Philip stood outside the bridal room with a hesitant heart that was weighed
down by both regret and a sinking feeling of loneliness. He knew that a
mere slab of oak separated him from the young woman he had once believed to
be his future though she was truly his past in the making.
Taking a deep breath to calm his quivers of doubt, Philip reluctantly lifted his fist and delivered a soft knock on the oak door. He chose to ignore the whispering voice within him that so clearly stated that no seventeen year-old should ever feel so forlorn and discarded by the world menacingly surrounding him.
Within seconds of the faint knock, the door flew open to reveal Belle. It almost saddened Philip to see Belle's smile fade when she saw he was the visitor. Belle honestly felt sorry for Philip, and he knew it. He knew that he was seen as an object of pity.
Philip forced a rather weak smile to form on his youthful lips. After all, he could not keep his friends from feeling sorry for him, but he could – and would – try to refuse falling into such a habit himself. Philip realized that he had mourned his lost relationship for far too long and cried too many tears in its honor. It was finally time to step away from what might have been and embrace what might be.
Looking past Belle, Philip felt a great deal of his resolve begin to slip away. As his eyes met Chloe's in the mirror she was standing before in her gown, Philip wondered when it would really stop hurting. Though he had already made the mental decision to let go of Chloe, Philip then understood that breaking the familiar emotional connection was going to be far more difficult.
He attempted to keep the smile on his lips as he softly said, "Hi. I promise I just wanted to drop by and give you something before the wedding. I don't plan to stay for very long."
Turning away from the mirror, Chloe looked at Philip with a purely unreadable expression. "Belle, do you mind giving me and Philip a minute alone?"
Belle took a rather antsy look at her two friends before complying and silently leaving the room.
Now alone with his first love, Philip casually said, "You look beautiful, Chloe. I mean it."
"What are you doing here?" Chloe softly asked without the resentment that Philip had almost expected.
"Like I said, I just wanted to bring you a wedding gift."
"Philip, you really didn't have to do that."
"No, but I wanted to," asserted Philip as he inwardly struggled to keep a mist of tears from appearing in his eyes. "Besides, I couldn't let you get married without something old."
Faint puzzlement filling her exquisite blue eyes, Chloe repeated, "Something old? You mean like something old, something new . . ."
". . . something borrowed, something blue." Philip finished with a slight dimpled grin. Reaching into his jacket pocket, Philip carefully pulled out a blue velvet box. As he lifting the lid, he explained, "My father purchased this from an Italian merchant not long before I was born. He intended for me to give it to my wife someday." Philip paused to give Chloe a rather sheepish grin. "Of course, I got the bright idea to have your name engraved on the back of the pendant not long before we broke up. So, anyway, I thought it might at least make a nice wedding gift."
Chloe hesitantly reached out and accepted the gift. Pulling the discerning necklace from the confining box, she asked, "Would you mind putting it on me?"
"It would be my honor," Philip softly answered.
Once Philip had safely clasped the piece of jewelry around Chloe's delicate neck, he cleared his throat and announced, "I should probably be going. I'm sure you girls have a ton of last minute things to take care of."
Just as Philip's hand reached the silver doorknob, Chloe stated, "I never wanted you to be hurt."
To most Chloe's statement would have merely been an apologetic declaration. However, Philip knew that her words meant far more. Chloe was not just apologizing. She was asking for a promise from Philip – a promise that he would not hurt or be hurt anymore.
Giving only a nod to show his understanding, Philip turned away from Chloe and dolefully left the bridal room.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
His footsteps like the powerful trollops of a herd of horses, Jason bound down the staircase clothed only in his black pants. He crossed the living room and hallway like a flash of lightning and quickly leapt into the kitchen where his mother was seated at the table.
With a critical gaze, Catherine watched her firstborn flit around the room in a frenzy. Watching as Jason searched the countertops and drawers of the kitchen, Catherine asked, "Looking for something?"
Jason tossed his mother a glare of mild annoyance and responded, "No, I actually just like to tear apart the kitchen for fun when I'm running late."
"Late?" Catherine questioned as she picked up her own plate and carried it to the sink. "What on earth are you running late for?"
Finally discovering the keys to his truck atop the refrigerator, Jason retorted, "I told you days ago that I was going to be in Brady and Chloe's wedding tonight. Somehow I got stuck being a groomsman."
"Stuck being a groomsman?" responded Catherine, placing the rinsed plate in the dishwasher. "Well, that's just a lovely attitude to have. Do your friends know you feel that way?"
"Friends? Brady and Chloe are not my friends. We just know each other, that's all."
With a smug grin that she could hardly suppress, Catherine quipped, "Oh? Is that the same way you just know the Lockharts' daughter?"
