The early November sun glistened off the shiny metallic silver paint on
Philip's 2001 Firebird. Like a skilled surgeon wielding his medical
instruments, Philip meticulously used a soft cloth to wash his car.
Under normal circumstances one of the many Kiriakis servants would be carefully cleaning the young heir's convertible. However, considering all the distressing thoughts that were attacking his mind, Philip was more than happy to accept even the smallest of distractions. It seemed as if each passing day presented him with a new emotional challenge. And, today had been no different.
As Philip had been sitting at the breakfast table that morning, his father had sprung the news on him. Looking back Philip knew that he should have been curious when Nicole had willingly made herself scarce.
Philip had only been halfway through his meal when Victor announced his plans to marry Nicole – plans that made Philip anything but happy. Though he had finally relinquished the childish dream of his parents reuniting, Philip was far from being ready to have a twenty-something former model become his stepmother.
Scrubbing the car with just a little more aggression, Philip attempted to force aside the memory of the breakfast announcement.
"Gee, Uncle Phil, don't rub the paint off," commented Brady as he appeared from seemingly nowhere.
Without lifting his eyes from the vehicle, Philip responded, "Don't worry, I won't."
Brady watched the younger man with an observant gaze. "Hey, Philip, are you okay?"
Roughly tossing the cloth into the bucket of soapy water, Philip turned to his nephew and answered, "Just peachy. Now, what do you want?"
Brady suddenly found it quite difficult to meet Philip's demanding glare. He had been dreading this moment all day, but he realized that it would only make matters worse if he delayed the inevitable by even a few more hours. "Why don't you tell me what's bothering you, and then I'll tell you why I stopped by?"
"Fine," grumbled Philip as he reached one hand into the bucket and retrieved the cloth once more. "I found out this morning that my father and Nicole are getting married. How great is that?"
"For what it's worth, Philip, I think that things are going to be a lot better than you're expecting. As strange as this sounds, I think Nicole honestly makes Grandpa Victor happy. And, hey, you'll have the hottest stepmother around."
Philip gave an obviously insincere smile and responded, "Gee, Brady, you always know the exact wrong thing to say. Thanks, thanks a lot." Releasing a sigh and changing the topic, Philip asked, "So, why are you?"
"I came over to tell you something . . . something that you're probably not going to like."
"This has to do with you and Chloe doesn't it?" Philip correctly guessed as he took a few steps closer to Brady.
"Yeah, it does. We've set a wedding date . . . this Friday."
As the crisp autumn breeze contradicted the bright sunlight, Philip paid no attention to the weather and merely wondered if he should laugh or cry. Each action seemed oddly right yet terribly inappropriate. Looking away from Brady, Philip softly asked, "Don't you think that you're rushing into things a little bit?"
"This coming from the guy who wanted to spend forever with Chloe after attending once dance with her."
"Yeah, and Chloe and I would have spent forever together if you hadn't returned to Salem and stolen her away from me."
Shaking his head, Brady loudly replied, "You're wrong, Philip. You and Chloe would have never lasted – you just don't understand her or really love her. You never did and never could."
Before Brady even had time to regret his choice of arrogant words, Philip's fist smashed against the right side of his face and sent him tumbling to the unforgiving concrete driveway outside the Kiriakis garage.
Hovering over his uncle like a prized fighter staring down at his beaten opponent, Philip said, "You have no idea what I felt for Chloe or how much I still care about her. In fact, I care for her so much that I'm willing to watch the two of you together as long as it makes Chloe happy. But, I swear to God, if you ever hurt Chloe, I will make you wish that you had never stepped foot in Salem. Better yet, you'll be wishing you'd never even been born."
Slowly making his way to his feet, Brady gingerly rubbed his reddening jaw. "Look, Philip, I'm sorry for what I said, okay? I know that you loved Chloe – that you'll always love her in some way. I shouldn't have said that stuff." With a smile, Brady added, "Even if you are an arrogant little punk."
"Takes one to know one," responded Philip as the anger began to fade away just a little. Walking back toward his car and picking up the hose to wash away the drying soap suds, Philip said, "I meant what I said Brady. I'll stay out of your way and won't cause a single problem for you and Chloe . . . as long as you make her happy. But, the minute you screw up, all bets are off."
"Then, it's a good thing I won't be screwing up."
