Time passed with excruciating slowness as a group of worried friends sat in
the fourth floor waiting room. When Belle had been moved to a private room,
John and Marlena had gone upstairs to sit with her. At that time, a nurse
suggested that the teenagers move to a waiting area upstairs where there
would be less noise and people. She had added that she would let Dr. Wesley
know where they were waiting.
Jason and Mimi sat close together on the sofa with Philip. Shawn sat in a chair to their left, still disappointed that he would not be able to visit Belle until the next morning. Across from Shawn, Chloe was sitting in another chair, Brady perched on its arm.
Unable to handle the suffocating silence, Mimi rambled, "I can't believe this is happening. I mean, it's so weird to think that a few months ago we didn't even know Zach. And, now, we may be losing him."
Jason wanted to scream at Mimi, telling her to not say such things. However, a part of him feared that she was right. He had no guarantee that he would ever see his best friend again.
With a weak smile, Chloe commented, "I remember the first time I met Zach. I'd had a horrible day and wanted to go upstairs and block out the rest of the world. But, when I got to my bedroom, there he was."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 11)
When Chloe turned around from shutting the door behind her, she found herself without the ability to move. A scream already building in her throat, Chloe could only stare at the person stretched out on her bed.
Besides his faded blue jeans and tight red shirt, the handsome, dark-haired young man wore a sly grin. Keeping one arm behind his head, he used the other to run through his spiky hair.
In a voice hardly above a whisper, Chloe demanded, "Who are you?"
His smile remaining firmly placed on his face, the young man remarked, "And, I thought Nancy gave me a warm welcome. I was here ten minutes before she made up some excuse to get out of the house."
"Once again, who are you?"
"Jeesh, don't bother being too polite," said the young man without rising from Chloe's bed. "I'm Craig's brother Zach. And, lucky for you, I live here."
In an almost shrill scream, Chloe yelled, "Craig!"
"Craig!" Zach mimicked. With a laugh, he quietly added, "Let the good times roll."
(END FLASHBACK)
Mimi grinned at Chloe's story. "Zach definitely has a way of making a lasting first impression."
Searching for anything to distract him from his concern, Jason replied, "Yeah, and I bet Jeremy Horton would say the same thing about you."
A light blush crept into Mimi's cheeks. "The day I met Jeremy is one that I will never forget.
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 4)
So lost in her thoughts, Mimi did not see the approaching figure until she, and her chocolate ice cream, smacked into him. Losing her balance as she bumped into him, Mimi instinctively reached for him to steady her. By grabbing his shirt, she only succeeded in causing him to also lose his balance and knocked the both of them into Salem Place's fountain. Unlike Mimi, the poor fellow was able to catch himself a little and keep from his shoulders up dry. Mimi was far from being that lucky. The couple was immediately surrounded by onlookers who found the situation quite amusing. Among those onlookers was none other than Jason Masters.
Approaching the fountain just as Mimi and the unfortunate person she had practically assaulted were getting out of the fountain, Jason asked in his most taunting voice, "Mimi, what did you DO to that poor guy?"
Turning approximately ten different shades of red in less than thirty seconds, Mimi tried her best to ignore Jason's comment. Turning away from Jason and his obnoxious grin, Mimi found herself staring at the unlucky person that she had run into and consequently caused to go for an impromptu swim in the fountain.
Turning an added shade of red, Mimi quickly began, "Oh. My. God. I am SO sorry. I swear I did not mean to run into you like that! I am just so sorry! I swear I'll find some way to pay for your dry-cleaning bill. Really, it was an accident."
Jeremy Horton had the strangest urge to laugh at the rambling young woman before him. From head to toe, she was drenched. Her hair, which he felt certain she had spent a great amount of time on that morning, was now matted to her head and her eyeliner and mascara were forming black streaks down her face. He wondered if he looked half as bad as she did. Reaching up and realizing that he still had chocolate ice cream on his neck from her running into him, he concluded that he probably looked worst.
(END FLASHBACK)
"I wish the rest of you could have seen her in that fountain - it was hilarious," recalled Jason.
"Maybe for you," retorted Mimi with a relaxed smile. "Of course, I wasn't through with Jeremy just yet. The next time I was at Salem Place, I ruined another of his shirts by bumping into him again." Her smile fading just slightly, Mimi commented to herself, "So much has changed since then."
Hoping to keep the intense gloom at bay, Philip flashed Mimi his infamous dimples. "But, Meems, if you had never made a fool of yourself in front of Jeremy, none of the rest of us could have humiliated ourselves with that love machine. After all, that whole party was just a way to cheer you up."
Shawn gave a good-natured groan as the memories spilled over him.
Across the room, Chloe smirked, "Before that so-called party even started, I told you that it wasn't going to work."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 7)
Looking at Shawn as though he were a three-year-old, Chloe curtly said, "Shawn, it's a love machine."
"No, no. Not a love machine, the love machine. Major difference."
"Oh, really?" Chloe asked skeptically.
"Yes, really. A love machine is just, well, a love machine. But, this is THE love machine. As in, the love machine that will make Mimi forget all about that embarrassing little incident at Salem Place. I'm telling you, Chloe, this plan is going to work perfectly."
(END FLASHBACK)
"As I remember," began Philip. "It turned out to be one of the worst ideas Shawn ever had."
Speaking for the first time since the conversation began, Brady noted, "Yeah, that night definitely wasn't full of our best moments."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 8-10)
Lunging at Philip, Brady knocked him onto the table before they both fell to the floor. Struggling to push Brady off him, Philip yelled, "You're never going to get her! She's mine."
Punching Philip with a newfound sense of purpose, Brady remarked, "You don't own her, Philip. You can't even understand her. In fact, you'll never understand her - just like she'll never really fall in love with you."
Throwing Brady off him, Philip gave him a good kick in the side before Brady unexpectedly grabbed his ankle and brought him back down to the floor. Rising, Brady approached his irate uncle. Seeing Brady hover above him, Philip, too, rose to his feet, remarking, "Come on, I dare you. Give it your best shot." . . . . .
. . . . . "Look, would the two of you stop fighting long enough for us to just get this done?" Answered only with silence, Shawn continued, "Alright, we have to make sure that this looks realistic."
"Realistic? Shawn, man, do you even hear yourself? Come on, it's a freakin' love machine."
"Whatever, Philip. We just have to make sure that Mimi thinks that it's realistic."
