Chapter 22: Gobble Gobble
Friendly little warning: This chapter pokes fun at various characters from the show, but it's all just in fun.not meant to offend anyone who likes these characters.
The doorbell rings.
Five Minutes Later and then later and later and later.
"Victor, how nice to see you (half smile). Nicole, oh my you're not even ready yet (over-exaggerated expression). Oh dear you are dressed. Too bad you couldn't find anything less trampy."
"Kate, how nice to see you too (obviously lying). Well, well, well.are those wrinkles I see (pretend concern)? Didn't have enough time to apply the make up, did you?"
"Why you little bi"
"All right, all right that's enough! Can't you two try to be civil to each other?" (shakes head in annoyance)
"Of course, Victor darling." (smirks)
Kate smirks back.
Later.
The doorbell rings again.
Five minutes later and then later and.
(Well, you get the picture.)
"Well, so this is the new mansion you have Victor. It looks just as dreary as the other one did."
"Sammy, be nice."
"Oh Austin, I was only joking of course." (Sammy pretends to be nice.a common theme whenever Austin is there.as she gives dirty looks to her enemies behind his back)
"I picked out this mansion, Sammy." (Nicole)
"Of course. Now that you And Vic are living together. Boy Nicole, you'll just sleep with anyone won't you to get what you want?" (Sammy of course, who smiles at Austin sweetly as he talks to his mom)
Note: Austin is oblivious to the fact that Sammy is putting down one person right after the other. He's still living in his little dream world. Sammy is an angel..and the moon is made of cheese!!
Victor is rolling his eyes. Maybe they'll all go home soon. Except Nicole. She makes him feel young.
Yah baby!
Oops, too much Nicole influence. Put that stern expression back on.
Victor frowns, his usual scowl. (See: Every time he has been disappointed with Philip if you have any questions.or whenever he and Kate have one of their infamous brawls!) Ah, that's better.
Poor Will watching all the very weird, strange, ludicrous, insane grown ups. No wonder the kid never talks.Actually he barely even smiles!
Austin smiling. Remember, Austin is blissfully ignorant. Hasn't a clue what's going on.
There goes Kate, trying to get some more money out of Victor. Nicole objects. Kate fires at her. Put up your dukes!
And in the first corner we have the woman who had (well almost had---they came pretty close!) an affair with a younger man.Oh and did I leave out the part that she plotted to kill her own husband-then changed her mind, then changed her mind again, then changed her mind again.well you get the picture.
And in the second corner, we have the woman who's having an affair with an older man-and once pretended to have a disease to keep the man she SUPPOSEDLY really loved.
Nicole fires back.the crowd roars.............
Boo hoo! Big Guy stops all the fun---
Big Guy Victor scowling.
Poor Will probably wishes he were part of another family.
And you ask what is this beautiful event?
Why of course it's Thanksgiving with the Kiriakises.
Philip watches the shenanigans from the top of the stairs. Then he comes down.
Hush, hush ,hush.
Oh, they still treat him like he's a little kid. Victor and Nicole pretending they're nothing more than business associates: Hey you guys! He's a teenager, not a two year old!!
Kate rushing up to see her baby.oh the dramatics.
Mommy Dearest all over again without the wire hangers.
"NOOOOOO MOOOOOORE WIRE HANGERS!!"
Ha, ha.just a joke.
Actually, Philip knows that in a strange, very weird and unique way his family is just plain....
NUTTY!!
Well, when they get together like this.a house full of people of whom the majority can't stand each other.but at least he has a home and at least his parents love him..in their own way.
Sound of the telephone ringing.
He is saved!
In the background, Nicole and Sammy now going at it.
Kate trying to convince Austin to leave Sammy for the umpteenth time.
Victor frowning.
Will clueless.
"Hello?" Thank you, thank you for saving me from this! Whoever you are!
"Hi Philip. I've got to ask you a favor." She asks in desperation.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you too Meems." In a jokingly sarcastic tone.
"I'm sorry. Happy Thanksgiving. Oh no, I'm taking you away from your family aren't I?"
My family........
Uh yeah.........
Victor telling Sammy to cool it.
Nicole smirking.
Kate smirking.
Sammy sweetly smiling to Austin as she curses both Kate and Nicole in her head.
Austin smiling back.
Henderson trying to entertain Will.
Philip smiles ironically. "Don't worry Meems. They won't notice. So what do you need?"
"A turkey!"
"Excuse me?"
"You wouldn't happen to have an extra one would you?"
"Oh sure Meems. We always have spare turkeys at the Kiriakis house."
"Really?" Sounds excited.
"Sure, why not, no biggie......Are you out of your mind Mimi?! I was just kidding! No, we don't have any extra turkeys. The ONE we have looks like Bird-zilla! It's gigantic!"
"Well, would anyone notice if you happened to just.uh, sort of.uh-"
Annoyed look. "Spill it Meems!"
"Wouldanyonenoticeifyoucutabigchunkoutofit?!" Rushes out her words too fast.obviously stressed.
"Uh, could you repeat that please, for those of us who don't understand Pig Latin?!" Confused---enough said.
Tries to space her words apart "Would they notice if you cut a big ole piece out of it?"
"Uh...YES."
Maybe he should of invited her over.she'd probably fit right in.Uh Mimi, are you feeling okay?
"OH, what am I going to do?!" Sounds slightly upset----actually more like panicked
"Mimi, what's wrong?!".Pause."Oh man, are you trying to tell me your family can't afford a turkey?! I thought your dad had a good job and that you guys were doing better.financially!"
Annoyed look. "It's not for my family! We have food! It's for the center! There's not enough turkey for the Thanksgiving dinner!"
Light bulb goes over the head.
Moment to picture that image......
DA-ING! (Back to the story)
"Now I get it!".Gets an idea, a mischievous little idea...a gruesomely EVIL little idea.
HA HA HA HA HA
MOOO----HA-HA-HA!
Ooops, getting a little off track here....
Back to Philip..
Looking over at the dining room and at one MASSIVELY large turkey.
"I'll be right over."
Mimi flustered. "Why? What?"
"We're going to break Bird-zilla out of here!"
****
"Philip I don't know if this is such a good idea."
Looks at her dryly. "You have a better one?"
"No, but what if someone catches us?"
"Are you kidding me? They're too busy arguing! And Will barely talks."
"He wasn't like that when we went to the park."
"The rest of my family wasn't around then either. Trust me, they're not exactly normal."
"Who is?"
Philip has to agree with her on that one.
Okay, Cue: Mission Impossible Music: Duh-duh-duh Duh-duh-duh -Duh-duh-duh Duh-duh.
In the mood now?
Their Mission: Since they obviously chose to accept it: To sneak one ENORMOUS sized turkey out of the Kiriakis Mansion.
Not an easy task!
Philip led Mimi into the house through a back door. He didn't want anyone to see them, since he was supposed to be already gone, on a mission of mercy for a friend. He just didn't tell his parents what the mission was. He leads her through a couple of rooms until they get to the dining room. There on the buffet sits one Colossal, Gargantuan, Mammoth sized turkey! In other words: one big ole sucker!
