Chapter 5: Teamwork
Okay, the Executive and Judicial Branches down, now onto the Legislative ended by a general review. Let's see...chapter 2 notes...starting with vocabulary...He hoped he would ace this test, no not hoped, he can, no not can, he will...YES, he WILL ace this test, he will, he will he will-What the?!...as he is sent falling to the ground with all of his notes and textbooks flying around him.
She is in a hurry! She has to get to the library, only 30 minutes to go and she will be taking it. The first test. She's ready, right? Yes, she is. She will do fine. No, she will be good. NO, she will be GREAT. That's it. Almost there. Just down this hallway and--Oooohhh--head on collision and she is down!
Philip started to get up trying to get his balance wondering what hurricane just came bounding down the hallway and came face to face with the latest tropical storm. Oh, Hurricane Mimi!
"Okay, you mind telling me what you're doing racing down the hallway at the speed of light? Philip sat up, crossed his arms and waited for an answer.
Mimi got up slowly, trying to figure out what just happened. One minute she was racing down the hallway. The next she found herself on the ground on her butt sitting across from a bewildered looking Philip. "What about you? How come you weren't looking where you were going? Burying your nose in a book. Actually, now that I think about it, since when does Philip Kiriakis have his nose buried in a book?" Mimi started to pick up her things, which were now scattered around the hallway.
Philip got up, starting to gather his own things. He looked down the hallway. It was a good thing it was deserted or who knows who else might have been struck by Hurricane Mimi, who at this moment was picking up a fallen textbook. Philip noticed that it was their American Government book. Maybe she was rushing to class, which made little sense since they still had about 28 minutes before it started. Maybe she wanted to be there early or maybe she was training for the next marathon. "So Mimi, you training for the next Boston marathon?" Well that elicited absolutely no response except for an angry look. Okay...maybe he should just answer her question. "As I told you Mimi, I am working hard to keep up my grades this year. And there is nothing wrong with walking down the hallway reading a book, that is unless Mimi Lockhart decides to go bowling for students." Philip kept a straight face, but was laughing on the inside. Now that was a good one. Score for Kiriakis.
"Look Philip...wait a minute, aren't these notes from our Government class?" Mimi picked up a piece of paper that had notes jotted down on it and looked at Philip quizzically.
"Yeah...that's why I was reading, while walking down the hallway. I'm determined to do great on this test." Philip took the piece of paper from her and started to help her pick up her things too.
"Me too. That's why I was in such a hurry. I was trying to get to the library." She answered him as they continued to pick up their things.
"What's the hurry? You were afraid they were going to close the doors on you?"
"My nerves are frayed. I'm so worried about this test. I keep trying to psyche myself up, but...I mean I studied so much last night and I've been going over all the chapters we read for homework again and again."
Mimi and Philip now had all their things picked up. They had moved near the door.
"I'm right there with you Meems...I was drained from practice last night, but that didn't keep me from studying...I know that I know most of the material...I just can't help it...Wait a minute. What are we doing standing here?" Philip grabbed Mimi by the arm and led her out the door.
"Philip!"-
"We can have a big study session out here. Maybe if we quiz each other we'll feel better about it. You know, good old teamwork." Philip let go of Mimi's arm and sat down on a nearby bench gesturing for her to do the same.
"Okay Phil, what are the three branches of government..."
***
"Shawn, what is this?" Philip looked at the food in front of him in pure horror. He was sitting in the crowded noisy Salem High Cafeteria. They had found a corner table close to the stage to eat their lunch at.
Shawn laughed at the sight of Philip's face. He looked like a scared little boy. "It's a chicken sandwich, Philip. It's what you ordered. It's not going to bite you. Don't worry Phil. It's not alive."
"Ha! That's what you think. And this is not a chicken sandwich. This is...Cook makes a chicken sandwich and your grandmother makes a chicken sandwich at The Pub, but this..."
"Is cafeteria food. You know, the food us commoners eat from time to time. Now I know it's hard on you and your Country Club lifestyle, but that's what happens when you forget to bring your catered lunches or any money."
"My lunches aren't catered. Cook usually fixes them for me and I may, well actually I DO have good taste and everything, but I'm not a snob. I did have money, but unfortunately THIS is all it would buy me." Philip took a fearful bite of his sandwich and immediately washed it down with his soda. He looked at Shawn again in envy. Apparently, his nephew had a delicious Brady Pub roast beef sandwich. Oh, to have a family in the restaurant business. "Besides, I don't see you eating any of this ...cafeteria food."
Shawn looked at Philip in shock and laughed before he took a bite of his grandmother's tasty sandwich. "Wouldn't touch the stuff if they paid me." Seeing Philip's pitiful face again though, Shawn gave in. "Oh all right, Phil, you can have half." He gave Philip half of his sandwich and chuckled as Philip took one more dreaded look at his chicken sandwich and gratefully pushed it aside.
Philip took one bite of his new delectable sandwich and closed his eyes in ecstasy. "You are the best Bro."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So Phil, since when are you strapped for cash and what made you forget your lunch today?"
