Chapter 24: Confrontation
Philip was dancing with Mimi to a 3LW song enjoying himself. Spirits were high for everyone from Salem High because the Panthers just won their very last game. It was an amazing football season so everyone was in a partying mood. This time the big celebration was at Hunter White's house, a pretty big house, though smaller than Philip's was. Right at this moment though, Philip could care less about that. There were girls and guys everywhere dancing, talking, drinking, and some doing more risqué things too because there were no parents around to tell them no.
Philip moved his body to the beat glancing at his partner and at her attire. She was wearing dark blue low-rise jeans with a nice little blue patterned sweater topping them. Her auburn hair, curled tonight, partly pulled back was swinging around her as she danced.
She looked good, happy, carefree.
Mimi moved her hands up, letting herself go, feeling the groove. Behind them, the entertainment center was blasting in the background. Mimi wished she could have gone to the game, but at least she was partying now.and with Philip nonetheless.
He looked.well, wow.in dark blue jeans and a form fitting long sleeved midnight blue polo shirt. She watched him dancing across from her with a lazy smile on his face. He must be feeling on top of the world after scoring so many touchdowns, including the winning one.
They were dancing with a bunch of others in Hunter's living room, the lights on low. After the game, Philip Shawn and Belle picked her up and when they got to the party Philip and Mimi found themselves out on the floor dancing together. There were no formal invitations or anything. They just somehow ended up dancing.
The song ended and a slow number came on. Philip and Mimi just kind of looked at each other shyly, saying nothing.
Finally, Philip spoke up as they moved further away from the center of the room.
"So this is a pretty cool party, huh?"
Mimi looked up at him a little timidly. What was going on with her? Why was she starting to feel nervous around him sometimes? Not scared, just.
Somewhat unsure of herself.
"Yeah. Where did Shawn and Belle go?"
Philip gave a small sly smile. "I think they went off to be alone."
"Oh. So you played pretty good tonight. I just hope you don't let that go too much to your head Philly. Wouldn't want you to get a bigger ego than you already have." Mimi joked with him, hoping none of her nervousness was showing.
"Ha, ha, ha. Funny Meems. I thought you stopped thinking about me that way after the WONDERFUL job I did at the center. They loved me." Philip teased, noticing her little bit of shyness.
Actually, lately he felt.
He couldn't quite put his finger on it.just something different about her.
"Oh no! I think they created a monster with all that praise! What am I going to do with you?"
Philip moved in closer, very close, speaking softly and covertly, looking down into her green eyes.
"I don't know Mimi. What are you going to do with me? Please tell me. I'd really like to know."
Mimi looked up into Philip's blue eyes peering down into hers, so close that she could smell the subtle scent of his cologne. She felt as if she were being backed up into a corner.
She felt.
Very displeased as a well-manicured hand moved down his shoulder from behind. What the?!
"Hey Phil.ummmm, you're looking sooo good tonight. At the game you were absolutely on FIRE." Tiffany smiled seductively at Philip, ignoring Mimi.
Philip turned around in shock after feeling the hand on his shoulder. And there was Tiffany looking him up and down, her eyes taking him in. She was one of the cheerleaders and just about every guy at Salem High thought she was hot.
Well except for.
Mimi watched Tiffany with a scowl. What the heck did she want? Couldn't she see that they were talking?
"So Philip."
Tiffany let her hand travel up and down Philip's arm.
"What do you say we go out there and.uh."
She traced flirtatious lines along his shoulder with one of her hands.
"Dance.alone?" Tiffany asked, looking at Mimi a little coldly.
"Tiffany, uh look."
Philip thought he wouldn't mind dancing with her. It could be fun. It was time to move on. And he and Mimi were just friends, right?
Oh man, what was going on with him and Mimi?
"I don't know."
One thing was for certain. He enjoyed spending time with her and at that moment he didn't feel like leaving her alone.
Mimi felt as if she was being treated like some charity case and she hated it! Time to get out of there with her dignity still intact.
"Oh my gosh, there's some people I absolutely have to talk to! I'll catch you later Phil okay!"
Not even giving him a chance to reply, she ran off and joined some friends from one of her favorite classes.
Philip watched her leave with a baffled expression. Now, what was up with her?
At first, he thought she was once again lying to him, but when he saw her go join some fellow seniors, laughing and smiling with them, he realized she meant it. Then he started feeling a little irritated when he saw her move away from the group a little, with one guy in particular, acting quite friendly.
Huh. And he was worried about her being alone.
He directed his attention back to Tiffany. "What are we waiting for Tiff, let's go." He took her hand in his and they moved out a little on the floor and started dancing.
"Thanks Mike for the favor. So we'll get together next week and work on the project together during lunch?"
"Yeah, sounds good Mimi. Hey want to dance?"
"Sure."
Mimi headed after Mike towards the dancing area and they started moving to the music. Mike was tall, lean, had dark hair and had become a pretty good friend of hers ever since she started taking a particular class.
So why did Mimi find her attention elsewhere while she was dancing with him?
Tiffany was pretty, popular, had a nice figure and yet he was almost bored with her. He looked over.
Now she was dancing with him! Who was that guy?
****
Mimi was walking through the house, trying to find a quiet area, which wasn't easy. Everywhere there were people, either wanting to be alone or in a huge rowdy crowd. Dancing with Mike had been nice, but she couldn't seem to keep her eyes off Philip, who seemed to be enjoying the attention of one very flirty Tiffany.
BOYS, oh how they irritated her!
She finally found a quiet room.
"AH, alone at last."
"You."
Oh no. Maybe she could just leave without a big fuss. Hey, why should SHE leave? She had just as much right to be in this room as HER. It's not like it was her house.
"Hello to you too, Chloe."
"Look, I really wanted to be alone so if you could just."
Chloe was not in a good mood. She had just gotten into an argument with Brady, who she assumed was somewhere in the vicinity. All she wanted now was peace and quiet in this Animal House, but instead she was in a room with one of her least favorite people.
"Just what?"
Mimi faced Chloe defiantly with her hands on her hips. Chloe wasn't the only one in a bad mood.
"Leave."
"What do you mean leave? I have just as much right as you to be in this room."
"Fine, then I'll leave."
Chloe headed toward the open door.
Mimi frowned, sitting down on a sofa in the room.
"There's no other room in this crazy house that isn't occupied. I already checked."
Chloe sighed. Maybe she should just go find Brady. No, she needed to cool off first. She went to go sit down on a chair.
"Let's just keep our distance from each other."
"Fine by me."
They sat in total silence until.
"I thought you weren't supposed to go to school functions. That's what was decided in court."
Chloe looked pointedly at Mimi.
Mimi returned Chloe's look.
"This isn't a school function. This is a private party. You know that."
"Yes, but if you're here, you went to the game right?"
"No, I didn't go to the game. What about that night we all went cruising? Remember, you guys picked me up AFTER the game?"
Mimi felt a headache coming.
Chloe likewise felt a headache coming.
"That wasn't my idea."
"Why am I not surprised?"
Chloe stood up.