Philip lifts the ceramic covering from on top of it and shows Mimi Exhibit A, uh, the turkey.
Mimi looks at it flabbergasted. "THAT'S your turkey? That thing is." Can't go on.
"I know, it looks like the Titanic. That's why I named it Bird-zilla."
"Philip, we can't take that! How are we even going to CARRY it?" Looking at Bird-zilla, uh the turkey, in disbelief.
Warning look. "Shhh.You want someone to hear you? We can carry it."
He's not very convincing.
"I think."
"Why don't we just cut it? Do you happen to have a saw around?" Still staring at the Walloping turkey.
"Funny Meems. Funny. Nah. There's a knife around here somewhere. I just hope I can cut it."
Hears a noise and looks at Mimi in shock. "Quick, get down!!" Philip pushes Mimi down underneath the dining room table, where he joins her.
"So Kate, Austin is going to get me a beautiful expensive diamond ring and we are going to be happy forever with Will and there is nothing you can do about it."
"You little money grubbing slut!"
Mimi looks at Philip in shock from underneath the table. Philip just rolls his eyes.
Austin comes in.
Sammy rushes over to him, the poor innocent victim! Yeah right!
"Oh Austin, your mother is being so mean to me.Do something Austin! Defend me!"
"Mom, are you being mean to Sammy again?"
Mimi shakes her head. This is how they spend Thanksgiving?
Sammy smirks.
Kate growls.
Austin leads them all out.
Philip and Mimi are safe to come out from underneath the table.
Attempt One: Unsuccessful.
Mission: FAILED
Now on to Attempt Two.
"Philip!?"
"Don't ask! Now are you sure we have to cut this thing?"
"Philip, we can't take your family's entire turkey! Besides I only need some of it, not the whole thing."
"They're too busy arguing to eat, but they would be really upset with me if I took the WHOLE thing and Will has to eat.All right. All right. I'll cut it. Let's see." Looks around for the knife and finds it. "Here we go." Goes over to the turkey and starts to cut it, which is not an easy task.manages to cut part of it.poor Bird-zilla not looking as pretty as it was before.
"Oh, my gosh! Philip, what did you do to it?" Looks at the turkey, now almost a sorry sight.
"You told me to cut it! It's all right! It's still edible! Now it really does look like the Titanic!"
"Yeah, after it hit the iceberg!"
Hears a noise. "OH MY GOSH! Someone's coming! What do we do? What do we do?"
"Calm down! Here!" Puts the pieces of the turkey back together under the ceramic covering and scrambles to get it to look.well ALMOST like it did before.
"Philip, what if someone lifts that covering?"
"Nah." Looks at her weakly. "Maybe no one will notice?"
"NOT NOTICE?!"
"SHHH. Grabs her and they hide under the table again as.
"So Kate, it just kills you doesn't it, to see Victor and I SOOO happy together!"
Kate laughs. "You are so pathetic Nicole.Do you honestly think Victor cares for you at all?.Pretty soon, he's going to drop you like yesterday's news.you TRAMP!"
Wide-eyed expression from Mimi. Philip just shakes his head.
Victor enters. Big Guy is getting a headache.
"Old Battle-Axe!"
"Hussey!"
"Tart!"
"Wench!"
"Why you little wh-"
Victor breaks them up before they start letting each other have it. "All right, all right that's enough you two!" Leads them out of the room.
Philip and Mimi start to crawl out from underneath the table as.
"Here Will, let's get you some cookies! What do you say about that?"
Will answers Henderson. "Yeah."
Mimi and Philip hastily crawling back underneath the table.
By the way.Attempt Two.
Uh, Mission Two: FAILED
On to Attempt Three or Mission Three or.
OH forget it! Onto the third Try!
Will and Henderson leave the room.
Philip and Mimi start to crawl out from underneath the table as.
The cook enters with some more plates of hot food and they quickly scramble underneath the table again.
Cook leaves.
Philip and Mimi wait.what if somebody else comes? But when no one does, they decide the coast is clear.for now anyway.
"This place has more traffic than Times Square!" Mimi looking at Philip in utter bewilderment as they get out from underneath the table cautiously."Philip, are you sure it's all right if we take some of your family's turkey? I'm having second thoughts."
"You should have said something before I cut it. Don't worry. We always end up with enough leftovers to feed an army anyway."
Still perplexed. "But what are they going to do when they find their turkey all cut up?"
"Think that the turkey snatcher got in here and couldn't carry the whole thing?"
Frowns. "That's not funny. Let's leave a note." Reaches into her purse for paper and pen.
"A NOTE?" Bewildered.
"Yes." She hands him the paper and pen.
"Fine. What do I say? That the rest of Bird-zilla went to people that will appreciate it?"
"Philip!"
"It's okay. I know what to write." He writes a note and leaves it underneath the ceramic covering, next to the leftover part of Bird-zilla, uh, the turkey.
"Okay?"
"Yeah, I just hope by the time I get home everyone will see this as a charitable act or I'm going to be in deep: well you get the picture."
"Philip, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It's not like we took the WHOLE turkey. Let's just get out of here."
They put their parts of the turkey on a huge tray and start to head toward the back door as.
"So Sammy, using Will to get Austin once again are you? You're such a loser."
Poor Philip and Mimi head desperately for the other side of the table to hide.carrying the large tray.crouching down on the ground hoping they are not heard.
"Takes one to know one honey."
Sammy takes a breadstick. Nicole takes a cracker and they leave.
Mimi: wide-eyed, mouth open. "Ph"
Philip promptly cuts her off.
"DON't say anything. Let's just make a run for it before someone ELSE comes in."
They head to the back door and leave with parts of Bird-zilla, uh the turkey.
Attempt three.
Uh...
Try Three..
No, that's not it....
Mission Three...
YEAH, that's right!
Mission Three: SUCCESSFUL
End of Gobble Gobble
Chapter 23: Kindred Spirits
Philip and Mimi arrived at the center with the turkey. They got out of the car, carrying it with them and then walked into the center. After they were done putting it in the kitchen, Mimi turned around to speak to Philip.
"Thanks Philly. You saved me.again." She smiled at her friend.
"Ah, it was no big deal. It actually was kind of fun.sneaking out of the house and everything."
Mimi laughed. "Yeah, we made a great team!"
"The best. So you have enough turkey now?" Philip looked at her with a smile.
"Yeah definitely." She looked at him a little shyly. "Well, I guess I better let you get back to your family."
"Yeah." Philip didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. "So you going to help serve now?"
"Yep and I better start."
"Oh, okay. Well, Happy Thanksgiving Meems."
"Happy Thanksgiving Phil." She watched as Philip left and then started to help the other workers.
Several Minutes Later.
Mimi helped dish another plateful, thinking Philip must be almost home..
Ready to share his thanksgiving with his family.
Getting ready to explain what happened to their turkey.
She hoped they weren't too hard on him.
"Uh, you need some extra help? I even brought my serving spoon."
Mimi looked up with surprise to see of all people....
Philip, standing at the door to the kitchen holding a large spoon with a wide dimpled smile.
She smiled back, happy to see him. "Sure."
****
"Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me Ooohhh!.R-E-S-P-E-C-T."
