Chapter 18: Inquiring Minds
Philip threw the ball to his friend (and family) and then caught it as Shawn threw it back to him. They were spending the afternoon, tossing the football back and forth near Salem Place.
"So, think we're ready for the last game of the season, Phil?" Shawn asked his friend with a smile.
"We are smoking Brady! The Panthers are going to rule the field and take out those Knights!" Philip responded enthusiastically, referring to the opposing team.
"I don't know Philip. The Knights have always been our biggest rivals and they've been playing really good this year."
"So have we Shawn. I have no doubt the Panthers will end up on top!" Philip said confidently.
Shawn laughed. "Philip you should be a cheerleader, not a football player!"
"Hey-"
Philip warned.
"Just kidding Phil, though no one has an ego like you." Shawn laughed again.
"All right, all right, enough of your lame humor!" Philip joked. "So tell me, what are you and Miss Black up to tonight?"
"We're going to Tuscany with her parents."
"Ooohh, having dinner with the future in-laws, huh?" Philip grinned.
Shawn deadpanned. "Funny Phil, funny."
"So what you going to wear Shawn? Now remember, at Tuscany people dress up. No flannel shirts."
"Wow Phil, you're just quite the comedian today aren't you?"
"Sorry Bro. I'm just teasing."
"I know. I know. Hey did you-"
Shawn's voice broke off. "Forget it."
"Come on Shawn, what were you going to say?"
"I'm trying to remember, but.didn't you go with Chloe to Tuscany before?"
Philip sighed, then closed his eyes for a second and responded.
"Yeah. Actually, we went with my Dad and Nicole. It was pretty much a disaster. And I'm not talking about the bombs that were being set off that night. Remember, that was the night J.T. went missing."
"Yeah, that's right. And Belle and I were trapped in that elevator. Man, what a night. So it was a bad night for you too?"
"Not the whole night."
Philip remembered carving Chloe's and his initials in a tree at the Riverbanks and then dancing with her to their song.
"Just when we were at Tuscany and my Dad was grilling Chloe, trying to prove that she was all wrong for me."
Philip finished, looking off into the distance, somberly.
Shawn watched his friend, regretting bringing up Chloe. It was obviously still a painful topic for Philip. At least he was moving on. The night at The Point seemed to prove that.
At least they could be in the same place together. They just rarely talked to each other.
"Philip, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything about Chloe." Shawn spoke apologetically.
"No it's okay Shawn. You're probably sick of seeing me get this way about her. Just be patient with me, all right?"
"No problem Phil. Hey, so that was fun at The Point the other night, huh?" Shawn changed the subject.
Philip was relieved that they weren't discussing Chloe anymore. He needed to talk about something else.
"Yeah. You and Belle looked like you had a great time. You guys have a nice WALK?" Philip grinned slyly.
Shawn smirked. Okay, here was the opening he needed.
"Uh, you and Mimi looked like you were enjoying yourself too."
Philip stared at Shawn, taken aback by his comment.
"What are you talking about? We're just friends."
Shawn gave Philip an innocent look.
"Did I say you were anything more?"
"No, but you were insinuating."
"Insinuating what Phil?"
"That.forget it. Look, I like Mimi.as a friend."
"Yeah, she's probably not good enough for you anyway, huh Phil"
Shawn wanted to get Philip to say more.
"I mean Mimi's okay, but as a girlfriend-"
Tensed up by Shawn's words, Philip spoke angrily.
"Shut up Brady. Don't talk about her like that. Mimi's changed a lot this year and any guy that gets to be with her would be so-"
He broke off suddenly as he noticed the smirk on Shawn's face.
"You loser, you said all that just to get a rise out of me."
Shawn smiled. "Ah, come on Philip, I just wanted to see how you'd react. I've always thought Mimi's great, even though she can be a little different at times. Look if you guys-"
Philip groaned with exasperation.
"How do I get this through your thick skull, we're just friends, good friends. That's it."
So why had Shawn's words made him so defensive?
****
"Belle, that dress is going to look perfect on you tonight! You must be so excited, going to Tuscany with your boyfriend, a nice romantic night out, dancing.ah."
Mimi walked with Belle to a table at Java Café, both of them carrying a mocha.
"My parents will be there.but, you're right Meems, I am excited. And thanks for helping me pick out my dress. I hope Shawn likes it."
Belle sat down across from her friend.
Mimi responded enthusiastically. "Of course he will. He's crazy about you!"
"Thanks Mimi. And I'm crazy about him. Being with Shawn is just so wonderful. I never realized I could be so happy. And I'm sure we can find some way to be alone together tonight." Belle giggled.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will."
Mimi's voice got a little wistful. "You're so lucky Belle, having someone like Shawn."
Belle heard the little bit of sadness in her friend's voice. Oh, she wished she could help Mimi find someone. In addition, there was the fact that Mimi always liked Shawn. She probably would have pursued him if Belle hadn't always liked him also. Mimi was a true friend, but Belle wondered.
"Mimi, does it bother you when I talk about Shawn? Are you okay with that?"
"Belle, I'm happy for you and Shawn. You guys have always been two of my best friends and I'm glad that you two are together."
Mimi hoped Belle didn't think she would ever interfere with their relationship.
"I would never do anything to hurt you guys."
"Oh Meems, that's not what I meant. You're my best friend and I just don't want you to feel hurt or uncomfortable. I mean if you still like him, that way."
"Belle, I know now there's no way Shawn and I could have gotten together. You two are meant for each other. And it doesn't hurt me to talk about him. I know it was just a crush and I'm just glad that we're all friends." Mimi smiled.
"Oh good, Mimi. So, is there a possibility that you and Kevin could get back together?"
"No Belle. We're just friends. On the island it felt like we might get together and we came so close to.well you know.but I'm glad we didn't. There was just something not right, you know?"
"You just haven't found the right guy yet Mimi."
"Yeah, I guess. But I have so many other things on my mind this year. I'm doing everything to keep my grades up and when I'm not doing that, I'm cleaning out the locker rooms. And now."
Mimi dropped off a little uncertainly.
"Now what, Mimi?" Belle questioned her friend, curious.
"I'm going to start working at this shelter in my free time. It's for people who are homeless and just.need a helping hand. Since I've been homeless before and have never had much money, I thought I could help someone else."
"Mimi, that is so wonderful! You have changed so much this year Meems. I'm so proud to be your friend. Of course, I've always known how wonderful you are. Now it's just so nice to see you sharing it with others." Belle was beaming.
"Thanks Belle. But you're going to make me get a swelled head or something. I just wanted to make some changes in my life this year." Mimi responded candidly.
"And it's getting noticed."
Okay, how should she bring this up?
"Mimi, that night when we were at The Point, Shawn and I came back from our walk and noticed you and Philip dancing. You guys looked really happy together. In fact, that's the happiest I've seen Philip since.well since Chloe."