Under her breath, Chloe muttered, "That shouldn't be too hard." . . . . .
. . . . . Willing to do almost anything to keep Philip from starting yet another argument, Shawn agreed, "Fine, you guys get a ten. Can we move on? After the two of you are done, Philip, you're going to use that Kiriakis charm of yours to convince Mimi to get in the chair and . . ."
"Mimi's about the only one his so-called charm will work on," remarked Chloe as she flashed Philip a smug grin.
"Whatever! I just want to do this so I can go home!" Shawn yelled as he felt any power he had over the situation slowly fade away with Philip and Chloe's relationship. "Look, Chloe, just grab some guy that you think is hot and put him in the chair beside Mimi."
"Oh, so I guess we should be expecting Brady in the chair," commented Philip as he sent Chloe his own smug grin.
Walking to the curtains, Shawn muttered, "That's it, I give up." . . . . .
. . . . . "Hi, I don't believe we've met. I'm Jeremy Horton," greeted Mimi's newest friend as he extended a friendly hand to Jason.
Purposely ignoring the proffered handshake, Jason despondently muttered, "Jason Masters." Jason had just assumed the guy would immediately prove to be a jerk. He was unpleasantly surprised when the guy offered him a genuine smile and introduction . . . . .
. . . . . As he was pushing his way through the rambunctious teenagers, Jason felt a hand grasp his arm. When he turned to verbally assault his attacker, his cruel words died on his lips. Instead, he merely stated, "Not now, Belle."
Belle stood stunned as she watched Jason walk away from her without another word. She was beginning to wonder if rudeness was a contagious disease, because it seemed as if all her friends were suffering from it . . . . .
. . . . . Taking a single step that put him toe-to-toe with Philip, Shawn replied, "I never said I knew everything, but everyone knows that you and Chloe just aren't cutting it as a couple."
"Oh, and I suppose you're just the king of love, aren't you? When was the last time you even kissed a girl? You can't even get up the courage to ask Belle out, but you expect me to listen to you analyze my love for Chloe?"
"Look, Philip, I'm not saying any of this to be mean. I know that you and Chloe care about each other. That much is obvious. I'm just afraid that the longer you two lie to yourselves, the more it's going to hurt when it's over."
Giving Shawn a rough push, Philip warned, "Stay out of it, Shawn. I'm warning you."
Shawn moved back closer to Philip and dared, "Oh, yeah? You're warning me? What exactly are you going to do?"
"What is your problem, Shawn?" Philip asked as he turned to look away from his pal. Shawn was acting stranger than usual, and Philip knew that he was about a remark away from decking his precious nephew. "Why don't you just back off?"
"Why don't you just make me?"
"Shawn, seriously, what is your deal? If you don't shut your mouth, I'm going to shut it for you."
"Yeah, why do I doubt that?"
Before Shawn could utter one more sarcastic question, Philip was knocking him to the floor, both temporarily forgetting that they should be watching the light.
As the scuffle continued, both young men began to yell things that were neither appropriate or a true reflection of their feeling. Lost in the angry moment, Philip and Shawn both just wanted to hurt the other with both words and violence.
"I swear to God, Shawn, if you're wanting Chloe for yourself, you're going to be sorry," vowed Philip as he used his right fist to punch Shawn in the stomach, ignoring the fact that they had pulled the curtain open slightly during their fight and a small crowd was gathering, including Belle and Chloe.
Wanting to do anything to make Philip mad, Shawn remarked, "Oh, yeah? Just what would you do if I said I was going after Chloe? Throw a fit and have your rich father try to bribe her into staying with you? It wouldn't work, Philip - unlike you, Chloe has morals." The very moment the words left his mouth, Shawn knew he didn't mean them. He had never been interested in Chloe, and never would be. Shawn only had eyes for one girl - Belle Black. And, he knew that that Philip was a decent person, but Shawn just couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke Philip even more.
However, that was the final insult that Shawn would utter before Philip knocked him halfway across the room, causing him to fall over the lever, pushing it all the way to the floor . . . . .
. . . . . With a violent collision, the young men met. Shawn attempted to spin Philip around and make him lose his grip, but it proved to be yet another plan of his destined to fail. At the very moment Shawn began to spin Philip, Chloe stepped forward, begging them to stop.
Before anyone could prevent the accident, Philip, Shawn, and Chloe all fell backwards against the table set up with the food and drinks for the evening. Chloe released a high-pitched scream as she fell over with the guys and they landed as a group beside the punch bowl, causing it to flip over on top of them . . . . .
(END FLASHBACK)
Wanting to continue distracting his worried pals, Philip pointed in Shawn's direction. "Too bad that wasn't the last time I agreed to help him with one of his little plans."
Her brow furrowed with confusion, Chloe asked, "What other scheme did Shawn drag you into?"
Philip raised his index and middle fingers. "I have two words for you. Halloween party."
"What?" Mimi inquired with confusion.
With a shake of his head, Shawn explained, "The only reason Philip threw that Halloween party was to help me get closer to Belle. I wanted our first official date to be special."
"Ah," cooed Mimi. "That's so sweet. Of course, it wasn't like any of us were surprised when you two finally got together."
Shawn scooted forward in his seat. He was grateful to have his friends to keep him company and to remind him of all the wonderful moments they had shared. "What are you talking about?"
"Shawn, you and Belle were so obvious. I remember this one time I was at Belle's house and you two just kept flirting and flirting and flirting."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 4)
"Shawn Brady, would you stop!" squealed Belle playfully as she swatted Shawn's hand away from her hair. From across the coffee table, Mimi dramatically rolled her eyes. There was only so much of Shawn and Belle and their severe case of denial that she could take - and she was quickly reaching her limit.
As soon as Belle resumed her conversation with Mimi, Shawn began to lightly tap Belle's colorful hair clips that formed a semi-circle across the top of her head. When he realized that she was trying to ignore him, Shawn decided to try a new tactic. Acting as though he was looking for something, Shawn began to lean up and look on top of Belle's head and make the exaggerated sounds of thought.
"Hmm," loudly exclaimed Shawn.
Finally giving in to Shawn's childish game, Belle asked, "Shawn-Douglas Brady, what are you doing?"
Feigning innocence, Shawn answered, "Well, I was just trying to follow the rainbow of hair thingies to see if I could find a pot of gold. Too bad all I could find was Belle the leprechaun."
