(For those of you who asked; The song in Chapter Fifteen is "I Love You" by Sarah McLachlan, and it just so happens to be one of my most favorite songs. Now, back to the show...)
Chapter Sixteen
(Salem High School)
Belle and Phillip stood outside the door to the gym hand in hand. Belle tried to inhale and exhale slowly, not really sure why she was so hesitant to walk in. They could hear the sounds of a fast pop song beyond the doors, and Belle guessed that the dance floor must be packed.
Phillip turned to her and smiled reassuringly. "Why so nervous?"
"I don't know really. I know that you and I promised not to bring up those two names with each other tonight, but that doesn't mean the tactless fools of Salem High won't. You know how our classmates are... They don't let things drop that easily."
Phillip shrugged and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry about them. If anybody says anything, ignore them. And if you can't, I'll take care of them."
Belle smiled and nodded. "You're right. Let's go."
Phillip led her into the crowded gym, and the dance floor was just as she guessed it would be. Belle immediately spotted Mimi and Kevin watching from the sidelines and pointed Phillip in their direction.
Phillip grinned at Mimi approvingly. "Look at you, Meems. You look beautiful."
Mimi smiled bashfully and did a mock curtsy. "Thank you, Mr. Kiriakis. You look very handsome tonight. And Belle, I love your dress... It's perfect."
Belle smiled and gave Mimi a quick hug. "Thank you very much. And, not to leave Kevin out... You look great too. Mimi was lucky to snag you before all the other Salem girls dug their claws in."
Kevin chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "Thank you, Belle. I'm glad to see that both of you decided to come."
"I'm glad we did too. So, why aren't you two out there shaking it with the rest of the class?"
"Actually, we were just about to get out there. Care to join the mad rush to the dance floor with us?"
Belle shook her head and looked at Phillip. "Not quite yet. I think I'm still waiting for my dinner to settle."
Phillip nodded in agreement. "But, we'll see you out there soon."
Mimi grinned as Kevin dragged her off to the dance floor. "Oh well, your loss."
Phillip watched them for a moment and then turned to Belle. "I have to run to the restroom real quick. Are you going to be okay alone?"
"I'm a big girl. I think I can handle it."
Phillip kissed her on the cheek and then headed towards the restroom, leaving Belle alone on the sidelines. She watched her classmates on the dance floor. Some of them were just friends, some were young couples in love, and part of Belle felt a little envious. Senior year for most of them had been exciting and fun, but hers had been difficult. And, not just for her, but for all of the people she cared most about. She sighed softly, knowing that she could not look back on her last year in high school without dredging up bad memories.
A pair of fingers tapped at her shoulder and Belle whirled around to come face to face with Hope Brady. Hope was smiling at her and gave her a brief hug.
"You look very beautiful tonight, Belle."
"Thank you. I didn't even know you were chaperoning this dance."
"One of the other parents backed out at the last minute, so Mr. Woods called me, and I just couldn't say no."
Belle nodded in understand and smiled at her. "That's good. I haven't seen you since you went to Paris. I'm glad to hear that everything worked out for the best. When my mom told me about Bo being Isaac's, I mean, Zach's father... It was the best news I think I've heard all year."
Hope smiled proudly and nodded. "I know. It's been a rough year for everyone, but it just goes to show that happy endings do happen. By the way, I came over here for a specific reason, Belle. There's something I want to talk to you about."
Belle inhaled slowly and grimaced. "I know... And, I don't want to be rude. But, it's probably not something I want to talk about."
"I wouldn't say that. I'm not here to excuse my son's actions, or to convince you to take him back. But, I know that you love him and he loves you. And I have faith that if it's meant to be, you will overcome this... just like Bo and I have overcome all of the obstacles in our life. But, that's not what I came to talk to you about. We're having a party after the graduation ceremony at the Brady Pub..."
"A party for him?"
Hope nodded uneasily and continued. "Not just him. For all of you. I mean, yes, it's for Shawn because we are very proud of him. But, we want you all to be there. You, Mimi, Phillip, Chloe... everyone. It's for all of you that are graduating next weekend. Despite everything that may have happened between you and Shawn, I will always consider you an honorary member of my family, Belle. I've known you your entire life, and I would really love for you to come and celebrate this very important occasion with us."
