Chapter 23: All Good Things...
"Ouch! Hey!" Chloe complained loudly.
"Chloe, I just put on the antiseptic. I haven't even got the scalpel yet. Would you just sit still and stop that already?" John asked.
"It's not that, you brushed against my back," Chloe complained. Ever since they had arrived back to the safety of Gabriel's house, Brady had worried and fawned over that stupid gash, insisting that both Chloe and Aida be taken to a hospital now that the danger was over. Well, no, not over. Gabriel had called the authorities to search the compound, but Stefano had his men and everything they could take with them cleared out by the time anyone arrived. Stefano had worked fast, leaving behind his Ireland compound to disappear to another of his holes, hiding out like the coward Brady believed him to be, waiting for the time to retaliate. But, he wouldn't be making any moves any time soon. Despite Brady's insistence, Aida, John, Michelle and Chloe had all stayed at Gabriel's while Brady, Jordan and Gabriel took "Merdoc" to be held in a jail cell until he could be transported back to Illinois, where he would stand trial as an adult for murder. Upon inspection, it was discovered that Philip too had a chip in his central nervous system, which John had had to remove before the other's took him into custody. Once returned to his old psychotic self, Philip had been carted off, screaming for Chloe. No doubt, he would be throwing a tantrum in his jail cell right now, because the guards wouldn't let him see Chloe. Everyone under Gabriel's roof almost wished they could see that scene. Then again... perhaps it was best left only to the imagination.
Now that Philip's chip had been taken care of, it was Chloe's turn. The ever talented "Solider John" had already taken care of patching up her gash, and was now preparing to remove the chip. Chloe was stretched out on the bed Aida had slept in the night before. Aida, now dressed and feeling much better after finally letting her true feelings for Jordan come out and after her sisters rescue, was propped up in a soft, comfortable chair, trying literally not to breathe least she upset some of her stitches. Some of Chloe's memories were already returning, due to the exposure of familiar people, but everything was very fuzzy. She couldn't wait to get this stupid chip out. A chip she hadn't even been aware of until Brady Black came into her life. But she was apprehensive. Such surgery was risky, but she somehow knew she trusted John, and Brady, with her life. Brady... every time she thought of him, she became so confused, so lost inside. Something wasn't right, she just didn't know what it was. She planned to speak with him alone as soon as possible. Chloe also feared all her memories wouldn't return, which was part of the reason for wanting to talk to Brady. She wanted his help in filling up the holes in her memory. Aida chuckled as she watched John and Chloe.
"You know, sis, you have both a very low threshold of pain, and a very high annoyance rate," Aida joked, attempting to lift her sister's mood. She could feel Chloe's apprehension. Truth was, she felt just as nervous. It wasn't as if she didn't trust John to do the quick procedure. Philip had unfortunately come out his old disturbing self without any complications. It was just that she didn't trust Stefano.
"Ha ha, very funny Vic... er, Aida," Chloe corrected herself. One thing she definitely wouldn't get used to, thinking of her sister as Aida, not to mention herself as Chloe.
"Alright you two, enough sibling rivalry. Aida, you go over to the other side of the bed," John instructed. He didn't even make a move to help Aida, learning from previous experience that she neither liked nor tolerated help to walk. Aida nodded, easing herself up despite the burning pain, and made her way to the chair on the other side of the bed. Chloe, her back to John, could now watch her sister while John removed the chip. Aida could now see the look of uncertainty on Chloe's face. Aida smiled reassuringly.
"Try not to bleed all over the sheets sis, Michelle'll have a cow," Aida whispered, finally causing a smile to grace her twin's lips. "Best hope the scar isn't too horrible, or else you'll never attract that handsome young savior of yours," Aida teased, keeping Chloe's mind off the scalpel that John now held in his hands.
"You're gonna pay for that one," Chloe returned.
"Alright Chloe, you ready?" John prompted. Chloe nodded, taking her sister's hand in preparation for the slight pain she knew would be coming when John cut into the flesh at the base of her neck. John put the scalpel in place, carefully cutting. Chloe gasped, gripping John's hand. The pain didn't last long, as John maneuvered the chip out. Chloe's eyes closed just as the chip was out, alarming Aida.