Giggling, Belle punched Shawn's arm and began to tell him yet again to leave her alone when Mimi suddenly stood and began to make her way to the door.
Belle turned around on the couch to face Mimi and asked, "Meems, where are you going? Is something wrong?"
"Yeah, something's wrong. I got stuck spending the afternoon alone with the two most blind people I have ever met!"
(END FLASHBACK)
"Mimi's right," agreed Brady. "You guys were so transparent. I think everyone else in the world knew you would get together before the two of you even knew."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 6)
Cutting his sister off, Brady analyzed with a triumphant smirk, "Belle, you're babbling. And, we both know what that means. I am right. You do have a thing for Shawn."
"Do not!"
"Do so!"
"Do not!"
"Do so!"
"What on earth are the two of you arguing about?" John asked as he came in the front door with a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
"Nothing, Daddy," Belle quickly answered.
"Okay," John drawled out the word before giving a short laugh and turning his attention to his son. "So, Brady, what are the two of you arguing about?"
"Just how Belle likes . . ." Brady's sentence was cut short as Belle clamped her hand over his mouth and silently begged him with her eyes to not say anything to their father about her supposed crush on Shawn.
Pushing his sister's hand away from his face, Brady answered his father, "We were just arguing about how Belle likes . . . to eat all the ice cream before I get a chance to get to it."
"Sure," replied John, knowing full and well that his children were arguing over anything but ice cream. Unable to keep from teasing his daughter just a little, John added as he walked up the stairs, "If you don't want to tell your old man the truth, that's okay. After all, it's not as though you were talking about a certain young man named Shawn, now were you?"
As John disappeared upstairs, Brady erupted in laughter, "I TOLD you that half of Salem knew you had a crush on Shawn. Even Dad knows. Man, this is too funny."
"Oh, shut-up, Brady."
(END FLASHBACK)
Chloe cast an observant eye over the waiting area. Though each person was tired and hungry, no one was leaving. They stayed for one reason. They were friends. Verbally conveying her thoughts, Chloe stated, "I just can't believe that all of us are here together. A year ago, there was nothing that could have brought all of us together."
"She's right," acknowledged Philip. "It's weird how petty all of our old arguments seem."
As the room returned to a silent state, Mimi recalled the single moment when she knew relationships were about to change.
(FLASHBACK - Prologue)
Almost as if on cue, Jan's taunting voice came from behind Mimi, "Oh, look, it's poor little Mimi. Gee, what's the matter? Did your dad lose his job again?"
"Leave me alone, Jan. I have better things to do than listen to you."
"Like what? Finding a new cardboard box for your family to live in? You didn't really think that anyone forgot about last summer, did you? Even if your bum of a father does have a job now, he'll always be remembered as the guy that couldn't even support his own family. I guess that would make him almost as worthless as you."
Before Mimi could even try to defend herself and her family, Jason appeared behind Jan and roughly turned her to face him. Loudly he ordered, "Shut your mouth, Jan. Because, I'm really getting sick of hearing you go on and on. And, everyone else is too. So, why don't you just can it?"
Mimi stared at Jason with almost blind admiration. Other than Shawn, he was the only guy who had ever defended her to anyone. It was an amazingly good feeling.
(END FLASHBACK)
Minutes passed in an awkward silence, but no one seemed to have the right words. Looking down at his wife, Brady knew that she and the others needed something to distract them from their fears. Physically forcing himself to chuckle, Brady inquired, "Remember that mud fight we had at the carnival?"
Philip covered his face with his hands. "I was actually hoping that we could not remember that fight," he muttered only half-jokingly.
Nervously wringing his hands together, Jason simply commented, "That seems like a lifetime ago."
"How did that whole mess even start?" Mimi asked.
"He did it," jokingly accused Shawn as he pointed at Philip. "Philip was in a bad mood and took it out on Belle. Brady and I ended up arguing with him - and each other. Next thing you know, Chloe is tossing mud at all of us."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 3)
Chloe turned away from Philip and scooped up a large amount of mud in each hand. Walking as gracefully as the mud covering her would allow, Chloe made her way to where Brady and Shawn were still arguing . Chloe loudly cleared her throat to get the attention of the guys. As they turned simultaneously to face her, she smiled deviously as she took a fistful of mud and threw it in each of their faces . . . . .
. . . . . Deciding that someone needed to help Philip out of the mud, Jason hesitantly approached his friend and extended a helpful hand, silently vowing that this was the last time he was helping the K-Man after a disagreement over Chloe.
Grabbing hold of Jason's hand, Philip gave an all-too-happy smile before he unexpectedly gave a hard yank on Jason's arm, pulling him into the mud . . . . .
. . . . . As Mimi continued her rant, Philip and Jason exchanged a knowing glance. Mimi, waving her arms toward the sky as she cursed the weather, did not notice Philip mouthing to the count of three. Before she even knew what was happening, the guys each took hold of one of her ankles and yanked her into the mud . . . . .
. . . . . Belle decided that Chloe had the right idea when she splattered the guys with mud. Reaching down, Belle scooped a nice, large amount of mud into her hand. Giving Shawn her most mischievous smile, she said, "You really should have better manners." That said Belle slung the mud in Shawn's direction. Ducking, Shawn was able to miss being hit - Brady wasn't so lucky.
Feigning anger though he was actually in a rather good mood, Brady screamed, "Tink! Learn to throw!" . . . . .
. . . . . Throwing herself at Brady, Chloe screamed, "Girls against guys!"
Having just gotten to their feet, Philip and Jason grabbed Mimi. Before sending her back into the mud, Jason said, "You heard what she said, "Girls versus guys! Let the war begin!"
With Mimi safely deposited in the mud, Philip turned his attention to Chloe, who after tackling Brady, tried to make an escape. Her plans were halted by Philip, who's chest she ran into. "Hello, beautiful." . . . . .
. . . . . Chloe's question was answered by Philip grabbing both her hands and pulling her around in a dizzying circle. As she spun around she could see Shawn was still hovering over Belle. Now, however, Mimi had attached herself to his back and was slinging mud at the back of his head. She was also slinging the mud at Jason who was trying to get his arms around her waist so he could pull her off Shawn . . . . .