"One word: TEST." At Shawn's curious stare, Philip started to explain. "We had our first test In My Gov. class today and I was up late studying, even after that torturous football practice we had. I got up and with my mind on the test and being tired I ran out of the house without my lunch and hardly any money." Philip took another bite of his sandwich.
Shawn took a sip of his soda and looked at Philip questioningly. "Torturous? That practice was no different than any other Coach has put us through. And since when do you care about your school work, Phil?"
"Since now, Shawn. I'm going to get my grades up this year, no matter what it takes. No more slacking off for me." Philip responded to Shawn's sarcastic look. "Yeah, I know, you think I don't really mean it, but I do. Look, I changed a lot on that island Shawn, whether anyone believes it or not. And I meant what I said about practice. I guess I'm just out of it lately."
"Okay, okay Philip." Shawn responded to the determination and seriousness of Philip's words. "I'm just not used to you being like this. But I think it's great that you're taking school more seriously and for now I can be the football star."
"Hey Bro, you better enjoy it while it lasts, because before you know it, I'll be wiping the field with you."
"Okay now, that's the self obsessed Philip I know."
"Hey, I didn't say I was turning into a monk or anything. I'll leave that up to you. Or maybe not, now that you're dating the one and only Belle Black. So what happened, she let you off your leash today Shawn, hmmm?" Philip finished off his sandwich and chuckled.
"It's not like that. We have our own lives too. I mean we're teenagers. It's not like we're planning on getting married or anything. We're not like the way you were with..." Shawn's voice dropped off as he realized his mistake.
"Like I was with Chloe. It's all right. You can say it...because you're right. I went overboard and now here I am and she's...she's ...let's just change the subject okay." Philip looked downward, his face solemn.
Shawn finished off his sandwich and tried to bring Philip out of his sudden melancholy mood. "Okay, how about we talk about that spectacular touch down I made last night in practice."
"Shawn, you've been spending too much time around me."
***
"And then Shawn took me to Dot Com and we had mochas. Oh Meems, it's so wonderful dating him. I can't believe I'm saying that word about Shawn: dating. I am just so happy right now, Mimi."
"And I'm so happy for you Belle, you and Shawn; you guys are like the biggest couple now at Salem High." Mimi sat down across from Belle at one of the outside picnic tables in the middle of the Salem High courtyard. She opened up her lunch and started to eat.
Belle started to eat her own lunch and responded to her best friend. "Well, enough about me. Now I want to know what's going on with you. So spill Meems. Any dirt?"
"I heard that Patty Simms and Josh Larsen broke up. Other than that the only dirt I know about is the kind that I get to clean everyday in the locker rooms."
"Oh Meems, I'm sorry. Still Patty and Josh broke up, huh? I always know who to go to when I want some Salem High news."
"I'm not complaining Belle. It could have been worse. Anyways, now I have more time to focus on my schoolwork. Speaking of which, I just had my first big test in my Government class today."
Belle's face showed interest. "We're having ours next week. Oh, I'm dreading it. How do you think you did on it Meems?'
Mimi frowned. "I don't know. I studied, but I'm still worried."
"Okay, change of subject. Let's talk about you and Kevin." Belle was sure Mimi would love talking about this topic.
Mimi nearly choked on her soda. "Let's not."
"Oh my gosh, did something happen with you guys? I thought you both were having a good time with each other. Mimi, tell me what happened."
"Nothing really happened Belle. It just...just didn't work out." Mimi responded to Belle's confused expression. "He thinks we're too different. He's probably right. I mean we had some fun, but...it just didn't work out. But don't worry about Kevin. He already found someone new."
"You're kidding! Who?"
"Who else? Susan."
"Oh Mimi, I am so sorry...I have been spending so much time with Shawn, that I don't even know half of what's going on with my best friend. Don't worry though, we'll find a new guy for you." Belle was determined to find a guy for her friend. She wanted Mimi to be happy and it would be so much fun to go out on double dates together.
Belle's words made Mimi think of Philip and how they had collided in the hallway that morning. Then they had studied together. She thought about seeing him again after he got out of football practice and she finished cleaning the locker rooms.
"Uh Mimi...earth to Mimi..."
Mimi shook herself out of her reverie to see Belle waving her hands at her and trying to get her attention. "Sorry Belle, I was just thinking about something."
"You were like miles away! What were you thinking about? Belle questioned her friend, wondering what was going on with her.
"Nothing. I was just...I was just thinking about how great it would be if I could find a perfect guy, like you did with Shawn." Mimi wondered why she didn't tell Belle the whole truth.
"Shawn's not perfect...but he's pretty close." Belle said in a cheerful voice. "And you know what Mimi? I think that guy will find YOU and when he does, he will be so lucky!"
"Of course...he'll be with me!" The two girls laughed together as Mimi wondered when that guy would come and was he someone she already knew.
The Start of Something More
Chapter 6: Confusion
Philip sat down on a bench in front of Salem High. He looked up at the sky slowly getting darker as the day faded away and night crept in. Leaves scattered the ground in colors of red and orange. Cool breezes brought with them a chill to the air. Philip looked ahead, saw buildings, trees and people. His mind strayed to a place where he saw none of this, where he only saw ocean waters and miles and miles of deserted beach. However, his mind processed limited memories because he remembered so little. Only waking up and struggling to move and survive. Philip wondered why he could not shake the memories especially since he remembered so little. In quiet times like this, the memories crept up on him and at night when he went to sleep in his dreams he remembered more but forgot when he awoke.
