Chapter 40: Eating Out
The buzzer rang and it was over. The Salem High Panthers had just won another game against one of their rival basketball teams. On the sidelines, the cheerleaders were going wild, led by one Belle Black of course. In the middle of the gym, Shawn and Philip were congratulating each other on another well played game. In the stands, Allison was sitting with Brady and Chloe, focused on the center of the court.
****
"Okay, let's see---Hey! Ramon! I just want to see how it looks so far!"
Ramon continued to stand in front of the unfinished painting, guarding it. "I tell you before Miriam, you have to wait till finish. Be peaceful, ah, no, that not the right word, let's see, ah, be patient."
Mimi looked up at him with an annoyed expression, noting he was wearing jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a leather jacket. "I've been patient for weeks. Why can't I just see it?"
Ramon viewed the girl standing in front of him, her hands on her hips, and nearly laughed. He knew she was angry, but she also looked kind of cute in her sweater and dress. "I not like people to see what I paint till I done. It be worth the wait." He let a hand run through his wavy brown hair.
"It better be." Mimi waved her hands in defeat, making her auburn hair swing a little. "Oh well, I better go. You wouldn't mind giving me a ride home would you? I'm not crazy about walking in the dark."
"No, I not mind. You should not walk home. But I'm hungry. Are you?"
"Yeah, actually I am."
"How about we go out and eat?"
"Us? Together?"
Ramon nodded his head. "Si, me aunt know a good place to eat. We could go there." He smiled down at her.
Mimi smiled a little shyly. "Okay."
Ramon looked happy about her reaction. "I take you home and I pick you up in a bit. I need to change." He gestured to his casual clothes.
"I probably should change too-"
Ramon stopped her. "No, you look linda in what you wear. You not need to."
Mimi just smiled.
****
Philip came out of the locker room and crossed through the gym. He walked out to the middle of the court, taking a basketball lying nearby, making a clean shot, the ball flying through the hoop with ease.
"Very nice!" Allison came up behind him, clapping. "Well you won again, Mr. Basketball Star! Do you ever lose?" She looked across at him, noticing how he looked now in his beige slacks and dark brown sweater, his hair obviously just washed, some strands of it still wet.
Philip turned around with a grin, taking in Allison's patterned skirt and blue sweater, her hair hanging down. "Nope. Never!" He laughed and made another shot, going for the ball as it came down, but.
Allison intercepted him and pretty skillfully dribbled the ball, even though Philip tried to grab it from her. "Ah!" She yelled, half laughing and half desperate as he continued to try to get the ball from her. Somehow though, she managed to break away from his attempts to steal it and she shot the ball into the air, watching with a victorious smile as it went into the hoop. "Ha, it looks like I beat the big jock!"
Philip smirked. "One lucky shot and you think you're ready for the pros. But you did pretty good actually. You play before?"
"Officially, no. I dated a guy who was really into it, but unlike you, he had this huge ego-problem. But you Philip, you're just so modest." She smiled at him slyly.
"All right, all right. Enough. Hey, I was going to go with the rest of the guys over to Dot Com, but I'm really in the mood for pizza and there's this great place in town. How about you come with me?"
"Us.go out?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I mean it's no big deal, but I thought it would be fun."
Allison grinned at him. "It would be fun. Yes, I'd like to go have pizza with you."
****
Mimi walked with Ramon into the small, but pleasant and lively little restaurant called Rosa's, now dressed in a burgundy skirt and beige sweater. She watched Ramon as he went to the front desk to ask for a table. He was wearing brown slacks and a striped button down shirt. She looked around, noticing the candles on all the tables and how the whole place was designed in the fashion of a Spanish hacienda. The sounds of Spanish music filled the atmosphere and the waiters and waitresses wore Spanish styled clothing. Ramon came back to her and they followed a waiter to their table.
Once seated, Mimi spoke to Ramon. "I've never been here before. You said your aunt told you about it?"
"Si. She bring me here my first night in Salem with her husband. I like it because it make me think a little bit of home."
Mimi smiled over at him. "The music's great, even though I don't understand a word of it."
Ramon laughed. "Ay, but you not need to understand words, just listen to the sound and you hear the music, you know what song about."
Mimi looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"
"A happy song is fast and loud and a sad song is slower and more quiet. A love song, you hear in voice too, happy or sad. You listen to sound, not words and you know what song about. Ay, I sound foolish, si?"
Mimi smiled encouragingly at him. "No, no, it makes a lot of sense, and you're right I hear a lot of emotion in the voices. Let's see, uh, fast beat, happy sounding voice, this is a happy song, kind of silly, huh?"
Ramon's eyes twinkled. "Si, very good. It about a man, having party and dancing, having a good time."
"Hey, I guessed pretty good!" Mimi smiled.
****
"So Philip, do you come here a lot?" Allison looked around the small Italian restaurant, taking in the cheery surroundings and enjoying the Italian music. It fit it's name perfectly: Antonio's.
"I used to, but not as much anymore. My Aunt Vivian and her boyfriend, now husband, Ivan, used to bring me here sometimes when I was a kid. It had the best pizza then and does now too, even though the last time I came here was about a couple of years ago."
"Mmm, sounds wonderful. Pizza from an authentic Italian restaurant instead of--"
Philip finished for her with a grin. "Some place that doesn't even have anyone that speaks Italian, right?"
Allison grinned back. "Right. So what about you Philip? Kiriakis isn't Italian, but it's also definitely not American. What is it, where does it originate from?"
"Greece. My Dad's Greek and he lived there until he came here as a young man."
"Wow, but what about Titan, was it in the family?" Allison questioned him, then took a sip of her water.
Philip shook his head. "No, definitely not. His family was poor, but very proud. They were hard workers, but they never had money. When my dad came here, he started to build his own company, little by little, and now it's this gigantic corporation."
"You must be so proud of him, building something up from scratch like that."
"Yeah, and that's part of why I'm working there now. I want to learn more about him, about what he does. I know Titan's in my future, but I want to do more too. I at least want to try."
Allison smiled and thought about when she first met Philip and how he seemed to her now. He was definitely full of surprises.good ones.
****
Mimi looked around at the walls, seeing beautiful colorful murals of people dancing, laughing, talking, just spending time together in small town settings. She reached for one of the tortilla chips that were sitting in a basket in the middle of the table. "Is this what it was like in that place you used to go to with your friends in Spain?"
Ramon smiled over at her. "A little. But the place in Espana was more new, more music like you hear today, a little more like place, uh, Dot Com, that you take me to. We go there after school, listen to songs and drink sodas."
"You must miss it, huh?"
"Si, sometimes, but I enjoy here, because it different. I want to go back and visit though, when we get out of school, when summer come." Ramón reached for a chip and just at that moment Mimi also reached for one. He took his hand away sheepishly when it touched her. "Ay, sorry Miriam."
Mimi pulled her hand away, a little surprised, but shrugged it off. "No, it's alright. Once again I was barely paying attention." She smiled at him mildly, remembering another time something very similar happened, with someone else, resulting in a very different feeling from her, a different reaction.
"No Miriam, you do nothing wrong. I be more careful next time."
Mimi laughed. "Don't worry about it Ramon. It didn't bother me at all." It was true. It didn't bother her. Her memories were what did that.
****
"So tell me a little about you Allison. You said you didn't live in San Francisco all the time. But had you always lived in California, before coming here?"
Allison took a sip of her soda. "Yeah. I'm a California girl, sunny skies, miles and miles of beaches." Allison giggled. "Actually, the weather there lately has been pretty cold. Winter time, you know?"
Philip smirked. "Oh yeah, California brutal Winters. How awful! Here it just snows and you're shoveling it up constantly." He added sarcastically with a grin.
"Oh, knock it off! I bet you've never even used a shovel before!"
"Not true! I've used one..uh, a couple of times. But I happen to know you've lived a pretty charmed life yourself."
"I guess."
"Allison, you never talk about your mother. Are your parents divorced or something?"
