Chapter 33 Part V: Contradictions
Outside the wind continued to howl furiously and the snow fell heavily, as inside the flames from the fire cast shadows on the wall, where two friends since childhood began experiencing something new and exciting. Philip and Mimi danced together to the sounds of the fireplace and the stormy night, simply enjoying the company of each other, the feel of each other.
Philip, in the sweat pants that were too short for him and the sweater that fit awkwardly, in a cabin that had only a fireplace to keep warm, since any signs of a heater seemed to be non-existent, and with a damaged brand new automobile, was feeling not a care in the world. In his arms was a girl that had become one of his absolute best friends and now their relationship had gotten even stronger. He could feel her soft breath near his neck and upper part of his body, as they slowly moved together. Her arms were under his, her hands on his upper back, that soft touch sending awareness through him--of something so unique.
Never did he think that night months ago, when he first started walking home with her, that it would lead to something like this--that they would get so close--that they would kiss.
Ah, how that felt, but he wouldn't rush this, he didn't want to lose himself again; he was going to savor this and take it one day at a time. He smiled and closed his eyes, burying his face into her hair.
Mimi, in sweat pants that were nearly dragging on the floor because they had a hard time staying rolled up, a sweater that was way too big for her, in a place that had no working lights, no tv, no cd or any type of music player, and not even any makeup on, was in pure bliss. She was being held in the strong arms of a guy she had known for almost forever, and who had become such a special friend. She could feel his head against her hair, the heat from him keeping her warm, in a room that only had a fireplace to keep it heated. She could smell the wonderful familiar scent of him and feel his hands on her back, sometimes moving up to her hair, his hands running through it tenderly. It was such an unexpected discovery, what she was feeling.
That night, when she saw him, thinking he had snuck up on her, had been like any other night. She didn't think anything of it right at first. She hadn't realized that their walks home would change so many things in wonderful ways. He filled her with so many emotions tonight when he kissed her with such kindness and caring. It had shocked her and delighted her, but she needed to not get too excited too fast. He wanted to take things slow and she could go along with that as long as they could be like this-- together. She closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
A little while later:
He felt her shiver.
"Are you cold?" He wrapped his arms more securely around her.
"A little. It's kind of colder over here, closer to the door, and away from the fireplace."
"I have the perfect remedy for that." He whispered slyly, taking her face into his hands and warmly kissing her, enjoying the feel of her lips against his, feeling her more than receptive to him.
"You're right, it is chocolaty, must be the hot cocoa." Mimi responded after his delicious lips left hers.
Philip laughed. "See, I told you. Now, I would love to keep doing this, but, uh, we are here alone, nobody to interrupt us and uh, well this is kind of a dangerous situation, you know?"
He was letting his hands run over her shoulders, massaging them.
"What, being here with me? You mean I make you feel that way?" She asked with some surprise, holding onto his waist, her fingers making tiny movements there.
"Definitely."
"Well I agree with you, especially when you smile in that irresistible way." She was of course referring to that dimpled smile of his, which he was wearing on his face right now. "So, how about we see if we can find something to eat?" She smiled up at him.
"Food?" He asked roguishly.
Mimi smirked. "Yes Philip, food. Come on; let's see what we can find and this time don't make a mess." She grabbed his hand, leading him into the kitchen area, which was pretty small.
Philip let go of her hand for a minute, getting one of the candles from near the fireplace and returned to the kitchen with it. "Hey, I was desperate and it was practically pitch black so I couldn't see anything!" He protested.
"My, my, my! How could I be so insensitive! Here, let me show you how sorry I am!" She stood up on her tippy toes, reaching up for him, and gave him one more appetizing kiss.
His dreamy look of contentment said enough. "Okay, now that your feelings are appeased, help me find something edible."
"Yes Ma'am." Philip saluted. They looked all over the place, their findings meager. Philip once again was not impressed. "Okay, after practically tearing the kitchen apart, we have one can of beanie weanies (Yuck), a can of sardines, which you already expressed your distaste for and one bag of microwave popcorn (lightly buttered). Wow, what a feast!" Philip replied sarcastically.
"Oh, stop being such a spoiled brat!" Mimi replied with feistiness in response to his complaints.
"Hey, even you said the sardines sound awful." Philip answered in defense.
"Yes, yes, yes, but we can still eat. We can have the beanie weanies and the popcorn."
"What an awful name, beanie weanies; who thought of that?" Philip scrunched up his nose in distaste.
Mimi rolled her eyes in response. "Be quiet and find me a pot to cook with."
"All right. All right."
****
They had just finished eating their 'feast.' Philip actually ended up liking the beanie weanies, saying "these are great!" Mimi was kind of shocked he had never had them before and found it funny that something he originally was repulsed by, he ended up enjoying. Philip had been delighted when she informed him that you could find a can of the stuff just about at any supermarket for a very affordable price.
After finishing their popcorn and having some more hot coca, they relaxed together by the fire.
While Philip rested his head against a pillow, Mimi laid her cheek on top of his stomach, both of them now happily well nourished.
Philip stroked her hair, noticing that her hands were a little red. He took one into his grasp. "Meems, do your hands hurt?"
Able to feel his body stiffen a bit, Mimi reacted to his concern. "No, not really. They did before, especially when we were out there. Why are you asking?"
"Because they're kind of red." He was rubbing her hand with his now, up and down gently.
"It's okay. They don't hurt and what you're doing now is making them feel even better. She sighed contentedly, feeling him reach for her other hand as he started rubbing it too. Mimi raised her head, looking up into his blue eyes. "What about your head? Does it hurt?"
"Actually, I kind of feel a dull ache now, but I think it's just because I'm getting tired." Philip let go of her hands gently and went back to stroking her hair, feeling warm and relaxed.
Now she looked at him with concern. "Do you want me to try to find some aspirin?" She moved to get up.
Philip pushed her back down soothingly, getting her to rest her head and cheek on his stomach again, a sensation he was enjoying. "No, I'm fine." He started moving his hands over her hair once more.
Mimi felt herself grow calmer from the pleasurable feeling of him stroking her hair. "Philly?"
Philip smiled at her use of the childhood nickname his closest friends had granted him with in kindergarten. Shawn and Belle still called him it from time to time, but Mimi was the one who used it the most now and he definitely wasn't complaining about it. Somehow, when she said it, it made him feel incredibly warm inside. It had become something special between them, like when he called her Meems, which now was most of the time. "Yeah?"
"Remember that one time when we were all in the first grade and we went out into the rain and splashed in all those puddles and got-"
Philip finished for her. "All muddy! I got home and tracked all this mud into the mansion. I mean, I was this little kid.I didn't think about taking off my shoes. My mom, she was so upset! I remember she looked at me and said 'Philip Robert Kiriakis, where on earth did you get so filthy from?!' Oh man Meems, I thought I had it that day, but of course I just."
"You little brat, you just gave her one of those lost little puppy dog looks didn't you?"
Philip laughed, making Mimi's head move up and down with the motion. "Yeah and that pretty much got me off, though she said 'next time young man, you remember to stay out of those puddles!'"
"I remember we looked like swamp children, mud all over the place, especially after you and Shawn started running in all the puddles, getting Belle and myself all dirty and wet!"
"Oh man, that was so much fun! We did some crazy things! Like remember when we tried to sell Lemonade in front of your house?"
"Yeah, and we actually made a ton of money because we were smart enough to do it on the hottest day of the year!"
"Yeah, but we ran out and then we had to start selling every other drink you had in your house, orange juice."
"Pineapple juice."
"soda water..which we all thought was."
They both responded together. "YUCKY!" Then they laughed, Mimi enjoying the pleasure of laying against his stomach.
