**Author's Note: I am really happy that you are all still reading my story. Especially now that I'm almost on the third page. :( Well, here's the next chapter.
Chapter Eight: The Picnic
Tabi had never felt so awkward in her life. Belle was doing something with her hair and Chloe was messing with her fingernails using something called an "orange stick." Tabi didn't really understand it's purpose but she knew that it hurt. "Are you two almost done?"
"No, we'll tell you when we are. Just stay still." Even though she was the leader of Tabi's torture, Tabi found herself liking Belle. That surprised her because Belle was not the kind of girl Tabi usually hung out with. In fact, Tabi hardly hung out with girls at all, much less perfect blonde cheerleaders. But she was in Salem now, with new parents and a new sister and now a new style. Maybe it would help her forget. "Alright, your hair and nails are done. Now we'll pick out an outfit and then do your makeup. After that you will be done. So, tell me some about you, since you already know everything about me."
"Well, there's not really much to tell. Ummmm...I was born the same day as Chloe, from the same mother, and then abandoned. I guess they decided to separate Chloe and I at the orphanage because we went to different parents. I was bounced from foster home to foster home for a long time, for different reasons, until I got to the Cole's. I lived with them for two years. They were wonderful to me and I loved them both dearly. Then..." Tabi broke off. She was afraid to say it because that would make it more real.
Chloe saw the hurt in her sister's eyes. "It's OK, we understand. You don't have to talk about it."
"YES I DO! I just...they died. They died and it's my fault. They went out to get me something. I was at work and they wanted to surprise me because it was my two-year anniversary as a member of the Cole family. I worked at a stable and loved horses. It turns out they had talked to my instructor and she had put them in touch with a seller who had a horse that she thought would be perfect for me. So they went to see it, to possibly buy it for me. And..." Tabi was sobbing now. "And as they were going to see it they got hit by a semi-. They died on impact and it's ALL BECAUSE OF ME!" Chloe and Belle hugged Tabi.
"It's not your fault Tabi. Shhh....It's okay. I know it hurts and it feels like nothing can fix it but I promise you that it'll be okay. Everything happens for a reason whether you know what it is or not. I know that that probably doesn't help right now but you'll get better. Gimme a hug, sis." Tabi was surprised at how caring her sister was. She wasn't used to sympathy and hadn't really talked to anyone about this before. Slowly the heart-wrenching sobs began to subside.
"You know, it's a good thing you didn't have on your make-up yet." Belle smiled feebly, trying to lighten the mood. "But if you ever need to talk Chloe and I are here. OK? And I'm sure Shawn would give you a shoulder to cry on." Belle now had a devilish grin on her face.
"It wouldn't bother you if I was interested in him, or him in me? I mean he's your ex-boyfriend and all."
"No, I'd be glad to see him happy. You wouldn't be mad to see Philip with another girl would you Chloe?"
"I don't think so. I mean, it's over between us and I want him to move on." Tabi looked at Belle and saw a flicker of something cross her face. Relief? Tabi wasn't sure but she knew there was something. "But back to Tabi and her makeover, what about your red handkerchief top?"
"Oh my gosh! That would be sooooo perfect on her! She'll look better in it than I do." Belle walked to her closet and rummaged through her stuff. Finally she came up with a red ball. "It's a little wrinkled." she said sheepishly. "Hey Chloe, can you go ask my mom if she can iron this quickly?"
"Your mom's setting up the picnic, but if you tell me where the iron and ironing board are then I can just do it."
"Oh, well OK, that works too. Ummm...They're in the cabinet next to the washing machine." Chloe nodded and left the room. Tabi decided that this was her chance.
"Your breaking up with Shawn had something to do with Philip didn't it?"
"What?"
"You either like him or are with him or something. I saw the look that crossed your face when Chloe said she wouldn't mind. Don't lie to me Belle. I told you how I feel about Shawn so now it's your turn. What is going on with you and Philip?" Tabi couldn't believe she'd been so bold but it just came out.
"Ok, you are right. Philip and I kissed on the island and Shawn found out. I discovered that I was in love with Philip and he felt the same way. So now we are together but we don't know how to tell Chloe and it's just all a big mess." Belle flopped down on the bed next to Tabi. "You can't tell Chloe!"
"I wouldn't do that. First of all, that would betray your trust. Second, then you would tell Shawn that I like him. And third, it would be too easy for you. This is something you and Philip have to face on your own. But I will try to help, OK? I don't think Chloe will mind though. It may shock her but I think she has something for your brother, although she won't admit it."
"Brady? That would be so cool. They are perfect for each other! But now I need to do your make-up. No more gossiping, at least not right now. Wait! try on these jeans." Tabi did as she was instructed. "Perfect!" Belle said.
"How am I supposed to move? These feel like they've been painted on, they're so tight."
"That's the point. Now, back to make-up. Sit down?"
"I don't think I can without ripping your pants."
"Sit!" Tabi did so. Belle went and grabbed her make-up bag. Let's see. OK, here we go." And she proceeded to make Tabi up. It wasn't all that bad, that is, until she got to the eyelashes. Then Belle pulled out this weird monster looking tool.