Philip spooned another helping of gravy and mashed potatoes, shaking to the music. Next to him, Leroy was cheering him on, boogieing as he served the turkey. Philip now knew why Mimi got along with him so much. He was a lot of fun! Leroy was a black man, in his 40's? Philip guessed somewhere around there. He had a great sense of humor, was quite a dancer and a natural born leader, leading everyone in serving the people at the shelter. And there were a whole lot of people to serve!
Philip rolled up his sleeves as he spooned out more food. He looked over at Mimi, helping with the stuffing. She was smiling and moving to the music too. She was wearing a violet red skirt with a top a shade lighter and her hair was partly up in a loose bun, some strands hanging loose. He thought she looked really good, but mostly she looked happy and totally in her element.
He broke away from his musings, realizing he better stay focused on his job. One he was actually enjoying.
"Wait a minute Mr. Postman, Oooohhh Please Mr. Postman."
Mimi gave out another portion of stuffing, singing and moving to the music, watching Philip with a laugh. Oh my gosh, she had never seen him like this, acting so silly. Sure, he could act crazy, but.well, maybe it was the fact that he was WORKING, actually serving people food! And from the smile on his face and the way he was shaking his uhhh..backside.he actually seemed to be having fun. She was also happy to see that he was getting along well with Leroy and the other workers. She took in his black slacks and gorgeous maroon sweater.at how he was all dressed up for Thanksgiving and here he was serving the homeless.
Would wonders ever cease?
****
She got his attention.
A little girl standing off to the side of one of the tables, looking very sad.
Philip couldn't stop looking at her, wondering why she looked so despondent and wondering why it was bothering him so much...
There was something about her.something familiar.
He watched as not a single tear fell from her eye. What was it?
Before he even realized what he was doing, he asked Leroy for a short break, feeling like a magnet being pulled to something or in this case: someone.
Philip went over to where they were serving pumpkin pie, got a piece, covering it with whipped cream and walked over to the little girl. Sitting at the table was a woman. Philip guessed it must be her mother. He waved and gestured with the pumpkin pie. She smiled in acknowledgement, knowing he was friends with one of the volunteers. A good-looking guy like that got a lot of attention.
"Hi. I thought you might like some pumpkin pie. It's got lots of whipped cream too!" Philip smiled at the little girl as he crouched down near her, to be at her eye level. She was very pretty, with long brown hair and brown eyes.
The little girl just looked down sadly.
"Hey, it's really good. Why don't you try some? By the way, my name's Philip. My friend works here and I came to help out." He held out his hand for her with another smile.
She looked away.
Philip really wanted to get her to talk to him. There was just something about her.
"Here, let me show you how good it is." Philip over-exaggerated eating a part of it with his hands, getting whipped cream on his face.
The little girl cracked a smile.
"Ah, I saw that. Come on. Go ahead and take it." He handed her the pie and felt good inside when she started to eat it with the tiniest bit of a smile.
"So, why are you so sad?"
She looked at him, her big brown eyes still sad, looked away, and then looked at him again a little shyly, still melancholy. "I miss my Daddy."
"Oh. What happened to him?" Philip looked at her with interest.
"He-he's in the hospital. He's sick."
"He had a stroke, just recently."
Philip looked at the little girl's mother, in shock.
A stroke!
Oh - Painful memories came back to him.
The little girl looked down sadly.
Philip gazed down at her, now knowing now why he felt compelled to meet her. It was like meeting himself as a child again.
"I'm so sorry. When I was little my Dad was sick too."
The little girl looked up at him with interest. "He was?"
"Yeah. The same thing happened to him that happened to your daddy."
"Sometimes, I don't like going to see him. I'm."
Philip moved closer to her, understanding in his eyes.
"Afraid?"
"M-hmm." The little girl nodded her head.
"Yeah, I was too sometimes. It's hard to see him so still, isn't it?"
"M-hmm. He doesn't move! It scares me."
"I know. But you know what can help?"
"What?"
"Talking to your Mom. She can help you a lot. And give her lots of hugs. It'll make you feel good inside. And remember all the good times you've had with your Daddy."
"Did your Daddy get better?"
"Yeah, he did. He's at home now all better."
"Do you think my Daddy will get better?"
Philip swallowed hard.
OH, what a tough question.
Sure, he could answer that he would be fine, but how many times did he get that answer as a kid? How many times was he told his Dad was coming home soon.his Dad didn't come home for years! He didn't want to lie to this little girl.
"I don't know. I hope so."
"So do I. After Daddy got sick, we had to leave our home too. We live here now."
Philip felt sick inside. He lost his father for a while, but at least he had a home. This girl had so little.he wished there was something he could do for her.
For the first time he was REALLY seeing just how lucky he was.
"Well, there are a lot of nice people that work here."
"You're nice. I like you. My name's Selena."
"I like you too. Nice to meet you Selena. How about a ride?"
Philip turned around, slouching a little and told Selena to get on a chair and hold onto his back. Then he got up, as she held onto his neck and shoulders and goofed around, giving her a ride, making her laugh.
At least he could give her that.
Some Happiness.
Even if it was only temporary.
****
Mimi looked around fro Philip with no success. She had been taking a short break and suddenly noticed that he wasn't around. Earlier she saw him with Selena. She noticed that he was talking to her and it looked like he was trying to cheer her up. It made Mimi smile to see him come over to her with a piece of pumpkin pie, loaded with whipped cream. Then she laughed when she saw Philip run around the room with Selena on his back. He could be so silly, but what he was doing was also incredibly sweet. Mimi noticed that Selena was even smiling and laughing, something she rarely saw her do. But Mimi ended up having to help out a little in the kitchen and when she came back out to the main dining room, there was no sign of Philip.
Did he leave, she wondered. Without telling her?
****
Philip stood outside hugging himself to keep warm. He looked up at the sky with somber eyes. For so long he acted like it didn't bother him. He admitted so little to his friends, his family.to Chloe, but tonight fate stepped in. He met someone who reminded him.the pain he felt as a child.the sense of loss.
He shivered, feeling very alone.
****
Wait a minute!
She went to go check. Yes, it was still there. His coat was still there so where was he?
She put on her own coat and walked out to the back, where there was a small balcony and saw him. He was outside in freezing weather, a frosty night without a jacket.
Mimi ran over to Philip.
"Philip, are you crazy? It's freezing out here! You could get sick!"
Mimi took Philip's coat, which she found where he left it in the kitchen and draped it around his shoulders, straining to reach up to him.
"Philip put it on!"
Why did he look so upset?
Philip looked at Mimi in surprise, nearly jumping when she put the coat on him. The urgency in her voice. She was right though. He felt very cold. He shivered again and watched as Mimi grabbed his coat, forcing him to put his arms through the sleeves. Then she did something that totally shocked him. She scrambled to get in front of him and started buttoning up his coat. He watched her with confused eyes.
Mimi was so worried about him. He kept shivering so she made sure he put the coat on, helping him. Then purely out of concern, she buttoned his coat, until.
"I can't quite reach the top buttons Philip. You'll have to do them yourself."
She watched as he finally nodded his head and finished buttoning up his coat, but his eyes.