"Yeah right Belle. Like Philip could ever forget Chloe." Mimi responded sarcastically.
"No Meems, I mean it. And on Halloween he was so worried about you. You should have seen his face when you hit your head. And I've noticed things about you too, the way you held onto him when he helped you sit up on Halloween and the way you guys were teasing each other in Brady's car.Don't be angry at me for asking, but Meems is there something going on between you two?" Belle asked her friend tentatively.
"Yes there is something going on Belle. Friendship. We're just friends, nothing more. I guess we've spent some more time together this year, but that's it. He's just a friend."
Mimi thought to herself, as if Philip Kiriakis would ever think anything more about me anyway?
Belle just smiled inwardly at her friend's response, knowing all too much that answer.
It was so similar to the one she used to give when asked about Shawn.
****
Mimi and Belle walked through Salem Place, coming to the grassy area where Shawn and Philip were now playing a little one on one. They watched as Philip ran with the ball, Shawn in hot pursuit.
Belle called out,
"Hey you guys, don't you ever stop practicing?"
They stopped dead in their tracks.
Then Philip grinned as Shawn ran over to his girlfriend, grabbing her, spinning her around and giving her a big kiss.
Philip interrupted them.
"Get a room you guys!"
"Shut up!"
Both Belle and Shawn yelled out good-naturedly and then returned to their very important business at hand.
Philip chuckled and smiled at Mimi.
"Hey Meems, how's it going?"
Mimi smiled back.
"Good, but I don't think either of us are having as GOOD a day as these two."
Philip laughed.
Shawn and Belle finally broke away from their kiss and stood there happily, Shawn saying hi to Mimi and Belle saying hi to Philip.
Nodding his head, Philip tossed the ball back and forth in his hands.
"You guys and your football. That's all you do." Belle complained.
"Well all you girls do is go shopping." Shawn replied with a smirk.
"That is not true, Shawn Douglas Brady! We do many other things." Belle replied confidently.
"Okay, prove it. Philly and I challenge you and Meems to a little game." Shawn smiled evilly.
"You've got to be kidding Shawn!" Philip replied, laughing.
"What's wrong? You scared Phil?" Mimi mocked Philip.
Philip just laughed and said, "Fine, let's play!"
Belle had the ball first. She ran down the field with it, but was quickly tackled by her boyfriend. Then when Mimi had the ball, Philip easily caught up with her. Okay the girls thought, there's got to be a way they could win this. Then they came up with an idea. They could outwit them. It was time to start playing dirty.
Belle got the ball and when Shawn tried to tackle her, she tickled him. He yelled out in protest, but by that time she pretty much got down the field. When Philip tried to stop her, Mimi jumped on his back and made him fall.
Philip lay on the ground watching as Mimi ran over to Belle. He wasn't sure if he should start laughing or shake his head in frustration. He looked over at Shawn who seemed to have the same feelings.
"Yes, girls rule, boys drool!" Belle and Mimi were yelling together and dancing around. Belle was doing a victory dance, calling out "touchdown!"
Next was Mimi's turn. She ran down the field until Philip caught up with her and grabbed her. She fell and he fell with her. Then she lay still on the ground.
"Oh no, Mimi are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't mean to tackle you that hard!"
Philip bent over Mimi, peering into her face, his hands on her shoulders. All of the sudden Mimi opened her eyes, got up, and pushed him out of the way. Then she ran down the field with the ball, a bewildered Philip watching her. Belle caught up to Shawn who was trying to catch up to Mimi, grabbed him, and kissed him, distracting him. Mimi had no problem after all that making her touchdown. Belle and Mimi performed another little victory dance, Mimi throwing the ball down on the ground, doing a perfect imitation of Philip after he made a touchdown.
"YOU CHEATERS!" Shawn and Philip called out.
"That's not how you play!" That was Shawn.
"You're breaking every rule in the book!" That was Philip.
Next Shawn ran down the field with the ball. Belle and Mimi kept trying to knock him down together, making Philip laugh hysterically at the sight of them pulling and tugging at him. When Philip ran, one of them stuck their foot out making Philip fall smack down on the ground on his stomach. Then Mimi jumped on him and Belle followed suit. Shawn ran over and scooped up his girlfriend in his arms, making her giggle. After that, Philip managed to get up, giving Mimi a menacing look.
"OH-OH!"
She shrieked and ran off. He easily caught up to her and grabbed her around her waist spinning her around as she continued to shriek with delight. They were both laughing so hard.
Shawn and Belle gave each other a knowing look.
Mimi turned around in Philip's grasp and her laughter died as she looked up into his laughing eyes. His eyes lost a little of their amusement too as he looked down at her.
Then he abruptly moved his hands away from her waist. Mimi sighed.
"Well that was a very interesting game. But who won?" Shawn asked his friends.
"We did!" The girls shrieked together, arm in arm, now that Belle and Mimi were once again down on the ground.
"You weren't even playing fair!" The guys called out.
Mimi and Belle argued their case again. Finally, they all decided to just call it a tie. Then Belle said she had to go home and Shawn said he would walk her, leaving Mimi and Philip alone.
Mimi looked over at Philip shyly as he tossed his football from hand to hand.
"Well, I have to go too. See ya Phil."
Mimi turned and started to leave.
"Where? Where are you going?"
Philip asked, causing her to turn back around and face him.
She looked at him as he now held his ball steady in one hand, watching her with interest.
"I got this sort of job at this homeless shelter and I'm starting it today."
Philip smiled softly. "Sounds interesting. What made you decide to do that?"
"Well, after being homeless myself I kind of know what it feels like. I thought it might be nice to help some people if I could. I mean a lot of people helped my family. I thought it would be nice to return the favor."
"Yeah, you would know better about it than a lot of other people. I mean you've went through it, being homeless. So are you getting paid?"
"No, it's volunteer work. But I can come and go as I please, make my own hours so it won't interfere with school, including my cleaning duties."
"Well, how about some company walking over to the shelter?" Philip asked Mimi with a smile.
"Okay, if you want to. I just thought you might have other things to do."
"I want to. Come on."
Philip gestured to Mimi and they started to head out of the park.
Mimi and Philip walked down the sidewalk, littered with dry leaves. The trees were looking more and barer as winter was getting ready to come and fall was slowly fading away.
They walked in companionable silence until Mimi spoke up.
"So are you ready for the last game of the season?"
"Yeah. Though I'm kind of .I'm going to miss it, playing football."
"Well, you could always play in college."
"Yeah, but it won't be the same. Besides, it's a lot more competitive in college. I might not even be able to play."
"I'm sure you'll have no problem making a team Phil." Mimi said dryly.
"I guess I'll just have to wait and see. For now I'm just going to enjoy playing my last game with such a winning team. And I'll look forward to the victory celebration afterwards." Philip spoke, full of confidence.