Jason began to walk toward the door without even giving his mother a response, but his habitual temper stopped him in his tracks. Spinning on his heels, he loudly declared, "Leave Mimi out of this. In fact, don't ever mention Mimi Lockhart again." Throwing his hands in the air, Jason continued, "Why are we even having this conversation? It's not as if you really care about what goes on in my life anyway."
"Jason," admonished his mother.
With a roll of his eyes, Jason stated, "What? It's the truth. You only pay attention to my life when it suits your purposes. You know? You're just like dad – you'll choose yourself over me every single time."
Ignoring the unmistakable offense that filled his mother's eyes, Jason stormed out of the room and back down the hallway.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Alone before her mirror, Chloe searched her own eyes. She didn't quite know what she was looking for, but she hoped she could see something within herself that would inspire the confidence that had so successfully been evading her. Sitting in the uncomfortable chair before the vanity, Chloe wondered if she really wanted to go through with her plans to marry Brady.
Her mind was bombarded with endless reasons to flee from the church and disappear into the shadowy night. For starters, Chloe was beginning to feel the guilt that accompanied lying to her mother. Of course, Chloe knew that it wouldn't take long for Nancy to discover she wasn't really pregnant. That was when Chloe just might be glad to be living with Brady rather than her infuriated mother.
Then, there was the obvious problem that Chloe and Brady were marrying for all the wrong reasons. Part of Chloe could not help being just a little resentful. At least if she were with Philip, she would know exactly how he felt. But, she also knew that Philip wasn't the one who had recently begun to invade her waking thoughts and nightly dreams.
A soft knocking on the door jarred Chloe from her introspective thoughts. Doing her best to sound as upbeat and jovial as a true bride, Chloe said, "It's unlocked." There was a moment of silence, then another soft rap on the door. Repeating herself, Chloe loudly declared, "It's unlocked. Just come on in."
With exaggerated slowness, the oak door was carefully opened by less than two inches. In a loud whisper, Brady said, "Chloe, psst, come here."
A smile lit up Chloe's face as she dashed across the room and placed herself beside the door. "Brady, what are you doing?"
"Well, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. And, let's face it, we don't need anything else working against us."
"Good point," agreed Chloe as she contently rested her back against the slightly ajar door. She rolled her eyes in a self-mocking manner when she realized just how comforted she was by Brady being on the other side of the door. After a few seconds passed in silence, Chloe asked, "So, are you going to tell me what you're up to?"
"Actually," responded Brady as he slipped his hand through the narrow opening of the door. "I just wanted to bring you something."
Looking at the blue velvet box that was being slipped to her, Chloe was instantly reminded of the gift Philip had given her earlier. Whether the two young relatives liked to admit it, they were very much alike. Both Brady and Philip loved with all their hearts and would fight if they thought the cause was worthy.
With hands that all but shook with anticipation, Chloe opened the box. As the lid was lifted, her eyes were greeted by the soft sparkle of diamonds. Her breath seemed to catch in her throat as she gently picked up the impressive bracelet. "Brady, you shouldn't have."
"What can I say? I saw it in the jewelry store yesterday, and it just seemed to call out your name. Besides, it's the least I could do since you did agree to marry me under such weird circumstances."
In an almost inaudible whisper, Chloe stated, "Something old and . . . something new."
Jarring Chloe from her thoughts of irony, Brady said, "Well, I should probably let you finish getting ready. I just wanted to give you the bracelet in case you wanted to wear it down the aisle."
Just before Brady shut the door, his betrothed softly said, "Thank you."
"You're very welcome." Completely shutting the bridal room door, Brady headed off toward his own dressing room, whistling a happy tune the whole way.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
After stopping to briefly speak with Bo and Hope, Philip began to quickly make his way toward the church's front doors so he could leave and finally take the first steps of starting a life without Chloe Lane.
However, just when his exit was in sight, Philip felt a small hand wrap itself around his wrist and pull him off his path. Looking at the cause of interference, Philip said, "Mimi, what are you doing?"
"I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a minute?" Just as Philip was preparing to say no, Mimi hurriedly continued, "Sure, you do. Let's step over here."
Philip could only roll his eyes with a touch of exasperation as his classmate tugged him over to a dimly lit corner. "What's so important, Meems?"
Mimi was about to tell Philip why she needed to speak with him when a thought suddenly occurred to her. In her typical fashion, Mimi blurted, "Hey, what are you doing here anyway?" Quickly realizing how callous her words must have sounded, she stammered, "Um, well, I mean . . . grr. I just . . . well, to be honest, I just didn't think you were invited."
"I only stopped by to give Chloe something. I was just about to leave when you decided to drag me over here."
"Oh," remarked Mimi with a twinge of embarrassment.
"So, are you going to tell me what's so urgent it can't wait until tomorrow?"