They looked so sad and he still seemed shaky. She reached for his hands. They were so cold! She started rubbing them briskly.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Mimi looked up at him with questioning pleading eyes. "Please Philly tell me."
Philip looked at her for a second, and then turned away, removing his hands from her grasp and held onto the railing. He didn't like burdening people with his problems. He didn't like admitting certain things.
Mimi watched him turn away from her painfully. She wanted to be there for him like he was there for her. But if he wouldn't let her.
No, she had to find a way.
She put her hand on his back and stood a little behind him, a little on the side.
"You know Leroy and everyone else really likes you. I didn't know you had it in you. I mean, Philip Kiriakis, serving other people! Who would of thought? And whoever thought that you could "shake" it so well?"
Mimi teased jokingly, hoping to get a response. Nothing.
"And you had Selena laughing so hard-"
She stopped, noticing him react to the name.
"Is that it Philip? Is it Selena?"
"Her Dad's sick."
Mimi had to struggle to hear him. His voice was so quiet and it sounded a little hoarse.
"I know. He's in the hospital, but I'm not sure what for. Her mom's very nice, but also very quiet and so is Selena."
Philip responded in a toneless voice. "He had a stroke."
Mimi closed her eyes tight. So that was it!
Oh, Philip, Mimi thought. The pain he must be going through right now.
All the years she knew him, he NEVER talked about it. Maybe a small mention, but not ever discussing it or confiding in someone about it. He even seemed to act sometimes as if he only had one parent. Then his father got better and Philip acted like nothing ever happened, like there never even was a stroke. She wondered if he ever talked to Chloe about it. Possibly, but something told her that even with her he probably didn't say that much.
But tonight.tonight must have been like reliving the nightmare.and Mimi was determined to help him deal with it. No more hiding Philip.
"Philip."
"Meems please.I just want to be alone."
He pleaded with her, his tone a little harsh.
She refused to give up though.
"No Philip. I'm not leaving. You always act like you can deal with everything by yourself.like you're so strong and don't have any problems. You want everyone else to say what's wrong with them as long as you don't have to say what's wrong with you."
She looked at him pointedly, wishing he would look at her.
Philip continued to look away, even though he could feel her eyes on him.
"That's not true."
"Yes it is and you know it. Why Philip? Why can't you just talk about it? I know it's hurting you."
Mimi reached out, touching his hand that was gripping the railing, gently moving her hand back and forth over it.
"Philly, that's what friends are for. They talk to each other, help each other. You helped me.at least let me return the favor."
Finally, he turned to look at her and she looked up into his sorrowful eyes.
"Philly?"
It was hard.
It was so hard to get the words out, but she was giving him so much.
She was allowing him to feel.and he needed to talk.he so needed it.
He looked out at the sky again and quietly, hoarsely began to speak.
"I.I missed my Dad so much.and I just felt so lost.My Mom, she would cry at night and I wanted to help her, but.how could I help her? What could I do? I was still just a kid. I just hugged her a lot.needing to be close to her. And then we'd go to the nursing home and I just.I just wanted to get out of there so badly.and I always felt guilty.he was just so still.it was like he wasn't even my Dad.and tonight, seeing that little girl.so sad.it's like.like re-living it all.I know.I know what she's going through.I've felt that pain before.I.I-"
Mimi watched Philip speak, his eyes getting more moist with each word he spoke until finally his voice broke off.
She reached for him and he resisted at first, but then finally he gave in, holding her tight, his body shaking.
"Oh Philly, Let it out.Just let it out."
She rubbed his back, holding him close to her, feeling his shoulders sag as he leaned against her and finally let go of the sorrow he had felt as a child.
Philip held on, feeling her support him. She was so much smaller than he was physically yet here she was holding him up, sustaining him..
It allowed him to let go and just..
Feel.
But soon.
He felt his breathing returning to normal, his tears subsiding.
He pulled back, looking at Mimi.
Mimi felt him let go and looked up into his tear-stricken face. He hadn't cried for that long, but at least it was a start. At least he was opening up. She reached out to touch his face, wiping away his tears, but after a little bit he grabbed her hand and gently removed it.
"I'm okay. I just.I feel bad for Selena. And she doesn't even have a home either. I wished there was something I could do."
His voice was a little shaky, hoarser, but with each word, it grew steadier.
Mimi knew that was it. He wasn't going to reveal any more and he definitely was done putting his emotions on display.for tonight anyway.
But that was okay. At least he let her comfort him. She was so thankful for that.
"What do you mean you wish there was something you could do for her? Philip Robert Kiriakis, tonight you made that little girl happy. You made her smile and laugh. You already gave SO much to her and you didn't have to spend one cent to do it."
"You think that's all I think about, money? That I think money can solve all the problems in the world? Let me tell you something Mimi. I would have given away every single cent if I could have just had my Dad at home all those years. But I doubt many people would believe that." He replied, his voice full of emotion.
Mimi reached out for Philip's hand, taking it in hers.
"I believe it. And so would your friends.your real friends.even Chloe, I bet. I know you don't care only about money. I know because I saw the way you acted tonight: gracious and kind. And the way you treated me when I was attacked. You made me feel so safe Philip. Like you told ME, on the island Philip, 'You're okay, really okay.'"
Mimi shivered a little and then smiled when he protectively put his hands on her arms.
"Now it's really cold out here. Can we go back inside, where it's warmer?"
Philip could hear her teeth chattering as he rubbed her arms briskly, letting go after a bit.
"You go ahead. I'll be in, in a minute."
"Philip-"
"Really Meems. I'm okay now. Just give me a minute okay?"
"Okay, but if you don't come in soon-" Mimi warned, still concerned about him.
Philip could see her concern and smiled. "I promise. I won't be that long." He watched Mimi start to walk back in reluctantly.
He watched her get to the door, then.
"Meems-"
"What?"
Mimi felt herself being turned around slowly as he caught up with her, holding onto her arm.
Philip touched Mimi's arm, grasping it lightly. He let his hand travel down to her hand, squeezing it quickly. Then he pulled her hand towards him and moved his lips to her cheek, softly kissing it, letting his lips linger on her soft skin for a second. "Thank you." He whispered softly in her ear, then touched her cheek with the back of his hand, letting it fall slowly down her chin, to her shoulder, down her arm, till his hand was once again clasping hers.
Mimi couldn't speak. His touch had made her tremble. His lips against her skin.on her ear.
She looked up at him, unable to talk.
Philip looked down at her with a warm smile and spoke gently.
"Go inside Mimi, okay? It's cold out here and you're shivering."
A part of Mimi wanted to stay with him.
Wanted.
But she just nodded her head and went back inside, still feeling the warmth from his lips.
****
Philip was back inside, helping Leroy, happy to see Selena smiling and giggling as Mimi read her a story. His eyes focused on her intently...
She looked so pretty, sitting there reading, strands of her hair that would just not stay back framing her face. Philip watched her in wonder, unable to take his eyes away.
Why did he never realize how special she was?
Mimi's eyes moved upward, feeling.
Their eyes locked.
Both of them just stared, feeling something new, exciting, and scary.
I separated this into two chapters because the first part was really silly and light. The second part was more serious and so it didn't really fit in as part of the other chapter.
