Chapter 26: Denial
~Earlier~
Philip sat down on one of the benches that sat outside the school, having just finished basketball practice. It was nice to get out earlier. Football practices often went late, but basketball usually ended on time, if not early, like tonight. He pulled his fleece scarf closer around his neck and buttoned up his wool coat even more than it already was. Winter had settled in completely, the first snow having just hit the ground late last night, resembling patches of white.
Usually he would be waiting like this on a Tuesday or Thursday, but last week Mimi had told him she traded days with Jan for this week since she had a class she had to do some after schoolwork for. Philip wondered what the class was. She hadn't told him. So anyways, now he was waiting on a Monday to walk home with her because of her temporary change of schedule.
Was she even coming?
They hadn't talked all day. He was late for his Government class this morning and when he caught a glimpse of her at lunch, she quickly left the vicinity. She seemed to be avoiding him and he was a little unsure about how to approach her after the fight they had.
Would she talk to him?
His mind traveled back to the island, after he woke up to find himself in the hospital. Then too, she seemed to be avoiding him, but he was too weak and tired at the time to think about it much. Then one day or night, he didn't know for sure, when he had been sleeping, she finally came to visit him:
He woke up drowsily, still in a little bit of pain, but mostly feeling doped up on painkillers and pretty much disoriented. Chloe had been with him earlier and they had talked a little. He could see her worry, but he could also tell things had changed for them. Later he had talked to Brady a little, realizing he needed to thank him for saving his life. It was the right thing to do, but mainly he needed to do it for himself. He had also spent time with his parents, Shawn, and Belle who had sustained some minor injuries, but otherwise were fine. Just one person was missing. One person hadn't come to visit him.
Now he tried to clear his vision as he saw her standing by his bedside.
"Mi-mi?"
His voice sounded raspy and a little weak still, even to him, but he was getting used to it sounding that way as he slowly regained his strength.
"Oh my gosh, I didn't mean to wake you! I'll go. I'll leave you alone."
He watched her as she spoke quickly and excitedly. But he raised his hand to stop her when she tried to leave.
"Nn-o, don't go. S-stay."
"But you were sleeping. And the doctor said you need a lot of rest. I just wanted to see for myself that you were okay."
He listened as her voice dropped off a little shakily. Had she been THAT worried about him? His tired eyes focusing on her face, he saw that she too looked a little weary and was that the remnants of tears that he saw there in those familiar eyes? Yes, it looked like it was. He spoke slowly.
"I'm alright. I f-feel a lot more rested now, you know after sleeping." He adjusted his head a little against the pillow that was raised high against the headboard. "What took you so long to come anyway? Thought I would b- bite or something?" He laughed a little and quickly winced in pain from the effort. His head and side were not too happy with him right now.
The noticeable worry in Mimi's eyes grew as with little thought she moved closer to him.
Philip tried to reassure her. "Hey, it's okay. It just hurts sometimes."
"I hope you're right. You shouldn't be joking. It's just going to make you feel worse, though it's probably a good sign that you're kidding around. It probably means you're getting better."
"Yeah. S-see, there's a good sign to everything. Now, w-what about my question, hmmm? How come you stayed away?"
"I just thought you'd probably want to spend the time with your family.and with Chloe."
He heard the change in her voice when she said Chloe's name. Those two would probably never get along. He was surprised they worked together to find Shawn, Belle and himself.
"Yeah, of c-course I've spent some time with them, but that d-doesn't mean I didn't want to see my friends.all of them." He said the last part with emphasis, and then watched in shock as her eyes filled with fresh tears and she broke down.
"I'm sorry! It's just I was so worried about you.when we couldn't find you at first.and then when we did.when Brady did.and we didn't know if you were going to live! I w-was."
Her voice broke off and Philip reached for her with his hands. He watched as she moved closer to him. Then, with some tentativeness, because of his injuries, he held her gently in his arms.
"D-don't cry Meems. P-please don't cry. I'm okay. And so are Shawn and Belle. Y-you don't have to worry anym-more."
He felt her head fall forward a bit against his shoulder as he tried to reassure her with soft-spoken words. Inwardly Philip smiled a little; he could tell she was also trying to hold him carefully, not wanting to cause him any pain.
Tightening his hold on her just a little, he did his best to comfort her.
His Friend.
~After~
Philip sat there, waiting for Mimi as the memory faded away. Where was she?
He looked around, suddenly spotting her, heading for the sidewalk. So she was planning to walk alone.
He got up and headed over.
"Hey, I thought we had a deal."
"Philip."
Mimi looked back at Philip in surprise. Where did he come from?
"Today's Monday, right? As I recall you asked me to walk you home." Philip just stood there, waiting for her to answer.
"I guess, I thought, well you weren't out here and I thought you changed your mind." Mimi looked up at him uncertainly, pulling her down jacket closer around her.
"I've been out here for a while. Basketball practice ended early and I went to go sit on that bench over there." He gestured to a bench a little ways off. "I guess I should have sat closer by the doors because we almost just ended up missing each other."
"Well, after what happened Friday night, I didn't think you really wanted to see me anymore."
Philip moved in closer and looked down at her a little sadly.
"So, you think I'm that much of a jerk, huh?"
Mimi responded with a straight face. "No, I don't think you're a jerk, an ego-maniac, but not a jerk."
Philip smiled at her ribbing. "I probably deserve that. Look about the other night, Meems."
Mimi stopped him. "Wait, I need to say something-"
Philip protested. "No let me finish-"
"No, I'm the one who should-"
"Hey, I was the one who started-"
"I shouldn't have opened my big mouth-"
"No, I shouldn't of overreacted-"
"But I went overboard-"
"Would you let me finish?!" He was starting to feel very irritated.
"Well, if you would stop interrupting me?!" She was feeling a growing annoyance.
"If you would just let me get a word in edgewise?!"
"Well, if you would let me apologize?!"
They were now very close to each other, face to face, near the point of yelling.
"That's what I was trying to do!!"
"So was I!!"
"FINE!"
"FINE!"
"I'M SORRY!" They both replied in unison, interrupting each other, and then broke into laughter.
Philip smiled at her gently, holding his arms out.
"Can you forgive me?"
"If you'll forgive me."
She replied gratefully, moving into his arms, finally letting out a sigh of relief. The past few days had been horrible. She missed him so much. They usually spent some time together on the weekends now, but even if they didn't, they at least called each other. She closed her eyes, feeling his warmth and familiarity.
He held her close to him, her head against his chest as his arms enveloped her in an emotionally responsive embrace. He too sighed, happy to have his friend back, and closed his eyes.
After a while she finally pulled back from him and spoke anxiously.
"Really Philip, I should have just kept my big mouth shut. I won't say anything about her any-"
Philip cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"No, no. I don't want you to keep your big mou-"
He broke off into laughter, realizing what he was saying.
"I like that you're honest with me. Sometimes I really don't want to hear it and it can be a little irritating at first, but it means a lot to me too. That you're comfortable with me enough to tell me what I sometimes need to hear. And I don't want you to think that if you say something about Chloe I'm going to bite your head off. She's still a sensitive subject with me, but.let's just say you were right."
"But what I did to her was so wrong. You were right too. It is my fault that my senior year is all screwed up. What I did was just so stupid! And I was jealous and it got out of hand."
"You don't have to tell me about jealousy. I know all about it. But Meems, your senior year isn't completely messed up. You're working hard at the center and you're working hard at school! And you've got a wonderful, fantastic terrific friend like me! What more could you ask for, huh?" Philip smiled at her mischievously, winking.
"Boy oh boy, Philly, you must stare at yourself in the mirror every day and just smile at your reflection, huh? Mr. Vain?" She smiled slyly to let him know she was teasing.
"Hey, putting me down when I'm being nice? Some people, hm!" Philip stood away loftily, turning his back on her.
Mimi giggled at his ridiculous stance and hit him on the arm playfully. "Oh, brother, you cream puff!"
Philip stared at her with shock. "Cream puff?! Hey, watch how you talk about the star quarterback!"
Mimi went humph. "That may work with Tiffany the flirt, but it sure doesn't work with me."
Philip smiled, showing off his dimples. "Oooohhh, was somebody just a little bit jealous?"
Mimi smiled back at him cryptically. "Ha, don't flatter yourself Phil. Besides, I was too busy to pay attention to you and Tiffany the flirt!"
Philip frowned. "Yeah, with 'Mr. Wonderful'", his voice full of sarcasm.
"My, my, my.now who's the little green eyed monster, huh Philly?"
"The only one with green eyes here is you Mimi."
Philip skipped off jauntily in front of her.
"Ha, ha.you were jealous, you were jealous!"
Mimi followed him angrily.
"Was not!"
"Was too!" Philip replied cheerfully still ahead of her, enjoying the bantering.
Mimi bent down, gathered her ammunition into a nice big round ball and fired.............
Hitting him right in the back, the lower back. It hit him square in the rear end, leaving traces of white on his wool coat. She laughed hysterically, pointing at him and lifting her hands in glee. "Got you!! Ha, ha, ha!"
Philip reacted to the snowball hitting him in the back with shock, turning around to look at his now partly wet coat. "Hey, do you know how expensive this coat is?!"
There on the ground lay the evidence: the remains of one icy snowball.
Slowly Philip turned back around, menacingly facing Mimi.
"That's it Lockhart. This means war!"
"Oh no!"
"Oh yes!"
Mimi shrieked and ran as Philip reached down and gathered a big lump of snow, quickly forming it into a ball and threw it at her. It hit her square on the back right before she could run behind a tree for protection, and gather her own lump of the white stuff to and throw it back at him, partially hitting his arm. He fired back, hitting the tree. Then he ran to go get her.
"AHH!" Mimi screamed, running away from the shelter of the tree; she scrambled to pick up some snow to throw at him while looking for cover.
Philip raced after her, finally cornering her as she hid behind another tree. "Now you're going to get it." He said in an ominous low voice.
Mimi stayed with the tree dodging from one side to the other as he reached for her, just missing getting her as she quickly moved from one part of the tree to the other. He circled around as she quickly scrambled from one tree to the next, desperately trying to get away from him.
"You're not going to be able to keep hiding from me Meems.I'm going to get you!" Philip called out, finally managing to get a hold of her before she could make her way to the next tree she was trying to hide behind.
"Nooo!"
Mimi screamed as he grabbed her around the waist, holding a snowball threateningly in his hand, preparing to put it down the back of her jacket.
"No, please Philip! Please!"
Mimi protested, turning around in his embrace, holding her hands in front of his chest, trying to prevent him from doing what he wanted to do.
Philip looked down at her with little sympathy.
"You're the one that started all of this. Tisk. Tisk. Tisk. Throwing a snowball at my wool coat. at my back? Not a very nice thing to do Miss Lockhart."
He was just distracted enough for her to move. She latched her ankle under his sending him falling to the ground flat on his back. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to keep herself upright and fell right along with him, landing right on top of him.
"Ohhh!"
Philip moaned and laughed a little as his back hit the ground hard. Thank goodness, for the soft thick patch of snow! But he felt a little more satisfied as he saw that Mimi fell too.smack on top of him. He looked up at her, her face red from her exertion, strands of her auburn hair hanging out of her lavender snowcap. She looked absolutely adorable! He laughed again, his breath coming out fast as he lay underneath her on the snowy ground, his hands still lightly clutching her arms.