Philip thought back to his life at this same time the previous year. He convinced himself that he was happy. He believed it. Now he wondered. He wondered about his life, something he had never done before. He thought about his future. Lately it had become important to him, though he was committed to live in the here and now. He supposed he was maturing, growing, something his father was happy about. But he was no longer doing things because he was supposed to; he was doing things for himself. For the first time school was important to him because he wanted to achieve something. He wanted to be somebody. And now his friends were more important to him than ever before-his true friends. He was probably the most popular guy at school, but at times he felt alone...
Philip was startled from his thoughts by the sound of a door opening and closing. He looked up, but did not see the person he thought he would. Karrie and her boyfriend Lee walked over. They exchanged greetings, talked for a bit and then the couple left...
Once again the door came flying open and this time a frazzled and very wet looking Mimi came out of it. Wet, why was she wet? Philip got up and watched her. She was wearing a windbreaker and jeans and her hair was drenched. He walked over to her and knew from her expression right away that she was in a foul mood. It was little wonder, with the way that she looked. Philip stared at her and voiced the one question running through his mind.
"What the heck happened to you?"
Mimi responded in a deceivingly calm voice. "Nothing. I just decided to take a shower and of course didn't bring a hair dryer with me and now I'm outside with my hair all wet and freezing cold!" She exploded. "WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED PHILIP? I was cleaning the showers and one of the dumb faucets sprayed all over me. It got my one towel all wet too so now I'm..."
Mimi's voice broke off as she shivered in the cool night air.
Philip took off his jacket and handed it to her. Underneath he was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. "Here, wear this. It's heavier and it'll keep you warmer than that will." He gestured to her lightweight jacket. Then Philip reached into his backpack, pulled out a clean towel, and handed that to Mimi also. "Don't worry. It's clean. I keep extra towels in my locker and backpack for after practice. You can dry yourself off."
Mimi handed Philip back his jacket. "I can't take your jacket."
"Why not?" He pushed it back towards her.
"What about you? Won't you be cold?"
"I'm all right...football practice always warms me up. Go on Meems, take it. And you better start drying your hair before you catch pneumonia or something...
Here, I'll do it." Philip made sure that Mimi put on the jacket this time. Then he took the towel from her and took hold of her hand. He led her to the bench where he had been waiting for her earlier. He sat on the bench and gestured for her to sit a little in front of him; taking the towel, he started to dry her hair, making sure each strand was dry enough to his liking before proceeding to the next.
Mimi just sat there silently, not knowing what to say or what to think as Philip with the utmost care continued to dry her hair. She had such an awful afternoon that day. She had finished cleaning the showers only to have a group of snobby bratty girls come in to use them. So Mimi was stuck with cleaning them again, listening to their laughter as she got all wet while cleaning the last shower. She despaired when she noticed her towel also was soaking wet. Worried she'd be late to meet Philip she left the locker rooms to find him sitting outside waiting. She had prepared herself for his taunting, but he had shocked her by seeming concerned. Then he had given her his jacket to wear, a totally selfless act that would not make one think of Philip Kiriakis. But he left her totally dumbfounded when he had taken her hand and sat her down so he could dry her hair. Now she sat there, feeling him gently using the towel on her hair.
Philip felt Mimi tense up a little. "I'm sorry. Am I pulling too hard?"
Mimi shivered a little at the feel of Philip's warm breath, his mouth at her ear. "No, no...it feels...uh...no you're not pulling too hard. I'm fine."
Philip felt her move a little forward when he spoke in her ear. He wondered at her reaction. She seemed almost uncomfortable with him. It had always been easy for him to read her. He guessed because he had known her for so long and never tried too hard to figure her out. She was just Mimi. But now, he felt like she was holding something back, like she was keeping something from him.
Satisfied that the back of her hair was dry, he touched her by the shoulders to turn her around and face him and started to feel a little uncomfortable himself. He could see her face clearly now and marveled at how pretty she was. Pretty? Mimi, pretty? Well of course he had told her she was pretty and meant it, but he had never given it much thought. He had only told her to make her feel better. Now he looked at her and really saw it. He shook himself, and returned to the business at hand, drying her hair. Maybe he should have just let her do it herself...
Mimi tried to relax. She was too rigid. She closed her eyes and finally felt herself start to loosen up, but his unexpected touch on her shoulder made her tense up again. She opened her eyes quickly to feel him turning her around and she was face to face with him. She looked up into his eyes and saw him staring at her for one moment. Before she could even ask what was wrong he started drying her hair again and Mimi just sat there feeling relaxed, warm and...
She tensed up again as she felt him stroking her face with his fingertips, stirring up confusing feelings inside her.
Philip touched Mimi's cheek, feeling how soft it was, but suddenly drew his hand away, wondering at his actions. He had no idea what he was doing anymore. One minute he was drying her hair. The next he was touching her cheek. "I was just moving a hair away from the side of your face. It was wet and sticking to your cheek..." Smooth, Kiriakis.
