The rather tall elf carefully covered his face as he slipped through the
crowd that populated the Kiriakis mansion. His soft green pants were at
least one size too small and the bottom hem was a good two to three inches
above his ankles. Atop his head was a childish cap with Christmas bells
attached that rang with each step he made.
Continuing to do his best to remain inconspicuous in his elf costume, the man walked across the heavily occupied room and approached the D.J. standing near the stereo system.
Walking by the oversized elf, Zach paid no actual attention to him. His gaze was focused solely on a leggy blonde across the room that happened to be wearing a rather revealing costume that made Zach's heart beat just a little faster.
He was unable to see her face, but if it was half as beautiful as the rest of her, Zach wouldn't be complaining - not by a long shot. Being the self- assured guy that he was, Zachary Wesley was not the least bit intimidated by the small group of young men who had already surrounded the blonde beauty. It never crossed his mind that a girl he really wanted would ever reject him. That was absurd.
As eerie Halloween music blared from all corners of the room, Zach closed the distance between himself and the girl. When he was standing directly behind the blonde, Zach reached one arm in front of her with a cup of punch grasped by his hand.
In his most charming tone of voice, Zach greeted, "If you're feeling half as hot as you're looking, some cool punch may be just what you need."
The young woman froze as Zach's feathery soft words floated to her ears. It seemed as if all the oxygen suddenly disappeared from the room, leaving her in quite a breathless state. After somehow finding the strength to take a deep breath, the young woman turned to face Zach as she pushed the proffered drink away.
"No thanks, Zach. I really don't want anything from you."
In that moment, Zach lost all of his usual composure as his jaw dropped in a cartoon-like manner and his eyes became almost abnormally wide. After several attempts to speak, Zach finally managed to stutter, "Erin . . . ?"
"Actually, I'm Tinkerbelle tonight."
Zach's brow wrinkled in confusion as he tried to comprehend the mild hostility in Erin's voice. Why on earth would Jason's baby sister be mad at him? And, more importantly, when did Jason's baby sister turn into such a sexy young woman?
Extending the plastic cup once more, Zach asked, "You sure you're not thirsty?"
"Yeah, Zach, I'm sure. So, why don't you just go along and find some pretty girl to flirt with?"
Sitting the drink down on a nearby table, Zach questioned rather loudly, "What's that suppose to mean?" When Erin refused to give him an answer, Zach did a compete turnaround and threw himself back in the role of Jason's best friend. "Has your brother seen what you're wearing?"
"No," Erin replied with her usual meekness as she lowered her eyes to the floor.
"Yeah, I didn't think he had. Because, there's no way Jason would ever let you go out in public like that."
"Like what?"
"Come on, Erin. You know what I'm talking about. Jase would have a heart attack if he saw you revealing more skin than some hooker."
"Hello!" Erin exploded. "He's in love with a girl who showed up as a hooker! Wouldn't that be like the pot calling the kettle black?"
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Just after Zach discreetly led, or more correctly dragged, Erin into the foyer and up the staircase, the music filling the living room suddenly came to a stop.
As a room full of teenagers turned to glare at the D.J., he announced, "We have a very special, very unique request." Having the entire room's attention, he continued, "A few minutes ago a pretty screwed up elf came up here and handed me a C.D. with a song that he wanted to dedicate to a couple of crazy kids. So, can we clear out some dancing space for the lovebirds?"
While a light murmuring buzzed throughout the room and the teens formed a circle around the living room, the D.J. said, "Okay, I need a fellow by the name of Jason Masters to step forward and a pretty little thing named Mimi Lockhart."
From her place at Jeremy's side, Mimi turned to give Jason a dirty glare for requesting the mystery song, but she stopped herself from doing so when she caught the genuinely confused look on the athlete's face. It was obvious that he had no idea what song had been requested or by who.
At that moment, Shawn and Belle finally made their appearance to the party after finishing a romantic dinner for two in the pool house. Making their way through the crowd of teenagers, they reached Philip, Brady and Chloe.
"What's going on?" Shawn asked as he watched Jason slowly walk to the center of the room. After some slight encouraging from Jeremy, Mimi followed.
Chloe replied, "Someone requested a song for Jason and Mimi. But, I don't think anyone knows who. The D.J. just said it was some elf."
"You two ready?" the D.J. questioned with an amused smile. After receiving two very faint nods, he allowed the requested song to blare through the speakers and fill the room.
