Zachary Wesley quickly scanned the hallways of Salem High as he made his grand entrance. There was a fellow student that Zach definitely needed to have a little chat with - immediately.

Passing by a group of cheerleaders, Zach offered them one of his charming smiles but did not slow down as he walked by the girls. He was on a mission and not even cute, curvaceous blondes in short skirts could sidetrack him.

Continuing down the hallway, Zach rolled his eyes as he caught a glimpse of Shawn and Belle flirting. A rather direct person, Zach had a hard time understanding what had taken the two lovebirds so long to get together. Of course, after being stuck with the two for a week in the woodlands, Zach wasn't sure he could stomach knowing any more about the two. Being forced to see Shawn in nothing but his heart boxers had pushed Zach to his limit. After that little adventure, Zach never planned to share a tent with anyone again.

Shaking away the thoughts of entering the tent as Shawn was dressing, Zach continued to scour the halls. However, his search was delayed when someone came around the corner too fast and harshly ran into him. If not for Zach quickly grabbing the girl's waist, she surely would have fallen to the ground.

Taking a brief look at the rather nerdy girl, Zach released her waist, and muttered, "Oh, hi, Erin."

Erin adjusted her glasses and avoided eye contact with Zach as she responded in a near whisper, "Hi, Zach. So, um, how was the trip? Did you have . . . um, well, did you enjoy the trip?"

Zach stopped scanning the halls and returned his attention to the petite blonde avoiding his gaze. Having practically been ignoring the girl, Zach distractedly asked, "What? Did you say something?"

Disappointment washing over her, Erin quietly answered, "No, nothing at all." Turning away from Zach, she added, "I have to go now."

"Bye," mumbled Zach as searched the hallway for the person he needed to threaten.

Spotting the male at the opposite end of the hallway, Zach released a frustrated breath and stalked toward his athletic classmate. Reviving the attitude that had served him so well in Chicago, Zach called out, "Kiriakis!"

Turning away from Jason, Philip asked, "Yeah?"

"Why don't you finish your conversation with Jason later. He and I need to have a little chat."

Philip was made slightly uneasy by the pure lack of amiableness in Zach's voice. After sharing a confused look with Jason, Philip responded, "Yeah, sure. I needed to talk to Shawn anyway."

As soon as Philip was a safe distance away, Zach coldly stated, "I know who you were with last night, so you might as well admit it."

Jason flashed his friend a weak smile and responded, "I don't know what you're talking about, pal. You must have been out in the sun too long on that school trip."

His voice gaining no warmth, Zach replied, "Yeah, right. Look, Jason, I know that you were with her last night, so don't bother lying to me. Just be honest."

Glancing around to make sure no one was within listening distance, Jason grumpily confessed, "Fine, I admit it. Okay? I was out on a date with Susan last night. Happy now?"

Zach rolled his eyes and heatedly responded, "Enough of the jokes, Jason. I know that you and Chloe have something going on, so don't bother making up unbelievable lies." Before Jason could even begin to deny the comments, Zach continued, "I'll admit it - it took me a while to figure out you were her mystery guy."

"But . . . ."

Holding up his hand as a sign for Jason to be quiet, Zach continued, "When the flowers first started coming to the house everyday, I just assumed it was Philly-boy. Then, after I really stopped to think about it, I realized that it couldn't be Kiriakis. If he and Chloe wanted to be together, they wouldn't have broken up to begin with."

"Yeah, but . . ."

"So," continued Zach as he ignored Jason's attempts to intervene. "I came to the conclusion that it was Shawn. And, for a while, that scenario made perfect sense. After all, the first time I saw the guy, he was entering the school with Chloe on his arm. And, if Shawn was Chloe's mystery man, it would have explained why he didn't ask Belle out. But, then, he did ask Belle out, and they've become the two most sappiest people I know."