"Oh. Well I think my hair's all dry now, or as dry as it's going to get so you can put the towel away now or do with it whatever you want. It was nice of you to let me use it and thank you for letting me wear your jacket. You're right, it is warmer than mine. Don't worry, I'll give it back to you. Wow, will you look at that sky. It's already getting darker and..."
Mimi knew she was rambling on and on, but she couldn't help it. She knew Philip must be thinking that she was acting crazy.
Philip felt a smile grow as Mimi continued to nervously ramble on. He could always tell that one thing about her. When she was nervous she went on and on endlessly. Right now he found it endearing. He pulled her up off the bench and stood in front of her. "You can give me back the jacket after we get to your house. Ready?"
"Yeah."
"Let's go, then."
They walked in silence, the leaves crackling under their feet. A couple of times they snuck a glance at each other. Finally, Philip spoke up, breaking the silence.
"So that government test was pretty tough, huh? How do you think you did?" Philip questioned her softly.
Mimi sighed. "I have no idea. You're right; it was tough. Hopefully I studied enough. I think the little impromptu study session earlier this morning helped also. How do you think you did?"
"No idea. I felt I knew most of what was on it. I think you're right; the study session did help though I could have done without being barreled down the hallway." Mimi glared at him and he squeezed her arm lightly. "Just kidding", he said softly.
"I bet Jan didn't do too great. Did you hear her when she said that she thought chapter 2 wasn't going to be on the test? I mean where has she been all this time?" Mimi asked, her voice incredulous.
"Come on Meems. We're talking about Jan here. You know what they say, some people never change."
"You certainly have. I mean it Philip. You've grown up a lot." Mimi responded with emphasis.
Her comment made Philip feel warm inside. "Thanks for noticing. Sometimes I feel like no one really believes it."
"Including Chloe?" Philip stared at her, wide eyed. Mimi hastily tried to make up for her remark. "Philip, I'm sorry. Bigmouth Mimi, huh? Oops, sorry for saying sorry too. I know you don't want me to say that anymore. Hey what about this fantastic fall weather-"
Philip cut her off. Her comment startled him, but he knew he had to stop responding this way every time he heard Chloe's name. "No, it's okay. I can't get upset every time someone mentions her. I mean we live in the same town and go to the same school for crying out loud..." His voice dropped off.
"It's none of my business. Let's just change the subject-"
"No. You're my friend and you asked me a question so I'll answer it." He sighed. "I don't know for sure if she believes I've changed. I think she does, but the truth is we've barely talked...You were right. Let's just change the subject. What's going on with you and Kevin?" Philip wondered what made him ask this question out of the blue. He supposed he was just turning the tables on her, maybe even testing her.
For the second time that day, someone asked Mimi about Kevin. It was her turn to stare back wide-eyed. "Uh..."
"Look, if you don't want to talk about it...though I did answer your question...partly. Now it's your turn."
"You're right. Though there's not much to tell. We went out a couple of times and it just, just didn't work out-"
"Wait a minute. You guys aren't going out anymore?"
"No. Didn't you hear the latest news? He's going out with Susan. You know, they have more in common."
Philip knew that reason or excuse all too well. How many times did people tell him that he and Chloe had nothing in common? Too many times to count. "I didn't know that. I'm not as up on the Salem High gossip as you Mimi." Come to think of it, no one was. "Sorry, it didn't work out." Philip knew all too well how painful breaking up could be. "I guess I just thought it would last, especially after I heard how close the two of you got on the island." Philip responded innocently.
Mimi was baffled. "What did you hear? Tell me Philip!" She stopped dead in her tracks, staring at Philip.
Philip, taken aback by her response, stopped and faced her. "Nothing. Just that you guys got pretty close on the island."
"What do you mean by CLOSE?" Mimi asked Philip suspiciously.
"I don't know, close. That you guys started talking more-"
"AND?"
"And that's it."
"Where did you hear this from?"
"Shawn-"
"JUST Shawn?"
"Yeah. Mimi-" But she cut him off once again. By now he had lost count of how many times.
"Good."
Obviously, there was more to it than he had been told. Just Mimi's red face when he had said about her and Kevin being close clued him onto that. She had certainly peaked his curiosity. Damn, a lot happened on that island!
He moved in a little closer blocking her path and fixed his eyes on her face. With his irresistible smile, he asked her "Tell me Meems, just how close DID you two get on that island?"
Mimi took a shaky step back. She couldn't think straight with him that close. She would be strong. She would not let him get the best of her. "Nothing happened. And even if anything did it would be none of your business!" With that, she pushed him backward with her hands and resumed walking, still trying to catch her breath from being so close to him.
Philip involuntarily took a step back from the force of her push and laughed. He followed her calling out her name "Mimi, I was only teasing!"
Mimi stopped abruptly and faced him. "Look, you told me your story, in part and I told you mine, in part. Now we're even."
"Okay, okay!"
"No more talking about Kevin."
"Fine. As long as we don't talk about Chloe either."
"Sounds good." Mimi thought 'not talking about Kevin' wouldn't be too hard. The truth was they barely knew each other. However, she wondered how long Philip would be able to go without talking about Chloe. Philip wondered also. So many things had been left unresolved...