"Oh. My. God," gasped Belle before using her hand to cover her mouth and the laughter that threatened to escape as she recognized the catchy tune.
Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight
Taking Mimi's hand, Jason quickly pulled her to him and grumbled, "Devereaux. It had to be Jack Devereaux."
My motto's always been 'when it's right, it's right'
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night?
When everything's a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be there any way
"This is so totally embarrassing," mumbled Mimi as she attempted to not notice the crowd of people watching her every move. "I mean, I'm dressed up like a call girl dancing with you to some old song that's way too catchy."
"Hey, Mimi . . . "
"Yeah?"
"Just shut-up and enjoy the dance. Don't worry, you'll be back in Horton's arms in just a few minutes."
Having no response to Jason's comment, Mimi kept silent and opted to merely follow Jason's lead.
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ignite
And the thought of lovin' you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Watching her two friends, Belle quietly asked, "Anyone know what exactly is going on with those two?"
Philip and Shawn shared an almost guilty look with one another as they recalled a recent conversation with Jason. Even though Mimi did not yet know, Jason was definitely falling in love with her. He had already confessed it to his oldest pals, and it was only a matter of time before he let Mimi in on the secret.
Shaking his head, Philip answered, "Nope, not a clue."
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn't bite
But you've got some bait a waitin' and I think I might try nibbling
A little afternoon delight
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Jeremy suddenly felt someone lay a hand on his shoulder and hiss, "This is all your fault. If you were a real man you wouldn't just stand here and let Jason steal your girl away from you."
Turning to face Jan, Jeremy quietly responded, "And, if you were a lady, you wouldn't have led the poor guy on and dumped him so you could cheapen yourself with countless football players."
Noticing the shocked expression on his companion's face, Jeremy said, "What? I'm dating Mimi and have more a relative or two going to school with you. How could I not hear about what an evil girl you supposedly are?"
Jan had no response for Jeremy. Instead, she stomped her foot on the floor and stormed away to join a basketball player at the refreshment table.
Please be waiting for me, baby, when I come around
We could make a lot of lovin' 'for the sun goes down
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ignite
And the thought of lovin' you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight!
As the song came to an end, Jason reluctantly let go of Mimi's hands and took a hesitant step away from her. With a cocky smile he said, "See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No, I guess not," answered Mimi with a sincere smile and a laugh.
Several feet away, Philip watched the couple with eyes that held the faintest signs of envy. Turning his head to his right, Philip was greeted with the sight of Shawn and Belle whispering in each other's ears. On the other side of the happy couple, Brady and Chloe were beginning to separate themselves from the crowd so they could have a few moments alone in the corner.
Unable to take any more of the sweet and lovely couples, Philip set down his cup and slowly walked out to the garden.
As Philip disappeared out the doors and into the cool October night, Brady pulled Chloe quite close and whispered, "Just making sure that we look convincing."
While Brady laid a gently kiss on her temple, Chloe breathlessly responded, "Yeah, we've, um, got to be convincing."
"Oh, by the way, I thought you might want to know that we officially have a wedding date and that the planner said that everything should be taken care of. All you have to do is pick out a dress, and we'll be ready to dance down the aisle."
Though the butterflies were swarming around her stomach, Chloe calmly asked with forced casualness, "So, when exactly is our wedding?"
As though he were saying nothing surprising or shocking, Brady answered, "This Friday."
"Brady, please tell me that you're joking."
"Chloe, you should know that I would never joke about something as important as our wedding," replied Brady with a smirk.
Shaking her head, Chloe responded, "Today is Tuesday. How can we possibly get married on Friday? I have to pick out a gown, decide how to wear my hair, have my nails done . . ."
Laughing, Brady pulled his fiancée to him and said, "Chloe, just breathe, okay? Trust me, this will all work out just fine. I promise."
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Philip crossed his arms over his chest as a cool breeze brushed against his tired body. It wasn't that he didn't feel happiness for his friends and their love, because he did. The problem was that the obvious joy of all his pals only amplified his own loneliness.
For so very long, Philip had told himself that he was the one and only person who could make Chloe Lane happy. He had convinced himself that she was the girl he was meant to love. And, the only thing worse than being lied to by someone else is being lied to by yourself.
Strolling through the garden with the moonlight and white Christmas-like lights his only guide, Philip realized that he had to get himself out of the rut that he had fallen into after his breakup with Chloe. He knew that he was in a deep hole and had to find a way out.
