Prelude to Saturday Night- A Quintet
Chloe plopped herself on Belle's bed. She felt something vibrating in her pocket. She reached in her pocket and took out her phone.
Ch: (answering her phone) Hello?
N: (chirpy) Hi, sweetie. Are you ready?
Ch: Well… almost. Are you downstairs?
N: (laughing) No. Actually, I'm at the supermarket, checking out, so you have some time. (cautiously) So, how did it go with Belle?
Ch: (sighing) It was tough, but I think she will understand, in time.
N: (anxious) Um, sweetie. I've got to go. She's ringing up my groceries. Bye, sweetie.
Ch: (smiling) Bye, Mom.
Chloe hung up, just as Belle came out of the bathroom.
Be: (teasing) Mom?
Ch: (sheepish) Yeah. (putting away her phone) A new development.
Be: … which was long overdue.
Ch: (embarrassed) Yeah.
Be: (changing the subject) I'm hungry. Let's go downstairs and raid the fridge.
Mi: (smirking) Or maybe, Chloe can go to Brady's room and get some… 'candy'.
Ch: (flushed) No thanks. (glaring at Mimi) I'm not hungry.
Be: Brady has candy?
Mi: (uncomfortable) Um… yeah.
Be: Well, I want some too.
Mimi and Chloe looked at each other.
Be: (making a face) Never mind… I don't want to wake him.
Mi: (slyly) That's very wise.
Be: (whining) Oh c'mon, guys. I don't want to eat alone.
Mi: Hey, I'm hungry too. Let's go.
Belle and Mimi headed to the door.
Be: (turning around) Are you coming, Chloe?
Ch: (standing up) Yeah, I just need to get something.
Be: (chirpy) Okay. See you downstairs.
Mi: (coyly) Yeah, Chloe, we'll see you downstairs.
Belle walked out of the room, while Mimi remained in the doorway.
Mi: (in a low tone) Don't get busy with… something.
Smirking, Mimi went downstairs.
~*~
Chloe took a deep breath and left Belle's room. She approached Brady's door and knocked softly. The door cracked open, revealing a clear blue eye and the corner of a curled lip.
Br: (seductively) May I help you?
Ch: (nervous) Yes. I forgot my CD.
Br: (surprised) Oh. Please come in.
Brady opened the door and stepped aside. Chloe remained in the hallway.
Ch: (firmly) No, Brady. I just want my CD.
Brady stared at her, slightly annoyed.
Br: (sighing) Suit yourself.
Brady walked over to his stereo, ejected the CD and placed it in its case. He picked it up and walked toward her.
Br: (smiling) Here you go.
Ch: (taking the CD) Thank you. I hope I didn't disturb you.
Br: (smiling) No, you didn't.
Ch: I'm glad.
Br: (leaning on the door jam) …although I was very close to falling asleep.
Ch: (beginning to frown) I'm sorry.
Br: (standing up) Don't be. You can make amends by giving me a kiss.
Ch: (blushing) What?
Br: (smiling) When I was little, I was always given a kiss before I took a nap.
Ch: Okay.
Brady smiled.
Ch: (eyes flashing) I'll get Marlena.
Br: (surprised) No! I mean, she's busy.
Ch: (playful) I think Mimi will oblige.
Br: True, but then I couldn't get her out of my room.
Ch: (flirty) At last, Mimi and I have something in common.
Br: (standing closer to her) C'mon, Chloe. Help me relive a childhood memory.
Ch: (laughing) No, Brady.
Br: C'mon, Chloe. When I was younger, the guests always sent me to slumber land with a kiss.
Ch: (skeptical) Oh really? You know, I thought I heard Roman Brady downstairs…
Br: (annoyed) I mean, a pretty guest.
Ch: (playful) Well, in the right light…
Br: (annoyed) Never mind, Chloe.
Brady attempted to close the door but Chloe stopped him.
Ch: Brady…wait.
Brady opened the door and leaned against it. Chloe stepped closer to him. She gently combed his hair with her fingers. She looked into his eyes as she gently caressed his cheek. He touched her hand and slowly moved it to his lips. He kissed her palm tenderly, making her smile.
Ch: (flush) Does that count as your kiss?
Br: (quietly) No. I kissed you, Chloe. I want you to kiss me.