. . . . . Philip returned Brady's smile and proceeded to help him. Happily, the two used Chloe's arms and legs to swing her body dangerously close to the mud. Being swung back and forth through the air, Chloe laughed harder than she had in months. If only for a few minutes, her problems were erased and she was free to laugh and smile.
(END FLASHBACK)
Shawn smiled at the fond memory. "Why does it seem like we're always fighting?"
"Because, we are," answered Jason. "If we're not throwing punches, we're at least arguing with each other."
From Jason's side, Mimi added, "But, we're still friends. We care about each other, so it would take way more than a few fights to tear us all apart."
Mimi's words hit Chloe especially hard. During her lonely childhood, she had never expected to find such a close circle of friends. "So, the past few months have been full of fun times, senseless fights, crazy schemes, and . . ."
"Humiliating flirtations and romantic escapades," supplied Jason with a mischievous grin.
Philip wistfully curled the corners of his mouth upward but failed to make a true smile. "For better or worse, we've stolen hearts and broken them."
(FLASHBACKS)
***When Chloe only remained silent, Philip sadly stated, "I love you, Chloe. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone else."
Chloe was not able to meet Philip's eyes as she responded, "I've never doubted that. Not ever."
His eyes lightly misted over with unshed tears, Philip stated, "This is the end, isn't it?" . . . . .
. . . . .Chloe's heart broke just a little bit more as she saw a single tear slip down Philip's cheek. It wasn't until she felt his hand raise up and graze her face that she realized she, too, was crying . . . . .***
***Mimi stood in a complete state of shock, her mouth hanging open in an exaggerated manner. Try as she may, Mimi could not tear her eyes off Jason's bare chest and the water droplets that glistened on his tan skin or the simple white towel that hung dangerously loose from his waist.. Opening her mouth to utter an apology, Mimi found no words.
Once he recovered from his own shock, Jason asked, "Mimi, what are you doing here?"
"Uh," Mimi gulped. "I . . . well, I came over to get my bracelet. Yeah. . . my bracelet. Um, your mom called and said that I must have dropped it over here . . . and, I well, um . . ." Mimi averted her gaze before asking, "What was I saying?"
One side of his mouth turning up just slightly into a grin, Jason answered, "You said you came over for your bracelet."
"Oh, yeah, the bracelet. Your sister told me that you had it up here and to just come on up because you were already up here. I swear, I didn't think that you were going to just strut out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel."
"Strut?" Jason questioned as he continued to observe Mimi's nervous nature. He actually found it rather cute the way she seemed so mortified just because she caught him in his towel. ***
***"Marry me."
"Ha, very funny, Brady," responded Chloe, her eyes expressing the complete shock her words did not.
His eyes still remaining locked on the video game he was playing, Brady calmly responded, "I happen to take marriage very seriously and don't think it's funny at all."
"Marriage, no. Me marrying you, yes. That is funny. Now, seriously, what is your real plan?"
Defeating the last enemy spaceship and saving Planet Earth, Brady casually tossed the controller aside and turned his full attention to Chloe. "That is my real plan."***
***The dark haired beauty's head was bowed as though in prayer, giving her the appearance of an angel. As though sensing Philip's compelling gaze upon her, the young woman slowly lifted her head. Her deep blue-gray eyes meeting Philip's, her painted lips slowly fashioned themselves into a devilish grin.
In that instant, Philip regained his mobility and darted toward the elevator. As the opening of the doors narrowed from feet to inches, Philip slipped his lean body into the elevator. Putting on his dimpled smile as comfortably as his favorite sweatshirt, Philip charmingly greeted, "Hello."
The girl kept her gaze focused solely on Philip, her eyes glittering with bemusement and adoration. Offering a half-smile, she replied, "Hey."
Time seemingly stopped as the two stood staring at each other, the slow hum of the moving elevator all that broke the silence. And, then, even that sound stopped.
As the overhead light flickered out, Philip cheerily commented, "Guess this means we're going to be stuck in here alone for a while." Extending his right hand through the darkness, Philip politely identified himself, "Philip."
Shaking her companion's hand, the girl replied, "Sinclair." ***
***While Brady had been skulking up the stairs, Chloe had quickly concluded that the man she had passionately assaulted was not her husband. Though her lips had only encountered Brady's on a few occasions, it was a feeling that could not be forgotten or duplicated.
Pulling away from her companion, Chloe squinted through the dark to make out his facial features. However, saving her from going to such trouble, her friend plopped that last large battery into the flashlight and pointed the beam toward his face. "Hey, Chloe."
Chloe squealed Shawn's name in shock. She then used both hands to shove him back a little farther. "What are you going here . . . kissing me?"
"Kissing you? Chloe, you attacked me!"***
***Using every ounce of self-restraint that she possessed, Chloe kept herself from turning away from Brady and fleeing down the aisle. She was almost certain that he, the priest, and half the guests could hear her heart pounding within her chest. Never in her life had one event seemed so intense and perplexing. Within moments she would truly be Mrs. Brady Black – till death would they part.
Hearing her cue from the priest, Chloe softly said the two words that would most certainly change her life, "I do."***
***"Oh, my god," Mimi exclaimed. "That sounds like Jason! That is Jason!"
Her eyes becoming as wide as saucers, Belle attempted to discreetly point behind Mimi. Looking at Belle as though she were losing her sanity, Mimi asked, "What? What are you pointing at?"
"Behind you!" Belle hissed.
Turning around, Mimi found herself looking into Jason's stunning green eyes as he belted out the song lyrics. She was stunned when the popular athlete boldly winked at her. From the laughter of those nearby, Mimi knew it was not an action that went unnoticed.
As Jason tried to near Mimi, she slammed her locker shut and began to nervously back away. "What are you doing, Jason?"
His only answer was to continue singing.
Gasping with sincere shock, Mimi turned from her would-be suitor and ran down the hallway. Completely unaware of the fact that he was embarrassing Mimi rather than flattering her, Jason hurried down the hall after her.***
***Her earlier anger and frustration completely dissipated, Mimi softly requested, "Tell me something else about yourself that would surprise me."
Jason tossed Mimi a skeptical glance as though to ask if she were serious. Seeing that there were no indications of jesting on her face, Jason answered, "Well, you already know about my obsession with barbeque chips and sour cream dip, so I'm not sure what else there is to tell you, Meems."
"Oh, come on, Jase. I don't believe that for a minute. I bet there are a ton of things that you've never told me."
