"What the hell is going on here?" Nancy repeated shrilly.
Philip and Chloe just stared at her in shock...was this really happening?
"Answer me!" Nancy screamed. Finally, the woman gave Philip a glare that could kill before running from the room. "Craig! Craig!"
"Shit," Philip muttered, quickly pulling on his clothes. How come he felt like he'll be missing a certain essential body part by the time Craig was through with him? Meanwhile, Chloe frantically slipped her nightgown on...she wished she just remembered to set her alarm. Nancy hated Philip with a passion...who knows what was about to happen?
The two looked at each other nervously when they heard Nancy and Craig, their executioners, stomp towards the room. Craig walked in first and without pausing or saying a word, blindly threw a punch in Philip's direction. Philip quickly ducked and Craig grabbed the front of Philip's shirt, fueled with anger. Nancy crossed her arms in satisfaction as Craig slammed Philip against Chloe's dresser.
"Craig!" Chloe screamed, jumping from her bed.
"Don't worry, Chloe," Nancy said lowly. "Craig will take care of him."
Philip closed his eyes...seeing nothing was a lot better than seeing the rage in Craig's expression.
"Don't blame Philip!" Chloe cried out, with desperation breaking her voice. "I planned this, I invited him over! This was my fault, not his!"
Nancy walked closer to Chloe. "Oh, don't you fret, young lady. We'll deal with you later." She turned to Craig, who continued to just stare at the pinned Philip angrily.
Finally, a low growl erupted from Craig's throat. "I think I'm going to kill you now, Kiriakis."
Philip just swallowed and prayed a meteor would hit the house. At least his death would be quick and easy then.
Chloe pulled Craig's arm back as he began to make a fist. "Craig, don't!"
"Get off of me, Chloe," he warned.
"No! I'm not going to let you hurt him!"
Craig continued to glare at Philip. He didn't want to hurt Chloe, who didn't let go of her tight grip on his arm, but the thought of that bastard in bed with Chloe in his house made him lose all control. "Give me one good reason not to rip his head off," Craig sneered.
"I love him!" Chloe screamed.
Silence filled the room and Philip reluctantly opened his eyes, not sure if this announcement was going to make things worse. Or maybe Craig would let him go and pat him on the back while shaking his hand. And Nancy would give him a big hug and invite him to dinner.
"WHAT?" Nancy shouted.
Or...maybe not.
Chloe stomped over to Nancy. "I love him," she repeated through clenched teeth. "I am in love with Philip Kiriakis!" she said louder, getting satisfaction from Nancy's shocked face.
"You're only seventeen, you don't know what love is," Nancy said shakily.
"Oh, and you do?" Chloe shot back, still holding on to Craig's arm, afraid it could meet up with Philip's face any minute now. "What's love to you, Nancy? Abandoning someone at birth?"
"Don't bring this back on me, this has nothing to do with me!" Nancy said tensely.
"Enough!" Craig yelled. He looked Philip straight in the eye and the boy winced in anticipation.
"Please, Craig," Chloe pleaded. "Don't."
Craig looked into Chloe's eyes, full of guilt and desperation. He sighed and pushed Philip a little harder against the dresser. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful asshole," Craig spat. He released Philip's shirt and turned his back to him, instantly regretting not bashing his face in. "NOW!" he thundered. Craig knew if it wasn't for Chloe, who he loved as his own, and her pleas, Philip would be nursing a broken nose right about now.
Philip silently obliged, avoiding Chloe's heartbreaking gaze. He looked up to see Nancy blocking the doorway.
"You're lucky you're alive, you little punk," she said. Philip moved past Nancy without a word and left the room, resisting the urge to look back at Chloe.
Craig glanced over to Chloe, who had wrapped her arms around herself. She stared blankly at the floor and Craig reached for her arm. Chloe flinched and stepped away. "Don't touch me," she said, almost inaudibly, not moving her eyes from the floor.
"Oh, don't be mad at me, young lady. This morning could have been a lot worse for Philip, but I didn't do it because I knew you'd be crushed. I shouldn't have thought twice about it though, Chloe," Craig pointed out, his voice rising again. "You were the one who snuck behind our backs while we trusted you alone, and had sex in our house with some boy!"