Gazing out her bedroom window, Chloe silently reflected on her hectic day. While she had endured a day full of gown hunting with Mimi, Belle, and the overbearing wedding planner, Brady had insisted on going alone to find an apartment. He had promised that he would find something suitable. Though Chloe had no idea what apartment her future hubby would find, she forced herself to believe that he would make a choice that she agreed with, or at least a choice she could live with.
"I see you picked out your wedding dress," commented Craig as he appeared in the doorway of Chloe's bedroom. When his stepdaughter turned to face him, he softly continued, "I think we need to talk, Chloe."
"Alright," Chloe hesitantly agreed as she moved away from the window and perched herself on the edge of her bed where the beautiful white gown was laying. "Is something wrong, Craig?"
Placing himself on the opposite side of the bed, Craig gave Chloe a weary look that easily revealed the hours he had recently put in at the hospital. "I wouldn't say that something is wrong, but we do have a few things that we have to discuss."
"Such as?"
"Such as the fact that I know you're not pregnant by Brady Black . . . or anyone else for that matter."
Chloe quickly searched her stepfather's eyes as though to discover how sure he was of his own words. Finding absolutely no doubt in Craig's eyes, Chloe decided that it would be pointless to lie. After all, everyone else in Salem already knew that the pregnancy was just a scam to get married.
Being too fond of Chloe to force her into admitting her own lie, Craig speculated, "You must really care a lot about Brady if you're willing to go through so much to marry him."
"Let's just say that becoming Brady's wife is my main priority right now," Chloe answered. Peering at her stepfather with eyes full of subdued timidity, Chloe asked, "You're not going to tell Nancy are you?"
"I should," responded Craig. "But, I won't. After all, if I did, you and Brady would probably just run away in the night, and Nancy would hate that even more than you lying to her and Brady being her son-in-law."
Jumping to her feet, Chloe walked around the foot of the bed and approached Craig. In one of her more rare displays of affection, Chloe threw her arms around Craig's shoulders and said, "Thank you. Thank you so much, Craig. You have no idea what this means to me." Even as the words were leaving her mouth, Chloe had to wonder just why it was so important for her to be Brady's wife. She quickly decided that it was a question better left unanswered for the time being.
"Knock, knock," Zach said in an effort to smoothly announce his presence at Chloe's bedroom door.
Craig stood up and gave his younger brother a light smile. As he began to walk toward the door, he said, "I need to head back to the hospital and finish up some paperwork. I'll both of you at dinner tonight. And, Zach, don't even think you're going to escape Nancy's pot roast. Be there, or lose your driving privileges."
With a sarcastic salute, Zach muttered, "Yes, Master."
"Cute. Very cute," retorted Craig before heading down the hallway and walking downstairs.
"So," began Zach as he threw himself down on the bed beside the wedding gown. "Any wedding jitters yet?"
"Not yet."
"Good." Carefully fingering the lacey material of the gown, Zach continued, "Then, that means I can start moving my stuff in here as soon as you and Brady get back from your honeymoon . . . speaking of honeymoon, where are the two of you going?"
Chloe gently took the dress up into her arms and moved it to the hook located on the inside of her closet door. Returning her gaze to Zach, she answered, "Actually, I'm not sure. Brady hasn't really told me what he has planned."
"Yeah, it sounds like Brady doesn't really tell anyone much at all."
"Gee, who does that sound like?" Chloe sarcastically questioned as she sent a pointed stare in Zach's direction.
Zach chose to ignore Chloe's not-so-subtle insinuation and asked, "What do we really know about Brady Black? I mean, you're about to marry the guy, and all I know about him is that he's Belle's big brother, that he's a huge music fan, and that he stares at you with eyes full of puppy love. But, other than that, your man Brady is a total enigma."
Feeling as though there was a silent agreement that the conversation would never move past the bedroom walls, Chloe responded, "You're right. Anytime I try to bring up Brady's past, he completely avoids the topic." Moving to the window once more, Chloe speculated, "I think that he may have gotten into some trouble while he was away at boarding school and college. Or, at the very least, he had some buddies who more than likely caused enough trouble for themselves and Brady."
"So, you think Brady's trying to hide some mistakes he and his friends may have made?"
"Maybe. It just seems a little odd that Brady never mentions any of his buddies from school. Other than his pals getting into some really bad scrapes, what other explanation is there?"