Okay, the Executive and Judicial Branches down, now onto the Legislative ended by a general review. Let's see...chapter 2 notes...starting with vocabulary...He hoped he would ace this test, no not hoped, he can, no not can, he will...YES, he WILL ace this test, he will, he will he will-What the?!...as he is sent falling to the ground with all of his notes and textbooks flying around him.
She is in a hurry! She has to get to the library, only 30 minutes to go and she will be taking it. The first test. She's ready, right? Yes, she is. She will do fine. No, she will be good. NO, she will be GREAT. That's it. Almost there. Just down this hallway and--Oooohhh--head on collision and she is down!
Philip started to get up trying to get his balance wondering what hurricane just came bounding down the hallway and came face to face with the latest tropical storm. Oh, Hurricane Mimi!
"Okay, you mind telling me what you're doing racing down the hallway at the speed of light? Philip sat up, crossed his arms and waited for an answer.
Mimi got up slowly, trying to figure out what just happened. One minute she was racing down the hallway. The next she found herself on the ground on her butt sitting across from a bewildered looking Philip. "What about you? How come you weren't looking where you were going? Burying your nose in a book. Actually, now that I think about it, since when does Philip Kiriakis have his nose buried in a book?" Mimi started to pick up her things, which were now scattered around the hallway.
Philip got up, starting to gather his own things. He looked down the hallway. It was a good thing it was deserted or who knows who else might have been struck by Hurricane Mimi, who at this moment was picking up a fallen textbook. Philip noticed that it was their American Government book. Maybe she was rushing to class, which made little sense since they still had about 28 minutes before it started. Maybe she wanted to be there early or maybe she was training for the next marathon. "So Mimi, you training for the next Boston marathon?" Well that elicited absolutely no response except for an angry look. Okay...maybe he should just answer her question. "As I told you Mimi, I am working hard to keep up my grades this year. And there is nothing wrong with walking down the hallway reading a book, that is unless Mimi Lockhart decides to go bowling for students." Philip kept a straight face, but was laughing on the inside. Now that was a good one. Score for Kiriakis.
"Look Philip...wait a minute, aren't these notes from our Government class?" Mimi picked up a piece of paper that had notes jotted down on it and looked at Philip quizzically.
"Yeah...that's why I was reading, while walking down the hallway. I'm determined to do great on this test." Philip took the piece of paper from her and started to help her pick up her things too.
"Me too. That's why I was in such a hurry. I was trying to get to the library." She answered him as they continued to pick up their things.
"What's the hurry? You were afraid they were going to close the doors on you?"
"My nerves are frayed. I'm so worried about this test. I keep trying to psyche myself up, but...I mean I studied so much last night and I've been going over all the chapters we read for homework again and again."
Mimi and Philip now had all their things picked up. They had moved near the door.
"I'm right there with you Meems...I was drained from practice last night, but that didn't keep me from studying...I know that I know most of the material...I just can't help it...Wait a minute. What are we doing standing here?" Philip grabbed Mimi by the arm and led her out the door.
"Philip!"-
"We can have a big study session out here. Maybe if we quiz each other we'll feel better about it. You know, good old teamwork." Philip let go of Mimi's arm and sat down on a nearby bench gesturing for her to do the same.
"Okay Phil, what are the three branches of government..."
***
"Shawn, what is this?" Philip looked at the food in front of him in pure horror. He was sitting in the crowded noisy Salem High Cafeteria. They had found a corner table close to the stage to eat their lunch at.
Shawn laughed at the sight of Philip's face. He looked like a scared little boy. "It's a chicken sandwich, Philip. It's what you ordered. It's not going to bite you. Don't worry Phil. It's not alive."
"Ha! That's what you think. And this is not a chicken sandwich. This is...Cook makes a chicken sandwich and your grandmother makes a chicken sandwich at The Pub, but this..."
"Is cafeteria food. You know, the food us commoners eat from time to time. Now I know it's hard on you and your Country Club lifestyle, but that's what happens when you forget to bring your catered lunches or any money."
"My lunches aren't catered. Cook usually fixes them for me and I may, well actually I DO have good taste and everything, but I'm not a snob. I did have money, but unfortunately THIS is all it would buy me." Philip took a fearful bite of his sandwich and immediately washed it down with his soda. He looked at Shawn again in envy. Apparently, his nephew had a delicious Brady Pub roast beef sandwich. Oh, to have a family in the restaurant business. "Besides, I don't see you eating any of this ...cafeteria food."
Shawn looked at Philip in shock and laughed before he took a bite of his grandmother's tasty sandwich. "Wouldn't touch the stuff if they paid me." Seeing Philip's pitiful face again though, Shawn gave in. "Oh all right, Phil, you can have half." He gave Philip half of his sandwich and chuckled as Philip took one more dreaded look at his chicken sandwich and gratefully pushed it aside.
Philip took one bite of his new delectable sandwich and closed his eyes in ecstasy. "You are the best Bro."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So Phil, since when are you strapped for cash and what made you forget your lunch today?"
"One word: TEST." At Shawn's curious stare, Philip started to explain. "We had our first test In My Gov. class today and I was up late studying, even after that torturous football practice we had. I got up and with my mind on the test and being tired I ran out of the house without my lunch and hardly any money." Philip took another bite of his sandwich.