Taking off his Aladdin cap, Philip careless tossed it onto a nearby stone bench. He glanced up at the starry sky and allowed the music from inside to drift to his ears. Philip searched the sky for some answer to his problems. He yearned for a sign from above.
Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had the taste for danger
Hearing a very faint rustling to his left, Philip turned to find a sign that he never would have expected. She was ironically dressed in the sheer costume of a genie or perhaps a belly dancer. The thin blue material that fell before her face and matched the rest of her dainty outfit.
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger
Philip was standing too far away from the beautiful stranger to see the exact color of her obviously dark eyes that hid below the see-through material, but he felt certain that they were as beautiful as the rest of the brunette. His eyes drifting down to her exposed navel, Philip found himself oddly attracted to the belly button ring that glimmered in the moonlight. He instantly wondered if it was real or if it was merely a part of the costume.
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song
Lifting the mysterious veil from her face, Philip's companion shocked him by smiling almost wickedly. He had a feeling that her eyes honestly twinkled with mischievousness.
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
Philip found himself physically unable to tear his eyes away from the beauty standing a few yards from him in the garden. The seconds ticked by, but Philip made no moves to get any closer to her. He was perfectly content to merely watch her and her troublesome smile as the music washed over the both of them.
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Haven't you heard
I fell in love with a beautiful stranger
I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you
Just as Philip was about to finally approach the enchantress, he heard his name being called from the patio doors. He instinctively turned to look in the direction of the voice. He sighed with frustration as he saw Jason approaching to ruin the moment.
As his friend reached his side, Philip discreetly whispered, "Just give me a few minutes alone with her, Jase. That's all I'm asking for, pal. I think there's something . . . hell, I don't know. I think there's some attraction between us, and she feels it, too."
Jason's eyes were filled with both amusement and confusion as he glanced past his pal. Returning his gaze to Philip, Jason smirked and asked, "A real animal attraction, huh?"
"Jason," hissed Philip. "I'm not joking about this."
The confusion becoming more prevalent than the amusement, Jason said, "Phil, I don't know what's going on with you, but if you're attracted to that squirrel, you're more screwed up than any of us thought."
Quickly spinning on his heels, Philip turned to find the mysterious genie gone. The only other creature in the garden was a brown squirrel that sat staring at Philip from the stone bench. Returning his gaze to Jason, Philip could only ask, "Where'd she go?"
Continuing to do his best to remain inconspicuous in his elf costume, the man walked across the heavily occupied room and approached the D.J. standing near the stereo system.
Walking by the oversized elf, Zach paid no actual attention to him. His gaze was focused solely on a leggy blonde across the room that happened to be wearing a rather revealing costume that made Zach's heart beat just a little faster.
He was unable to see her face, but if it was half as beautiful as the rest of her, Zach wouldn't be complaining - not by a long shot. Being the self- assured guy that he was, Zachary Wesley was not the least bit intimidated by the small group of young men who had already surrounded the blonde beauty. It never crossed his mind that a girl he really wanted would ever reject him. That was absurd.
As eerie Halloween music blared from all corners of the room, Zach closed the distance between himself and the girl. When he was standing directly behind the blonde, Zach reached one arm in front of her with a cup of punch grasped by his hand.
In his most charming tone of voice, Zach greeted, "If you're feeling half as hot as you're looking, some cool punch may be just what you need."
The young woman froze as Zach's feathery soft words floated to her ears. It seemed as if all the oxygen suddenly disappeared from the room, leaving her in quite a breathless state. After somehow finding the strength to take a deep breath, the young woman turned to face Zach as she pushed the proffered drink away.
"No thanks, Zach. I really don't want anything from you."
In that moment, Zach lost all of his usual composure as his jaw dropped in a cartoon-like manner and his eyes became almost abnormally wide. After several attempts to speak, Zach finally managed to stutter, "Erin . . . ?"
"Actually, I'm Tinkerbelle tonight."
Zach's brow wrinkled in confusion as he tried to comprehend the mild hostility in Erin's voice. Why on earth would Jason's baby sister be mad at him? And, more importantly, when did Jason's baby sister turn into such a sexy young woman?
Extending the plastic cup once more, Zach asked, "You sure you're not thirsty?"
"Yeah, Zach, I'm sure. So, why don't you just go along and find some pretty girl to flirt with?"
Sitting the drink down on a nearby table, Zach questioned rather loudly, "What's that suppose to mean?" When Erin refused to give him an answer, Zach did a compete turnaround and threw himself back in the role of Jason's best friend. "Has your brother seen what you're wearing?"
