Chapter 6: Closure at Last
Chloe rolled her eyes, tuning out Philip and Hawk's conversation entirely. They had only been at the dance for fifteen minutes now, and already Philip had her trapped next to him, forcing her to listen to Hawk's football talk. God how she hated sports now! Belle had yet to arrive, so Chloe had no escape. And, as was expected, few others had actually shown up. The place was dead; the only action being Cynthia, on the prowl for her next good lay.
"I'm going to get some punch," Chloe excused herself, quickly retreating to the punch bowl. She noticed Kevin, fiddling with some video equipment with a frustrated look on his face. But she really didn't care to go over and talk with him. She doubted that in her current mood, she'd be any help to him. That's when she noticed Brady. Brady, and Nicole, who looked as whorish as ever. God, where does she get her clothing, Barbie's-R-Us Chloe thought bitterly. No, she doubted Nicole's clothing would fit even a Barbie doll. It seemed that almost the moment Brady entered the near empty dance hall, Philip was again right at her side.
"What do you say we liven' this place up a bit, Chloe? Care to dance?" Philip asked, though the music being played at the moment was fair from lively.
"Not really very lively music. I don't feel like dancing just yet, I want to talk to Belle first. Is she here yet?" Chloe asked, purposely trying to avoid dancing with Philip.
"Couldn't miss her in this place," Philip murmured. "Come on Chloe, I promised we'd have fun tonight, and standing around doing nothing sure as hell isn't any fun. Please? I'll go request some good music," Philip offered. Chloe sighed, dipping out some punch.
"Alright, fine, but no country!" Chloe commented. Philip grinned, moving off to the DJ's table. Chloe suddenly got the sensation someone was watching her. And sure enough, Brady had spotted her while Philip was walking away to request some better music. Chloe turned, catching Brady's intent gaze. Nicole immediately noticed, promptly taking Brady by the arm and leading him in Chloe's direction.
"Ah, Chloe, it's so nice to see you here. And my, don't you look stunning tonight. Don't you agree Brady?" Nicole questioned knowingly.
"She always looks stunning," Brady replied, causing Chloe to blush profusely.
"Thank you, Nicole. Brady," Chloe said softly, shuffling her high-heel clad feet. She couldn't help but sense that Brady was again in a foul mood.
"Good afternoon, Nephew. Nicole." It was Philip, coming up behind Chloe and placing his hands possessively on her shoulders.
"Philip," Brady greeted, straining to watch his temper. God, the night had just started, and it already sucked beyond all reason. "I hope the two of you are having fun tonight. Doesn't seem as if anyone's going to show," Brady stated, trying his best to be civil.
"No, it doesn't, but Chloe and I are having a great time, together," Philip stated, stressing the "together" part in what sounded far too much like a triumphant, "I win!" tone. Brady's jaw clenched, and Chloe's face flushed a different type of red. "Well, I hate to not stay and talk, but the song I requested is up next. Shall we?" Philip asked, holding out a hand to Chloe. Chloe hesitated, almost ready to blow up at him, but nodded, taking his hand. It would do no good. They seemed to be playing the same game over and over. Besides, she wasn't over being angry at Brady either.
"We'll talk to you later, Nicole, Brady," Chloe said softly, allowing Philip to lead her away.
"I hope you like the song I picked out Chloe. They didn't have a very good selection at the DJ table," Philip said. As the song began and Philip pulled her out on the dance floor, Chloe rolled her eyes. He would pick something that arrogant! Hesitantly, Chloe allowed herself to be pulled into the dancing, swaying to the sound of "She Likes Me for Me" by Lit. As they danced, Chloe noticed what might have been the first look of amusement in days cross Brady's face as he and Nicole met up with Belle and Shawn, who were not technically at the dance together. Belle hadn't technically been avoiding him, even though the full truth about Jan had not yet been revealed. Officially, all anyone knew was that Shawn had claimed he was the father of her child. No one else but Shawn knew the truth, that Shawn only said that to keep a traumatized Jan from aborting the child that had resulted from her encounter with Paul Mendez. Now that Jan was... gone, however, Shawn hoped he could straighten everything out. It pained him that Belle still couldn't look him in the eye, at least not without feeling as if there was major resentment in the gaze. Despite that, Belle still seemed to be drawn to Shawn when they both arrived at the dance around the same time, as if it was a habit even all the turmoil they'd been through couldn't break.