Ch: (quietly) Okay, Brady.
Chloe placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled him closer to her. She gently kissed his forehead. She was about to step away from him, but she hesitated. She kissed his left eyelid and then his right. She moved to his cheek, kissing him as she nuzzled him. Brady moved Chloe's hair away from her neck and began to kiss her. She slowly stepped away from him.
Ch: (whispering) It's time for bed, Brady.
Br: (quietly) No, I'm not ready to go, yet.
Ch: C'mon Brady, you need your rest.
Br: (quietly) Am I supposed to sleep after that?
Ch: (smiling) Yes. (coyly) Sleep tight.
She walked away from him. She turned around and saw him, still standing in his doorway. A grin crept across her face as she hastily walked toward him.
Ch: (eyes sparkling) What the hell… we've got a few minutes.
She pulled him into a kiss, with such force, he almost lost his balance.
Ch: (breathlessly kissing him) Belle and Mimi are downstairs… I don't know about your parents…
Br: (kissing her) I think they're downstairs. (picking her up) How much time do we have?
She giggled as he carried her into his room. Then, they felt something, specifically a vibration.
Br: (startled) What the hell…
Ch: (covering her mouth) My phone. (looking at Brady) It must be my mother.
Brady carefully put her down as she reached in her pocket.
Ch: (nervous) Hello?
N: (chirpy) Hi, sweetie. I'm a few blocks away. Are you ready?
Ch: (looking at Brady) Um… yeah. I'm on my way to the lobby right now. (mouthing to Brady) Sorry, B.
N: Okay. I'll see you in a few minutes.
Ch: (disappointed) Bye, Mom.
She hung up and placed the phone in her pocket.
Ch: (disappointed) I've got to go now. (covering) It's just as well. You need to get your rest.
Br: (sad) Yeah, I guess.
Ch: (touching his cheek) I'll see you soon. (sadly) Monday.
Br: You can change your mind, you know.
Ch: (steeling herself) No. I'll just have to wait. (stepping into the hallway) Close the door and lock it.
Brady smiled as he slowly closed it. Chloe twisted the knob, opening the door.
Ch: (peeking in) I mean it, Brady. Lock the door!
Brady pushed the door closed and locked it. Chloe stood there and twisted the knob. The door was locked. She hastily walked away.
Ch: (under her breath) Damn!
Chloe ran down the stairs, toward the door. She grabbed the goodies bag, just as Marlena carried in the refreshments.
Ma: (concerned) Chloe, where are you going?
Ch: (anxious) Home. My mom's waiting. Can you explain it to Belle?
Ma: Sure. We'll see you soon.
Ch: Bye, Dr. Evans.
Chloe left the penthouse.
~*~
Mimi and Belle came out of the kitchen.
Be: Mom, has Chloe come downstairs?
Ma: Yeah. Actually, she just left. Apparently, her mother's downstairs.
Be: (disappointed) Oh. I wanted to catch up with her.
Ma: Well, I think her family wants to spend some quiet time with her.
Be: (sad) Yeah, I guess.
Belle walked over to the couch and sat with Mimi. John came inside from the balcony.
John: (putting away his phone) Well, the plans are set.
Be: (looking at him) What plans?
J: What plans? Your brother's birthday, of course. He's going to sleep the day away, but we can do something tonight, like have a party. Well, it's not a party. It's more like a family dinner at Tuscany's.
Be: Dad, you know how Brady is about his birthday. He hates fusses and surprises.
J: Like I said, Belle, it's just a family dinner at Tuscany's. Just us, Victor and Phillip.
Mi: (sitting up) Phillip?
J: He is Brady's uncle, Mimi.
Mi: (sinking in the couch) Yeah, I know.
Be: Besides, Mimi, Phillip may be a no-show. It's just a gesture. (lighting up) Hey, maybe we should invite Chloe. (thinking) Nah, Brady and Chloe may be sick of each other by now.
Mimi smirked to herself. The living room phone rang. Marlena picked up.
Ma: Hello?
Ph: Hey, Dr. Evans. It's Phillip.
Ma: Oh, Phillip. How are you?
Mi: (under her breath) Speaking of the devil…
Ph: Can I speak to Belle?