"Chloe? Chloe, look at me," Aida prompted, squeezing Chloe's hand. John quickly discarded the chip in a clear plastic sack, working to stitch up the new cut. "Chloe, open your eyes!" Aida demanded frantically, leaning forward a bit. At the moment Aida leaned forward, Chloe's eyes popped open.
"Boo!" Chloe yelled in true childlike manner, causing Aida to literally jump. John, who had already finished patching Chloe up, just shook his head. "Told ya you'd pay." Aida sat baffled for a moment, before her face flushed scarlet red with anger.
"Chloe Lane, don't you EVER do that to me again! Oooooh, I swear, if I knew I wouldn't rip a stitch..." at this point, John chuckled, gathering up the supplies from removing Chloe's chip and the barely bloody sheet. It was a relief to see Chloe was fine now. Hopefully, all her memories would return soon.
"You two are hopeless," John stated. "And, that's a fact."
"Dad, that lines getting kinda old," Brady said from the doorway. He had just returned, immediately making his way to the guestroom to check on Chloe.
"What can I say son? I'm a fan of the classics. Chloe, you and Aida both take it kinda easy, will ya? I'm going to arrange for our flight. It won't be long now before we're all home in Salem where we belong." John said.
"Home... it would be nice to remember home..." Chloe murmured, sitting up.
"You will, soon, Chloe," John insisted, carrying the supplies to the door. He placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulders, giving a slight nod to Chloe before departing the room. Brady shifted, crossing his arms over his broad chest. He didn't dare come closer, not yet, for fear of starting to smother Chloe with worry once again.
"How you feeling?" Brady asked Chloe.
"I'm alright. A little sore, but I'm fine," Chloe answered. Brady grimaced unconsciously, thinking of the long gash on his Chloe's back.
"I'm glad. But, what I really mean is... are you feeling... you know, more like, you?" Brady asked. Aida sat back, looking from her sister to Brady. It was easily apparent that neither of them even remembered she was still in the room. Chloe's attention had immediately focused on Brady and Brady alone the moment he entered the room, and vice versa.
"Well... I'm still not too sure what 'me' feels like," Chloe answered. "Brady, can we talk?"
"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my exit cue," Aida stated, before beginning to slowly pull herself up out of her chair. Being the amazingly wonderful gentlemen that our Brady is, Brady stepped forward to help her, only to have his hand firmly pushed away. "Oh no ya don't, Savior Boy. I can do just fine on my own, thank you very much." Chloe smiled slightly at her sister's antics. Aida padded forward, stopping beside Brady. "Be gentle with her, she's an invalid. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Although... that's not saying much," Aida said with a suggestive tone, and provocative smile, before smacking Brady's "tight ass," as Aida had put it, and walking on out the door, closing it behind her. Chloe burst out laughing at the look of utter surprise on Brady's face from Aida's bold move, although she couldn't help but feel a twinge of... jealousy? No way! Why would she be jealous of that? Although, for some reason, thoughts of her being the one to smack Brady on the ass entered her mind involuntarily...
"That..." Brady started, "wasn't funny."
"Yes it was," Chloe protested. "Ya gotta love her, she's a trip." Getting over his surprise, Brady joined in Chloe's laughing, just over-joyed to be able to hear that sweet, intoxicating laugh once again.
"Yeah. She's... she's something alright," Brady said. "Mind if I have a seat?"
"Nope, go ahead," Chloe answered, scooting over to allow Brady room to sit on the edge of the bed. Brady sat down, his smile fading slightly.
"How are you, Chloe, really?" Brady asked, his voice full of concern. Chloe sighed sadly, head bowed to watch her hands in her lap.
"Honestly? I don't know. This is... this is all so overwhelming. I mean, I've spent the last six months of my life trusting my father... no, no, I'm not even going to call him that. He's no father of mine. Not now, not after all this. I'm just... I'm so confused, Brady. Everything about my life is clouded and fuzzy," Chloe answered. Brady reached forward, tipping Chloe's chin up gently, mindful of the new cut which would leave yet another scar that would haunt him for life.
