Chapter 37: Chad DiMera – Friday, September 16th, 2016
Focus. Focus. Focus. The word was on repeat in Chad's mind since he woke up. He had so much to get done today, but as hard as he tried, he could not stop thinking about the video he watched with his family the night before. "Focus," he released under his breath.
Walking out of his closet, Will saw Chad packing his stuff on the bed. "You know you're only going to be gone for the night, right?" he playfully reminded his fiancé.
Chad turned around feeling a bit bummed that Will put on clothes. Returning his focus to his own wardrobe, he said, "I'm not sure what to wear tonight."
"You could wear nothing." Will continued to be playful with Chad.
Chad smirked as he thought about dancing with Will in the nude. After a moment, he finally responded, "The guests tonight wouldn't appreciate that."
Will immediately argued, "I would appreciate it, and that's all that matters."
Moving quick, Chad grabbed Will and kissed him. "Don't worry, I'll only be away from you for the night. I'll be at Dario's while Sonny comes to stay with you tonight."
Wanting to check in with Chad, Will gave him a serious look. "We haven't talked about what happened last night, and I know you'd probably rather not, but I really want to make sure you're okay."
This was against his plan for the day, but Chad didn't walk away from Will. "I'm fine. We are fine, Will. Let's just focus on us and this weekend."
With a nod, Will allowed a small smile to show on his face as he replied, "We're getting married. It will definitely be a day full of celebration with friends and family. Tell me, Chad. Is there any part of you that wishes Stefano could be there at our wedding?"
Chad silently looked into Will's beautiful blue eyes and relaxed. He didn't know how he did it, but he knew how to dig deep into his mind and pull something out. "Most people want their parents at their wedding. I wish my mom could be there, and maybe a small part of me wishes Stefano could be there as well, but I know neither of those things can happen. Stefano is dangerous, and we both know he only brings drama and chaos with him. I'm okay, Will. I promise."
Deciding to let this go, Will gave Chad another kiss before grabbing his wallet, phone, and keys. "I'm heading out to have brunch with some of my family. I'm already in trouble because I missed dinner at the pub the night before."
Chad wanted to hold Will a bit longer, but he refrained because if he did they wouldn't get anything done. "Have fun. I will see you tonight."
Will headed for the door but stopped and turned around. "I love you, Handsome."
"I love you, Blue." After Will left, Chad finished his packing for the night. He was happy he already finished packing for their honeymoon.
As he began to mess with the key around his neck, Chad's phone began to ring. "Hey Cameron," he answered.
"Chad," Cameron started. "Do you have time to talk later? I'm at the hospital working an early-morning shift."
Chad made sure he had his wallet and keys as he shared, "I'm headed to Lexie's, and we're going to the hospital together to bring Theo a change of clothes for when he gets checked out today."
Cameron thought this was perfect. "Awesome. I'll see you here then."
(*)*(*)*(*)
Lexie let Chad inside before closing the front door of her home. "I'm almost set," she frantically declared. "I have Theo's clothes in a bag packed up and ready as well."
Chad scratched the back of his head. "Do you know anything yet?"
Lexie began to place the things she would need into her purse. "Daniel is running the last round of tests to make sure everything is in the clear. Dr. Wesley is helping him."
Since he wasn't sure if two doctors being put on Theo's case was a good or bad thing, Chad decided not to voice anything about that. "Hopefully, it's all clear."
Lexie agreed as she placed her purse around her shoulder. "I'm ready to go when you are."
Patting his pockets for his keys, Chad realized he did not have his phone. He must have left it in the car. With his keys in his hands now, he said, "I can stay however long you need me to."
Heading out the door, Lexie turned around to make sure the front door was locked. "I need Theo to talk to my mother, and I have a plan that requires your help."
"What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to leave before Theo and I do," Lexie shared. "I can have my mom drive Theo and me home since I'm riding with you to the hospital now."
Agreeing with his sister's plan, Chad pointed out, "You seem certain that Theo's being released today."
Lexie followed Chad to his car and agreed. "I'm almost certain that the tests will show nothing is wrong with Theo."
Thursday, October 31st, 2013
At the first annual The Chill Halloween Party, Chad was talking to Sonny and Dario near the bar about the kids' party at the DiMera mansion. Sonny, who seemed a bit out of it, randomly asked Chad, "Is it too early to do shots?"
It was late so Chad wasn't sure what to make of Sonny's question. "I'll skip out on drinking, but you two are more than welcome to take some." Spotting Cameron walk in, Chad excused himself and headed over to greet his newfound brother. "Hey Cameron. Thanks for coming."
Cameron nodded his head and broadly smiled. "Thanks for the invite. I like your costume. What are you? Sexy caveman?"
Chad grinned and though he was dressed as George of the Jungle, he simply replied, "Pretty much. I like yours, too."
Searching the crowd, Cameron scratched his arm and curiously asked, "Is Lexie around?"
Moving in closer to Cameron, Chad gave his brother a look of regret as he shared, "Lexie said she wasn't going to make it."
Cameron gave Chad a confused look as he asserted, "I talked to her about half an hour ago and talked her into coming."