"He's not just some boy!" Chloe protested.
"You're right, Chloe, he's not," Nancy replied, her voice steady and cool. "He's a user, a spoiled brat. He's someone just out to hurt you. That's why, dear, you will never see Philip Kirikias again."
Connor dropped his breakfast fork and ran to the door. "Who is it?" he shouted.
"It's Jason." The boy eagerly swung the door open. "Connor, I need your help."
Mimi slipped her keys in the lock, sighing with frustration. As soon as she had woken up, she had driven over to Salem Place, trying to get Jason out of her mind. Unfortunately, she couldn't stop thinking about him. She hated herself for it...why couldn't she just be friends with a guy without falling for him? Mimi smirked reassuringly to herself...that's why this was perfect. Jason was probably with his girl soon enough and if he wasn't single, Mimi wouldn't fall even more for him. Hopefully. Mimi flung open the door to find darkness and she flipped the lights on.
"Mom?" she called. Silence. "Connor?"
Perfect. More alone time to mope about Jason. Mimi threw her keys on the entry table. She slowly slipped off her jacket as she stared at a folded piece of paper on the table. In Connor's handwriting, it said, "Read Me."
Mimi grinned. Connor always did cute little scavenger hunts like this. She opened the paper to read a poem.
A dog will always answer to her name,
So why don't you call over Fame?
Mimi frowned...since when did Connor learn to rhyme? She shrugged and shouted for Fame. A dopey golden retriever into the room with its tail wagging. "Hey, Fame!" Mimi cooed, dropping to her knees. Fame's ears perked and bolted into Mimi's arms. She laughed loudly, but instantly shut up when she saw what was attached to his collar.
Mimi pulled out the large sunflower and giggled when she saw that Fame had nibbled on one of the petals. Thinking it over, Mimi furrowed her brow. Where did Connor get this flower, and why was he giving it to her? Mimi pulled a piece of paper off the stem.
Congratulations, you found it! Like the sunflower? Want more?
Haven't you seen it yet? Look at the door!
What the hell was going on? She knew Connor couldn't spell congratulations, let alone know the difference between a sunflower and a tulip. Mimi spun aroun to face the closed front door.
One pale pink rose was taped to the center of the door along with another note. Mimi yelled out in frustration, and snatched the flower and the paper. What was her brother up to?
So, I bet you're confused...but now you've got two!
By the way, there's something in the fridge for you!
Mimi threw the note down...she knew Connor was writing these "poems" for someone. Suddenly, she realized it could be their father! He had been gone on a business trip for his new job and he must have been back a day early! Her dad must have made Connor write these notes to keep his arrival a secret.
Mimi smirked triumphantly and ran to the kitchen, throwing open the refrigeator. A daisy sat upon a container of butter. She eagerly grabbed the flower and the paper.
You make me melt like butter
You send my heart a-flutter,
If you don't know by now who cares,
Maybe you should go upstairs!
Mimi tapped the daisy gently against the palm of her hand, biting her bottom lip. She guessed that certain one was meant for her mother but decided to make the trip up anyway. She couldn't wait to see her father.
Mimi ran to the stairs and gasped softly when she saw a trail of baby's breath going up the steps. She tore a note off of the railing.
All right, now, let's pick up the pace
I can't wait to see your beautiful face!
Looking happily at her diverse gathering of flowers, Mimi laughed. She knew it was her father now, since he nicknamed her "Beautiful" since birth. Mimi ran up the stairs, taking two at a time.
Another note layed on the top of the steps with a red carnation placed over it. Mimi scooped up her newest additions to her collection and scanned the words on the paper.
All right, Mimi, I can't wait anymore,
Now it's time to open your door.
Mimi grinned and placed her hand on the doorknob, turning it slowly. She heard the soft click and swung her bedroom door open.
Chapter 38
Belle slammed her locker shut, looking around the hallway. Mimi, Jason, Philip and Chloe all weren't in their morning meeting spot. Well, she knew that Chloe and Philip would be skipping...she guessed their night went well. But where were Jason and Mimi?