"Ahh!"
Mimi yelled out, feeling herself fall with Philip, his body cushioning her as she landed on top of him. She could feel his quick heartbeat as she almost breathlessly looked down at him, finally letting out a giggle. His face too was somewhat red and his golden blonde hair, peeking out of his black snowcap was falling over his eyes, over his long golden lashes. Oh, he was so damn good looking, too much for his own good! She clutched at his shoulders for support.
Philip forgot about the cold ground underneath him, about the snowball challenge, about getting back at her, in fact he forgot all thought at all as he reached up, cradling her face in his gloved hands, moving his head up a little, gazing into her green eyes, his face now serious, any trace of joking gone.
Mimi forgot everything, the whole world disappeared as she felt his gloved hands moving her face closer to his, his eyes just starting to close....................................................................... ...........
Her eyes just starting to close....................................................................... ...............
Their faces moving closer...................................................................... ......................
Then.
Without warning, without any signals, she cursed inwardly as she was forced to move her head away from his; turning her face towards the ground, she sneezed, but not just once.
Philip tried to get his breathing back to normal as he felt Mimi move away from him as her sneezing started.
"Oh, oh! Are you sick Meems?"
Still breathless, Philip sat up more, bringing her up with him into his arms.
She finished sneezing, smiling shyly at him. Ohhhh, of all the times for this to happen!
Philip removed one of his gloves and felt her forehead with the back of his hand; she was kind of warm. His voice full of tenderness and some worry, he spoke.
"Oh man, Meems, you're kind of warm. And here we are lying in this wet snow! Come on!" He reached for her, helping her up, keeping a protective arm around her shoulder and putting his glove back on his hand as she took out a tissue and blew her nose.
When she was done, Mimi looked up at him having a hard time breathing normally again.
"I'm sorry."
Talk about awful timing, her mind screamed! Then she shivered as she felt herself getting chillier.
Philip reached out for her, taking her in his arms again, holding her close to his chest, rubbing his hands up and down her back and shoulders, wanting to keep her warm.
"Come on. I know just what you need." Philip let go of her, but as he started walking with her, he wrapped one arm around her again, holding her close to him.
Mimi sighed, relishing the warmth of him, feeling it ward off the chill.
****
Philip walked next to Mimi now, nearly at her house. He was drinking a warm mocha and she was drinking a hot tea, with lemon and honey: ordered especially by Philip. He was still a little concerned about her, but knew she would be okay. She was probably just experiencing a winter cold or something.
Actually, his mind was now more on what happened when they fell. They were just friends, right? They confided in each other and laughed with each other, but they were just buddies...........
So what on earth made him want to.
No, he didn't want to.
Did he?
Oh, how pretty she looked, her face.
Her lips, her lips so close to his.
The feel of her warm body..
NO! Stop this! She's just a friend.just a friend..
Oh man.oh man.
**
Mimi walked, Philip at her side. She was feeling better, drinking the warm tea he bought especially for her. She knew she probably just had a little cold and that it would go away quickly.
She was more concerned about what almost happened BEFORE she sneezed. Those eyes of his looking up into hers.
Oh, those frosty blue eyes.
Now stop it! You guys are friends! And that's a very special thing to have.
His hands on her face.
His muscular body she could feel even through his winter clothes.
His inviting lips.
Knock it off! He's your pal, your trusted chum.
Your.
Who the heck did she think she was kidding!
****
They spoke not a single word to each other as their minds battled with their feelings. It would be a fight to see what would win:
The sturdy brain or the fragile heart?
Chapter 27: Taking Chances
Outside it was a frosty morning as Mimi sat up in bed leafing through the morning newspaper, looking at all the Holiday Sale ads distractedly. Truth be told, her mind was on other things, or more precisely, a certain person. What was he doing right now, she wondered. Was he already up and about? He played just about every sport known to man. Those types usually were up with the morning dawn. Or was he still in bed?
Uggghhhh!
Why was he occupying her mind more and more lately? Well, maybe because they had been spending so much time together! Who would have thought that Mimi Lockhart and Philip Kiriakis would be hanging out together? Certainly not her! But truth be told, the most fun she had lately was when she was with him. Their friendship had grown so much, way past what it had been when they were little kids.
When she learned of her punishment for the Internet prank she was convinced her senior year would end up being a disaster. How could she have any fun when she wasn't allowed to attend any of the social events at school? But then everything happened with the island and she changed. She stopped latching onto other people (as much as she hated to admit it, Chloe was pretty much dead-on about that, though she would never tell her that) and focused on school and the center.
But how could she of ever guessed that one night by complete coincidence she would run into someone, a friend, a friend that would actually make her senior year: FUN?
Too bad she couldn't go to the upcoming Winter Ball, a big dance at Salem High. Just the other day she helped Belle go shopping for her dress. Belle was tentative about asking her for the help, but Mimi assured her she didn't mind; besides there was never a good reason to NOT go shopping. Too bad she couldn't go to the dance. Maybe this year she could have actually had a date, a date like Phil-
Whoa!
What was she thinking? He probably was already going with some cheerleader type, some.
The shrill sound of the phone ringing suddenly disturbed her from her thought. She reached over for it.
"Hello."
****
Ah, a lazy Saturday morning. Nothing to do, but lounge around in bed and read Sports Illustrated etc. etc. Hey, weren't those lines from The King and I, etc. etc... Oh well. It was definitely cold outside, but inside his bedroom, it was nice and warm.
Now why couldn't he just keep his mind on the magazine? Why did it keep going back to.
Come on Kiriakis, enough already!
Hmmm, wonder what she's up to?
Okay, that's it. Maybe he should get up and run laps or something.
Nah.
He picked up a small ball from under his bed and started tossing it up in the air while he lay in bed. His mind drifting off yet again.
She was actually going to walk home alone on Monday. What had he told her about that? That it was unsafe. He let it go on Monday, but come Wednesday she heard a mouthful from him; then in return, he heard a mouthful from her.
But they ended up talking it out, something they were getting pretty good at lately, along with laughing together, studying together at the last minute, planning turkey heists.
He chuckled, thinking about Birdzilla.
Ah, he almost got in a lot of trouble for that one, but in the end his parents were actually understanding, saying it was a noble thing to do.
Just don't do it again.
Philip smiled wickedly.
He was already looking forward to next year's turkey-napping.
The phone rang, interrupting Philip's thoughts. He reached over for it. "Hello."
"Philip, it's Mimi."
"Hey Meems. I was just planning how we're going to shanghai next year's turkey. The headlines read: Mission Impossible 2: Capture of Birdzilla Junior! Pretty cool, huh?" Philip laughed, ready to hear Mimi tell him he was crazy and laugh too. However, she said nothing, alarming him.
"Hey, what's going on? You okay?"
Mimi spoke hesitantly. "Bo called. They caught him.you know.the guy who attacked me.they need me to.to identify him."
Philip's jocular mood went away quickly. He could tell by the tone of her voice that she was not looking forward to going to the station. Who could blame her? The bastard had really scared her. He made his voice sound calm and reassuring. "Okay. When do they want you to go?"
"As soon as possible."
"You ready now?"
"Yes. No. I don't know." Mimi spoke uncertainly.
"Meems, it's alright. I'll be there with you. Look, I can be there in a little less than 30 minutes. Sound good?" Philip kept his voice steady, trying to alleviate her fears.
"I guess so."
"Fine. I'll see you soon, alright?"
"Okay. Bye Philip."
"Bye Meems. Don't worry."
Philip hung up the phone, remembering the night she was attacked. It could have been so much worse. She was all alone with that sicko. But not this time. This time he would be with her.be there for her.
****
Philip parked the car in front of the Lockhart house, now dressed in jeans, a beige sweater, and his suede coat. He walked through the shallow layer of snow, up the pathway to the front door as it opened. Out came Mimi dressed in burgundy jeans, a striped sweater and her chocolate colored coat. Her hair was partially pulled back with a barrette. As for her face.
Well, she wasn't smiling.
"Hi. You ready to go?" Philip looked down into her green eyes, wishing she didn't look so apprehensive.
"Sure." Mimi replied quietly, looking down.
Philip walked over closer to her, taking her face into his hands gently to get her to look up at him. Oh those scared, scared eyes.
"Hey, all you have to do is identify him, okay? You don't have to talk to him and he's not even going to know you're there. You'll be safe. You ARE safe. You won't be alone this time. I'll be right there with you."
His eyes searched hers as he bent down to be at an equal height with her.
Ever since Mimi got the phone call, she had been reliving THAT night. She had never been that terrified in her life. Not even at the Coronation, because there she had little time to be scared before she was shot. But now she looked into Philip's eyes. What was it about those eyes that made her feel safe and secure? She looked up at him, feeling her courage grow.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Finally, he saw the tenacity in her eyes that he wanted to see. He smiled and let go of her face, then offered his arm to her.
"Okay, let's go."
****
Philip and Mimi walked into the police station and followed Bo into his office, after exchanging greetings with him. Bo asked them to sit down and then sat down himself, across from them.
"Okay Mimi, I wanted to let you know that we caught him late last night attempting to rape another girl, actually a young woman. I wanted to finish dealing with that case before I brought you in and as I said, it happened very late.
"Is she alright?" Mimi asked Bo with concern.
"She has some bruising, but other than that she's okay. Unfortunately, your attack wasn't the first time."
Mimi shivered; Philip put his hand on hers reassuringly.
"There were a couple of cases in New York and we have to contact some people, but we're almost one hundred percent sure he was involved in all of them. We know for a fact he was involved in one of them, which resulted in an actual rape."
Mimi shivered again and Philip squeezed her hand, and then spoke up. "Bo, if you know he already did this before, actually.raping someone, why do you need Mimi to identify him? Won't that be enough?"
"It will definitely make him spend some time in jail, but I want this guy to get the maximum. I don't want him to be out after a short time, so he can do this again.in fact I think it could be even worse. This guy just has the profile of someone who's getting more and more violent and reckless each time." Bo directed his attention to Mimi. "I know you probably don't want to have to see him again, but he won't have any idea you're there and I'm going to do everything I can to make this as painless as possible, alright? Now, I'm going to go get everything ready and then I'll come back and get you, okay?"
Mimi nodded and Bo left.
She got up, hugging herself.
"Oh no, I can't believe this.he actually.Oh Philip if you hadn't come."
Philip walked over to Mimi and quickly took her into his arms, concerned to feel her trembling.
"Don't. Don't do this okay. It's over. He can't hurt you anymore. And don't give me all the credit. You did a great job of defending yourself and don't you ever forget that." Philip' voice was kind, but strong. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.
Bo came back in and Philip and Mimi moved away from each other.
"Okay Mimi, everything's ready. How about you?"
Mimi looked up at Bo. "I want this guy to pay for what he did. I don't ever want him to be able to hurt anyone else." Mimi spoke defiantly, feeling that with Philip at her side she could be brave.
"Yes, I'm ready."
Philip heard the certainty in her voice and smiled, proud of her.