Shawn took a sip of his soda and looked at Philip questioningly. "Torturous? That practice was no different than any other Coach has put us through. And since when do you care about your school work, Phil?"
"Since now, Shawn. I'm going to get my grades up this year, no matter what it takes. No more slacking off for me." Philip responded to Shawn's sarcastic look. "Yeah, I know, you think I don't really mean it, but I do. Look, I changed a lot on that island Shawn, whether anyone believes it or not. And I meant what I said about practice. I guess I'm just out of it lately."
"Okay, okay Philip." Shawn responded to the determination and seriousness of Philip's words. "I'm just not used to you being like this. But I think it's great that you're taking school more seriously and for now I can be the football star."
"Hey Bro, you better enjoy it while it lasts, because before you know it, I'll be wiping the field with you."
"Okay now, that's the self obsessed Philip I know."
"Hey, I didn't say I was turning into a monk or anything. I'll leave that up to you. Or maybe not, now that you're dating the one and only Belle Black. So what happened, she let you off your leash today Shawn, hmmm?" Philip finished off his sandwich and chuckled.
"It's not like that. We have our own lives too. I mean we're teenagers. It's not like we're planning on getting married or anything. We're not like the way you were with..." Shawn's voice dropped off as he realized his mistake.
"Like I was with Chloe. It's all right. You can say it...because you're right. I went overboard and now here I am and she's...she's ...let's just change the subject okay." Philip looked downward, his face solemn.
Shawn finished off his sandwich and tried to bring Philip out of his sudden melancholy mood. "Okay, how about we talk about that spectacular touch down I made last night in practice."
"Shawn, you've been spending too much time around me."
***
"And then Shawn took me to Dot Com and we had mochas. Oh Meems, it's so wonderful dating him. I can't believe I'm saying that word about Shawn: dating. I am just so happy right now, Mimi."
"And I'm so happy for you Belle, you and Shawn; you guys are like the biggest couple now at Salem High." Mimi sat down across from Belle at one of the outside picnic tables in the middle of the Salem High courtyard. She opened up her lunch and started to eat.
Belle started to eat her own lunch and responded to her best friend. "Well, enough about me. Now I want to know what's going on with you. So spill Meems. Any dirt?"
"I heard that Patty Simms and Josh Larsen broke up. Other than that the only dirt I know about is the kind that I get to clean everyday in the locker rooms."
"Oh Meems, I'm sorry. Still Patty and Josh broke up, huh? I always know who to go to when I want some Salem High news."
"I'm not complaining Belle. It could have been worse. Anyways, now I have more time to focus on my schoolwork. Speaking of which, I just had my first big test in my Government class today."
Belle's face showed interest. "We're having ours next week. Oh, I'm dreading it. How do you think you did on it Meems?'
Mimi frowned. "I don't know. I studied, but I'm still worried."
"Okay, change of subject. Let's talk about you and Kevin." Belle was sure Mimi would love talking about this topic.
Mimi nearly choked on her soda. "Let's not."
"Oh my gosh, did something happen with you guys? I thought you both were having a good time with each other. Mimi, tell me what happened."
"Nothing really happened Belle. It just...just didn't work out." Mimi responded to Belle's confused expression. "He thinks we're too different. He's probably right. I mean we had some fun, but...it just didn't work out. But don't worry about Kevin. He already found someone new."
"You're kidding! Who?"
"Who else? Susan."
"Oh Mimi, I am so sorry...I have been spending so much time with Shawn, that I don't even know half of what's going on with my best friend. Don't worry though, we'll find a new guy for you." Belle was determined to find a guy for her friend. She wanted Mimi to be happy and it would be so much fun to go out on double dates together.
Belle's words made Mimi think of Philip and how they had collided in the hallway that morning. Then they had studied together. She thought about seeing him again after he got out of football practice and she finished cleaning the locker rooms.
"Uh Mimi...earth to Mimi..."
Mimi shook herself out of her reverie to see Belle waving her hands at her and trying to get her attention. "Sorry Belle, I was just thinking about something."
"You were like miles away! What were you thinking about? Belle questioned her friend, wondering what was going on with her.
"Nothing. I was just...I was just thinking about how great it would be if I could find a perfect guy, like you did with Shawn." Mimi wondered why she didn't tell Belle the whole truth.
"Shawn's not perfect...but he's pretty close." Belle said in a cheerful voice. "And you know what Mimi? I think that guy will find YOU and when he does, he will be so lucky!"
"Of course...he'll be with me!" The two girls laughed together as Mimi wondered when that guy would come and was he someone she already knew.
The Start of Something More
Chapter 6: Confusion
Philip sat down on a bench in front of Salem High. He looked up at the sky slowly getting darker as the day faded away and night crept in. Leaves scattered the ground in colors of red and orange. Cool breezes brought with them a chill to the air. Philip looked ahead, saw buildings, trees and people. His mind strayed to a place where he saw none of this, where he only saw ocean waters and miles and miles of deserted beach. However, his mind processed limited memories because he remembered so little. Only waking up and struggling to move and survive. Philip wondered why he could not shake the memories especially since he remembered so little. In quiet times like this, the memories crept up on him and at night when he went to sleep in his dreams he remembered more but forgot when he awoke.