"Why would I ever want to spend time with you after what you and that loser friend of yours did to me at the Last Blast?"
Mimi stood up too, unhappy by the fact that she had to look UP to Chloe.
"She's no longer my friend. Not that she ever really was. She just enjoyed using me-"
Chloe mocked sympathy for her.
"Oh Poor Mimi, right?"
"NO. Let me finish. She used me, BUT I went along with that stupid plan also. I am just as responsible and just as much as she did, I also wanted to hurt you."
"Of course. From day one that I came to Salem you treated me like I was the Witch of Salem High!"
Chloe's anger was building.
Mimi was getting exasperated herself.
"And when all the guys changed their tune about you, you just soaked it all up didn't you? Like that day at the Brady Pub.BOTH Shawn and Philip were fawning all over you and you just loved it, didn't you? Even though it hurt Belle, you didn't care!!"
"I would NEVER hurt Belle. You're just jealous because we have become such great friends. You always have been!!"
Mimi laughed ironically.
"Boy, how silly of me to ever think we could actually get along after everything that happened on the island!"
They were both face to face now, staring each other down, near the point of yelling.
"On the island the only reason we worked together was because we were looking for people we BOTH cared about! But if you thought that meant we could ever be friends."
"Don't worry about that. As much as you don't want to be my friend, I don't want to be yours. You just use people."
Chloe was incredulous. "I USE people? And you don't have a life so you just latch onto whoever you can, don't you?"
"YOU USED PHILIP!"
Chloe was deathly silent, glaring at Mimi.
"You little.How dare you say that? Especially after YOU'RE the one who did everything you could to break us apart.YOU ARE PATHETIC."
Mimi refused to give way.
"You used him and you know it. I'm not saying you didn't care about him, but you also played around with his feelings. Why else would you be flirting with SHAWN right in his face? What was that about, huh Chloe? He NEVER even looked at another girl when he was with you! He treated you like a princess and yet when you got bored of Shawn you moved onto BRADY!"
"YOU-"
"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE!"
Chloe and Mimi both turned around suddenly at the interruption.
There was Philip in the open doorway staring at them with bewilderment.
"I can hear the two of you way out in the hallway! So you want to tell me what this is all about?"
Philip looked from one of them to the other, waiting for an explanation.
"Let HER explain it to you. I am out of here."
A furious Chloe left the room, without a backward glance.
Mimi got ready to leave too, but a defiant Philip blocked her path.
"Oh no you don't. I want to know why when I came in here you were giving Chloe a hard time."
Mimi looked up into Philip's angry eyes and laughed sarcastically.
"Oh, of course.it's always my fault right? It couldn't possibly be Chloe's!"
She tried to move past, but he blocked her path again, moving with her.
"Look, I came in here and you were yelling at Chloe about Brady. Is that not true?"
Mimi just obstinately stood there with her arms crossed, looking ahead, avoiding Philip.
"Mimi." Philip warned in a low voice.
"YES. I was yelling at her about Brady." Mimi faced Philip again, boldly.
"Why?"
Philip could tell that whatever happened between the two of them upset her a lot. But he wasn't too happy either by the fact that Chloe was also upset. At least she seemed so when she left the room. He wanted answers.
"Look, I've said this to you before and I'll say it again. We are not friends and we never will be. It's just that simple."
"No. It's not that simple because whatever just happened now put both of you in a very bad mood. Come on Mimi. Why were you guys even in the same room?"
"It was the only quiet room in this raucous house."
"I thought you were enjoying dancing with MR. Whoever."
Philip tried to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
Did it bother him?
"And what about you and Tiffany the Flirt?"
Mimi also tried to keep her irritation hidden.
Was she jealous?
"We were dancing. Big deal. I went to go look for you and I find you here with Chloe, yelling."
"As I was saying, I came in here for some peace and quiet and unfortunately Chloe was already here."
"So how come you didn't just leave?"
Mimi shook her head in annoyance.
"Whatever it takes to make Chloe happy, right?"
"DAMNIT Mimi. That's not what I meant. It's just I know that you don't like her, so it would seem natural that you would leave!"
"Why me? Why not her?"
Philip raised his hand to his forehead pushing back his hair in frustration.
"Oh Mimi-"
"You think she's so perfect!"
"I do not. I'm not even with her anymore, remember? What is wrong with you?!"
"Wrong with me? What about her? Why does everyone always defend her? Look at what she did to you!"
Philip spoke quietly.
"You better be careful Mimi."
"She used you!!"
"I've heard enough."
Philip started to walk out, turning away from Mimi.
"OH, that's it Philip! Don't listen! Just do what you always do when things get too hard to handle! Bail out!"
Philip stopped dead in his tracks, turning back around to face Mimi with an ominous look. He moved in closer to her, speaking icily.
"FINE. I'm listening."
Mimi looked up at him a little shakily, but bravely continued.
"She flirted with Shawn even when you were around. You can't deny it. Belle saw it, I saw it, Shawn saw it and YOU saw it. Then she moved onto Brady!"
"Shawn was just a friend. She was probably just getting back at me for treating her badly before. And Brady.I don't know.Brady just happened. Maybe it had to do partly with me lying to her about some things." Phillip spoke defensively.
"There you go, making excuses for her! That's what you always do! But what about HER? Whether she meant it or not she HURT you! I know you made mistakes, but so did she! Can't you see that?!"
She grabbed onto Philip's arms, staring straight into his eyes.
"I watched you turn into someone I barely knew because of her! Everything was about her! You forgot your friends, school, everything-"
Philip cut her off angrily.
"And what about you? You were so consumed with your stupid plotting to ruin Chloe's life that you screwed up your senior year! It's because of your HATRED for her that you're cleaning out those locker rooms every day!"
Mimi took her hands off of his arms and looked at him with disgust.
"Just forget it Philip. Just live in the past if that's what you want."
She turned away from him and left the room.
Philip furiously called out after her.
"Yeah, and you just keep feeling sorry for yourself!"
Mimi turned back to look at him with a sad expression, her eyes near tears, and continued down the hallway.
Philip sighed and let his head fall.
****
She sat down on the swing, moving back and forth slowly. It was a clear night, but her thoughts were definitely anything but clear. Why did she say those things to him? What had come over her? You and your big mouth once again, Mimi!
He had become her best friend this year.
She felt closer to him than anyone and now she ruined it.
He'd probably never speak to her again.
"Yep, once again you opened your mouth and said too much!"
****
He walked to his destination, finally getting there and seeing it.the tree.their tree.in it carved initials.ones he carved.less than a year ago.yet now it seemed so long ago.he traced the initials with his fingers and then walked away.
It's what he needed.
To walk away.
He needed to let go.
Completely.
Mimi was right. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. He made excuses for her for so long. Not that Chloe ever asked him too. He made that choice.telling her she was so perfect.over and over again. No matter what happened, she was perfect. Yet how much had he really known her?
Now he realized, not enough. It took two people to make a relationship and it took two people to break it. It wasn't just him. It was her too.
They BOTH made mistakes.