Belle smiled, but there was sadness and regret behind her eyes. "I really appreciate that, I do. But, I don't know if it's such a good idea."
"I understand it if you don't feel comfortable being there. But, it would mean a lot to me, and Bo... And, it would mean even more to Shawn. He's not having an easy time dealing with everything that's happened. I know that some of these things are his fault, but a lot of other things happened that were out of his control. He needs friends to support him, and I know that's asking a lot of you, considering what he did, but he needs you. He needs all of you. And, I think maybe you need him too."
Belle looked downward with a frown. Her shoulders were hunched slightly and she was trying to maintain her composure. She didn't know whether to act indignant or to feel guilty. Shawn had hurt her and that was difficult to forgive. But, she had never been the type to ignore a friend in need, no matter what.
There was a long, awkward pause until Phillip rejoined her side. "Hope... Hi there."
"Phillip, good to see you. I was just telling Belle about the graduation party we're having at the Brady Pub. We want to do something to congratulate all of you on your hard work. I hope you can make it."
Phillip nodded and looked briefly at Belle. She raised her face, and he could see how tortured she was. He looked back towards Hope and smiled. "I'll definitely be there. Shawn is family after all."
Hope smiled happily. "Thank you, Phillip. I think I'll leave you two alone now. And, Belle, I hope to see you there. I really do."
Belle bit her lower lip nervously and then forced a smile. "I can't make any promises, but I will try."
"That's all I'm asking. Thank you."
Hope nodded and headed for another area of the gym. Belle sighed softly and Phillip clasped her hand in his. "You okay?"
Belle shrugged and then looked up at Phillip. "I don't know. I guess. It's just kind of awkward. But, I'll be okay."
"Well, I know how to make you feel better." Phillip grinned slyly at her and continued. "Dance with me."
Belle grinned and nodded, allowing Phillip to take her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. He firmly grabbed her waist with one hand and clasped his other hand in hers. He winked at her and swiftly pulled her close to him, causing Belle to laugh quietly.
The awkwardness of her moment with Hope Brady was washed away in an instant. Phillip's silly attempt at being suave and debonair had made her forget all her troubles and just laugh. She hoped that this mood continued for the rest of the night, for both of their sakes.
***Love be still
Love be sweet
Don't you dare
Change a thing
I want to photograph you with my mind
To feel how I feel now all the time***
Phillip looked at her innocently. "What's so funny?"
"You. You're trying to sweep me out here like some leading man in a movie. It just looks funny."
"What? Are you saying I look stupid on a dance floor?"
Belle laughed again and shook her head. "No... It's just that serious look on your face cracked me up. This isn't Dirty Dancing, and you're not Patrick Swayze."
***Say that you'll stay
Forever this way
Forever and forever
That we'll never have to change
Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
And promise me
Say you'll stay
We'll stay
This way***
Phillip frowned at her. "I'm not trying to be Patrick Swayze, believe me. I was just trying to be a little suave... a little smooth..."
"You don't need to be suave or smooth. I like you just the way you are."
Phillip laughed softly. "That was either a compliment or an insult. I'm not sure which one."
***I get afraid
Don't think ahead
Let's just stay
This way in bed
Feels so good inside your arms
Home is everywhere that you are***
Belle sighed and rolled her eyes. "It was supposed to be a compliment. I was trying to say that I feel comfortable with you, and I always have... You don't have to pretend to be something you're not to make me happy."
***Say that you'll stay
Forever this way
Forever and forever
That we'll never have to change
Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
And promise me
Say you'll stay
We'll stay
This way***
Phillip had a devilish gleam in his eyes as he kept teasing her. "So, I'm not smooth or suave..."
"Oh no... You are the smoothest."
Phillip grinned at her and kept prodding. "And suave?"
Belle giggled and nodded enthusiastically. "James Bond has nothing on you, Phillip Kiriakis."
***Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
Promise me
We'll always be
This kind, this sweet
This good to me
Promise me
You'll always be***
The song came to a close and Phillip leaned in close to her. He kissed her on the cheek and softly whispered. "Thank you for the dance."