Friendly little warning: This chapter pokes fun at various characters from the show, but it's all just in fun.not meant to offend anyone who likes these characters.
The doorbell rings.
Five Minutes Later and then later and later and later.
"Victor, how nice to see you (half smile). Nicole, oh my you're not even ready yet (over-exaggerated expression). Oh dear you are dressed. Too bad you couldn't find anything less trampy."
"Kate, how nice to see you too (obviously lying). Well, well, well.are those wrinkles I see (pretend concern)? Didn't have enough time to apply the make up, did you?"
"Why you little bi"
"All right, all right that's enough! Can't you two try to be civil to each other?" (shakes head in annoyance)
"Of course, Victor darling." (smirks)
Kate smirks back.
Later.
The doorbell rings again.
Five minutes later and then later and.
(Well, you get the picture.)
"Well, so this is the new mansion you have Victor. It looks just as dreary as the other one did."
"Sammy, be nice."
"Oh Austin, I was only joking of course." (Sammy pretends to be nice.a common theme whenever Austin is there.as she gives dirty looks to her enemies behind his back)
"I picked out this mansion, Sammy." (Nicole)
"Of course. Now that you And Vic are living together. Boy Nicole, you'll just sleep with anyone won't you to get what you want?" (Sammy of course, who smiles at Austin sweetly as he talks to his mom)
Note: Austin is oblivious to the fact that Sammy is putting down one person right after the other. He's still living in his little dream world. Sammy is an angel..and the moon is made of cheese!!
Victor is rolling his eyes. Maybe they'll all go home soon. Except Nicole. She makes him feel young.
Yah baby!
Oops, too much Nicole influence. Put that stern expression back on.
Victor frowns, his usual scowl. (See: Every time he has been disappointed with Philip if you have any questions.or whenever he and Kate have one of their infamous brawls!) Ah, that's better.
Poor Will watching all the very weird, strange, ludicrous, insane grown ups. No wonder the kid never talks.Actually he barely even smiles!
Austin smiling. Remember, Austin is blissfully ignorant. Hasn't a clue what's going on.
There goes Kate, trying to get some more money out of Victor. Nicole objects. Kate fires at her. Put up your dukes!
And in the first corner we have the woman who had (well almost had---they came pretty close!) an affair with a younger man.Oh and did I leave out the part that she plotted to kill her own husband-then changed her mind, then changed her mind again, then changed her mind again.well you get the picture.
And in the second corner, we have the woman who's having an affair with an older man-and once pretended to have a disease to keep the man she SUPPOSEDLY really loved.
Nicole fires back.the crowd roars.............
Boo hoo! Big Guy stops all the fun---
Big Guy Victor scowling.
Poor Will probably wishes he were part of another family.
And you ask what is this beautiful event?
Why of course it's Thanksgiving with the Kiriakises.
Philip watches the shenanigans from the top of the stairs. Then he comes down.
Hush, hush ,hush.
Oh, they still treat him like he's a little kid. Victor and Nicole pretending they're nothing more than business associates: Hey you guys! He's a teenager, not a two year old!!
Kate rushing up to see her baby.oh the dramatics.
Mommy Dearest all over again without the wire hangers.
"NOOOOOO MOOOOOORE WIRE HANGERS!!"
Ha, ha.just a joke.
Actually, Philip knows that in a strange, very weird and unique way his family is just plain....
NUTTY!!
Well, when they get together like this.a house full of people of whom the majority can't stand each other.but at least he has a home and at least his parents love him..in their own way.
Sound of the telephone ringing.
He is saved!
In the background, Nicole and Sammy now going at it.
Kate trying to convince Austin to leave Sammy for the umpteenth time.
Victor frowning.
Will clueless.
"Hello?" Thank you, thank you for saving me from this! Whoever you are!
"Hi Philip. I've got to ask you a favor." She asks in desperation.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you too Meems." In a jokingly sarcastic tone.
"I'm sorry. Happy Thanksgiving. Oh no, I'm taking you away from your family aren't I?"
My family........
Uh yeah.........
Victor telling Sammy to cool it.
Nicole smirking.
Kate smirking.
Sammy sweetly smiling to Austin as she curses both Kate and Nicole in her head.
Austin smiling back.
Henderson trying to entertain Will.
Philip smiles ironically. "Don't worry Meems. They won't notice. So what do you need?"
"A turkey!"
"Excuse me?"
"You wouldn't happen to have an extra one would you?"
"Oh sure Meems. We always have spare turkeys at the Kiriakis house."
"Really?" Sounds excited.
"Sure, why not, no biggie......Are you out of your mind Mimi?! I was just kidding! No, we don't have any extra turkeys. The ONE we have looks like Bird-zilla! It's gigantic!"
"Well, would anyone notice if you happened to just.uh, sort of.uh-"
Annoyed look. "Spill it Meems!"
"Wouldanyonenoticeifyoucutabigchunkoutofit?!" Rushes out her words too fast.obviously stressed.
"Uh, could you repeat that please, for those of us who don't understand Pig Latin?!" Confused---enough said.
Tries to space her words apart "Would they notice if you cut a big ole piece out of it?"
"Uh...YES."
Maybe he should of invited her over.she'd probably fit right in.Uh Mimi, are you feeling okay?
"OH, what am I going to do?!" Sounds slightly upset----actually more like panicked
"Mimi, what's wrong?!".Pause."Oh man, are you trying to tell me your family can't afford a turkey?! I thought your dad had a good job and that you guys were doing better.financially!"
Annoyed look. "It's not for my family! We have food! It's for the center! There's not enough turkey for the Thanksgiving dinner!"
Light bulb goes over the head.
Moment to picture that image......
DA-ING! (Back to the story)
"Now I get it!".Gets an idea, a mischievous little idea...a gruesomely EVIL little idea.
HA HA HA HA HA
MOOO----HA-HA-HA!
Ooops, getting a little off track here....
Back to Philip..
Looking over at the dining room and at one MASSIVELY large turkey.
"I'll be right over."
Mimi flustered. "Why? What?"
"We're going to break Bird-zilla out of here!"
****
"Philip I don't know if this is such a good idea."
Looks at her dryly. "You have a better one?"
"No, but what if someone catches us?"
"Are you kidding me? They're too busy arguing! And Will barely talks."
"He wasn't like that when we went to the park."
"The rest of my family wasn't around then either. Trust me, they're not exactly normal."
"Who is?"
Philip has to agree with her on that one.
Okay, Cue: Mission Impossible Music: Duh-duh-duh Duh-duh-duh -Duh-duh-duh Duh-duh.
In the mood now?
Their Mission: Since they obviously chose to accept it: To sneak one ENORMOUS sized turkey out of the Kiriakis Mansion.
Not an easy task!
Philip led Mimi into the house through a back door. He didn't want anyone to see them, since he was supposed to be already gone, on a mission of mercy for a friend. He just didn't tell his parents what the mission was. He leads her through a couple of rooms until they get to the dining room. There on the buffet sits one Colossal, Gargantuan, Mammoth sized turkey! In other words: one big ole sucker!
Philip lifts the ceramic covering from on top of it and shows Mimi Exhibit A, uh, the turkey.