Two hands clamped themselves over Belle's eyes. "Guess who?" said a low mutter. Belle grinned and turned around quickly. Her smile faded when she saw it wasn't Shawn.
"Sam."
"Hi, Belle," Sam smiled happily.
"How are you?" Belle said, darting her eyes over Sam's shoulder. For some reason, a nervous pit in her stomach was growing and she wished anyone would interrupt them.
"I can't wait until tomorrow."
"That's nice. What's tomorrow?" Belle asked.
"Our first date," Sam said cheerily.
Belle met Sam's eyes in shock and backed up against her locker, hugging her books to her chest. "I-I don't know what..."
"Are you okay, Belle?" Sam asked, concerned.
"F-first date...?" Belle said in a daze.
"Yeah! I thought it'd be nice to take you out. Besides, let's face it, we both know we're going to end up together eventually," Sam said matter-of-factly.
"Sam. I have a boyfriend," Belle pointed out gently. "Who I love...very much."
"Shawn?" Sam asked, raising his eyebrows skeptically. "Belle, forget about him. We're...we're soulmates," Sam said desperately. Belle looked down nervously to see Sam's hands shaking. Okay, now she was officially freaked.
"I have to go," Belle whispered shakily, moving past Sam.
"Don't go, Belle," Sam pleaded, his eyes widening. "I love you."
Belle whipped around angrily. "Sam, please, stop! You don't even know me!" She just wanted to get to class, away from him.
"Give me the chance to get to know you," Sam's eyes remained on Belle's face in a steady gaze. "Ever since the first time I saw you, Belle, I knew--"
"Stop!" Belle shouted frantically as tears welled up. He was really scaring her now.
Sam's expression grew anxious. "Come on, Belle. I dare you to tell me you don't love me."
"Fine! Is that what you need? I don't love you! I love Shawn!" Belle yelled as a few tears fell down her face. Sam's face immediately crumpled up in pain and Belle took a cautious step towards him. "Sam," she said more gently. "Sam, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you like that, it's just--"
"We can't live without each other," Sam muttered coldly before rushing down the hallway. Belle's face went pale...this was just going too far. A hand grabbed Belle's lower arm and she jumped.
"Belle? It's me! Are you ok?"
"Shawn..." Belle took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. Shawn grabbed Belle's shoulder and ducked a little to meet eye-to-eye with her. "Sweetie, what's wrong? What happened?"
Belle just shook her head. "Don't w-worry about it," she stammered.
"Belle, you look like you've seen a ghost. Please, just let me know if you're going to be okay," Shawn's reassuring voice gradually set Belle at ease.
"Shawn...it's Sam." Shawn's face tensed but he remained quiet. "He-he told me he...loved me," Belle said, almost in shame. Was she too nice to Sam? Did she lead him on? Where did he get the idea that he was in love with her?
"What?" Shawn spat out, straightening up. His eyes quickly scanned the hallway, but Sam was gone.
"I told him I love you," Belle rushed on. "But he didn't give up. He told me that we couldn't live without each other and then he left."
Shawn's expression went from anger to concern. "He said that?" Belle nodded slowly. "Belle...did it sound like a threat?" Belle's eyes welled up with tears again and she ran one hand through her hair, avoiding Shawn's gaze. "Belle, talk to me. Did it?" Belle nodded again as a single tear ran down her cheek. Shawn immediately wrapped Belle in a protective hug, stroking her hair as she tried to fight back more tears.
"It's ok, Belle," he whispered. "It'll all be okay."
Mimi swung her door open to find complete darkness. "Dad?" she called. Silence. Mimi frowned...her light switch wasn't working recently so she had to turn on the lamps manually. Of course, in order to do that, she had to actually see the lamps.
Mimi furrowed her brow when she heard the sound of a match being lit. She watched, mesmerized, as candles around the room gained bright flames. With each candle, being lit, Mimi saw more and more. She heard footsteps head towards the darkest spot as she gazed around her room. Violets were wrapped around her bedposts and scattered on her mattress. All different kinds of flowers littered her floor, were attached to her wall and even to her ceiling. She giggled at her dad's attempt to hide the tape that accomplished some of the decorating. Mimi watched with interest as the darkest spot of the room lit up with more candles. She gasped and brought her hand to her mouth when she saw him.