Philip thought of the auburn haired, green-eyed feisty girl who let him have it tonight. And yes, he was still kind of angry with her, but.
"Ah, Meems. You just have a way with words, don't you? And I gave it right back to you. I hope you still want to be my friend."
Chapter 25: Looking for Guidance
Philip was hanging out with Austin at Dot Com, playing computer games, and Philip was losing badly.
"Ha, ha, ha! Got you little brother!" Austin teased good-naturedly.
Philip was just quiet.
Austin looked at Philip questioningly. "Hey Phil, what's up?"
Philip looked at his half brother at first, but then looked away, saying nothing.
Austin continued. "It might help if you talk about it. Are you feeling okay? This doesn't have anything to do with the island does it?" Austin asked with concern.
Philip finally looked up at Austin. "No Austin, I'm feeling fine. I'm back in shape and I've been playing football really well and everything. In fact, we finished out the year as State Champs and now I'm getting ready for basketball."
"Congrats' Phil on having such a winning season, but I know something's bothering you. Is it girl trouble?"
Austin saw the tiniest bit of reaction from Philip.
"Is it Chloe?"
Philip sighed, knowing Austin wasn't going to let up.
"I thought we would last forever. I guess I thought wrong."
"Philip, I know you probably hate hearing this, but you're still pretty young and there will be other girls. You don't have to make a lifetime commitment yet."
"I know. I went overboard. I got too serious too fast. I realize that now."
Philip looked down despondently.
"I screwed up."
Austin smiled understandingly.
"Philip come on. You're young, all right. And human. You made some mistakes. You don't have to beat yourself up about it."
Philip waved his hands in acknowledgement.
"I know. I know. You sound like a friend of mine.at least I hope she's still my friend."
Philip's voice dropped off uncertainly.
"Why do you say that Phil.that you HOPE?"
"It's just I got on her case the other night and it was about Chloe. I don't know if she's going to want to speak to me anymore."
"And that bothers you?"
"Yeah. I've been friends with her for a long time and we kind of drifted apart for a while. But lately.I don't know. We've just grown.sort of closer.at least until I blew up at her."
"So now you think she's not going to want to be your friend.just because you guys had a.what?.fight?"
Philip answered, sounding a little unsure of himself.
"Yeah, I guess. I don't know Austin. I don't even know why it bothers me so much. I mean she's the one who has a problem with Chloe, not me."
Austin wasn't sure how much he believed that.
"Philip, have you and Chloe talked? I mean, REALLY talked?" He asked with emphasis.
"No, not really. It's like we've been avoiding each other as much as possible. I mean we talked after I got out of the hospital once, but we just kind of ended it then. We didn't really talk about why or that much about the possibility of getting together again."
Finally, they were getting to the center of Philip's problem.
"Do you want to get back together with her?"
"She's with Brady, Austin."
"Yeah, but if she wasn't, would you WANT to get back together with her?"
Philip smiled ironically.
"It's funny. If you had asked me that months ago, I probably would have said yeah. Now.now I'm not so sure. I guess before I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, but.things have changed."
Austin smiled knowingly.
"Yeah. They have. You're moving on Philip, you feel guilty about it., and you're afraid. I know Philip. I was afraid too after Carrie. But I had to get on with my life. I couldn't live in the past: being jealous and unhappy.because that just eats you up inside."
"Did you really love Carrie a lot Austin? Did you think you guys would last forever?"
Austin smiled with remembrance.
"Yes, I loved her. Of course I wanted our relationship to last, but things happened and we drifted apart. Unfortunately, it happens sometimes."
"But didn't you fight for her? Didn't you try to make it last?"
"Yeah, at first, but Philip, when things just keep getting uglier and uglier.when you just end up HURTING each other more than anything."
Philip finished for him. "You have to let go?"
Austin smiled a little.
"Yeah. You have to know when to let go. I mean it was so complicated. There was Mike and Sammy and of course Will."
Philip was surprised by how easy it was talking to Austin. He barely ever talked to him before. But confiding in him about his problems now was making him feel better. He felt like he was getting to know his half brother better too.
"And are you happy with Sammy? As happy as you were with Carrie?"
Austin shook his head, searching for a good answer.
"It's different Philip, not better. It's not a competition, you know? With Carrie.well I was younger. And with Sammy.there's more than just the two of us.there's also Will. But yes.I am happy with her."
Philip smiled and then spoke seriously.
"I got so crazy for a while Austin.I always wanted to be with Chloe and when I wasn't I wondered what she was doing and who she was with. I was obsessed! I stopped caring about so many things that used to matter to me.I lost myself."
Austin looked at Philip with understanding.
"Well, you fell in love and it was the first time. You were young and inexperienced, but it sounds like so was she."
"Yeah. She was really scared about it. About us getting serious. But I knew that. I didn't push her or anything.you know to do anything that she didn't want to do.I was just so happy to be with her.spend time together. And some of those times were great, but some weren't so great.we started arguing more. But I refused to let go of her. I was dead set on us getting back together. Then there was the island. All that time.it made me think.and when I saw her in the hospital, I just somehow knew.that it was time to end it.that I needed to start concentrating on my own life. I still hoped we would get back together.some day.but now."
Philip felt confused. What happened?
"Now, you're not so sure you still want that? Right?" Austin finished for Philip. "Philip, it doesn't mean you stop caring about her or that you guys have to be enemies now. And in time, I think you two can even be friends, good friends."
"Yeah, I guess. But this friend of mine, Mimi, she did things to Chloe, mean things and I'm not innocent. I did mean things to Chloe too for a while. I was a real jerk. And I have to admit, Chloe did some not so nice things to Mimi too.to get back at her.I can't blame her for it or for the fact that she doesn't like Mimi, but.I will always care about Chloe, but I care about Mimi too.I don't want to lose our friendship.she means too much to me."
"You know Philip, a lot of people still don't like Sammy, but I don't really care. I see things in her that other people don't see.special things. It sounds like you're worried that Chloe will be upset if you and Mimi are close, but it's your life Philip. You need to live it for yourself. And it sounds to me like you and Mimi have a special friendship.an honest one.that's something that would be a shame to lose. If Chloe really cares about you she'll understand that.maybe not right away, but somewhere down the line."
"Yeah, I think you're right Austin. Thanks. Thanks for helping me out. It means a lot. And even though it wasn't the happiest subject, I like talking like this: Brother to Brother." Philip smiled warmly.
Austin smiled warmly back. "Yeah, I like it to Philip. And hey, anytime you need to talk, I'm here, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks."
***
Mimi was wandering around Salem Place, shopping for Christmas presents, though it was hard to keep her mind on the task. It kept going back to the party and the argument she had with Philip. She sighed and sat down on a bench.
"Mimi darling, why do you look so sad?"
Mimi looked up in surprise at Alice Horton who was standing over her with many shopping bags that were probably heavy. She rushed to get up and help her.
"Mrs. Horton, let me help you with those. My goodness, you've been shopping today!"
Mimi smiled at Mrs. Horton as she took the bags and set them down by the bench. Then she led her over to sit down.