****
Mimi sat in a room with a glass wall as a man was brought into another room, directly in front of her. She watched as he stood and turned and did various things he was told to do.
Philip recognized him almost immediately as the man they saw on the pier.
"Is that the guy Mimi?" Bo asked.
Mimi watched and then looked away, that face bringing back nightmarish memories. She struggled to speak.
"Y-yes, th-that's him."
Philip watched her worriedly. How hard this must be for her.
"Are you sure Mimi?"
Yes she's sure! Now just let her go! Philip protectively moved to stand behind Mimi.
Feeling Philip's presence, he had been her hero that night.
Mimi felt stronger.
"Yes. I'm sure. That's him." She turned to see the stranger's face again through the glass .the eyes that had looked so full of hatred and licentiousness, the rough hands that had crept over her skin.would have gone further if she hadn't.if Philip hadn't.
"I'm positive."
It was all she could say without.
Her body trembling, she ran out of the room.
Shaking his head, locking eyes with Bo, seeing support and anger there.Philip understood that look. It was how he felt himself. On one hand, he wanted to be there for his friend.on the other he wanted to wipe that smug look off that sick.
"He's not going to get away with this, right Bo?"
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he does some serious time Philip."
Philip laughed caustically at the reply, not satisfied. "But he's going to get out again, isn't he? So he can hurt someone else?"
Bo sighed. "Unfortunately, yeah.He probably will get out after a while. But we'll be watching him."
Bo's words made Philip angry. The guy deserved.
Agitatedly running a hand through his hair though Philip realized Bo had done all he could and was going to do as much more as was needed. It would have to be enough. Besides, someone else needed him right now.
"Thanks Bo."
Philip turned to go, but Bo stopped him first. "I'm just as sick of how these criminals are treated sometimes as you are Philip. The system isn't always perfect, but every one of these guys brought to justice is a victory and even when they get out, it's as if I said.we watch them carefully. Let me handle the police business okay? You just be there for Mimi. I saw how you two act together and I think she could really use your friendship right now."
Philip nodded his head, a look of appreciation on his face. They may not be that close, but he was glad to have Bo as his brother.
Bo had little time to react as Philip rushed out of the room.
To be with the one who needed him.
****
Mimi had just finished filling out some papers and talking some more to Bo. He thanked her for her help with the case and told her that what she did would help other girls and help keep this guy put away. Mimi nodded and left.
Now she and Philip were on their way to his dad's car. Philip stopped her.
"Hey, you want to do something? Something fun.something that will take your mind off of all of this?"
Mimi looked at him curiously. "What?"
"Nope, not going to tell you. It's a surprise. Just need to make sure of one thing." Philip looked down.at her boots. "Yep, those will do." He smiled at her mysteriously.
Mimi was now wondering what on earth he was talking about. "What will do?"
"You'll see." Philip said simply, leading a bewildered Mimi to the car.
****
"No way! Uh-uh! You are not getting me to---this was your idea of fun?! Are you crazy?! I'm not--I'm not. !!"
Mimi backed away pointing at the object of her distress.
"Haven't you ever done this before?" Philip asked, incredulous that this was her first time.
"NO! I didn't even know you knew how to!"
"Of course I know how to. I've been doing it since I was a kid. And stop looking at her like she's some monster or something! Don't worry.she doesn't bite.unless you feed her a carrot or something.but she's gentle even then."
"She's a.a..a."
"A horse, Meems! She's just a horse!"
Philip was trying to reason with her. They were now back at his new mansion, near the new stables and Philip was showing her one of the horses, their gentlest horse.
"But I've never been horseback riding before!" Mimi's eyes were wide with fear.
Philip replied nonchalantly. "Well, no better time than the present to learn. I'll teach you. I mean look around. It's a beautiful day, sun's out, kind of cold, but not too bad, and there's even some snow on the ground. It's a great day to take a ride."
"I don't know Philip." Mimi looked uncertain.
"Ah, don't be a chicken!" Philip teased.
"I am not a chicken!" Mimi responded indignantly.
"Then prove it and go for a ride with me. You won't regret it. I promise."
"All right, but if I go, you owe me."
"Owe you what?"
"I don't know. I'll think of something later."
Philip thought about it for a second. "Fine. Now, since you haven't been formally introduced to each other, meet Arête."
Philip held onto Arête's harness. She was a chestnut mare that had a very even temperament.
"Arête?"
Philip responded to Mimi's questioning glance. "Yeah, after the queen of the Phaeacians, you know, in The Odyssey?"
"The Odyssey? Didn't we have to read some of that in one of our English lit. classes?"
"Yeah, but actually I've read the whole thing before. I mean my dad's from Greece Meems. When I was a kid, I used to love hearing him tell me stories about the Greek Gods and all the mythical characters. That is, before he had his stroke. Then when I got older, I read the Odyssey myself. My dad's always absolutely loved it, but he made me a pretty big fan of it too."
"Do you have your own horse too?" Mimi asked Philip with interest.
"Yeah."
"What's its name?"
"I'll tell you in a bit. But first, I want you to get used to Arête. Now, come here, closer." Philip gestured to Mimi.
However, she was still hesitant. "I don't know."
Philip walked over to her, taking her hand and then led her closer to Arête. "Come on. I told you, she won't hurt a fly." He pulled Arête's head down a little gently, touching her mane. "Here Meems, go ahead and give her a pat."
Mimi looked at Philip skeptically, but started petting Arête softly and then smiled a little. "She seems nice."
"She is. Now how about getting on her?" Philip looked at Mimi encouragingly.
""Uhh.." She was still wary.
Philip reassured her. "Don't worry. I'll hold onto her. Just put your foot through the stirrup and hold onto this part of the saddle to help pull you up." Philip demonstrated for her what he meant.
Mimi looked at him uneasily. "What if I fall off the other side?"
Philip chuckled softly then answered her. "You won't. But don't worry; I'll be here to catch you. Come on Meems. Climb on." He gestured, patting Arête's back.
Mimi still looked a little worried, but decided it would be good for her to try something new. She climbed on, feeling very unsteady sitting on top of such a big animal.
Philip smiled, then took the reins and started to walk with Arête, across the partially snow covered land.
Mimi screamed. "Stop!!"
Arête reacted to it, a little spooked.
Philip immediately calmed the horse, touching her gently by the muzzle. "Shhhh..it's alright girl."
Then he turned to Mimi, alarmed. "Meems, you can't just scream like that. You scared her."
"I scared HER? She scared me when she started walking. And you didn't even tell me you were going to make her move."
Philip was getting somewhat annoyed. "Well, what did you think we were going to do.stand here all day? Just hold onto the front of the saddle, like I showed you. Nothing's going to happen. We're just going to take a little walk. I just want you to get used to her, okay?"
"Okay." Mimi reached over to pet Arête's mane, and then held on. "I'm ready."
She didn't sound very convincing, but Philip thought it would have to do. He started walking with Arête again and they did that for a while, until Philip thought Mimi was finally getting comfortable. Then he stopped.
Mimi looked at him, confused. "Why are we stopping?"
Philip grinned at her. "Because now we're really going to start riding. It's time for you to meet my horse.."
****
He was magnificent and very big. At first Arête seemed big, but this horse.this was a giant compared to Arête. It was brown, so dark that it was almost black and it moved like it knew it was gorgeous looking and wonderful and.come to think of it.it was exactly like Philip.She wondered what he named it.
Egomaniac II?
Philip held the reins, looking at his horse with pride as Mimi, now on the ground, watched. "This is Poseidon. I named him after the God of the Sea.he wasn't the most noble character, but.I always liked the name and ruling the sea.I thought that was cool. Now, I'm not so sure how I feel about the sea."
Philip's voice dropped off as he remembered the island.the rough ocean.waves crashing over his head.
He did his best to shake away the memory.
Mimi looked at him, eventually realizing that he was remembering the island. The far away look in his eyes.would he ever open up about it.like he finally did about his father? She wondered, but realized it might be best to not push. Maybe it would be better to change the subject.
"Boy, who would ever think Philip Kiriakis being so literate?"
Her words made Philip remember the night he found Chloe on the pier.
("Cyclops, you know the one eyed monster?"... "I know who he is. My father's family is from Greece. We have like a dozen volumes of the Odyssey.")
He smiled, surprised that remembering the time he spent with her no longer brought pain.a little bit of sadness.but the hurt wasn't there anymore.it was just a memory now.
"Okay, okay.you finished joking now, 'cause I want to go for a ride and so does Poseidon."
Philip got up on Poseidon easily.
Mimi looked up at him a little shakily, but remembered how he taught her to mount Arête. She climbed on and smiled at Philip, still a little shaky.
"Okay, now just nudge her a little with your feet.like I told you.like a real small kick.she'll get going."
Mimi did as Philip said and they started to go.
The sky was clear except for some clouds and though it was chilly, the sun was strong enough to minimize the cold. Tall evergreen trees mixed in with perennials that were losing their leaves surrounded the field, covered with snow in some areas and the wild grass showing in others.
Philip started heading towards a hill that had snow on it. He got to the beginning of the hill, and then stopped.
Mimi was a little behind him. She remembered how he told her to get Arête to stop, pulled on the reins a little, and called out, whoa.
"Come on Meems. There's a place I want to show you, but we have to climb up the hill. Do you mind?" Philip waited for her answer.
"I guess not. Just keep going slow, okay?"
"Uh.well actually."
"Actually what?"
"Parts of it are kind of steep and we'll have to go a little faster on those parts."
Oh boy, she wasn't going to make this easy.
"Why?" Mimi asked suspiciously.
Just HOW fast were they going to have to go?
Philip felt some irritation. "Because if we go too slow..We'll never make it up the hill!! Why do I feel like I'm facing the Spanish Inquisition?"
"I just want to know what's going to happen before it happens so I can be prepared when it happens and if it happens I won't have to be so worried that it happens and-"
"All right! All right! Man, do YOU even know what you're saying cause I have no idea what the heck you're talking about.look, you won't regret it.it's a fantastic place and I want to show it to you."
Boy, when she rambled.no one could do it like Mimi.
"All right, let's go."
They started up the snowy hill, and after a little while came to a steep part. Poseidon trotted up the hill, with Arête after him. Philip looked back to make sure Mimi wasn't panicking or anything. She looked okay. They continued.
Finally, they got to the top of the hill and were greeted with an amazing sight. There was a small creek, winding through the trees. The creek was almost frozen. Off in the distance was a gorgeous view of most of Salem, including the pier.
"Oh my gosh, it's absolutely beautiful up here!" Mimi looked around with awe as she got off Arête. "Look, you can see almost all of Salem!"
She spoke with wonder in her voice and Philip smiled at her reaction.
"Come on. I want to show you something else."
Philip led the way through the trees to a small bridge off in the distance, almost hidden by nature's covering, which crossed over the creek; then he left her standing there as.
He walked back to Poseidon and Arête, bringing the horses up closer to the bridge.
"Didn't I tell you this place was fantastic? I mean you have the trees.the little brook and a great view.and hot cocoa along with nice hot pastries.courtesy of Cook."