Jason was wearing black pants, a light blue button-up shirt and a silk tie that matched the shirt exactly. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing off perfect arms. Mimi swallowed...it was surprising enough to see him, but to see him dressed up like that...she couldn't even blink.
A nervous grin was frozen on Jason's face. A shaky hand slowly picked a daisy off of the table and began plucking off petals.
Mimi's mind frantically searched for explanations. He needs more tips for his date. He got lost and magically ended up here. But she knew her excuses were false. The notes, the scavenger hunt, the flowers. Him. Dressed like that, in her room. Next step? Say something. That's right, you open your mouth and something really cool and sophisticated comes out. Ready, Mimi? Go.
"Uh..."
Dammit.
Jason took control anyway...his low voice filled the room as he continued to pull off the petals. "She loves me...she loves me not." Mimi looked into his eyes and thought back to the past months. All those signs that went over her head.
"Come on, Meems. You didn't feel it? Because I sure did."
Jason began to slowly approach Mimi, who gulped nervously. "She loves me...she loves me not."
"Because I want a lot of things...and I always get what I want."
"She loves me...she loves me not."
"Well, um, angelhair pasta is perfect for...an angel like you."
"She loves me...she loves me not."
"Yes, I do have a beautiful date here. Why don't you just look through some more J.Crew catalogs so we can get back to it?"
Mimi widened her eyes as she realized...all this time. He was after her all this time.
Jason reached Mimi and they both looked down at the daisy, which had one petal left. Before she even knew what she was doing, Mimi reached out and pulled the last petal off of the flower.
"She loves you."
"Happy 21st Birthday," Brady grinned.
Heather smiled and fell back on her couch, joining Brady. "I can't wait to party!" she yelled.
"Well, expect one hell of a party for you at Luke's. And I expect the same when I turn 21," Brady said smiling.
"Deal," Heather nodded.
Brady swallowed. "Hey...um...I still need to give you my present."
Heather's eyes immediately lit up. "Hey! Present!"
Brady laughed and turned to face Heather. "Heath, I love you. You know that. And maybe we haven't been back together long, but technically, we've loved each other for years. And since the first time I met you, I couldn't stop thinking about you. You...you've done so much for me, Heather. God knows where'd I be now if it wasn't for you."
Heather wrinkled her forehead in confusion. "Brady, not that this isn't sweet and all, but...why...?"
Brady held up a hand and shifted in his seat. "Wait. Just...let me finish. I can't survive without you, Heather. I need you in my life...forever."
Heather looked up in surprise. "I-I don't understand..."
Brady gave a nervous half-smile and took a deep breath. Heather gasped when Brady dropped to the floor on one knee. He removed a small velvet box from his pocket and slowly opened it to reveal a breathtaking ring.
"Heather Walker...will you marry me?"
Chapter 39
"Excuse me?" Chloe asked slowly.
"Oh, you heard me loud and clear, Chloe. You are never going to see Philip Kiriakis again," Nancy said smugly.
"Y-you can't do that! It's not--Craig, tell her she can't do this to me!" Chloe shouted frantically. Craig stared blankly at her. "Craig!"
"Chloe, you did something wrong--"
"So take away my TV or something! You can't tell me who to date, I'm a junior in high school, not a third grader!" Chloe spat.
"Chloe," Nancy said calmly. "This is for your own good. Philip is a bad influence on you, he made you have sex with him in your own bed."
Chloe stared at Nancy in a disgusted shock. "Made...me? He didn't make me do anything! I planned this, I asked Philip to make love to me!"
Craig sat down in Chloe's chair and put his head in his hands. Nancy scoffed at Chloe's statement. "Made love?" she repeated sarcastically. "I doubt that boy loved anything about it."
"What are you--"
"Don't you see it, Chloe? That boy is using you! What, he makes fun of you for months and all of a sudden he's in love with you? What that boy saw was sex...he doesn't love anything but money," Nancy said steadily.