"What is that?"
"An eyelash curler."
"Keep it away from me."
"It's fine. Watch." Belle demonstrated it.
"Are you sure it won't hurt?"
"It shouldn't."
"Fine."
"Relax your eyes."
"How am I supposed to relax my eyes when they are under attack?" Belle laughed and finally Tabi relaxed enough for Belle to slip the eyelash curler over her eyelashes and close them. "Ow!"
"Don't be a baby. That was just a little pinch." She did the other one. "There, done. Perfect! Wait, no, not quite." She grabbed Tabi's hand and drug her towards the bathroom. "Have you ever plucked your eyebrows before?"
"No, and I'm not about to start now!"
"Relax, I'm not going to pluck them, I have a lotion to remove the hair. Here, sit on the toilet." Belle rubbed the lotion in the proper spots. A smell started to fill the air.
"Ew, that's gross."
"Hey, I could pluck them if you want. It's only for five minutes. So, would you like me to help you hook up with Shawn?"
"What? No. I don't need help. He doesn't want to go out with me, especially not if he's used to going out with girls like you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Belle, look at you. You are cute, blonde and petite. You're nice, funny, stylish, everything guys want."
"You are just as attractive as I am! And you're boobs are bigger." Belle glared at her own small chest.
"Shut up!" Finally Chloe returned. Just then the timer went off and Belle wiped off the lotion.
"Perfect! Now put on this shirt I just ironed." Chloe handed her a tiny piece of red fabric.
"That's not gong to fit."
"Stop doubting us, Tabi. Now put it on."
"How?" This provoked giggles from both Belle and Chloe. "Don't laugh at me. I'm serious. Besides, I don't have a strapless bra." Belle went to her dresser and pulled out a plastic package. She handed it to Tabi, who opened it and pulled out two giant Band-Aids. "What the hell are these?"
"It's a stick-on bra."
"Excuse me?" Chloe explained how it worked and Tabi went to the bathroom. She wrestled with the "bra" and the shirt and managed to get herself situated. She walked out. "Well?"
"OH MY GOSH! YOU LOOK SO GREAT!" Belle ran up and hugged her. "Shawn won't be able to keep his eyes off you. Now all you need is shoes. Here." Tabi was handed a pair of black shoes with a heel. "Put them on and Chloe and I will touch up quickly." In half the time it took to help Tabi both girls were ready. "Now, everyone should be arriving soon. Let's go see if my mom needs help." The three girls walked downstairs, with Tabi feeling very self-conscious.
"I think I'm gonna fall down the stairs in these shoes."
"Stop whining."
"K." Chloe was at the front of the line and she stopped suddenly.
"Hey Brady."
"Hi Chloe, you look great."
"Hey Chloe, can you walk to the bottom of the steps please?"
"Sorry Belle." Chloe walked towards Brady. "Thank you Brady."
"Welcome. And Tabi, oh my god!" Tabi began to blush.
"Did I look that bad before?"
"No! It's just different is all."
"I wouldn't know. They still haven't let me look in the mirror."
"Sorry Tabi. There's one in the bathroom right there. Now Brady, you aren't even going to compliment your little sis?"
"Belle, you look as beautiful as always. Mom was looking for you, she's in the back."
"K." Belle walked out to the patio.
"So, I don't get a hug Chloe?"
"Sorry, here ya go." Chloe felt Brady's strong arms wrap around her. "Mmm. You smell good."
"Thanks." They stood there for awhile just holding one another. "Hey Chloe?" Chloe looked at him. "There's something..." He started to bring his head closer to hers.
"Yes?" Chloe closed her eyes. They were now only a few inches apart.
"Wow! Chloe, you were right. Belle really can work magic." Tabi had walked out of the bathroom. Chloe and Brady quickly separated.
"Told you so! Let's go help Belle outside. See ya Brady."
"Yeah, bye Chloe." Brady was smiling on the outside but inside was a different story. 'Dammit all! I was so close.' The doorbell rang and Brady went to answer it. It was The Brady's.
"Hello Brady. How are you?"
"Fine, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Brady. How are you? And how is baby J.T.?"
"We're doing pretty good. And so is this little man. Aren't we? Yes we are." Hope hugged her son.
"Hello again Shawn. Everyone is outback. You can give me your stuff, I'll bring it upstairs."
"That would be great. Shawn, why don't you help Brady before coming out?"
"Sure Mom." They took Bo and Hope's stuff and walked upstairs.
"Hey Shawn, I'm glad your parents left us alone before you went outside. I have to warn you about something."
"And what's that?"
"Well, Belle and Chloe were very successful in their makeover attempt. Tabi looks really hot. So just be forewarned."
"Why would you warn me about that?"
"Stop playing innocent, Shawn Brady. I know you. I know you want her. Just go for it."
"Whatever man. Let's go outside."
"Fine, have it your way. But don't say I didn't warn you." The guys walked out to where everyone else was. Shawn looked around but didn't see Tabi. Then she walked out carrying a bag of ice. 'Holy shit. Brady was right.' He walked over to her. "Here, let me help you." He reached for the bag and once again brushed her hand. She smiled at him. 'God, she has a beautiful smile.'
