Author's Note: It's been a month but I finally got this chapter out and ready to go. Before I get any questions, I wanted to let anyone who reads my stories know that I do plan to continue and finish every story that I have written or is in plans to be written. It's just going to take some time so please be a little patient with me. We're getting down to the wire and baby Kiriakis is getting ready to make his or her appearance so please stay tuned to that. I promise that the baby will be born before this year is up, LOL! Having said that, I hope you enjoy this chapter. And the next chapter of SR is in the works.
Chapter Forty-Six – Heart to Heart
A couple of days later Conrad was at home by himself putting the finishing touches on a paper for his English class when the doorbell rang. Saving the document on a disk he left his room to answer the door. The doorbell rang again and this time his Scottish terrier, Edge barked and rose from his spot on the staircase to follow his owner down.
"I'm coming." Looking through the peek hole to see who it was, he twisted the lock and opened the door. "Hey JT what's up?" He asked moving to the side to let his uncle come in the house.
"Nothing much. Your Dad and I are supposed to check out a new client in Chi-town and then he's taking me to dinner."
"Oh, that's cool." Conrad followed JT into the living room. "He's not back yet from the office but you can chill here and wait for him."
"Cool, so what kind of mischief are you and K-man getting up to these days?" Conrad shrugged obliviously.
"Not much unfortunately." He took a seat next to JT.
"Why is that?"
"Jarod and I suspended at school for fighting."
"Oh yeah, I remember hearing Belle talk about that. It was about some dance at the high school, right?"
"Uh-huh. Anyway, since then my Mother has decided that Jarod and I shouldn't be hanging out so much together because we get into too much trouble."
"Tough break Con-man." JT nodded sympathetically remembering what it was like to be on lockdown before he had moved in with his sibs.
"We're home." Spencer called out as he ran into the living room with his book bag on one shoulder and his school clothes in a bag on the other. Seconds later he was followed by Mimi and Rocky.
"Rocky, Spence I want you both to go upstairs and change then wash your hands for dinner." She directed her younger children as they ran off to do her bidding. "Hey sweetie, JT I've got pizza in the kitchen. I got your favorite—,"
"I'm not hungry." Conrad interrupted turning away from her.
"Oh, well I guess they'll be more for everyone else." Noting her son's obvious attempt at ignoring her, she moved her attention from him to JT with a slight smile. "JT you can help yourself to some pizza. And yes, I know you're going out to eat with Brady but, I'm sure you won't mind a slice or two before you leave. I'm going to go up and drop my things." She left them alone not sparing a glance toward the two younger men as she went to her room.
JT waited until his sister-in-law was out of hearing distance before he turned his nephew. "Dude, what's with the 'tude you got with Meems. I thought you were over the whole kiss thing especially since you know it wasn't your Mom's fault."
"I am over the kiss thing. This is about the fight Jarod and I got into at school."
"I'm not seeing how that has anything to do with your Mom."
"I'm getting to it give me a couple of secs. So someone told Jarod and me about the dance at school and someone taking naked pictures of Jarod's Mom while she was in the shower and then showing them at some dance at the school." JT nodded. "Well, at first Jarod and I didn't believe them I mean that sounds ridiculous given how controlling the chaperones are at dances now. So we researched, Jarod and I, he asked his Grandma and I looked it up at the library, needless to say it was all true. Everything including the prank they played on his mom."
"Okay, I remember hearing about this when I was younger. It's the reason why we don't have video screens at the dance anymore. But, I still don't see what this has to do with Mimi. It's not like she's the one who did the prank,"
"Oh but she did it alright, she put the pictures into the projector for everyone to see. She was getting back at Mrs. Kiriakis for playing jokes on her earlier in the year."
"So basically what you're telling me is that you're angry with your mother for something she did back when she was in high school that's got nothing to do with her now? I have to be honest with you Con-man I don't really get why you're all upset. I mean so she did something stupid, she paid for it which I'm sure you know if you read the newspapers, she had a court trial and everything. My point is you shouldn't punish your mother for something that she's already served time for. You should give her the benefit of the doubt because sometimes parents can make mistakes too. Just look at my parents, they had an affair and had me but I'm dealing. If I blamed them for having an affair, it would be like blaming them for having me. And frankly, I think too much of myself to let that be a big deal."