She looked at him a little sadly, but quickly put a brave face on again. "She died when I was still just a toddler. She got sick and, well, she got cancer and it took her life away."
Philip shook his head sadly. "Allison, I'm sorry." He struggled to find the right thing to say, seeing her try to cover up her sadness by fiddling with her napkin. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
Allison smiled at him meekly, showing the first real vulnerability Philip had ever seen come from her. "No, it's alright. You asked and there's your answer. Uh-"
"Let's just talk about something else, all right? Tell me about some of your favorite San Francisco hang outs." He continued, wanting to help her forget the painful subject.
Allison smiled at him gratefully and started talking. "Well, actually there was this one café called.."
****
"Mmmm, you were right Ramon. The food here is fantastic." She took another bite of her enchilada.
Ramon smiled at her, having just taken a bite of his chimichanga. He used his napkin and then spoke. "See, I told you. Miriam, can I ask you question?"
Mimi smiled at his politeness. He was always so respectful it seemed, grown up. "Go for it Ramon."
"Que?" He looked at her with confusion, not understanding what she meant.
Mimi smiled again. "Sure you can. Ask away."
"Why you not go to games and why you clean, ay, the, uh, que dice?" He scratched his head, trying to figure out the right words.
"Why do I have to clean out the locker rooms and what does that have to do with me not going to any of the school events?" She added helpfully.
"Si. It okay I ask?"
Mimi smiled again at his tentativeness and respect for her feelings. "Yeah, it's fine, but it's kind of a long story and you may not like me much after I tell you what happened." Mimi sighed as Ramon just sat there quietly, waiting for her to start. "Last year I did something really mean to this girl from school at one of the school dances, with the help of someone else from school. We, uh, we."
It was hard for her to finish, but she knew if she didn't tell him the grapevine at school probably would. She wanted him to hear it from her. If it was hard to talk about, it was her own fault. She was the one who made the stupid decision to do something so awful. "We put up slides, you know pictures, of her in the shower, showing them to the whole school."
The entire time she had been telling him the story, she had been looking down, but now she finally raised her head, seeing his shocked expression.
Ramon was wondering what would make her want to do something like that. The only answer he had was that she seemed to doubt herself at times, something he had noticed more now that he had started painting her and been spending more time with her. But to do something that sounded so mean.
There was a piece of the story, something he felt he was missing. "Ay, Miriam." He shook his head a little. "Why you want to do something like that?"
Mimi sighed. "It's a long story, but I.Oh boy, she was a new girl and I didn't like her from the moment we met. I was mean to her constantly and sometimes she got me back and I was.I was jealous. At first everyone teased her, but then.all the guys were after her and she had this boyfriend who.he adored her. I just never trusted her. I thought she was using him and I still don't like her. But I know. I know how wrong it was, what I did. I just didn't' really think and I did something I will always regret, but I can't take it away so I try not to dwell on it. Anyways, my punishment is that I can't go to any school events and I have to clean out the locker rooms with the other girl who did the prank with me, Jan."
Now Ramon sighed, still a little disbelieving of everything she had done. It seemed so different from the funny, happy girl he had gotten to know, though at times he saw a sadness in her too. He thought about how impassioned her voice sounded when she talked about the boyfriend. Was that it? Was that a piece of this puzzle he was still trying to figure out? "Miriam, can I ask, who the boyfriend and girl are?"
Mimi smiled and closed her eyes. "Her name's Chloe and I know you know him: Philip."
Ramon looked at her with understanding, finally starting to see more of what made her tick. "Ah, si." He simply said, then changed the subject.
****
"So, what do you think?" Philip asked Allison as she finished taking a bite of her pizza.
"Ahh, delicious! This place has the best pizza!" She added excitedly, using her napkin and then taking a sip of her soda.
"Glad you approve. I didn't really feel like going to Dot Com tonight. I just couldn't get my mind off a bubbly thick crust pizza cooked to perfection during the game."
Allison laughed. "While you were playing?!" She asked with shock as he finished taking his own bite of pizza.
"Yep, well not the whole game, but part of it." He added sheepishly.
Allison shook her head in wonder. "I bet your coach would love hearing that."
Philip warned jokingly. "Hey, you better not tell him."
Allison laughed again, but then got more serious. "Okay, I'm probably prying here, but I'm interested."
"What Allison?" Philip asked a little warily, knowing she was going to ask no matter what.
"I'm just kind of surprised you don't have a girlfriend. What, are you playing the field or something?"
Philip ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Actually I was going out with someone pretty seriously, but we broke up and after I didn't really want to go out with any other girl. You've seen how they are at school. They like me for superficial reasons. I know you've been there before."
"Yes, but uh, that girl that you were serious with, that was Chloe, wasn't it?" She asked him quietly.
"What, did Chloe tell you?"
"She's talked about you a little, but mainly she's pretty private. You know how it is though, people talk around school."
Philip sighed. "Yeah. It was Chloe. She was the first girl I cared about and who cared about me for who I am. But it just wasn't meant to be and now we're friends and I'm just glad and grateful to have that." Philip looked down, fiddling with his straw.
Allison debated in her head about how to say her next words. "And how does Mimi fit in with all of this?"
Philip looked up at her with surprise. "Why do you think she does?"
"Philip" Allison started, but stopped herself. "It's alright. Let's just forget it. So you planning on winning the next game too?"
Philip knew she changed the subject on purpose, to spare him, but the truth was he was relieved she did. He didn't want to talk about it.
****
Mimi and Ramon walked out of the restaurant, talking, but then Ramon was suddenly silent.
"Ramon, what is it?" Mimi asked with a little concern.
Ramon looked again. Yes, it was them and they seemed to be together. "Ay, Miriam, let go for walk before we go to car" He started to take her arm. "Let go this way."
"No, Ramon, what do you see?" Mimi pulled her arm away and looked, seeing Philip across the way with Allison, talking together, out together. It was hard for her to keep the hurt out of her eyes as she just stared at them at first.then turned away painfully.
"Miriam, it probably nothing. They just friends." Ramon clumsily put in, not sure what to say, only knowing that his new friend was sad.
Mimi turned back to Ramon. "You're right Ramon. Let's just go for a walk." Then she took his arm, walking off with him.
****
Philip and Allison came out of the restaurant still smiling and talking about the delicious pizza, but after a bit Philip looked over and saw.He just stared, knowing it was her even from the back, and she was out with Ramon. He watched them silently.
Allison stopped, looking back at Philip questioningly. "Philip, what is it?" She looked in the direction of where he was looking and understood immediately. She watched as he turned away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Philip, why don't we go talk to them? They probably just came out to get something to eat like us." She tried to say something that would help, unable to find the right words.
"No, let's just go." Philip turned and walked quickly to his SUV as Allison followed him.
He had barely looked at her, but she saw for a second the pain in his eyes. She sighed, rushing to catch up with him.
****
Mimi lay down in her bed and put the covers over her, ready to go to sleep. After seeing Philip and Allison together, she walked a little with Ramon, then asked him to take her home. He quickly complied, trying to reassure her that what they saw meant nothing, but seeing how much the subject bothered her, he started talking about something else.
Mimi still didn't know what to think about what she saw. She just knew it didn't make her happy. He was Philip Kiriakis, the king of Salem High and she knew it shouldn't surprise her that he would start going out with someone new. She would just have to grin and bear it. She hurt him and now she couldn't go back. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't.
There was still the fact too that she didn't like to face. She was afraid. She had never felt for anyone the way she felt about him. When he kissed her, she felt.she couldn't even completely describe it. It was just so amazing being with him.
Then there was the love of his life, Chloe Lane. She couldn't stop feeling inferior to her, especially because Philip said he wanted to take it slow. What exactly did that mean? It hurt, feeling like she was falling in love with him, but not sure if he would ever love her.at least not the same way. She sighed and hugged her pillow, closing her eyes as exhaustion took over.
~*~
She didn't realize that her own doubts about herself affected him too. By not believing in herself she also wasn't putting enough belief in their relationship, something she would have to learn to do before they could ever be together.