"What does . . . "

Continuing to ignore Jason's attempts to interrupt, Zach said, "Then, this morning, everything became clear. You see, Chloe wasn't at the house when I got home last night, and Craig and Nancy wouldn't say a word about it. Chloe didn't even get back home until this morning. Now, since I tried to call you last night on the way back to Salem, I know you weren't home either. So, I've finally realized that you, Jason, are sleeping with Chloe."

Stopping a few feet away from the boys, Penelope's cheeks turned a bright shade of red as she attempted to not stare at Zach or Jason. Before quickly turning away from the two young men, she hurriedly mumbled, "Um, Zach, you said you needed the notes you missed in Mr. Dyers class, but I think I'll just give them to you later."

With wide eyes, Jason watched Penelope scurry away. He was only thankful that she was too shy to actually tell anyone the nonsense Zach was spouting.

Going on with his rant as though he had never been interrupted, Zach concluded, "I don't really have any family in this town other than Craig. And, even though I've only lived here since the end of August, I've already started to think of Chloe as a true member of my family. And, I swear to you, if you hurt her or get her into any kind of trouble, I will forget we were ever friends and have some of my old pals from the city beat you into a bloody pulp. Are we clear?"

Disbelief controlling him, Jason wasn't quite sure how to respond. And, as he merely stood there in near shock, Zach smiled at him cheerfully, punched his arm, and said, "I'm glad we could have this little talk. I feel much better now."

As his best friend walked away, Jason muttered, "Nice to know one of us does."

Feeling that he had satisfactorily warned Jason to be on his best behavior with Chloe, Zach decided to join Shawn, Belle, and Philip. Approaching the trio, Zach greeted, "Ah, good morning."

Nodding his head in Jason's direction, Philip asked, "What was up with that?"

"Don't worry about it. Jason and I just had to straighten a few things out, but it's cool now."

Forever the sunshine of the group, Belle exclaimed, "I don't know about you guys, but I am so glad to be back to school! Can you imagine all the gossip we've missed?"

Lightly slapping Philip's arm, Shawn mocked, "Yeah, Phil, can you imagine how much gossip we've missed? I just can't wait until we get to talk to Hawk. He'll have to give us the scoop about . . . "

Bumping her body against Shawn's athletic figure, Belle said, "Oh, be quiet." Smiling her usual bright smile, Belle said, "I can hardly wait until the costume party. It's going to be so much fun!"

"Yeah," replied Shawn with a smile of his own. "I'm actually picking our costumes up after school today."

"What are you guys coming as?" Philip questioned.

Just as Shawn opened his mouth, Belle placed her hand over his lips and said, "It's a surprise. What about you?"

"Hey, now. If you won't share, why should I?"

Having recovered from the shock of Zach believing he was Chloe's lover, Jason decided he might as well join his pals. Mere seconds after he walked over to his friends, Mimi hurriedly approached the group.

"Oh, my God! I have some majorly big news to tell you guys. I'm talking big!"

Smirking, Philip said to Shawn, "Looks like we won't have to talk to Hawk after all. Meems is going to give us the scoop."

Belle attempted to not laugh at her friends' antics as she questioned, "What's the big news, Mimi?"

"Chloe's pregnant!" Mimi exclaimed just as Chloe approached the gang from the hallway Mimi had her back facing.

Her jaw practically dropping to the floor, Chloe wondered if she should strangle Mimi Lockhart before or after she ran over her with Zach's car. However, Chloe had little time to think about her revenge tactics, because chaos immediately took control of the gang.

Giving Jason a rough push, Zach angrily yelled, "What did I tell you not five minutes ago? Did you listen to me? Nah, you just had to go and knock Chloe up!"

Jason tossed Zach a displeased glare and commented, "Hey, Zach . . . shut- up!"

Shawn's eyes were wide with disbelief as he questioned, "You and Chloe got together?" After a brief pause that involved a short amount of thought, Shawn continued, "But, I thought you had the hots for . . ."