Frowning slightly, Conrad thought about what his uncle was really saying. It really didn't make sense to go on blaming his mother for something that happened ages ago. "I guess you could be right."
"Of course I am, see you'll learn Con-man I'm always right. But, hey why don't you check it out for yourself." JT nodded toward Mimi who was making her way to the kitchen with Rocky and Spencer trialing behind her. "Hey, Meems I've decided to take you up on that offer after all. Come on Spence, Rocs let's go grab a slice of pizza. Last one in the kitchen is a rotten egg." JT said racing the younger Black children into the kitchen promptly leaving Conrad and his mother alone.
Mimi simply stared at her son waiting for him to speak up. The last few weeks hadn't been all that pleasant in the house of Black. Conrad was bitter and angry from being grounded and restricted from seeing Jarod outside of school. Needless that to say that fact that he now had moved toward initiating a conversation with her was a big step. She was going to savor the moment and hope for the best. "So I assume that you wanted to talk to me," she started.
"Yeah-yes. I guess I just want to understand why you did it, put up those pictures at the Last Blast Dance. I really don't get it."
"O-okay then maybe I can explain it to you." She pointed to a seat on the couch and then sat down across from him. "I was jealous of Chloe. Her first year in Salem High she had been a social outcast, she didn't follow the popular crowd nor did she want to be apart of it. But, then she starting seeing Philip and little by little, piece by piece she became everything I ever aspired to be in the popular crowd. Granted, I never wanted to date Philip – I just wanted to be on the in-crowd. Do you know what I mean?"
"I think so." He frowned slightly. "So the reason you did what you did was all because of jealousy then?"
"Not entirely. But, yes jealousy and some revenge."
He perked up. "Revenge, what for?"
"Let's just say I didn't like Chloe and the feeling was entirely mutual believe me. We did a lot of petty, stupid things to each other that we shouldn't have. Basically things escalated to the point where I helped another girl, Jan Spears, who also didn't like Chloe, set a video camera in the girls' bathroom and then put the pictures on the projector at the dance. Jealousy and revenge, they are bitter pills to swallow when someone has what you want. I don't excuse my behavior because truthfully there is no excuse for it. But, when I was growing up I didn't have things all that easy I wasn't popular like Shawn or rich like Belle and Philip. I was just someone trying to find their place in the 'in-crowd' who took the wrong path instead of taking the higher ground."
Conrad was silent as he thought over everything his mother has said. Maybe, he really couldn't understand what it had been like for her in high school. He knew that she had been homeless for a time but the way his mother never seems to let things get her down now, he'd just assumed she'd always been like that. But, obviously, his mother had made some mistakes growing up but along the way she had matured and lost the need to be a part of the in-crowd to just be herself. She had come along way and who was he not to respect that. "Thanks for telling me the truth."
She nodded rising off the couch with him. "You're welcome sweetie." She hesitantly went to hug him and was greatly surprised when he didn't pull back but instead returned her hug. After a few second she pulled back holding onto his shoulders, "if something like this every happens again, and I'm not saying it will, I want you to come to me first okay?"
"Okay Mom." He agreed.
"Good, now let's get some pizza before Spence and Rocky eat it all." Releasing her hold on his shoulders she followed him into the kitchen.
Leaving Conrad to get down two plates for them out of the cabinet, she crossed over to where JT stood leaning back against the counter. Rising onto her toes she planned a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."
JT had the grace to blush. "No problem, Meems."
"You ever need anything or just want a time out from casa Brady; you have always had a room here." She told him warmly and brushed another kiss against his cheek before moving back to get her something to eat.
JT smiled and took a gulp from his Pepsi, this day just kept getting better and better for him.
Philip was pulling out the pieces of the crib that he had painted a few days earlier in the process of putting it back together for Chloe's not-so-secret surprise baby shower. The next day had been planned down to last little minute detail. He and the children had even taken on the special project of putting together the nursery. The kids had helped to pick out every single aspect of the baby's room including the wallpaper borders and painted room in their own free time. They had also helped him to get the baby furniture refurbished for the baby. His fifth and mostly likely final child was expected to make his or her appearance in barely a month and he couldn't wait for that.
The only thing was that he had simply forgotten how to put the crib back together. It's amazing how it took him less than twenty minutes to completely detach it but when it came to putting it back he drew a complete blank. Thank goodness Chloe had made him save the instructions although, he wouldn't tell her that he couldn't remember them. Sighing, he read through the first instruction when he heard a noise at the doorway. He looked up surprised to see Jarod standing in the doorway.