"I know everything looks clouded now, but it will be okay you know. You're safe, here with us. And before you know it, you'll be back in Salem, and you'll have to relearn now to deal with Nancy's smothering you with worry and affection," Brady stated, a sly grin on his face, causing Chloe's heart to melt and lips to part in a grin of her own. "She has been worried to death about you, you know. No matter how hopeless things got, you're mother never gave up hope that you'd come back to us. And neither did I. I couldn't. You mean so much to me Chloe, so much to all of us. Me, Craig, Nancy, Belle, Shawn, and now Aida... we all need you," Brady said honestly, unconsciously rubbing his thumb against Chloe's delicate cheek. He hadn't even realized he hadn't let go of her yet. Chloe felt as if her body trembled from head to toe as tingling electricity surged up her spine at Brady's gentle touch.
"I wish I could remember. My memories... I can barely see faces, just images moving around in my head. It's so confusing, Brady. And... I... some of these memories... they hurt so much. I can't remember these things, and yet, I know how much they hurt me, how much they... scare me," Chloe whispered, a tear streaming down her cheek. Brady promptly wiped it away with his thumb.
"Shhh. Please don't cry, it'll be ok Chloe. Come here," Brady soothed, pulling her tenderly into his arms. Chloe wouldn't have protested even if she could. She instantly felt secure, like having his arms wrapped around her could take away all her troubles. She didn't even have any urge to stop herself from crying, as she normally would in front of someone. She buried her face in his shoulder, soaking his shirt with tears from her deep sobs. Brady wrapped his arms gently around his Diva, mindful of her bandage, bringing his arms up to tenderly smooth her hair, soothing her tears. "Shhh. It's ok, just let it out. You'll be ok. Shhh. You're safe now," Brady soothed. He kissed Chloe's temple softly. The simple gesture brought back memories for Chloe, like a sudden... bright flash of clarity. Clear memories of a tropical island, memories of riding jet skies through high ocean waves, of Brady pulling the young man she had previously referred to as Merdoc out of a pit filling with water, memories of her throwing herself on Philip, crying out for him not to leave her, and memories of Brady pulling her into his arms, just like this, soothing away her pain with his gentle, kind gesture. Chloe pulled back slightly, a bit startled at the memory flash. "What? What is it, Chloe?" Brady asked worriedly.
"I... I had a memory flash. A clear one, not fuzzy like the rest," Chloe answered.
"You did? What about?" Brady prompted.
"I was on an island. You pulled Mer...Philip out of a big pit, that was filling with water. He was unconscious, I think, and I was yelling for him not to leave me." Brady grimaced slightly at the memory. Of all the things for her to remember, that horrible island experience had to be the first?
"Yeah, the island. Puerto Rico. It was a school ecology field trip. You didn't go at the last minute, because you found out Philip was going. That's not exactly one of the memories I'd want you to remember first. The whole time on the island was a literal hell."
"But, you were there. You comforted me," Chloe said. "Do you... are you always there when I need you? Like you were then, and like you were today?"
"Well... not... not always. We used to fight, a lot," Brady answered, almost shyly. Of course, he would never regret those days of passionate arguments. Oh no, that was one of the things he and Chloe did best. Argue. No one else he had ever met had such determination, such passionate fury as his Diva. She always spoke her mind, as did he, which made for the most interesting of conversations. "But, that's something I could never regret either. You and I, are two of a kind, Chloe. Our arguments were always very... interesting. Although there is one thing I do regret."
"What's that?" Chloe asked curiously.
"That I made you feel like you weren't good enough to be an Opera singer," Brady answered. Nancy, in one of their late night talks in the months Chloe was missing, had revealed to him some of the things Chloe had said about him to her. Brady had never known he had such a great effect on Chloe's life. True, they were friends, but Chloe never let anyone tell her what she could or couldn't do. Brady had never meant to make Chloe feel as if she wasn't good enough. God, if only she knew how he really felt about her. She was... there weren't even words that could ever possibly describe what she was to him. She was amazing, a voice that shamed even the most heavenly of angels, a soul so kind and pure it shined brighter then the brightest of stars, beauty that put to shame the sheer beauty of the reddest red rose. And even though such poetic, mushy phrases weren't really his style... Chloe was all these things to him, and so much more. But how could he ever tell her that? Especially now, when she was already so confused, so lost in her way. Brady was torn as well. He wanted so badly to tell her how he felt, before he lost her again. But then, he also wanted nothing more then to protect her from harm, take away all her pain and confusion and make everything right for her again.