"Some great times, huh Meems?" Philip asked with a smile.
"Yeah, definitely Phil." Mimi said as she placed her cheek on his stomach.
Philip yawned, as the tiredness his body was feeling started to take over. Mimi sat up, reached for one of the blankets and placed it on top of him. Then she took another and placed it on top of herself, resuming her former relaxing position afterwards.
Philip looked down at Mimi. "Thank you." He said in response to her covering him with the blanket.
"Sure. The least I could do for you after everything you did toni- yesterday", she amended as she realized again that it was no longer 2001. "You kept us safe and not once did you let me give up. You could have left me and you didn't. I even told you to." She said the last words quietly, touching the blanket that she had covered him with, feeling its softness against her cheek.
Philip spoke seriously, though getting even drowsier. "I would never leave you out in that by yourself. We were in it together and I know you did your best to be brave and I'm just glad we're all right now."
"Me too." She moved up and touched his face, stroking it, watching him close his eyes in response. Then, very gently, she kissed him. When finished, she looked into his eyes. "You're pretty wonderful Philip Kiriakis."
Philip reached for her face and returned the kiss. "You too Mimi Lockhart." He smiled at her as she smiled in returned and then moved back down to rest her head against his stomach again.
Philip resumed stroking her hair slowly.
After a little while, Mimi felt his hand stop and she looked up to see his eyes closed, his breathing coming out steadily as he slept peacefully. She moved up to see his face, taking in his long lashes and golden blonde hair. "You poor thing. You must be so tired after everything that happened. You mean so much to me and it scares me because I'm not sure you feel exactly.I mean you said it yourself, you want to take things slow, but is that because it's me? Would it be different if it was.her? I mean you loved her so intensely, right? Oh Philip, I want to believe, but I.I'm scared too.What happens when we leave here? Will it still be the same?" He moved a little, making a small sound of contentment in his sleep. It looked like he was smiling. Well she could smile too.this wasn't a time to worry, this was a time to enjoy being with him, falling asleep with him, something so wonderful. She reached up and kissed his forehead, then rested her head on his stomach again, feeling his hand move in his sleep to rest on her shoulder.Oh, what a feeling.as she drifted off to sleep herself.
Philip, with heavy eyes, woke up, no longer hearing the sounds of the fierce winds outside. The storm must have passed. The fire had stopped burning, except for a couple of sparks yet he wasn't cold at all...
He looked down to see Mimi lying on his stomach fast asleep, her cheek cushioned against the soft material of the blanket her hand resting there too. The blanket she had covered herself with earlier had slipped off some. He grasped it, placing it more securely on top of her, and then looked down at her sweet face. There was that auburn hair again, hiding much of her facial features as she slept. He touched the strands of it with the tips of his fingers and smiled softly. "You don't know how glad I was tonight that you ended up being all right. I was so worried about you, but thankfully, you hung in there. With you, I've been able to move on, to feel happy again. I meant what I said when I told you that I don't want to rush this, but you know right, you know that I care about you ever so much. What could that turn into? I honestly don't know, but I do know that this special friendship we have means everything to me." She sighed a little in her sleep and her hand moved a bit. Philip smiled tenderly. "Oh Meems." Then with the utmost gentleness, he moved her body with his as he positioned himself so he was curled around her, her back to his chest. Lastly, he put one of the blankets over both of them and wrapped one arm around her, falling asleep in minutes.
****
Outside the wind had stopped blowing, the snow had stopped falling and now the night began to give way to dawn. Inside, the fire had burned out completely, but the two who had shared a familiarity since childhood slumbered in total tranquility. It was a picture of total peace.a fallen arm over her shoulder, a quiet hand against her waist.her body encircled by his, sheltered in his warmth, his own touched by the softness of her.the two of them breathing steadily and slowly in complete sleep.
Not a single disturbing dream entering their state of serenity.
Their bond had grown--grown to be something very special.
So the fragile heart had won.
Or had it.
The sturdy brain warned.
It still was in the fight.
And more challenges were to come.
Chapter 33 Part VI: Haven
Mimi slowly started to open her eyes, no longer hearing the whistling sounds of the wind. The storm was over, thank goodness. The fire had burned out, but she wasn't cold at all. She felt incredibly warm and was delightfully surprised to find an affectionate arm encircling her waist. Her back was against his chest, his body heat the source of the incredible warmth. His breath blew against her neck as he held her in his sleep.
The sun shone through the windows, on what seemed to her was the beginning of a beautiful day. It brought a little more heat into the tiny little cabin. Mimi turned around slowly, not wanting to wake him. There lay Philip Kiriakis, the king of Salem High, the star athlete, the rich one day heir of the Titan Corporation and the guy that all the girls loved. And here she was, quirky Mimi Lockhart, in a very enviable position. But that was not what made her happy. He was so much more to her. She always knew he was a good person, despite his egocentric mannerisms at times (Hee-hee. She liked teasing him!), but she hadn't really realized how caring he was and how gentle until recently. He had been her hero now, twice, and proven how strong he was. Being with him was just so absolutely amazing.
She studied him, his facial features now so soft that he was asleep, his breath coming out slowly and his hair, that looked like it was growing longer, in his face a little. She stroked it slowly and he started to awaken.
Philip began to open his eyes, feeling something bright starting to shine (through the window?) and feeling something much more pleasurable against the top of his head. He looked up to see her face and he smiled gradually. That was what he felt, that felt so good--her touch. He sighed, looking up at Mimi who was now sitting up a little more, out from under his arm.
Mimi smiled. "Funny, I don't remember falling asleep that way, on my side."
Philip looked up at her with mock shock and morning laziness in his eyes. "Wow, how could you have gotten that way then? You must have moved in your sleep." He smiled at her teasingly.
"Mmhmm." Mimi answered dubiously.
Philip laughed and sat up too, tracing a line along her jaw with his finger, taking joy from her contented sigh.
Mimi felt his finger stop on her lips, causing her to gasp.
Then.
He cradled her face in his hands and started to kiss her, enraptured by the feel of her.
The kiss slowly ended and Philip started to move in for more when his cell phone rang.
He smiled at her ironically and picked it up, speaking to whoever was on the other side. It was his dad. Philip smiled at Mimi again as she started to push the blankets off her.
Mimi sighed and got up, reaching out for her clothes that had been laying on the brick of the fireplace to dry and get warm again, next to his. Well, now at least she could stop wearing these clothes that didn't fit her. She went to the bathroom to go change and take a shower, happy now that she could see where she was going without having to use a flashlight or candle.
****
"Okay, so where were we?" Philip reached for Mimi who was now dressed in her regular clothes.
Mimi pushed him away. "Hey, I thought you said you want to take this slowly and you still need to get dressed and tell me what your dad said."
Philip sighed. He was a guy and it wasn't that easy to move slowly when you were alone with a girl in a cabin, in the middle of nowhere for all he knew, when she looked so.
Uh, what else did she just say? Uhhh wait, now he remembered! "He said that my mom wants to send out a helicopter to look for us. She wanted to send something after us last night, but I couldn't tell them where we were anyway, and the storm and the dense trees made it pretty hard."
Mimi looked at him, astounded. "A helicopter?! Wouldn't that be expensive and I don't think we're that far away, do you?"
"Expensive yes, but it's not like my dad can't afford it. And it isn't that far away, I don't think. I told him we can drive back as long as he provides me with a rental. I'm sure they're clearing the roads already and if we need any extra help getting out of here I can just call my dad back up and figure something out as soon as I figure out exactly where we are. Now that we've settled that."
He started to reach for her again.