As Lit ended, Chloe was pulled back into Philip's next dedication before she could protest. Not only was it a slow song, but somehow it struck another cord of arrogance that Philip would request this song, "Hanging By a Moment" by Lifehouse.
"Let me guess, "I Need You" is next?" Chloe asked, coming off as sounding much more bitter then she'd hoped.
"Chloe, you say it like it's a joke!" Philip practically yelled.
"Sorry," Chloe muttered, though she didn't mean it. "Let's not argue, just dance," Chloe said, resting her head on his shoulder to calm him before he got the chance to blow up. And it worked, Philip immediately calmed, resting his hand on the small of her back. Indeed, Chloe had to dance through this slow song, and "I Need You" before she was allowed to sit down. Belle rushed over on cue, as if knowing Chloe needed saving.
"Come on girl, let's hit the powder room," Belle said, giving no explanation. Chloe grabbed her little purse, flashing a relieved smile.
"We'll be back, Shawn'll keep you company," Chloe said before following Belle to the ladies bathroom. The moment the bathroom door was shut, Chloe leaned against it, letting out an exasperated cry.
"Ugh! I should have known," Chloe stated.
"So, I take it I was right. You're not having a good time."
"No Belle, I'm not. I thought I could, but the moment I said yes, that whole "calm, collected rational buddy" part of Philip faded, and things are back to the way they were before," Chloe said sadly. That wasn't what she wanted. She had started to like the new side of Philip that he showed last Tuesday, making her feel even more guilty for pulling away. But now, that seemed just different somehow.
"Well, then why don't you just put an end to this whole back and forth thing tonight?" Belle suggested.
"Wait a minute, weren't you just all for me getting back together with Philip?" After their last phone conversation, it was clear Belle was so excited that Chloe was giving Philip a second chance.
"Not if it makes you miserable after, what, 20 minutes. Chloe, everyone's getting really tired of this whole on again off again thing. Do you want to be with Philip, or not?"
"It's not that simple Belle! I do want to be with Philip, but not this Philip. Not the jealous, possessive Philip. I've seen how sweet and wonderful he can be, but he always goes right back to jealous, possessive, and controlling!" Chloe exclaimed, walking up to the mirror and putting her purse on the sink.
"So, if you feel that way, why did you decide on the second chance?"
"Because... I... I don't want to hurt him. He's going through so much Belle. And no matter how calm he may seem, he obviously is in complete denial this time around and hasn't come to terms with Victor's death!"
"Maybe my brother was right..." Belle murmured, checking her make up and hair in the mirror. Chloe gave her a questioning glance via the mirror. "When he said Philip was just playing on your sympathies. Do you feel like that's what he's doing Chloe?"
"I..." Chloe hesitated. That's exactly how she was beginning to feel. Long before Nancy, or even Brady mentioned it, she had to wonder. "I think that's what he's doing Belle. I don't want to think that, because I know he really is hurting. It's just... it all feels like it did the last time, after the coronation. It's like, Philip always needs me to be his savior, and it doesn't matter what I need," Chloe admitted softly.
"So, tell him. Look, I know I was all for you two getting back together, but even I can see he's playing you this time. Phil's a great guy, usually, but... maybe Brady was right. Maybe as much as I'd like the two of you to be together, you're just not compatible, ya know?"
"Yeah... Belle, you don't know how much I want Philip to need me, love me. It's just... he doesn't care about what I need from him," Chloe said sadly.
"Well then, it sounds to me like you've made up your mind, at least where Philip's concerned," Belle said, implying Chloe still had other decisions she needed to make. Of course, she wasn't about to broach the topic of Brady. Not tonight at least.
"Yeah... yeah, I think I have. For me at least, Philip makes a better friend then a boyfriend. And if that's not enough for him, then that's his own fault. I have plenty of friends who can be satisfied with me, the real me," Chloe said firmly, feeling much better. Of course, she was dreading the inevitable fight ahead. But Belle was right. This on again off again thing wasn't doing anyone any one any good. "Come on girl, before I loose my nerve," Chloe said, causing Belle to laugh slightly, following her out the bathroom door. Belle excused herself to go find Shawn, giving Chloe a few last minute words of encouragement. As she was walking in front of the DJ's table, she bumped into Brady, who was on a mission to get some punch, which he prayed one of the few guys here had spiked.
"Hey there, Diva. Pull yourself away from your boyfriend long enough to mingle with the diminishing crowd?" Brady asked, a smug grin on his face. Rather then getting mad, Chloe just smiled, mostly at the boyfriend reference.