Belle pulled back and Phillip held her hands in his. "You're welcome. Thank you for asking me to come tonight. I don't know if I tell you this enough... but your friendship means so much to me. If I didn't have you through all of this... I... I don't even want to think about that."
"Then don't. I'm not going anywhere. And no matter what, you'll never be alone. You will always have me... and Mimi... and she who will not be named."
Belle laughed loudly and raised one well-shape eyebrow. "She who will not be named? That's an interesting way to put it..."
Phillip shook his head in denial. "Oh... I just thought it was a fresh alternative to saying 'you-know-who'. Anyway, I'm glad you said yes to all of this too. I feel like we have to spend as much quality time together as we can, because in a few short months, we won't be able to anymore."
Belle pouted sadly. "Awww... Don't remind me. I was thinking earlier how strange it's going to be. I guess it took it for granted all the times that I could just call one of my friends and they'd be wherever I needed them to be in five minutes. And now it will probably never be like it was again. I won't be able to call you and tell you to meet me at Dot.Com, or run into you by accident at Salem Place... I'm really gonna miss that. All the little details about people and places that I used to think were unimportant are suddenly the things I'll miss the most."
Phillip nodded and pulled her close for a hug. "I know, and I'll miss all of that too. But, I guess that's the downside to growing up. Things can't always stay the same, right?"
"Right... But that's what we have memories for. I can always look back and remember this night, and all the other times that I've shared with the people I love."
Phillip and Belle stayed in one place, holding on to each other tightly. It seemed like they stayed that way forever, holding on to their memories while they held on to each other. Belle heard a voice next to her which split them apart.
"Hey, you two... The dance floor is for dancing, not for standing still."
Belle turned and saw Mimi and Kevin dancing next to them. She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Thanks Meems, we'll be sure to keep that in mind."
Belle held on to Phillip's hand and they did as Mimi had instructed. The danced their way across the floor to the fast song playing over the speakers.
***
Shawn stood in the corner of the gym and watched his mother walk away. This gym on this night was the last place he had wanted to be. In fact, he had done everything in his power to avoid it like the plague. But, his mother had left her cell phone at home and his father had insisted that Shawn bring it to her, while he stayed home with the baby.
Shawn groaned in frustration and turned to leave, but something had caught his eye. His feet were glued to the small patch of hardwood floor beneath them, and he couldn't have moved if his life depended on it.
There she was, in the middle of the crowded dance floor. She looked more beautiful than ever, helped along by the dazzling smile on her face and her laughter that he imagined was ringing in Phillip's airs.
They were laughing and dancing together, and she seemed carefree to Shawn. He had not seen her look so unburdened in a very long time, and it made him smile to see her look that way.
He was smiling on the outside, but inside his heart was dark with sadness and jealousy. Shawn only wanted her to be happy, but it was killing him inside that it was someone else making her that way. Phillip was making her laugh, and Phillip was making her smile. Shawn had lost that privilege the day that he told her the first lie in a series of many. The day that he had broken her heart into pieces.
He knew that he had no one but himself to blame, but that didn't make it hurt any less. He wanted to be where Phillip was, as he used to be. But, he had made his bed and now he had to lie in it. He was being punished for his crimes, and there was nothing more he could do about it.
Their song had ended and Shawn watched helplessly as the love of his life and his uncle smiled and talked with each other. Phillip kissed her on the cheek, they chatted, then they held each other closely. Shawn felt like something was stabbing at his heart, and in his desperation, he wanted to run to her and hold her in his arms.
But he couldn't. He wasn't allowed to anymore. So, he drew up all the strength he had inside and walked away. He walked as fast as he could until he reached his father's truck. His tears had been flowing freely since he had stepped outside the gym, and he used the back of his hand to wipe them away.
He knew he couldn't go to her, she would never allow it. He had to wait for her to come to him, and he would. He would wait for the rest of his life if he had to.
***
(Shelle... Phelle.... MUAHAHAHA! I just don't know what will happen. Since it is impossible to please EVERYONE, I'll have to think of a good compromise.
I couldn't figure out a song for Phillip & Belle to dance to, so I just picked something sort of random. It's a sweet song, but don't look for a huge deep meaning behind it's selection. It's called "This Way" by Jewel.)