"Actually, I was just wondering what you said to Jason after our little talk."
"You mean when I took you for a ride around Salem and you asked me to keep Jason from bothering you?" After receiving a nod from Mimi, Philip answered, "Well, actually, I haven't had a chance to talk to Jason yet."
"What? But, I thought that you had talked to him and that was why he wasn't at school today."
"Nah, I haven't talked to Jason since the party at my house. When I asked Erin about him today, she said he supposedly wasn't feeling well and that's why he wasn't in class. But, she said he would definitely be here for the wedding, so he can't be too sick – if he's sick at all."
Crossing her arms across her chest, Mimi grumbled, "Typical Jason. It's just like him to cut class and pretend to be sick."
Though Philip had an odd feeling that there was more to Jason's absence than pure laziness, he kept the thought to himself. He would just talk to Jason later and see what was going on – and who he was trying to avoid at school.
However, Philip's plan to speak with Jason at a later time was shattered when the handsome athlete stepped into the building dressed in his tuxedo and hunter green bow tie. Scanning the rather crowded room, Jason's eyes were drawn almost magnetically to the isolated corner where Mimi and Philip were huddled. Feeling his blood pressure begin to rise, Jason only glared at his two friends.
In response to Jason's obviously displeased look, Philip muttered, "That can't be good."
After giving his pal Zach a simple nod as a greeting, Jason once again directed his discontented eyes in Philip and Mimi's direction. That familiar temper coming to a boiling point, he stalked over to the confused pair.
Jason's eyes were locked solely on Philip as he said, "Hey, pal. With more force than needed, Jason then gave Philip what was usually seen as a jovial punch on the shoulder. However, as a dull pain shot through Philip, he knew his friend was feeling anything but jovial.
"Jase," Philip curtly replied with understandable caution.
Crossing his arms over his chest in a somewhat haughty manner, Jason peevishly commented, "Gee, why does this not surprise me?"
Mimi took a quick glance at Philip but saw that he appeared just as confused as she was. Doing her best to brighten the dark mood that had cast itself over their little corner of the world, Mimi offered Jason a cheerful smile. "Well, we're just glad you were able to come tonight. Erin told Philip that you were feeling sick."
"Oh, I wasn't sick," declared Jason. Tossing a sharp glare at Philip, he explained, "I just didn't want to see him."
Philip did his best to look unperturbed as he smiled at Mimi and requested, "Hey, Meems, do you mind if Jason and I step outside? I think there some things we need to discuss man to man."
Though it went against her better judgment, Mimi gave the boys a suspicious look but silently nodded her approval and watched them both walk out the front doors.
As soon as he had led Jason a few feet from the sacred building, Philip gruffly demanded, "What is your problem? Honestly, what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you and Mimi! I was at Dotcom on Wednesday – I saw the two of you together in your car when you turned around in the parking lot." His anger only rising as Shawn stepped outside, Jason continued, "You just can't help yourself, can you K-man?"
Seeing how quickly tempers were escalading, Shawn attempted to intervene. "Whoa, guys, let's just calm down."
Completely ignoring Shawn, Jason loudly accused, "You guys were probably all over each other the minute you got back to the mansion."
Philip threw his head back and released a bemused cackle. "Oh, my God. I don't believe it. You're jealous!"
Jason ignored his friend's accusation and furiously remarked, "First, you were all hot for Belle. But, then, Shawnie-boy stole her heart. Then, Ghoul Girl and her freakish ways captured your attention. But, what do you know? Brady took her away. So, what? Now, it's Mimi's turn to be the object of one of your obsessions? Hey, maybe it was Mimi you thought you saw Halloween night, huh? Is that how it was Philip? I tell you I like her, and then you suddenly fantasize about her and want her for yourself? Well, Kiriakis?"
"You've got it all wrong," Philip stated as he struggled to control his own temper. "I'm not interested in Mimi." Philip began to turn away from Jason but paused. "You don't even see what your problem is, do you? I'm not the one standing in the way of you and Mimi – you are. If you would've quit acting like the class clown for five minutes and really let her know how you feel, you might actually have had a chance with her."
"What do you mean might have had a chance?"
Philip momentarily lowered his head as his anger began to slowly fade away and his sympathetic side emerged. Lifting his face to look at his friend, Philip explained, "Mimi stopped by my house on Wednesday to talk to me about you, Jason. She wanted me to convince you to leave her alone. She thinks you're just playing games with her."
Seeing that the other two boys may have reached an amiable place in the conversation to part ways, Shawn said, "Guys, it's starting to get really cold out here so why don't we just talk about this tomorrow, huh?"
Truly feeling the cool November breeze for the first time, Jason dejectedly remarked, "Yeah that sounds like a good idea."