As Chloe turned her face in his direction, Zach met her worried gaze and answered, "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling we'll know soon enough."
Philip had just rolled up the water hose and returned the wash bucket to the multi-car garage when his next unexpected visitor arrived.
Not yet seen by Philip, Mimi said, "Hey, Philip."
Turning to face his companion as a light breeze ruffled his hair, Philip sullenly greeted, "Oh, hey, Meems."
For a moment, the two teens merely stood and stared at one another. Mimi gently rocked on her heels as she wondered where to begin, and Philip stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket while waiting for Mimi to say something.
When Mimi remained silent, Philip asked, "Did you need something?"
"No, not really. I was just sorta in the area and thought I would stop by and say hi."
Philip nodded his head, but he made a mental note that Mimi's house was completely across town and that it was highly unlikely for her to have any reason at all to be in his neighborhood other than to visit him.
Throwing a glance toward Philip's gleaming car, Mimi said, "Someday, I'm gonna beg you to take me for a ride in that thing."
Philip gave Mimi a soft smile and replied, "Yeah, well, there's no time like the present. Hop in."
Mimi looked at Philip as though to question his sincerity. When she saw him pull the car keys from his pocket and walk to the driver's side, she knew he wasn't kidding. She was getting to live the dream of nearly every Salem High female student – she was going for a ride with Philip Kiriakis in his convertible. Unfortunately, Philip Kiriakis wasn't the Salem hunk that filled her every waking – and sleeping – thought. That honor went to Jason Masters.
Pulling out onto the well-paved street, Philip asked, "So, what's really bothering you?"
"Why do you think something is bothering me?"
"For starters, you haven't stopped wringing your hands together since you appeared in the drive."
Unable to deny the accusation, Mimi bowed her head and she contemplated how to begin the conversation. She knew Philip had no real reason to do her any favors. That made it much harder to not only ask for his help but to also confess why she needed his help.
"Meems . . ." Philip gently prompted. "It's okay. I'll keep this conversation just between the two of us."
"You and Jason are pretty good friends, right?"
"Yeah, we've been pals since grade school. But, what does that have to do with anything?"
Watching the expensive manors slide by as Philip drove down the street, Mimi answered, "Well, I really need you to use your friendship with Jason to help me."
Philip instantly began to hope that Mimi was going to admit her feelings for Jason so that his pal would finally confess his own feelings as well. Maybe then, the most oddly matched couple at Salem High could actually become a couple.
Surprising Philip, Mimi expounded, "I can't handle Jason and his silly pranks anymore. Please, Philip, I'm begging you to ask him to stop. It seems like every single time I think Jeremy and I are really connecting, Jason messes things up or interferes. Jeremy's a really nice guy, and I don't want him to leave me because he can't put up with Jason trying to make us miserable. I don't know why Jason wants to embarrass me or make the only guy that's ever liked me begin to hate me, but I want him to stop. Can you help?"
Reaching Main Street, Philip took a left and began to instinctively drive in the direction of DotCom. He wanted to tell Mimi that Jason wasn't trying to hurt her but was actually falling in love with her. However, Philip knew that it wasn't his job or obligation to confess Jason's feelings for him.
Trying to remain a neutral party in the increasingly complex situation, Philip responded, "Mimi, trust me. Jason doesn't want to hurt you." When he caught Mimi shooting him a doubtful look, Philip continued, "Mimi, don't ask me how I know, but I can guarantee you that Jason doesn't want to cause you any pain. It's just that he doesn't always think before he acts."
"Tell me something I don't know," muttered Mimi as she recalled all the asinine things that Jason had thoughtlessly done over the years. "It's almost as if he's a magnet for trouble . . . and, somehow, he's managed to pull me into it as well."
"You and everyone else," Philip muttered to himself as he recollected some of Jason's more recent escapades. First to come to mind was the ridiculous trip to the movies to sabotage Jeremy's date with Mimi. Feeling Mimi's eyes gazing at him, Philip simply stated as he turned the car around in the Dotcom parking lot, "All I can say is that the best thing to do is follow your heart and don't give up on someone if you really love them. You have to believe that even if you let go of what you think you want, your dreams can still come true."
Mimi quickly realized that Philip was no longer speaking solely of her troubles with Jason and Jeremy. A weak smile appearing on her usually upbeat face, Mimi softly responded, "I believe you. Somehow, everything will turn out for the best."