Garnering every ounce of his courage and leaping into the moment fate had handed him, Jason answered, "How about the fact that I think I might have fallen in love with you?" ***
(END FLASHBACKS)
Jason and Mimi sat close together on the sofa with Philip. Shawn sat in a chair to their left, still disappointed that he would not be able to visit Belle until the next morning. Across from Shawn, Chloe was sitting in another chair, Brady perched on its arm.
Unable to handle the suffocating silence, Mimi rambled, "I can't believe this is happening. I mean, it's so weird to think that a few months ago we didn't even know Zach. And, now, we may be losing him."
Jason wanted to scream at Mimi, telling her to not say such things. However, a part of him feared that she was right. He had no guarantee that he would ever see his best friend again.
With a weak smile, Chloe commented, "I remember the first time I met Zach. I'd had a horrible day and wanted to go upstairs and block out the rest of the world. But, when I got to my bedroom, there he was."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 11)
When Chloe turned around from shutting the door behind her, she found herself without the ability to move. A scream already building in her throat, Chloe could only stare at the person stretched out on her bed.
Besides his faded blue jeans and tight red shirt, the handsome, dark-haired young man wore a sly grin. Keeping one arm behind his head, he used the other to run through his spiky hair.
In a voice hardly above a whisper, Chloe demanded, "Who are you?"
His smile remaining firmly placed on his face, the young man remarked, "And, I thought Nancy gave me a warm welcome. I was here ten minutes before she made up some excuse to get out of the house."
"Once again, who are you?"
"Jeesh, don't bother being too polite," said the young man without rising from Chloe's bed. "I'm Craig's brother Zach. And, lucky for you, I live here."
In an almost shrill scream, Chloe yelled, "Craig!"
"Craig!" Zach mimicked. With a laugh, he quietly added, "Let the good times roll."
(END FLASHBACK)
Mimi grinned at Chloe's story. "Zach definitely has a way of making a lasting first impression."
Searching for anything to distract him from his concern, Jason replied, "Yeah, and I bet Jeremy Horton would say the same thing about you."
A light blush crept into Mimi's cheeks. "The day I met Jeremy is one that I will never forget.
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 4)
So lost in her thoughts, Mimi did not see the approaching figure until she, and her chocolate ice cream, smacked into him. Losing her balance as she bumped into him, Mimi instinctively reached for him to steady her. By grabbing his shirt, she only succeeded in causing him to also lose his balance and knocked the both of them into Salem Place's fountain. Unlike Mimi, the poor fellow was able to catch himself a little and keep from his shoulders up dry. Mimi was far from being that lucky. The couple was immediately surrounded by onlookers who found the situation quite amusing. Among those onlookers was none other than Jason Masters.
Approaching the fountain just as Mimi and the unfortunate person she had practically assaulted were getting out of the fountain, Jason asked in his most taunting voice, "Mimi, what did you DO to that poor guy?"
Turning approximately ten different shades of red in less than thirty seconds, Mimi tried her best to ignore Jason's comment. Turning away from Jason and his obnoxious grin, Mimi found herself staring at the unlucky person that she had run into and consequently caused to go for an impromptu swim in the fountain.
Turning an added shade of red, Mimi quickly began, "Oh. My. God. I am SO sorry. I swear I did not mean to run into you like that! I am just so sorry! I swear I'll find some way to pay for your dry-cleaning bill. Really, it was an accident."
Jeremy Horton had the strangest urge to laugh at the rambling young woman before him. From head to toe, she was drenched. Her hair, which he felt certain she had spent a great amount of time on that morning, was now matted to her head and her eyeliner and mascara were forming black streaks down her face. He wondered if he looked half as bad as she did. Reaching up and realizing that he still had chocolate ice cream on his neck from her running into him, he concluded that he probably looked worst.
(END FLASHBACK)
"I wish the rest of you could have seen her in that fountain - it was hilarious," recalled Jason.
"Maybe for you," retorted Mimi with a relaxed smile. "Of course, I wasn't through with Jeremy just yet. The next time I was at Salem Place, I ruined another of his shirts by bumping into him again." Her smile fading just slightly, Mimi commented to herself, "So much has changed since then."
Hoping to keep the intense gloom at bay, Philip flashed Mimi his infamous dimples. "But, Meems, if you had never made a fool of yourself in front of Jeremy, none of the rest of us could have humiliated ourselves with that love machine. After all, that whole party was just a way to cheer you up."
Shawn gave a good-natured groan as the memories spilled over him.
Across the room, Chloe smirked, "Before that so-called party even started, I told you that it wasn't going to work."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 7)
Looking at Shawn as though he were a three-year-old, Chloe curtly said, "Shawn, it's a love machine."
"No, no. Not a love machine, the love machine. Major difference."
"Oh, really?" Chloe asked skeptically.
"Yes, really. A love machine is just, well, a love machine. But, this is THE love machine. As in, the love machine that will make Mimi forget all about that embarrassing little incident at Salem Place. I'm telling you, Chloe, this plan is going to work perfectly."
(END FLASHBACK)
"As I remember," began Philip. "It turned out to be one of the worst ideas Shawn ever had."
Speaking for the first time since the conversation began, Brady noted, "Yeah, that night definitely wasn't full of our best moments."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 8-10)
Lunging at Philip, Brady knocked him onto the table before they both fell to the floor. Struggling to push Brady off him, Philip yelled, "You're never going to get her! She's mine."
Punching Philip with a newfound sense of purpose, Brady remarked, "You don't own her, Philip. You can't even understand her. In fact, you'll never understand her - just like she'll never really fall in love with you."
Throwing Brady off him, Philip gave him a good kick in the side before Brady unexpectedly grabbed his ankle and brought him back down to the floor. Rising, Brady approached his irate uncle. Seeing Brady hover above him, Philip, too, rose to his feet, remarking, "Come on, I dare you. Give it your best shot." . . . . .
. . . . . "Look, would the two of you stop fighting long enough for us to just get this done?" Answered only with silence, Shawn continued, "Alright, we have to make sure that this looks realistic."
"Realistic? Shawn, man, do you even hear yourself? Come on, it's a freakin' love machine."
"Whatever, Philip. We just have to make sure that Mimi thinks that it's realistic."
Under her breath, Chloe muttered, "That shouldn't be too hard." . . . . .