"Thanks." 'He is so hot! And he touched me!" Tabi felt the now familiar tingles at his touch. "We're almost done. This goes over here." Shawn dumped the ice in the trash can they were using as a cooler. "Can you help me hang a sign out front?"
"Sure, it would be my pleasure."
'No, Shawn, you've got it all wrong. It's MY pleasure, trust me.' "Thanks. Let me go grab it." She did and she and Shawn walked to the front. Tabi reached up to try. "Crap, I can't reach. You try."
"I'm not all that tall either but I'll try." He did. "Nope, not gonna work. They should of picked Brady for this job. Here, I'll lift you."
"I'm a little heavy."
"No you aren't. Besides, I am STRONG!" Shawn laughed and jokingly flexed his arms in a muscle man pose. Tabi laughed.
'My goodness, he's buff.' "Well, I'm more apt to believe the part about you being strong. But okay."
"Turn around, I'm going to grab your waist." He did so. 'Her skin is so soft.' Immediately he regretted his plan as his attraction began to show visibly again. 'Think of dying dogs. Think of your parents making J.T. Come on! Go AWAY!' He thought as hard as he could.
"You ready Shawn?"
"What? Yeah. One, Two, Three." He lifted and she was able to reach. Of course this placed her rear end right in front of Shawn's face and with the tight jeans nothing was hidden. Shawn found his thoughts to fail him. In that second of distraction he lost concentration and his grip slipped.
"Ah!" Tabi began to slip. Shawn turned her around and grabbed her close, slowly lowering her. "Thanks Shawn. I told you I was heavy. At least I got the sign up before you dropped me."
"I didn't drop you. And you are NOT heavy. I just lost my concentration is all." His then realized that her body was pushed up against his. That was the end of his secrecy. "You look great."
"Thanks." 'Oh my Gosh! He really does find me attractive.' Tabi could tell the physical effects she had on him. She laughed.
"Why are you laughing?"
"No reason."
"Hey Tabi, do you wanna go out sometime?"
"Like on a date?"
"Yeah"
"I'd love too."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Tabi hugged him. 'I cannot believe this.' His arms felt so good around her. "We should go back around to the back."
"You're right." He reluctantly released her and opened the door, being very chivalrous.
"Why thank you, kind sir." Tabi walked through the door and Shawn followed. He grabbed her hand and laced his fingers through hers. Tabi smiled at him. They walked out into the yard and received looks from Belle, Chloe, and Brady but none of them said anything. Tabi was grateful for that. "Wow, it looks great out here."
"Yeah, we're pretty much done. Why don't you kinds go inside? We can finish up."
"Are you sure Mom?" Belle was happy to just go and hang out but wanted to make sure.
"Yes dear. Go on in." They were all happy to oblige. Shawn led Tabi to the loveseat and sat down, slipping his arm around her. She cuddled comfortably against him. Brady and Chloe sat on the sofa and Belle took the armchair. It was Brady who broached the subject.
"Ok you two. Spill."
"What are you talking about?" Shawn smiled conspiratorially.
"Shawn Douglas Brady, you know what my brother is talking about. Don't play dumb. And you Tabi. You owe us an explanation little Miss 'Nothing's-going-to-happen-I-don't-know-what-you-are-talking-about'!" Tabi laughed.
"You'll have to ask Shawn because I truly don't know and I am just as curious as you are. All I know is that he tried to drop me."
"I didn't drop you! I'm sorry okay."
"Relax Shawn, I'm just picking on you." Tabi hugged him and planted a small kiss on his cheek.
"Ok, I will answer. I find Tabi attractive and fun. I like her a lot and want her as my girlfriend. Do you accept?"
"I don't know. You dropped me." Shawn blushed. "But I guess I accept your apology. Yes Shawn, I accept."
"There, are you all happy now?" Chloe and Brady nodded.
"But if you hurt my sister I'll kill you. I may not be a guy but I could still beat the crap out of you Shawn."
"I believe you Chloe. Belle?"
"No, I am not. I think that Brady and Chloe need to stop the games that they are playing. Then I will be happy."
"I agree." Tabi smiled at her sister. "Come on sis."
"Yeah Brady, be a man. I was. And besides, this way Nancy won't be such a witch about me dating her daughter." Chloe and Tabi laughed.
"Fine." Brady looked at Chloe, pulled her toward him and kissed her. The kiss was long and passionate, the result of months of pent-up emotion. Finally it ended and Chloe was dazed. "I have wanted to do that for so long." He hugged her.
"I wish you'd done it sooner Brady."
"Me too."
"Ok, now I am happy." Belle smiled and lay back in her chair. Everyone laughed.
"I told you you two had feelings for each other. But don't listen to me, I'm just your twin sister."
Chloe threw a pillow at her. "Shut up or I may change my mind."
"Oh no you won't, Ms. Lane." Brady kissed her again. Belle smiled, happy for everyone. But sad that she couldn't tell them about Philip.