The fragile heart waited for the time when the mind would be awakened to the truth.
****
Philip pulled up his covers, laying down on his bed, ready to call it a night. He couldn't get out of his mind the image of Ramon and Mimi walking together, arm in arm. He tried to act like it hadn't affected him, but he knew it was no use. Even Allison saw it, trying to get him to talk about it, until she realized it was useless. He had taken her home and then returned to his home.
He wanted to talk to her, but he also wasn't sure. Before, with Chloe, he had pursued her, letting himself get out of control. He didn't want to do that again. Mimi told him how she felt. He had to accept that and move on.
Philip knew he wasn't seeing the whole picture though. Something had scared her and she was running, like she had when she was homeless, not letting anyone help her at first, not confiding in her friends. She had kept it from everyone, even Belle for the longest time. Now, once again, he knew she was keeping a secret. He just didn't know what it was.
He thought about when they kissed, how he had learned things about her he had never realized, how it had opened her up to him so much more. He felt so happy, truly happy for the first time in a long time, but he had been afraid too, afraid he might make some of the same mistakes he had made when he had been with Chloe. He was this popular guy at school, but underneath he still had insecurities about being with someone in a serious relationship. He didn't want to be hurt again. He raised his arm over his head, covering his eyes, and started to fall asleep.
~*~
He needed to realize that caring for someone meant taking chances, opening oneself up to all the risks. If he was able to do this, he could help her to understand the true depth of his caring.
The fragile heart waited for the time when the mind would be awakened to the truth.
Chapter 41: The Party
Philip walked around the decorated house, making sure everything was ready and thought back to the past weeks. He had survived another horrible Government essay test, helped his team win another basketball game, received a modest yet hard earned paycheck from Titan, and was now getting ready to have what would probably be one of the biggest parties of the year: all because it was being held at the Kiriakis mansion.
His father and Nicole were away so the time was perfect, as long as he managed to keep things under control. He had seen other houses get absolutely trashed from parties and he had every intention of making sure that didn't happen to his house, partly because he cared about keeping the place where he lived in decent order, mainly because his father would do to him worse than what any mythical monster would.
That didn't mean that he planned on taking all the fun away, though. He'd allow drinking as long as it didn't get out of hand and people could dance all they want, but upstairs, where the bedrooms were, was going to be off limits. If they really wanted a room, they could go to a motel. He didn't need to deal with any of that garbage, finding people in his room, or even worse, in his father's room. He had warned everyone attending to follow his rules or else. There was another thing he had done to make sure things didn't get too out of hand: he had invited a limited amount of people, ones who knew how to have fun, but usually didn't get too raucous. Of course, no plan was foolproof, but at least Brady said he would stay sober and help him out with any trouble- makers.
It was quite surprising Philip had invited Brady.and Chloe for that matter. But, Brady was his family and Philip felt they had reached an understanding that night at the pier. As for Chloe, it didn't really bother him now to see her with Brady. He had moved on.
And been burned.
She was coming too, with Ramon. It would be wonderful if he could hate him, but Ramon was pretty much a nice guy and though he had seen them together that one night, he supposed maybe it was still possible that they were only friends. Of course, Philip and Mimi had only been friends too.at first. Now they just avoided each other. He had spoken to Shawn about it, but very little. His friend had tried to get him to open up about what happened, but Philip didn't feel like talking about it. A part of him just wanted to forget about the last few months, but the other part of him knew that was absolutely ridiculous. They had shared way too much, emotionally. If it had just been physical, he knew he would be able to let it go, but that wasn't the way it was at all. The most physical they'd really gotten was kissing. It was so much more than that.
He sighed, trying to get his mind off her, something that he was having a hard time doing. Maybe he shouldn't have of invited her. Inwardly he knew that wouldn't solve the problem. They lived in the same town, went to the same school, and shared many of the same friends. He could either try to avoid her all the time or accept the fact that they would just have to deal with seeing each other every so often. Of course, there was no way he would admit that a part of him wanted to see her, wanted her to come to the party, wanted the chance to be with.
Well, she'd be there with Ramon and he'd be there with Allison. Yes, they were only friends, but he liked spending time with her. She was tough, not taking any flack from anyone, and she could be fun too.
In a way it was safe, because he knew, he knew deep down in his heart, something his mind was not yet willing to admit.
****
Mimi looked at herself in the mirror, combing her hair. Tonight was Philip's party and she was going. Was she out of her mind? She was going a party at his house and yet they didn't even speak to each other anymore. She was surprised that she'd even been invited, but Shawn and Belle were helping with the preparations, she supposed that might be one reason why. And of course he had invited Ramón too, the person she was attending with.
Oh, it all just made her head spin. Everything had been so simple when they had been in that tiny cabin together, just her and Philip, but it was useless to keep wishing for what couldn't be. She made her choice that night and now Philip couldn't stand her, as far as she could see. Sure, there had been that day in Dot Com, when just making contact with him had made her tingle inside, but after they had finished staring at each other he had totally ignored her, going back to Allison, laughing and joking.
Then there was that night too when she had seen him with Allison.
She had no right to complain, but she couldn't help it, she missed him. It was better to break things off completely though, right? He'd get over it and she'd get over him. He already seemed to be moving on with Allison. He'd forget about her.
Well, one way to deal with everything was to face it head on, she had been thinking lately. She couldn't completely avoid him. If she saw Philip with someone else maybe it would make everything easier. It wasn't ' not like she was going to be alone there tonight either. She was going with Ramon, as friends.
She thought about how he had made things easier for her, a little less painful. It was nice spending time with him. They had similar interests so it was easy to talk to him. He got her to get her mind off things, off certain people.
She finished combing her hair and started putting on her makeup. Belle had tried to get her to talk about what was going on with her and Philip, but Mimi did her best to avoid the subject. It was just too.
She had had crushes before, been in total infatuation with someone, kissed and gotten a little bit physical before, but with Philip.
She could let go right? She could stop falling in love with someone?
She didn't see that she was fooling herself and that the heart doesn't lie.
****
{Put the body in motion}
{Get up, get up, get up.}
Philip stood at the top of the stairs, watching as his guests came in, taking a drink time to time from a bottle of beer. Downstairs, the music was playing and all around there were teenagers having a great time. Brady was watching the bottom of the stairs, which made Philip chuckle. He looked like a guard down there, except when Chloe managed to coax him into dancing. Shawn was acting as bartender, looking like he was having a grand old time and Belle was keeping him company. Earlier, they had helped him get everything ready for the party, which seemed to be a huge success.
"Does the Lord of the Manor approve?"
Philip laughed, grinning at Allison as she slowly walked up the steps to meet him. "I just like watching everything from the top. I've done this since I was a kid, watching over everyone arriving, though it's a little more fun at this mansion. Usually it meant it was Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever. Now it's my party."
Allison moved over closer to him. "So, are you going to hide out here all night or are you going to come join the party?" She looked at him questioningly, teasingly, holding a wine cooler.
Philip took in what she was wearing, a black leather mini skirt, a short sleeved angora sweater and black boots, with her hair hanging down, curled. "I'll be down in a bit. You look good."
"Thank you. So do you. Now don't take too long. You might miss out on all the fun." She waved at him and then walked down the steps. Philip just took another drink of beer, watching the door silently, waiting.
****
Mimi walked towards the doors with Ramon, then stopped. Ramon looked back at her questioningly. "Miriam, what is it?"
Mimi looked up at him apprehensively then back at the house that looked so foreboding now, not because of its grandness, but because of who would be behind those doors. "Ramon." She started tentatively.
"Miriam, you not want to go? We not go then. Maybe it better." He started to take her arm to leave, but.
"No, I want to do this. I want to see my friends and I want to have fun with you tonight. I'm sorry I'm being so crazy. Let's just go."
"You sure?"
"Yes." She said decidedly and took his arm, leading him back to the front doors.