Pointing to Shawn in an almost accusing manner, Jason interrupted, "You shut-up, too." Directing his extended index finger to Chloe, Jason continued his tirade, "And, you! I told you this would happen! That day I caught the two of you going at it on my bed! I said this would happen if you guys kept it up."

As Philip merely stared at Chloe with sad eyes, Belle remarked, "Wait! If Jason isn't the father . . ."Slowly turning to look at Philip, Belle smiled brightly before pulling him into a hug. "Oh. My. God. I'm so happy for you, Philip! You're going to be a dad!"

"Not quite," responded Philip as he gently removed Belle's arms from his neck.

Confused by Philip's remark, Belle slowly questioned, "Well, if you aren't the father who is? I mean, who is Chloe really close . . ." With languid motions, Belle turned to face Shawn. "Oh, God, Shawn. Please, tell me that you didn't have sex with Chloe." Giving her beloved no time to deny the ridiculous accusations, Belle assumed, "You did, didn't you? I can't believe this! It was probably that day I caught the two of you together at your house. I knew something happened - I just knew."

Forcefully grabbing Belle's arms, Shawn smiled and said, "Belle, honey, listen to me for just a second. I have never had sex with Chloe. We're just friends. I promise you that."

To herself, Chloe muttered, "What? Does everyone think that I've slept with the entire basketball team?"

Waving her hands dramatically, Mimi practically screamed, "Hello?!? Remember me? If you want to know who the father of Chloe's baby is, I'll tell you."

Realizing that nothing on earth could stop Mimi Lockhart from sharing juicy gossip, Chloe merely covered her eyes with her hands and began to wonder why she ever got out of Brady's bed.

"The father of Chloe's baby is . . . . the man she's going to marry!" Mimi gleefully announced, happy to have everyone's full attention. However, Jason already knew the name of Chloe's mystery man, and Philip did, too - whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Looking past Mimi, Belle gently asked, "Chloe, you're getting married?"

Stepping forward, Chloe pushed past Mimi and sent her a dirty glare. Turning her attention to Belle, Chloe meekly answered, "Yes, I'm getting married."

"To who?"

Unable to break eye contact with her friend, Chloe whispered, "Your brother."

Belle gasped softly and stared at Chloe with weepy eyes. A light smile beginning to form on her lips, Belle questioned, "You're going to marry Brady?"

Lifting up her left hand to display the engagement ring, Chloe nodded and answered, "It looks that way."

Releasing a happy squeal, Belle quickly pulled Chloe into a hug. Eventually pulling away from her friend, Belle rapidly said, "This is so exciting! One of my best friends is marrying my brother! And, oh, my God! You guys are going to have a baby." Turning to Shawn, Belle gleefully said, "I'm going to be an aunt!"

"No!" Chloe loudly exclaimed. "No one is going to be an aunt, because no one is going to have a baby."

Nearly snorting, Mimi remarked, "Whatever, Chloe. I heard your mom and Doctor Wesley talking."

Casually tossing Mimi yet another dirty look, Chloe explained, "Brady and I only told my mom and Craig that I was pregnant so they would let us get married."

A memory from earlier that morning popping into her head, Belle looked directly at Chloe and asked, "You were at the penthouse last night weren't you?" When Chloe merely avoided her gaze, Belle exclaimed, "I knew that I heard Brady's bedroom door shut really early this morning. But, when I went to his room, his was still sound asleep in bed."

Practically grinning like a fool, Shawn teased, "Well, Chloe, I know you took sex ed, but I feel I should just remind you that if you and Brady keep it up with these little sleepovers, that lie you told you folks just might turn out to be the truth.

The shrill ringing of the bell saved Chloe from any further embarrassment. As the gang slowly walked away, Chloe reached out and grabbed Jason's sleeve. Almost timidly, she asked, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"We're going to be late for class."

"It's important, Jason."

With a clenched jaw, Jason replied, "Fine."