. . . . . Willing to do almost anything to keep Philip from starting yet another argument, Shawn agreed, "Fine, you guys get a ten. Can we move on? After the two of you are done, Philip, you're going to use that Kiriakis charm of yours to convince Mimi to get in the chair and . . ."
"Mimi's about the only one his so-called charm will work on," remarked Chloe as she flashed Philip a smug grin.
"Whatever! I just want to do this so I can go home!" Shawn yelled as he felt any power he had over the situation slowly fade away with Philip and Chloe's relationship. "Look, Chloe, just grab some guy that you think is hot and put him in the chair beside Mimi."
"Oh, so I guess we should be expecting Brady in the chair," commented Philip as he sent Chloe his own smug grin.
Walking to the curtains, Shawn muttered, "That's it, I give up." . . . . .
. . . . . "Hi, I don't believe we've met. I'm Jeremy Horton," greeted Mimi's newest friend as he extended a friendly hand to Jason.
Purposely ignoring the proffered handshake, Jason despondently muttered, "Jason Masters." Jason had just assumed the guy would immediately prove to be a jerk. He was unpleasantly surprised when the guy offered him a genuine smile and introduction . . . . .
. . . . . As he was pushing his way through the rambunctious teenagers, Jason felt a hand grasp his arm. When he turned to verbally assault his attacker, his cruel words died on his lips. Instead, he merely stated, "Not now, Belle."
Belle stood stunned as she watched Jason walk away from her without another word. She was beginning to wonder if rudeness was a contagious disease, because it seemed as if all her friends were suffering from it . . . . .
. . . . . Taking a single step that put him toe-to-toe with Philip, Shawn replied, "I never said I knew everything, but everyone knows that you and Chloe just aren't cutting it as a couple."
"Oh, and I suppose you're just the king of love, aren't you? When was the last time you even kissed a girl? You can't even get up the courage to ask Belle out, but you expect me to listen to you analyze my love for Chloe?"
"Look, Philip, I'm not saying any of this to be mean. I know that you and Chloe care about each other. That much is obvious. I'm just afraid that the longer you two lie to yourselves, the more it's going to hurt when it's over."
Giving Shawn a rough push, Philip warned, "Stay out of it, Shawn. I'm warning you."
Shawn moved back closer to Philip and dared, "Oh, yeah? You're warning me? What exactly are you going to do?"
"What is your problem, Shawn?" Philip asked as he turned to look away from his pal. Shawn was acting stranger than usual, and Philip knew that he was about a remark away from decking his precious nephew. "Why don't you just back off?"
"Why don't you just make me?"
"Shawn, seriously, what is your deal? If you don't shut your mouth, I'm going to shut it for you."
"Yeah, why do I doubt that?"
Before Shawn could utter one more sarcastic question, Philip was knocking him to the floor, both temporarily forgetting that they should be watching the light.
As the scuffle continued, both young men began to yell things that were neither appropriate or a true reflection of their feeling. Lost in the angry moment, Philip and Shawn both just wanted to hurt the other with both words and violence.
"I swear to God, Shawn, if you're wanting Chloe for yourself, you're going to be sorry," vowed Philip as he used his right fist to punch Shawn in the stomach, ignoring the fact that they had pulled the curtain open slightly during their fight and a small crowd was gathering, including Belle and Chloe.
Wanting to do anything to make Philip mad, Shawn remarked, "Oh, yeah? Just what would you do if I said I was going after Chloe? Throw a fit and have your rich father try to bribe her into staying with you? It wouldn't work, Philip - unlike you, Chloe has morals." The very moment the words left his mouth, Shawn knew he didn't mean them. He had never been interested in Chloe, and never would be. Shawn only had eyes for one girl - Belle Black. And, he knew that that Philip was a decent person, but Shawn just couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke Philip even more.
However, that was the final insult that Shawn would utter before Philip knocked him halfway across the room, causing him to fall over the lever, pushing it all the way to the floor . . . . .
. . . . . With a violent collision, the young men met. Shawn attempted to spin Philip around and make him lose his grip, but it proved to be yet another plan of his destined to fail. At the very moment Shawn began to spin Philip, Chloe stepped forward, begging them to stop.
Before anyone could prevent the accident, Philip, Shawn, and Chloe all fell backwards against the table set up with the food and drinks for the evening. Chloe released a high-pitched scream as she fell over with the guys and they landed as a group beside the punch bowl, causing it to flip over on top of them . . . . .
(END FLASHBACK)
Wanting to continue distracting his worried pals, Philip pointed in Shawn's direction. "Too bad that wasn't the last time I agreed to help him with one of his little plans."
Her brow furrowed with confusion, Chloe asked, "What other scheme did Shawn drag you into?"
Philip raised his index and middle fingers. "I have two words for you. Halloween party."
"What?" Mimi inquired with confusion.
With a shake of his head, Shawn explained, "The only reason Philip threw that Halloween party was to help me get closer to Belle. I wanted our first official date to be special."
"Ah," cooed Mimi. "That's so sweet. Of course, it wasn't like any of us were surprised when you two finally got together."
Shawn scooted forward in his seat. He was grateful to have his friends to keep him company and to remind him of all the wonderful moments they had shared. "What are you talking about?"
"Shawn, you and Belle were so obvious. I remember this one time I was at Belle's house and you two just kept flirting and flirting and flirting."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 4)
"Shawn Brady, would you stop!" squealed Belle playfully as she swatted Shawn's hand away from her hair. From across the coffee table, Mimi dramatically rolled her eyes. There was only so much of Shawn and Belle and their severe case of denial that she could take - and she was quickly reaching her limit.
As soon as Belle resumed her conversation with Mimi, Shawn began to lightly tap Belle's colorful hair clips that formed a semi-circle across the top of her head. When he realized that she was trying to ignore him, Shawn decided to try a new tactic. Acting as though he was looking for something, Shawn began to lean up and look on top of Belle's head and make the exaggerated sounds of thought.
"Hmm," loudly exclaimed Shawn.
Finally giving in to Shawn's childish game, Belle asked, "Shawn-Douglas Brady, what are you doing?"
Feigning innocence, Shawn answered, "Well, I was just trying to follow the rainbow of hair thingies to see if I could find a pot of gold. Too bad all I could find was Belle the leprechaun."
Giggling, Belle punched Shawn's arm and began to tell him yet again to leave her alone when Mimi suddenly stood and began to make her way to the door.