"Jarod, what are you still doing up? Isn't this a school night?"
"Dad, its Friday."
Closing his eyes and he rubbed his temple. "You're right it's Friday. I guess I'm more tired than I thought. What are you doing up anyway? It is rather late?"
"Dad, its only 9:30. You really must be tired what are you doing?"
Philip checked his watch only to see that once again Jarod was correct. "I'm putting together the crib for the baby. Or at least I'm trying to.
Jarod walked into the room. "Do you want any help?"
Philip glanced up surprised at Jarod's offer. Although, things had been considerably less tense the past few weeks the fact that Jarod was offering to do anything with him was a big step. "Sure you can grab the other side and we'll screw it together." He said gesturing toward the other pieces lying on the floor.
Jarod took the two pieces and along with his father they silently worked together putting the crib back into its former shape. Neither Kiriakis male said a word as they worked other than to offer each other tools. After the crib was finally together Philip broke the silence.
"Since I have your attention for a while I'd like to talk to you—,"
"Dad, I really don't want to talk about the dance." Jarod sighed dropping the screwdriver into the tool box.
"That's fine because I don't want to talk about the dance either. At least not right now, today. I want to talk to you about something else entirely. Although, we will eventually have to discuss things.
"Then about what?"
"Jarod, I am perfectly willing to allow you to have some brooding time with me. You can take issue with my actions all you want, they were unforgivable and horrible. I know that if that's how you feel, its how you feel and I can't change that. What I can do however, it make one thing clear to you. I love and care about you because you're my son and nothing will ever change that." Although, it was clear Jarod was listening to him he wanted to go one step further to solidify the olive branch that he was offering. "Jarod I'm going to deal with you as I would any other man. I'm going to offer you a truce with a promise. Do you know what a truce is?"
Jarod nodded, "you mean something like a promise to agree or disagree?"
"Something like that, anyway, what I'm proposing is that we have a truce to get along with the promise that we will ultimately talk about everything one day in the foreseeable future. But, not today."
"Why a truce? I mean I didn't think you'd want anything to change without talking through everything like Mom wants."
"Well, I'm not Mom. More importantly I don't think everything can be talked about right in the moment. Some things have to be worked out on their own within yourself before they can be discussed with anyone else. Besides, all that, I miss having my son around, I want things to be the way they were before. Maybe not exactly the same but better than they are now. Can you deal with that?"
"Yeah, I guess. So does this mean we aren't going to talk about the dance?"
"No we aren't going to talk about the dance. But we're okay … right?"
"I guess."
"Good. Now let's put this crib up and go to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a long day." They stood together momentarily admiring their handy then moving the crib to the appropriate space in the room.
"Do you think she'll like it Dad? The nursery, I mean." Jarod said as he and his father left their room.
"I think she'll love it."
"Good. Night, Dad." He moved towards his room.
"Night Jarod." Philip said as he left Jarod by his room. Then, he went to Ariana and Jessica's room to see that they were both asleep. He quietly moved to tuck both girls snuggly in their beds with a kiss on their cheeks. He turned on Jessie's bear nightlight and cut off the main light before he left the room.
Crossing the hall he opened the door to Dominic's room. His son was laid back in the bed with a book propped up covering his face. "Don't stay up all night reading Dominic. You don't want to fall asleep at the baby shower tomorrow."
Not even moving the book from his face he replied. "I won't. Night Dad."
"Night Dominic." Closing the door, he walked down the hall to his bedroom where Chloe was already in bed sleeping. Assured that his family was safe, Philip went to his bed and promptly fell asleep with his wife by his side.
The Baby Shower had been a smashing success; everyone had come and had a great time. They played baby-themed games, ate great food, and talked amongst themselves. It had been the social event of the season and by the end of it there were enough presents to be spread and equally divided between three charities. Now, Chloe was back in the comfort of her home with Mimi and Belle keeping her company.
"Thank you guys so much for the baby shower, it was more fun than I thought it was going to be."
"Well, every woman should have a party when she's pregnant. Just for her to showered with gifts and pampered like the princess that she is." Mimi added.
Belle nodded. "I agree completely. I think Mimi, Nancy and I did a great job."