Philip smiled again as Mimi looked back at him. He was taking some things out of a pack that was attached to Poseidon's saddle. He returned to the bridge, laying down a heavy blanket in the middle of it. Then he took thermoses and an insulated container that had pastries in it out of the pack that had been attached to the saddle.
Mimi looked at him with shock and smiled. "What are you up to? Is there hot cocoa in those thermoses?"
"Yep. Come on over here and sit down."
He patted the area next to him on the blanket, watching as Mimi came and took a seat by him. He handed her one of the thermoses and pointed to the pastries in the insulated container.
Mimi took a sip of her cocoa and bit into one of the pastries, surprised to find it still hot. "Mmmm..these are so good.you did all this?"
"Nah. I told you. Cook did it. And the stable hands attached the pack to Poseidon's saddle."
He waved his arms around. "Isn't this place great? When my dad first moved into the new mansion, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not.especially cause Nicole's living in it. Then, after the island, I found this place. Well, Poseidon and I did. Now I love to come up here to get away and be by myself.but I'm glad that you know about it too. I wanted to share it with one of my closest friends and well.you've became that lately." He smiled at her warmly.
Mimi returned the smile, the hot cocoa making her feel warm and content. "You've become one of my closest friends too Philip. Thanks for all of this. You're always full of surprises, aren't you?" Her smile grew mischievous.
"Predictability is boring. And isn't it fun.taking chances.trying out now things?" Philip bit into a pastry, leaning back against the railing of the small bridge.
"Yeah it is."
They lapsed into silence, the creek making little to no sound as it was nearly frozen now, the trees blowing in the slight wind creating just a bit more noise as their eyes stayed on each other, their minds wondering.
Poseidon whinnied loudly.
"Oh-oh. The God of the Sea wants something, I think." Mimi smirked at Philip.
"I think he's hungry and saying he wants a snack." Philip reached into the pack and took out some carrots. "Come on." He gestured to Mimi. "Let's go feed them." Philip got up and started on his way back to the horses.
Mimi followed him and watched as he fed a carrot to Poseidon. Mimi followed his actions, petting Arête as she fed her. Philip nodded his head in approval, smiling.
When they were done, Mimi looked at Philip curiously and started to ask him a question. "Uh Philip, I was just wondering did you ever go horseback riding with-" Then she stopped herself. "Forget it."
"No, what were you going to say?" Philip looked at her questioningly, then got a knowing look on his face. "Wait, were you going to ask me if I ever went riding with Chloe?" Philip looked down into Mimi's face.
"Let's just change the subject. So it's really col-"
She stopped when Philip grabbed her arm quickly, but not harshly.
He let go of her arm. "No. I told you, I appreciate your honesty. And I want us to be able to talk openly with each other. If there's something I don't feel like answering, I'll tell you and you can do the same by me. Now to answer your question, no, I never went riding with Chloe. I don't know why. I guess..well I didn't ride as much after I started high school and when I was with Chloe.well you know.I kind of made everything about her."
Mimi looked up at Philip and spoke her next words a little tentatively. "But didn't she care about what YOU liked? I don't know Philip. It's just she would come to the games at school and sometimes I would see her with you and she.she."
"What, Meems?"
Mimi noticed he didn't sound angry, just interested in what she had to say. "She didn't seem that happy.not as happy as you, anyway. I just think she could have cared more about what mattered to you. And I'll shut up now because you probably won't ever want to speak to me again."
Philip could tell his friend wasn't telling him any of these things to be malicious or mean. She was just showing him that she cared about him and his happiness. Truth be told, Philip wasn't sure how much fun Chloe was having with him sometimes either.
He didn't always agree with Mimi, but he had come to value her straightforward, yet helpful attitude. He reached out for her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Don't even think that Meems. Your friendship means a lot to me. I may not always agree with everything you say, but you make me think and you make me look at myself differently."
"Wow, you really think I do that?" His comments had surprised her. She thought people only saw it as meddling.
"Yes I do."
They smiled at each other, both happy to be in the company one another.
****
Mimi and Philip were on the last part of the hill. The sun was shining down on them, even though the coldness could be felt. It definitely was a beautiful winter day as the patches of snow glistened from the heat of the sun's rays.
"Philip?"
"Yeah?" Philip looked over towards Mimi to where she was riding beside him.
"Can you do any tricks? You know, on Poseidon?"
Philip smiled mischievously. "Why? Do you want me to teach you some?"
Mimi replied nervously, still a little unsteady being on top of a horse. "No, that's okay. I just was wondering if you knew how to do anything."
"Well, actually I used to be able to jump kind of well---just over low fences though."
Mimi spoke excitedly. "Could you show me?"
Philip was a little more uncertain. "I guess. I haven't done it in a while. But Poseidon's strong and smart. I doubt he forgot how to."
"Well you do owe me.."
"Owe you for what?"
"I went riding with you. Now it's your turn. But if you think it's dangerous I don't' want you to do it." A worried expression came to her face. She didn't want to push him into anything that he wasn't ready to do.
"No, I don't think so. I have a helmet I can get from the tack room and if for any reason I feel unsure I can stop Poseidon."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Well if you're sure. Also you wouldn't happen to have a camera, would you?"
"What, so you can take a picture of me as I make a fool out of myself?" Philip joked.
"No. Because I'd like to get an action shot. It'd be great for my photography class." Mimi replied seriously, her face lighting up as she talked about her class.
"What photography class?" Philip was now very interested.
"It's a class of mine.my favorite class. It's the one I had to stay late for. I like taking pictures.capturing moments of people's lives."
Philip looked at her with amazement. "Since when have you been interested in photography?"
"Since a couple of years back and when I figured out how to manipulate pictures on the computer, with certain software programs, I started to get into it even more."
"Wow Meems, I never even knew.Can you develop pictures too?"
"Sure. I've used the dark room at school lots of times."
"Well, now look who's full of surprises." Philip's face was one of awe. Then he remembered what she asked for. "Would a digital camera do?"
Mimi looked excited. "Yeah definitely."
"Fine. Then, you can borrow mine. It was a gift and I've never even used it before."
****
They had taken Arête back to the stables and now Philip was on top of Poseidon, wearing a riding helmet.
Down on the ground, Mimi was studying his camera with real appreciation.
"Okay, here goes." He got ready to turn Poseidon around.
Mimi stopped him, calling out. "Wait Philip. Be careful."
She looked up at him with concern in her eyes, reaching for his hand.
Philip smiled down at her encouragingly, squeezing her hand for a second before letting it go. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
And then he was off.
Mimi watched anxiously as Philip started riding down the partly grassy, partly snowy field. Her eyes fixed on the two of them, horse and rider, as Poseidon went faster and faster.his powerful hooves beating the ground.making a thundering sound.moving gracefully and majestically as Philip sat on him proudly.holding the reins with ease.his stance one of total calm.
Wow, poetry in motion!
Philip could feel Poseidon underneath him, his strength, the way his legs moved.his strong back.see his nostrils quivering.looking straight ahead.determined.as Philip moved his body with his horse.anticipating his next move.
She started snapping pictures.capturing the racing horse and rider.totally attuned to each other.
They started upon the fence, a low one.Philip didn't want to bite off more than he could chew.
Poseidon moved and Philip leaned forward more.
The picture she was taking.
They were at the fence!
Oh, she had to capture this moment!
Poseidon jumped.
Mimi held her breath.
Philip moved his body forward with his horse.
As they flew through the air.
Poseidon cleared the fence easily.
Philip had such a sense of euphoria.feeling Poseidon's own pride.the way he held his head up high and reared up.making Philip laugh.
Mimi let go of her breath.snapping away with the camera and then whooped with joy.
They were like one.it was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen.the love and trust between horse and rider.
Then she gasped, seeing Poseidon rear up on his hind legs, but she began to relax when Philip only laughed. Smiling, she took more pictures.
Philip rode back to Mimi quickly, grinning hugely at the sight of her jumping up and down for joy. He jumped off Poseidon.
She ran up to him so fast that he barely had a chance to catch his breath. He laughed, spinning her around and around in circles, watching as she let her head fall back in sheer delight.
"Philly!! You did it! You did it! Oh my gosh, I've never seen anything like that! The way you guys moved together.it was like you weren't even two separate beings.it was like you were united as one!!!"
Philip laughed, still holding her by the waist easily. "That felt so great Meems! Wow, I missed that!" He looked down into her eyes, her eyes full of happiness.
Then he realized he was still holding her and slowly let go, feeling a sense of let down after he did.
Mimi felt it too, but said nothing about it.
"That must be so great, to be able to ride like that.so free!"
"Yeah it is.hey why don't you ride with me? I can show you what it feels like."
Mimi looked at him in shock. "You think I'm going to go with you while you jump?! No way!"
Philip chuckled a little. "No way is right. I can't take you with me while I jump. But I could take you on a ride. What ya' say Meems? By the way, did you get any pictures?"
"Did I get any pictures!? I got tons. No way was I passing that moment by. As for the ride.why not.today's a day for taking chances!"
"That's the attitude Meems!"
Philip took off his helmet and gestured for Mimi to climb up on Poseidon. He helped her as she somewhat shakily climbed up. Then he got on behind her.
Mimi shuddered, not out of fear, but out of.
A feeling.a new feeling.she could feel his chest against her back, even through their thick clothing, warming her instantly.his legs.firm and strong against hers.
Ohhhh, she was feeling kind of dizzy.
Philip felt her shake, noticing her uneasy look.
"Meems, are you okay?"
Mimi found it hard to find her voice at first.
"Uh, yeah. I'm okay. I was just a little scared at first."
Philip nodded his head, not totally believing her answer, then reached for the reins, his arm brushing against her side.making him feel something.something new for him too.
Man, she smelled good.
Like wildflowers.
Feeling a bit shaky himself now, hoping his voice wouldn't betray him, he leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"Ready?"
Mimi said "Yes" quietly.
Oh, she was melting.
"All right."
Uh, did somebody raise the temperature in.well, OUT here?
"Here we go."
Philip started out Poseidon at a trot, looking to Mimi for a reaction. He asked her if she wanted to go faster. She nodded her head yes; she felt his arms circling around her as he held onto the reins with one hand and with the other mainly held onto her.
He increased the speed.then more.then more.looking at Mimi.
What a sight she was! Her face was so carefree, full of joy and excitement.
She was loving it!
Mimi felt so free.so wild.feeling Poseidon move with such speed over the ground.feeling Philip holding her against him.
Oh, pure bliss!
Eventually Philip came to a stop, looking to Mimi for her reaction, but before he could check, Poseidon decided he wanted to show off again. He started to rear up on his hind legs, startling Mimi.
Philip could feel her fear.her body frozen in shock.heard her gasp and he quickly used the reins to keep Poseidon down on the ground, on all four feet.
"It's okay Meems. Don't be scared. He just wanted to show off. You're safe." Philip wrapped his arms around her body from where he was sitting behind her, feeling her trembling a little.feeling it subside as he held her.
"I know. I know I'm safe because I'm with you." Mimi felt her fear going away as he held her.
"How about we go back and get another hot chocolate?"
"Sounds great." She turned to face him, seeing his gentle smile as he nudged Poseidon and they started to go back.
The fragile heart was fighting its way to the finish line.