"Not a single doubt in your mind, huh Phil, that you guys just might not win?"
"Nope, not a single one." Philip answered smugly.
Mimi laughed and Philip laughed too.
"What an ego!" Mimi joked with Philip.
He just smirked and then they both grew silent again.
Philip was thinking of how he enjoyed dancing with her at The Point. It was funny. He barely remembered her dancing at any of the school dances. And truthfully, he barely paid attention to her at any of them. But that night at The Point.
Mimi was thinking of when Philip reached for her hand at The Point and started to slowly dance with her. At the school dances she barely ever had any fun. She usually was alone or in the case of last spring, spending an awful amount of time with Jan. But dancing in Philip's arms at The Point, his soft singing, the way he held her.
Both still insisted they were just friends.
So to anyone it would seem very curious.
The fact that they both were in each other's thoughts.
More and more.
Chapter 19 Desperation
Note: This chapter has some violence. I want to make sure people understand that before they read this chapter. I hope it doesn't offend anyone and I appologize if it does. I honestly don't care much for violence myself unless it serves a purpose and I strive to do that with my stories, to bring emotional value to them.
"Okay, that's all we need to know about the process of a bill becoming a law. I think we're ready."
Mimi closed her book and started to put her papers away.
"Come on Lockhart. You THINK we're ready?"
Philip looked disapprovingly at Mimi as he started to put his own things away. They were sitting on a bench outside the front doors of Salem High. They had met that morning before school to have an intense study session before another one of their now infamous Government tests.
"Okay, I KNOW we're ready." Mimi said decidedly. "Boy Phil, if I had half that ego of yours."
"Hey , don't knock it. This EGO of mine has helped both of us this year with Gov. Class."
"Yep, I've got to admit that it has. Well we have about ten minutes before class. What should we do?"
"Let's talk about something that has nothing to do with our Gov. Test. Let's see.How was the shelter?"
Mimi smiled. "Good. I really like helping out there. They had me doing all kinds of things. I did some cleaning, some meal preparations, just a little bit of everything.and there was Leroy."
Philip looked at her questioningly.
"Leroy?"
"Oh, he's this guy that works there, but I think he used to be homeless. He's just really nice, funny and cool."
"So is he around our age or what?"
Philip was wondering, who was this guy?
Mimi laughed. "No Phil, he's a lot older. He just showed me the ropes and helped me out a lot. Everybody likes him at the shelter."
"Sounds like you enjoy working there." Philip smiled.
"Yeah I do. I'm not going to be able to spend too much time there, but at least I can help some. It makes me feel important."
"And I bet they're happy to have you there. Wow, you're really keeping busy this year." Philip gave Mimi an amazed expression.
Mimi just smiled a little shyly, and then looked at her watch.
"Only a couple of more minutes. We better go and face this test."
Philip clapped his hands together.
"All right, and how are we going to do Lockhart?"
"Good?"
Mimi looked at him uncertainly and then shook her head as she saw his chastising look.
"Great?"
Mimi questioned to be met with his unsatisfied look.
"Super?"
Mimi asked and finally saw a look of approval on his face. Then he held out his hand for her.
"Okay Lockhart, let's shake on it."
"Yes, lets Kiriakis."
Mimi felt him take his hand in hers and give it a firm shake. Then they headed for the doors, ready to face their test together.
****
Philip looked up with a ready smile on his face as the doors opened. He turned around, the sky getting darker behind him.
"Hey M-"
His voice broke off as he looked up at the unexpected person in disbelief.
"Chloe?"
Chloe walked over towards him quietly, a little apprehensively.
"Hi Philip. How are you?"
Philip stood up, still looking at her in shock, answering her distractedly. What was she doing there?
"I'm fine. How-"
His voice broke off.
"What are you doing here now? It's late."
"Choir practice ran late tonight. I'm going to meet Brady, but he might not be able to come right away. He's working. So I thought I'd head over to Dot Com or something. But he really doesn't want me to walk there alone. I told him I can take care of myself, but, well you know you guys can be so overprotective."
"I have to agree with Brady. You shouldn't be walking around by yourself. I know you like being on your own and everything, but it can be dangerous, walking alone at night." Philip told her a little sternly.
"I've been alone a lot of my life Philip. I don't need somebody watching over me." Chloe faced Philip defiantly.
Philip laughed cryptically.
"Still claiming your independence, huh Chloe? Some things never change. I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe Brady just cares about you. Is that so bad?"
Chloe smiled sentimentally at that. "I know he cares for me. I guess I'm still getting used to depending on someone. But he's so wonderful too and we have such a great time together. It was like we were meant to meet-"
Chloe's voice broke off as she realized what she was doing, who she was talking to. Why was she telling Philip all this? What was she thinking?
"Philip, I'm sorry."
Philip looked down, closing his eyes tightly. Wow, that was the most she ever opened up to him. Of course it had to be about Brady, and after they were no longer together. He opened his eyes, sighing. It was over between them. He felt it more and more each day.
"It's okay Chloe."
Chloe sighed. "I better just go."
She started to walk off, but Philip reached for her arm and spoke up.
With his hand on her arm, he slowly turned her around, then let go.
"No Chloe, Brady's right. You should just wait here for him. Why don't you just wait with me?"
"Wait with you?"
She looked at him curiously. "You started to say something when I came out Philip, almost like you were expecting someone else. Were you waiting for someone?"
"Yeah."
Philip offered no more.
"Do you mind me asking who?" Chloe asked with interest.
"Uh, Mimi. We walk home together sometimes."
"Oh."
The sound of the doors opening and closing behind them stopped Philip from responding.
****
Mimi was on her knees, with a wet rag cleaning out one of the last showers, feeling tired and irritable.
"OH NO, MY NEW BLOUSE! IT'S ALL WET!"
Mimi felt a horrible headache coming on. What was her problem now?
Unfortunately, she ended up having to spend the ENTIRE afternoon with Jan cleaning out the looker rooms. Jan usually left early, but because of a class, she ended up having to start late today. So now she was staying late. Mimi could care less about the reason. She just wished this horrible day would end. The only good thing about it had been actually 'studying' with Philip. Something about him just made her smile lately and feel good inside.
"IT'S RUINED!"
Jan let out another shriek.
Mimi sighed, frustrated.
"Jan, just finish cleaning so we can get out of here!!"
Mimi finally finished cleaning the shower. She dumped out the bucket of dirty water, then turned on the faucet and rinsed out the shower. After that, she walked over to where Jan was cleaning out one of the last sinks.
"Just look at my blouse. Why am I telling you? Like you know anything about designer clothes." Jan responded with an evil smirk, her eyes taking in what Mimi was wearing with distaste.
"That's it Jan! I'm done! You can finish the rest of this on your own!"
Mimi grabbed her backpack and started putting on her coat.
But we're not done-"
Jan started to protest.