"Here come sit and take a break."
Alice sat down next to Mimi gratefully.
"Oh darling, thank you so much. Yes, I have been shopping. I have to with that wonderfully big family I have. And so many wonderful grandchildren. Oh My Tom and I always loved this time of year."
Alice smiled a little wistfully, but also full of wonderful enthusiasm.
Mimi, too, smiled a little, though with less enthusiasm.
"Yeah, Christmas is a nice time, but I can't seem to find anything today. I guess I'm just not really into it."
"Well yes, I can see that. I came over here to talk to you because you look so unhappy. Is it your family? Is everything all right with you new house and your Dad's new job? Oh my, is your brother feeling all right? He isn't sick again is he?" Alice asked with concern.
"Oh no, Mrs. Horton. My family is fine. The house, my Dad's job, Connor.everything. We're doing very well and we are very thankful to you for all your help. You were just so nice to us."
Alice patted Mimi's hand.
"Oh Mimi darling, you needn't thank me. I was very happy to do anything I could for your family. I am so glad that you are all doing well. However, Mimi, I can see that something is bothering you. Now I know you probably think I'm a meddling old woman, but I do have experience. I was once young and I have had much practice with my children and grandchildren." Alice looked at Mimi encouragingly.
"Oh Mrs. Horton, I don't want to bother you with my problems. Besides, it's nothing that no other teenager goes through, most likely. But I bet you never had the problem. I mean you're so perfect and everything. I bet everyone always liked you and you always had lots of friends and boyfriends." Mimi responded ruefully.
"Oh my, so that's it. Now Mimi, no one is perfect. I certainly am not. I do remember going to school and boys. Yes, I know. You probably think an old woman like me could never understand. Nevertheless, even with my memory that comes and goes at times, I remember sometimes feeling hurt when classmates didn't like me. And Mimi, boys..Well, what can I say about boys? My darling, they are so silly at times, even as men." Alice gave Mimi a sly little smile.
Mimi laughed. "But I bet you never did anything like I did. Last year I did some really horrible things to this one girl all because I was jealous and just dumb.I mean if I told you what I did to her you would probably think I was a horrible person."
Mimi looked down, feeling ashamed.
"Oh Mimi. Do you know how many things I have had to deal with, with my family? There have been many problems, and all of them at one time or another has acted in an inappropriate way. And Tom and I were not without flaws. We made mistakes too and our relationship was not without its difficulties. Nevertheless, we are a family and we accept each other as we are, just like My Tom and I showed our love to each other every day. Now you are still very young and you are still learning about life and people. You are expected to make mistakes. It is how you grow. It is all right to make them as long as you learn from them."
Mimi looked at Alice again. "But Mrs. Horton, what I did was really awful and I would never do anything like that again, but it didn't change my mind totally about this girl. I still don't like her. And now I think I've lost one of my closest friends because of it. He'll probably hate me forever."
"Oh darling. Do you know how many things I have heard from my grandchildren and I have never stopped loving them. I know how close you and your family are. You will always have them. Also, in life everyone encounters someone they don't like. There are people I don't like. Sometimes it is very hard for me to be civil to them. My, my, don't look so surprised!"
Alice responded to Mimi's look of astonishment and went on.
"There have been times I have acted in a not so dignified way, but usually it had to do with someone hurting my family and that is something I can just not allow."
"Yeah, of course my parents still love me. I mean, they're my parents, but.I'm trying to change for the better this year, but sometimes I just open my big mouth and say the wrong things. I don't know what to do Mrs. Horton. I just feel so confused."
"Mimi, you have already said you would not do anything hurtful to anyone again. That is a start. As for your friends.your true friends will accept you as you are.they will not expect you to change in any way that makes you uncomfortable, or to keep quiet. Change is all right as long as you want it. You should not have to alter the way you are because it makes others happy. It needs to be for you."
Mimi looked at Mrs. Horton with worry.
"But what if he never talks to me again?"
Mrs. Horton smiled sadly, but spoke firmly.
"Then, he is not really your friend. He may be angry with you, but he should still be there for you in some way and care about you if he is a true friend."
"I don't know. It's partly because of me that Philip broke up with his girlfriend. And he still was friends with me after that.but now, what if I went too far?"
Alice questioned Mimi. "Philip, are we talking about Philip Kiriakis, Victor and Kate's son?"
"Yes. You don't know him, do you?"
"Not very well. However, I know he and my dear Shawn Douglas are very close. I have seen him from time to time too. He seems polite and well mannered and if he is friends with Shawn Douglas, well then, he must be.okay!" Alice responded with a little humor.
"Yeah, he is pretty okay. Actually we've grown kind of closer lately."
"Then I am sure you have nothing to worry about. If he is as good a friend as he seems he will not be silly enough to lose such a loyal friend as you."
Mimi looked at Alice with surprise. "Me? What's so great about me?"
"Oh darling, you are a wonderful person. Look at all the good work you did at the hospital. And I heard recently that you started working at the homeless shelter. Now that is a fantastic thing for you to be doing. I am sure you can help so many people."
Alice smiled at Mimi warmly.
"Yeah, I guess. I just know I really like working there. And Philip even came on Thanksgiving to help out. I mean this rich guy.all dressed up.helping out at a homeless center! He actually was pretty popular too.everyone liked him. And I think he even enjoyed it!"
Alice smiled knowingly at Mimi's animated face when she spoke of Philip.
"It sounds like he did and it sounds like he is quite fond of you."
"Yeah sure. I mean we're just friends. At least we were."
"Oh Mimi darling, I am sure you still are. I don't think you need to worry."
"I hope you're right Mrs. Horton. I hope you're right."
***
Philip sat on the hood of his Dad's car, looking out at the sky. It was a chilly frosty night and he was bundled up in a warm jacket, deep in thought. He looked over a little further, a grassy area, remembering dancing with Mimi, feeling good for the first time in a long time. Actually, lately he had felt pretty wonderful with her. They laughed, played, talked, and even cried together. She had become.well, his best friend. No way did he want to lose that.
There was Chloe, but Austin was right. He couldn't live his life for other people anymore. He needed to make himself happy first. She moved on and now he was. And when he felt the time was right, they would talk, because he knew they needed to.at least he did.
But for now, Philip needed to patch up the rift.the one he felt between him and Mimi. She had only been honest with him. She had done what he asked her to do and had to listen to him put her down in response. Tomorrow at school.they'd talk.he wasn't going to let this relationship fall apart.
Their friendship was just too precious.
***
Mimi walked out of the front doors and looked around with disappointment. Of course he wasn't there. He hadn't even talked to her today. Well, he did come to Government late so he ended up sitting in the back of the room. But if he really wanted to talk to her, he would have said something, right?
Oh well, she might as well get going before it got darker. She pulled her jacket around her more, for the night was cold and frosty again, and started on her way toward the sidewalk. No way was she ever going to walk through the woods again by herself. She should be safe on the lighted path and she had a cell phone with her to call her mom just in case.
"Hey, I thought we had a deal."
Mimi turned around in shock at the sound of his voice.