~Earlier~
Philip sat down on one of the benches that sat outside the school, having just finished basketball practice. It was nice to get out earlier. Football practices often went late, but basketball usually ended on time, if not early, like tonight. He pulled his fleece scarf closer around his neck and buttoned up his wool coat even more than it already was. Winter had settled in completely, the first snow having just hit the ground late last night, resembling patches of white.
Usually he would be waiting like this on a Tuesday or Thursday, but last week Mimi had told him she traded days with Jan for this week since she had a class she had to do some after schoolwork for. Philip wondered what the class was. She hadn't told him. So anyways, now he was waiting on a Monday to walk home with her because of her temporary change of schedule.
Was she even coming?
They hadn't talked all day. He was late for his Government class this morning and when he caught a glimpse of her at lunch, she quickly left the vicinity. She seemed to be avoiding him and he was a little unsure about how to approach her after the fight they had.
Would she talk to him?
His mind traveled back to the island, after he woke up to find himself in the hospital. Then too, she seemed to be avoiding him, but he was too weak and tired at the time to think about it much. Then one day or night, he didn't know for sure, when he had been sleeping, she finally came to visit him:
He woke up drowsily, still in a little bit of pain, but mostly feeling doped up on painkillers and pretty much disoriented. Chloe had been with him earlier and they had talked a little. He could see her worry, but he could also tell things had changed for them. Later he had talked to Brady a little, realizing he needed to thank him for saving his life. It was the right thing to do, but mainly he needed to do it for himself. He had also spent time with his parents, Shawn, and Belle who had sustained some minor injuries, but otherwise were fine. Just one person was missing. One person hadn't come to visit him.
Now he tried to clear his vision as he saw her standing by his bedside.
"Mi-mi?"
His voice sounded raspy and a little weak still, even to him, but he was getting used to it sounding that way as he slowly regained his strength.
"Oh my gosh, I didn't mean to wake you! I'll go. I'll leave you alone."
He watched her as she spoke quickly and excitedly. But he raised his hand to stop her when she tried to leave.
"Nn-o, don't go. S-stay."
"But you were sleeping. And the doctor said you need a lot of rest. I just wanted to see for myself that you were okay."
He listened as her voice dropped off a little shakily. Had she been THAT worried about him? His tired eyes focusing on her face, he saw that she too looked a little weary and was that the remnants of tears that he saw there in those familiar eyes? Yes, it looked like it was. He spoke slowly.
"I'm alright. I f-feel a lot more rested now, you know after sleeping." He adjusted his head a little against the pillow that was raised high against the headboard. "What took you so long to come anyway? Thought I would b- bite or something?" He laughed a little and quickly winced in pain from the effort. His head and side were not too happy with him right now.
The noticeable worry in Mimi's eyes grew as with little thought she moved closer to him.
Philip tried to reassure her. "Hey, it's okay. It just hurts sometimes."
"I hope you're right. You shouldn't be joking. It's just going to make you feel worse, though it's probably a good sign that you're kidding around. It probably means you're getting better."
"Yeah. S-see, there's a good sign to everything. Now, w-what about my question, hmmm? How come you stayed away?"
"I just thought you'd probably want to spend the time with your family.and with Chloe."
He heard the change in her voice when she said Chloe's name. Those two would probably never get along. He was surprised they worked together to find Shawn, Belle and himself.
"Yeah, of c-course I've spent some time with them, but that d-doesn't mean I didn't want to see my friends.all of them." He said the last part with emphasis, and then watched in shock as her eyes filled with fresh tears and she broke down.
"I'm sorry! It's just I was so worried about you.when we couldn't find you at first.and then when we did.when Brady did.and we didn't know if you were going to live! I w-was."
Her voice broke off and Philip reached for her with his hands. He watched as she moved closer to him. Then, with some tentativeness, because of his injuries, he held her gently in his arms.
"D-don't cry Meems. P-please don't cry. I'm okay. And so are Shawn and Belle. Y-you don't have to worry anym-more."
He felt her head fall forward a bit against his shoulder as he tried to reassure her with soft-spoken words. Inwardly Philip smiled a little; he could tell she was also trying to hold him carefully, not wanting to cause him any pain.
Tightening his hold on her just a little, he did his best to comfort her.
His Friend.
~After~
Philip sat there, waiting for Mimi as the memory faded away. Where was she?
He looked around, suddenly spotting her, heading for the sidewalk. So she was planning to walk alone.
He got up and headed over.
"Hey, I thought we had a deal."
"Philip."
Mimi looked back at Philip in surprise. Where did he come from?
"Today's Monday, right? As I recall you asked me to walk you home." Philip just stood there, waiting for her to answer.
"I guess, I thought, well you weren't out here and I thought you changed your mind." Mimi looked up at him uncertainly, pulling her down jacket closer around her.
"I've been out here for a while. Basketball practice ended early and I went to go sit on that bench over there." He gestured to a bench a little ways off. "I guess I should have sat closer by the doors because we almost just ended up missing each other."
"Well, after what happened Friday night, I didn't think you really wanted to see me anymore."
Philip moved in closer and looked down at her a little sadly.
"So, you think I'm that much of a jerk, huh?"
Mimi responded with a straight face. "No, I don't think you're a jerk, an ego-maniac, but not a jerk."
Philip smiled at her ribbing. "I probably deserve that. Look about the other night, Meems."
Mimi stopped him. "Wait, I need to say something-"
Philip protested. "No let me finish-"
"No, I'm the one who should-"
"Hey, I was the one who started-"
"I shouldn't have opened my big mouth-"
"No, I shouldn't of overreacted-"
"But I went overboard-"
"Would you let me finish?!" He was starting to feel very irritated.
"Well, if you would stop interrupting me?!" She was feeling a growing annoyance.
"If you would just let me get a word in edgewise?!"
"Well, if you would let me apologize?!"
They were now very close to each other, face to face, near the point of yelling.
"That's what I was trying to do!!"
"So was I!!"
"FINE!"
"FINE!"
"I'M SORRY!" They both replied in unison, interrupting each other, and then broke into laughter.
Philip smiled at her gently, holding his arms out.
"Can you forgive me?"
"If you'll forgive me."
She replied gratefully, moving into his arms, finally letting out a sigh of relief. The past few days had been horrible. She missed him so much. They usually spent some time together on the weekends now, but even if they didn't, they at least called each other. She closed her eyes, feeling his warmth and familiarity.
He held her close to him, her head against his chest as his arms enveloped her in an emotionally responsive embrace. He too sighed, happy to have his friend back, and closed his eyes.
After a while she finally pulled back from him and spoke anxiously.
"Really Philip, I should have just kept my big mouth shut. I won't say anything about her any-"
Philip cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"No, no. I don't want you to keep your big mou-"
He broke off into laughter, realizing what he was saying.
"I like that you're honest with me. Sometimes I really don't want to hear it and it can be a little irritating at first, but it means a lot to me too. That you're comfortable with me enough to tell me what I sometimes need to hear. And I don't want you to think that if you say something about Chloe I'm going to bite your head off. She's still a sensitive subject with me, but.let's just say you were right."
"But what I did to her was so wrong. You were right too. It is my fault that my senior year is all screwed up. What I did was just so stupid! And I was jealous and it got out of hand."
"You don't have to tell me about jealousy. I know all about it. But Meems, your senior year isn't completely messed up. You're working hard at the center and you're working hard at school! And you've got a wonderful, fantastic terrific friend like me! What more could you ask for, huh?" Philip smiled at her mischievously, winking.
"Boy oh boy, Philly, you must stare at yourself in the mirror every day and just smile at your reflection, huh? Mr. Vain?" She smiled slyly to let him know she was teasing.
"Hey, putting me down when I'm being nice? Some people, hm!" Philip stood away loftily, turning his back on her.
Mimi giggled at his ridiculous stance and hit him on the arm playfully. "Oh, brother, you cream puff!"
Philip stared at her with shock. "Cream puff?! Hey, watch how you talk about the star quarterback!"
Mimi went humph. "That may work with Tiffany the flirt, but it sure doesn't work with me."
Philip smiled, showing off his dimples. "Oooohhh, was somebody just a little bit jealous?"
Mimi smiled back at him cryptically. "Ha, don't flatter yourself Phil. Besides, I was too busy to pay attention to you and Tiffany the flirt!"
Philip frowned. "Yeah, with 'Mr. Wonderful'", his voice full of sarcasm.
"My, my, my.now who's the little green eyed monster, huh Philly?"
"The only one with green eyes here is you Mimi."
Philip skipped off jauntily in front of her.
"Ha, ha.you were jealous, you were jealous!"
Mimi followed him angrily.
"Was not!"
"Was too!" Philip replied cheerfully still ahead of her, enjoying the bantering.
Mimi bent down, gathered her ammunition into a nice big round ball and fired.............
Hitting him right in the back, the lower back. It hit him square in the rear end, leaving traces of white on his wool coat. She laughed hysterically, pointing at him and lifting her hands in glee. "Got you!! Ha, ha, ha!"
Philip reacted to the snowball hitting him in the back with shock, turning around to look at his now partly wet coat. "Hey, do you know how expensive this coat is?!"
There on the ground lay the evidence: the remains of one icy snowball.
Slowly Philip turned back around, menacingly facing Mimi.
"That's it Lockhart. This means war!"
"Oh no!"
"Oh yes!"
Mimi shrieked and ran as Philip reached down and gathered a big lump of snow, quickly forming it into a ball and threw it at her. It hit her square on the back right before she could run behind a tree for protection, and gather her own lump of the white stuff to and throw it back at him, partially hitting his arm. He fired back, hitting the tree. Then he ran to go get her.
"AHH!" Mimi screamed, running away from the shelter of the tree; she scrambled to pick up some snow to throw at him while looking for cover.
Philip raced after her, finally cornering her as she hid behind another tree. "Now you're going to get it." He said in an ominous low voice.
Mimi stayed with the tree dodging from one side to the other as he reached for her, just missing getting her as she quickly moved from one part of the tree to the other. He circled around as she quickly scrambled from one tree to the next, desperately trying to get away from him.
"You're not going to be able to keep hiding from me Meems.I'm going to get you!" Philip called out, finally managing to get a hold of her before she could make her way to the next tree she was trying to hide behind.
"Nooo!"
Mimi screamed as he grabbed her around the waist, holding a snowball threateningly in his hand, preparing to put it down the back of her jacket.
"No, please Philip! Please!"
Mimi protested, turning around in his embrace, holding her hands in front of his chest, trying to prevent him from doing what he wanted to do.
Philip looked down at her with little sympathy.
"You're the one that started all of this. Tisk. Tisk. Tisk. Throwing a snowball at my wool coat. at my back? Not a very nice thing to do Miss Lockhart."
He was just distracted enough for her to move. She latched her ankle under his sending him falling to the ground flat on his back. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to keep herself upright and fell right along with him, landing right on top of him.
"Ohhh!"
Philip moaned and laughed a little as his back hit the ground hard. Thank goodness, for the soft thick patch of snow! But he felt a little more satisfied as he saw that Mimi fell too.smack on top of him. He looked up at her, her face red from her exertion, strands of her auburn hair hanging out of her lavender snowcap. She looked absolutely adorable! He laughed again, his breath coming out fast as he lay underneath her on the snowy ground, his hands still lightly clutching her arms.