Under normal circumstances one of the many Kiriakis servants would be carefully cleaning the young heir's convertible. However, considering all the distressing thoughts that were attacking his mind, Philip was more than happy to accept even the smallest of distractions. It seemed as if each passing day presented him with a new emotional challenge. And, today had been no different.
As Philip had been sitting at the breakfast table that morning, his father had sprung the news on him. Looking back Philip knew that he should have been curious when Nicole had willingly made herself scarce.
Philip had only been halfway through his meal when Victor announced his plans to marry Nicole – plans that made Philip anything but happy. Though he had finally relinquished the childish dream of his parents reuniting, Philip was far from being ready to have a twenty-something former model become his stepmother.
Scrubbing the car with just a little more aggression, Philip attempted to force aside the memory of the breakfast announcement.
"Gee, Uncle Phil, don't rub the paint off," commented Brady as he appeared from seemingly nowhere.
Without lifting his eyes from the vehicle, Philip responded, "Don't worry, I won't."
Brady watched the younger man with an observant gaze. "Hey, Philip, are you okay?"
Roughly tossing the cloth into the bucket of soapy water, Philip turned to his nephew and answered, "Just peachy. Now, what do you want?"
Brady suddenly found it quite difficult to meet Philip's demanding glare. He had been dreading this moment all day, but he realized that it would only make matters worse if he delayed the inevitable by even a few more hours. "Why don't you tell me what's bothering you, and then I'll tell you why I stopped by?"
"Fine," grumbled Philip as he reached one hand into the bucket and retrieved the cloth once more. "I found out this morning that my father and Nicole are getting married. How great is that?"
"For what it's worth, Philip, I think that things are going to be a lot better than you're expecting. As strange as this sounds, I think Nicole honestly makes Grandpa Victor happy. And, hey, you'll have the hottest stepmother around."
Philip gave an obviously insincere smile and responded, "Gee, Brady, you always know the exact wrong thing to say. Thanks, thanks a lot." Releasing a sigh and changing the topic, Philip asked, "So, why are you?"
"I came over to tell you something . . . something that you're probably not going to like."
"This has to do with you and Chloe doesn't it?" Philip correctly guessed as he took a few steps closer to Brady.
"Yeah, it does. We've set a wedding date . . . this Friday."
As the crisp autumn breeze contradicted the bright sunlight, Philip paid no attention to the weather and merely wondered if he should laugh or cry. Each action seemed oddly right yet terribly inappropriate. Looking away from Brady, Philip softly asked, "Don't you think that you're rushing into things a little bit?"
"This coming from the guy who wanted to spend forever with Chloe after attending once dance with her."
"Yeah, and Chloe and I would have spent forever together if you hadn't returned to Salem and stolen her away from me."
Shaking his head, Brady loudly replied, "You're wrong, Philip. You and Chloe would have never lasted – you just don't understand her or really love her. You never did and never could."
Before Brady even had time to regret his choice of arrogant words, Philip's fist smashed against the right side of his face and sent him tumbling to the unforgiving concrete driveway outside the Kiriakis garage.
Hovering over his uncle like a prized fighter staring down at his beaten opponent, Philip said, "You have no idea what I felt for Chloe or how much I still care about her. In fact, I care for her so much that I'm willing to watch the two of you together as long as it makes Chloe happy. But, I swear to God, if you ever hurt Chloe, I will make you wish that you had never stepped foot in Salem. Better yet, you'll be wishing you'd never even been born."
Slowly making his way to his feet, Brady gingerly rubbed his reddening jaw. "Look, Philip, I'm sorry for what I said, okay? I know that you loved Chloe – that you'll always love her in some way. I shouldn't have said that stuff." With a smile, Brady added, "Even if you are an arrogant little punk."
"Takes one to know one," responded Philip as the anger began to fade away just a little. Walking back toward his car and picking up the hose to wash away the drying soap suds, Philip said, "I meant what I said Brady. I'll stay out of your way and won't cause a single problem for you and Chloe . . . as long as you make her happy. But, the minute you screw up, all bets are off."
"Then, it's a good thing I won't be screwing up."