Mimi took his clothes and placed them right in front of his chest, then reached up and gave him one long satisfying kiss. "Go get changed."
"Mmhmm." Philip replied a little breathlessly and started to head for the bathroom.
"Philip!" She called him.
"Yeah?"
"Can I borrow your cell phone to call my mom and dad?"
"Sure, help yourself!" He called back.
****
"So what did your mom say"
Mimi looked up at Philip who was searching the kitchen for hopefully some food they had missed earlier, so far finding nothing. What was it about guys? They just woke up and took a short shower, smoothed their hair down and they looked perfect, at least he did. Not fair. She felt clean now, but too bad her purse was still in the car, containing all her necessities, like lipstick, her compact etc.etc.
"Uh, I think my parents finally realized after I was out of danger that we were, you know, spending the night together, well kind of, so to speak."
Philip stopped his search and faced her with raised eyebrows. "What did you tell them?"
"That it was completely platonic."
"And?"
"I think my Mom's going to want to have a nice talk when I get home and my dad."
Philip finished for her. "Worried about his little girl?"
"Yeah, but they're both grateful to you for keeping me safe."
Philip sighed with some relief. "That's good." The last thing he needed was another set of parents that were out to get him.
How could he forget Nancy Wesley following him and Chloe to the dance and Craig Wesley pushing him up against the railing of the house? Ouch!
"What's wrong?" She made her way closer to him, reaching out for his forehead. "Are you sick?"
Philip replied a little shakily. "Nah, just having nightmarish thoughts of avenging fathers."
Mimi smiled and laughed. He looked so absolutely adorable when he was scared, like a little boy. "Ah Phil, so did you find anything to eat?"
"Well it looks like there's one more bag of microwave popcorn."
Mimi reached up for him and gave him one quick peck on the lips, smiling fully when she was done. "What a feast!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Philip replied sarcastically. "Now, we'll eat and then I'm going to try to make my way up to the road and see if they're working on it yet. I thought I heard a sound of some kind of truck earlier, so I think they are."
****
Mimi snapped another picture of the scenic surroundings. What a sight the forest was, all covered in snow from the storm! The sun shining on the white ground, made it look so pristine. The numerous trees that surrounded the tiny little cabin were accented with droplets of soft white. The storm had been scary, but it had left an enchanting world of pearly white everywhere. Everything looked so much more wondrous during the day!
When Philip had gone up to the road to talk to the workers, she decided a little after to go out too, and take advantage of the scenery. This should help her grade on her photography assignment.this winter wonderland. She snapped another photo, suddenly feeling something grab her and hold her in a tender embrace. Not something, someone, she thought, laughing as she immediately felt the familiarity of Philip's arms around her.
He held her against his chest, really starting to enjoy holding her in this way, since she seemed to fit so perfectly, the top of her head just underneath his chin.
Mimi hit his arm, but found it hard not to giggle. "You jerk, you practically ruined my shot!"
"How awful of me!" Philip laughed.
Mimi shook her head. "Philip Robert Kiriakis, what am I going to do with you?"
"Hmmmm." Philip pondered.
Mimi laughed and wrapped her own arms around his, enjoying their closeness. "So what about the road?"
Philip let go of her and sat down on a tree stump, pulling her down on his lap, keeping his arms securely around her waist. "Actually, we're not even that far off from the main road, but we're going to have to wait a little while before everything's cleared. So, what do you want to do until then?"
Mimi removed his hands and got up off his lap. "I'm taking pictures for now."
Philip watched her, as she started snapping away again, with wonder. "Hey, where did you get the camera from?"
Mimi didn't even stop to glance at him, moving her body with each shot she took, focusing carefully. "I usually carry it in my coat pocket along with film."
He was enjoying watching her move. "So is that what you want to be after high school, a photographer?"
Mimi put her camera back in her pocket and stood across from where he sat. "Possibly even go into photojournalism or maybe something to do with computer graphics."
"Impressive!" Philip responded enthusiastically.
Mimi started to walk back over to him. "Yeah, so what about you?" She sat back down on his lap, lacing her hands around his neck. "What do you want to do? What are your dreams for after high school?" She looked down at him with curiosity.
Philip smiled a little sadly. What did he want to do? More like, what was he destined to do, whether he liked it or not.After all, he was Philip Robert Kiriakis, the son of Victor Kiriakis. As much as he had been trying to live his life for himself lately, there was one thing he couldn't deny. His future career may not end up being what he chose to do.and what he really did want to do was still not completely clear.
Mimi watched him ponder her question, looking just a bit sad. She gently touched his hair, letting her fingers run through it a little, looking at him encouragingly.
"Mimi, I'm a Kiriakis and my father's heir. Whether I like it or not, my future is heading Titan. That's one of the main reasons why I want to start working there. It's what my dad expects of me."
What his dad expected, but.
"But Philip, what about you? What about what you want?" She couldn't understand how he couldn't choose. Her family had no dynasty to command. She would have to be completely responsible for her own future.
Her question made him think. Not many people had really ever asked him what HE wanted. It was just kind of known what his future would be. "What I want? I don't know. I guess I haven't thought about it that much, except."
"Except what, Philip?"
"My dad didn't grow up rich Meems. He grew up poor in Greece, working on the docks when he was near my age. His family had so little and yet my dad worked his way up, little by little, coming here and building up a powerful business, something to be proud of. I guess sometimes, I wish everything wasn't so laid out for me, that I could start something on my own too, just like my dad."
Mimi smiled. "Maybe you want to be a captain, live a life on the sea? I mean you said your dad worked on the docks and you do have a horse named Poseidon."
Philip chuckled, feeling her hands still occasionally touching his hair soothingly as he kept his around her waist. He looked up into those jade- like eyes. "I don't know about that. I just.I don't know, I want to make my Dad proud and keep Titan alive, not let it fall into someone else's hands, somebody who might ruin it, but I also.."
His voice dropped off uncertainly.
Mimi sighed with sympathy. "Philly, I always thought you had it easy because you were rich, but I see now too, how much of a burden it can be. But you shouldn't give up on your dreams. Look at all that stuff you know about Greek mythology, maybe you could be a historian or something or maybe you could work at Titan and learn from it, enough to someday start your own company. You know, like a sub-company or something. I don't know what you call it." She looked at him sheepishly.
"Maybe." Philip laughed a little, thankful for her support.
"Philip?"
"Hmm?"
"I know. I know that you really wanted to meet that girl that night we went to the club."
Philip looked at her shocked, and then started to laugh.
Annoyance came to Mimi's face. "You think it's funny?"
"Yeah. Tell me Meems, did you really want to meet that guy you were set up with?"
"Yeah sure.uh, no, not completely, I'm not crazy about blind dates."
"Me either. Now let me guess, Belle told you I was just so excited about meeting this girl?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Well guess what Shawn told me?" Philip's eyes danced with amusement as he waited for her to catch on.
She looked down at him with shock. "No way! The same thing!"
Philip continued to smile up at her. "Yep. Meems we were set up, completely. How much you want to make a bet we didn't even have any dates?"
"No way! They wouldn't do something that horrible, would they?"
"Hey, Belle's the total romantic and I wouldn't be surprised if somehow she talked Shawn into it. Would you?"
"No, not really." Mimi giggled. "What a crazy thing for them to do! But it did kind of work. We probably wouldn't have come to Boston otherwise."
Philip shook his head. "I disagree. We've been spending so much time together lately. We probably would've come up with the idea ourselves."
"We did get to dance with each other and I got to see you get jealous."
"Hey, I got to see you get jealous too and find out that you're a pretty great dancer. So you want to tell me why you barely danced at any of the school dances?" His eyes questioned her.