"Philip."
Philip was dancing with Mimi to a 3LW song enjoying himself. Spirits were high for everyone from Salem High because the Panthers just won their very last game. It was an amazing football season so everyone was in a partying mood. This time the big celebration was at Hunter White's house, a pretty big house, though smaller than Philip's was. Right at this moment though, Philip could care less about that. There were girls and guys everywhere dancing, talking, drinking, and some doing more risqué things too because there were no parents around to tell them no.
Philip moved his body to the beat glancing at his partner and at her attire. She was wearing dark blue low-rise jeans with a nice little blue patterned sweater topping them. Her auburn hair, curled tonight, partly pulled back was swinging around her as she danced.
She looked good, happy, carefree.
Mimi moved her hands up, letting herself go, feeling the groove. Behind them, the entertainment center was blasting in the background. Mimi wished she could have gone to the game, but at least she was partying now.and with Philip nonetheless.
He looked.well, wow.in dark blue jeans and a form fitting long sleeved midnight blue polo shirt. She watched him dancing across from her with a lazy smile on his face. He must be feeling on top of the world after scoring so many touchdowns, including the winning one.
They were dancing with a bunch of others in Hunter's living room, the lights on low. After the game, Philip Shawn and Belle picked her up and when they got to the party Philip and Mimi found themselves out on the floor dancing together. There were no formal invitations or anything. They just somehow ended up dancing.
The song ended and a slow number came on. Philip and Mimi just kind of looked at each other shyly, saying nothing.
Finally, Philip spoke up as they moved further away from the center of the room.
"So this is a pretty cool party, huh?"
Mimi looked up at him a little timidly. What was going on with her? Why was she starting to feel nervous around him sometimes? Not scared, just.
Somewhat unsure of herself.
"Yeah. Where did Shawn and Belle go?"
Philip gave a small sly smile. "I think they went off to be alone."
"Oh. So you played pretty good tonight. I just hope you don't let that go too much to your head Philly. Wouldn't want you to get a bigger ego than you already have." Mimi joked with him, hoping none of her nervousness was showing.
"Ha, ha, ha. Funny Meems. I thought you stopped thinking about me that way after the WONDERFUL job I did at the center. They loved me." Philip teased, noticing her little bit of shyness.
Actually, lately he felt.
He couldn't quite put his finger on it.just something different about her.
"Oh no! I think they created a monster with all that praise! What am I going to do with you?"
Philip moved in closer, very close, speaking softly and covertly, looking down into her green eyes.
"I don't know Mimi. What are you going to do with me? Please tell me. I'd really like to know."
Mimi looked up into Philip's blue eyes peering down into hers, so close that she could smell the subtle scent of his cologne. She felt as if she were being backed up into a corner.
She felt.
Very displeased as a well-manicured hand moved down his shoulder from behind. What the?!
"Hey Phil.ummmm, you're looking sooo good tonight. At the game you were absolutely on FIRE." Tiffany smiled seductively at Philip, ignoring Mimi.
Philip turned around in shock after feeling the hand on his shoulder. And there was Tiffany looking him up and down, her eyes taking him in. She was one of the cheerleaders and just about every guy at Salem High thought she was hot.
Well except for.
Mimi watched Tiffany with a scowl. What the heck did she want? Couldn't she see that they were talking?
"So Philip."
Tiffany let her hand travel up and down Philip's arm.
"What do you say we go out there and.uh."
She traced flirtatious lines along his shoulder with one of her hands.
"Dance.alone?" Tiffany asked, looking at Mimi a little coldly.
"Tiffany, uh look."
Philip thought he wouldn't mind dancing with her. It could be fun. It was time to move on. And he and Mimi were just friends, right?
Oh man, what was going on with him and Mimi?
"I don't know."
One thing was for certain. He enjoyed spending time with her and at that moment he didn't feel like leaving her alone.
Mimi felt as if she was being treated like some charity case and she hated it! Time to get out of there with her dignity still intact.
"Oh my gosh, there's some people I absolutely have to talk to! I'll catch you later Phil okay!"
Not even giving him a chance to reply, she ran off and joined some friends from one of her favorite classes.
Philip watched her leave with a baffled expression. Now, what was up with her?
At first, he thought she was once again lying to him, but when he saw her go join some fellow seniors, laughing and smiling with them, he realized she meant it. Then he started feeling a little irritated when he saw her move away from the group a little, with one guy in particular, acting quite friendly.
Huh. And he was worried about her being alone.
He directed his attention back to Tiffany. "What are we waiting for Tiff, let's go." He took her hand in his and they moved out a little on the floor and started dancing.
"Thanks Mike for the favor. So we'll get together next week and work on the project together during lunch?"
"Yeah, sounds good Mimi. Hey want to dance?"
"Sure."
Mimi headed after Mike towards the dancing area and they started moving to the music. Mike was tall, lean, had dark hair and had become a pretty good friend of hers ever since she started taking a particular class.
So why did Mimi find her attention elsewhere while she was dancing with him?
Tiffany was pretty, popular, had a nice figure and yet he was almost bored with her. He looked over.
Now she was dancing with him! Who was that guy?
****
Mimi was walking through the house, trying to find a quiet area, which wasn't easy. Everywhere there were people, either wanting to be alone or in a huge rowdy crowd. Dancing with Mike had been nice, but she couldn't seem to keep her eyes off Philip, who seemed to be enjoying the attention of one very flirty Tiffany.
BOYS, oh how they irritated her!
She finally found a quiet room.
"AH, alone at last."
"You."
Oh no. Maybe she could just leave without a big fuss. Hey, why should SHE leave? She had just as much right to be in this room as HER. It's not like it was her house.
"Hello to you too, Chloe."
"Look, I really wanted to be alone so if you could just."
Chloe was not in a good mood. She had just gotten into an argument with Brady, who she assumed was somewhere in the vicinity. All she wanted now was peace and quiet in this Animal House, but instead she was in a room with one of her least favorite people.
"Just what?"
Mimi faced Chloe defiantly with her hands on her hips. Chloe wasn't the only one in a bad mood.
"Leave."
"What do you mean leave? I have just as much right as you to be in this room."
"Fine, then I'll leave."
Chloe headed toward the open door.
Mimi frowned, sitting down on a sofa in the room.
"There's no other room in this crazy house that isn't occupied. I already checked."
Chloe sighed. Maybe she should just go find Brady. No, she needed to cool off first. She went to go sit down on a chair.
"Let's just keep our distance from each other."
"Fine by me."
They sat in total silence until.
"I thought you weren't supposed to go to school functions. That's what was decided in court."
Chloe looked pointedly at Mimi.
Mimi returned Chloe's look.
"This isn't a school function. This is a private party. You know that."
"Yes, but if you're here, you went to the game right?"
"No, I didn't go to the game. What about that night we all went cruising? Remember, you guys picked me up AFTER the game?"
Mimi felt a headache coming.
Chloe likewise felt a headache coming.
"That wasn't my idea."
"Why am I not surprised?"
Chloe stood up.