Gazing out her bedroom window, Chloe silently reflected on her hectic day. While she had endured a day full of gown hunting with Mimi, Belle, and the overbearing wedding planner, Brady had insisted on going alone to find an apartment. He had promised that he would find something suitable. Though Chloe had no idea what apartment her future hubby would find, she forced herself to believe that he would make a choice that she agreed with, or at least a choice she could live with.
"I see you picked out your wedding dress," commented Craig as he appeared in the doorway of Chloe's bedroom. When his stepdaughter turned to face him, he softly continued, "I think we need to talk, Chloe."
"Alright," Chloe hesitantly agreed as she moved away from the window and perched herself on the edge of her bed where the beautiful white gown was laying. "Is something wrong, Craig?"
Placing himself on the opposite side of the bed, Craig gave Chloe a weary look that easily revealed the hours he had recently put in at the hospital. "I wouldn't say that something is wrong, but we do have a few things that we have to discuss."
"Such as?"
"Such as the fact that I know you're not pregnant by Brady Black . . . or anyone else for that matter."
Chloe quickly searched her stepfather's eyes as though to discover how sure he was of his own words. Finding absolutely no doubt in Craig's eyes, Chloe decided that it would be pointless to lie. After all, everyone else in Salem already knew that the pregnancy was just a scam to get married.
Being too fond of Chloe to force her into admitting her own lie, Craig speculated, "You must really care a lot about Brady if you're willing to go through so much to marry him."
"Let's just say that becoming Brady's wife is my main priority right now," Chloe answered. Peering at her stepfather with eyes full of subdued timidity, Chloe asked, "You're not going to tell Nancy are you?"
"I should," responded Craig. "But, I won't. After all, if I did, you and Brady would probably just run away in the night, and Nancy would hate that even more than you lying to her and Brady being her son-in-law."
Jumping to her feet, Chloe walked around the foot of the bed and approached Craig. In one of her more rare displays of affection, Chloe threw her arms around Craig's shoulders and said, "Thank you. Thank you so much, Craig. You have no idea what this means to me." Even as the words were leaving her mouth, Chloe had to wonder just why it was so important for her to be Brady's wife. She quickly decided that it was a question better left unanswered for the time being.
"Knock, knock," Zach said in an effort to smoothly announce his presence at Chloe's bedroom door.
Craig stood up and gave his younger brother a light smile. As he began to walk toward the door, he said, "I need to head back to the hospital and finish up some paperwork. I'll both of you at dinner tonight. And, Zach, don't even think you're going to escape Nancy's pot roast. Be there, or lose your driving privileges."
With a sarcastic salute, Zach muttered, "Yes, Master."
"Cute. Very cute," retorted Craig before heading down the hallway and walking downstairs.
"So," began Zach as he threw himself down on the bed beside the wedding gown. "Any wedding jitters yet?"
"Not yet."
"Good." Carefully fingering the lacey material of the gown, Zach continued, "Then, that means I can start moving my stuff in here as soon as you and Brady get back from your honeymoon . . . speaking of honeymoon, where are the two of you going?"
Chloe gently took the dress up into her arms and moved it to the hook located on the inside of her closet door. Returning her gaze to Zach, she answered, "Actually, I'm not sure. Brady hasn't really told me what he has planned."
"Yeah, it sounds like Brady doesn't really tell anyone much at all."
"Gee, who does that sound like?" Chloe sarcastically questioned as she sent a pointed stare in Zach's direction.
Zach chose to ignore Chloe's not-so-subtle insinuation and asked, "What do we really know about Brady Black? I mean, you're about to marry the guy, and all I know about him is that he's Belle's big brother, that he's a huge music fan, and that he stares at you with eyes full of puppy love. But, other than that, your man Brady is a total enigma."
Feeling as though there was a silent agreement that the conversation would never move past the bedroom walls, Chloe responded, "You're right. Anytime I try to bring up Brady's past, he completely avoids the topic." Moving to the window once more, Chloe speculated, "I think that he may have gotten into some trouble while he was away at boarding school and college. Or, at the very least, he had some buddies who more than likely caused enough trouble for themselves and Brady."
"So, you think Brady's trying to hide some mistakes he and his friends may have made?"
"Maybe. It just seems a little odd that Brady never mentions any of his buddies from school. Other than his pals getting into some really bad scrapes, what other explanation is there?"
As Chloe turned her face in his direction, Zach met her worried gaze and answered, "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling we'll know soon enough."