****
Philip did a double take from the top of the stairs. There she was and she looked.
{You walk by and I get weak in the knees
I get next to you and I get dizzy dizzy}
She was wearing black pants accented with a gold band around the waist, with a black leather jacket which she had just taken off, revealing a satiny gold colored tank top and her hair was falling in gorgeous waves around her face. He felt a little shaky as he stood there, using the railing of the steps to lean on. He took another long drink from his beer, wanting to show a calm demeanor.
****
Mimi looked all around, wondering where he was, then feeling as if she was being watched, she looked up, seeing him at the top of the stairs, coolly watching her.
{My head is spinning round and round
You've got me feeling like my feet aren't on the ground.}
He looked so good, dressed in black slacks, a satin black long sleeved shirt, the top buttons undone, his blond highlights shining, and the way he just stood there, leaning over the railing, taking lazy drinks of his beer. Just looking at him made her feel queasy.
{What is this power that you have over me}
She gratefully took the wine cooler Shawn offered her, smiling and talking to Belle, trying to forget that he was standing there.
He watched her, then turned.
{I get next to you and I get dizzy dizzy}
She looked up again. He was gone.
He started to make his way down the stairs slowly.
****
"I'm on guard Uncle Phil." Brady said with a little salute. Philip chuckled. He really was taking this job VERY seriously.
Chloe said "hi" then rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's behavior. Philip said "hi" back to her with a smile, then spoke to Brady.
"Brady, you know you're doing a great job and everything-"
"Of course I am. I'm John Black's son, ready to face any adventure, including the dreaded wild antics of high school students out of control."
Philip nearly laughed again at Brady's supreme seriousness, looking around at what he considered a pretty calm party. No one was definitely out of control.
"Oh brother." Chloe remarked in response to Brady's declaration.
Philip grinned at her, relieved that they could be in the same room now without any tension. Then he directed his attention back to Brady. "But you see Brady, you don't really have to stand guard anymore because I locked all the upstairs rooms so there's really no problem."
"Yes! Thank you Philip. See Brady, we can go enjoy the party now." Chloe said excitedly, giving Philip a quick grateful glance.
"All right, but if there's a problem, you just let me know Phil and I'll take care of it." Brady, a little reluctantly, walked off with Chloe.
Philip laughed again, shaking his head, then continued into the room.
"Shawn, I want to dance." Belle pouted.
"All right. Let me finish serving these drinks and we can show everyone how it's done." Shawn looked over at Philip making his way across the room. "Well, our host comes out of his hiding place!"
"Ah, knock it off Shawn. I was just checking to make sure everything was going all right."
"Hey Phil! Great party!"
Philip waved back to some of his friends.
"Well, here you are." Allison walked over, grinning.
Philip grinned back, wanting to get his mind off other things. "Hey Allison, want to dance?" He held out a friendly hand to her.
"Sure." She let him take her hand and they went to go dance.
"Okay Shawn, what is going on with Mimi and Philip?!" Belle asked her boyfriend with exasperation.
"Belle, calm down, though I'm wondering too. Have you managed to get anything out of Mimi?" Shawn asked his girlfriend who he was now dancing with to a Sugar Ray song.
"No, and I bet you didn't get anything out of Philip."
"You're right. He didn't say much."
"There she is with Ramon and he's with Allison, but they keep sneaking glances at each other. The worse thing is I haven't seen them talk to each other since that double date. What could have caused them to just stop talking to each other all together?"
Shawn shook his head with confusion. "I don't know Belle. I just don't know."
****
"Brady, you're probably going to be shocked I'm concerned about this, but I don't get Philip and Mimi. They don't even communicate with each other anymore." Chloe looked at Brady with concern from where they were snuggling up to each other near the stairs, since Brady had been unable to leave his post that long.
"I don't know Chloe. It's strange that they would just stop socializing with each other, especially since they seemed to be getting closer. They don't talk at all?"
"Not that I can see. I mean, I still don't like her, but I want Philip to be happy and he's hiding it well but-"
Brady finished for her. "He's hiding it, but he doesn't look happy. You're right. Actually, both of them don't.
****
{They say around the way you've asked for me}
{There's even talk about you wanting me}
"Oohh, Marc Anthony, you want to dance Ramon?"
"Si." Ramon took Mimi's hand and led her out to the dance floor, which was the living room. He started spinning her around expertly, getting cheers from the other people dancing. Soon, they cleared the way for Mimi and Ramon, since Ramon was fantastic at salsa and she was doing pretty good at following his steps.
{I must admit that's what I want to hear.
{but that's just talk until you take me there.}
Allison looked at Philip, able to tell he wasn't enjoying their dance. "Uh, Philip-"
Philip watched them, then turned his head in disgust. "I need another drink." He left to go get another beer.
Allison watched him leave, bewildered. What on earth was going on with these two?
{If it's true don't leave me all alone out here}
{Wondering if you're ever going to take me there}
{Tell me what you're feeling 'cause I need to know}
{Girl, you've got to let me know which way to go}
Philip opened up his beer and took one long drink, watching the dancing with unhappy eyes. Then he thought to himself, why get upset? This was the way she wanted it, then fine. He wasn't going to let himself be played for a fool. This was his party and he was going to enjoy it no matter what.
{Don't leave me all alone}
Mimi and Ramon finished their dance to applause. Then he surprised her by hugging her, holding her close. She looked over his shoulder at Philip watching her, noticing how he immediately took his eyes away from her the minute she started looking back at him. Then he moved closer to Allison, whispering in her ear. Dancing with Ramon had been nice and he was a wonderful dancer, better than Philip, technically anyway. But Mimi had so much more fun that night at the club when she danced with Philip. With Ramon it had seemed more for show and she just didn't enjoy it as much. Philip had some crazy moves, but he was fun, warm, silly, tender-
"Miriam, are you okay?" Ramon looked at Mimi with concern.
"Yeah, I'm alright. I just need a breather." Oh no, he probably didn't understand that. "I need to get something to drink." She looked at him. He looked good in blue pants and a matching shirt, but she just couldn't get her mind off.
"I get it for you." Ramon started to leave.
Mimi grabbed his arm, stopping him. "No, no that's okay. I'll get it myself."
Philip whispered in Allison's ear as a slow song came on. "Wanna dance?" He grinned at her.
She could tell he wasn't really drunk, just letting the liquor relax him more, trying to take away any signs of pain she supposed. It was no big deal. Sharing a dance would be harmless and she was interested in him, but she also wasn't dumb. He was hiding something about him and Mimi, something painful. "You're on Philip."
"Great." They walked out to the dance floor together and he held her a little close, kind of leaning on her as the words of the song began.
{It's amazing how you knock me off my feet}
{Every time you come around me I get weak}
Mimi came back with her drink, watching Philip and Allison dancing together, not knowing what to think. It was so hurtful watching him with someone else.
{You kiss my lips and then you take my breath away}
"Ramon, I need to go do something. I'll be right back."
"Miriam-"
She stopped him. "I just need some time." Then she disappeared through the crowd of dancers.
{I wish that I could take a journey through your mind}
{And find emotions you always try to hide.baby}
****
Mimi grabbed her black leather jacket from the hall closet and stepped outside.
****
Philip looked around from where he was still dancing with Allison. Where did she go?
****
Mimi walked into the dimly lit stables, the ground covered by hay, grateful for the warmth from the cold outside. She walked ahead, finally finding what she was looking for. She looked up at him, smiling sadly a little. "Hey, long time no see, huh?"
She moved up to the stall, visiting with one of her newest friends. He let out a sound of greeting.
"Well, at least you're still talking to me Poseidon."
She started petting him, feeling the horse move his head closer. She remembered when she first met him, how she had been scared of him, but she didn't feel that way anymore. It was his owner that scared her a little now, not because she thought he would do something to hurt her. It was just.it was like he.
"He hates me now Poseidon." Mimi whispered softly to the horse. "He absolutely hates me and I.I"
"You what?"
Mimi turned around in shock at the voice.