"Like I had a lot of prospects Philip." Mimi answered dryly.
"You should have. You're a fantastic dancer and fun to be with. I wish you could go to the school dances this year. We'd have a lot of fun together." He smiled up at her warmly, taking one of his hands and starting to run it through her auburn hair that was shining in the sunlight.
"I remember you thinking that I wasn't paying enough for everything I did wrong and I doubt it then that you wanted me at any school dances, since you weren't very happy that I went to the island."
Philip protested. "Originally, yes, that's true, but I changed my mind after a while and was glad you were on the island. I didn't realize how hard it would be to miss all of the school dances and everything. I think you've already proven how sorry you are for the internet prank anyway."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Philip reached up, bringing her face down to his, kissing her tenderly.
****
They had been taking a quiet stroll through the woods, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the forest, the sunny day, the snow underneath their booted feet. But eventually, Philip playfully picked her up, sweeping her up in his arms.
Mimi laughed. "You nut, let me down!" She hit him with her hands, swinging her legs back and forth rapidly. "Philip!"
"Okay, I'll let you down." He smiled at her slyly.
She gave him a deadly look. "You wouldn't!!"
"Oh no?" He asked mischievously.
"Oh no, you're not going to do what you did to me that day at the park! Don't you dare drop me Philip Robert Kiriakis!" She clung to his neck with a desperate grip and buried her face against his chest.
Philip chuckled and used one hand to get her to look at him, to see her face again. Then he held it with his hand, kissing her, moving a little, and tripping over a tree stump he hadn't seen. Down he went with her in his arms, practically landing on top of her. "Oh man Meems, are you okay?" He asked, worried that she had landed partially on her back, while he landed on his side. "Meems?"
Mimi giggled at the ridiculous situation they were in, hitting him lightly on the arm. "You klutz!"
Well, she was obviously all right. Philip reached down and started to tickle her mercilessly from where she lay now flat on her back on the snowy ground. She started wriggling underneath him. "Stop!" She half giggled and half yelled.
Wow, the sight of her in that snow, moving her body like that.remember, go slow.taking it slow.
Control yourself Kiriakis! Oh, shut up.
He reached out and pinned her down, playfully at first and then started to move his lips down to hers.
Mimi looked up at him with feeling, anticipating .
He brought his lips upon hers, kissing her, feeling her move her hands under his a little; he let her go, moving his hands up and down her arms as he kissed her, feeling her hands running through his hair, desire filling him inside as his lips moved with hers, feeling her body under his.
Talk about dangerous situations.
Suddenly, there was the sound of something falling as a small object landed, plop!
On Philip's head.
He looked around. "What the?" He questioned, regretfully breaking off the kiss.
Mimi looked up at him breathlessly. "What--what's wrong?"
"Something fell on my head."
"It was probably just a leaf or something." She started to kiss him again as.
Plop!
"What the heck is going on!"
Mimi started to get up and then looked up and saw it and nearly broke into hysterics after another object fell on Philip's head.
Philip looked up too and saw the culprit, a squirrel, having a grand old time dropping miniature pine cones on his head. Well, maybe he wasn't aiming for his head exactly, but that's where they kept on landing! The rascally little critter started making a sound as if it were laughing.
Philip looked at Mimi, completely miffed. (Who did that squirrel think he was: The romance patrol?! Danger! Danger! Two teens making out in the snow!!). "That thing is laughing at me!"
Mimi fell back onto the snow, laughing herself, hysterically. This was just too funny! Then she sat up, seeing Philip's annoyed look. "Don't be so paranoid! Of course it's not laughing at you. That's just a sound they make sometimes."
"Well it's dive-bombing pine cones on my head! Don't you think that's kind of crazy?"
Mimi giggled and hugged Philip. "Oh Philly, you're so funny!"
He continued with his perturbed look. "Glad you find this so amusing!"
She just continued to laugh.sitting in the snow with him.
Then she suddenly grew serious.
"What's wrong Meems?" Philip asked gently, making sure he was out of the squirrel's range.
"I just.I know we didn't plan any of this, but I've, it's been fun and wonderful being with you here.just us. I'm almost afraid to leave."
"Why?"
"Because, what if it all changes once we get back to Salem?"
He wrapped his arms around her. "What would change Meems?"
"I don't know. I just." Mimi's voice dropped off as she turned her head away, looking down at the snow.
Philip smiled and got her to look at him again, lifting her chin with his fingers. "Meems, nothing's going to change. Don't worry."
Mimi said nothing, just nodded her head unconvincingly.
He kissed her on the forehead, then cradled her into his arms, as she placed the side of her face against his chest, holding onto him.
****
Mimi followed Philip out of the cabin after they got the last of their things and finished cleaning up the place as much as they could. They had just explained to the law enforcement for the area about the broken window. Victor had told Philip earlier on the phone that he would pay for any damages since nothing Philip had done had been intentional. Their only means of survival had been breaking into that cabin, a fact that the law enforcement fully understood.
Mimi took one last look of the rustic, but quaint little cabin.
Philip turned, calling her, "Meems come on."
She looked back once more, then smiled at him, taking the hand he offered. As she walked side by side with him, hand in hand, at least she had the comfort that they had taken tons of pictures.
****
Philip drove back into Salem, then to Mimi's house. When he drove the rental car into her driveway (his SUV window needed to be repaired, among other things) they both just sat there quietly. Mimi finally spoke up. "My parents will probably come out any minute. I better go in."
"Yeah, ok.So I'll see you tonight?" Earlier they had talked about going out together and both thought it would be fun to see a movie.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it." She smiled across at him.
He smiled back at her. "Me too. We can go in a while.I'll call you when I'm ready. I just have to do something first."
Philip gave no clues to what that 'something' was.
"What?" Mimi asked curiously.
"Oh, just something. I'll tell you about it later."
"Oh, okay." Mimi tried to sound blasé about it, but truthfully, she was a little disappointed that he wouldn't tell her. She started to get out of the car.
"Hey." Philip softly whispered, reaching out for her before she could leave. Then he turned her around to face him and placed his lips against hers, reveling at how it felt to be with her in such an intimate way. He ran his tongue across his lips afterwards. "Mmmm, delicious."
Mimi watched him close his eyes and waited for him to open them again. Then she returned his kiss a little more desperately. She attempted a smile at his questioning look that came after she was done.
"I just felt really tempted to do that."
"Hey, you don't have to explain, but are you okay? You were acting almost like we weren't going to see each other again or something." Philip bent his head a little to read her better.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just get emotional I guess." Mimi laughed, hoping he would just let it go.
Philip didn't, knowing now pretty well that that was her way of avoiding something. He was right to not tell her. He could tell her later, when they were together, alone. "I know you were worried about things changing after we got to Salem, but hey we're here now, right? Everything's the same and we'll have a fantastic time tonight, here in Salem, together, okay?"
"Okay, I better go in." Philip nodded his head, but reached for her one more time, kissing her very gently, and then let go. Mimi walked into her house, blissfully happy.
****
He walked down the wooden steps slowly, seeing the wooden pillars, the crates, the person in front of him.
Oh.
He could do this. He could. As difficult as it was going to be, it was time to say...........
She turned around, looking up, smiling just a bit. "You're here."
"Yeah. You too. Thanks."
"Thank you."
"Listen, the reason why I called is because I need to talk to you."
"I need to talk to you too."
He smiled sadly, looking into the eyes of the girl he had once called his angel, now ready........
To say goodbye.
To what they had been.
It was time.