"No, YOU'RE not done because you spent most of the time complaining. So you can finish on your own. I did my part! Good night."
And with that, Mimi walked out the doors of the locker rooms leaving a stunned Jan.
She walked outside, more than ready to meet Philip, to find him sitting there with.
****
Philip turned to see a tired and not very happy looking Mimi come out the front doors. She was wearing a beige coat over a chestnut colored sweater and her fall-patterned skirt.
Mimi stopped abruptly, noticing Chloe.
Chloe looked at Philip and watched as he went over towards Mimi.
"Hi. You all right? You look a little frazzled." Philip looked at Mimi questioningly.
Mimi looked at him wearing dark blue jeans and a black sweater under his brown suede leather coat. Then she looked at Chloe.
"I'm fine."
She responded quietly. This night just kept getting worse and worse.
Philip felt a little skeptical about her answer, but said nothing about it.
"Uh, Chloe was-"
Mimi stopped him. "Look Philip, can we talk for a minute?"
Chloe looked over at them, wonderingly.
"Yeah." Philip looked over at Chloe and then back at Mimi, wondering what was going on with her.
Chloe spoke up.
"Why don't you two talk? I'll just sit here on the bench."
She gestured to a bench a little ways from where she was standing.
Philip nodded his head in affirmation, and then directed his attention back towards Mimi.
She didn't know what to say. She just knew she wanted to get out of there as soon as she could.
"I just wanted to tell you that I don't need you to walk me home tonight."
"What?" Philip looked at her with confusion.
"See, Jan had to work late tonight too on the locker rooms and I'm getting a ride with her and her mother."
"Listen it's no problem, I mean-"
She cut him off.
"I already decided Phil and I have to go because her mom is waiting for me so I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
Mimi hurriedly went back in the front doors of the school, acting as if she was meeting Jan.
Philip looked at Chloe a pensive expression on his face.
"Chloe, I'll be right back, okay?"
She nodded and he headed through the front doors, catching up to Mimi. He grabbed her arm to slow her down and get her to face him.
"What's going on? I thought we had a deal. I can-"
She cut him off again.
"I told you, I'm fine. Now I have to hurry. Jan's mother has a temper and I might make her angry if I'm late."
Philip held onto her arm.
"Mimi are you sure? You're not walking alone are you? Meems, it's not safe for-"
She cut him off one more time.
"Really Phil, it's all right. Now I have to go meet Jan."
Still feeling like there was something not right, but not sure what to say anymore, he tentatively let go of her arm.
She rushed down the hallway.
Philip watched her for a minute with a hesitant expression, and then went back outside to Chloe.
****
Mimi was walking on the sidewalk trying to decide which way she should take to get home. She could take the paved way or the shortcut through the woods. She looked up at the darkening sky. The paved way was more lit up, but if she went by the woods she probably would get home a lot faster. Maybe even before it got completely dark. Besides, she was tired. She started walking through the woods.
****
Philip had gone back to Chloe. When she asked him if everything was all right, he answered her distractedly, that everything was fine. They talked a little about trivial things until they saw Brady coming. Chloe went over to him and hugged him. Philip distractedly watched them in the background, his mind still troubled.
****
Mimi looked up a little apprehensively at the trees that were towering over her in the dark, only partially visible because of the fog. Yes, it was another foggy night, typical of Salem. She sighed and tiredly continued along her way.
****
Brady and Chloe finished hugging and went over to Philip.
"Hi Uncle Phil." Brady smiled politely.
"Hi Brady. I was just keeping Chloe company." Philip said with a partial smile.
"Glad you were, Philip. For some reason Chloe thinks she can go walking around Salem in the middle of the night."
Brady gave Chloe a slightly disapproving look.
Chloe smirked in response.
Philip watched them. They had a very different relationship than he ever had with Chloe.
"So I just saw two of our least favorite people: Jan and Jason in the-"
Philip cut Brady off.
"What?"
****
Mimi stumbled on a branch, just barely maintaining her balance.
A rustling sound came from somewhere.
Somewhere in the dark misty wood.
She turned around.
Seeing nothing.
She continued on.
****
"You saw Jan and Jason? Where?"
Philip looked at Brady in disbelief.
"In the parking lot just now-"
Philip cut him off again. He was getting a very bad feeling.
"Was anybody else with them? TELL ME BRADY! WERE THEY ALONE?"
The bad feeling was slowly turning into a sickening sensation in his stomach.
Something just wasn't right.
Brady looked at Philip in shock. What was wrong with him? He could see Chloe was wondering too. Something told him though that he had just better answer his question.
"Yeah, they were alone.
DAMNIT!
She lied to him.
****
Mimi walked through the woods, wondering what Chloe had been doing with Philip. What did it matter? It wasn't like Philip would ever get over her anyway.
She kept going, not hearing the crackling of leaves.
The sound gradually getting louder.
Closer.
****
Oh no,
What the heck was she thinking?
She walked alone?
Philip's mind filled with fear.
"Philip-"
Brady and Chloe started, but Philip cut them off with a wave of his hand.
"I got to go you guys!
Philip ran off, not giving them any time to ask him where he was going.
He ended up on the sidewalk, near the entrance of the forest. Okay, she could have gone the paved way or through the woods.
Think, think, which way did she go??!!
She seemed tired and in a bad mood.
The woods. She must have gone by the woods.
Philip started to run rapidly through the trees.
****
Mimi walked morosely through the forest, the trees letting in little light, the darkness growing around her.
She started to look around a little fearfully.
It was so dark and eerie feeling here...
Surrounded by all the trees.
The fog hanging around like a thick ominous blanket.
She heard another sound and looked around, nervously.
Seeing nothing.
Then she shook her head at her overactive imagination and at how she was acting so panicked just because of the fog and darkness.
It was no big deal.
She'd be out of it soon and before she'd know it, she'd be home.
So stop getting all paranoid Mimi.
She shook her head and smiled feeling better.
Not hearing the heavy footsteps behind her until.
The leaves snapping underneath the hard coarse soles.
The object being taken out of a deep pocket.
Until.
Her heart froze, every nerve alarmed as.
Strong unyielding arms moved around her upper body.
She got ready to let out a scream.
Until a shining object was thrust at her throat.
****
"What the heck was wrong with him?"
Brady looked at Chloe questioningly.
"I have no idea. But I think it might have had to do with Mimi."
****
Philip surged through the woods, that sickening feeling propelling him on.
Something, something was going to happen.
He could just feel it.
Let her be all right!
Please let her be all right, he thought in desperation.
****
Mimi gasped as she felt the knife against her throat, the unyielding arms holding her in their grasp.
Then something happened that made her whole body tremble violently.
"Remember SWEETIE, I told you we'd see each other AGAIN."
Fear lancing through her heart, like a dull knife.
Oh no, please no.
She felt herself pushed to the ground and she landed on her back.
She stared in horror, looking straight up into the eyes of
THE STRANGER.