"Ahh!"
Mimi yelled out, feeling herself fall with Philip, his body cushioning her as she landed on top of him. She could feel his quick heartbeat as she almost breathlessly looked down at him, finally letting out a giggle. His face too was somewhat red and his golden blonde hair, peeking out of his black snowcap was falling over his eyes, over his long golden lashes. Oh, he was so damn good looking, too much for his own good! She clutched at his shoulders for support.
Philip forgot about the cold ground underneath him, about the snowball challenge, about getting back at her, in fact he forgot all thought at all as he reached up, cradling her face in his gloved hands, moving his head up a little, gazing into her green eyes, his face now serious, any trace of joking gone.
Mimi forgot everything, the whole world disappeared as she felt his gloved hands moving her face closer to his, his eyes just starting to close....................................................................... ...........
Her eyes just starting to close....................................................................... ...............
Their faces moving closer...................................................................... ......................
Then.
Without warning, without any signals, she cursed inwardly as she was forced to move her head away from his; turning her face towards the ground, she sneezed, but not just once.
Philip tried to get his breathing back to normal as he felt Mimi move away from him as her sneezing started.
"Oh, oh! Are you sick Meems?"
Still breathless, Philip sat up more, bringing her up with him into his arms.
She finished sneezing, smiling shyly at him. Ohhhh, of all the times for this to happen!
Philip removed one of his gloves and felt her forehead with the back of his hand; she was kind of warm. His voice full of tenderness and some worry, he spoke.
"Oh man, Meems, you're kind of warm. And here we are lying in this wet snow! Come on!" He reached for her, helping her up, keeping a protective arm around her shoulder and putting his glove back on his hand as she took out a tissue and blew her nose.
When she was done, Mimi looked up at him having a hard time breathing normally again.
"I'm sorry."
Talk about awful timing, her mind screamed! Then she shivered as she felt herself getting chillier.
Philip reached out for her, taking her in his arms again, holding her close to his chest, rubbing his hands up and down her back and shoulders, wanting to keep her warm.
"Come on. I know just what you need." Philip let go of her, but as he started walking with her, he wrapped one arm around her again, holding her close to him.
Mimi sighed, relishing the warmth of him, feeling it ward off the chill.
****
Philip walked next to Mimi now, nearly at her house. He was drinking a warm mocha and she was drinking a hot tea, with lemon and honey: ordered especially by Philip. He was still a little concerned about her, but knew she would be okay. She was probably just experiencing a winter cold or something.
Actually, his mind was now more on what happened when they fell. They were just friends, right? They confided in each other and laughed with each other, but they were just buddies...........
So what on earth made him want to.
No, he didn't want to.
Did he?
Oh, how pretty she looked, her face.
Her lips, her lips so close to his.
The feel of her warm body..
NO! Stop this! She's just a friend.just a friend..
Oh man.oh man.
**
Mimi walked, Philip at her side. She was feeling better, drinking the warm tea he bought especially for her. She knew she probably just had a little cold and that it would go away quickly.
She was more concerned about what almost happened BEFORE she sneezed. Those eyes of his looking up into hers.
Oh, those frosty blue eyes.
Now stop it! You guys are friends! And that's a very special thing to have.
His hands on her face.
His muscular body she could feel even through his winter clothes.
His inviting lips.
Knock it off! He's your pal, your trusted chum.
Your.
Who the heck did she think she was kidding!
****
They spoke not a single word to each other as their minds battled with their feelings. It would be a fight to see what would win:
The sturdy brain or the fragile heart?
Chapter 27: Taking Chances
Outside it was a frosty morning as Mimi sat up in bed leafing through the morning newspaper, looking at all the Holiday Sale ads distractedly. Truth be told, her mind was on other things, or more precisely, a certain person. What was he doing right now, she wondered. Was he already up and about? He played just about every sport known to man. Those types usually were up with the morning dawn. Or was he still in bed?
Uggghhhh!
Why was he occupying her mind more and more lately? Well, maybe because they had been spending so much time together! Who would have thought that Mimi Lockhart and Philip Kiriakis would be hanging out together? Certainly not her! But truth be told, the most fun she had lately was when she was with him. Their friendship had grown so much, way past what it had been when they were little kids.
When she learned of her punishment for the Internet prank she was convinced her senior year would end up being a disaster. How could she have any fun when she wasn't allowed to attend any of the social events at school? But then everything happened with the island and she changed. She stopped latching onto other people (as much as she hated to admit it, Chloe was pretty much dead-on about that, though she would never tell her that) and focused on school and the center.
But how could she of ever guessed that one night by complete coincidence she would run into someone, a friend, a friend that would actually make her senior year: FUN?
Too bad she couldn't go to the upcoming Winter Ball, a big dance at Salem High. Just the other day she helped Belle go shopping for her dress. Belle was tentative about asking her for the help, but Mimi assured her she didn't mind; besides there was never a good reason to NOT go shopping. Too bad she couldn't go to the dance. Maybe this year she could have actually had a date, a date like Phil-
Whoa!
What was she thinking? He probably was already going with some cheerleader type, some.
The shrill sound of the phone ringing suddenly disturbed her from her thought. She reached over for it.
"Hello."
****
Ah, a lazy Saturday morning. Nothing to do, but lounge around in bed and read Sports Illustrated etc. etc. Hey, weren't those lines from The King and I, etc. etc... Oh well. It was definitely cold outside, but inside his bedroom, it was nice and warm.
Now why couldn't he just keep his mind on the magazine? Why did it keep going back to.
Come on Kiriakis, enough already!
Hmmm, wonder what she's up to?
Okay, that's it. Maybe he should get up and run laps or something.
Nah.
He picked up a small ball from under his bed and started tossing it up in the air while he lay in bed. His mind drifting off yet again.
She was actually going to walk home alone on Monday. What had he told her about that? That it was unsafe. He let it go on Monday, but come Wednesday she heard a mouthful from him; then in return, he heard a mouthful from her.
But they ended up talking it out, something they were getting pretty good at lately, along with laughing together, studying together at the last minute, planning turkey heists.
He chuckled, thinking about Birdzilla.
Ah, he almost got in a lot of trouble for that one, but in the end his parents were actually understanding, saying it was a noble thing to do.
Just don't do it again.
Philip smiled wickedly.
He was already looking forward to next year's turkey-napping.
The phone rang, interrupting Philip's thoughts. He reached over for it. "Hello."
"Philip, it's Mimi."
"Hey Meems. I was just planning how we're going to shanghai next year's turkey. The headlines read: Mission Impossible 2: Capture of Birdzilla Junior! Pretty cool, huh?" Philip laughed, ready to hear Mimi tell him he was crazy and laugh too. However, she said nothing, alarming him.
"Hey, what's going on? You okay?"
Mimi spoke hesitantly. "Bo called. They caught him.you know.the guy who attacked me.they need me to.to identify him."
Philip's jocular mood went away quickly. He could tell by the tone of her voice that she was not looking forward to going to the station. Who could blame her? The bastard had really scared her. He made his voice sound calm and reassuring. "Okay. When do they want you to go?"
"As soon as possible."
"You ready now?"
"Yes. No. I don't know." Mimi spoke uncertainly.
"Meems, it's alright. I'll be there with you. Look, I can be there in a little less than 30 minutes. Sound good?" Philip kept his voice steady, trying to alleviate her fears.
"I guess so."
"Fine. I'll see you soon, alright?"
"Okay. Bye Philip."
"Bye Meems. Don't worry."
Philip hung up the phone, remembering the night she was attacked. It could have been so much worse. She was all alone with that sicko. But not this time. This time he would be with her.be there for her.
****
Philip parked the car in front of the Lockhart house, now dressed in jeans, a beige sweater, and his suede coat. He walked through the shallow layer of snow, up the pathway to the front door as it opened. Out came Mimi dressed in burgundy jeans, a striped sweater and her chocolate colored coat. Her hair was partially pulled back with a barrette. As for her face.
Well, she wasn't smiling.
"Hi. You ready to go?" Philip looked down into her green eyes, wishing she didn't look so apprehensive.
"Sure." Mimi replied quietly, looking down.
Philip walked over closer to her, taking her face into his hands gently to get her to look up at him. Oh those scared, scared eyes.
"Hey, all you have to do is identify him, okay? You don't have to talk to him and he's not even going to know you're there. You'll be safe. You ARE safe. You won't be alone this time. I'll be right there with you."
His eyes searched hers as he bent down to be at an equal height with her.
Ever since Mimi got the phone call, she had been reliving THAT night. She had never been that terrified in her life. Not even at the Coronation, because there she had little time to be scared before she was shot. But now she looked into Philip's eyes. What was it about those eyes that made her feel safe and secure? She looked up at him, feeling her courage grow.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Finally, he saw the tenacity in her eyes that he wanted to see. He smiled and let go of her face, then offered his arm to her.
"Okay, let's go."
****
Philip and Mimi walked into the police station and followed Bo into his office, after exchanging greetings with him. Bo asked them to sit down and then sat down himself, across from them.
"Okay Mimi, I wanted to let you know that we caught him late last night attempting to rape another girl, actually a young woman. I wanted to finish dealing with that case before I brought you in and as I said, it happened very late.
"Is she alright?" Mimi asked Bo with concern.
"She has some bruising, but other than that she's okay. Unfortunately, your attack wasn't the first time."
Mimi shivered; Philip put his hand on hers reassuringly.
"There were a couple of cases in New York and we have to contact some people, but we're almost one hundred percent sure he was involved in all of them. We know for a fact he was involved in one of them, which resulted in an actual rape."
Mimi shivered again and Philip squeezed her hand, and then spoke up. "Bo, if you know he already did this before, actually.raping someone, why do you need Mimi to identify him? Won't that be enough?"
"It will definitely make him spend some time in jail, but I want this guy to get the maximum. I don't want him to be out after a short time, so he can do this again.in fact I think it could be even worse. This guy just has the profile of someone who's getting more and more violent and reckless each time." Bo directed his attention to Mimi. "I know you probably don't want to have to see him again, but he won't have any idea you're there and I'm going to do everything I can to make this as painless as possible, alright? Now, I'm going to go get everything ready and then I'll come back and get you, okay?"
Mimi nodded and Bo left.
She got up, hugging herself.
"Oh no, I can't believe this.he actually.Oh Philip if you hadn't come."
Philip walked over to Mimi and quickly took her into his arms, concerned to feel her trembling.
"Don't. Don't do this okay. It's over. He can't hurt you anymore. And don't give me all the credit. You did a great job of defending yourself and don't you ever forget that." Philip' voice was kind, but strong. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.
Bo came back in and Philip and Mimi moved away from each other.
"Okay Mimi, everything's ready. How about you?"
Mimi looked up at Bo. "I want this guy to pay for what he did. I don't ever want him to be able to hurt anyone else." Mimi spoke defiantly, feeling that with Philip at her side she could be brave.
"Yes, I'm ready."
Philip heard the certainty in her voice and smiled, proud of her.