To be continued in chapter 34
References used for this chapter:
1. New England Eyewitness Travel Guide
2. Poseidon's Greek Mythology Page (a web site)
Outside the wind continued to howl furiously and the snow fell heavily, as inside the flames from the fire cast shadows on the wall, where two friends since childhood began experiencing something new and exciting. Philip and Mimi danced together to the sounds of the fireplace and the stormy night, simply enjoying the company of each other, the feel of each other.
Philip, in the sweat pants that were too short for him and the sweater that fit awkwardly, in a cabin that had only a fireplace to keep warm, since any signs of a heater seemed to be non-existent, and with a damaged brand new automobile, was feeling not a care in the world. In his arms was a girl that had become one of his absolute best friends and now their relationship had gotten even stronger. He could feel her soft breath near his neck and upper part of his body, as they slowly moved together. Her arms were under his, her hands on his upper back, that soft touch sending awareness through him--of something so unique.
Never did he think that night months ago, when he first started walking home with her, that it would lead to something like this--that they would get so close--that they would kiss.
Ah, how that felt, but he wouldn't rush this, he didn't want to lose himself again; he was going to savor this and take it one day at a time. He smiled and closed his eyes, burying his face into her hair.
Mimi, in sweat pants that were nearly dragging on the floor because they had a hard time staying rolled up, a sweater that was way too big for her, in a place that had no working lights, no tv, no cd or any type of music player, and not even any makeup on, was in pure bliss. She was being held in the strong arms of a guy she had known for almost forever, and who had become such a special friend. She could feel his head against her hair, the heat from him keeping her warm, in a room that only had a fireplace to keep it heated. She could smell the wonderful familiar scent of him and feel his hands on her back, sometimes moving up to her hair, his hands running through it tenderly. It was such an unexpected discovery, what she was feeling.
That night, when she saw him, thinking he had snuck up on her, had been like any other night. She didn't think anything of it right at first. She hadn't realized that their walks home would change so many things in wonderful ways. He filled her with so many emotions tonight when he kissed her with such kindness and caring. It had shocked her and delighted her, but she needed to not get too excited too fast. He wanted to take things slow and she could go along with that as long as they could be like this-- together. She closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
A little while later:
He felt her shiver.
"Are you cold?" He wrapped his arms more securely around her.
"A little. It's kind of colder over here, closer to the door, and away from the fireplace."
"I have the perfect remedy for that." He whispered slyly, taking her face into his hands and warmly kissing her, enjoying the feel of her lips against his, feeling her more than receptive to him.
"You're right, it is chocolaty, must be the hot cocoa." Mimi responded after his delicious lips left hers.
Philip laughed. "See, I told you. Now, I would love to keep doing this, but, uh, we are here alone, nobody to interrupt us and uh, well this is kind of a dangerous situation, you know?"
He was letting his hands run over her shoulders, massaging them.
"What, being here with me? You mean I make you feel that way?" She asked with some surprise, holding onto his waist, her fingers making tiny movements there.
"Definitely."
"Well I agree with you, especially when you smile in that irresistible way." She was of course referring to that dimpled smile of his, which he was wearing on his face right now. "So, how about we see if we can find something to eat?" She smiled up at him.
"Food?" He asked roguishly.
Mimi smirked. "Yes Philip, food. Come on; let's see what we can find and this time don't make a mess." She grabbed his hand, leading him into the kitchen area, which was pretty small.
Philip let go of her hand for a minute, getting one of the candles from near the fireplace and returned to the kitchen with it. "Hey, I was desperate and it was practically pitch black so I couldn't see anything!" He protested.
"My, my, my! How could I be so insensitive! Here, let me show you how sorry I am!" She stood up on her tippy toes, reaching up for him, and gave him one more appetizing kiss.
His dreamy look of contentment said enough. "Okay, now that your feelings are appeased, help me find something edible."
"Yes Ma'am." Philip saluted. They looked all over the place, their findings meager. Philip once again was not impressed. "Okay, after practically tearing the kitchen apart, we have one can of beanie weanies (Yuck), a can of sardines, which you already expressed your distaste for and one bag of microwave popcorn (lightly buttered). Wow, what a feast!" Philip replied sarcastically.
"Oh, stop being such a spoiled brat!" Mimi replied with feistiness in response to his complaints.
"Hey, even you said the sardines sound awful." Philip answered in defense.
"Yes, yes, yes, but we can still eat. We can have the beanie weanies and the popcorn."
"What an awful name, beanie weanies; who thought of that?" Philip scrunched up his nose in distaste.
Mimi rolled her eyes in response. "Be quiet and find me a pot to cook with."
"All right. All right."
****
They had just finished eating their 'feast.' Philip actually ended up liking the beanie weanies, saying "these are great!" Mimi was kind of shocked he had never had them before and found it funny that something he originally was repulsed by, he ended up enjoying. Philip had been delighted when she informed him that you could find a can of the stuff just about at any supermarket for a very affordable price.
After finishing their popcorn and having some more hot coca, they relaxed together by the fire.
While Philip rested his head against a pillow, Mimi laid her cheek on top of his stomach, both of them now happily well nourished.
Philip stroked her hair, noticing that her hands were a little red. He took one into his grasp. "Meems, do your hands hurt?"
Able to feel his body stiffen a bit, Mimi reacted to his concern. "No, not really. They did before, especially when we were out there. Why are you asking?"
"Because they're kind of red." He was rubbing her hand with his now, up and down gently.
"It's okay. They don't hurt and what you're doing now is making them feel even better. She sighed contentedly, feeling him reach for her other hand as he started rubbing it too. Mimi raised her head, looking up into his blue eyes. "What about your head? Does it hurt?"
"Actually, I kind of feel a dull ache now, but I think it's just because I'm getting tired." Philip let go of her hands gently and went back to stroking her hair, feeling warm and relaxed.
Now she looked at him with concern. "Do you want me to try to find some aspirin?" She moved to get up.
Philip pushed her back down soothingly, getting her to rest her head and cheek on his stomach again, a sensation he was enjoying. "No, I'm fine." He started moving his hands over her hair once more.
Mimi felt herself grow calmer from the pleasurable feeling of him stroking her hair. "Philly?"
Philip smiled at her use of the childhood nickname his closest friends had granted him with in kindergarten. Shawn and Belle still called him it from time to time, but Mimi was the one who used it the most now and he definitely wasn't complaining about it. Somehow, when she said it, it made him feel incredibly warm inside. It had become something special between them, like when he called her Meems, which now was most of the time. "Yeah?"
"Remember that one time when we were all in the first grade and we went out into the rain and splashed in all those puddles and got-"
Philip finished for her. "All muddy! I got home and tracked all this mud into the mansion. I mean, I was this little kid.I didn't think about taking off my shoes. My mom, she was so upset! I remember she looked at me and said 'Philip Robert Kiriakis, where on earth did you get so filthy from?!' Oh man Meems, I thought I had it that day, but of course I just."
"You little brat, you just gave her one of those lost little puppy dog looks didn't you?"
Philip laughed, making Mimi's head move up and down with the motion. "Yeah and that pretty much got me off, though she said 'next time young man, you remember to stay out of those puddles!'"
"I remember we looked like swamp children, mud all over the place, especially after you and Shawn started running in all the puddles, getting Belle and myself all dirty and wet!"
"Oh man, that was so much fun! We did some crazy things! Like remember when we tried to sell Lemonade in front of your house?"
"Yeah, and we actually made a ton of money because we were smart enough to do it on the hottest day of the year!"
"Yeah, but we ran out and then we had to start selling every other drink you had in your house, orange juice."
"Pineapple juice."
"soda water..which we all thought was."
They both responded together. "YUCKY!" Then they laughed, Mimi enjoying the pleasure of laying against his stomach.