Belle turned around on the couch to face Mimi and asked, "Meems, where are you going? Is something wrong?"
"Yeah, something's wrong. I got stuck spending the afternoon alone with the two most blind people I have ever met!"
(END FLASHBACK)
"Mimi's right," agreed Brady. "You guys were so transparent. I think everyone else in the world knew you would get together before the two of you even knew."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 6)
Cutting his sister off, Brady analyzed with a triumphant smirk, "Belle, you're babbling. And, we both know what that means. I am right. You do have a thing for Shawn."
"Do not!"
"Do so!"
"Do not!"
"Do so!"
"What on earth are the two of you arguing about?" John asked as he came in the front door with a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
"Nothing, Daddy," Belle quickly answered.
"Okay," John drawled out the word before giving a short laugh and turning his attention to his son. "So, Brady, what are the two of you arguing about?"
"Just how Belle likes . . ." Brady's sentence was cut short as Belle clamped her hand over his mouth and silently begged him with her eyes to not say anything to their father about her supposed crush on Shawn.
Pushing his sister's hand away from his face, Brady answered his father, "We were just arguing about how Belle likes . . . to eat all the ice cream before I get a chance to get to it."
"Sure," replied John, knowing full and well that his children were arguing over anything but ice cream. Unable to keep from teasing his daughter just a little, John added as he walked up the stairs, "If you don't want to tell your old man the truth, that's okay. After all, it's not as though you were talking about a certain young man named Shawn, now were you?"
As John disappeared upstairs, Brady erupted in laughter, "I TOLD you that half of Salem knew you had a crush on Shawn. Even Dad knows. Man, this is too funny."
"Oh, shut-up, Brady."
(END FLASHBACK)
Chloe cast an observant eye over the waiting area. Though each person was tired and hungry, no one was leaving. They stayed for one reason. They were friends. Verbally conveying her thoughts, Chloe stated, "I just can't believe that all of us are here together. A year ago, there was nothing that could have brought all of us together."
"She's right," acknowledged Philip. "It's weird how petty all of our old arguments seem."
As the room returned to a silent state, Mimi recalled the single moment when she knew relationships were about to change.
(FLASHBACK - Prologue)
Almost as if on cue, Jan's taunting voice came from behind Mimi, "Oh, look, it's poor little Mimi. Gee, what's the matter? Did your dad lose his job again?"
"Leave me alone, Jan. I have better things to do than listen to you."
"Like what? Finding a new cardboard box for your family to live in? You didn't really think that anyone forgot about last summer, did you? Even if your bum of a father does have a job now, he'll always be remembered as the guy that couldn't even support his own family. I guess that would make him almost as worthless as you."
Before Mimi could even try to defend herself and her family, Jason appeared behind Jan and roughly turned her to face him. Loudly he ordered, "Shut your mouth, Jan. Because, I'm really getting sick of hearing you go on and on. And, everyone else is too. So, why don't you just can it?"
Mimi stared at Jason with almost blind admiration. Other than Shawn, he was the only guy who had ever defended her to anyone. It was an amazingly good feeling.
(END FLASHBACK)
Minutes passed in an awkward silence, but no one seemed to have the right words. Looking down at his wife, Brady knew that she and the others needed something to distract them from their fears. Physically forcing himself to chuckle, Brady inquired, "Remember that mud fight we had at the carnival?"
Philip covered his face with his hands. "I was actually hoping that we could not remember that fight," he muttered only half-jokingly.
Nervously wringing his hands together, Jason simply commented, "That seems like a lifetime ago."
"How did that whole mess even start?" Mimi asked.
"He did it," jokingly accused Shawn as he pointed at Philip. "Philip was in a bad mood and took it out on Belle. Brady and I ended up arguing with him - and each other. Next thing you know, Chloe is tossing mud at all of us."
(FLASHBACK - Ch. 3)
Chloe turned away from Philip and scooped up a large amount of mud in each hand. Walking as gracefully as the mud covering her would allow, Chloe made her way to where Brady and Shawn were still arguing . Chloe loudly cleared her throat to get the attention of the guys. As they turned simultaneously to face her, she smiled deviously as she took a fistful of mud and threw it in each of their faces . . . . .
. . . . . Deciding that someone needed to help Philip out of the mud, Jason hesitantly approached his friend and extended a helpful hand, silently vowing that this was the last time he was helping the K-Man after a disagreement over Chloe.
Grabbing hold of Jason's hand, Philip gave an all-too-happy smile before he unexpectedly gave a hard yank on Jason's arm, pulling him into the mud . . . . .
. . . . . As Mimi continued her rant, Philip and Jason exchanged a knowing glance. Mimi, waving her arms toward the sky as she cursed the weather, did not notice Philip mouthing to the count of three. Before she even knew what was happening, the guys each took hold of one of her ankles and yanked her into the mud . . . . .
. . . . . Belle decided that Chloe had the right idea when she splattered the guys with mud. Reaching down, Belle scooped a nice, large amount of mud into her hand. Giving Shawn her most mischievous smile, she said, "You really should have better manners." That said Belle slung the mud in Shawn's direction. Ducking, Shawn was able to miss being hit - Brady wasn't so lucky.
Feigning anger though he was actually in a rather good mood, Brady screamed, "Tink! Learn to throw!" . . . . .
. . . . . Throwing herself at Brady, Chloe screamed, "Girls against guys!"
Having just gotten to their feet, Philip and Jason grabbed Mimi. Before sending her back into the mud, Jason said, "You heard what she said, "Girls versus guys! Let the war begin!"
With Mimi safely deposited in the mud, Philip turned his attention to Chloe, who after tackling Brady, tried to make an escape. Her plans were halted by Philip, who's chest she ran into. "Hello, beautiful." . . . . .
. . . . . Chloe's question was answered by Philip grabbing both her hands and pulling her around in a dizzying circle. As she spun around she could see Shawn was still hovering over Belle. Now, however, Mimi had attached herself to his back and was slinging mud at the back of his head. She was also slinging the mud at Jason who was trying to get his arms around her waist so he could pull her off Shawn . . . . .
. . . . . Philip returned Brady's smile and proceeded to help him. Happily, the two used Chloe's arms and legs to swing her body dangerously close to the mud. Being swung back and forth through the air, Chloe laughed harder than she had in months. If only for a few minutes, her problems were erased and she was free to laugh and smile.