"Why would I ever want to spend time with you after what you and that loser friend of yours did to me at the Last Blast?"
Mimi stood up too, unhappy by the fact that she had to look UP to Chloe.
"She's no longer my friend. Not that she ever really was. She just enjoyed using me-"
Chloe mocked sympathy for her.
"Oh Poor Mimi, right?"
"NO. Let me finish. She used me, BUT I went along with that stupid plan also. I am just as responsible and just as much as she did, I also wanted to hurt you."
"Of course. From day one that I came to Salem you treated me like I was the Witch of Salem High!"
Chloe's anger was building.
Mimi was getting exasperated herself.
"And when all the guys changed their tune about you, you just soaked it all up didn't you? Like that day at the Brady Pub.BOTH Shawn and Philip were fawning all over you and you just loved it, didn't you? Even though it hurt Belle, you didn't care!!"
"I would NEVER hurt Belle. You're just jealous because we have become such great friends. You always have been!!"
Mimi laughed ironically.
"Boy, how silly of me to ever think we could actually get along after everything that happened on the island!"
They were both face to face now, staring each other down, near the point of yelling.
"On the island the only reason we worked together was because we were looking for people we BOTH cared about! But if you thought that meant we could ever be friends."
"Don't worry about that. As much as you don't want to be my friend, I don't want to be yours. You just use people."
Chloe was incredulous. "I USE people? And you don't have a life so you just latch onto whoever you can, don't you?"
"YOU USED PHILIP!"
Chloe was deathly silent, glaring at Mimi.
"You little.How dare you say that? Especially after YOU'RE the one who did everything you could to break us apart.YOU ARE PATHETIC."
Mimi refused to give way.
"You used him and you know it. I'm not saying you didn't care about him, but you also played around with his feelings. Why else would you be flirting with SHAWN right in his face? What was that about, huh Chloe? He NEVER even looked at another girl when he was with you! He treated you like a princess and yet when you got bored of Shawn you moved onto BRADY!"
"YOU-"
"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE!"
Chloe and Mimi both turned around suddenly at the interruption.
There was Philip in the open doorway staring at them with bewilderment.
"I can hear the two of you way out in the hallway! So you want to tell me what this is all about?"
Philip looked from one of them to the other, waiting for an explanation.
"Let HER explain it to you. I am out of here."
A furious Chloe left the room, without a backward glance.
Mimi got ready to leave too, but a defiant Philip blocked her path.
"Oh no you don't. I want to know why when I came in here you were giving Chloe a hard time."
Mimi looked up into Philip's angry eyes and laughed sarcastically.
"Oh, of course.it's always my fault right? It couldn't possibly be Chloe's!"
She tried to move past, but he blocked her path again, moving with her.
"Look, I came in here and you were yelling at Chloe about Brady. Is that not true?"
Mimi just obstinately stood there with her arms crossed, looking ahead, avoiding Philip.
"Mimi." Philip warned in a low voice.
"YES. I was yelling at her about Brady." Mimi faced Philip again, boldly.
"Why?"
Philip could tell that whatever happened between the two of them upset her a lot. But he wasn't too happy either by the fact that Chloe was also upset. At least she seemed so when she left the room. He wanted answers.
"Look, I've said this to you before and I'll say it again. We are not friends and we never will be. It's just that simple."
"No. It's not that simple because whatever just happened now put both of you in a very bad mood. Come on Mimi. Why were you guys even in the same room?"
"It was the only quiet room in this raucous house."
"I thought you were enjoying dancing with MR. Whoever."
Philip tried to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
Did it bother him?
"And what about you and Tiffany the Flirt?"
Mimi also tried to keep her irritation hidden.
Was she jealous?
"We were dancing. Big deal. I went to go look for you and I find you here with Chloe, yelling."
"As I was saying, I came in here for some peace and quiet and unfortunately Chloe was already here."
"So how come you didn't just leave?"
Mimi shook her head in annoyance.
"Whatever it takes to make Chloe happy, right?"
"DAMNIT Mimi. That's not what I meant. It's just I know that you don't like her, so it would seem natural that you would leave!"
"Why me? Why not her?"
Philip raised his hand to his forehead pushing back his hair in frustration.
"Oh Mimi-"
"You think she's so perfect!"
"I do not. I'm not even with her anymore, remember? What is wrong with you?!"
"Wrong with me? What about her? Why does everyone always defend her? Look at what she did to you!"
Philip spoke quietly.
"You better be careful Mimi."
"She used you!!"
"I've heard enough."
Philip started to walk out, turning away from Mimi.
"OH, that's it Philip! Don't listen! Just do what you always do when things get too hard to handle! Bail out!"
Philip stopped dead in his tracks, turning back around to face Mimi with an ominous look. He moved in closer to her, speaking icily.
"FINE. I'm listening."
Mimi looked up at him a little shakily, but bravely continued.
"She flirted with Shawn even when you were around. You can't deny it. Belle saw it, I saw it, Shawn saw it and YOU saw it. Then she moved onto Brady!"
"Shawn was just a friend. She was probably just getting back at me for treating her badly before. And Brady.I don't know.Brady just happened. Maybe it had to do partly with me lying to her about some things." Phillip spoke defensively.
"There you go, making excuses for her! That's what you always do! But what about HER? Whether she meant it or not she HURT you! I know you made mistakes, but so did she! Can't you see that?!"
She grabbed onto Philip's arms, staring straight into his eyes.
"I watched you turn into someone I barely knew because of her! Everything was about her! You forgot your friends, school, everything-"
Philip cut her off angrily.
"And what about you? You were so consumed with your stupid plotting to ruin Chloe's life that you screwed up your senior year! It's because of your HATRED for her that you're cleaning out those locker rooms every day!"
Mimi took her hands off of his arms and looked at him with disgust.
"Just forget it Philip. Just live in the past if that's what you want."
She turned away from him and left the room.
Philip furiously called out after her.
"Yeah, and you just keep feeling sorry for yourself!"
Mimi turned back to look at him with a sad expression, her eyes near tears, and continued down the hallway.
Philip sighed and let his head fall.
****
She sat down on the swing, moving back and forth slowly. It was a clear night, but her thoughts were definitely anything but clear. Why did she say those things to him? What had come over her? You and your big mouth once again, Mimi!
He had become her best friend this year.
She felt closer to him than anyone and now she ruined it.
He'd probably never speak to her again.
"Yep, once again you opened your mouth and said too much!"
****
He walked to his destination, finally getting there and seeing it.the tree.their tree.in it carved initials.ones he carved.less than a year ago.yet now it seemed so long ago.he traced the initials with his fingers and then walked away.
It's what he needed.
To walk away.
He needed to let go.
Completely.
Mimi was right. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. He made excuses for her for so long. Not that Chloe ever asked him too. He made that choice.telling her she was so perfect.over and over again. No matter what happened, she was perfect. Yet how much had he really known her?
Now he realized, not enough. It took two people to make a relationship and it took two people to break it. It wasn't just him. It was her too.
They BOTH made mistakes.