HIS voice.
The buzzer rang and it was over. The Salem High Panthers had just won another game against one of their rival basketball teams. On the sidelines, the cheerleaders were going wild, led by one Belle Black of course. In the middle of the gym, Shawn and Philip were congratulating each other on another well played game. In the stands, Allison was sitting with Brady and Chloe, focused on the center of the court.
****
"Okay, let's see---Hey! Ramon! I just want to see how it looks so far!"
Ramon continued to stand in front of the unfinished painting, guarding it. "I tell you before Miriam, you have to wait till finish. Be peaceful, ah, no, that not the right word, let's see, ah, be patient."
Mimi looked up at him with an annoyed expression, noting he was wearing jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a leather jacket. "I've been patient for weeks. Why can't I just see it?"
Ramon viewed the girl standing in front of him, her hands on her hips, and nearly laughed. He knew she was angry, but she also looked kind of cute in her sweater and dress. "I not like people to see what I paint till I done. It be worth the wait." He let a hand run through his wavy brown hair.
"It better be." Mimi waved her hands in defeat, making her auburn hair swing a little. "Oh well, I better go. You wouldn't mind giving me a ride home would you? I'm not crazy about walking in the dark."
"No, I not mind. You should not walk home. But I'm hungry. Are you?"
"Yeah, actually I am."
"How about we go out and eat?"
"Us? Together?"
Ramon nodded his head. "Si, me aunt know a good place to eat. We could go there." He smiled down at her.
Mimi smiled a little shyly. "Okay."
Ramon looked happy about her reaction. "I take you home and I pick you up in a bit. I need to change." He gestured to his casual clothes.
"I probably should change too-"
Ramon stopped her. "No, you look linda in what you wear. You not need to."
Mimi just smiled.
****
Philip came out of the locker room and crossed through the gym. He walked out to the middle of the court, taking a basketball lying nearby, making a clean shot, the ball flying through the hoop with ease.
"Very nice!" Allison came up behind him, clapping. "Well you won again, Mr. Basketball Star! Do you ever lose?" She looked across at him, noticing how he looked now in his beige slacks and dark brown sweater, his hair obviously just washed, some strands of it still wet.
Philip turned around with a grin, taking in Allison's patterned skirt and blue sweater, her hair hanging down. "Nope. Never!" He laughed and made another shot, going for the ball as it came down, but.
Allison intercepted him and pretty skillfully dribbled the ball, even though Philip tried to grab it from her. "Ah!" She yelled, half laughing and half desperate as he continued to try to get the ball from her. Somehow though, she managed to break away from his attempts to steal it and she shot the ball into the air, watching with a victorious smile as it went into the hoop. "Ha, it looks like I beat the big jock!"
Philip smirked. "One lucky shot and you think you're ready for the pros. But you did pretty good actually. You play before?"
"Officially, no. I dated a guy who was really into it, but unlike you, he had this huge ego-problem. But you Philip, you're just so modest." She smiled at him slyly.
"All right, all right. Enough. Hey, I was going to go with the rest of the guys over to Dot Com, but I'm really in the mood for pizza and there's this great place in town. How about you come with me?"
"Us.go out?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I mean it's no big deal, but I thought it would be fun."
Allison grinned at him. "It would be fun. Yes, I'd like to go have pizza with you."
****
Mimi walked with Ramon into the small, but pleasant and lively little restaurant called Rosa's, now dressed in a burgundy skirt and beige sweater. She watched Ramon as he went to the front desk to ask for a table. He was wearing brown slacks and a striped button down shirt. She looked around, noticing the candles on all the tables and how the whole place was designed in the fashion of a Spanish hacienda. The sounds of Spanish music filled the atmosphere and the waiters and waitresses wore Spanish styled clothing. Ramon came back to her and they followed a waiter to their table.
Once seated, Mimi spoke to Ramon. "I've never been here before. You said your aunt told you about it?"
"Si. She bring me here my first night in Salem with her husband. I like it because it make me think a little bit of home."
Mimi smiled over at him. "The music's great, even though I don't understand a word of it."
Ramon laughed. "Ay, but you not need to understand words, just listen to the sound and you hear the music, you know what song about."
Mimi looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"
"A happy song is fast and loud and a sad song is slower and more quiet. A love song, you hear in voice too, happy or sad. You listen to sound, not words and you know what song about. Ay, I sound foolish, si?"
Mimi smiled encouragingly at him. "No, no, it makes a lot of sense, and you're right I hear a lot of emotion in the voices. Let's see, uh, fast beat, happy sounding voice, this is a happy song, kind of silly, huh?"
Ramon's eyes twinkled. "Si, very good. It about a man, having party and dancing, having a good time."
"Hey, I guessed pretty good!" Mimi smiled.
****
"So Philip, do you come here a lot?" Allison looked around the small Italian restaurant, taking in the cheery surroundings and enjoying the Italian music. It fit it's name perfectly: Antonio's.
"I used to, but not as much anymore. My Aunt Vivian and her boyfriend, now husband, Ivan, used to bring me here sometimes when I was a kid. It had the best pizza then and does now too, even though the last time I came here was about a couple of years ago."
"Mmm, sounds wonderful. Pizza from an authentic Italian restaurant instead of--"
Philip finished for her with a grin. "Some place that doesn't even have anyone that speaks Italian, right?"
Allison grinned back. "Right. So what about you Philip? Kiriakis isn't Italian, but it's also definitely not American. What is it, where does it originate from?"
"Greece. My Dad's Greek and he lived there until he came here as a young man."
"Wow, but what about Titan, was it in the family?" Allison questioned him, then took a sip of her water.
Philip shook his head. "No, definitely not. His family was poor, but very proud. They were hard workers, but they never had money. When my dad came here, he started to build his own company, little by little, and now it's this gigantic corporation."
"You must be so proud of him, building something up from scratch like that."
"Yeah, and that's part of why I'm working there now. I want to learn more about him, about what he does. I know Titan's in my future, but I want to do more too. I at least want to try."
Allison smiled and thought about when she first met Philip and how he seemed to her now. He was definitely full of surprises.good ones.
****
Mimi looked around at the walls, seeing beautiful colorful murals of people dancing, laughing, talking, just spending time together in small town settings. She reached for one of the tortilla chips that were sitting in a basket in the middle of the table. "Is this what it was like in that place you used to go to with your friends in Spain?"
Ramon smiled over at her. "A little. But the place in Espana was more new, more music like you hear today, a little more like place, uh, Dot Com, that you take me to. We go there after school, listen to songs and drink sodas."
"You must miss it, huh?"
"Si, sometimes, but I enjoy here, because it different. I want to go back and visit though, when we get out of school, when summer come." Ramón reached for a chip and just at that moment Mimi also reached for one. He took his hand away sheepishly when it touched her. "Ay, sorry Miriam."
Mimi pulled her hand away, a little surprised, but shrugged it off. "No, it's alright. Once again I was barely paying attention." She smiled at him mildly, remembering another time something very similar happened, with someone else, resulting in a very different feeling from her, a different reaction.
"No Miriam, you do nothing wrong. I be more careful next time."
Mimi laughed. "Don't worry about it Ramon. It didn't bother me at all." It was true. It didn't bother her. Her memories were what did that.
****
"So tell me a little about you Allison. You said you didn't live in San Francisco all the time. But had you always lived in California, before coming here?"
Allison took a sip of her soda. "Yeah. I'm a California girl, sunny skies, miles and miles of beaches." Allison giggled. "Actually, the weather there lately has been pretty cold. Winter time, you know?"
Philip smirked. "Oh yeah, California brutal Winters. How awful! Here it just snows and you're shoveling it up constantly." He added sarcastically with a grin.
"Oh, knock it off! I bet you've never even used a shovel before!"
"Not true! I've used one..uh, a couple of times. But I happen to know you've lived a pretty charmed life yourself."
"I guess."
"Allison, you never talk about your mother. Are your parents divorced or something?"
