Moments that Change Everything (A Flashback)

The following fan fiction contains characters owned by the writers and producers of Days of Our Lives. This fan fiction is purely for entertainment purposes.

** and *** denotes material not written by me. Lyrics from Differences, performed by Ginuwine is denoted with ** and Butterflies, performed by Michael Jackson is denoted with ***. I am unable to find the names of the songwriters, but when I do, they will be credited.

Brady and Chloe were dancing in the Dimera pavilion tent. They were surrounded by other couples and the wait staff, replenishing the hors d'oeuvres and replacing ice buckets.

Chloe: Brady, I'm having such a great time. Thank you for goading me into coming here.

Brady: Don't forget about your mother.

Ch: No, I won't forget to thank her, although coming to this party seems more fun for her than for me.

Br: The diva giveth and the diva taketh away...

Ch: No, I didn't mean it like that. Just look at her.

Brady and Chloe maneuvered so they both could see Nancy and Craig. Nancy and Craig were commanding everyone's attention with their enthusiasm on the dance floor and sheer enjoyment of the party. Craig then pulled Nancy to him and nuzzled her neck.

Br: Man, your mom and Craig are quite the showstoppers.

Ch: Yeah. Normally, I would be mortified but tonight, they look kinda cute. Uh oh, Brady, I'm becoming a big softie.

Br: Not bloody likely. But I must admit, I like this side of you. Maybe it is coming out because this party was a lot better than the last party we attended.

Ch: What party?

Br: Last Blast.

Chloe sighed.

Br: I'm sorry that I brought that up.

Ch: No, it's okay. You're right, this is much better than Last Blast. There aren't obnoxious classmates or spiteful girls here. And definitely, no slide projectors.

Br: And I'm finally on my feet, free from the crutches and canes.

Ch: I've noticed that your dance moves haven't suffered from your incapacitation. You're quite the mover, Brady.

Brady and Chloe smiled and she placed her head on his chest. A love song began.

Br: A slow jam. Will you join me for another dance?

Ch: Okay, but no grinding.

Br:(sighing) You're determined to take the fun out of the evening, aren't you? Oh, okay.

Brady smiled and held Chloe close to him. Chloe slowly closed her eyes. She slowly breathed in Brady. The starch from his shirt and his scent created an intoxicating fragrance. Enraptured, she nuzzled closer to Brady. She felt Brady's scruffy cheek brush against her cheek. She felt Brady's warm breath, as he sang softly in her ear

My whole life has changed

Since you came in I knew back then

You were that special one

I'm so in love, so deep in love**

Ch: Can I ask you something?

Br: Sure.

Ch: Have you dated anyone after you returned to Salem?

Br: Not really. There was Nicole, but that doesn't count because my grandfather arranged it. I couldn't date anyone because I didn't want to be with anyone who would pity me. You know... the canes.

Ch: Well, I must say, Brady Black, the girls of Salem have missed out.

Chloe looked up at Brady and they smiled. Chloe snuggled Brady tightly and began to hum the song softly. She placed his hands on her waist and she placed her arms around his neck. Their eyes locked on each other, transfixed in their mutual stare. They carefully studied each other's eyes, so fascinated, that they continued to glide on the dance floor, unaware that the music stopped. Belle and Shawn approached them. They stood there, waiting for Brady and Chloe to acknowledge them. Shawn cleared his throat. The spell between Brady and Chloe didn't break. Shawn cleared his throat again. Again, Brady and Chloe continued their gaze. Finally, Belle spoke.

Belle: Um... excuse me...hello?!

Brady and Chloe were shocked out of their trance.

Be: Um... where did you two go?

Br: What do you mean, Belle?

Be: Um...hello. Shawn and I have been standing here, waiting for you two to stop...dancing. And since the music stopped a while ago...

Br: You know us, Belle, we're just weird. Aren't we, Chloe?

Ch:(blushing) Uh...yeah. I'm a bit warm. Let's get some punch, Belle.

Be: Okay. Do you guys want anything?

Shawn: No, we're fine.

Ch: Okay. Let's go.

Chloe led Belle away. When they were out of Brady and Shawn's earshot, Belle said:

Be: Sheesh Chloe, slow down. I'm about to come out of my shoe. You can't be that thirsty!

Chloe stopped and released Belle's hand.

Ch: I'm sorry.

Be:(teasing) What is the hurry? You want to get back to my brother?

The girls approached the buffet table. Chloe ladled the punch.

Ch: No, that's not it.

Be: But you are having a good time?

Ch:(sipping her punch) Uh huh. Are you?