****
Mimi sat in a room with a glass wall as a man was brought into another room, directly in front of her. She watched as he stood and turned and did various things he was told to do.
Philip recognized him almost immediately as the man they saw on the pier.
"Is that the guy Mimi?" Bo asked.
Mimi watched and then looked away, that face bringing back nightmarish memories. She struggled to speak.
"Y-yes, th-that's him."
Philip watched her worriedly. How hard this must be for her.
"Are you sure Mimi?"
Yes she's sure! Now just let her go! Philip protectively moved to stand behind Mimi.
Feeling Philip's presence, he had been her hero that night.
Mimi felt stronger.
"Yes. I'm sure. That's him." She turned to see the stranger's face again through the glass .the eyes that had looked so full of hatred and licentiousness, the rough hands that had crept over her skin.would have gone further if she hadn't.if Philip hadn't.
"I'm positive."
It was all she could say without.
Her body trembling, she ran out of the room.
Shaking his head, locking eyes with Bo, seeing support and anger there.Philip understood that look. It was how he felt himself. On one hand, he wanted to be there for his friend.on the other he wanted to wipe that smug look off that sick.
"He's not going to get away with this, right Bo?"
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he does some serious time Philip."
Philip laughed caustically at the reply, not satisfied. "But he's going to get out again, isn't he? So he can hurt someone else?"
Bo sighed. "Unfortunately, yeah.He probably will get out after a while. But we'll be watching him."
Bo's words made Philip angry. The guy deserved.
Agitatedly running a hand through his hair though Philip realized Bo had done all he could and was going to do as much more as was needed. It would have to be enough. Besides, someone else needed him right now.
"Thanks Bo."
Philip turned to go, but Bo stopped him first. "I'm just as sick of how these criminals are treated sometimes as you are Philip. The system isn't always perfect, but every one of these guys brought to justice is a victory and even when they get out, it's as if I said.we watch them carefully. Let me handle the police business okay? You just be there for Mimi. I saw how you two act together and I think she could really use your friendship right now."
Philip nodded his head, a look of appreciation on his face. They may not be that close, but he was glad to have Bo as his brother.
Bo had little time to react as Philip rushed out of the room.
To be with the one who needed him.
****
Mimi had just finished filling out some papers and talking some more to Bo. He thanked her for her help with the case and told her that what she did would help other girls and help keep this guy put away. Mimi nodded and left.
Now she and Philip were on their way to his dad's car. Philip stopped her.
"Hey, you want to do something? Something fun.something that will take your mind off of all of this?"
Mimi looked at him curiously. "What?"
"Nope, not going to tell you. It's a surprise. Just need to make sure of one thing." Philip looked down.at her boots. "Yep, those will do." He smiled at her mysteriously.
Mimi was now wondering what on earth he was talking about. "What will do?"
"You'll see." Philip said simply, leading a bewildered Mimi to the car.
****
"No way! Uh-uh! You are not getting me to---this was your idea of fun?! Are you crazy?! I'm not--I'm not. !!"
Mimi backed away pointing at the object of her distress.
"Haven't you ever done this before?" Philip asked, incredulous that this was her first time.
"NO! I didn't even know you knew how to!"
"Of course I know how to. I've been doing it since I was a kid. And stop looking at her like she's some monster or something! Don't worry.she doesn't bite.unless you feed her a carrot or something.but she's gentle even then."
"She's a.a..a."
"A horse, Meems! She's just a horse!"
Philip was trying to reason with her. They were now back at his new mansion, near the new stables and Philip was showing her one of the horses, their gentlest horse.
"But I've never been horseback riding before!" Mimi's eyes were wide with fear.
Philip replied nonchalantly. "Well, no better time than the present to learn. I'll teach you. I mean look around. It's a beautiful day, sun's out, kind of cold, but not too bad, and there's even some snow on the ground. It's a great day to take a ride."
"I don't know Philip." Mimi looked uncertain.
"Ah, don't be a chicken!" Philip teased.
"I am not a chicken!" Mimi responded indignantly.
"Then prove it and go for a ride with me. You won't regret it. I promise."
"All right, but if I go, you owe me."
"Owe you what?"
"I don't know. I'll think of something later."
Philip thought about it for a second. "Fine. Now, since you haven't been formally introduced to each other, meet Arête."
Philip held onto Arête's harness. She was a chestnut mare that had a very even temperament.
"Arête?"
Philip responded to Mimi's questioning glance. "Yeah, after the queen of the Phaeacians, you know, in The Odyssey?"
"The Odyssey? Didn't we have to read some of that in one of our English lit. classes?"
"Yeah, but actually I've read the whole thing before. I mean my dad's from Greece Meems. When I was a kid, I used to love hearing him tell me stories about the Greek Gods and all the mythical characters. That is, before he had his stroke. Then when I got older, I read the Odyssey myself. My dad's always absolutely loved it, but he made me a pretty big fan of it too."
"Do you have your own horse too?" Mimi asked Philip with interest.
"Yeah."
"What's its name?"
"I'll tell you in a bit. But first, I want you to get used to Arête. Now, come here, closer." Philip gestured to Mimi.
However, she was still hesitant. "I don't know."
Philip walked over to her, taking her hand and then led her closer to Arête. "Come on. I told you, she won't hurt a fly." He pulled Arête's head down a little gently, touching her mane. "Here Meems, go ahead and give her a pat."
Mimi looked at Philip skeptically, but started petting Arête softly and then smiled a little. "She seems nice."
"She is. Now how about getting on her?" Philip looked at Mimi encouragingly.
""Uhh.." She was still wary.
Philip reassured her. "Don't worry. I'll hold onto her. Just put your foot through the stirrup and hold onto this part of the saddle to help pull you up." Philip demonstrated for her what he meant.
Mimi looked at him uneasily. "What if I fall off the other side?"
Philip chuckled softly then answered her. "You won't. But don't worry; I'll be here to catch you. Come on Meems. Climb on." He gestured, patting Arête's back.
Mimi still looked a little worried, but decided it would be good for her to try something new. She climbed on, feeling very unsteady sitting on top of such a big animal.
Philip smiled, then took the reins and started to walk with Arête, across the partially snow covered land.
Mimi screamed. "Stop!!"
Arête reacted to it, a little spooked.
Philip immediately calmed the horse, touching her gently by the muzzle. "Shhhh..it's alright girl."
Then he turned to Mimi, alarmed. "Meems, you can't just scream like that. You scared her."
"I scared HER? She scared me when she started walking. And you didn't even tell me you were going to make her move."
Philip was getting somewhat annoyed. "Well, what did you think we were going to do.stand here all day? Just hold onto the front of the saddle, like I showed you. Nothing's going to happen. We're just going to take a little walk. I just want you to get used to her, okay?"
"Okay." Mimi reached over to pet Arête's mane, and then held on. "I'm ready."
She didn't sound very convincing, but Philip thought it would have to do. He started walking with Arête again and they did that for a while, until Philip thought Mimi was finally getting comfortable. Then he stopped.
Mimi looked at him, confused. "Why are we stopping?"
Philip grinned at her. "Because now we're really going to start riding. It's time for you to meet my horse.."
****
He was magnificent and very big. At first Arête seemed big, but this horse.this was a giant compared to Arête. It was brown, so dark that it was almost black and it moved like it knew it was gorgeous looking and wonderful and.come to think of it.it was exactly like Philip.She wondered what he named it.
Egomaniac II?
Philip held the reins, looking at his horse with pride as Mimi, now on the ground, watched. "This is Poseidon. I named him after the God of the Sea.he wasn't the most noble character, but.I always liked the name and ruling the sea.I thought that was cool. Now, I'm not so sure how I feel about the sea."
Philip's voice dropped off as he remembered the island.the rough ocean.waves crashing over his head.
He did his best to shake away the memory.
Mimi looked at him, eventually realizing that he was remembering the island. The far away look in his eyes.would he ever open up about it.like he finally did about his father? She wondered, but realized it might be best to not push. Maybe it would be better to change the subject.
"Boy, who would ever think Philip Kiriakis being so literate?"
Her words made Philip remember the night he found Chloe on the pier.
("Cyclops, you know the one eyed monster?"... "I know who he is. My father's family is from Greece. We have like a dozen volumes of the Odyssey.")
He smiled, surprised that remembering the time he spent with her no longer brought pain.a little bit of sadness.but the hurt wasn't there anymore.it was just a memory now.
"Okay, okay.you finished joking now, 'cause I want to go for a ride and so does Poseidon."
Philip got up on Poseidon easily.
Mimi looked up at him a little shakily, but remembered how he taught her to mount Arête. She climbed on and smiled at Philip, still a little shaky.
"Okay, now just nudge her a little with your feet.like I told you.like a real small kick.she'll get going."
Mimi did as Philip said and they started to go.
The sky was clear except for some clouds and though it was chilly, the sun was strong enough to minimize the cold. Tall evergreen trees mixed in with perennials that were losing their leaves surrounded the field, covered with snow in some areas and the wild grass showing in others.
Philip started heading towards a hill that had snow on it. He got to the beginning of the hill, and then stopped.
Mimi was a little behind him. She remembered how he told her to get Arête to stop, pulled on the reins a little, and called out, whoa.
"Come on Meems. There's a place I want to show you, but we have to climb up the hill. Do you mind?" Philip waited for her answer.
"I guess not. Just keep going slow, okay?"
"Uh.well actually."
"Actually what?"
"Parts of it are kind of steep and we'll have to go a little faster on those parts."
Oh boy, she wasn't going to make this easy.
"Why?" Mimi asked suspiciously.
Just HOW fast were they going to have to go?
Philip felt some irritation. "Because if we go too slow..We'll never make it up the hill!! Why do I feel like I'm facing the Spanish Inquisition?"
"I just want to know what's going to happen before it happens so I can be prepared when it happens and if it happens I won't have to be so worried that it happens and-"
"All right! All right! Man, do YOU even know what you're saying cause I have no idea what the heck you're talking about.look, you won't regret it.it's a fantastic place and I want to show it to you."
Boy, when she rambled.no one could do it like Mimi.
"All right, let's go."
They started up the snowy hill, and after a little while came to a steep part. Poseidon trotted up the hill, with Arête after him. Philip looked back to make sure Mimi wasn't panicking or anything. She looked okay. They continued.
Finally, they got to the top of the hill and were greeted with an amazing sight. There was a small creek, winding through the trees. The creek was almost frozen. Off in the distance was a gorgeous view of most of Salem, including the pier.
"Oh my gosh, it's absolutely beautiful up here!" Mimi looked around with awe as she got off Arête. "Look, you can see almost all of Salem!"
She spoke with wonder in her voice and Philip smiled at her reaction.
"Come on. I want to show you something else."
Philip led the way through the trees to a small bridge off in the distance, almost hidden by nature's covering, which crossed over the creek; then he left her standing there as.
He walked back to Poseidon and Arête, bringing the horses up closer to the bridge.
"Didn't I tell you this place was fantastic? I mean you have the trees.the little brook and a great view.and hot cocoa along with nice hot pastries.courtesy of Cook."