She looked at him a little sadly, but quickly put a brave face on again. "She died when I was still just a toddler. She got sick and, well, she got cancer and it took her life away."
Philip shook his head sadly. "Allison, I'm sorry." He struggled to find the right thing to say, seeing her try to cover up her sadness by fiddling with her napkin. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
Allison smiled at him meekly, showing the first real vulnerability Philip had ever seen come from her. "No, it's alright. You asked and there's your answer. Uh-"
"Let's just talk about something else, all right? Tell me about some of your favorite San Francisco hang outs." He continued, wanting to help her forget the painful subject.
Allison smiled at him gratefully and started talking. "Well, actually there was this one café called.."
****
"Mmmm, you were right Ramon. The food here is fantastic." She took another bite of her enchilada.
Ramon smiled at her, having just taken a bite of his chimichanga. He used his napkin and then spoke. "See, I told you. Miriam, can I ask you question?"
Mimi smiled at his politeness. He was always so respectful it seemed, grown up. "Go for it Ramon."
"Que?" He looked at her with confusion, not understanding what she meant.
Mimi smiled again. "Sure you can. Ask away."
"Why you not go to games and why you clean, ay, the, uh, que dice?" He scratched his head, trying to figure out the right words.
"Why do I have to clean out the locker rooms and what does that have to do with me not going to any of the school events?" She added helpfully.
"Si. It okay I ask?"
Mimi smiled again at his tentativeness and respect for her feelings. "Yeah, it's fine, but it's kind of a long story and you may not like me much after I tell you what happened." Mimi sighed as Ramon just sat there quietly, waiting for her to start. "Last year I did something really mean to this girl from school at one of the school dances, with the help of someone else from school. We, uh, we."
It was hard for her to finish, but she knew if she didn't tell him the grapevine at school probably would. She wanted him to hear it from her. If it was hard to talk about, it was her own fault. She was the one who made the stupid decision to do something so awful. "We put up slides, you know pictures, of her in the shower, showing them to the whole school."
The entire time she had been telling him the story, she had been looking down, but now she finally raised her head, seeing his shocked expression.
Ramon was wondering what would make her want to do something like that. The only answer he had was that she seemed to doubt herself at times, something he had noticed more now that he had started painting her and been spending more time with her. But to do something that sounded so mean.
There was a piece of the story, something he felt he was missing. "Ay, Miriam." He shook his head a little. "Why you want to do something like that?"
Mimi sighed. "It's a long story, but I.Oh boy, she was a new girl and I didn't like her from the moment we met. I was mean to her constantly and sometimes she got me back and I was.I was jealous. At first everyone teased her, but then.all the guys were after her and she had this boyfriend who.he adored her. I just never trusted her. I thought she was using him and I still don't like her. But I know. I know how wrong it was, what I did. I just didn't' really think and I did something I will always regret, but I can't take it away so I try not to dwell on it. Anyways, my punishment is that I can't go to any school events and I have to clean out the locker rooms with the other girl who did the prank with me, Jan."
Now Ramon sighed, still a little disbelieving of everything she had done. It seemed so different from the funny, happy girl he had gotten to know, though at times he saw a sadness in her too. He thought about how impassioned her voice sounded when she talked about the boyfriend. Was that it? Was that a piece of this puzzle he was still trying to figure out? "Miriam, can I ask, who the boyfriend and girl are?"
Mimi smiled and closed her eyes. "Her name's Chloe and I know you know him: Philip."
Ramon looked at her with understanding, finally starting to see more of what made her tick. "Ah, si." He simply said, then changed the subject.
****
"So, what do you think?" Philip asked Allison as she finished taking a bite of her pizza.
"Ahh, delicious! This place has the best pizza!" She added excitedly, using her napkin and then taking a sip of her soda.
"Glad you approve. I didn't really feel like going to Dot Com tonight. I just couldn't get my mind off a bubbly thick crust pizza cooked to perfection during the game."
Allison laughed. "While you were playing?!" She asked with shock as he finished taking his own bite of pizza.
"Yep, well not the whole game, but part of it." He added sheepishly.
Allison shook her head in wonder. "I bet your coach would love hearing that."
Philip warned jokingly. "Hey, you better not tell him."
Allison laughed again, but then got more serious. "Okay, I'm probably prying here, but I'm interested."
"What Allison?" Philip asked a little warily, knowing she was going to ask no matter what.
"I'm just kind of surprised you don't have a girlfriend. What, are you playing the field or something?"
Philip ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Actually I was going out with someone pretty seriously, but we broke up and after I didn't really want to go out with any other girl. You've seen how they are at school. They like me for superficial reasons. I know you've been there before."
"Yes, but uh, that girl that you were serious with, that was Chloe, wasn't it?" She asked him quietly.
"What, did Chloe tell you?"
"She's talked about you a little, but mainly she's pretty private. You know how it is though, people talk around school."
Philip sighed. "Yeah. It was Chloe. She was the first girl I cared about and who cared about me for who I am. But it just wasn't meant to be and now we're friends and I'm just glad and grateful to have that." Philip looked down, fiddling with his straw.
Allison debated in her head about how to say her next words. "And how does Mimi fit in with all of this?"
Philip looked up at her with surprise. "Why do you think she does?"
"Philip" Allison started, but stopped herself. "It's alright. Let's just forget it. So you planning on winning the next game too?"
Philip knew she changed the subject on purpose, to spare him, but the truth was he was relieved she did. He didn't want to talk about it.
****
Mimi and Ramon walked out of the restaurant, talking, but then Ramon was suddenly silent.
"Ramon, what is it?" Mimi asked with a little concern.
Ramon looked again. Yes, it was them and they seemed to be together. "Ay, Miriam, let go for walk before we go to car" He started to take her arm. "Let go this way."
"No, Ramon, what do you see?" Mimi pulled her arm away and looked, seeing Philip across the way with Allison, talking together, out together. It was hard for her to keep the hurt out of her eyes as she just stared at them at first.then turned away painfully.
"Miriam, it probably nothing. They just friends." Ramon clumsily put in, not sure what to say, only knowing that his new friend was sad.
Mimi turned back to Ramon. "You're right Ramon. Let's just go for a walk." Then she took his arm, walking off with him.
****
Philip and Allison came out of the restaurant still smiling and talking about the delicious pizza, but after a bit Philip looked over and saw.He just stared, knowing it was her even from the back, and she was out with Ramon. He watched them silently.
Allison stopped, looking back at Philip questioningly. "Philip, what is it?" She looked in the direction of where he was looking and understood immediately. She watched as he turned away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Philip, why don't we go talk to them? They probably just came out to get something to eat like us." She tried to say something that would help, unable to find the right words.
"No, let's just go." Philip turned and walked quickly to his SUV as Allison followed him.
He had barely looked at her, but she saw for a second the pain in his eyes. She sighed, rushing to catch up with him.
****
Mimi lay down in her bed and put the covers over her, ready to go to sleep. After seeing Philip and Allison together, she walked a little with Ramon, then asked him to take her home. He quickly complied, trying to reassure her that what they saw meant nothing, but seeing how much the subject bothered her, he started talking about something else.
Mimi still didn't know what to think about what she saw. She just knew it didn't make her happy. He was Philip Kiriakis, the king of Salem High and she knew it shouldn't surprise her that he would start going out with someone new. She would just have to grin and bear it. She hurt him and now she couldn't go back. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't.
There was still the fact too that she didn't like to face. She was afraid. She had never felt for anyone the way she felt about him. When he kissed her, she felt.she couldn't even completely describe it. It was just so amazing being with him.
Then there was the love of his life, Chloe Lane. She couldn't stop feeling inferior to her, especially because Philip said he wanted to take it slow. What exactly did that mean? It hurt, feeling like she was falling in love with him, but not sure if he would ever love her.at least not the same way. She sighed and hugged her pillow, closing her eyes as exhaustion took over.
~*~
She didn't realize that her own doubts about herself affected him too. By not believing in herself she also wasn't putting enough belief in their relationship, something she would have to learn to do before they could ever be together.