Mimi looks at it flabbergasted. "THAT'S your turkey? That thing is." Can't go on.
"I know, it looks like the Titanic. That's why I named it Bird-zilla."
"Philip, we can't take that! How are we even going to CARRY it?" Looking at Bird-zilla, uh the turkey, in disbelief.
Warning look. "Shhh.You want someone to hear you? We can carry it."
He's not very convincing.
"I think."
"Why don't we just cut it? Do you happen to have a saw around?" Still staring at the Walloping turkey.
"Funny Meems. Funny. Nah. There's a knife around here somewhere. I just hope I can cut it."
Hears a noise and looks at Mimi in shock. "Quick, get down!!" Philip pushes Mimi down underneath the dining room table, where he joins her.
"So Kate, Austin is going to get me a beautiful expensive diamond ring and we are going to be happy forever with Will and there is nothing you can do about it."
"You little money grubbing slut!"
Mimi looks at Philip in shock from underneath the table. Philip just rolls his eyes.
Austin comes in.
Sammy rushes over to him, the poor innocent victim! Yeah right!
"Oh Austin, your mother is being so mean to me.Do something Austin! Defend me!"
"Mom, are you being mean to Sammy again?"
Mimi shakes her head. This is how they spend Thanksgiving?
Sammy smirks.
Kate growls.
Austin leads them all out.
Philip and Mimi are safe to come out from underneath the table.
Attempt One: Unsuccessful.
Mission: FAILED
Now on to Attempt Two.
"Philip!?"
"Don't ask! Now are you sure we have to cut this thing?"
"Philip, we can't take your family's entire turkey! Besides I only need some of it, not the whole thing."
"They're too busy arguing to eat, but they would be really upset with me if I took the WHOLE thing and Will has to eat.All right. All right. I'll cut it. Let's see." Looks around for the knife and finds it. "Here we go." Goes over to the turkey and starts to cut it, which is not an easy task.manages to cut part of it.poor Bird-zilla not looking as pretty as it was before.
"Oh, my gosh! Philip, what did you do to it?" Looks at the turkey, now almost a sorry sight.
"You told me to cut it! It's all right! It's still edible! Now it really does look like the Titanic!"
"Yeah, after it hit the iceberg!"
Hears a noise. "OH MY GOSH! Someone's coming! What do we do? What do we do?"
"Calm down! Here!" Puts the pieces of the turkey back together under the ceramic covering and scrambles to get it to look.well ALMOST like it did before.
"Philip, what if someone lifts that covering?"
"Nah." Looks at her weakly. "Maybe no one will notice?"
"NOT NOTICE?!"
"SHHH. Grabs her and they hide under the table again as.
"So Kate, it just kills you doesn't it, to see Victor and I SOOO happy together!"
Kate laughs. "You are so pathetic Nicole.Do you honestly think Victor cares for you at all?.Pretty soon, he's going to drop you like yesterday's news.you TRAMP!"
Wide-eyed expression from Mimi. Philip just shakes his head.
Victor enters. Big Guy is getting a headache.
"Old Battle-Axe!"
"Hussey!"
"Tart!"
"Wench!"
"Why you little wh-"
Victor breaks them up before they start letting each other have it. "All right, all right that's enough you two!" Leads them out of the room.
Philip and Mimi start to crawl out from underneath the table as.
"Here Will, let's get you some cookies! What do you say about that?"
Will answers Henderson. "Yeah."
Mimi and Philip hastily crawling back underneath the table.
By the way.Attempt Two.
Uh, Mission Two: FAILED
On to Attempt Three or Mission Three or.
OH forget it! Onto the third Try!
Will and Henderson leave the room.
Philip and Mimi start to crawl out from underneath the table as.
The cook enters with some more plates of hot food and they quickly scramble underneath the table again.
Cook leaves.
Philip and Mimi wait.what if somebody else comes? But when no one does, they decide the coast is clear.for now anyway.
"This place has more traffic than Times Square!" Mimi looking at Philip in utter bewilderment as they get out from underneath the table cautiously."Philip, are you sure it's all right if we take some of your family's turkey? I'm having second thoughts."
"You should have said something before I cut it. Don't worry. We always end up with enough leftovers to feed an army anyway."
Still perplexed. "But what are they going to do when they find their turkey all cut up?"
"Think that the turkey snatcher got in here and couldn't carry the whole thing?"
Frowns. "That's not funny. Let's leave a note." Reaches into her purse for paper and pen.
"A NOTE?" Bewildered.
"Yes." She hands him the paper and pen.
"Fine. What do I say? That the rest of Bird-zilla went to people that will appreciate it?"
"Philip!"
"It's okay. I know what to write." He writes a note and leaves it underneath the ceramic covering, next to the leftover part of Bird-zilla, uh, the turkey.
"Okay?"
"Yeah, I just hope by the time I get home everyone will see this as a charitable act or I'm going to be in deep: well you get the picture."
"Philip, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It's not like we took the WHOLE turkey. Let's just get out of here."
They put their parts of the turkey on a huge tray and start to head toward the back door as.
"So Sammy, using Will to get Austin once again are you? You're such a loser."
Poor Philip and Mimi head desperately for the other side of the table to hide.carrying the large tray.crouching down on the ground hoping they are not heard.
"Takes one to know one honey."
Sammy takes a breadstick. Nicole takes a cracker and they leave.
Mimi: wide-eyed, mouth open. "Ph"
Philip promptly cuts her off.
"DON't say anything. Let's just make a run for it before someone ELSE comes in."
They head to the back door and leave with parts of Bird-zilla, uh the turkey.
Attempt three.
Uh...
Try Three..
No, that's not it....
Mission Three...
YEAH, that's right!
Mission Three: SUCCESSFUL
End of Gobble Gobble
Chapter 23: Kindred Spirits
Philip and Mimi arrived at the center with the turkey. They got out of the car, carrying it with them and then walked into the center. After they were done putting it in the kitchen, Mimi turned around to speak to Philip.
"Thanks Philly. You saved me.again." She smiled at her friend.
"Ah, it was no big deal. It actually was kind of fun.sneaking out of the house and everything."
Mimi laughed. "Yeah, we made a great team!"
"The best. So you have enough turkey now?" Philip looked at her with a smile.
"Yeah definitely." She looked at him a little shyly. "Well, I guess I better let you get back to your family."
"Yeah." Philip didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. "So you going to help serve now?"
"Yep and I better start."
"Oh, okay. Well, Happy Thanksgiving Meems."
"Happy Thanksgiving Phil." She watched as Philip left and then started to help the other workers.
Several Minutes Later.
Mimi helped dish another plateful, thinking Philip must be almost home..
Ready to share his thanksgiving with his family.
Getting ready to explain what happened to their turkey.
She hoped they weren't too hard on him.
"Uh, you need some extra help? I even brought my serving spoon."
Mimi looked up with surprise to see of all people....
Philip, standing at the door to the kitchen holding a large spoon with a wide dimpled smile.
She smiled back, happy to see him. "Sure."
****
"Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me Ooohhh!.R-E-S-P-E-C-T."