Philip threw the ball to his friend (and family) and then caught it as Shawn threw it back to him. They were spending the afternoon, tossing the football back and forth near Salem Place.
"So, think we're ready for the last game of the season, Phil?" Shawn asked his friend with a smile.
"We are smoking Brady! The Panthers are going to rule the field and take out those Knights!" Philip responded enthusiastically, referring to the opposing team.
"I don't know Philip. The Knights have always been our biggest rivals and they've been playing really good this year."
"So have we Shawn. I have no doubt the Panthers will end up on top!" Philip said confidently.
Shawn laughed. "Philip you should be a cheerleader, not a football player!"
"Hey-"
Philip warned.
"Just kidding Phil, though no one has an ego like you." Shawn laughed again.
"All right, all right, enough of your lame humor!" Philip joked. "So tell me, what are you and Miss Black up to tonight?"
"We're going to Tuscany with her parents."
"Ooohh, having dinner with the future in-laws, huh?" Philip grinned.
Shawn deadpanned. "Funny Phil, funny."
"So what you going to wear Shawn? Now remember, at Tuscany people dress up. No flannel shirts."
"Wow Phil, you're just quite the comedian today aren't you?"
"Sorry Bro. I'm just teasing."
"I know. I know. Hey did you-"
Shawn's voice broke off. "Forget it."
"Come on Shawn, what were you going to say?"
"I'm trying to remember, but.didn't you go with Chloe to Tuscany before?"
Philip sighed, then closed his eyes for a second and responded.
"Yeah. Actually, we went with my Dad and Nicole. It was pretty much a disaster. And I'm not talking about the bombs that were being set off that night. Remember, that was the night J.T. went missing."
"Yeah, that's right. And Belle and I were trapped in that elevator. Man, what a night. So it was a bad night for you too?"
"Not the whole night."
Philip remembered carving Chloe's and his initials in a tree at the Riverbanks and then dancing with her to their song.
"Just when we were at Tuscany and my Dad was grilling Chloe, trying to prove that she was all wrong for me."
Philip finished, looking off into the distance, somberly.
Shawn watched his friend, regretting bringing up Chloe. It was obviously still a painful topic for Philip. At least he was moving on. The night at The Point seemed to prove that.
At least they could be in the same place together. They just rarely talked to each other.
"Philip, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything about Chloe." Shawn spoke apologetically.
"No it's okay Shawn. You're probably sick of seeing me get this way about her. Just be patient with me, all right?"
"No problem Phil. Hey, so that was fun at The Point the other night, huh?" Shawn changed the subject.
Philip was relieved that they weren't discussing Chloe anymore. He needed to talk about something else.
"Yeah. You and Belle looked like you had a great time. You guys have a nice WALK?" Philip grinned slyly.
Shawn smirked. Okay, here was the opening he needed.
"Uh, you and Mimi looked like you were enjoying yourself too."
Philip stared at Shawn, taken aback by his comment.
"What are you talking about? We're just friends."
Shawn gave Philip an innocent look.
"Did I say you were anything more?"
"No, but you were insinuating."
"Insinuating what Phil?"
"That.forget it. Look, I like Mimi.as a friend."
"Yeah, she's probably not good enough for you anyway, huh Phil"
Shawn wanted to get Philip to say more.
"I mean Mimi's okay, but as a girlfriend-"
Tensed up by Shawn's words, Philip spoke angrily.
"Shut up Brady. Don't talk about her like that. Mimi's changed a lot this year and any guy that gets to be with her would be so-"
He broke off suddenly as he noticed the smirk on Shawn's face.
"You loser, you said all that just to get a rise out of me."
Shawn smiled. "Ah, come on Philip, I just wanted to see how you'd react. I've always thought Mimi's great, even though she can be a little different at times. Look if you guys-"
Philip groaned with exasperation.
"How do I get this through your thick skull, we're just friends, good friends. That's it."
So why had Shawn's words made him so defensive?
****
"Belle, that dress is going to look perfect on you tonight! You must be so excited, going to Tuscany with your boyfriend, a nice romantic night out, dancing.ah."
Mimi walked with Belle to a table at Java Café, both of them carrying a mocha.
"My parents will be there.but, you're right Meems, I am excited. And thanks for helping me pick out my dress. I hope Shawn likes it."
Belle sat down across from her friend.
Mimi responded enthusiastically. "Of course he will. He's crazy about you!"
"Thanks Mimi. And I'm crazy about him. Being with Shawn is just so wonderful. I never realized I could be so happy. And I'm sure we can find some way to be alone together tonight." Belle giggled.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will."
Mimi's voice got a little wistful. "You're so lucky Belle, having someone like Shawn."
Belle heard the little bit of sadness in her friend's voice. Oh, she wished she could help Mimi find someone. In addition, there was the fact that Mimi always liked Shawn. She probably would have pursued him if Belle hadn't always liked him also. Mimi was a true friend, but Belle wondered.
"Mimi, does it bother you when I talk about Shawn? Are you okay with that?"
"Belle, I'm happy for you and Shawn. You guys have always been two of my best friends and I'm glad that you two are together."
Mimi hoped Belle didn't think she would ever interfere with their relationship.
"I would never do anything to hurt you guys."
"Oh Meems, that's not what I meant. You're my best friend and I just don't want you to feel hurt or uncomfortable. I mean if you still like him, that way."
"Belle, I know now there's no way Shawn and I could have gotten together. You two are meant for each other. And it doesn't hurt me to talk about him. I know it was just a crush and I'm just glad that we're all friends." Mimi smiled.
"Oh good, Mimi. So, is there a possibility that you and Kevin could get back together?"
"No Belle. We're just friends. On the island it felt like we might get together and we came so close to.well you know.but I'm glad we didn't. There was just something not right, you know?"
"You just haven't found the right guy yet Mimi."
"Yeah, I guess. But I have so many other things on my mind this year. I'm doing everything to keep my grades up and when I'm not doing that, I'm cleaning out the locker rooms. And now."
Mimi dropped off a little uncertainly.
"Now what, Mimi?" Belle questioned her friend, curious.
"I'm going to start working at this shelter in my free time. It's for people who are homeless and just.need a helping hand. Since I've been homeless before and have never had much money, I thought I could help someone else."
"Mimi, that is so wonderful! You have changed so much this year Meems. I'm so proud to be your friend. Of course, I've always known how wonderful you are. Now it's just so nice to see you sharing it with others." Belle was beaming.
"Thanks Belle. But you're going to make me get a swelled head or something. I just wanted to make some changes in my life this year." Mimi responded candidly.
"And it's getting noticed."
Okay, how should she bring this up?
"Mimi, that night when we were at The Point, Shawn and I came back from our walk and noticed you and Philip dancing. You guys looked really happy together. In fact, that's the happiest I've seen Philip since.well since Chloe."