The fragile heart waited for the time when the mind would be awakened to the truth.
****
Philip pulled up his covers, laying down on his bed, ready to call it a night. He couldn't get out of his mind the image of Ramon and Mimi walking together, arm in arm. He tried to act like it hadn't affected him, but he knew it was no use. Even Allison saw it, trying to get him to talk about it, until she realized it was useless. He had taken her home and then returned to his home.
He wanted to talk to her, but he also wasn't sure. Before, with Chloe, he had pursued her, letting himself get out of control. He didn't want to do that again. Mimi told him how she felt. He had to accept that and move on.
Philip knew he wasn't seeing the whole picture though. Something had scared her and she was running, like she had when she was homeless, not letting anyone help her at first, not confiding in her friends. She had kept it from everyone, even Belle for the longest time. Now, once again, he knew she was keeping a secret. He just didn't know what it was.
He thought about when they kissed, how he had learned things about her he had never realized, how it had opened her up to him so much more. He felt so happy, truly happy for the first time in a long time, but he had been afraid too, afraid he might make some of the same mistakes he had made when he had been with Chloe. He was this popular guy at school, but underneath he still had insecurities about being with someone in a serious relationship. He didn't want to be hurt again. He raised his arm over his head, covering his eyes, and started to fall asleep.
~*~
He needed to realize that caring for someone meant taking chances, opening oneself up to all the risks. If he was able to do this, he could help her to understand the true depth of his caring.
The fragile heart waited for the time when the mind would be awakened to the truth.
Chapter 41: The Party
Philip walked around the decorated house, making sure everything was ready and thought back to the past weeks. He had survived another horrible Government essay test, helped his team win another basketball game, received a modest yet hard earned paycheck from Titan, and was now getting ready to have what would probably be one of the biggest parties of the year: all because it was being held at the Kiriakis mansion.
His father and Nicole were away so the time was perfect, as long as he managed to keep things under control. He had seen other houses get absolutely trashed from parties and he had every intention of making sure that didn't happen to his house, partly because he cared about keeping the place where he lived in decent order, mainly because his father would do to him worse than what any mythical monster would.
That didn't mean that he planned on taking all the fun away, though. He'd allow drinking as long as it didn't get out of hand and people could dance all they want, but upstairs, where the bedrooms were, was going to be off limits. If they really wanted a room, they could go to a motel. He didn't need to deal with any of that garbage, finding people in his room, or even worse, in his father's room. He had warned everyone attending to follow his rules or else. There was another thing he had done to make sure things didn't get too out of hand: he had invited a limited amount of people, ones who knew how to have fun, but usually didn't get too raucous. Of course, no plan was foolproof, but at least Brady said he would stay sober and help him out with any trouble- makers.
It was quite surprising Philip had invited Brady.and Chloe for that matter. But, Brady was his family and Philip felt they had reached an understanding that night at the pier. As for Chloe, it didn't really bother him now to see her with Brady. He had moved on.
And been burned.
She was coming too, with Ramon. It would be wonderful if he could hate him, but Ramon was pretty much a nice guy and though he had seen them together that one night, he supposed maybe it was still possible that they were only friends. Of course, Philip and Mimi had only been friends too.at first. Now they just avoided each other. He had spoken to Shawn about it, but very little. His friend had tried to get him to open up about what happened, but Philip didn't feel like talking about it. A part of him just wanted to forget about the last few months, but the other part of him knew that was absolutely ridiculous. They had shared way too much, emotionally. If it had just been physical, he knew he would be able to let it go, but that wasn't the way it was at all. The most physical they'd really gotten was kissing. It was so much more than that.
He sighed, trying to get his mind off her, something that he was having a hard time doing. Maybe he shouldn't have of invited her. Inwardly he knew that wouldn't solve the problem. They lived in the same town, went to the same school, and shared many of the same friends. He could either try to avoid her all the time or accept the fact that they would just have to deal with seeing each other every so often. Of course, there was no way he would admit that a part of him wanted to see her, wanted her to come to the party, wanted the chance to be with.
Well, she'd be there with Ramon and he'd be there with Allison. Yes, they were only friends, but he liked spending time with her. She was tough, not taking any flack from anyone, and she could be fun too.
In a way it was safe, because he knew, he knew deep down in his heart, something his mind was not yet willing to admit.
****
Mimi looked at herself in the mirror, combing her hair. Tonight was Philip's party and she was going. Was she out of her mind? She was going a party at his house and yet they didn't even speak to each other anymore. She was surprised that she'd even been invited, but Shawn and Belle were helping with the preparations, she supposed that might be one reason why. And of course he had invited Ramón too, the person she was attending with.
Oh, it all just made her head spin. Everything had been so simple when they had been in that tiny cabin together, just her and Philip, but it was useless to keep wishing for what couldn't be. She made her choice that night and now Philip couldn't stand her, as far as she could see. Sure, there had been that day in Dot Com, when just making contact with him had made her tingle inside, but after they had finished staring at each other he had totally ignored her, going back to Allison, laughing and joking.
Then there was that night too when she had seen him with Allison.
She had no right to complain, but she couldn't help it, she missed him. It was better to break things off completely though, right? He'd get over it and she'd get over him. He already seemed to be moving on with Allison. He'd forget about her.
Well, one way to deal with everything was to face it head on, she had been thinking lately. She couldn't completely avoid him. If she saw Philip with someone else maybe it would make everything easier. It wasn't ' not like she was going to be alone there tonight either. She was going with Ramon, as friends.
She thought about how he had made things easier for her, a little less painful. It was nice spending time with him. They had similar interests so it was easy to talk to him. He got her to get her mind off things, off certain people.
She finished combing her hair and started putting on her makeup. Belle had tried to get her to talk about what was going on with her and Philip, but Mimi did her best to avoid the subject. It was just too.
She had had crushes before, been in total infatuation with someone, kissed and gotten a little bit physical before, but with Philip.
She could let go right? She could stop falling in love with someone?
She didn't see that she was fooling herself and that the heart doesn't lie.
****
{Put the body in motion}
{Get up, get up, get up.}
Philip stood at the top of the stairs, watching as his guests came in, taking a drink time to time from a bottle of beer. Downstairs, the music was playing and all around there were teenagers having a great time. Brady was watching the bottom of the stairs, which made Philip chuckle. He looked like a guard down there, except when Chloe managed to coax him into dancing. Shawn was acting as bartender, looking like he was having a grand old time and Belle was keeping him company. Earlier, they had helped him get everything ready for the party, which seemed to be a huge success.
"Does the Lord of the Manor approve?"
Philip laughed, grinning at Allison as she slowly walked up the steps to meet him. "I just like watching everything from the top. I've done this since I was a kid, watching over everyone arriving, though it's a little more fun at this mansion. Usually it meant it was Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever. Now it's my party."
Allison moved over closer to him. "So, are you going to hide out here all night or are you going to come join the party?" She looked at him questioningly, teasingly, holding a wine cooler.
Philip took in what she was wearing, a black leather mini skirt, a short sleeved angora sweater and black boots, with her hair hanging down, curled. "I'll be down in a bit. You look good."
"Thank you. So do you. Now don't take too long. You might miss out on all the fun." She waved at him and then walked down the steps. Philip just took another drink of beer, watching the door silently, waiting.
****
Mimi walked towards the doors with Ramon, then stopped. Ramon looked back at her questioningly. "Miriam, what is it?"
Mimi looked up at him apprehensively then back at the house that looked so foreboding now, not because of its grandness, but because of who would be behind those doors. "Ramon." She started tentatively.
"Miriam, you not want to go? We not go then. Maybe it better." He started to take her arm to leave, but.
"No, I want to do this. I want to see my friends and I want to have fun with you tonight. I'm sorry I'm being so crazy. Let's just go."
"You sure?"
"Yes." She said decidedly and took his arm, leading him back to the front doors.
****
Philip did a double take from the top of the stairs. There she was and she looked.