Philip spooned another helping of gravy and mashed potatoes, shaking to the music. Next to him, Leroy was cheering him on, boogieing as he served the turkey. Philip now knew why Mimi got along with him so much. He was a lot of fun! Leroy was a black man, in his 40's? Philip guessed somewhere around there. He had a great sense of humor, was quite a dancer and a natural born leader, leading everyone in serving the people at the shelter. And there were a whole lot of people to serve!
Philip rolled up his sleeves as he spooned out more food. He looked over at Mimi, helping with the stuffing. She was smiling and moving to the music too. She was wearing a violet red skirt with a top a shade lighter and her hair was partly up in a loose bun, some strands hanging loose. He thought she looked really good, but mostly she looked happy and totally in her element.
He broke away from his musings, realizing he better stay focused on his job. One he was actually enjoying.
"Wait a minute Mr. Postman, Oooohhh Please Mr. Postman."
Mimi gave out another portion of stuffing, singing and moving to the music, watching Philip with a laugh. Oh my gosh, she had never seen him like this, acting so silly. Sure, he could act crazy, but.well, maybe it was the fact that he was WORKING, actually serving people food! And from the smile on his face and the way he was shaking his uhhh..backside.he actually seemed to be having fun. She was also happy to see that he was getting along well with Leroy and the other workers. She took in his black slacks and gorgeous maroon sweater.at how he was all dressed up for Thanksgiving and here he was serving the homeless.
Would wonders ever cease?
****
She got his attention.
A little girl standing off to the side of one of the tables, looking very sad.
Philip couldn't stop looking at her, wondering why she looked so despondent and wondering why it was bothering him so much...
There was something about her.something familiar.
He watched as not a single tear fell from her eye. What was it?
Before he even realized what he was doing, he asked Leroy for a short break, feeling like a magnet being pulled to something or in this case: someone.
Philip went over to where they were serving pumpkin pie, got a piece, covering it with whipped cream and walked over to the little girl. Sitting at the table was a woman. Philip guessed it must be her mother. He waved and gestured with the pumpkin pie. She smiled in acknowledgement, knowing he was friends with one of the volunteers. A good-looking guy like that got a lot of attention.
"Hi. I thought you might like some pumpkin pie. It's got lots of whipped cream too!" Philip smiled at the little girl as he crouched down near her, to be at her eye level. She was very pretty, with long brown hair and brown eyes.
The little girl just looked down sadly.
"Hey, it's really good. Why don't you try some? By the way, my name's Philip. My friend works here and I came to help out." He held out his hand for her with another smile.
She looked away.
Philip really wanted to get her to talk to him. There was just something about her.
"Here, let me show you how good it is." Philip over-exaggerated eating a part of it with his hands, getting whipped cream on his face.
The little girl cracked a smile.
"Ah, I saw that. Come on. Go ahead and take it." He handed her the pie and felt good inside when she started to eat it with the tiniest bit of a smile.
"So, why are you so sad?"
She looked at him, her big brown eyes still sad, looked away, and then looked at him again a little shyly, still melancholy. "I miss my Daddy."
"Oh. What happened to him?" Philip looked at her with interest.
"He-he's in the hospital. He's sick."
"He had a stroke, just recently."
Philip looked at the little girl's mother, in shock.
A stroke!
Oh - Painful memories came back to him.
The little girl looked down sadly.
Philip gazed down at her, now knowing now why he felt compelled to meet her. It was like meeting himself as a child again.
"I'm so sorry. When I was little my Dad was sick too."
The little girl looked up at him with interest. "He was?"
"Yeah. The same thing happened to him that happened to your daddy."
"Sometimes, I don't like going to see him. I'm."
Philip moved closer to her, understanding in his eyes.
"Afraid?"
"M-hmm." The little girl nodded her head.
"Yeah, I was too sometimes. It's hard to see him so still, isn't it?"
"M-hmm. He doesn't move! It scares me."
"I know. But you know what can help?"
"What?"
"Talking to your Mom. She can help you a lot. And give her lots of hugs. It'll make you feel good inside. And remember all the good times you've had with your Daddy."
"Did your Daddy get better?"
"Yeah, he did. He's at home now all better."
"Do you think my Daddy will get better?"
Philip swallowed hard.
OH, what a tough question.
Sure, he could answer that he would be fine, but how many times did he get that answer as a kid? How many times was he told his Dad was coming home soon.his Dad didn't come home for years! He didn't want to lie to this little girl.
"I don't know. I hope so."
"So do I. After Daddy got sick, we had to leave our home too. We live here now."
Philip felt sick inside. He lost his father for a while, but at least he had a home. This girl had so little.he wished there was something he could do for her.
For the first time he was REALLY seeing just how lucky he was.
"Well, there are a lot of nice people that work here."
"You're nice. I like you. My name's Selena."
"I like you too. Nice to meet you Selena. How about a ride?"
Philip turned around, slouching a little and told Selena to get on a chair and hold onto his back. Then he got up, as she held onto his neck and shoulders and goofed around, giving her a ride, making her laugh.
At least he could give her that.
Some Happiness.
Even if it was only temporary.
****
Mimi looked around fro Philip with no success. She had been taking a short break and suddenly noticed that he wasn't around. Earlier she saw him with Selena. She noticed that he was talking to her and it looked like he was trying to cheer her up. It made Mimi smile to see him come over to her with a piece of pumpkin pie, loaded with whipped cream. Then she laughed when she saw Philip run around the room with Selena on his back. He could be so silly, but what he was doing was also incredibly sweet. Mimi noticed that Selena was even smiling and laughing, something she rarely saw her do. But Mimi ended up having to help out a little in the kitchen and when she came back out to the main dining room, there was no sign of Philip.
Did he leave, she wondered. Without telling her?
****
Philip stood outside hugging himself to keep warm. He looked up at the sky with somber eyes. For so long he acted like it didn't bother him. He admitted so little to his friends, his family.to Chloe, but tonight fate stepped in. He met someone who reminded him.the pain he felt as a child.the sense of loss.
He shivered, feeling very alone.
****
Wait a minute!
She went to go check. Yes, it was still there. His coat was still there so where was he?
She put on her own coat and walked out to the back, where there was a small balcony and saw him. He was outside in freezing weather, a frosty night without a jacket.
Mimi ran over to Philip.
"Philip, are you crazy? It's freezing out here! You could get sick!"
Mimi took Philip's coat, which she found where he left it in the kitchen and draped it around his shoulders, straining to reach up to him.
"Philip put it on!"
Why did he look so upset?
Philip looked at Mimi in surprise, nearly jumping when she put the coat on him. The urgency in her voice. She was right though. He felt very cold. He shivered again and watched as Mimi grabbed his coat, forcing him to put his arms through the sleeves. Then she did something that totally shocked him. She scrambled to get in front of him and started buttoning up his coat. He watched her with confused eyes.
Mimi was so worried about him. He kept shivering so she made sure he put the coat on, helping him. Then purely out of concern, she buttoned his coat, until.
"I can't quite reach the top buttons Philip. You'll have to do them yourself."
She watched as he finally nodded his head and finished buttoning up his coat, but his eyes.