However, before any of the young men were able to take more than a step away from one another, the front doors of the church opened to reveal Zach and Belle. Stepping out into the night with their friends, the couple stopped a few feet away from the others.
Her arms crossed in an attempt to fight the chilly wind, Belle stated, "I don't know what's going on out here, but the wedding starts in five minutes, so Shawn and Jason – get inside now."
"Hey, Shawn, I didn't realize you were dating such a Nazi," Jason complained just low enough for the other guys to hear.
Yet, Philip paid the comment no attention as his eyes locked on what he could only consider a troubling situation. While Jason and Shawn offered him casual goodbyes, Philip muttered a few parting words but kept a watchful gaze on Belle as she rested herself against Zach Wesley. Philip's eyes then darted to Shawn as he began to approach his girlfriend. Philip knew that scenario all too well. And, he could only hope that Shawn's heart would not be broken as his had been.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
Wringing her hands together, Chloe took several deep breaths to try and calm herself. She could all but feel the walls of the church moving in to suffocate her as she stood outside the doors that separated her from both her groom and a church full of guests.
A very large part of Chloe wanted to lift up the bottom of her white wedding gown, slip off her elegant heels, and run just as fast as her bare feet would carry her. Yet, as Craig took her arm and that familiar wedding march began to play, Chloe knew that it was too late to go back on her deal with Brady. Besides, would becoming Mrs. Brady Black really be that bad?
Lord we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides
Enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers
Enough to cross. enough to last
'Till the end of time
Striding down the aisle as the best man and maid of honor, Shawn and Belle were perhaps the perfect portrait of innocent, naive first love. Belle's silky hunter green gown seemed to flow with her every step as Shawn led her toward the front of the church.
A small smile conquered Belle's face as she caught Shawn humming along with the wedding march. In that single moment, Belle felt more content that she ever had. She was with Shawn, Brady and Chloe were getting married, and even Mimi and Jason had been paired together for the ceremony. Perhaps the world wasn't so cruel after all.
Passing by her parents, Belle gave John and Marlena a giddy smile that reflected her own schoolgirl qualities. As she and Shawn parted ways at the altar, Belle noticed Zach in the front row with his head bowed. At first Belle wondered if perhaps her friend was praying. Yet, as she watched his fingers skillfully attack the buttons on his cell phone, Belle realized that Zach was simply playing a quick game of Snake. With a smile, Belle quickly diverted her attention to the back of the room as Jason and Mimi walked down that infamous aisle.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
From the back of the room, Jan Spears watched each and every move of Jeremy Horton. His benevolence and selflessness boggled Jan's mind. Yet, as she carefully appraised his actions, Jan realized that the handsome college student's eyes were following Mimi and Jason down the aisle.
With her arm slipped through Jason's, Mimi did her very best to keep from stealing peeks at the attractive athlete walking with her. However, as the couple reached the front of the room and parted, Mimi could not stop herself from taking a long look at Jason. Whether it was a look of curiosity, frustration, or even repressed ardor, Mimi could not be wholly sure.
Lord we don't need another meadow
There are corn fields and wheat fields
Enough to grow
There are sun beams and moon beams
Enough to shine
Oh listen Lord if you want to know
Almost against his own will, Philip had silently crept back into St. Luke's. From a shadowy corner, he watched his Chloe slip through the doors to become Brady's Chloe. As the doors were shut behind Craig and Chloe, Philip felt his heart sink. The last of his hope had finally been demolished. Any foolish dreams of reuniting with Chloe were abandoned once and for all.
Needing to get away from the horrendous sound of the wedding march and the knowledge of losing his first love, Philip pushed himself away from the wall and walked out of the sacred building.
Philip looked up at the dark night sky as an uncommonly cold November wind gently assaulted him. Watching a whisper of gray clouds pass before the moon, Philip could only wonder where he would drift and what he would become now that he was at last ready to start a life as Chloe's friend rather than her boyfriend.
Attempting to shake away the melancholic feeling that had taken hold of him, Philip wiped at his misty eyes and began to somberly walk away from St. Luke's. Yet, when he was less than twenty-five feet from the church, the temptation arose to take one last look.
Releasing a frustrated sigh, Philip turned and looked back at the church once more. And, standing there in the dim moonlight he saw the girl who had been lurking in the back of his mind since Halloween.
She was dressed in a gown so dark blue that it was nearly black. Her hair was pulled atop her head, revealing her exquisite cheekbones. And, despite the distance that separated her from Philip, the troublesome twinkle in her eyes was just as easy to see and comprehend.
The sound of a car backfiring down the street instinctively tore Philip's gaze away from the intriguing creature. And, though his gaze left the young woman for the briefest of seconds, she was gone when Philip turned back.