Chapter Sixteen
(Salem High School)
Belle and Phillip stood outside the door to the gym hand in hand. Belle tried to inhale and exhale slowly, not really sure why she was so hesitant to walk in. They could hear the sounds of a fast pop song beyond the doors, and Belle guessed that the dance floor must be packed.
Phillip turned to her and smiled reassuringly. "Why so nervous?"
"I don't know really. I know that you and I promised not to bring up those two names with each other tonight, but that doesn't mean the tactless fools of Salem High won't. You know how our classmates are... They don't let things drop that easily."
Phillip shrugged and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry about them. If anybody says anything, ignore them. And if you can't, I'll take care of them."
Belle smiled and nodded. "You're right. Let's go."
Phillip led her into the crowded gym, and the dance floor was just as she guessed it would be. Belle immediately spotted Mimi and Kevin watching from the sidelines and pointed Phillip in their direction.
Phillip grinned at Mimi approvingly. "Look at you, Meems. You look beautiful."
Mimi smiled bashfully and did a mock curtsy. "Thank you, Mr. Kiriakis. You look very handsome tonight. And Belle, I love your dress... It's perfect."
Belle smiled and gave Mimi a quick hug. "Thank you very much. And, not to leave Kevin out... You look great too. Mimi was lucky to snag you before all the other Salem girls dug their claws in."
Kevin chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "Thank you, Belle. I'm glad to see that both of you decided to come."
"I'm glad we did too. So, why aren't you two out there shaking it with the rest of the class?"
"Actually, we were just about to get out there. Care to join the mad rush to the dance floor with us?"
Belle shook her head and looked at Phillip. "Not quite yet. I think I'm still waiting for my dinner to settle."
Phillip nodded in agreement. "But, we'll see you out there soon."
Mimi grinned as Kevin dragged her off to the dance floor. "Oh well, your loss."
Phillip watched them for a moment and then turned to Belle. "I have to run to the restroom real quick. Are you going to be okay alone?"
"I'm a big girl. I think I can handle it."
Phillip kissed her on the cheek and then headed towards the restroom, leaving Belle alone on the sidelines. She watched her classmates on the dance floor. Some of them were just friends, some were young couples in love, and part of Belle felt a little envious. Senior year for most of them had been exciting and fun, but hers had been difficult. And, not just for her, but for all of the people she cared most about. She sighed softly, knowing that she could not look back on her last year in high school without dredging up bad memories.
A pair of fingers tapped at her shoulder and Belle whirled around to come face to face with Hope Brady. Hope was smiling at her and gave her a brief hug.
"You look very beautiful tonight, Belle."
"Thank you. I didn't even know you were chaperoning this dance."
"One of the other parents backed out at the last minute, so Mr. Woods called me, and I just couldn't say no."
Belle nodded in understand and smiled at her. "That's good. I haven't seen you since you went to Paris. I'm glad to hear that everything worked out for the best. When my mom told me about Bo being Isaac's, I mean, Zach's father... It was the best news I think I've heard all year."
Hope smiled proudly and nodded. "I know. It's been a rough year for everyone, but it just goes to show that happy endings do happen. By the way, I came over here for a specific reason, Belle. There's something I want to talk to you about."
Belle inhaled slowly and grimaced. "I know... And, I don't want to be rude. But, it's probably not something I want to talk about."
"I wouldn't say that. I'm not here to excuse my son's actions, or to convince you to take him back. But, I know that you love him and he loves you. And I have faith that if it's meant to be, you will overcome this... just like Bo and I have overcome all of the obstacles in our life. But, that's not what I came to talk to you about. We're having a party after the graduation ceremony at the Brady Pub..."
"A party for him?"
Hope nodded uneasily and continued. "Not just him. For all of you. I mean, yes, it's for Shawn because we are very proud of him. But, we want you all to be there. You, Mimi, Phillip, Chloe... everyone. It's for all of you that are graduating next weekend. Despite everything that may have happened between you and Shawn, I will always consider you an honorary member of my family, Belle. I've known you your entire life, and I would really love for you to come and celebrate this very important occasion with us."