"Some great times, huh Meems?" Philip asked with a smile.
"Yeah, definitely Phil." Mimi said as she placed her cheek on his stomach.
Philip yawned, as the tiredness his body was feeling started to take over. Mimi sat up, reached for one of the blankets and placed it on top of him. Then she took another and placed it on top of herself, resuming her former relaxing position afterwards.
Philip looked down at Mimi. "Thank you." He said in response to her covering him with the blanket.
"Sure. The least I could do for you after everything you did toni- yesterday", she amended as she realized again that it was no longer 2001. "You kept us safe and not once did you let me give up. You could have left me and you didn't. I even told you to." She said the last words quietly, touching the blanket that she had covered him with, feeling its softness against her cheek.
Philip spoke seriously, though getting even drowsier. "I would never leave you out in that by yourself. We were in it together and I know you did your best to be brave and I'm just glad we're all right now."
"Me too." She moved up and touched his face, stroking it, watching him close his eyes in response. Then, very gently, she kissed him. When finished, she looked into his eyes. "You're pretty wonderful Philip Kiriakis."
Philip reached for her face and returned the kiss. "You too Mimi Lockhart." He smiled at her as she smiled in returned and then moved back down to rest her head against his stomach again.
Philip resumed stroking her hair slowly.
After a little while, Mimi felt his hand stop and she looked up to see his eyes closed, his breathing coming out steadily as he slept peacefully. She moved up to see his face, taking in his long lashes and golden blonde hair. "You poor thing. You must be so tired after everything that happened. You mean so much to me and it scares me because I'm not sure you feel exactly.I mean you said it yourself, you want to take things slow, but is that because it's me? Would it be different if it was.her? I mean you loved her so intensely, right? Oh Philip, I want to believe, but I.I'm scared too.What happens when we leave here? Will it still be the same?" He moved a little, making a small sound of contentment in his sleep. It looked like he was smiling. Well she could smile too.this wasn't a time to worry, this was a time to enjoy being with him, falling asleep with him, something so wonderful. She reached up and kissed his forehead, then rested her head on his stomach again, feeling his hand move in his sleep to rest on her shoulder.Oh, what a feeling.as she drifted off to sleep herself.
Philip, with heavy eyes, woke up, no longer hearing the sounds of the fierce winds outside. The storm must have passed. The fire had stopped burning, except for a couple of sparks yet he wasn't cold at all...
He looked down to see Mimi lying on his stomach fast asleep, her cheek cushioned against the soft material of the blanket her hand resting there too. The blanket she had covered herself with earlier had slipped off some. He grasped it, placing it more securely on top of her, and then looked down at her sweet face. There was that auburn hair again, hiding much of her facial features as she slept. He touched the strands of it with the tips of his fingers and smiled softly. "You don't know how glad I was tonight that you ended up being all right. I was so worried about you, but thankfully, you hung in there. With you, I've been able to move on, to feel happy again. I meant what I said when I told you that I don't want to rush this, but you know right, you know that I care about you ever so much. What could that turn into? I honestly don't know, but I do know that this special friendship we have means everything to me." She sighed a little in her sleep and her hand moved a bit. Philip smiled tenderly. "Oh Meems." Then with the utmost gentleness, he moved her body with his as he positioned himself so he was curled around her, her back to his chest. Lastly, he put one of the blankets over both of them and wrapped one arm around her, falling asleep in minutes.
****
Outside the wind had stopped blowing, the snow had stopped falling and now the night began to give way to dawn. Inside, the fire had burned out completely, but the two who had shared a familiarity since childhood slumbered in total tranquility. It was a picture of total peace.a fallen arm over her shoulder, a quiet hand against her waist.her body encircled by his, sheltered in his warmth, his own touched by the softness of her.the two of them breathing steadily and slowly in complete sleep.
Not a single disturbing dream entering their state of serenity.
Their bond had grown--grown to be something very special.
So the fragile heart had won.
Or had it.
The sturdy brain warned.
It still was in the fight.
And more challenges were to come.
Chapter 33 Part VI: Haven
Mimi slowly started to open her eyes, no longer hearing the whistling sounds of the wind. The storm was over, thank goodness. The fire had burned out, but she wasn't cold at all. She felt incredibly warm and was delightfully surprised to find an affectionate arm encircling her waist. Her back was against his chest, his body heat the source of the incredible warmth. His breath blew against her neck as he held her in his sleep.
The sun shone through the windows, on what seemed to her was the beginning of a beautiful day. It brought a little more heat into the tiny little cabin. Mimi turned around slowly, not wanting to wake him. There lay Philip Kiriakis, the king of Salem High, the star athlete, the rich one day heir of the Titan Corporation and the guy that all the girls loved. And here she was, quirky Mimi Lockhart, in a very enviable position. But that was not what made her happy. He was so much more to her. She always knew he was a good person, despite his egocentric mannerisms at times (Hee-hee. She liked teasing him!), but she hadn't really realized how caring he was and how gentle until recently. He had been her hero now, twice, and proven how strong he was. Being with him was just so absolutely amazing.
She studied him, his facial features now so soft that he was asleep, his breath coming out slowly and his hair, that looked like it was growing longer, in his face a little. She stroked it slowly and he started to awaken.
Philip began to open his eyes, feeling something bright starting to shine (through the window?) and feeling something much more pleasurable against the top of his head. He looked up to see her face and he smiled gradually. That was what he felt, that felt so good--her touch. He sighed, looking up at Mimi who was now sitting up a little more, out from under his arm.
Mimi smiled. "Funny, I don't remember falling asleep that way, on my side."
Philip looked up at her with mock shock and morning laziness in his eyes. "Wow, how could you have gotten that way then? You must have moved in your sleep." He smiled at her teasingly.
"Mmhmm." Mimi answered dubiously.
Philip laughed and sat up too, tracing a line along her jaw with his finger, taking joy from her contented sigh.
Mimi felt his finger stop on her lips, causing her to gasp.
Then.
He cradled her face in his hands and started to kiss her, enraptured by the feel of her.
The kiss slowly ended and Philip started to move in for more when his cell phone rang.
He smiled at her ironically and picked it up, speaking to whoever was on the other side. It was his dad. Philip smiled at Mimi again as she started to push the blankets off her.
Mimi sighed and got up, reaching out for her clothes that had been laying on the brick of the fireplace to dry and get warm again, next to his. Well, now at least she could stop wearing these clothes that didn't fit her. She went to the bathroom to go change and take a shower, happy now that she could see where she was going without having to use a flashlight or candle.
****
"Okay, so where were we?" Philip reached for Mimi who was now dressed in her regular clothes.
Mimi pushed him away. "Hey, I thought you said you want to take this slowly and you still need to get dressed and tell me what your dad said."
Philip sighed. He was a guy and it wasn't that easy to move slowly when you were alone with a girl in a cabin, in the middle of nowhere for all he knew, when she looked so.
Uh, what else did she just say? Uhhh wait, now he remembered! "He said that my mom wants to send out a helicopter to look for us. She wanted to send something after us last night, but I couldn't tell them where we were anyway, and the storm and the dense trees made it pretty hard."
Mimi looked at him, astounded. "A helicopter?! Wouldn't that be expensive and I don't think we're that far away, do you?"
"Expensive yes, but it's not like my dad can't afford it. And it isn't that far away, I don't think. I told him we can drive back as long as he provides me with a rental. I'm sure they're clearing the roads already and if we need any extra help getting out of here I can just call my dad back up and figure something out as soon as I figure out exactly where we are. Now that we've settled that."
He started to reach for her again.