(END FLASHBACK)
Shawn smiled at the fond memory. "Why does it seem like we're always fighting?"
"Because, we are," answered Jason. "If we're not throwing punches, we're at least arguing with each other."
From Jason's side, Mimi added, "But, we're still friends. We care about each other, so it would take way more than a few fights to tear us all apart."
Mimi's words hit Chloe especially hard. During her lonely childhood, she had never expected to find such a close circle of friends. "So, the past few months have been full of fun times, senseless fights, crazy schemes, and . . ."
"Humiliating flirtations and romantic escapades," supplied Jason with a mischievous grin.
Philip wistfully curled the corners of his mouth upward but failed to make a true smile. "For better or worse, we've stolen hearts and broken them."
(FLASHBACKS)
***When Chloe only remained silent, Philip sadly stated, "I love you, Chloe. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone else."
Chloe was not able to meet Philip's eyes as she responded, "I've never doubted that. Not ever."
His eyes lightly misted over with unshed tears, Philip stated, "This is the end, isn't it?" . . . . .
. . . . .Chloe's heart broke just a little bit more as she saw a single tear slip down Philip's cheek. It wasn't until she felt his hand raise up and graze her face that she realized she, too, was crying . . . . .***
***Mimi stood in a complete state of shock, her mouth hanging open in an exaggerated manner. Try as she may, Mimi could not tear her eyes off Jason's bare chest and the water droplets that glistened on his tan skin or the simple white towel that hung dangerously loose from his waist.. Opening her mouth to utter an apology, Mimi found no words.
Once he recovered from his own shock, Jason asked, "Mimi, what are you doing here?"
"Uh," Mimi gulped. "I . . . well, I came over to get my bracelet. Yeah. . . my bracelet. Um, your mom called and said that I must have dropped it over here . . . and, I well, um . . ." Mimi averted her gaze before asking, "What was I saying?"
One side of his mouth turning up just slightly into a grin, Jason answered, "You said you came over for your bracelet."
"Oh, yeah, the bracelet. Your sister told me that you had it up here and to just come on up because you were already up here. I swear, I didn't think that you were going to just strut out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel."
"Strut?" Jason questioned as he continued to observe Mimi's nervous nature. He actually found it rather cute the way she seemed so mortified just because she caught him in his towel. ***
***"Marry me."
"Ha, very funny, Brady," responded Chloe, her eyes expressing the complete shock her words did not.
His eyes still remaining locked on the video game he was playing, Brady calmly responded, "I happen to take marriage very seriously and don't think it's funny at all."
"Marriage, no. Me marrying you, yes. That is funny. Now, seriously, what is your real plan?"
Defeating the last enemy spaceship and saving Planet Earth, Brady casually tossed the controller aside and turned his full attention to Chloe. "That is my real plan."***
***The dark haired beauty's head was bowed as though in prayer, giving her the appearance of an angel. As though sensing Philip's compelling gaze upon her, the young woman slowly lifted her head. Her deep blue-gray eyes meeting Philip's, her painted lips slowly fashioned themselves into a devilish grin.
In that instant, Philip regained his mobility and darted toward the elevator. As the opening of the doors narrowed from feet to inches, Philip slipped his lean body into the elevator. Putting on his dimpled smile as comfortably as his favorite sweatshirt, Philip charmingly greeted, "Hello."
The girl kept her gaze focused solely on Philip, her eyes glittering with bemusement and adoration. Offering a half-smile, she replied, "Hey."
Time seemingly stopped as the two stood staring at each other, the slow hum of the moving elevator all that broke the silence. And, then, even that sound stopped.
As the overhead light flickered out, Philip cheerily commented, "Guess this means we're going to be stuck in here alone for a while." Extending his right hand through the darkness, Philip politely identified himself, "Philip."
Shaking her companion's hand, the girl replied, "Sinclair." ***
***While Brady had been skulking up the stairs, Chloe had quickly concluded that the man she had passionately assaulted was not her husband. Though her lips had only encountered Brady's on a few occasions, it was a feeling that could not be forgotten or duplicated.
Pulling away from her companion, Chloe squinted through the dark to make out his facial features. However, saving her from going to such trouble, her friend plopped that last large battery into the flashlight and pointed the beam toward his face. "Hey, Chloe."
Chloe squealed Shawn's name in shock. She then used both hands to shove him back a little farther. "What are you going here . . . kissing me?"
"Kissing you? Chloe, you attacked me!"***
***Using every ounce of self-restraint that she possessed, Chloe kept herself from turning away from Brady and fleeing down the aisle. She was almost certain that he, the priest, and half the guests could hear her heart pounding within her chest. Never in her life had one event seemed so intense and perplexing. Within moments she would truly be Mrs. Brady Black – till death would they part.
Hearing her cue from the priest, Chloe softly said the two words that would most certainly change her life, "I do."***
***"Oh, my god," Mimi exclaimed. "That sounds like Jason! That is Jason!"
Her eyes becoming as wide as saucers, Belle attempted to discreetly point behind Mimi. Looking at Belle as though she were losing her sanity, Mimi asked, "What? What are you pointing at?"
"Behind you!" Belle hissed.
Turning around, Mimi found herself looking into Jason's stunning green eyes as he belted out the song lyrics. She was stunned when the popular athlete boldly winked at her. From the laughter of those nearby, Mimi knew it was not an action that went unnoticed.
As Jason tried to near Mimi, she slammed her locker shut and began to nervously back away. "What are you doing, Jason?"
His only answer was to continue singing.
Gasping with sincere shock, Mimi turned from her would-be suitor and ran down the hallway. Completely unaware of the fact that he was embarrassing Mimi rather than flattering her, Jason hurried down the hall after her.***
***Her earlier anger and frustration completely dissipated, Mimi softly requested, "Tell me something else about yourself that would surprise me."
Jason tossed Mimi a skeptical glance as though to ask if she were serious. Seeing that there were no indications of jesting on her face, Jason answered, "Well, you already know about my obsession with barbeque chips and sour cream dip, so I'm not sure what else there is to tell you, Meems."
"Oh, come on, Jase. I don't believe that for a minute. I bet there are a ton of things that you've never told me."
Garnering every ounce of his courage and leaping into the moment fate had handed him, Jason answered, "How about the fact that I think I might have fallen in love with you?" ***
(END FLASHBACKS)