Giving Cameron an impressed look, Chad acknowledged, "I saw Lexie an hour ago, and she told me then that she wasn't coming. It's cool that you talked her into coming. I'll have to use you the next time I need Lexie to do something."
Cameron laughed to downplay his sway over Lexie. "So what should I expect tonight?" He knew Chelsea wasn't going to be there since she was doing Halloween with her sister.
Chad got excited because of how much work he, Will, and a few others put into tonight's party. "We're going to have different contests and some awesome performances." Even though they had moved on in the conversation, Chad couldn't help thinking about Cameron being Lexie's full brother. He wondered if he would lose his bond with Lexie as she tried to connect with Cameron more.
Chad told himself it would be okay and smiled when Will walked up. Wrapping his arms around his boyfriend, he gave Will a kiss. "Hey hottie."
Thrown by the closeness from Chad, Will enquired, "What are you doing, Chad? Did someone dare you to do that?"
Chad distanced himself and realized Will just had another loss of memory spell. "Yeah," he quickly answered through an awkward laugh.
Cameron began to laugh thinking Will and Chad were only joking around. "You two are funny."
"Who are you?" Will asked. He really did not remember who Cameron was.
Believing Will was asking about his costume, Cameron shared, "I'm a male stripper… I've got a gold thong underneath all of this…"
As Will looked Cameron up and down, Abby and Josh came over to say hi to the others. Unable to take this, Chad excused himself because he didn't know what to do with Will and his memory lapses. Will took note of Chad's discomfort and wondered what just happened.
(*)*(*)*(*)
Present: Friday, September 16th, 2016
After returning Frank's call to tell him that he was at the hospital, Chad walked over to Lexie. "Sorry, I had to call Frank." He wondered what Frank wanted to talk to him about.
Daniel joined them and said, "Theo is up for visitors and is also able to eat breakfast now. I'm hoping to have those results in the next few hours."
"Thank you, Daniel," Lexie gratefully released. After Daniel walked off, she turned to Chad and showed she had already grabbed something for Theo to eat from the cafeteria.
When they arrived to Theo's hospital room, Theo immediately lit up because he was ready to get out of there. He was even more excited when he saw his mom brought him food. "I'm so hungry."
It felt good to see Theo so alive. "How are you feeling, man?" Chad asked his nephew.
"I'm ready to get out of here," Theo confessed. "I didn't need to miss school for this."
Lexie didn't know how to respond to her son's downplaying the situation, but she stated, "I am sure you will get out today. You'll get to see all your friends on Monday."
"Oh, I already know it's happening," Theo released before digging into his breakfast.
Lexie and Chad traded looks wondering if Theo had a premonition of his release.
Friday, June 26th, 2015
Celebrating the Supreme Court's decision to allow same-sex marriage on June 26th, 2015, Chad and Will danced together as Safiya and the band performed Right to Fall by Jessica Sanchez. They were so lost in each other and couldn't believe this day finally came. Today was a life changing day.
After some time, Chad pulled back from Will and spoke, "I'm thirsty. I'll go grab us something to drink."
"Don't take too long, Handsome" Will said with a wink.
Chad headed to the bar and ordered a couple of sodas when EJ came over to check on him. "I can tell you are over the moon," EJ mentioned. "Does that mean you've already got the engagement ring ready?"
Chad laughed and said, "Not yet. I want to make sure Will and I make that decision together."
"That's smart," EJ acknowledged. "Any clue who you may ask to officiate your wedding?"
Chad glanced at EJ and tried to read him. He didn't know why his brother would ask about wedding plans when he and Will weren't even engaged. "I'm not really sure," he started. "I guess we could ask the mayor or someone similar in stature… haven't thought that far out…"
"Right," EJ replied before leaning in to suggest, "You should consider our sister, Alexandra…"
Unsure how he should respond, Chad turned around and saw Jade was now dancing with Will. "How is that going for you?"
Following the direction of his brother's gaze, EJ knew that meant Jade. He blew out some air to show it could be better. "Things are going. Jade has taken a lot of my time recently, but I am glad she is living with me because it gives us a chance to grow closer as siblings."
Chad struggled for a bit as he reflected on what EJ said. He commented, "Lexie has Cameron and you have Jade."
Picking up on some animosity, EJ asked, "Everything okay, Chad?"
"I'm fine," Chad maintained before turning to the bar to grab his and Will's drinks. "I need to get this back to Will."
"Wait," EJ stopped Chad from leaving. "Speaking of Jade, I need to ask you for a favor."
Chad placed the glasses down and said, "Sure."
EJ moved closer to Chad's head while keeping his eyes on his sister. "Jade really wants to be a part of the family company even if she's not a DiMera. I want you to let her perform here… at The Chill."
Giving his brother a look to ask if he was actually serious, Chad quickly stated, "I'm not sure I can do that because I don't even know if she can perform."
Pushing this, EJ strongly urged, "Just let her have a night to do a set. It would mean the world to her."
Chad still didn't like this idea. "I would, but I need to be a smart business owner and not make terrible and risky decisions that could leave a bad impression on The Chill."