"Yeah right Belle. Like Philip could ever forget Chloe." Mimi responded sarcastically.
"No Meems, I mean it. And on Halloween he was so worried about you. You should have seen his face when you hit your head. And I've noticed things about you too, the way you held onto him when he helped you sit up on Halloween and the way you guys were teasing each other in Brady's car.Don't be angry at me for asking, but Meems is there something going on between you two?" Belle asked her friend tentatively.
"Yes there is something going on Belle. Friendship. We're just friends, nothing more. I guess we've spent some more time together this year, but that's it. He's just a friend."
Mimi thought to herself, as if Philip Kiriakis would ever think anything more about me anyway?
Belle just smiled inwardly at her friend's response, knowing all too much that answer.
It was so similar to the one she used to give when asked about Shawn.
****
Mimi and Belle walked through Salem Place, coming to the grassy area where Shawn and Philip were now playing a little one on one. They watched as Philip ran with the ball, Shawn in hot pursuit.
Belle called out,
"Hey you guys, don't you ever stop practicing?"
They stopped dead in their tracks.
Then Philip grinned as Shawn ran over to his girlfriend, grabbing her, spinning her around and giving her a big kiss.
Philip interrupted them.
"Get a room you guys!"
"Shut up!"
Both Belle and Shawn yelled out good-naturedly and then returned to their very important business at hand.
Philip chuckled and smiled at Mimi.
"Hey Meems, how's it going?"
Mimi smiled back.
"Good, but I don't think either of us are having as GOOD a day as these two."
Philip laughed.
Shawn and Belle finally broke away from their kiss and stood there happily, Shawn saying hi to Mimi and Belle saying hi to Philip.
Nodding his head, Philip tossed the ball back and forth in his hands.
"You guys and your football. That's all you do." Belle complained.
"Well all you girls do is go shopping." Shawn replied with a smirk.
"That is not true, Shawn Douglas Brady! We do many other things." Belle replied confidently.
"Okay, prove it. Philly and I challenge you and Meems to a little game." Shawn smiled evilly.
"You've got to be kidding Shawn!" Philip replied, laughing.
"What's wrong? You scared Phil?" Mimi mocked Philip.
Philip just laughed and said, "Fine, let's play!"
Belle had the ball first. She ran down the field with it, but was quickly tackled by her boyfriend. Then when Mimi had the ball, Philip easily caught up with her. Okay the girls thought, there's got to be a way they could win this. Then they came up with an idea. They could outwit them. It was time to start playing dirty.
Belle got the ball and when Shawn tried to tackle her, she tickled him. He yelled out in protest, but by that time she pretty much got down the field. When Philip tried to stop her, Mimi jumped on his back and made him fall.
Philip lay on the ground watching as Mimi ran over to Belle. He wasn't sure if he should start laughing or shake his head in frustration. He looked over at Shawn who seemed to have the same feelings.
"Yes, girls rule, boys drool!" Belle and Mimi were yelling together and dancing around. Belle was doing a victory dance, calling out "touchdown!"
Next was Mimi's turn. She ran down the field until Philip caught up with her and grabbed her. She fell and he fell with her. Then she lay still on the ground.
"Oh no, Mimi are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't mean to tackle you that hard!"
Philip bent over Mimi, peering into her face, his hands on her shoulders. All of the sudden Mimi opened her eyes, got up, and pushed him out of the way. Then she ran down the field with the ball, a bewildered Philip watching her. Belle caught up to Shawn who was trying to catch up to Mimi, grabbed him, and kissed him, distracting him. Mimi had no problem after all that making her touchdown. Belle and Mimi performed another little victory dance, Mimi throwing the ball down on the ground, doing a perfect imitation of Philip after he made a touchdown.
"YOU CHEATERS!" Shawn and Philip called out.
"That's not how you play!" That was Shawn.
"You're breaking every rule in the book!" That was Philip.
Next Shawn ran down the field with the ball. Belle and Mimi kept trying to knock him down together, making Philip laugh hysterically at the sight of them pulling and tugging at him. When Philip ran, one of them stuck their foot out making Philip fall smack down on the ground on his stomach. Then Mimi jumped on him and Belle followed suit. Shawn ran over and scooped up his girlfriend in his arms, making her giggle. After that, Philip managed to get up, giving Mimi a menacing look.
"OH-OH!"
She shrieked and ran off. He easily caught up to her and grabbed her around her waist spinning her around as she continued to shriek with delight. They were both laughing so hard.
Shawn and Belle gave each other a knowing look.
Mimi turned around in Philip's grasp and her laughter died as she looked up into his laughing eyes. His eyes lost a little of their amusement too as he looked down at her.
Then he abruptly moved his hands away from her waist. Mimi sighed.
"Well that was a very interesting game. But who won?" Shawn asked his friends.
"We did!" The girls shrieked together, arm in arm, now that Belle and Mimi were once again down on the ground.
"You weren't even playing fair!" The guys called out.
Mimi and Belle argued their case again. Finally, they all decided to just call it a tie. Then Belle said she had to go home and Shawn said he would walk her, leaving Mimi and Philip alone.
Mimi looked over at Philip shyly as he tossed his football from hand to hand.
"Well, I have to go too. See ya Phil."
Mimi turned and started to leave.
"Where? Where are you going?"
Philip asked, causing her to turn back around and face him.
She looked at him as he now held his ball steady in one hand, watching her with interest.
"I got this sort of job at this homeless shelter and I'm starting it today."
Philip smiled softly. "Sounds interesting. What made you decide to do that?"
"Well, after being homeless myself I kind of know what it feels like. I thought it might be nice to help some people if I could. I mean a lot of people helped my family. I thought it would be nice to return the favor."
"Yeah, you would know better about it than a lot of other people. I mean you've went through it, being homeless. So are you getting paid?"
"No, it's volunteer work. But I can come and go as I please, make my own hours so it won't interfere with school, including my cleaning duties."
"Well, how about some company walking over to the shelter?" Philip asked Mimi with a smile.
"Okay, if you want to. I just thought you might have other things to do."
"I want to. Come on."
Philip gestured to Mimi and they started to head out of the park.
Mimi and Philip walked down the sidewalk, littered with dry leaves. The trees were looking more and barer as winter was getting ready to come and fall was slowly fading away.
They walked in companionable silence until Mimi spoke up.
"So are you ready for the last game of the season?"
"Yeah. Though I'm kind of .I'm going to miss it, playing football."
"Well, you could always play in college."
"Yeah, but it won't be the same. Besides, it's a lot more competitive in college. I might not even be able to play."
"I'm sure you'll have no problem making a team Phil." Mimi said dryly.
"I guess I'll just have to wait and see. For now I'm just going to enjoy playing my last game with such a winning team. And I'll look forward to the victory celebration afterwards." Philip spoke, full of confidence.
"Not a single doubt in your mind, huh Phil, that you guys just might not win?"
