At the Blacks
Saturday mornings at the Blacks were usually abuzz with activity. But for some reason, there was a strange pall in the air and the only one who seemed to feel it was Belle. She thought the presence of Mimi and an early morning excursion to a white sale with her mom would snap everyone out of their funk, but it didn't. Belle laid on her bed, sulking about the dreariness of the day.
Mi: (kneeling next to the bed) Come on, Belle, snap out of it.
Be: (lifting her head) I can't help it, Meems. Something is wrong. Really wrong. First, it was Brady, now it's my parents. Everyone is so moody and they won't say why.
Mi: Come on, Belle. It can't be that bad.
Be: Oh, no? Then why isn't Brady here?
Mi: I don't know. Maybe he's at the gym.
Be: All night? He didn't sleep here last night and he hasn't come back yet.
Mi: (concerned) You think he had a falling out with your mom and dad?
Be: Maybe… I don't know. This doesn't make any sense.
Mi: Maybe he's with… someone.
Be: (sitting up) A woman? No, I would've known about her.
Mi: (skeptical) Would you, Belle?
Be: (sighing) I guess not.
Belle laid on her bed, resting her chin on her hands.
Ma: (in the doorway) Hey, girls.
Be: Hey, Mom.
Ma: (concerned) Sweetie, why are you down in the dumps?
Be: Why are you, Mom?
Ma: (trying to smile) I'm fine, sweetie.
Be: (resting her head on her bed) Yeah, sure.
Ma: (uncomfortable) Well, I'll see you two later.
Marlena headed to her bedroom.
~*~
Downstairs, John was standing on the balcony, looking at the Salem skyline. He checked at his watch again, growing more anxious as each moment passed. Could Chloe have taken a turn for the worse, which would account for Brady's tardiness? John didn't want to think about that scenario, especially not today. The sky grew darker as the rain perfumed the air. He looked at his watch, contemplating whether he should call Brady. After all, Brady was an adult and had a legitimate reason for his absence. He closed his eyes and slowly breathed in the shower-soaked air. When he opened them, he was surprised to see the sun shining brightly, despite the heavy showers. The sun grew brighter as the showers grew heavier, which for some reason, made him laugh to himself. John leaned against the wall and stared at the sky.
~*~
Brady unlocked the penthouse door, held it open and allowed Chloe to enter. The frivolity the twosome enjoyed in the Jeep, remained there. She grew more tense at the anticipation of facing everyone, especially Belle. Brady set the bag down and grabbed Chloe's hand.
Br: (turning her around) Hey, you.
Chloe took a deep breath.
Br: There's nothing to worry about. Belle will understand. (touching her cheek) Be positive. If she is pissed, there is still Marlena and my dad. They will be elated when they hear your news, especially, my dad.
She hugged him.
Ch: (quietly) I love you, Brady. (looking at him) Thank you for everything you've done for me.
Br: (stroking her hair) I love you too. (letting her go) Now, do you want me to get my dad and Marlena?
She nodded.
Br: (smiling) Okay. (climbing a stair) I'll see you later.
Ch: (grabbing his hand) Brady… wait.
He stepped off the stair. She pulled him to her and kissed his cheek tenderly. Her lips lingered as she wrapped her arms around him.
Br: (quietly) What was that for?
Ch: (whispering) I had a feeling that when you go upstairs, everything would return to the way it was, before my leukemia.
Br: (hesitantly) Well, isn't that what you wanted?
Ch: Yeah, I want my health and my friends back, but… I'm worried about you and me.
Br: (looking in her eyes) You and me will be fine. In fact, we'll be better than ever.
Ch: I want to believe you, but…
Br: No buts. Believe it. (stepping away from her) Now, I'll get my folks.
Brady ran up the stairs. When he reached the top of the staircase, he watched as she strolled around the living room. Still watching her, he slowly walked down the hallway.
~*~
John paced past the balcony door and noticed a figure through the sheer curtains. The figure was leaning on the table, staring at the family photos. It slowly stood up and nervously walked around the living room. He stood closer to the window to get a better look and realized that the figure was female and brunette. He opened the door and stepped inside the penthouse. Startled, she turned around.
Ch: (smiling nervously) Hello, Mr. Black.
J: (stunned) Oh my God. Chloe Lane.