They looked so sad and he still seemed shaky. She reached for his hands. They were so cold! She started rubbing them briskly.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Mimi looked up at him with questioning pleading eyes. "Please Philly tell me."
Philip looked at her for a second, and then turned away, removing his hands from her grasp and held onto the railing. He didn't like burdening people with his problems. He didn't like admitting certain things.
Mimi watched him turn away from her painfully. She wanted to be there for him like he was there for her. But if he wouldn't let her.
No, she had to find a way.
She put her hand on his back and stood a little behind him, a little on the side.
"You know Leroy and everyone else really likes you. I didn't know you had it in you. I mean, Philip Kiriakis, serving other people! Who would of thought? And whoever thought that you could "shake" it so well?"
Mimi teased jokingly, hoping to get a response. Nothing.
"And you had Selena laughing so hard-"
She stopped, noticing him react to the name.
"Is that it Philip? Is it Selena?"
"Her Dad's sick."
Mimi had to struggle to hear him. His voice was so quiet and it sounded a little hoarse.
"I know. He's in the hospital, but I'm not sure what for. Her mom's very nice, but also very quiet and so is Selena."
Philip responded in a toneless voice. "He had a stroke."
Mimi closed her eyes tight. So that was it!
Oh, Philip, Mimi thought. The pain he must be going through right now.
All the years she knew him, he NEVER talked about it. Maybe a small mention, but not ever discussing it or confiding in someone about it. He even seemed to act sometimes as if he only had one parent. Then his father got better and Philip acted like nothing ever happened, like there never even was a stroke. She wondered if he ever talked to Chloe about it. Possibly, but something told her that even with her he probably didn't say that much.
But tonight.tonight must have been like reliving the nightmare.and Mimi was determined to help him deal with it. No more hiding Philip.
"Philip."
"Meems please.I just want to be alone."
He pleaded with her, his tone a little harsh.
She refused to give up though.
"No Philip. I'm not leaving. You always act like you can deal with everything by yourself.like you're so strong and don't have any problems. You want everyone else to say what's wrong with them as long as you don't have to say what's wrong with you."
She looked at him pointedly, wishing he would look at her.
Philip continued to look away, even though he could feel her eyes on him.
"That's not true."
"Yes it is and you know it. Why Philip? Why can't you just talk about it? I know it's hurting you."
Mimi reached out, touching his hand that was gripping the railing, gently moving her hand back and forth over it.
"Philly, that's what friends are for. They talk to each other, help each other. You helped me.at least let me return the favor."
Finally, he turned to look at her and she looked up into his sorrowful eyes.
"Philly?"
It was hard.
It was so hard to get the words out, but she was giving him so much.
She was allowing him to feel.and he needed to talk.he so needed it.
He looked out at the sky again and quietly, hoarsely began to speak.
"I.I missed my Dad so much.and I just felt so lost.My Mom, she would cry at night and I wanted to help her, but.how could I help her? What could I do? I was still just a kid. I just hugged her a lot.needing to be close to her. And then we'd go to the nursing home and I just.I just wanted to get out of there so badly.and I always felt guilty.he was just so still.it was like he wasn't even my Dad.and tonight, seeing that little girl.so sad.it's like.like re-living it all.I know.I know what she's going through.I've felt that pain before.I.I-"
Mimi watched Philip speak, his eyes getting more moist with each word he spoke until finally his voice broke off.
She reached for him and he resisted at first, but then finally he gave in, holding her tight, his body shaking.
"Oh Philly, Let it out.Just let it out."
She rubbed his back, holding him close to her, feeling his shoulders sag as he leaned against her and finally let go of the sorrow he had felt as a child.
Philip held on, feeling her support him. She was so much smaller than he was physically yet here she was holding him up, sustaining him..
It allowed him to let go and just..
Feel.
But soon.
He felt his breathing returning to normal, his tears subsiding.
He pulled back, looking at Mimi.
Mimi felt him let go and looked up into his tear-stricken face. He hadn't cried for that long, but at least it was a start. At least he was opening up. She reached out to touch his face, wiping away his tears, but after a little bit he grabbed her hand and gently removed it.
"I'm okay. I just.I feel bad for Selena. And she doesn't even have a home either. I wished there was something I could do."
His voice was a little shaky, hoarser, but with each word, it grew steadier.
Mimi knew that was it. He wasn't going to reveal any more and he definitely was done putting his emotions on display.for tonight anyway.
But that was okay. At least he let her comfort him. She was so thankful for that.
"What do you mean you wish there was something you could do for her? Philip Robert Kiriakis, tonight you made that little girl happy. You made her smile and laugh. You already gave SO much to her and you didn't have to spend one cent to do it."
"You think that's all I think about, money? That I think money can solve all the problems in the world? Let me tell you something Mimi. I would have given away every single cent if I could have just had my Dad at home all those years. But I doubt many people would believe that." He replied, his voice full of emotion.
Mimi reached out for Philip's hand, taking it in hers.
"I believe it. And so would your friends.your real friends.even Chloe, I bet. I know you don't care only about money. I know because I saw the way you acted tonight: gracious and kind. And the way you treated me when I was attacked. You made me feel so safe Philip. Like you told ME, on the island Philip, 'You're okay, really okay.'"
Mimi shivered a little and then smiled when he protectively put his hands on her arms.
"Now it's really cold out here. Can we go back inside, where it's warmer?"
Philip could hear her teeth chattering as he rubbed her arms briskly, letting go after a bit.
"You go ahead. I'll be in, in a minute."
"Philip-"
"Really Meems. I'm okay now. Just give me a minute okay?"
"Okay, but if you don't come in soon-" Mimi warned, still concerned about him.
Philip could see her concern and smiled. "I promise. I won't be that long." He watched Mimi start to walk back in reluctantly.
He watched her get to the door, then.
"Meems-"
"What?"
Mimi felt herself being turned around slowly as he caught up with her, holding onto her arm.
Philip touched Mimi's arm, grasping it lightly. He let his hand travel down to her hand, squeezing it quickly. Then he pulled her hand towards him and moved his lips to her cheek, softly kissing it, letting his lips linger on her soft skin for a second. "Thank you." He whispered softly in her ear, then touched her cheek with the back of his hand, letting it fall slowly down her chin, to her shoulder, down her arm, till his hand was once again clasping hers.
Mimi couldn't speak. His touch had made her tremble. His lips against her skin.on her ear.
She looked up at him, unable to talk.
Philip looked down at her with a warm smile and spoke gently.
"Go inside Mimi, okay? It's cold out here and you're shivering."
A part of Mimi wanted to stay with him.
Wanted.
But she just nodded her head and went back inside, still feeling the warmth from his lips.
****
Philip was back inside, helping Leroy, happy to see Selena smiling and giggling as Mimi read her a story. His eyes focused on her intently...
She looked so pretty, sitting there reading, strands of her hair that would just not stay back framing her face. Philip watched her in wonder, unable to take his eyes away.
Why did he never realize how special she was?
Mimi's eyes moved upward, feeling.
Their eyes locked.
Both of them just stared, feeling something new, exciting, and scary.
I separated this into two chapters because the first part was really silly and light. The second part was more serious and so it didn't really fit in as part of the other chapter.