"I don't know what it is that Brady was holding over your head. And, I don't want to know, because it really isn't any of my business. I just wanted to tell you that you wouldn't ever have to worry about Brady telling anyone whatever it is that he knows. Whatever your secret is, it's safe. I promise."

Muttering words he hated to even speak, Jason replied, "Thank you."

Eager for the tense moment to be over, Chloe attempted to appear cheerful as she said, "So, I guess we should go to class, huh?"

~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~

As first period droned on endlessly, the teens became increasingly restless. Mimi couldn't seem to pay attention to Mr. Woods because her eyes kept drifting to where Jason was sitting. For the millionth time since school started, Mimi cursed herself for not having sat where Penelope was sitting. If she had, she would be sitting right beside Jason instead of having a desk between them.

In front of Mimi, Philip was slumped down in his seat. As he nervously tapped his pen against the surface of his desk, he willed himself to not look at Chloe. He honestly didn't want to feel the anger that practically boiled below his calm exterior - but he did. The hurt and resentment were there whether he liked it or not. And, as he was finally forced to give up any hopes of reconciling with his first love, Philip slowly closed his eyes and pushed back the tears.

Belle sat in front of Philip and portrayed a completely different emotion. Practically jittering out of her seat, Belle happily smiled at Chloe, then Shawn, then anyone else who happened to look in her direction. For the first time in a long time, Belle felt as though she really did have a perfect life. Chloe and Brady were going to get married. Shawn had finally asked her out and would be escorting her to Philip's costume party. Attempting to pretend to pay attention to her teacher, Belle wondered just how she would do her hair for the costume party.

To Belle's right was Kevin Lambert. Though a very intelligent individual, Kevin found himself thoroughly confused. Just the night before, he had seen his Susan at Dotcom with that conceded jock Jason Masters. And, though the two had appeared to enjoy each other's company while inside, Kevin could have sworn that he saw them arguing the moment they stepped outside. Then, on top of his personal confusions, Kevin found himself perplexed by the fact that a supposedly single Chloe Lane was sporting a dazzling diamond on her ring finger. Shaking his head, Kevin opted to overlook the strange behavior of his fellow teens.

From his desk behind Kevin, Zach was using his own pencil and the one he had "borrowed" from Penelope to drum on his desk. Usually, he slept right through first period. However, there were just too many things plaguing his mind to let him rest. First, he still needed to decide on a costume for the party that would be the following night. Then, there was the fact that he had just discovered Chloe would be getting married. Did that mean he would finally get her bedroom?

Diagonally behind Zach, Jason was also getting rather bored. And, as his boredom became unbearable, Jason began to play with Chloe's hair. He was rather surprised when she didn't turn around and tell him to stop. As he sat there gently twisting Chloe's hair, Jason recalled the first day of school and the way he and Chloe had almost acted like friends. He wondered if that could amicable feeling could be recaptured. More importantly, he wondered if it would be possible to recapture the way he had made Mimi feel when she had fallen on top of him when he was wearing only that towel. Smirking to himself, Jason realized that there was only one way to find out.

As Jason did God only knows what to her hair, Chloe nervously bit her lip. Though almost thirty minutes had passed since the revelation in the hallway, Chloe's heart was still beating rapidly. She was beginning to realize just how complex her own life had become. As Mr. Woods' voice became nothing but a distant murmur, Chloe's mind flashed back to how divine it felt to wake up in a bed with Brady. Of course, Chloe chose to forget the fact that there had been nearly two feet separating their fully clothed bodies as they slept. She merely wanted to remember how peaceful Brady had looked while sleeping.

And, in the desk in front of Chloe, Shawn sat. With a carefree grin on his face, Shawn alternated between looking at Belle and imagining how special the costume party would be. Sure, Halloween wasn't the most romantic of holidays, but Shawn planned to make it a night Belle would never forget.

For that matter, it would prove to be a night that none of the teens would forget.