"Shut...up. SHUT UP!" Chloe screamed. "Philip and I are in love, Nancy, no matter how much you don't want us to be! You cannot stop me from seeing him. I'll see him in school, I'll see him after school, I'll see him every goddamn day and you can't stop me!" Chloe yelled triumphantly.
"School's over in a week," Nancy pointed out. "And you won't be here this summer."
"What...?"
"Nancy," Craig warned, muffled from his hands.
"Craig and I were thinking of bringing you with us to Maine to visit your grandparents this summer. But we knew how much you'd bitch about being away from that boy, so we decided against it...for you!" Nancy said, rolling her eyes. "But, as of now, I don't care. You are coming with us for the entire summer." Chloe shook her head defiantly but Nancy continued. "There's a nice boy who lives next door to your grandparents who would love to meet you. He can help you get over Philip."
"Stop it!" Chloe screeched. "I'm not going to need to get over Philip because I'm not breaking up with him. Craig!" Chloe said desperately. "Please. Tell her! You know I love him...you know!"
Craig remained silent and didn't move an inch. Nancy smiled proudly. "Chloe, all three of us know what you did was wrong. You deliberately took advantage of us and used our house to have sex with a boy we don't even like! That is complete and utter disrespect. Now, you need to be punished. And the best thing to do is keep you away from that boy."
"He has a name!"
"Of course," Nancy continued, ignoring her. "You'll see him in school, but there's only so much you two can do in class. So, for the next week, you will not see Philip out of school. I forbid it, Chloe. If you are not at this house every day right after your last class, you will regret it. Then, when school is over, we'll all go to Maine and you will not mope and you will meet that neighbor boy and you will forget Philip Kiriakis," Nancy concluded. Before Chloe could respond, Nancy stormed out of the room.
Chloe let her tears of frustration and disbelief fall down her face. She felt like her whole entire body was shaking. This was really happening...she hated her mother. Chloe hated the fact that Nancy just couldn't let her be happy. She slowly turned to Craig, who still in the same position in Chloe's chair. "I will never forgive either of you for this," Chloe swore vehemently before walking defiantly to her bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Craig let out a shaky breath and lifted his head, tilting it back. He has never been more confused. Chloe hated Kiriakis and Chloe deserved to be punished but...
"I know, Chloe," he whispered. "I know you love him."
Heather should have felt the tears streaming down her face, but her whole body was numb with shock.
"Will you marry me?" Brady repeated, lifting the small velvet box a little higher.
Heather stood up and turned her back to Brady. "Brady, I...I don't know what to..."
"What to say?" Brady grinned. "Just say yes. That you'll marry me, that we can be together forever. Just one simple word, Heather. Just say--"
"No," Heather blurted out.
Brady looked up in surprise. "Wrong word there, Heather," he joked, hoping Heather was just playing with him.
Heather turned around to face Brady. "I can't marry you, Brady."
He stood up and threw the velvet box down on Heather's couch, his temper coming through. "Can't? Why not? It's not like you're allegeric to marriage or something!"
"Fine! It's not because I can't, it's because I don't want to!" Heather yelled.
Belle sighed at the sound of the knock and adjusted her shirt. "Come in, Shawn!" she shouted from the balcony. He promised he'd be over after talking to his coach and he was right on time. No one came in and Belle rolled her eyes, stomping to the front door. "You know, laziness is not a virtue, Bra--" Belle stopped in the middle of her sentence when she saw Sam grinning and proudly holding a bouquet of roses.
Belle swallowed nervously and tried to block the doorway with her small body. "Sam. What are you doing here?"
"I asked one of the football players where you live. I wanted to see you," Sam responded, holding out the roses.
Belle shook her head. "Sam, this has to stop. Right now."
"What has to stop?" Sam asked, confusion spreading across his face.
"Please," Belle pleaded, suddenly wishing she wasn't home alone after all. "Just--just leave me alone."
"I...I don't understand," Sam said, his eyes flashing. "I thought...I thought you liked me."