Philip thought back to his life at this same time the previous year. He convinced himself that he was happy. He believed it. Now he wondered. He wondered about his life, something he had never done before. He thought about his future. Lately it had become important to him, though he was committed to live in the here and now. He supposed he was maturing, growing, something his father was happy about. But he was no longer doing things because he was supposed to; he was doing things for himself. For the first time school was important to him because he wanted to achieve something. He wanted to be somebody. And now his friends were more important to him than ever before-his true friends. He was probably the most popular guy at school, but at times he felt alone...
Philip was startled from his thoughts by the sound of a door opening and closing. He looked up, but did not see the person he thought he would. Karrie and her boyfriend Lee walked over. They exchanged greetings, talked for a bit and then the couple left...
Once again the door came flying open and this time a frazzled and very wet looking Mimi came out of it. Wet, why was she wet? Philip got up and watched her. She was wearing a windbreaker and jeans and her hair was drenched. He walked over to her and knew from her expression right away that she was in a foul mood. It was little wonder, with the way that she looked. Philip stared at her and voiced the one question running through his mind.
"What the heck happened to you?"
Mimi responded in a deceivingly calm voice. "Nothing. I just decided to take a shower and of course didn't bring a hair dryer with me and now I'm outside with my hair all wet and freezing cold!" She exploded. "WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED PHILIP? I was cleaning the showers and one of the dumb faucets sprayed all over me. It got my one towel all wet too so now I'm..."
Mimi's voice broke off as she shivered in the cool night air.
Philip took off his jacket and handed it to her. Underneath he was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. "Here, wear this. It's heavier and it'll keep you warmer than that will." He gestured to her lightweight jacket. Then Philip reached into his backpack, pulled out a clean towel, and handed that to Mimi also. "Don't worry. It's clean. I keep extra towels in my locker and backpack for after practice. You can dry yourself off."
Mimi handed Philip back his jacket. "I can't take your jacket."
"Why not?" He pushed it back towards her.
"What about you? Won't you be cold?"
"I'm all right...football practice always warms me up. Go on Meems, take it. And you better start drying your hair before you catch pneumonia or something...
Here, I'll do it." Philip made sure that Mimi put on the jacket this time. Then he took the towel from her and took hold of her hand. He led her to the bench where he had been waiting for her earlier. He sat on the bench and gestured for her to sit a little in front of him; taking the towel, he started to dry her hair, making sure each strand was dry enough to his liking before proceeding to the next.
Mimi just sat there silently, not knowing what to say or what to think as Philip with the utmost care continued to dry her hair. She had such an awful afternoon that day. She had finished cleaning the showers only to have a group of snobby bratty girls come in to use them. So Mimi was stuck with cleaning them again, listening to their laughter as she got all wet while cleaning the last shower. She despaired when she noticed her towel also was soaking wet. Worried she'd be late to meet Philip she left the locker rooms to find him sitting outside waiting. She had prepared herself for his taunting, but he had shocked her by seeming concerned. Then he had given her his jacket to wear, a totally selfless act that would not make one think of Philip Kiriakis. But he left her totally dumbfounded when he had taken her hand and sat her down so he could dry her hair. Now she sat there, feeling him gently using the towel on her hair.
Philip felt Mimi tense up a little. "I'm sorry. Am I pulling too hard?"
Mimi shivered a little at the feel of Philip's warm breath, his mouth at her ear. "No, no...it feels...uh...no you're not pulling too hard. I'm fine."
Philip felt her move a little forward when he spoke in her ear. He wondered at her reaction. She seemed almost uncomfortable with him. It had always been easy for him to read her. He guessed because he had known her for so long and never tried too hard to figure her out. She was just Mimi. But now, he felt like she was holding something back, like she was keeping something from him.
Satisfied that the back of her hair was dry, he touched her by the shoulders to turn her around and face him and started to feel a little uncomfortable himself. He could see her face clearly now and marveled at how pretty she was. Pretty? Mimi, pretty? Well of course he had told her she was pretty and meant it, but he had never given it much thought. He had only told her to make her feel better. Now he looked at her and really saw it. He shook himself, and returned to the business at hand, drying her hair. Maybe he should have just let her do it herself...
Mimi tried to relax. She was too rigid. She closed her eyes and finally felt herself start to loosen up, but his unexpected touch on her shoulder made her tense up again. She opened her eyes quickly to feel him turning her around and she was face to face with him. She looked up into his eyes and saw him staring at her for one moment. Before she could even ask what was wrong he started drying her hair again and Mimi just sat there feeling relaxed, warm and...
She tensed up again as she felt him stroking her face with his fingertips, stirring up confusing feelings inside her.
Philip touched Mimi's cheek, feeling how soft it was, but suddenly drew his hand away, wondering at his actions. He had no idea what he was doing anymore. One minute he was drying her hair. The next he was touching her cheek. "I was just moving a hair away from the side of your face. It was wet and sticking to your cheek..." Smooth, Kiriakis.