"No," Erin replied with her usual meekness as she lowered her eyes to the floor.
"Yeah, I didn't think he had. Because, there's no way Jason would ever let you go out in public like that."
"Like what?"
"Come on, Erin. You know what I'm talking about. Jase would have a heart attack if he saw you revealing more skin than some hooker."
"Hello!" Erin exploded. "He's in love with a girl who showed up as a hooker! Wouldn't that be like the pot calling the kettle black?"
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Just after Zach discreetly led, or more correctly dragged, Erin into the foyer and up the staircase, the music filling the living room suddenly came to a stop.
As a room full of teenagers turned to glare at the D.J., he announced, "We have a very special, very unique request." Having the entire room's attention, he continued, "A few minutes ago a pretty screwed up elf came up here and handed me a C.D. with a song that he wanted to dedicate to a couple of crazy kids. So, can we clear out some dancing space for the lovebirds?"
While a light murmuring buzzed throughout the room and the teens formed a circle around the living room, the D.J. said, "Okay, I need a fellow by the name of Jason Masters to step forward and a pretty little thing named Mimi Lockhart."
From her place at Jeremy's side, Mimi turned to give Jason a dirty glare for requesting the mystery song, but she stopped herself from doing so when she caught the genuinely confused look on the athlete's face. It was obvious that he had no idea what song had been requested or by who.
At that moment, Shawn and Belle finally made their appearance to the party after finishing a romantic dinner for two in the pool house. Making their way through the crowd of teenagers, they reached Philip, Brady and Chloe.
"What's going on?" Shawn asked as he watched Jason slowly walk to the center of the room. After some slight encouraging from Jeremy, Mimi followed.
Chloe replied, "Someone requested a song for Jason and Mimi. But, I don't think anyone knows who. The D.J. just said it was some elf."
"You two ready?" the D.J. questioned with an amused smile. After receiving two very faint nods, he allowed the requested song to blare through the speakers and fill the room.
"Oh. My. God," gasped Belle before using her hand to cover her mouth and the laughter that threatened to escape as she recognized the catchy tune.
Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight
Taking Mimi's hand, Jason quickly pulled her to him and grumbled, "Devereaux. It had to be Jack Devereaux."
My motto's always been 'when it's right, it's right'
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night?
When everything's a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be there any way
"This is so totally embarrassing," mumbled Mimi as she attempted to not notice the crowd of people watching her every move. "I mean, I'm dressed up like a call girl dancing with you to some old song that's way too catchy."
"Hey, Mimi . . . "
"Yeah?"
"Just shut-up and enjoy the dance. Don't worry, you'll be back in Horton's arms in just a few minutes."
Having no response to Jason's comment, Mimi kept silent and opted to merely follow Jason's lead.
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ignite
And the thought of lovin' you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Watching her two friends, Belle quietly asked, "Anyone know what exactly is going on with those two?"
Philip and Shawn shared an almost guilty look with one another as they recalled a recent conversation with Jason. Even though Mimi did not yet know, Jason was definitely falling in love with her. He had already confessed it to his oldest pals, and it was only a matter of time before he let Mimi in on the secret.
Shaking his head, Philip answered, "Nope, not a clue."
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn't bite
But you've got some bait a waitin' and I think I might try nibbling
A little afternoon delight
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Jeremy suddenly felt someone lay a hand on his shoulder and hiss, "This is all your fault. If you were a real man you wouldn't just stand here and let Jason steal your girl away from you."
Turning to face Jan, Jeremy quietly responded, "And, if you were a lady, you wouldn't have led the poor guy on and dumped him so you could cheapen yourself with countless football players."
Noticing the shocked expression on his companion's face, Jeremy said, "What? I'm dating Mimi and have more a relative or two going to school with you. How could I not hear about what an evil girl you supposedly are?"
Jan had no response for Jeremy. Instead, she stomped her foot on the floor and stormed away to join a basketball player at the refreshment table.
Please be waiting for me, baby, when I come around
We could make a lot of lovin' 'for the sun goes down
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ignite
And the thought of lovin' you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight!
As the song came to an end, Jason reluctantly let go of Mimi's hands and took a hesitant step away from her. With a cocky smile he said, "See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No, I guess not," answered Mimi with a sincere smile and a laugh.