"Great," muttered Philip as his eyes carefully scoured the night for the girl. "Even the imaginary girl of my dreams leaves me standing alone."
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now
Taking a deep breath to calm his quivers of doubt, Philip reluctantly lifted his fist and delivered a soft knock on the oak door. He chose to ignore the whispering voice within him that so clearly stated that no seventeen year-old should ever feel so forlorn and discarded by the world menacingly surrounding him.
Within seconds of the faint knock, the door flew open to reveal Belle. It almost saddened Philip to see Belle's smile fade when she saw he was the visitor. Belle honestly felt sorry for Philip, and he knew it. He knew that he was seen as an object of pity.
Philip forced a rather weak smile to form on his youthful lips. After all, he could not keep his friends from feeling sorry for him, but he could – and would – try to refuse falling into such a habit himself. Philip realized that he had mourned his lost relationship for far too long and cried too many tears in its honor. It was finally time to step away from what might have been and embrace what might be.
Looking past Belle, Philip felt a great deal of his resolve begin to slip away. As his eyes met Chloe's in the mirror she was standing before in her gown, Philip wondered when it would really stop hurting. Though he had already made the mental decision to let go of Chloe, Philip then understood that breaking the familiar emotional connection was going to be far more difficult.
He attempted to keep the smile on his lips as he softly said, "Hi. I promise I just wanted to drop by and give you something before the wedding. I don't plan to stay for very long."
Turning away from the mirror, Chloe looked at Philip with a purely unreadable expression. "Belle, do you mind giving me and Philip a minute alone?"
Belle took a rather antsy look at her two friends before complying and silently leaving the room.
Now alone with his first love, Philip casually said, "You look beautiful, Chloe. I mean it."
"What are you doing here?" Chloe softly asked without the resentment that Philip had almost expected.
"Like I said, I just wanted to bring you a wedding gift."
"Philip, you really didn't have to do that."
"No, but I wanted to," asserted Philip as he inwardly struggled to keep a mist of tears from appearing in his eyes. "Besides, I couldn't let you get married without something old."
Faint puzzlement filling her exquisite blue eyes, Chloe repeated, "Something old? You mean like something old, something new . . ."
". . . something borrowed, something blue." Philip finished with a slight dimpled grin. Reaching into his jacket pocket, Philip carefully pulled out a blue velvet box. As he lifting the lid, he explained, "My father purchased this from an Italian merchant not long before I was born. He intended for me to give it to my wife someday." Philip paused to give Chloe a rather sheepish grin. "Of course, I got the bright idea to have your name engraved on the back of the pendant not long before we broke up. So, anyway, I thought it might at least make a nice wedding gift."
Chloe hesitantly reached out and accepted the gift. Pulling the discerning necklace from the confining box, she asked, "Would you mind putting it on me?"
"It would be my honor," Philip softly answered.
Once Philip had safely clasped the piece of jewelry around Chloe's delicate neck, he cleared his throat and announced, "I should probably be going. I'm sure you girls have a ton of last minute things to take care of."
Just as Philip's hand reached the silver doorknob, Chloe stated, "I never wanted you to be hurt."
To most Chloe's statement would have merely been an apologetic declaration. However, Philip knew that her words meant far more. Chloe was not just apologizing. She was asking for a promise from Philip – a promise that he would not hurt or be hurt anymore.
Giving only a nod to show his understanding, Philip turned away from Chloe and dolefully left the bridal room.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
His footsteps like the powerful trollops of a herd of horses, Jason bound down the staircase clothed only in his black pants. He crossed the living room and hallway like a flash of lightning and quickly leapt into the kitchen where his mother was seated at the table.
With a critical gaze, Catherine watched her firstborn flit around the room in a frenzy. Watching as Jason searched the countertops and drawers of the kitchen, Catherine asked, "Looking for something?"
Jason tossed his mother a glare of mild annoyance and responded, "No, I actually just like to tear apart the kitchen for fun when I'm running late."
"Late?" Catherine questioned as she picked up her own plate and carried it to the sink. "What on earth are you running late for?"
Finally discovering the keys to his truck atop the refrigerator, Jason retorted, "I told you days ago that I was going to be in Brady and Chloe's wedding tonight. Somehow I got stuck being a groomsman."
"Stuck being a groomsman?" responded Catherine, placing the rinsed plate in the dishwasher. "Well, that's just a lovely attitude to have. Do your friends know you feel that way?"
"Friends? Brady and Chloe are not my friends. We just know each other, that's all."
With a smug grin that she could hardly suppress, Catherine quipped, "Oh? Is that the same way you just know the Lockharts' daughter?"