Philip thought of the auburn haired, green-eyed feisty girl who let him have it tonight. And yes, he was still kind of angry with her, but.
"Ah, Meems. You just have a way with words, don't you? And I gave it right back to you. I hope you still want to be my friend."
Chapter 25: Looking for Guidance
Philip was hanging out with Austin at Dot Com, playing computer games, and Philip was losing badly.
"Ha, ha, ha! Got you little brother!" Austin teased good-naturedly.
Philip was just quiet.
Austin looked at Philip questioningly. "Hey Phil, what's up?"
Philip looked at his half brother at first, but then looked away, saying nothing.
Austin continued. "It might help if you talk about it. Are you feeling okay? This doesn't have anything to do with the island does it?" Austin asked with concern.
Philip finally looked up at Austin. "No Austin, I'm feeling fine. I'm back in shape and I've been playing football really well and everything. In fact, we finished out the year as State Champs and now I'm getting ready for basketball."
"Congrats' Phil on having such a winning season, but I know something's bothering you. Is it girl trouble?"
Austin saw the tiniest bit of reaction from Philip.
"Is it Chloe?"
Philip sighed, knowing Austin wasn't going to let up.
"I thought we would last forever. I guess I thought wrong."
"Philip, I know you probably hate hearing this, but you're still pretty young and there will be other girls. You don't have to make a lifetime commitment yet."
"I know. I went overboard. I got too serious too fast. I realize that now."
Philip looked down despondently.
"I screwed up."
Austin smiled understandingly.
"Philip come on. You're young, all right. And human. You made some mistakes. You don't have to beat yourself up about it."
Philip waved his hands in acknowledgement.
"I know. I know. You sound like a friend of mine.at least I hope she's still my friend."
Philip's voice dropped off uncertainly.
"Why do you say that Phil.that you HOPE?"
"It's just I got on her case the other night and it was about Chloe. I don't know if she's going to want to speak to me anymore."
"And that bothers you?"
"Yeah. I've been friends with her for a long time and we kind of drifted apart for a while. But lately.I don't know. We've just grown.sort of closer.at least until I blew up at her."
"So now you think she's not going to want to be your friend.just because you guys had a.what?.fight?"
Philip answered, sounding a little unsure of himself.
"Yeah, I guess. I don't know Austin. I don't even know why it bothers me so much. I mean she's the one who has a problem with Chloe, not me."
Austin wasn't sure how much he believed that.
"Philip, have you and Chloe talked? I mean, REALLY talked?" He asked with emphasis.
"No, not really. It's like we've been avoiding each other as much as possible. I mean we talked after I got out of the hospital once, but we just kind of ended it then. We didn't really talk about why or that much about the possibility of getting together again."
Finally, they were getting to the center of Philip's problem.
"Do you want to get back together with her?"
"She's with Brady, Austin."
"Yeah, but if she wasn't, would you WANT to get back together with her?"
Philip smiled ironically.
"It's funny. If you had asked me that months ago, I probably would have said yeah. Now.now I'm not so sure. I guess before I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, but.things have changed."
Austin smiled knowingly.
"Yeah. They have. You're moving on Philip, you feel guilty about it., and you're afraid. I know Philip. I was afraid too after Carrie. But I had to get on with my life. I couldn't live in the past: being jealous and unhappy.because that just eats you up inside."
"Did you really love Carrie a lot Austin? Did you think you guys would last forever?"
Austin smiled with remembrance.
"Yes, I loved her. Of course I wanted our relationship to last, but things happened and we drifted apart. Unfortunately, it happens sometimes."
"But didn't you fight for her? Didn't you try to make it last?"
"Yeah, at first, but Philip, when things just keep getting uglier and uglier.when you just end up HURTING each other more than anything."
Philip finished for him. "You have to let go?"
Austin smiled a little.
"Yeah. You have to know when to let go. I mean it was so complicated. There was Mike and Sammy and of course Will."
Philip was surprised by how easy it was talking to Austin. He barely ever talked to him before. But confiding in him about his problems now was making him feel better. He felt like he was getting to know his half brother better too.
"And are you happy with Sammy? As happy as you were with Carrie?"
Austin shook his head, searching for a good answer.
"It's different Philip, not better. It's not a competition, you know? With Carrie.well I was younger. And with Sammy.there's more than just the two of us.there's also Will. But yes.I am happy with her."
Philip smiled and then spoke seriously.
"I got so crazy for a while Austin.I always wanted to be with Chloe and when I wasn't I wondered what she was doing and who she was with. I was obsessed! I stopped caring about so many things that used to matter to me.I lost myself."
Austin looked at Philip with understanding.
"Well, you fell in love and it was the first time. You were young and inexperienced, but it sounds like so was she."
"Yeah. She was really scared about it. About us getting serious. But I knew that. I didn't push her or anything.you know to do anything that she didn't want to do.I was just so happy to be with her.spend time together. And some of those times were great, but some weren't so great.we started arguing more. But I refused to let go of her. I was dead set on us getting back together. Then there was the island. All that time.it made me think.and when I saw her in the hospital, I just somehow knew.that it was time to end it.that I needed to start concentrating on my own life. I still hoped we would get back together.some day.but now."
Philip felt confused. What happened?
"Now, you're not so sure you still want that? Right?" Austin finished for Philip. "Philip, it doesn't mean you stop caring about her or that you guys have to be enemies now. And in time, I think you two can even be friends, good friends."
"Yeah, I guess. But this friend of mine, Mimi, she did things to Chloe, mean things and I'm not innocent. I did mean things to Chloe too for a while. I was a real jerk. And I have to admit, Chloe did some not so nice things to Mimi too.to get back at her.I can't blame her for it or for the fact that she doesn't like Mimi, but.I will always care about Chloe, but I care about Mimi too.I don't want to lose our friendship.she means too much to me."
"You know Philip, a lot of people still don't like Sammy, but I don't really care. I see things in her that other people don't see.special things. It sounds like you're worried that Chloe will be upset if you and Mimi are close, but it's your life Philip. You need to live it for yourself. And it sounds to me like you and Mimi have a special friendship.an honest one.that's something that would be a shame to lose. If Chloe really cares about you she'll understand that.maybe not right away, but somewhere down the line."
"Yeah, I think you're right Austin. Thanks. Thanks for helping me out. It means a lot. And even though it wasn't the happiest subject, I like talking like this: Brother to Brother." Philip smiled warmly.
Austin smiled warmly back. "Yeah, I like it to Philip. And hey, anytime you need to talk, I'm here, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks."
***
Mimi was wandering around Salem Place, shopping for Christmas presents, though it was hard to keep her mind on the task. It kept going back to the party and the argument she had with Philip. She sighed and sat down on a bench.
"Mimi darling, why do you look so sad?"
Mimi looked up in surprise at Alice Horton who was standing over her with many shopping bags that were probably heavy. She rushed to get up and help her.
"Mrs. Horton, let me help you with those. My goodness, you've been shopping today!"
Mimi smiled at Mrs. Horton as she took the bags and set them down by the bench. Then she led her over to sit down.
"Here come sit and take a break."