"I was actually just getting a pep talk from your little sister," Chloe stated. She then noticed the large CD holder on the DJ table, holding all the inserts from the provided selection. Chloe grinned, deciding she too could dedicate a song to her and Philip. "Hey Brady, help me pick out a song," Chloe said, picking up the CD holder. The DJ gave her a once over, thinking to himself that he wished the chicks had been that hot back in his high school days before returning to his work.
"Sure. For whom?"
"My "boyfriend" and I," Chloe replied nonchalantly.
"Um, I'll pass then. Not good with the lovey dovey stuff. At least not where Uncle Phil's concerned," Brady muttered dryly. He was about to walk away, when Chloe reached out and stopped him.
"Now just wait a second, I think you'll like my choice," Chloe stated, holding out the CD holder and indicating the CD Cover of her choice. Brady took one look at the song name under her finger, and a sly grin spread across his face.
"About damn time, Diva," Brady commented as she turned to tell the DJ which CD and which number she wanted played.
"Sure thing, sweet thang," the DJ muttered, though Chloe didn't really catch that part, or him staring at her rear end when she turned back to Brady.
"If you'll excuse me. Don't want to miss the next dance," Chloe said brightly. Brady watched her leaving, shaking his head and chuckling for the first time in days. Chloe walked up to Philip, grabbing his hand. "Come on, I requested a song," Chloe said, dragging him away from more football talk with Hawk. Philip gave her a warning look, that screamed "could you be more rude" but complied, following her out onto the dance floor. Chloe grinned deviously as sounds of "Spiderwebs" by No Doubt began to drift throughout the gym. Even Philip couldn't seem to deny the meaning behind the lyrics as they hit his ears.
"Chloe, what's the meaning of this? I didn't know you like No Doubt," Philip said, hoping she just liked the song.
"I don't," Chloe said dryly. "And no, Philip, I don't just like the song." Chloe said, reading him like an open book.
"But Chloe, I don't understand..."
"Look Philip, I don't want any big arguments. No more yelling, no more hurting. I came with you tonight thinking you'd changed, but the only thing that I realized was, you and I aren't meant to be anything but friends."
"No, don't say that..." Philip was getting that pleading look in his eyes that he always did. "Come on Chloe, things are different now."
"No, they aren't Philip. You changed, yes, but as you can see, it didn't last longer then it took me to give you another chance. Please Philip, don't make this harder then it already is. I do want us to be friends. I want that more than anything. But we can't be anything more, don't you understand that?"
"No, no I don't Chloe. I LOVE you. I don't want just friendship."
"Philip, pressuring her is what broke you two up in the first place," Belle said softly, coming up behind Philip.
"Yeah man, please don't make another scene. You guys worked really great together as friends. You were a better man for letting things be," Shawn piped in. Philip's jaw clenched, a frighteningly familiar anger glinting in his eyes.
"I can't believe you two! You're suppose to be on my side, especially you Benedict Belle!" Philip cried, causing the few couples in the room to look their way, much to Chloe's discomfort.
"Philip, stop this right now," Chloe demanded.
"No, no Chloe I won't. You're the one who wants to break up with me, so you're going to here me out!"
"No I'm not Philip. I don't have to do anything you tell me to! I don't even want to be friends with you if you can even think like that!" Chloe hissed, pushing back tears. Before he could stop her, Chloe turned for the door, brushing passed Nicole, Kevin, Brady and some other couples she didn't recognize as she made a quick retreat out the door.
"Chloe, wait!" Philip called, attempting to go after her, but Brady stopped him.
"Stop right there, Uncle Phil. Let her go," Brady commanded.
"You! You've poisoned her against me again!" Philip screamed.
"Don't flatter yourself Philip. I'm not to blame for your problems. For your information, Chloe and I have barely talked in the last week. You're the one that keeps screwing things up," Brady stated, letting go of Philip's arm. He was out the door before Philip could get in another word. Mimi, coming to pick up Kevin for whatever special thing it was he had planned, smirked at Philip as Kevin came up to her.
"I hate to say it, no... actually, I'm going to rather enjoy saying it. I told you so," Mimi said triumphantly, linking her arm in Kevin's and leaving the gym. The few couples at the dance continued on about their business while Belle tried to calm a seething Philip.
"Just, don't even touch me Belle. I'm so out of here," Philip stated, before he too left the gym. Belle sighed, leaning in to Shawn as he wrapped his arms protectively around her, a habit that even their recent distance hadn't been able to break.