Several feet away, Philip watched the couple with eyes that held the faintest signs of envy. Turning his head to his right, Philip was greeted with the sight of Shawn and Belle whispering in each other's ears. On the other side of the happy couple, Brady and Chloe were beginning to separate themselves from the crowd so they could have a few moments alone in the corner.
Unable to take any more of the sweet and lovely couples, Philip set down his cup and slowly walked out to the garden.
As Philip disappeared out the doors and into the cool October night, Brady pulled Chloe quite close and whispered, "Just making sure that we look convincing."
While Brady laid a gently kiss on her temple, Chloe breathlessly responded, "Yeah, we've, um, got to be convincing."
"Oh, by the way, I thought you might want to know that we officially have a wedding date and that the planner said that everything should be taken care of. All you have to do is pick out a dress, and we'll be ready to dance down the aisle."
Though the butterflies were swarming around her stomach, Chloe calmly asked with forced casualness, "So, when exactly is our wedding?"
As though he were saying nothing surprising or shocking, Brady answered, "This Friday."
"Brady, please tell me that you're joking."
"Chloe, you should know that I would never joke about something as important as our wedding," replied Brady with a smirk.
Shaking her head, Chloe responded, "Today is Tuesday. How can we possibly get married on Friday? I have to pick out a gown, decide how to wear my hair, have my nails done . . ."
Laughing, Brady pulled his fiancée to him and said, "Chloe, just breathe, okay? Trust me, this will all work out just fine. I promise."
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Philip crossed his arms over his chest as a cool breeze brushed against his tired body. It wasn't that he didn't feel happiness for his friends and their love, because he did. The problem was that the obvious joy of all his pals only amplified his own loneliness.
For so very long, Philip had told himself that he was the one and only person who could make Chloe Lane happy. He had convinced himself that she was the girl he was meant to love. And, the only thing worse than being lied to by someone else is being lied to by yourself.
Strolling through the garden with the moonlight and white Christmas-like lights his only guide, Philip realized that he had to get himself out of the rut that he had fallen into after his breakup with Chloe. He knew that he was in a deep hole and had to find a way out.
Taking off his Aladdin cap, Philip careless tossed it onto a nearby stone bench. He glanced up at the starry sky and allowed the music from inside to drift to his ears. Philip searched the sky for some answer to his problems. He yearned for a sign from above.
Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had the taste for danger
Hearing a very faint rustling to his left, Philip turned to find a sign that he never would have expected. She was ironically dressed in the sheer costume of a genie or perhaps a belly dancer. The thin blue material that fell before her face and matched the rest of her dainty outfit.
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger
Philip was standing too far away from the beautiful stranger to see the exact color of her obviously dark eyes that hid below the see-through material, but he felt certain that they were as beautiful as the rest of the brunette. His eyes drifting down to her exposed navel, Philip found himself oddly attracted to the belly button ring that glimmered in the moonlight. He instantly wondered if it was real or if it was merely a part of the costume.
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song
Lifting the mysterious veil from her face, Philip's companion shocked him by smiling almost wickedly. He had a feeling that her eyes honestly twinkled with mischievousness.
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
Philip found himself physically unable to tear his eyes away from the beauty standing a few yards from him in the garden. The seconds ticked by, but Philip made no moves to get any closer to her. He was perfectly content to merely watch her and her troublesome smile as the music washed over the both of them.
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Haven't you heard
I fell in love with a beautiful stranger
I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you
Just as Philip was about to finally approach the enchantress, he heard his name being called from the patio doors. He instinctively turned to look in the direction of the voice. He sighed with frustration as he saw Jason approaching to ruin the moment.
As his friend reached his side, Philip discreetly whispered, "Just give me a few minutes alone with her, Jase. That's all I'm asking for, pal. I think there's something . . . hell, I don't know. I think there's some attraction between us, and she feels it, too."
Jason's eyes were filled with both amusement and confusion as he glanced past his pal. Returning his gaze to Philip, Jason smirked and asked, "A real animal attraction, huh?"
"Jason," hissed Philip. "I'm not joking about this."
The confusion becoming more prevalent than the amusement, Jason said, "Phil, I don't know what's going on with you, but if you're attracted to that squirrel, you're more screwed up than any of us thought."
Quickly spinning on his heels, Philip turned to find the mysterious genie gone. The only other creature in the garden was a brown squirrel that sat staring at Philip from the stone bench. Returning his gaze to Jason, Philip could only ask, "Where'd she go?"