Alice sat down next to Mimi gratefully.
"Oh darling, thank you so much. Yes, I have been shopping. I have to with that wonderfully big family I have. And so many wonderful grandchildren. Oh My Tom and I always loved this time of year."
Alice smiled a little wistfully, but also full of wonderful enthusiasm.
Mimi, too, smiled a little, though with less enthusiasm.
"Yeah, Christmas is a nice time, but I can't seem to find anything today. I guess I'm just not really into it."
"Well yes, I can see that. I came over here to talk to you because you look so unhappy. Is it your family? Is everything all right with you new house and your Dad's new job? Oh my, is your brother feeling all right? He isn't sick again is he?" Alice asked with concern.
"Oh no, Mrs. Horton. My family is fine. The house, my Dad's job, Connor.everything. We're doing very well and we are very thankful to you for all your help. You were just so nice to us."
Alice patted Mimi's hand.
"Oh Mimi darling, you needn't thank me. I was very happy to do anything I could for your family. I am so glad that you are all doing well. However, Mimi, I can see that something is bothering you. Now I know you probably think I'm a meddling old woman, but I do have experience. I was once young and I have had much practice with my children and grandchildren." Alice looked at Mimi encouragingly.
"Oh Mrs. Horton, I don't want to bother you with my problems. Besides, it's nothing that no other teenager goes through, most likely. But I bet you never had the problem. I mean you're so perfect and everything. I bet everyone always liked you and you always had lots of friends and boyfriends." Mimi responded ruefully.
"Oh my, so that's it. Now Mimi, no one is perfect. I certainly am not. I do remember going to school and boys. Yes, I know. You probably think an old woman like me could never understand. Nevertheless, even with my memory that comes and goes at times, I remember sometimes feeling hurt when classmates didn't like me. And Mimi, boys..Well, what can I say about boys? My darling, they are so silly at times, even as men." Alice gave Mimi a sly little smile.
Mimi laughed. "But I bet you never did anything like I did. Last year I did some really horrible things to this one girl all because I was jealous and just dumb.I mean if I told you what I did to her you would probably think I was a horrible person."
Mimi looked down, feeling ashamed.
"Oh Mimi. Do you know how many things I have had to deal with, with my family? There have been many problems, and all of them at one time or another has acted in an inappropriate way. And Tom and I were not without flaws. We made mistakes too and our relationship was not without its difficulties. Nevertheless, we are a family and we accept each other as we are, just like My Tom and I showed our love to each other every day. Now you are still very young and you are still learning about life and people. You are expected to make mistakes. It is how you grow. It is all right to make them as long as you learn from them."
Mimi looked at Alice again. "But Mrs. Horton, what I did was really awful and I would never do anything like that again, but it didn't change my mind totally about this girl. I still don't like her. And now I think I've lost one of my closest friends because of it. He'll probably hate me forever."
"Oh darling. Do you know how many things I have heard from my grandchildren and I have never stopped loving them. I know how close you and your family are. You will always have them. Also, in life everyone encounters someone they don't like. There are people I don't like. Sometimes it is very hard for me to be civil to them. My, my, don't look so surprised!"
Alice responded to Mimi's look of astonishment and went on.
"There have been times I have acted in a not so dignified way, but usually it had to do with someone hurting my family and that is something I can just not allow."
"Yeah, of course my parents still love me. I mean, they're my parents, but.I'm trying to change for the better this year, but sometimes I just open my big mouth and say the wrong things. I don't know what to do Mrs. Horton. I just feel so confused."
"Mimi, you have already said you would not do anything hurtful to anyone again. That is a start. As for your friends.your true friends will accept you as you are.they will not expect you to change in any way that makes you uncomfortable, or to keep quiet. Change is all right as long as you want it. You should not have to alter the way you are because it makes others happy. It needs to be for you."
Mimi looked at Mrs. Horton with worry.
"But what if he never talks to me again?"
Mrs. Horton smiled sadly, but spoke firmly.
"Then, he is not really your friend. He may be angry with you, but he should still be there for you in some way and care about you if he is a true friend."
"I don't know. It's partly because of me that Philip broke up with his girlfriend. And he still was friends with me after that.but now, what if I went too far?"
Alice questioned Mimi. "Philip, are we talking about Philip Kiriakis, Victor and Kate's son?"
"Yes. You don't know him, do you?"
"Not very well. However, I know he and my dear Shawn Douglas are very close. I have seen him from time to time too. He seems polite and well mannered and if he is friends with Shawn Douglas, well then, he must be.okay!" Alice responded with a little humor.
"Yeah, he is pretty okay. Actually we've grown kind of closer lately."
"Then I am sure you have nothing to worry about. If he is as good a friend as he seems he will not be silly enough to lose such a loyal friend as you."
Mimi looked at Alice with surprise. "Me? What's so great about me?"
"Oh darling, you are a wonderful person. Look at all the good work you did at the hospital. And I heard recently that you started working at the homeless shelter. Now that is a fantastic thing for you to be doing. I am sure you can help so many people."
Alice smiled at Mimi warmly.
"Yeah, I guess. I just know I really like working there. And Philip even came on Thanksgiving to help out. I mean this rich guy.all dressed up.helping out at a homeless center! He actually was pretty popular too.everyone liked him. And I think he even enjoyed it!"
Alice smiled knowingly at Mimi's animated face when she spoke of Philip.
"It sounds like he did and it sounds like he is quite fond of you."
"Yeah sure. I mean we're just friends. At least we were."
"Oh Mimi darling, I am sure you still are. I don't think you need to worry."
"I hope you're right Mrs. Horton. I hope you're right."
***
Philip sat on the hood of his Dad's car, looking out at the sky. It was a chilly frosty night and he was bundled up in a warm jacket, deep in thought. He looked over a little further, a grassy area, remembering dancing with Mimi, feeling good for the first time in a long time. Actually, lately he had felt pretty wonderful with her. They laughed, played, talked, and even cried together. She had become.well, his best friend. No way did he want to lose that.
There was Chloe, but Austin was right. He couldn't live his life for other people anymore. He needed to make himself happy first. She moved on and now he was. And when he felt the time was right, they would talk, because he knew they needed to.at least he did.
But for now, Philip needed to patch up the rift.the one he felt between him and Mimi. She had only been honest with him. She had done what he asked her to do and had to listen to him put her down in response. Tomorrow at school.they'd talk.he wasn't going to let this relationship fall apart.
Their friendship was just too precious.
***
Mimi walked out of the front doors and looked around with disappointment. Of course he wasn't there. He hadn't even talked to her today. Well, he did come to Government late so he ended up sitting in the back of the room. But if he really wanted to talk to her, he would have said something, right?
Oh well, she might as well get going before it got darker. She pulled her jacket around her more, for the night was cold and frosty again, and started on her way toward the sidewalk. No way was she ever going to walk through the woods again by herself. She should be safe on the lighted path and she had a cell phone with her to call her mom just in case.
"Hey, I thought we had a deal."
Mimi turned around in shock at the sound of his voice.
"Philip."