Jason began to walk toward the door without even giving his mother a response, but his habitual temper stopped him in his tracks. Spinning on his heels, he loudly declared, "Leave Mimi out of this. In fact, don't ever mention Mimi Lockhart again." Throwing his hands in the air, Jason continued, "Why are we even having this conversation? It's not as if you really care about what goes on in my life anyway."
"Jason," admonished his mother.
With a roll of his eyes, Jason stated, "What? It's the truth. You only pay attention to my life when it suits your purposes. You know? You're just like dad – you'll choose yourself over me every single time."
Ignoring the unmistakable offense that filled his mother's eyes, Jason stormed out of the room and back down the hallway.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
Alone before her mirror, Chloe searched her own eyes. She didn't quite know what she was looking for, but she hoped she could see something within herself that would inspire the confidence that had so successfully been evading her. Sitting in the uncomfortable chair before the vanity, Chloe wondered if she really wanted to go through with her plans to marry Brady.
Her mind was bombarded with endless reasons to flee from the church and disappear into the shadowy night. For starters, Chloe was beginning to feel the guilt that accompanied lying to her mother. Of course, Chloe knew that it wouldn't take long for Nancy to discover she wasn't really pregnant. That was when Chloe just might be glad to be living with Brady rather than her infuriated mother.
Then, there was the obvious problem that Chloe and Brady were marrying for all the wrong reasons. Part of Chloe could not help being just a little resentful. At least if she were with Philip, she would know exactly how he felt. But, she also knew that Philip wasn't the one who had recently begun to invade her waking thoughts and nightly dreams.
A soft knocking on the door jarred Chloe from her introspective thoughts. Doing her best to sound as upbeat and jovial as a true bride, Chloe said, "It's unlocked." There was a moment of silence, then another soft rap on the door. Repeating herself, Chloe loudly declared, "It's unlocked. Just come on in."
With exaggerated slowness, the oak door was carefully opened by less than two inches. In a loud whisper, Brady said, "Chloe, psst, come here."
A smile lit up Chloe's face as she dashed across the room and placed herself beside the door. "Brady, what are you doing?"
"Well, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. And, let's face it, we don't need anything else working against us."
"Good point," agreed Chloe as she contently rested her back against the slightly ajar door. She rolled her eyes in a self-mocking manner when she realized just how comforted she was by Brady being on the other side of the door. After a few seconds passed in silence, Chloe asked, "So, are you going to tell me what you're up to?"
"Actually," responded Brady as he slipped his hand through the narrow opening of the door. "I just wanted to bring you something."
Looking at the blue velvet box that was being slipped to her, Chloe was instantly reminded of the gift Philip had given her earlier. Whether the two young relatives liked to admit it, they were very much alike. Both Brady and Philip loved with all their hearts and would fight if they thought the cause was worthy.
With hands that all but shook with anticipation, Chloe opened the box. As the lid was lifted, her eyes were greeted by the soft sparkle of diamonds. Her breath seemed to catch in her throat as she gently picked up the impressive bracelet. "Brady, you shouldn't have."
"What can I say? I saw it in the jewelry store yesterday, and it just seemed to call out your name. Besides, it's the least I could do since you did agree to marry me under such weird circumstances."
In an almost inaudible whisper, Chloe stated, "Something old and . . . something new."
Jarring Chloe from her thoughts of irony, Brady said, "Well, I should probably let you finish getting ready. I just wanted to give you the bracelet in case you wanted to wear it down the aisle."
Just before Brady shut the door, his betrothed softly said, "Thank you."
"You're very welcome." Completely shutting the bridal room door, Brady headed off toward his own dressing room, whistling a happy tune the whole way.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
After stopping to briefly speak with Bo and Hope, Philip began to quickly make his way toward the church's front doors so he could leave and finally take the first steps of starting a life without Chloe Lane.
However, just when his exit was in sight, Philip felt a small hand wrap itself around his wrist and pull him off his path. Looking at the cause of interference, Philip said, "Mimi, what are you doing?"
"I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a minute?" Just as Philip was preparing to say no, Mimi hurriedly continued, "Sure, you do. Let's step over here."
Philip could only roll his eyes with a touch of exasperation as his classmate tugged him over to a dimly lit corner. "What's so important, Meems?"
Mimi was about to tell Philip why she needed to speak with him when a thought suddenly occurred to her. In her typical fashion, Mimi blurted, "Hey, what are you doing here anyway?" Quickly realizing how callous her words must have sounded, she stammered, "Um, well, I mean . . . grr. I just . . . well, to be honest, I just didn't think you were invited."
"I only stopped by to give Chloe something. I was just about to leave when you decided to drag me over here."
"Oh," remarked Mimi with a twinge of embarrassment.
"So, are you going to tell me what's so urgent it can't wait until tomorrow?"
"Actually, I was just wondering what you said to Jason after our little talk."