Belle smiled, but there was sadness and regret behind her eyes. "I really appreciate that, I do. But, I don't know if it's such a good idea."
"I understand it if you don't feel comfortable being there. But, it would mean a lot to me, and Bo... And, it would mean even more to Shawn. He's not having an easy time dealing with everything that's happened. I know that some of these things are his fault, but a lot of other things happened that were out of his control. He needs friends to support him, and I know that's asking a lot of you, considering what he did, but he needs you. He needs all of you. And, I think maybe you need him too."
Belle looked downward with a frown. Her shoulders were hunched slightly and she was trying to maintain her composure. She didn't know whether to act indignant or to feel guilty. Shawn had hurt her and that was difficult to forgive. But, she had never been the type to ignore a friend in need, no matter what.
There was a long, awkward pause until Phillip rejoined her side. "Hope... Hi there."
"Phillip, good to see you. I was just telling Belle about the graduation party we're having at the Brady Pub. We want to do something to congratulate all of you on your hard work. I hope you can make it."
Phillip nodded and looked briefly at Belle. She raised her face, and he could see how tortured she was. He looked back towards Hope and smiled. "I'll definitely be there. Shawn is family after all."
Hope smiled happily. "Thank you, Phillip. I think I'll leave you two alone now. And, Belle, I hope to see you there. I really do."
Belle bit her lower lip nervously and then forced a smile. "I can't make any promises, but I will try."
"That's all I'm asking. Thank you."
Hope nodded and headed for another area of the gym. Belle sighed softly and Phillip clasped her hand in his. "You okay?"
Belle shrugged and then looked up at Phillip. "I don't know. I guess. It's just kind of awkward. But, I'll be okay."
"Well, I know how to make you feel better." Phillip grinned slyly at her and continued. "Dance with me."
Belle grinned and nodded, allowing Phillip to take her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. He firmly grabbed her waist with one hand and clasped his other hand in hers. He winked at her and swiftly pulled her close to him, causing Belle to laugh quietly.
The awkwardness of her moment with Hope Brady was washed away in an instant. Phillip's silly attempt at being suave and debonair had made her forget all her troubles and just laugh. She hoped that this mood continued for the rest of the night, for both of their sakes.
***Love be still
Love be sweet
Don't you dare
Change a thing
I want to photograph you with my mind
To feel how I feel now all the time***
Phillip looked at her innocently. "What's so funny?"
"You. You're trying to sweep me out here like some leading man in a movie. It just looks funny."
"What? Are you saying I look stupid on a dance floor?"
Belle laughed again and shook her head. "No... It's just that serious look on your face cracked me up. This isn't Dirty Dancing, and you're not Patrick Swayze."
***Say that you'll stay
Forever this way
Forever and forever
That we'll never have to change
Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
And promise me
Say you'll stay
We'll stay
This way***
Phillip frowned at her. "I'm not trying to be Patrick Swayze, believe me. I was just trying to be a little suave... a little smooth..."
"You don't need to be suave or smooth. I like you just the way you are."
Phillip laughed softly. "That was either a compliment or an insult. I'm not sure which one."
***I get afraid
Don't think ahead
Let's just stay
This way in bed
Feels so good inside your arms
Home is everywhere that you are***
Belle sighed and rolled her eyes. "It was supposed to be a compliment. I was trying to say that I feel comfortable with you, and I always have... You don't have to pretend to be something you're not to make me happy."
***Say that you'll stay
Forever this way
Forever and forever
That we'll never have to change
Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
And promise me
Say you'll stay
We'll stay
This way***
Phillip had a devilish gleam in his eyes as he kept teasing her. "So, I'm not smooth or suave..."
"Oh no... You are the smoothest."
Phillip grinned at her and kept prodding. "And suave?"
Belle giggled and nodded enthusiastically. "James Bond has nothing on you, Phillip Kiriakis."
***Don't move
Don't breathe
Don't change
Don't leave
Promise me
We'll always be
This kind, this sweet
This good to me
Promise me
You'll always be***
The song came to a close and Phillip leaned in close to her. He kissed her on the cheek and softly whispered. "Thank you for the dance."