~*~
Brady walked down the hallway, toward his bedroom. As he approached it, he noticed the door was open, which was unusual. He stepped into the doorway and saw a preoccupied Marlena, sitting on his stripped-down bed.
Br: (looking at her) Marlena, what are you doing in my room?
Ma: (roused) I'm sorry, Brady. I know how you are about your privacy, but there was a white sale and I bought some new… (sighing) I needed to get my mind off things.
As Brady closed the door, Marlena became concerned.
Ma: (standing up) What is it? What's going on?
Br: (hushed) Guess who's downstairs?
Marlena studied his smile as a wave of giddiness engulfed her.
Ma: (excited) Is it…?
He nodded.
Ma: (dropping the sheets) Oh my God… Brady, can you finish changing the sheets?
Br: Of course. Just go. ( in a hushed tone) Wait a minute. Chloe wants to surprise Belle, so could you…
Ma: Of course.
Mimi opened Belle's door just as Marlena rushed down the hallway. She caught a glimpse of Brady, watching Marlena.
Mi: (closing the door) Hey, Belle. Guess who's back!
~*~
Marlena ran down the stairs as John led Chloe to the couch.
Ma: (gushing) Chloe, sweetie!
Ch: (turning around) Dr. Evans.
Marlena sat next to Chloe and hugged her.
Ma: (brushing away Chloe's hair) Sweetheart, how are you?
Ch: I'm good.
J: (kneeling in front of Chloe) What are you doing here?
Ch: I asked Brady to bring me here.
J: (concerned) Was that a good idea? I've read that leukemia patients have compromised immunity. And it was cool and rainy today…
Ch: (looking at him) Mr. Black, I'm fine. In fact, this morning, I just found out that I'm in remission.
Marlena covered her gasp.
J: (shocked) Are you serious?
Chloe nodded.
Ma: (crying) Chloe… oh, sweet girl… (hugging her) Thank God. (wiping her eyes) Oh, I've got to call your mother.
Marlena grabbed the phone and went into the kitchen. John remained on his knees, staring at Chloe.
J: (touching her cheek) You're really in remission?
Ch: (smiling) Yes, Mr. Black.
He laughed to himself, looking up at Chloe. She grew concerned as his laughter grew louder. He wiped his eyes and took a breath.
J: I'm sorry, Chloe, but your news was the best thing I could hear, especially today. (opening his arms) Come here.
Chloe leaned forward and hugged him. He sighed with relief as she pulled away.
J: (quietly) You can never know how relieved I am. My relief and joy is infinitesimal, compared to your family's…
Ch: Mr. Black, your relief and joy isn't infinitesimal, not to me. You were in my parents' shoes a long time ago. And I know that you've endured as much anguish as my parents, when Brady's mom was ill. My parents got a happy ending, but you and Brady didn't, well, not until years later. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you, for Brady. During this whole ordeal, he was a godsend. You've played a large part in making him who he is. And his mother…
J: Brady is who he is, because of his mother. He has Isabella's heart, capable of loving infinitely. (sighing) I have to admit this. Before I knew about your condition, I was sure you were manipulating him, using him, He gets his secretive nature from me, so I should have known better. I want to apologize for 'blaming' you for his behavior.
Ch: It's okay, Mr. Black. I have a reputation for being secretive too. I guess like doesn't mix well with like. And I do have another reputation, which involved Phillip Kiriakis… anyway, thank you for your support.
J: (hugging her) You're welcome, sweetie. (letting her go) Now… (standing up) where is my lunk-headed son? He's got a lot of explaining to do.
Ch: (laughing) He's upstairs. I assume he's getting ready for bed.
J: (under his breath) This couldn't have happened on a better day, especially for him.
Ch: What did you say?
J: (looking at her) Never mind. I'll take care of him later. Hey, I'm going to call your parents and invite them to a celebratory dinner, in your honor.
Ch: (smiling) That sounds great. Next week would be great, but naturally, you should run it by my mom. (looking at the stairs) Now, I have to talk to Belle.
J: Well, I'll leave you to it. Good luck.
John headed to the kitchen. She sat on the couch.
Ch: (to herself) Come on, Chloe. The longer you wait, the worse it will be.
She slowly stood up and approached the stairs.