Mimi took his clothes and placed them right in front of his chest, then reached up and gave him one long satisfying kiss. "Go get changed."
"Mmhmm." Philip replied a little breathlessly and started to head for the bathroom.
"Philip!" She called him.
"Yeah?"
"Can I borrow your cell phone to call my mom and dad?"
"Sure, help yourself!" He called back.
****
"So what did your mom say"
Mimi looked up at Philip who was searching the kitchen for hopefully some food they had missed earlier, so far finding nothing. What was it about guys? They just woke up and took a short shower, smoothed their hair down and they looked perfect, at least he did. Not fair. She felt clean now, but too bad her purse was still in the car, containing all her necessities, like lipstick, her compact etc.etc.
"Uh, I think my parents finally realized after I was out of danger that we were, you know, spending the night together, well kind of, so to speak."
Philip stopped his search and faced her with raised eyebrows. "What did you tell them?"
"That it was completely platonic."
"And?"
"I think my Mom's going to want to have a nice talk when I get home and my dad."
Philip finished for her. "Worried about his little girl?"
"Yeah, but they're both grateful to you for keeping me safe."
Philip sighed with some relief. "That's good." The last thing he needed was another set of parents that were out to get him.
How could he forget Nancy Wesley following him and Chloe to the dance and Craig Wesley pushing him up against the railing of the house? Ouch!
"What's wrong?" She made her way closer to him, reaching out for his forehead. "Are you sick?"
Philip replied a little shakily. "Nah, just having nightmarish thoughts of avenging fathers."
Mimi smiled and laughed. He looked so absolutely adorable when he was scared, like a little boy. "Ah Phil, so did you find anything to eat?"
"Well it looks like there's one more bag of microwave popcorn."
Mimi reached up for him and gave him one quick peck on the lips, smiling fully when she was done. "What a feast!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Philip replied sarcastically. "Now, we'll eat and then I'm going to try to make my way up to the road and see if they're working on it yet. I thought I heard a sound of some kind of truck earlier, so I think they are."
****
Mimi snapped another picture of the scenic surroundings. What a sight the forest was, all covered in snow from the storm! The sun shining on the white ground, made it look so pristine. The numerous trees that surrounded the tiny little cabin were accented with droplets of soft white. The storm had been scary, but it had left an enchanting world of pearly white everywhere. Everything looked so much more wondrous during the day!
When Philip had gone up to the road to talk to the workers, she decided a little after to go out too, and take advantage of the scenery. This should help her grade on her photography assignment.this winter wonderland. She snapped another photo, suddenly feeling something grab her and hold her in a tender embrace. Not something, someone, she thought, laughing as she immediately felt the familiarity of Philip's arms around her.
He held her against his chest, really starting to enjoy holding her in this way, since she seemed to fit so perfectly, the top of her head just underneath his chin.
Mimi hit his arm, but found it hard not to giggle. "You jerk, you practically ruined my shot!"
"How awful of me!" Philip laughed.
Mimi shook her head. "Philip Robert Kiriakis, what am I going to do with you?"
"Hmmmm." Philip pondered.
Mimi laughed and wrapped her own arms around his, enjoying their closeness. "So what about the road?"
Philip let go of her and sat down on a tree stump, pulling her down on his lap, keeping his arms securely around her waist. "Actually, we're not even that far off from the main road, but we're going to have to wait a little while before everything's cleared. So, what do you want to do until then?"
Mimi removed his hands and got up off his lap. "I'm taking pictures for now."
Philip watched her, as she started snapping away again, with wonder. "Hey, where did you get the camera from?"
Mimi didn't even stop to glance at him, moving her body with each shot she took, focusing carefully. "I usually carry it in my coat pocket along with film."
He was enjoying watching her move. "So is that what you want to be after high school, a photographer?"
Mimi put her camera back in her pocket and stood across from where he sat. "Possibly even go into photojournalism or maybe something to do with computer graphics."
"Impressive!" Philip responded enthusiastically.
Mimi started to walk back over to him. "Yeah, so what about you?" She sat back down on his lap, lacing her hands around his neck. "What do you want to do? What are your dreams for after high school?" She looked down at him with curiosity.
Philip smiled a little sadly. What did he want to do? More like, what was he destined to do, whether he liked it or not.After all, he was Philip Robert Kiriakis, the son of Victor Kiriakis. As much as he had been trying to live his life for himself lately, there was one thing he couldn't deny. His future career may not end up being what he chose to do.and what he really did want to do was still not completely clear.
Mimi watched him ponder her question, looking just a bit sad. She gently touched his hair, letting her fingers run through it a little, looking at him encouragingly.
"Mimi, I'm a Kiriakis and my father's heir. Whether I like it or not, my future is heading Titan. That's one of the main reasons why I want to start working there. It's what my dad expects of me."
What his dad expected, but.
"But Philip, what about you? What about what you want?" She couldn't understand how he couldn't choose. Her family had no dynasty to command. She would have to be completely responsible for her own future.
Her question made him think. Not many people had really ever asked him what HE wanted. It was just kind of known what his future would be. "What I want? I don't know. I guess I haven't thought about it that much, except."
"Except what, Philip?"
"My dad didn't grow up rich Meems. He grew up poor in Greece, working on the docks when he was near my age. His family had so little and yet my dad worked his way up, little by little, coming here and building up a powerful business, something to be proud of. I guess sometimes, I wish everything wasn't so laid out for me, that I could start something on my own too, just like my dad."
Mimi smiled. "Maybe you want to be a captain, live a life on the sea? I mean you said your dad worked on the docks and you do have a horse named Poseidon."
Philip chuckled, feeling her hands still occasionally touching his hair soothingly as he kept his around her waist. He looked up into those jade- like eyes. "I don't know about that. I just.I don't know, I want to make my Dad proud and keep Titan alive, not let it fall into someone else's hands, somebody who might ruin it, but I also.."
His voice dropped off uncertainly.
Mimi sighed with sympathy. "Philly, I always thought you had it easy because you were rich, but I see now too, how much of a burden it can be. But you shouldn't give up on your dreams. Look at all that stuff you know about Greek mythology, maybe you could be a historian or something or maybe you could work at Titan and learn from it, enough to someday start your own company. You know, like a sub-company or something. I don't know what you call it." She looked at him sheepishly.
"Maybe." Philip laughed a little, thankful for her support.
"Philip?"
"Hmm?"
"I know. I know that you really wanted to meet that girl that night we went to the club."
Philip looked at her shocked, and then started to laugh.
Annoyance came to Mimi's face. "You think it's funny?"
"Yeah. Tell me Meems, did you really want to meet that guy you were set up with?"
"Yeah sure.uh, no, not completely, I'm not crazy about blind dates."
"Me either. Now let me guess, Belle told you I was just so excited about meeting this girl?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Well guess what Shawn told me?" Philip's eyes danced with amusement as he waited for her to catch on.
She looked down at him with shock. "No way! The same thing!"
Philip continued to smile up at her. "Yep. Meems we were set up, completely. How much you want to make a bet we didn't even have any dates?"
"No way! They wouldn't do something that horrible, would they?"
"Hey, Belle's the total romantic and I wouldn't be surprised if somehow she talked Shawn into it. Would you?"
"No, not really." Mimi giggled. "What a crazy thing for them to do! But it did kind of work. We probably wouldn't have come to Boston otherwise."
Philip shook his head. "I disagree. We've been spending so much time together lately. We probably would've come up with the idea ourselves."
"We did get to dance with each other and I got to see you get jealous."
"Hey, I got to see you get jealous too and find out that you're a pretty great dancer. So you want to tell me why you barely danced at any of the school dances?" His eyes questioned her.