Philip smiled again as Mimi looked back at him. He was taking some things out of a pack that was attached to Poseidon's saddle. He returned to the bridge, laying down a heavy blanket in the middle of it. Then he took thermoses and an insulated container that had pastries in it out of the pack that had been attached to the saddle.
Mimi looked at him with shock and smiled. "What are you up to? Is there hot cocoa in those thermoses?"
"Yep. Come on over here and sit down."
He patted the area next to him on the blanket, watching as Mimi came and took a seat by him. He handed her one of the thermoses and pointed to the pastries in the insulated container.
Mimi took a sip of her cocoa and bit into one of the pastries, surprised to find it still hot. "Mmmm..these are so good.you did all this?"
"Nah. I told you. Cook did it. And the stable hands attached the pack to Poseidon's saddle."
He waved his arms around. "Isn't this place great? When my dad first moved into the new mansion, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not.especially cause Nicole's living in it. Then, after the island, I found this place. Well, Poseidon and I did. Now I love to come up here to get away and be by myself.but I'm glad that you know about it too. I wanted to share it with one of my closest friends and well.you've became that lately." He smiled at her warmly.
Mimi returned the smile, the hot cocoa making her feel warm and content. "You've become one of my closest friends too Philip. Thanks for all of this. You're always full of surprises, aren't you?" Her smile grew mischievous.
"Predictability is boring. And isn't it fun.taking chances.trying out now things?" Philip bit into a pastry, leaning back against the railing of the small bridge.
"Yeah it is."
They lapsed into silence, the creek making little to no sound as it was nearly frozen now, the trees blowing in the slight wind creating just a bit more noise as their eyes stayed on each other, their minds wondering.
Poseidon whinnied loudly.
"Oh-oh. The God of the Sea wants something, I think." Mimi smirked at Philip.
"I think he's hungry and saying he wants a snack." Philip reached into the pack and took out some carrots. "Come on." He gestured to Mimi. "Let's go feed them." Philip got up and started on his way back to the horses.
Mimi followed him and watched as he fed a carrot to Poseidon. Mimi followed his actions, petting Arête as she fed her. Philip nodded his head in approval, smiling.
When they were done, Mimi looked at Philip curiously and started to ask him a question. "Uh Philip, I was just wondering did you ever go horseback riding with-" Then she stopped herself. "Forget it."
"No, what were you going to say?" Philip looked at her questioningly, then got a knowing look on his face. "Wait, were you going to ask me if I ever went riding with Chloe?" Philip looked down into Mimi's face.
"Let's just change the subject. So it's really col-"
She stopped when Philip grabbed her arm quickly, but not harshly.
He let go of her arm. "No. I told you, I appreciate your honesty. And I want us to be able to talk openly with each other. If there's something I don't feel like answering, I'll tell you and you can do the same by me. Now to answer your question, no, I never went riding with Chloe. I don't know why. I guess..well I didn't ride as much after I started high school and when I was with Chloe.well you know.I kind of made everything about her."
Mimi looked up at Philip and spoke her next words a little tentatively. "But didn't she care about what YOU liked? I don't know Philip. It's just she would come to the games at school and sometimes I would see her with you and she.she."
"What, Meems?"
Mimi noticed he didn't sound angry, just interested in what she had to say. "She didn't seem that happy.not as happy as you, anyway. I just think she could have cared more about what mattered to you. And I'll shut up now because you probably won't ever want to speak to me again."
Philip could tell his friend wasn't telling him any of these things to be malicious or mean. She was just showing him that she cared about him and his happiness. Truth be told, Philip wasn't sure how much fun Chloe was having with him sometimes either.
He didn't always agree with Mimi, but he had come to value her straightforward, yet helpful attitude. He reached out for her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Don't even think that Meems. Your friendship means a lot to me. I may not always agree with everything you say, but you make me think and you make me look at myself differently."
"Wow, you really think I do that?" His comments had surprised her. She thought people only saw it as meddling.
"Yes I do."
They smiled at each other, both happy to be in the company one another.
****
Mimi and Philip were on the last part of the hill. The sun was shining down on them, even though the coldness could be felt. It definitely was a beautiful winter day as the patches of snow glistened from the heat of the sun's rays.
"Philip?"
"Yeah?" Philip looked over towards Mimi to where she was riding beside him.
"Can you do any tricks? You know, on Poseidon?"
Philip smiled mischievously. "Why? Do you want me to teach you some?"
Mimi replied nervously, still a little unsteady being on top of a horse. "No, that's okay. I just was wondering if you knew how to do anything."
"Well, actually I used to be able to jump kind of well---just over low fences though."
Mimi spoke excitedly. "Could you show me?"
Philip was a little more uncertain. "I guess. I haven't done it in a while. But Poseidon's strong and smart. I doubt he forgot how to."
"Well you do owe me.."
"Owe you for what?"
"I went riding with you. Now it's your turn. But if you think it's dangerous I don't' want you to do it." A worried expression came to her face. She didn't want to push him into anything that he wasn't ready to do.
"No, I don't think so. I have a helmet I can get from the tack room and if for any reason I feel unsure I can stop Poseidon."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Well if you're sure. Also you wouldn't happen to have a camera, would you?"
"What, so you can take a picture of me as I make a fool out of myself?" Philip joked.
"No. Because I'd like to get an action shot. It'd be great for my photography class." Mimi replied seriously, her face lighting up as she talked about her class.
"What photography class?" Philip was now very interested.
"It's a class of mine.my favorite class. It's the one I had to stay late for. I like taking pictures.capturing moments of people's lives."
Philip looked at her with amazement. "Since when have you been interested in photography?"
"Since a couple of years back and when I figured out how to manipulate pictures on the computer, with certain software programs, I started to get into it even more."
"Wow Meems, I never even knew.Can you develop pictures too?"
"Sure. I've used the dark room at school lots of times."
"Well, now look who's full of surprises." Philip's face was one of awe. Then he remembered what she asked for. "Would a digital camera do?"
Mimi looked excited. "Yeah definitely."
"Fine. Then, you can borrow mine. It was a gift and I've never even used it before."
****
They had taken Arête back to the stables and now Philip was on top of Poseidon, wearing a riding helmet.
Down on the ground, Mimi was studying his camera with real appreciation.
"Okay, here goes." He got ready to turn Poseidon around.
Mimi stopped him, calling out. "Wait Philip. Be careful."
She looked up at him with concern in her eyes, reaching for his hand.
Philip smiled down at her encouragingly, squeezing her hand for a second before letting it go. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
And then he was off.
Mimi watched anxiously as Philip started riding down the partly grassy, partly snowy field. Her eyes fixed on the two of them, horse and rider, as Poseidon went faster and faster.his powerful hooves beating the ground.making a thundering sound.moving gracefully and majestically as Philip sat on him proudly.holding the reins with ease.his stance one of total calm.
Wow, poetry in motion!
Philip could feel Poseidon underneath him, his strength, the way his legs moved.his strong back.see his nostrils quivering.looking straight ahead.determined.as Philip moved his body with his horse.anticipating his next move.
She started snapping pictures.capturing the racing horse and rider.totally attuned to each other.
They started upon the fence, a low one.Philip didn't want to bite off more than he could chew.
Poseidon moved and Philip leaned forward more.
The picture she was taking.
They were at the fence!
Oh, she had to capture this moment!
Poseidon jumped.
Mimi held her breath.
Philip moved his body forward with his horse.
As they flew through the air.
Poseidon cleared the fence easily.
Philip had such a sense of euphoria.feeling Poseidon's own pride.the way he held his head up high and reared up.making Philip laugh.
Mimi let go of her breath.snapping away with the camera and then whooped with joy.
They were like one.it was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen.the love and trust between horse and rider.
Then she gasped, seeing Poseidon rear up on his hind legs, but she began to relax when Philip only laughed. Smiling, she took more pictures.
Philip rode back to Mimi quickly, grinning hugely at the sight of her jumping up and down for joy. He jumped off Poseidon.
She ran up to him so fast that he barely had a chance to catch his breath. He laughed, spinning her around and around in circles, watching as she let her head fall back in sheer delight.
"Philly!! You did it! You did it! Oh my gosh, I've never seen anything like that! The way you guys moved together.it was like you weren't even two separate beings.it was like you were united as one!!!"
Philip laughed, still holding her by the waist easily. "That felt so great Meems! Wow, I missed that!" He looked down into her eyes, her eyes full of happiness.
Then he realized he was still holding her and slowly let go, feeling a sense of let down after he did.
Mimi felt it too, but said nothing about it.
"That must be so great, to be able to ride like that.so free!"
"Yeah it is.hey why don't you ride with me? I can show you what it feels like."
Mimi looked at him in shock. "You think I'm going to go with you while you jump?! No way!"
Philip chuckled a little. "No way is right. I can't take you with me while I jump. But I could take you on a ride. What ya' say Meems? By the way, did you get any pictures?"
"Did I get any pictures!? I got tons. No way was I passing that moment by. As for the ride.why not.today's a day for taking chances!"
"That's the attitude Meems!"
Philip took off his helmet and gestured for Mimi to climb up on Poseidon. He helped her as she somewhat shakily climbed up. Then he got on behind her.
Mimi shuddered, not out of fear, but out of.
A feeling.a new feeling.she could feel his chest against her back, even through their thick clothing, warming her instantly.his legs.firm and strong against hers.
Ohhhh, she was feeling kind of dizzy.
Philip felt her shake, noticing her uneasy look.
"Meems, are you okay?"
Mimi found it hard to find her voice at first.
"Uh, yeah. I'm okay. I was just a little scared at first."
Philip nodded his head, not totally believing her answer, then reached for the reins, his arm brushing against her side.making him feel something.something new for him too.
Man, she smelled good.
Like wildflowers.
Feeling a bit shaky himself now, hoping his voice wouldn't betray him, he leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"Ready?"
Mimi said "Yes" quietly.
Oh, she was melting.
"All right."
Uh, did somebody raise the temperature in.well, OUT here?
"Here we go."
Philip started out Poseidon at a trot, looking to Mimi for a reaction. He asked her if she wanted to go faster. She nodded her head yes; she felt his arms circling around her as he held onto the reins with one hand and with the other mainly held onto her.
He increased the speed.then more.then more.looking at Mimi.
What a sight she was! Her face was so carefree, full of joy and excitement.
She was loving it!
Mimi felt so free.so wild.feeling Poseidon move with such speed over the ground.feeling Philip holding her against him.
Oh, pure bliss!
Eventually Philip came to a stop, looking to Mimi for her reaction, but before he could check, Poseidon decided he wanted to show off again. He started to rear up on his hind legs, startling Mimi.
Philip could feel her fear.her body frozen in shock.heard her gasp and he quickly used the reins to keep Poseidon down on the ground, on all four feet.
"It's okay Meems. Don't be scared. He just wanted to show off. You're safe." Philip wrapped his arms around her body from where he was sitting behind her, feeling her trembling a little.feeling it subside as he held her.
"I know. I know I'm safe because I'm with you." Mimi felt her fear going away as he held her.
"How about we go back and get another hot chocolate?"
"Sounds great." She turned to face him, seeing his gentle smile as he nudged Poseidon and they started to go back.
The fragile heart was fighting its way to the finish line.