Belle pulled back and Phillip held her hands in his. "You're welcome. Thank you for asking me to come tonight. I don't know if I tell you this enough... but your friendship means so much to me. If I didn't have you through all of this... I... I don't even want to think about that."
"Then don't. I'm not going anywhere. And no matter what, you'll never be alone. You will always have me... and Mimi... and she who will not be named."
Belle laughed loudly and raised one well-shape eyebrow. "She who will not be named? That's an interesting way to put it..."
Phillip shook his head in denial. "Oh... I just thought it was a fresh alternative to saying 'you-know-who'. Anyway, I'm glad you said yes to all of this too. I feel like we have to spend as much quality time together as we can, because in a few short months, we won't be able to anymore."
Belle pouted sadly. "Awww... Don't remind me. I was thinking earlier how strange it's going to be. I guess it took it for granted all the times that I could just call one of my friends and they'd be wherever I needed them to be in five minutes. And now it will probably never be like it was again. I won't be able to call you and tell you to meet me at Dot.Com, or run into you by accident at Salem Place... I'm really gonna miss that. All the little details about people and places that I used to think were unimportant are suddenly the things I'll miss the most."
Phillip nodded and pulled her close for a hug. "I know, and I'll miss all of that too. But, I guess that's the downside to growing up. Things can't always stay the same, right?"
"Right... But that's what we have memories for. I can always look back and remember this night, and all the other times that I've shared with the people I love."
Phillip and Belle stayed in one place, holding on to each other tightly. It seemed like they stayed that way forever, holding on to their memories while they held on to each other. Belle heard a voice next to her which split them apart.
"Hey, you two... The dance floor is for dancing, not for standing still."
Belle turned and saw Mimi and Kevin dancing next to them. She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Thanks Meems, we'll be sure to keep that in mind."
Belle held on to Phillip's hand and they did as Mimi had instructed. The danced their way across the floor to the fast song playing over the speakers.
***
Shawn stood in the corner of the gym and watched his mother walk away. This gym on this night was the last place he had wanted to be. In fact, he had done everything in his power to avoid it like the plague. But, his mother had left her cell phone at home and his father had insisted that Shawn bring it to her, while he stayed home with the baby.
Shawn groaned in frustration and turned to leave, but something had caught his eye. His feet were glued to the small patch of hardwood floor beneath them, and he couldn't have moved if his life depended on it.
There she was, in the middle of the crowded dance floor. She looked more beautiful than ever, helped along by the dazzling smile on her face and her laughter that he imagined was ringing in Phillip's airs.
They were laughing and dancing together, and she seemed carefree to Shawn. He had not seen her look so unburdened in a very long time, and it made him smile to see her look that way.
He was smiling on the outside, but inside his heart was dark with sadness and jealousy. Shawn only wanted her to be happy, but it was killing him inside that it was someone else making her that way. Phillip was making her laugh, and Phillip was making her smile. Shawn had lost that privilege the day that he told her the first lie in a series of many. The day that he had broken her heart into pieces.
He knew that he had no one but himself to blame, but that didn't make it hurt any less. He wanted to be where Phillip was, as he used to be. But, he had made his bed and now he had to lie in it. He was being punished for his crimes, and there was nothing more he could do about it.
Their song had ended and Shawn watched helplessly as the love of his life and his uncle smiled and talked with each other. Phillip kissed her on the cheek, they chatted, then they held each other closely. Shawn felt like something was stabbing at his heart, and in his desperation, he wanted to run to her and hold her in his arms.
But he couldn't. He wasn't allowed to anymore. So, he drew up all the strength he had inside and walked away. He walked as fast as he could until he reached his father's truck. His tears had been flowing freely since he had stepped outside the gym, and he used the back of his hand to wipe them away.
He knew he couldn't go to her, she would never allow it. He had to wait for her to come to him, and he would. He would wait for the rest of his life if he had to.
***
(Shelle... Phelle.... MUAHAHAHA! I just don't know what will happen. Since it is impossible to please EVERYONE, I'll have to think of a good compromise.
I couldn't figure out a song for Phillip & Belle to dance to, so I just picked something sort of random. It's a sweet song, but don't look for a huge deep meaning behind it's selection. It's called "This Way" by Jewel.)