"Yes, you did. And thank you again for giving the gifts to charity like I wanted. I don't know what I would have done with more baby supplies than I need."
"I have to admit that was a great idea, when I think of all of the woman's shelters and clinics who got the gifts for their mothers in need, it makes me feel like we did something good."
"We did Belle." Mimi stood up. "Well, Mrs. Kiriakis, I'm going to take my brood and head home, you've had a long day and it looks like you need to rest."
"Yeah, me too." Belle said as she stood up with Mimi with Iris sleeping in her arms. Both women leaned down and kissed the pregnant woman's cheek before they left the room together.
Seconds later, Chloe heard the tumble of little feet as they ran downstairs.
"Bye, Rocky, bye 'Rena." Ariana called as she saw her friends to the door. Then without a word to her mother she turned and ran back up the stairs.
Chloe noted her daughter's swift return upstairs and figured that she must be up to something. But, instead of going to see what, she pushed herself to her feet. As she rose and headed to the doorway, she saw Jessie race past her upstairs. "Well that certainly was strange." She mumbled to herself as she smoothed the silk of her shirt over her belly and waddled down the hallway to kitchen, intending to settle her craving for some cookie dough mint chocolate chip ice cream. Outside of her pregnancy she truly couldn't stand that particular combination for ice cream. But something about eating the uncooked dough mixed with ice cream seemed appeal to her unborn child. She had just taken the carton out of the freezer with that first scoop of ice cream, melting in her mouth as she groaned in delight.
"I'd figured you'd be in here." Philip said from leaning against the doorway.
Swallowing the last bit of ice cream she turned her husband. "You've been suspiciously absent since I've been home. What have you been up to?"
"A little of this a little of that, I was helping Jarod and Dominic finish something." He walked into the kitchen taking a seat at the bar across from Chloe.
"Jarod and Dominic, huh?" She asked her brow arched in surprise as she put another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. "When did this come about?"
"Yesterday actually." He checked his watched quickly before rising from the stool. "I need you to come with me." He pulled a scarf from his pocket.
"Where? And what are you doing with that scarf?" She asked leaning away from Philip who was attempting to blindfold her.
"Trust me, you'll like this, it's a surprise." When she still resisted his attempts to blindfold her he barricaded her between his arms. "Please." After a moment she relented and allowed him to put the blindfold on her. Holding his fingers in front of her face, he tested her. When she did guess incorrectly he took her arm and assisted her off the stool and out of the kitchen.
"So now that you've got me blindfolded, where are you taking me? I sincerely hope this isn't some tawdry sex thing because if it is I'd rather eat ice cream. No offense but I'm not in the mood."
Philip chuckled in clear amusement to her statement. "Oddly, enough it isn't but I'll keep that in mind for later. Now we're going up the stairs." He directed her hand to rail while he held onto her arm as he climbed the stairs. Once they reached the top he took her hands and led her down the hallway into the baby's newly decorated nursery.
Gesturing toward the children to be quiet, he led Chloe to the center of the room. "Okay are you ready to take off your blindfold?"
"Yes, now get it off," Chloe replied reaching up to undo the blindfold herself. She pulled the blindfold down off her eyes.
"Surprise!" All four children said in unison.
Chloe's mouth dropped open in wonderment and her eyes filled tears as her gaze when around the newly painted and decorated baby nursery. The walls were painted with in a soft eggshell (a color in between a pale yellow and an off-white) with boarders of baby animals lining the top and bottom of the room. The crib, the dressers, rocking chair and all other furniture had all been refurbished into a cherry wood brown. A soft white carpet with a scene of children playing on a playground replaced the former black carpet in the room. On top of dresser were pictures of the family with one frame left clear for the baby's picture. "You did this, all of this?"
"Yeah, it was Dom's idea that we set up the baby's room for you. Then Dad and Grandma thought it was good idea so they helped. So do you like Mama?" Ariana asked from her position beside Dominic as she stared at Chloe's back pensively biting her lip with hope and promise that she would like it.
"Like it," Chloe turned to face her children, with Jessie in Philip's arms.
"I love it. It's the best baby shower present anyone could give me. It's so beautiful." Dominic, Ariana, and Jarod all ran to hug their mother. Philip came over seconds later. Chloe hugged and kissed all her children before turned to Philip, with tears running down her face as she turned smiled and kissed him.
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