"This has been one hell of a week," Shawn muttered, watching Philip storm out into the dark night...
"Chloe, wait up!" Brady called, catching up to Chloe on the edge of the parking lot. It was evident she'd started to cry.
"Why does he always have to make a big scene?" Chloe asked, trying to regain her composure in front of Brady. Brady shook his head sadly.
"I can't answer that Chloe. Uncle Phil... well, he hasn't exactly had the most prime examples of sanity in his life. Grandpa Vic was too easy on him, and Kate is obviously beyond disturbed. I'm sorry it has to be you that suffers because of it," Brady said sincerely. Chloe shook off the tears, determined not to cry over Philip anymore
"It doesn't matter now. At least maybe it can all finally end. If he doesn't accept that I only want to be his friend, then that's his business. I'm through with it all," Chloe said firmly. Brady nodded, unsure of what he should say.
"I'm glad you've finally come to a decision Chloe. I really do hate to see you hurting, you know that right?"
"I know Brady. I'm sorry I've been so difficult," Chloe said. Brady flashed that sly boyish grin of his.
"No reason to be sorry. It's just one of the many things I love about you," Brady said, cursing himself immediately. Damn those slips of the tongue! "I mean... um, oh hell you get my point. Gotta love the fact that you're not another mindless cheerleader, who's sole mission in life is to buy out Salem Place. God knows Belle brings home enough of those," Brady covered. Chloe grinned.
"Yeah well, sometimes I wonder if life would be much easier if I were."
"Easier, maybe. Nearly as fulfilling in the end? Never," Brady stated. He caught sight of Mimi and Kevin leaving the gym, and suddenly wanted to get as far away as possible, least he have to deal with any more of that girls squawking. Although the brief thought that his tantrum hadn't caused her to be in any way hurt did cross his mind. "Well, since your night with Philip seems to be over, why don't you let me give you a ride home? I can drop you off and come back to get Nicole later. She doesn't want to leave yet. I think being in the Kiriakis mansion is harder then she thought it would be," Brady said. Chloe nodded.
"Thank you Brady, I'd love that. I can't wait to get home and just crawl into bed and forget this whole night ever happened," Chloe said. Brady linked her arm in his, admiring how sexy the plain outfit appeared on her for at least the third time that night.
"Well then, let's go." Brady said, leading her to his black jeep. He helped her in before moving over to the driver seat. They were already out of the parking lot before Chloe noticed her forgotten bear. The first night, she'd been too much in a daze to remember to retrieve it from the backseat. The second, she'd been to angry to remember he gave it to her at all.
"Oh my gosh. I can't believe I forgot this," Chloe breathed, picking it up from where Mimi had discarded it. Brady didn't take his eyes off the road, for fear she'd read the hurt there that she might not want it.
"I took out the rose because it was wilting. I just... I figured you didn't like it."
"How could I not want it Brady?" Chloe breathed. "It's... it's only the most thoughtful gift I've ever gotten," Chloe whispered.
"I... you, um, you really like it? I know it's nothing like the one you probably wanted, but I thought... well, you being a Diva and all..." Brady started. Chloe smiled, sensing his nervousness.
"I love it Brady. Thank you so much. I didn't even know that you'd remember."
"I remember every moment I'm with you," Brady said quietly. Chloe looked down at the bear, unsure of what to say next.
"Um, like I said... I was so touched you'd remember. I'm sorry I forgot it. A lots been going on," Chloe said, removing the plastic container and tossing it aside so she could hold the soft bear. Brady sighed, realizing she'd shut down as she always did.
"Yeah. It's alright, I understand. I haven't exactly been the easiest to deal with lately."
"Not that you ever are," Chloe teased. Brady grinned, turning into the Wesley driveway.
"Like you should talk," Brady countered. He got out of the jeep, coming around to open the door for Chloe. "I'm sorry you didn't have such a great time tonight. Although, given the mood around town, it doesn't surprise me."
"Yeah. It's not your fault Brady. Hopefully, things will settle down soon," Chloe said hopefully, stepping out into the cool night air, clutching her bear as if it were suddenly a lifeline. "Well, um... thanks for the ride home Brady," Chloe murmured.
"Anytime, Diva," Brady said quietly. Chloe flashed him a bright smile before she started for the front door. Brady watched her until she disappeared into her house before he got back in his jeep and drove back to the school...