"You mean when I took you for a ride around Salem and you asked me to keep Jason from bothering you?" After receiving a nod from Mimi, Philip answered, "Well, actually, I haven't had a chance to talk to Jason yet."
"What? But, I thought that you had talked to him and that was why he wasn't at school today."
"Nah, I haven't talked to Jason since the party at my house. When I asked Erin about him today, she said he supposedly wasn't feeling well and that's why he wasn't in class. But, she said he would definitely be here for the wedding, so he can't be too sick – if he's sick at all."
Crossing her arms across her chest, Mimi grumbled, "Typical Jason. It's just like him to cut class and pretend to be sick."
Though Philip had an odd feeling that there was more to Jason's absence than pure laziness, he kept the thought to himself. He would just talk to Jason later and see what was going on – and who he was trying to avoid at school.
However, Philip's plan to speak with Jason at a later time was shattered when the handsome athlete stepped into the building dressed in his tuxedo and hunter green bow tie. Scanning the rather crowded room, Jason's eyes were drawn almost magnetically to the isolated corner where Mimi and Philip were huddled. Feeling his blood pressure begin to rise, Jason only glared at his two friends.
In response to Jason's obviously displeased look, Philip muttered, "That can't be good."
After giving his pal Zach a simple nod as a greeting, Jason once again directed his discontented eyes in Philip and Mimi's direction. That familiar temper coming to a boiling point, he stalked over to the confused pair.
Jason's eyes were locked solely on Philip as he said, "Hey, pal. With more force than needed, Jason then gave Philip what was usually seen as a jovial punch on the shoulder. However, as a dull pain shot through Philip, he knew his friend was feeling anything but jovial.
"Jase," Philip curtly replied with understandable caution.
Crossing his arms over his chest in a somewhat haughty manner, Jason peevishly commented, "Gee, why does this not surprise me?"
Mimi took a quick glance at Philip but saw that he appeared just as confused as she was. Doing her best to brighten the dark mood that had cast itself over their little corner of the world, Mimi offered Jason a cheerful smile. "Well, we're just glad you were able to come tonight. Erin told Philip that you were feeling sick."
"Oh, I wasn't sick," declared Jason. Tossing a sharp glare at Philip, he explained, "I just didn't want to see him."
Philip did his best to look unperturbed as he smiled at Mimi and requested, "Hey, Meems, do you mind if Jason and I step outside? I think there some things we need to discuss man to man."
Though it went against her better judgment, Mimi gave the boys a suspicious look but silently nodded her approval and watched them both walk out the front doors.
As soon as he had led Jason a few feet from the sacred building, Philip gruffly demanded, "What is your problem? Honestly, what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you and Mimi! I was at Dotcom on Wednesday – I saw the two of you together in your car when you turned around in the parking lot." His anger only rising as Shawn stepped outside, Jason continued, "You just can't help yourself, can you K-man?"
Seeing how quickly tempers were escalading, Shawn attempted to intervene. "Whoa, guys, let's just calm down."
Completely ignoring Shawn, Jason loudly accused, "You guys were probably all over each other the minute you got back to the mansion."
Philip threw his head back and released a bemused cackle. "Oh, my God. I don't believe it. You're jealous!"
Jason ignored his friend's accusation and furiously remarked, "First, you were all hot for Belle. But, then, Shawnie-boy stole her heart. Then, Ghoul Girl and her freakish ways captured your attention. But, what do you know? Brady took her away. So, what? Now, it's Mimi's turn to be the object of one of your obsessions? Hey, maybe it was Mimi you thought you saw Halloween night, huh? Is that how it was Philip? I tell you I like her, and then you suddenly fantasize about her and want her for yourself? Well, Kiriakis?"
"You've got it all wrong," Philip stated as he struggled to control his own temper. "I'm not interested in Mimi." Philip began to turn away from Jason but paused. "You don't even see what your problem is, do you? I'm not the one standing in the way of you and Mimi – you are. If you would've quit acting like the class clown for five minutes and really let her know how you feel, you might actually have had a chance with her."
"What do you mean might have had a chance?"
Philip momentarily lowered his head as his anger began to slowly fade away and his sympathetic side emerged. Lifting his face to look at his friend, Philip explained, "Mimi stopped by my house on Wednesday to talk to me about you, Jason. She wanted me to convince you to leave her alone. She thinks you're just playing games with her."
Seeing that the other two boys may have reached an amiable place in the conversation to part ways, Shawn said, "Guys, it's starting to get really cold out here so why don't we just talk about this tomorrow, huh?"
Truly feeling the cool November breeze for the first time, Jason dejectedly remarked, "Yeah that sounds like a good idea."
However, before any of the young men were able to take more than a step away from one another, the front doors of the church opened to reveal Zach and Belle. Stepping out into the night with their friends, the couple stopped a few feet away from the others.