Ma: Sure.
Belle took the phone from Marlena.
Be: Hello?
Ph: Hey, Belle. It's me.
Be: (tense) How are you?
Ph: (depressed) The usual.
Be: (frustrated) Phillip… you need to shake out of this.
Ph: (depressed) She won't see or speak to me.
Be: (sighing) Phillip… (looking at Mimi) I think that will change soon.
Mi: (getting off the couch, mouthing) What are you doing?
Ph: (suspicious) What do you know, Belle?
Be: (covering) Nothing. It's just that… this can't continue forever.
Ph: (disappointed) Oh. I thought that maybe… you've heard from her.
Belle remained silent.
Ph: (anxious) Did you hear from her?
Be: (sighing) Yes, I have.
Mi: (mouthed) Don't do it, Belle.
Ph: You did? When?
Be: (uncomfortable) Actually, I don't think I should discuss this with you.
Ph: (tense) Why not?
Be: Because… there are things that we discuss that you aren't privy to. Look Phillip, when Chloe is ready to talk to you, she will. For the time being, move on. Now, I have to go.
Ph: (disappointed) Okay. See you later.
Be: Bye, Phillip.
Belle hung up the phone.
Be: (looking at Mimi) Poor Phillip.
Mi: (annoyed) Actually, I was thinking 'poor us'. We're going to be subjected to more 'Chloe' talk.
Be: (thinking) Unless…
Mi: (suspicious) Unless what?
Be: Unless we get those two together.
Mi: (adamant) That's not a good idea, Belle.
Be: We've got to get him to stop obsessing about her.
Mi: (derisively) And getting them together will do that?
Be: (frustrated) What else would you suggest?
Mi: (dryly) I don't know, Belle. Telling him to shut up!
Be: Mimi…
Mi: No fuss, no muss.
Be: Mimi, we've got to help him.
Mi: Maybe, but Chloe Lane may not be the solution.
Be: (flustered) Well, I don't know what to do.
Mi: Don't do anything. Phillip and Chloe's stalemate will end, without your interference.
Be: (distracted) Well, maybe you're right, Meems.
Mi: I am. (walking to the door) Well, I have to go.
Be: (teasing) Going to Kevin's?
Mi: (smiling) Yeah. I have to give him something. (grabbing her purse) See ya later.
Be: Bye, Meems.
Mimi left the penthouse. Belle paced, thinking of a way to help Phillip.
Be: (to herself) Meems, I know you're right. I shouldn't interfere, but Phillip is in bad shape. Getting Chloe and Phillip together, to talk, could end his misery. Chloe is coming back to school, but maybe they should see each other before then. But where and when?
~*~
As Mimi waited for the elevator, her mind wandered.
Mi: (to herself) I know you, Belle. You will not let this Phillip thing go. And while your loyalty is among your better qualities, it doesn't apply here. You may think that pushing Phillip and Chloe together will resolve things, but I don't think that Phillip will like the resolution he will get. Neither you or Phillip knows about Brady and I don't think Chloe knows how deep she's in with him. This could get very ugly and for once, I'm not behind it.
The elevator door opened and Mimi stepped inside.
Mi: (to herself) Belle, for once, can you fight your nature and not help?
The elevator doors closed.
~*~
Phillip sat on his bed, thinking about Chloe.
Ph: (desperate) I've got to see her. Maybe, I should drop by the Wesleys. No, she's been doing a great job avoiding me and no doubt that Nancy will assist her. If only I could bump into her or something. But how?
Victor stepped into Phillip's doorway.
Ph: (glaring) Oh no, Dad. Don't start.
Vi: It's about time you've buried the hatchet with Brady and attending his birthday party tonight is a good start. He only turns 21 once.
Ph: (angry) Look, Dad. Nothing you can say will convince me to go.
Vi: (fuming) Not even the fact that this would have been your sister's 21st wedding anniversary?
Ph: (coolly) Not even that!
Vi: (hiding his anger) Fine. I suggest you let Henderson know your dinner plans.
Victor walked away.
Ph: (to himself) Brady is the last person I want to see.
Phillip looked up and noticed the message light on his answering machine was blinking.
Ph: (rushing to the machine) Oh, God. Let it be Chloe.
He pressed the button.