Philip had just rolled up the water hose and returned the wash bucket to the multi-car garage when his next unexpected visitor arrived.
Not yet seen by Philip, Mimi said, "Hey, Philip."
Turning to face his companion as a light breeze ruffled his hair, Philip sullenly greeted, "Oh, hey, Meems."
For a moment, the two teens merely stood and stared at one another. Mimi gently rocked on her heels as she wondered where to begin, and Philip stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket while waiting for Mimi to say something.
When Mimi remained silent, Philip asked, "Did you need something?"
"No, not really. I was just sorta in the area and thought I would stop by and say hi."
Philip nodded his head, but he made a mental note that Mimi's house was completely across town and that it was highly unlikely for her to have any reason at all to be in his neighborhood other than to visit him.
Throwing a glance toward Philip's gleaming car, Mimi said, "Someday, I'm gonna beg you to take me for a ride in that thing."
Philip gave Mimi a soft smile and replied, "Yeah, well, there's no time like the present. Hop in."
Mimi looked at Philip as though to question his sincerity. When she saw him pull the car keys from his pocket and walk to the driver's side, she knew he wasn't kidding. She was getting to live the dream of nearly every Salem High female student – she was going for a ride with Philip Kiriakis in his convertible. Unfortunately, Philip Kiriakis wasn't the Salem hunk that filled her every waking – and sleeping – thought. That honor went to Jason Masters.
Pulling out onto the well-paved street, Philip asked, "So, what's really bothering you?"
"Why do you think something is bothering me?"
"For starters, you haven't stopped wringing your hands together since you appeared in the drive."
Unable to deny the accusation, Mimi bowed her head and she contemplated how to begin the conversation. She knew Philip had no real reason to do her any favors. That made it much harder to not only ask for his help but to also confess why she needed his help.
"Meems . . ." Philip gently prompted. "It's okay. I'll keep this conversation just between the two of us."
"You and Jason are pretty good friends, right?"
"Yeah, we've been pals since grade school. But, what does that have to do with anything?"
Watching the expensive manors slide by as Philip drove down the street, Mimi answered, "Well, I really need you to use your friendship with Jason to help me."
Philip instantly began to hope that Mimi was going to admit her feelings for Jason so that his pal would finally confess his own feelings as well. Maybe then, the most oddly matched couple at Salem High could actually become a couple.
Surprising Philip, Mimi expounded, "I can't handle Jason and his silly pranks anymore. Please, Philip, I'm begging you to ask him to stop. It seems like every single time I think Jeremy and I are really connecting, Jason messes things up or interferes. Jeremy's a really nice guy, and I don't want him to leave me because he can't put up with Jason trying to make us miserable. I don't know why Jason wants to embarrass me or make the only guy that's ever liked me begin to hate me, but I want him to stop. Can you help?"
Reaching Main Street, Philip took a left and began to instinctively drive in the direction of DotCom. He wanted to tell Mimi that Jason wasn't trying to hurt her but was actually falling in love with her. However, Philip knew that it wasn't his job or obligation to confess Jason's feelings for him.
Trying to remain a neutral party in the increasingly complex situation, Philip responded, "Mimi, trust me. Jason doesn't want to hurt you." When he caught Mimi shooting him a doubtful look, Philip continued, "Mimi, don't ask me how I know, but I can guarantee you that Jason doesn't want to cause you any pain. It's just that he doesn't always think before he acts."
"Tell me something I don't know," muttered Mimi as she recalled all the asinine things that Jason had thoughtlessly done over the years. "It's almost as if he's a magnet for trouble . . . and, somehow, he's managed to pull me into it as well."
"You and everyone else," Philip muttered to himself as he recollected some of Jason's more recent escapades. First to come to mind was the ridiculous trip to the movies to sabotage Jeremy's date with Mimi. Feeling Mimi's eyes gazing at him, Philip simply stated as he turned the car around in the Dotcom parking lot, "All I can say is that the best thing to do is follow your heart and don't give up on someone if you really love them. You have to believe that even if you let go of what you think you want, your dreams can still come true."
Mimi quickly realized that Philip was no longer speaking solely of her troubles with Jason and Jeremy. A weak smile appearing on her usually upbeat face, Mimi softly responded, "I believe you. Somehow, everything will turn out for the best."