Be: Sure. Shawn and I are...

As Belle recounted her date with Shawn, Chloe sipped her punch. She sees Brady talking to Shawn. Brady gave her a wink and a half smile. She smiled to herself and tried to listen to Belle.

Ch:(to herself) I need to think about something else. Belle talking about Shawn isn't enough. I definitely don't want to think about Phillip, but I can't think about Brady. Okay, I'll listen to the music and to Belle. Maybe that will take my mind off of...him. Chloe took a deep breath and began to concentrate.

I just wanna touch and kiss

And I wished that I could be with you tonight.

You give me butterflies, inside, inside and I***

Ch:(to herself) Oh no. This is the last song I needed to hear.

She looked around and caught Brady looking at her. Shawn was demonstrating a basketball play, although Brady wasn't paying attention. His eyes were fixed on Chloe.

Ch:(to herself) Oh, God. He's looking at me.

Chloe took another sip of her punch. She tried to listen to Belle, but couldn't concentrate. Her mind was on the song and on Brady. She couldn't snap out of it.

Ch: (to herself) This isn't working! I need to get my mind off of Brady. I'll count the beads on Belle's spaghetti strap. One, two, three,... the beads sparkle, just like Brady's eyes... D'OH!! Okay, I need to focus on something else.

A waiter replaced the empty punch bowl with a full one.

Ch: (to herself) I'll get some punch.

Chloe ladled the punch and took a sip.

Ch: (to herself) Geez, this is sour. It makes me want to pucker, just like Brady... STOP IT! STOP IT!

Chloe closed her eyes and took another deep breath.

All I gotta say that I must be dreaming, can't be real

You're not here with me, still I can feel you near to me***

Chloe slowly lifted her chin.

I caress you, let you taste us, just so blistful listen

I would give you anything, baby, just make my dreams come true

Oh baby, you give me butterflies***

Be: Careful, Chloe!

Chloe was startled from her spell.

Be: You nearly spilled your punch on me.

Ch:(placing her cup on the table) Oh gosh. I'm sorry, Belle.

Be: Chloe, what is the matter with you?

Shawn and Brady approached the girls.

Sh: Nice save, Belle.

Ch: I am so sorry, Belle. I don't know what is wrong with me.

Be: It's okay, Chloe. No harm done.

Sh: Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I have a hankering for another dance with a pretty, petite blonde.

Be: Hankering? You've been hanging around Brady too long. But since I'm the only petite blonde around...

Sh: Pretty, petite blonde.

Be: (laughing) Pretty, petite blonde around, I'll dance with you.

Shawn took Belle's hand and led her to the dance floor. Brady stepped toward Chloe and looked into her eyes.

Br: Are you alright?

Ch: Um, yeah...yes, I am. I didn't eat very much today, which accounts for my lack of grace. It wasn't a good idea to drink all of that punch. The sugar, you know.

Br: I thought that maybe you had something or someone on your mind.

Ch: Why would you think that?

Br: Well... you had your eyes closed and you lifted your chin. I mean, it looked like...

Ch: Looked like what?

Br: It looked like you were poised for a kiss.

Ch: Don't be ridiculous, Brady.

Br: No, I think I'm onto something. You were thinking of someone when that song was playing and it wasn't Phillip. I've seen your face whenever you think of him. Your expression is usually tinged with pain, but this time, you were in heaven.

Ch: Gimme a break...

Br:(laughing) Why are you getting so defensive? It was the first time in months that I saw your feelings. I mean, I've seen you in pain and in various stages of irritation, but it's been a while since I've seen bliss wash across your face.

Brady stepped closer to Chloe and gave her a half smile.

Br: (smiling) Who were you thinking about, Chloe?

Ch: You are wrong, Brady! I wasn't thinking about anyone. My blood sugar was low, that's all.

Br: Okay, okay. You don't have to tell me. Do you want to go outside to get some air or would you like something to eat?

Ch: Go outside. I need to cool off... I mean, get some air!

Br:(smiling) Okay, I'll get our coats.

He slowly walked away. Chloe turned her back to him.

Ch:(under her breath) Chloe, pull yourself together.

Br: What was that?

Ch:(startled) Nothing. I didn't say anything.

Br: (tongue in cheek) Oh. I thought I heard something.

Smiling, Brady walked away. Chloe watched him.

Ch:(whispering) Chloe... you need to be more careful.

Chloe took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She felt her coat on her shoulder, as well as Brady's hands.

Br: Are you ready?

Ch: Sure.

-End of Moments that Change Everything (A Flashback)-