Cynthia: (purring) Hello, Phillip. Guess who?
Phillip rolled his eyes.
Cy: (purring) I just wanted to give you a call, to see what you were up to. Yeah, I know you told me never to call, but you didn't mean it. I know you didn't. I'm not saying you're a liar, but a man's word isn't as iron-clad as it used to be and when I say 'man', I mean mankind, in general. To get a little more specific, a certain girl's word isn't as unwavering as it used to be. Who's the girl, you ask? Chloe, to you. Ghoul Girl, to the rest of us.
Phillip's jaw was set.
Cy: (purring) According to the grapevine, she had every intention of reuniting with you, until she took that independent study. But guess what I just peeped, Phillip? The exalted Chloe was behind the wheel of a black Jeep with a gorgeous blond guy, riding shotgun.
His eyes flashed.
Cy: (coyly) I haven't heard about her getting new wheels, so I assume it's his car. They looked awfully cozy. And it seemed strange that he would allow her to drive his Jeep, which is in cherry condition. I'm sure she's a safe driver, but you know how much store men place on their cars. It is often an extension of themselves, and in this case, the car was just as hot as the guy. She handled the car beautifully which makes me wonder…how does she handle him?
He clenched his fists.
Cy: (slyly) But enough about the hottie and his car. How are you and most importantly, how is your stick?
Fuming, Phillip slammed his hand on the stop button. He took some deep breaths and walked out of his room, heading toward Victor's. He knocked on the door.
Vi: (through the door) Come in.
Phillip walked in.
Vi: (coldly) What do you want, Phillip?
Ph: (calmly) I wanted to apologize, Dad, for my attitude…
Vi: Okay, you've apologized. (looking at his files) I've got work to do.
Ph: I don't blame you for being angry. I've been really selfish. I do want to commemorate Brady's birthday and Isabella's anniversary. I'll come to Tuscany's with you, unless you don't want me to.
Vi: (coolly) I want you there, Phillip. The party starts at 9.
Ph: Okay.
Vi: (warming up) I do appreciate you doing this.
Ph: (smiling) Hey, we're family, right?
Phillip left Victor's room, heading to his room.
Ph: (fuming to himself) You were right, Dad. There are several things that Brady and I need to clear up, mainly his involvement with Chloe.
~*~
Chloe walked out of the building just as Nancy pulled up. She opened the car door and climbed in.
Ch: Hey, Mom.
N: (beaming) Hey, sweetie.
Nancy drove away from the building as Chloe fastened her seatbelt and leaned against the window. Nancy glanced at the passenger's side mirror and saw Chloe closing her eyes.
N: (tentative) You're tired, sweetie?
Ch: (sighing) A little.
N: (concerned) As soon as we get home, you should go to bed. But you should eat something first…
Nancy glanced in the mirror and saw Chloe smiling.
N: I'm doting, aren't I?
Ch: (laughing) Yeah, but it's okay.
Nancy looked at the road.
N: (cautiously) Do you think you will be rested, by tonight?
Ch: Why?
N: (cautiously) Well,… Craig told me not to do this, but I've made reservations at Tuscany's tonight.
Ch: (sitting up) Nancy…
N: Honey, I can cancel it. It's just that… I was thinking that you would want to get out of the house. I mean, your weekends, for the last few months, were restricted to the house, hanging out with Brady. And since he won't be around, I just thought that you needed a change in venue. Somewhere that won't remind you of him…
Ch: (leaning on the window) I guess you're right. Dinner at Tuscany's sounds great.
N: And I promise that I will behave myself.
Nancy watched as Chloe shook her head, in amusement. Chloe closed her eyes and thought about Brady. The warmth of his body, the softness of his lips, and that glint in his eye, made her melt into her seat. Nancy glanced in the passenger mirror and saw a familiar expression on Chloe's face. Familiar, not because Chloe has had that look, but because she herself has had that look on her face, whenever she and Craig…. Nancy bit her lip and glanced in the passenger mirror.
N: (nervous) Chloe, sweetie…
Ch: (whimpering) Mama, I'm tired. Can we talk later?
N: (looking at the road, nervously) Okay, sweetie.
Nancy looked and saw Chloe slowly drifting to sleep.
N: (to herself) Uh oh!