He didn't mean to, but a laugh escaped his lips. EJ honestly asked, "Are you serious right now?"
Chad got offended and wondered, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Settling down, EJ sincerely questioned, "Do I need to bring up the twitter war with a famous privileged singer?"
Shaking his head, Chad told his brother, "You do not need to bring up Taylor West." Annoyed now, he stated, "The best I can do is give Jade an audition and go from there." He contemplated doing Jade's audition at a karaoke night in his head, but he decided not to tell EJ that much.
"Fine," EJ conceded. "I just want to make sure Jade is happy in Salem."
Grabbing the drinks again, Chad gave EJ an understanding nod before returning to his boyfriend.
Present: Friday, September 16th, 2016
After discussing the party tonight and Chelsea with Cameron, Chad rejoined Lexie in the waiting room. "Any news yet?"
Lexie shook her head and said, "My mother should be here soon. Did you talk to Frank?"
Chad nodded his head and shared, "I did. We are still working on finding Stefano." He felt weird not having his phone.
Placing her hand on Chad's shoulder, Lexie encouraged, "We will handle Stefano together if he decides to make an appearance."
Trying not to let his resentment of his father get the best of him, Chad pushed, "Stefano can't ruin things – not again."
Celeste rushed into the room when she found Lexie and Chad. Giving them a confused look, she commented, "I am surprised to see you are still here, Chad. I thought you only dropped Alexandra off, and that is why she needed a ride back to her home."
"Chad's not staying long," Lexie told her mother instantaneously. "He has a few things he needs to take care of."
Remembering the plan Lexie mentioned earlier, Chad took the hint and calmly added, "Dario is heading up to help me with some last-minute stuff for the wedding."
Celeste sensed a weird confusion suddenly. "I was with Cameron when he received the text from Stefano. I haven't sensed any negative feelings concerning your wedding."
Seeing that as a good sign, Chad said, "I'm happy to hear that, but I know I need to keep my eyes open for Stefano. I wonder if your good vibes mean he will be put out of commission before the wedding."
Lexie eyed Chad and wondered if this would get out of hand. "Let's not focus on that," she stated. She didn't want to see him get consumed with the same darkness that consumed her.
Giving in to his sister's direction, Chad said, "You're right. This will be a great weekend for everyone."
A few moments later, Dario arrived and greeted everyone in the room before saying, "Maxine told me I could find you in here."
Suddenly giving Chad a hug, Lexie encouraged her brother to leave. "You need to get ready for this weekend."
Chad gave his sister a warm look as he reassured, "Everything will be fine. Theo looks good."
Lexie wanted to believe Chad was right. "I'm feeling a lot more positive after seeing him earlier."
"We'll see you tonight, and make sure Theo knows he doesn't have to come if he's not up to it." After Lexie nodded her head, Chad and Dario headed out.
Monday, December 14th, 2015
"Thanks for hanging out with me after work," Chad told Dario as they took a seat near the bar at The Chill. The place was empty.
Dario didn't mind hanging with Chad. "It's nice to relax and spend time together. I need a break from studying from finals anyway."
Chad scratched the back of his head and divulged, "There's a specific reason I asked you to hang out solo tonight."
"Oh yeah?" Dario was curious – though he already had his suspicions. "Everything okay?"
Smiling widely to show Dario he had nothing to worry about, Chad joyfully replied, "Everything is great, and I am hoping you can make it even better."
Feeling a bit pressured, Dario nervously said, "I'll try."
Dropping his hand onto the clean bar, Chad started, "Remember that conversation we had in the garden at the mansion when I first returned to Salem?" After Dario nodded his head, Chad continued, "Since that day I found out you were really my cousin, you have truly been by my side cheering me on no matter what. If it wasn't for you, I never would have made it this far with Will."
"You were there for me, too," Dario stated to show the appreciation was mutual.
Chad grinned and decided, "I'll just come out with it then. Will you be my best man?"
"Of course," Dario said with a huge grin on his face. "I am surprised you asked me because I thought you would ask EJ."
Lowering his head somewhat, Chad reflected on how he wasn't as close to EJ as he once was. "Yeah, I guess at one point I probably would have asked him, but things are different now. I'm okay with how things have changed."
Dario continued to smile widely. "We've got each other," he said trying not to think about Ignazio.
Happy, Chad stood up with Dario so they could hug each other.
(*)*(*)*(*)
Present: Friday, September 16th, 2016
Chad and Dario brought in a few bags and Chad's luggage into Dario's mansion. "Do you have everything you need?" Dario questioned.
"I believe so," Chad answered before taking a deep breath. "I think I know what I'm wearing tonight now," he proudly announced.
"Awesome."
Chad was starting to get lost in the excitement of his wedding this weekend. "So… what's going to happen after the meeting? What did you and Sonny plan for the bachelor party?"
Dario moved his fingers across his lips. "My lips are sealed, but I promise it will be a fun night. We should get ready."
Deciding he would enjoy the party more if he was in the dark, Chad agreed and followed Dario to the room he would be staying in for the night. He thought about the surprise he had of his own and revealed, "I actually have my own announcement to make tonight. I hope it will make Will very happy."