Her arms crossed in an attempt to fight the chilly wind, Belle stated, "I don't know what's going on out here, but the wedding starts in five minutes, so Shawn and Jason – get inside now."
"Hey, Shawn, I didn't realize you were dating such a Nazi," Jason complained just low enough for the other guys to hear.
Yet, Philip paid the comment no attention as his eyes locked on what he could only consider a troubling situation. While Jason and Shawn offered him casual goodbyes, Philip muttered a few parting words but kept a watchful gaze on Belle as she rested herself against Zach Wesley. Philip's eyes then darted to Shawn as he began to approach his girlfriend. Philip knew that scenario all too well. And, he could only hope that Shawn's heart would not be broken as his had been.
~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
Wringing her hands together, Chloe took several deep breaths to try and calm herself. She could all but feel the walls of the church moving in to suffocate her as she stood outside the doors that separated her from both her groom and a church full of guests.
A very large part of Chloe wanted to lift up the bottom of her white wedding gown, slip off her elegant heels, and run just as fast as her bare feet would carry her. Yet, as Craig took her arm and that familiar wedding march began to play, Chloe knew that it was too late to go back on her deal with Brady. Besides, would becoming Mrs. Brady Black really be that bad?
Lord we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides
Enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers
Enough to cross. enough to last
'Till the end of time
Striding down the aisle as the best man and maid of honor, Shawn and Belle were perhaps the perfect portrait of innocent, naive first love. Belle's silky hunter green gown seemed to flow with her every step as Shawn led her toward the front of the church.
A small smile conquered Belle's face as she caught Shawn humming along with the wedding march. In that single moment, Belle felt more content that she ever had. She was with Shawn, Brady and Chloe were getting married, and even Mimi and Jason had been paired together for the ceremony. Perhaps the world wasn't so cruel after all.
Passing by her parents, Belle gave John and Marlena a giddy smile that reflected her own schoolgirl qualities. As she and Shawn parted ways at the altar, Belle noticed Zach in the front row with his head bowed. At first Belle wondered if perhaps her friend was praying. Yet, as she watched his fingers skillfully attack the buttons on his cell phone, Belle realized that Zach was simply playing a quick game of Snake. With a smile, Belle quickly diverted her attention to the back of the room as Jason and Mimi walked down that infamous aisle.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
From the back of the room, Jan Spears watched each and every move of Jeremy Horton. His benevolence and selflessness boggled Jan's mind. Yet, as she carefully appraised his actions, Jan realized that the handsome college student's eyes were following Mimi and Jason down the aisle.
With her arm slipped through Jason's, Mimi did her very best to keep from stealing peeks at the attractive athlete walking with her. However, as the couple reached the front of the room and parted, Mimi could not stop herself from taking a long look at Jason. Whether it was a look of curiosity, frustration, or even repressed ardor, Mimi could not be wholly sure.
Lord we don't need another meadow
There are corn fields and wheat fields
Enough to grow
There are sun beams and moon beams
Enough to shine
Oh listen Lord if you want to know
Almost against his own will, Philip had silently crept back into St. Luke's. From a shadowy corner, he watched his Chloe slip through the doors to become Brady's Chloe. As the doors were shut behind Craig and Chloe, Philip felt his heart sink. The last of his hope had finally been demolished. Any foolish dreams of reuniting with Chloe were abandoned once and for all.
Needing to get away from the horrendous sound of the wedding march and the knowledge of losing his first love, Philip pushed himself away from the wall and walked out of the sacred building.
Philip looked up at the dark night sky as an uncommonly cold November wind gently assaulted him. Watching a whisper of gray clouds pass before the moon, Philip could only wonder where he would drift and what he would become now that he was at last ready to start a life as Chloe's friend rather than her boyfriend.
Attempting to shake away the melancholic feeling that had taken hold of him, Philip wiped at his misty eyes and began to somberly walk away from St. Luke's. Yet, when he was less than twenty-five feet from the church, the temptation arose to take one last look.
Releasing a frustrated sigh, Philip turned and looked back at the church once more. And, standing there in the dim moonlight he saw the girl who had been lurking in the back of his mind since Halloween.
She was dressed in a gown so dark blue that it was nearly black. Her hair was pulled atop her head, revealing her exquisite cheekbones. And, despite the distance that separated her from Philip, the troublesome twinkle in her eyes was just as easy to see and comprehend.
The sound of a car backfiring down the street instinctively tore Philip's gaze away from the intriguing creature. And, though his gaze left the young woman for the briefest of seconds, she was gone when Philip turned back.
"Great," muttered Philip as his eyes carefully scoured the night for the girl. "Even the imaginary girl of my dreams leaves me standing alone."
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now