn't want it to seem like I was taking sides. Sticky situation. (My ex sister-in-law and is now my best friend.)
DeleteGood to see Danielle in a St. Regis Lace bra and panty set. Glad you remembered where you put them after the doll show. I knew the meeting would not go well when Melanie remained in the power seat behind her desk. I think next time they need to meet in some neutral space. Great story!
ReplyDeletelimbe dolls - Lawd, I got so engrossed in that story, that I totally forgot to put in my blurb about Danielle's wonderful lace panty set. I will have to go revise this post and add that in. Danielle and Melanie had me so flustered. I was trying to get Melanie to get up and shake Danielle's hand, but no-go. And she was talking to her like she was a child. "Take a seat." I knew the meeting wasn't going to go well after that, either. The "Melanie" in my own life infiltrated that scene and took over.
DeleteThat was heavy. I found myself pretending to be Danielle and getting all sassy. You are a bigger person than me Danielle! Melanie seems like a really miserable person. Maybe she should visit your psychiatrist. Or get a man! I guess she's still hung up on Rod.
ReplyDeleteAlso, dude. You're like the same skin tone!
Vita Plastica - This is what I don't understand about some women. You didn't want the man. Why are you now acting like you loved him and he tore the family apart by leaving. I see this all the time in real life. I just don't get it. Hello Melanie, you didn't want Rod, why are you now acting like he broke your heart?
DeleteMelanie seems really territorial to me. Maybe Rod was her trophy man? She didn't appreciate him for himself, but the thought of someone else "taking" her man, well she wasn't having that.
DeleteShrug. I don't get/understand that attitude either. Tired of him? Let him GO, lol.
D7ana - I like the trophy man analogy. Seems spot on. Let him go and wish him well. Most times people want to see the person they aren't with suffering a little and regretful they aren't still in the relationship. Because if the person is able to be happy in another relationship, then maybe they have to take some ownership on why the relationship didn't work. No one wants to do that! They just want to blame the other person. Melanie still loves Rod, but she was bored and very unhappy with the marriage.
DeleteMelanie's resentment against Rod is palpable, but she shouldn't take it out on a child. Especially a young child like Julian. She was probably so het up to get at Rod, she didn't consider that she was going through Julian to do so. I think some of her nastiness was an awareness of her fault in the matter.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Danielle though for pointing out to Melanie that Melanie had been cruel to a child AND for letting Melanie know that Danielle would NOT take that happening again.
D7ana - I agree. Sometimes we are so hell bent on making someone feel bad that we don't realize the other people who are getting hurt in the process. It would have been nice for her to apologize at least for that. I really thought she was going to.
DeleteNow I need to go check my heart rate! Exhale......
ReplyDeleteKenya - LOL! Breathe.... I was in a somber mood all day after dealing with these two. I really wish these dolls would just do what I want them to do.
Deletenice drama story.Melanie was so hot on Danielle and danielle was so hot too they tell to each other what was in their hearts from a while.hope they come some friendly.
ReplyDeletejassica - I really hope they can get to a better place soon. It really is up to Melanie at this point.
DeleteBonjour Vanessa, toujours aussi magnifique votre histoire. Je vous laisse ce petit mot en espérant que ça va mieux pour votre santé.
ReplyDeleteShasarignis - Merci beaucoup et merci pour vos bons voeux concernant ma santé.
DeleteHello from Spain: Danielle is very cute. I really like this doll. I have none. I like the photo of the three sleeping in the same bed ... It's a very real scene when small children. Melanie is wearing a pretty dress. How much tension Melanie's conversation with Danielle. If I was Danielle I would not go to see Melanie. The ex-wives are always dangerous and vindictive ... keep in touch
ReplyDeleteMarta - Danielle is a Fashion Fever Cali Girl doll. I don't think Danielle will be going back to see Melanie. If they get back together, Melanie will have to reach out to her. At least Danielle tried.
DeleteBravo for Danielle, Now come on Vanessa you know Melanie wasn't going to act right, her mouth is stuck in act a fool especially when it comes to Rod. Great episode
ReplyDeleteMustiwait - LOL! Melanie does have that look doesn't she? She may be a high powered lawyer, but she looks like she will 'cut' you.
DeleteYes, great episode. I thought for sure they would get off on the right foot especially because Rod wasn't there. Seems Melanie isn't quite over Rod yet and this will take some time...or maybe Melanie is just a %$#@*. LOL
ReplyDeleteDebbie - My script in my head said they were going to have a good meeting. When I started shooting the pictures, all the exes I have dealt with in the past were in my head rewriting the script. Boy, that script was them to the tee. I really don't think exes can help it. Like Tracy India said, there is something about seeing the man you once loved, in love with someone else, that brings out the witch in some people. She don't want to be with Rod. She is pissed that she hasn't found that ideal man she thought she would have by now.
DeleteMelanie needs more than therapy, she needs a spankin', time out and a nap! Just 'cause she has articulated knees don't mean she all that! I know Danielle held it together during the meeting, but she probably needs to meet up with her girls again and unwind.
ReplyDeleteMuff - Danielle is out with her husband, Leslie, and David. They are hanging out at the Den. She was mentally drained and Leslie insisted they go out. I was jut reading where Usher's ex-wife spit on his new girlfriend. I was like, wow, I guess Danielle did better than that girlfriend. LOL!
Delete