"Nope, not a single one." Philip answered smugly.
Mimi laughed and Philip laughed too.
"What an ego!" Mimi joked with Philip.
He just smirked and then they both grew silent again.
Philip was thinking of how he enjoyed dancing with her at The Point. It was funny. He barely remembered her dancing at any of the school dances. And truthfully, he barely paid attention to her at any of them. But that night at The Point.
Mimi was thinking of when Philip reached for her hand at The Point and started to slowly dance with her. At the school dances she barely ever had any fun. She usually was alone or in the case of last spring, spending an awful amount of time with Jan. But dancing in Philip's arms at The Point, his soft singing, the way he held her.
Both still insisted they were just friends.
So to anyone it would seem very curious.
The fact that they both were in each other's thoughts.
More and more.
Chapter 19 Desperation
Note: This chapter has some violence. I want to make sure people understand that before they read this chapter. I hope it doesn't offend anyone and I appologize if it does. I honestly don't care much for violence myself unless it serves a purpose and I strive to do that with my stories, to bring emotional value to them.
"Okay, that's all we need to know about the process of a bill becoming a law. I think we're ready."
Mimi closed her book and started to put her papers away.
"Come on Lockhart. You THINK we're ready?"
Philip looked disapprovingly at Mimi as he started to put his own things away. They were sitting on a bench outside the front doors of Salem High. They had met that morning before school to have an intense study session before another one of their now infamous Government tests.
"Okay, I KNOW we're ready." Mimi said decidedly. "Boy Phil, if I had half that ego of yours."
"Hey , don't knock it. This EGO of mine has helped both of us this year with Gov. Class."
"Yep, I've got to admit that it has. Well we have about ten minutes before class. What should we do?"
"Let's talk about something that has nothing to do with our Gov. Test. Let's see.How was the shelter?"
Mimi smiled. "Good. I really like helping out there. They had me doing all kinds of things. I did some cleaning, some meal preparations, just a little bit of everything.and there was Leroy."
Philip looked at her questioningly.
"Leroy?"
"Oh, he's this guy that works there, but I think he used to be homeless. He's just really nice, funny and cool."
"So is he around our age or what?"
Philip was wondering, who was this guy?
Mimi laughed. "No Phil, he's a lot older. He just showed me the ropes and helped me out a lot. Everybody likes him at the shelter."
"Sounds like you enjoy working there." Philip smiled.
"Yeah I do. I'm not going to be able to spend too much time there, but at least I can help some. It makes me feel important."
"And I bet they're happy to have you there. Wow, you're really keeping busy this year." Philip gave Mimi an amazed expression.
Mimi just smiled a little shyly, and then looked at her watch.
"Only a couple of more minutes. We better go and face this test."
Philip clapped his hands together.
"All right, and how are we going to do Lockhart?"
"Good?"
Mimi looked at him uncertainly and then shook her head as she saw his chastising look.
"Great?"
Mimi questioned to be met with his unsatisfied look.
"Super?"
Mimi asked and finally saw a look of approval on his face. Then he held out his hand for her.
"Okay Lockhart, let's shake on it."
"Yes, lets Kiriakis."
Mimi felt him take his hand in hers and give it a firm shake. Then they headed for the doors, ready to face their test together.
****
Philip looked up with a ready smile on his face as the doors opened. He turned around, the sky getting darker behind him.
"Hey M-"
His voice broke off as he looked up at the unexpected person in disbelief.
"Chloe?"
Chloe walked over towards him quietly, a little apprehensively.
"Hi Philip. How are you?"
Philip stood up, still looking at her in shock, answering her distractedly. What was she doing there?
"I'm fine. How-"
His voice broke off.
"What are you doing here now? It's late."
"Choir practice ran late tonight. I'm going to meet Brady, but he might not be able to come right away. He's working. So I thought I'd head over to Dot Com or something. But he really doesn't want me to walk there alone. I told him I can take care of myself, but, well you know you guys can be so overprotective."
"I have to agree with Brady. You shouldn't be walking around by yourself. I know you like being on your own and everything, but it can be dangerous, walking alone at night." Philip told her a little sternly.
"I've been alone a lot of my life Philip. I don't need somebody watching over me." Chloe faced Philip defiantly.
Philip laughed cryptically.
"Still claiming your independence, huh Chloe? Some things never change. I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe Brady just cares about you. Is that so bad?"
Chloe smiled sentimentally at that. "I know he cares for me. I guess I'm still getting used to depending on someone. But he's so wonderful too and we have such a great time together. It was like we were meant to meet-"
Chloe's voice broke off as she realized what she was doing, who she was talking to. Why was she telling Philip all this? What was she thinking?
"Philip, I'm sorry."
Philip looked down, closing his eyes tightly. Wow, that was the most she ever opened up to him. Of course it had to be about Brady, and after they were no longer together. He opened his eyes, sighing. It was over between them. He felt it more and more each day.
"It's okay Chloe."
Chloe sighed. "I better just go."
She started to walk off, but Philip reached for her arm and spoke up.
With his hand on her arm, he slowly turned her around, then let go.
"No Chloe, Brady's right. You should just wait here for him. Why don't you just wait with me?"
"Wait with you?"
She looked at him curiously. "You started to say something when I came out Philip, almost like you were expecting someone else. Were you waiting for someone?"
"Yeah."
Philip offered no more.
"Do you mind me asking who?" Chloe asked with interest.
"Uh, Mimi. We walk home together sometimes."
"Oh."
The sound of the doors opening and closing behind them stopped Philip from responding.
****
Mimi was on her knees, with a wet rag cleaning out one of the last showers, feeling tired and irritable.
"OH NO, MY NEW BLOUSE! IT'S ALL WET!"
Mimi felt a horrible headache coming on. What was her problem now?
Unfortunately, she ended up having to spend the ENTIRE afternoon with Jan cleaning out the looker rooms. Jan usually left early, but because of a class, she ended up having to start late today. So now she was staying late. Mimi could care less about the reason. She just wished this horrible day would end. The only good thing about it had been actually 'studying' with Philip. Something about him just made her smile lately and feel good inside.
"IT'S RUINED!"
Jan let out another shriek.
Mimi sighed, frustrated.
"Jan, just finish cleaning so we can get out of here!!"
Mimi finally finished cleaning the shower. She dumped out the bucket of dirty water, then turned on the faucet and rinsed out the shower. After that, she walked over to where Jan was cleaning out one of the last sinks.
"Just look at my blouse. Why am I telling you? Like you know anything about designer clothes." Jan responded with an evil smirk, her eyes taking in what Mimi was wearing with distaste.
"That's it Jan! I'm done! You can finish the rest of this on your own!"
Mimi grabbed her backpack and started putting on her coat.
But we're not done-"
Jan started to protest.
"No, YOU'RE not done because you spent most of the time complaining. So you can finish on your own. I did my part! Good night."