"Sam, it's not that I don't like you as a friend. But I'm with Shawn now, and there's where I want to stay," Belle said as gently as possible.
"You're wrong, Belle. You're just confused, that's all," Sam answered desperately. "I've watched you since middle school, Belle." Her eyes widened as he continued. "The way your hair does that cute curly thing when you don't straighten it. Your beautiful blue eyes. Everything. I love everything about you. Shawn had his chance, and it's not fair! You belong with me!" Sam said, his voice rising. Belle gulped when she saw that Sam's hand was tightening around the bouquet, crushing the flowers.
"Sam," Belle whispered. "Maybe you should go."
"No. No, I'm not going anywhere. You can't do this to me, Belle. I've worked up the nerve to tell you I love you for years and you can't ruin it!" Sam yelled, pushing past Belle to enter the penthouse. Belle felt her stomach knot with fear and she closed the front door behind her, nearing the phone.
"Sam, if you don't leave right now, I'm calling the police," she threatened, her voice shaking.
"Isabella Black," Sam said staring out to the balcony, not hearing her. "Such a beautiful name."
Belle picked up the receiver. "I'm not kidding, Sam, I will! I'll get a restraining order. But if you just leave, we can forget about everything and both of us can move on!"
Sam turned around slowly to face Belle and she dropped the receiver when she saw him. His eyes were dark and cold, and his face was tearstained.
"I can't move on, Belle," he whispered. "I've loved you for years. But you don't love me, do you?"
Belle slowly shook her head, trying not to show her happiness that it was finally getting through to him. "But...I really want to be your friend, Sam."
Sam laughed bitterly. "Let's just be friends, huh? It's not me, it's you?" Sam looked down at the ruined bouquet and picked a bent rose from the bunch. "Belle, it's not like I'm an unpopular guy...just a little quiet in school. Pretty average. And I thought, for years, why would Belle Black want to be with an average guy? But this year, I saw how you weren't superficial like some of the other kids in the A-Group and I thought, great. Break out of your shell, Sam, and just ask her. And I did, and it looks like I was wrong. You're a shallow bitch, Belle, just like the rest of them," Sam said, his voice steady with anger.
Belle backed up against the wall and closed her eyes. Where was Shawn? She slowly opened one eye and stared at the phone and the door. By now, she was closer to the phone than to the door. The door ensured an easier escape, but he could catch her if he was planning on something.
"You know, I heard you talking to those cheerleaders...their names...oh, Sariah, Christyne and Aimee, in class one day. About that Ethan kid that hit Mimi and that other girl. And you were saying you wouldn't know what to do if that happened to you," Sam said thoughtfully, twirling the broken rose between his fingers.
Belle shook her head in fear. "Sam...please..."
"I bet those girls deserved it. They led that guy on and when it came down to it, they wanted someone else. Mimi went for Jason, and that other chick went for your brother. They went for A Group people, because that's all that matters to that type of girl. I never thought you'd be that type, but you are," Sam said, staring the rose. The ruined rose, just like his ruined Belle.
"So, what are you saying? That I deserve to be hit?" Belle challenged bravely, eyeing the phone from the corner of her eye.
Sam looked up. "No. No, but I'm giving you an ultimatum," he said, dramatically swinging the bouquet in front of him. Belle thought she saw a flash of silver inside, but she was too scared to think about it.
"Ultimatum?" Belle repeated absently, inching closer to the phone.
Sam lunged forward and Belle cried out, rushing for the phone. Sam reached her first and pushed himself against her, slamming her up against the wall. Belle screamed and Sam pushed her onto the floor, landing on top of her. Belle struggled beneath him out of sheer panic. She never thought something like this would happen to her. She had a perfect life and never had to deal with someone like Sam before. Belle just never thought someone like him could be calmly walking through the halls or taking notes without showing signs of violence.
"This is the deal, Belle," Sam said, whispering in her ear. Belle wrinkled her face in disgust at the feel of his breath against her skin. "You call up Shawn right now and break him up with him, no explanations."
Belle's vision blurred with tears when Sam reached above him to the bouquet and pulled out a knife.
"And if you do, I don't hurt you."