"Like I had a lot of prospects Philip." Mimi answered dryly.
"You should have. You're a fantastic dancer and fun to be with. I wish you could go to the school dances this year. We'd have a lot of fun together." He smiled up at her warmly, taking one of his hands and starting to run it through her auburn hair that was shining in the sunlight.
"I remember you thinking that I wasn't paying enough for everything I did wrong and I doubt it then that you wanted me at any school dances, since you weren't very happy that I went to the island."
Philip protested. "Originally, yes, that's true, but I changed my mind after a while and was glad you were on the island. I didn't realize how hard it would be to miss all of the school dances and everything. I think you've already proven how sorry you are for the internet prank anyway."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Philip reached up, bringing her face down to his, kissing her tenderly.
****
They had been taking a quiet stroll through the woods, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the forest, the sunny day, the snow underneath their booted feet. But eventually, Philip playfully picked her up, sweeping her up in his arms.
Mimi laughed. "You nut, let me down!" She hit him with her hands, swinging her legs back and forth rapidly. "Philip!"
"Okay, I'll let you down." He smiled at her slyly.
She gave him a deadly look. "You wouldn't!!"
"Oh no?" He asked mischievously.
"Oh no, you're not going to do what you did to me that day at the park! Don't you dare drop me Philip Robert Kiriakis!" She clung to his neck with a desperate grip and buried her face against his chest.
Philip chuckled and used one hand to get her to look at him, to see her face again. Then he held it with his hand, kissing her, moving a little, and tripping over a tree stump he hadn't seen. Down he went with her in his arms, practically landing on top of her. "Oh man Meems, are you okay?" He asked, worried that she had landed partially on her back, while he landed on his side. "Meems?"
Mimi giggled at the ridiculous situation they were in, hitting him lightly on the arm. "You klutz!"
Well, she was obviously all right. Philip reached down and started to tickle her mercilessly from where she lay now flat on her back on the snowy ground. She started wriggling underneath him. "Stop!" She half giggled and half yelled.
Wow, the sight of her in that snow, moving her body like that.remember, go slow.taking it slow.
Control yourself Kiriakis! Oh, shut up.
He reached out and pinned her down, playfully at first and then started to move his lips down to hers.
Mimi looked up at him with feeling, anticipating .
He brought his lips upon hers, kissing her, feeling her move her hands under his a little; he let her go, moving his hands up and down her arms as he kissed her, feeling her hands running through his hair, desire filling him inside as his lips moved with hers, feeling her body under his.
Talk about dangerous situations.
Suddenly, there was the sound of something falling as a small object landed, plop!
On Philip's head.
He looked around. "What the?" He questioned, regretfully breaking off the kiss.
Mimi looked up at him breathlessly. "What--what's wrong?"
"Something fell on my head."
"It was probably just a leaf or something." She started to kiss him again as.
Plop!
"What the heck is going on!"
Mimi started to get up and then looked up and saw it and nearly broke into hysterics after another object fell on Philip's head.
Philip looked up too and saw the culprit, a squirrel, having a grand old time dropping miniature pine cones on his head. Well, maybe he wasn't aiming for his head exactly, but that's where they kept on landing! The rascally little critter started making a sound as if it were laughing.
Philip looked at Mimi, completely miffed. (Who did that squirrel think he was: The romance patrol?! Danger! Danger! Two teens making out in the snow!!). "That thing is laughing at me!"
Mimi fell back onto the snow, laughing herself, hysterically. This was just too funny! Then she sat up, seeing Philip's annoyed look. "Don't be so paranoid! Of course it's not laughing at you. That's just a sound they make sometimes."
"Well it's dive-bombing pine cones on my head! Don't you think that's kind of crazy?"
Mimi giggled and hugged Philip. "Oh Philly, you're so funny!"
He continued with his perturbed look. "Glad you find this so amusing!"
She just continued to laugh.sitting in the snow with him.
Then she suddenly grew serious.
"What's wrong Meems?" Philip asked gently, making sure he was out of the squirrel's range.
"I just.I know we didn't plan any of this, but I've, it's been fun and wonderful being with you here.just us. I'm almost afraid to leave."
"Why?"
"Because, what if it all changes once we get back to Salem?"
He wrapped his arms around her. "What would change Meems?"
"I don't know. I just." Mimi's voice dropped off as she turned her head away, looking down at the snow.
Philip smiled and got her to look at him again, lifting her chin with his fingers. "Meems, nothing's going to change. Don't worry."
Mimi said nothing, just nodded her head unconvincingly.
He kissed her on the forehead, then cradled her into his arms, as she placed the side of her face against his chest, holding onto him.
****
Mimi followed Philip out of the cabin after they got the last of their things and finished cleaning up the place as much as they could. They had just explained to the law enforcement for the area about the broken window. Victor had told Philip earlier on the phone that he would pay for any damages since nothing Philip had done had been intentional. Their only means of survival had been breaking into that cabin, a fact that the law enforcement fully understood.
Mimi took one last look of the rustic, but quaint little cabin.
Philip turned, calling her, "Meems come on."
She looked back once more, then smiled at him, taking the hand he offered. As she walked side by side with him, hand in hand, at least she had the comfort that they had taken tons of pictures.
****
Philip drove back into Salem, then to Mimi's house. When he drove the rental car into her driveway (his SUV window needed to be repaired, among other things) they both just sat there quietly. Mimi finally spoke up. "My parents will probably come out any minute. I better go in."
"Yeah, ok.So I'll see you tonight?" Earlier they had talked about going out together and both thought it would be fun to see a movie.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it." She smiled across at him.
He smiled back at her. "Me too. We can go in a while.I'll call you when I'm ready. I just have to do something first."
Philip gave no clues to what that 'something' was.
"What?" Mimi asked curiously.
"Oh, just something. I'll tell you about it later."
"Oh, okay." Mimi tried to sound blasé about it, but truthfully, she was a little disappointed that he wouldn't tell her. She started to get out of the car.
"Hey." Philip softly whispered, reaching out for her before she could leave. Then he turned her around to face him and placed his lips against hers, reveling at how it felt to be with her in such an intimate way. He ran his tongue across his lips afterwards. "Mmmm, delicious."
Mimi watched him close his eyes and waited for him to open them again. Then she returned his kiss a little more desperately. She attempted a smile at his questioning look that came after she was done.
"I just felt really tempted to do that."
"Hey, you don't have to explain, but are you okay? You were acting almost like we weren't going to see each other again or something." Philip bent his head a little to read her better.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just get emotional I guess." Mimi laughed, hoping he would just let it go.
Philip didn't, knowing now pretty well that that was her way of avoiding something. He was right to not tell her. He could tell her later, when they were together, alone. "I know you were worried about things changing after we got to Salem, but hey we're here now, right? Everything's the same and we'll have a fantastic time tonight, here in Salem, together, okay?"
"Okay, I better go in." Philip nodded his head, but reached for her one more time, kissing her very gently, and then let go. Mimi walked into her house, blissfully happy.
****
He walked down the wooden steps slowly, seeing the wooden pillars, the crates, the person in front of him.
Oh.
He could do this. He could. As difficult as it was going to be, it was time to say...........
She turned around, looking up, smiling just a bit. "You're here."
"Yeah. You too. Thanks."
"Thank you."
"Listen, the reason why I called is because I need to talk to you."
"I need to talk to you too."
He smiled sadly, looking into the eyes of the girl he had once called his angel, now ready........
To say goodbye.
To what they had been.
It was time.
To be continued in chapter 34
References used for this chapter:
1. New England Eyewitness Travel Guide
2. Poseidon's Greek Mythology Page (a web site)