And with that, Mimi walked out the doors of the locker rooms leaving a stunned Jan.
She walked outside, more than ready to meet Philip, to find him sitting there with.
****
Philip turned to see a tired and not very happy looking Mimi come out the front doors. She was wearing a beige coat over a chestnut colored sweater and her fall-patterned skirt.
Mimi stopped abruptly, noticing Chloe.
Chloe looked at Philip and watched as he went over towards Mimi.
"Hi. You all right? You look a little frazzled." Philip looked at Mimi questioningly.
Mimi looked at him wearing dark blue jeans and a black sweater under his brown suede leather coat. Then she looked at Chloe.
"I'm fine."
She responded quietly. This night just kept getting worse and worse.
Philip felt a little skeptical about her answer, but said nothing about it.
"Uh, Chloe was-"
Mimi stopped him. "Look Philip, can we talk for a minute?"
Chloe looked over at them, wonderingly.
"Yeah." Philip looked over at Chloe and then back at Mimi, wondering what was going on with her.
Chloe spoke up.
"Why don't you two talk? I'll just sit here on the bench."
She gestured to a bench a little ways from where she was standing.
Philip nodded his head in affirmation, and then directed his attention back towards Mimi.
She didn't know what to say. She just knew she wanted to get out of there as soon as she could.
"I just wanted to tell you that I don't need you to walk me home tonight."
"What?" Philip looked at her with confusion.
"See, Jan had to work late tonight too on the locker rooms and I'm getting a ride with her and her mother."
"Listen it's no problem, I mean-"
She cut him off.
"I already decided Phil and I have to go because her mom is waiting for me so I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
Mimi hurriedly went back in the front doors of the school, acting as if she was meeting Jan.
Philip looked at Chloe a pensive expression on his face.
"Chloe, I'll be right back, okay?"
She nodded and he headed through the front doors, catching up to Mimi. He grabbed her arm to slow her down and get her to face him.
"What's going on? I thought we had a deal. I can-"
She cut him off again.
"I told you, I'm fine. Now I have to hurry. Jan's mother has a temper and I might make her angry if I'm late."
Philip held onto her arm.
"Mimi are you sure? You're not walking alone are you? Meems, it's not safe for-"
She cut him off one more time.
"Really Phil, it's all right. Now I have to go meet Jan."
Still feeling like there was something not right, but not sure what to say anymore, he tentatively let go of her arm.
She rushed down the hallway.
Philip watched her for a minute with a hesitant expression, and then went back outside to Chloe.
****
Mimi was walking on the sidewalk trying to decide which way she should take to get home. She could take the paved way or the shortcut through the woods. She looked up at the darkening sky. The paved way was more lit up, but if she went by the woods she probably would get home a lot faster. Maybe even before it got completely dark. Besides, she was tired. She started walking through the woods.
****
Philip had gone back to Chloe. When she asked him if everything was all right, he answered her distractedly, that everything was fine. They talked a little about trivial things until they saw Brady coming. Chloe went over to him and hugged him. Philip distractedly watched them in the background, his mind still troubled.
****
Mimi looked up a little apprehensively at the trees that were towering over her in the dark, only partially visible because of the fog. Yes, it was another foggy night, typical of Salem. She sighed and tiredly continued along her way.
****
Brady and Chloe finished hugging and went over to Philip.
"Hi Uncle Phil." Brady smiled politely.
"Hi Brady. I was just keeping Chloe company." Philip said with a partial smile.
"Glad you were, Philip. For some reason Chloe thinks she can go walking around Salem in the middle of the night."
Brady gave Chloe a slightly disapproving look.
Chloe smirked in response.
Philip watched them. They had a very different relationship than he ever had with Chloe.
"So I just saw two of our least favorite people: Jan and Jason in the-"
Philip cut Brady off.
"What?"
****
Mimi stumbled on a branch, just barely maintaining her balance.
A rustling sound came from somewhere.
Somewhere in the dark misty wood.
She turned around.
Seeing nothing.
She continued on.
****
"You saw Jan and Jason? Where?"
Philip looked at Brady in disbelief.
"In the parking lot just now-"
Philip cut him off again. He was getting a very bad feeling.
"Was anybody else with them? TELL ME BRADY! WERE THEY ALONE?"
The bad feeling was slowly turning into a sickening sensation in his stomach.
Something just wasn't right.
Brady looked at Philip in shock. What was wrong with him? He could see Chloe was wondering too. Something told him though that he had just better answer his question.
"Yeah, they were alone.
DAMNIT!
She lied to him.
****
Mimi walked through the woods, wondering what Chloe had been doing with Philip. What did it matter? It wasn't like Philip would ever get over her anyway.
She kept going, not hearing the crackling of leaves.
The sound gradually getting louder.
Closer.
****
Oh no,
What the heck was she thinking?
She walked alone?
Philip's mind filled with fear.
"Philip-"
Brady and Chloe started, but Philip cut them off with a wave of his hand.
"I got to go you guys!
Philip ran off, not giving them any time to ask him where he was going.
He ended up on the sidewalk, near the entrance of the forest. Okay, she could have gone the paved way or through the woods.
Think, think, which way did she go??!!
She seemed tired and in a bad mood.
The woods. She must have gone by the woods.
Philip started to run rapidly through the trees.
****
Mimi walked morosely through the forest, the trees letting in little light, the darkness growing around her.
She started to look around a little fearfully.
It was so dark and eerie feeling here...
Surrounded by all the trees.
The fog hanging around like a thick ominous blanket.
She heard another sound and looked around, nervously.
Seeing nothing.
Then she shook her head at her overactive imagination and at how she was acting so panicked just because of the fog and darkness.
It was no big deal.
She'd be out of it soon and before she'd know it, she'd be home.
So stop getting all paranoid Mimi.
She shook her head and smiled feeling better.
Not hearing the heavy footsteps behind her until.
The leaves snapping underneath the hard coarse soles.
The object being taken out of a deep pocket.
Until.
Her heart froze, every nerve alarmed as.
Strong unyielding arms moved around her upper body.
She got ready to let out a scream.
Until a shining object was thrust at her throat.
****
"What the heck was wrong with him?"
Brady looked at Chloe questioningly.
"I have no idea. But I think it might have had to do with Mimi."
****
Philip surged through the woods, that sickening feeling propelling him on.
Something, something was going to happen.
He could just feel it.
Let her be all right!
Please let her be all right, he thought in desperation.
****
Mimi gasped as she felt the knife against her throat, the unyielding arms holding her in their grasp.
Then something happened that made her whole body tremble violently.
"Remember SWEETIE, I told you we'd see each other AGAIN."
Fear lancing through her heart, like a dull knife.
Oh no, please no.
She felt herself pushed to the ground and she landed on her back.
She stared in horror, looking straight up into the eyes of
THE STRANGER.