{You walk by and I get weak in the knees
I get next to you and I get dizzy dizzy}
She was wearing black pants accented with a gold band around the waist, with a black leather jacket which she had just taken off, revealing a satiny gold colored tank top and her hair was falling in gorgeous waves around her face. He felt a little shaky as he stood there, using the railing of the steps to lean on. He took another long drink from his beer, wanting to show a calm demeanor.
****
Mimi looked all around, wondering where he was, then feeling as if she was being watched, she looked up, seeing him at the top of the stairs, coolly watching her.
{My head is spinning round and round
You've got me feeling like my feet aren't on the ground.}
He looked so good, dressed in black slacks, a satin black long sleeved shirt, the top buttons undone, his blond highlights shining, and the way he just stood there, leaning over the railing, taking lazy drinks of his beer. Just looking at him made her feel queasy.
{What is this power that you have over me}
She gratefully took the wine cooler Shawn offered her, smiling and talking to Belle, trying to forget that he was standing there.
He watched her, then turned.
{I get next to you and I get dizzy dizzy}
She looked up again. He was gone.
He started to make his way down the stairs slowly.
****
"I'm on guard Uncle Phil." Brady said with a little salute. Philip chuckled. He really was taking this job VERY seriously.
Chloe said "hi" then rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's behavior. Philip said "hi" back to her with a smile, then spoke to Brady.
"Brady, you know you're doing a great job and everything-"
"Of course I am. I'm John Black's son, ready to face any adventure, including the dreaded wild antics of high school students out of control."
Philip nearly laughed again at Brady's supreme seriousness, looking around at what he considered a pretty calm party. No one was definitely out of control.
"Oh brother." Chloe remarked in response to Brady's declaration.
Philip grinned at her, relieved that they could be in the same room now without any tension. Then he directed his attention back to Brady. "But you see Brady, you don't really have to stand guard anymore because I locked all the upstairs rooms so there's really no problem."
"Yes! Thank you Philip. See Brady, we can go enjoy the party now." Chloe said excitedly, giving Philip a quick grateful glance.
"All right, but if there's a problem, you just let me know Phil and I'll take care of it." Brady, a little reluctantly, walked off with Chloe.
Philip laughed again, shaking his head, then continued into the room.
"Shawn, I want to dance." Belle pouted.
"All right. Let me finish serving these drinks and we can show everyone how it's done." Shawn looked over at Philip making his way across the room. "Well, our host comes out of his hiding place!"
"Ah, knock it off Shawn. I was just checking to make sure everything was going all right."
"Hey Phil! Great party!"
Philip waved back to some of his friends.
"Well, here you are." Allison walked over, grinning.
Philip grinned back, wanting to get his mind off other things. "Hey Allison, want to dance?" He held out a friendly hand to her.
"Sure." She let him take her hand and they went to go dance.
"Okay Shawn, what is going on with Mimi and Philip?!" Belle asked her boyfriend with exasperation.
"Belle, calm down, though I'm wondering too. Have you managed to get anything out of Mimi?" Shawn asked his girlfriend who he was now dancing with to a Sugar Ray song.
"No, and I bet you didn't get anything out of Philip."
"You're right. He didn't say much."
"There she is with Ramon and he's with Allison, but they keep sneaking glances at each other. The worse thing is I haven't seen them talk to each other since that double date. What could have caused them to just stop talking to each other all together?"
Shawn shook his head with confusion. "I don't know Belle. I just don't know."
****
"Brady, you're probably going to be shocked I'm concerned about this, but I don't get Philip and Mimi. They don't even communicate with each other anymore." Chloe looked at Brady with concern from where they were snuggling up to each other near the stairs, since Brady had been unable to leave his post that long.
"I don't know Chloe. It's strange that they would just stop socializing with each other, especially since they seemed to be getting closer. They don't talk at all?"
"Not that I can see. I mean, I still don't like her, but I want Philip to be happy and he's hiding it well but-"
Brady finished for her. "He's hiding it, but he doesn't look happy. You're right. Actually, both of them don't.
****
{They say around the way you've asked for me}
{There's even talk about you wanting me}
"Oohh, Marc Anthony, you want to dance Ramon?"
"Si." Ramon took Mimi's hand and led her out to the dance floor, which was the living room. He started spinning her around expertly, getting cheers from the other people dancing. Soon, they cleared the way for Mimi and Ramon, since Ramon was fantastic at salsa and she was doing pretty good at following his steps.
{I must admit that's what I want to hear.
{but that's just talk until you take me there.}
Allison looked at Philip, able to tell he wasn't enjoying their dance. "Uh, Philip-"
Philip watched them, then turned his head in disgust. "I need another drink." He left to go get another beer.
Allison watched him leave, bewildered. What on earth was going on with these two?
{If it's true don't leave me all alone out here}
{Wondering if you're ever going to take me there}
{Tell me what you're feeling 'cause I need to know}
{Girl, you've got to let me know which way to go}
Philip opened up his beer and took one long drink, watching the dancing with unhappy eyes. Then he thought to himself, why get upset? This was the way she wanted it, then fine. He wasn't going to let himself be played for a fool. This was his party and he was going to enjoy it no matter what.
{Don't leave me all alone}
Mimi and Ramon finished their dance to applause. Then he surprised her by hugging her, holding her close. She looked over his shoulder at Philip watching her, noticing how he immediately took his eyes away from her the minute she started looking back at him. Then he moved closer to Allison, whispering in her ear. Dancing with Ramon had been nice and he was a wonderful dancer, better than Philip, technically anyway. But Mimi had so much more fun that night at the club when she danced with Philip. With Ramon it had seemed more for show and she just didn't enjoy it as much. Philip had some crazy moves, but he was fun, warm, silly, tender-
"Miriam, are you okay?" Ramon looked at Mimi with concern.
"Yeah, I'm alright. I just need a breather." Oh no, he probably didn't understand that. "I need to get something to drink." She looked at him. He looked good in blue pants and a matching shirt, but she just couldn't get her mind off.
"I get it for you." Ramon started to leave.
Mimi grabbed his arm, stopping him. "No, no that's okay. I'll get it myself."
Philip whispered in Allison's ear as a slow song came on. "Wanna dance?" He grinned at her.
She could tell he wasn't really drunk, just letting the liquor relax him more, trying to take away any signs of pain she supposed. It was no big deal. Sharing a dance would be harmless and she was interested in him, but she also wasn't dumb. He was hiding something about him and Mimi, something painful. "You're on Philip."
"Great." They walked out to the dance floor together and he held her a little close, kind of leaning on her as the words of the song began.
{It's amazing how you knock me off my feet}
{Every time you come around me I get weak}
Mimi came back with her drink, watching Philip and Allison dancing together, not knowing what to think. It was so hurtful watching him with someone else.
{You kiss my lips and then you take my breath away}
"Ramon, I need to go do something. I'll be right back."
"Miriam-"
She stopped him. "I just need some time." Then she disappeared through the crowd of dancers.
{I wish that I could take a journey through your mind}
{And find emotions you always try to hide.baby}
****
Mimi grabbed her black leather jacket from the hall closet and stepped outside.
****
Philip looked around from where he was still dancing with Allison. Where did she go?
****
Mimi walked into the dimly lit stables, the ground covered by hay, grateful for the warmth from the cold outside. She walked ahead, finally finding what she was looking for. She looked up at him, smiling sadly a little. "Hey, long time no see, huh?"
She moved up to the stall, visiting with one of her newest friends. He let out a sound of greeting.
"Well, at least you're still talking to me Poseidon."
She started petting him, feeling the horse move his head closer. She remembered when she first met him, how she had been scared of him, but she didn't feel that way anymore. It was his owner that scared her a little now, not because she thought he would do something to hurt her. It was just.it was like he.
"He hates me now Poseidon." Mimi whispered softly to the horse. "He absolutely hates me and I.I"
"You what?"
Mimi turned around in shock at the voice.
HIS voice.