"Oh. Well I think my hair's all dry now, or as dry as it's going to get so you can put the towel away now or do with it whatever you want. It was nice of you to let me use it and thank you for letting me wear your jacket. You're right, it is warmer than mine. Don't worry, I'll give it back to you. Wow, will you look at that sky. It's already getting darker and..."
Mimi knew she was rambling on and on, but she couldn't help it. She knew Philip must be thinking that she was acting crazy.
Philip felt a smile grow as Mimi continued to nervously ramble on. He could always tell that one thing about her. When she was nervous she went on and on endlessly. Right now he found it endearing. He pulled her up off the bench and stood in front of her. "You can give me back the jacket after we get to your house. Ready?"
"Yeah."
"Let's go, then."
They walked in silence, the leaves crackling under their feet. A couple of times they snuck a glance at each other. Finally, Philip spoke up, breaking the silence.
"So that government test was pretty tough, huh? How do you think you did?" Philip questioned her softly.
Mimi sighed. "I have no idea. You're right; it was tough. Hopefully I studied enough. I think the little impromptu study session earlier this morning helped also. How do you think you did?"
"No idea. I felt I knew most of what was on it. I think you're right; the study session did help though I could have done without being barreled down the hallway." Mimi glared at him and he squeezed her arm lightly. "Just kidding", he said softly.
"I bet Jan didn't do too great. Did you hear her when she said that she thought chapter 2 wasn't going to be on the test? I mean where has she been all this time?" Mimi asked, her voice incredulous.
"Come on Meems. We're talking about Jan here. You know what they say, some people never change."
"You certainly have. I mean it Philip. You've grown up a lot." Mimi responded with emphasis.
Her comment made Philip feel warm inside. "Thanks for noticing. Sometimes I feel like no one really believes it."
"Including Chloe?" Philip stared at her, wide eyed. Mimi hastily tried to make up for her remark. "Philip, I'm sorry. Bigmouth Mimi, huh? Oops, sorry for saying sorry too. I know you don't want me to say that anymore. Hey what about this fantastic fall weather-"
Philip cut her off. Her comment startled him, but he knew he had to stop responding this way every time he heard Chloe's name. "No, it's okay. I can't get upset every time someone mentions her. I mean we live in the same town and go to the same school for crying out loud..." His voice dropped off.
"It's none of my business. Let's just change the subject-"
"No. You're my friend and you asked me a question so I'll answer it." He sighed. "I don't know for sure if she believes I've changed. I think she does, but the truth is we've barely talked...You were right. Let's just change the subject. What's going on with you and Kevin?" Philip wondered what made him ask this question out of the blue. He supposed he was just turning the tables on her, maybe even testing her.
For the second time that day, someone asked Mimi about Kevin. It was her turn to stare back wide-eyed. "Uh..."
"Look, if you don't want to talk about it...though I did answer your question...partly. Now it's your turn."
"You're right. Though there's not much to tell. We went out a couple of times and it just, just didn't work out-"
"Wait a minute. You guys aren't going out anymore?"
"No. Didn't you hear the latest news? He's going out with Susan. You know, they have more in common."
Philip knew that reason or excuse all too well. How many times did people tell him that he and Chloe had nothing in common? Too many times to count. "I didn't know that. I'm not as up on the Salem High gossip as you Mimi." Come to think of it, no one was. "Sorry, it didn't work out." Philip knew all too well how painful breaking up could be. "I guess I just thought it would last, especially after I heard how close the two of you got on the island." Philip responded innocently.
Mimi was baffled. "What did you hear? Tell me Philip!" She stopped dead in her tracks, staring at Philip.
Philip, taken aback by her response, stopped and faced her. "Nothing. Just that you guys got pretty close on the island."
"What do you mean by CLOSE?" Mimi asked Philip suspiciously.
"I don't know, close. That you guys started talking more-"
"AND?"
"And that's it."
"Where did you hear this from?"
"Shawn-"
"JUST Shawn?"
"Yeah. Mimi-" But she cut him off once again. By now he had lost count of how many times.
"Good."
Obviously, there was more to it than he had been told. Just Mimi's red face when he had said about her and Kevin being close clued him onto that. She had certainly peaked his curiosity. Damn, a lot happened on that island!
He moved in a little closer blocking her path and fixed his eyes on her face. With his irresistible smile, he asked her "Tell me Meems, just how close DID you two get on that island?"
Mimi took a shaky step back. She couldn't think straight with him that close. She would be strong. She would not let him get the best of her. "Nothing happened. And even if anything did it would be none of your business!" With that, she pushed him backward with her hands and resumed walking, still trying to catch her breath from being so close to him.
Philip involuntarily took a step back from the force of her push and laughed. He followed her calling out her name "Mimi, I was only teasing!"
Mimi stopped abruptly and faced him. "Look, you told me your story, in part and I told you mine, in part. Now we're even."
"Okay, okay!"
"No more talking about Kevin."
"Fine. As long as we don't talk about Chloe either."
"Sounds good." Mimi thought 'not talking about Kevin' wouldn't be too hard. The truth was they barely knew each other. However, she wondered how long Philip would be able to go without talking about Chloe. Philip wondered also. So many things had been left unresolved...