"Opera..." Ah yes, how could she ever forget her passion for opera? Just those words sent more, clear memories. Memories focusing less on her lonely childhood, spent completely enveloped in her passion for opera, and more on her life dealing with everyone in Salem's reaction to her love of opera. Although she had many who accepted her for who she was, Brady was perhaps the only person in all of Salem who shared her passion for opera. Her memory flashes didn't need to show her that. She felt she already knew in her heart that he was the only one who had ever understood her. Just the mention of opera singing let her see Brady, singing Music of the Night to her. A memory that she found to be both frightening, and treasured. Brady again grew concerned as Chloe seemed to slip off into her buried memories.
"Chloe..." Brady prompted, with no response. Brady took a gentle hold of Chloe's shoulders, turning her slightly to face him and lifting up her chin. "Chloe."
"Hrm?" Chloe asked, obviously dazed. She blinked away the memories, focusing on Brady's deliously handsome face. Whoa... deliously handsome? Had that thought just crossed her mind? Well, it was true...
"More memories?" Brady asked. It was good she was remembering, but a flood of intense memories would do her no good. One couldn't just be hit with a lifetime of memories and still be able to take it. Chloe nodded.
"Yeah. I can't believe I forgot... opera was my life. The thought that Stefano could just take that away from me so easily..." Chloe shuddered slightly without meaning to. Brady's brow creased in concern.
"He's not going to hurt you again, Chloe. I'll die first before I ever let him cause you any more pain," Brady promised. Chloe was about to reply before Brady cut her off. "Look, maybe you should just rest. We have a long flight ahead of us, then all hell's gonna break loose when we get back to Salem and Momma Wesley sees you again. She'll be smothering you, literally, so you should get some rest. We'll talk more about your memories later," Brady said. Chloe shook her head.
"No. I don't want to rest. I'm fine, really. Aida's the one who really needs it, and she's probably doing anything but sleeping out there on the couch with Jordan," Chloe stated. Though she'd never seen Jordan and her sister together before today, the sparks between them were evident to even strangers on the street. Jordan worried over Aida, much the same way Brady did over her, only with them, Aida was always pulling Jordan's lips down to hers to shut up his constant going ons about 'can I get you anything?' 'how you feeling?' and 'are you sure that you should be up walking?' Brady had to smile at the mention. Those two were just too much. Claiming to be just partners in crime one moment, making out in public the next. In a way, he envied them. They came out and told each other about their feelings, why couldn't he? Because he was scared, that's why.
"I'm sure they've already run Dad, Gabriel, and Michelle out of the room by now," Brady agreed. "But, I really think both of you should rest..."
"I said no, Brady. I'm not tired, and I want you to stay. I still have something I want to talk about. Please, stay?" Chloe asked, looking up at him as he'd already stood from the bed. God, not those eyes. Those intense blue pools that caused his knees to turn to jelly every time they gazed up at him. How could he ever deny her anything?
"Alright, I'll stay. But, I still say you need sleep," Brady said, pretending to grumble as he sat easily back down. Truth was, he was happy not to leave to let her rest. He wanted to stay by her side, for fear she would disappear again should he leave her like the night Philip kidnaped her from her own home. Although, he would have been much more content holding her while she slept... "So, what else is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"Us," Chloe answered.
"Us? What do you mean?" Brady asked, obviously confused.
"I mean... well, it's heard to explain. When I first started getting my memories back, as you know, things were really fuzzy. But, when I thought of you... something seemed... off. It was like... something about you and my memories of you stuck out above the rest. I got a sense..." Chloe paused. Oh no, here it was. Here was when his beloved Diva would tell him that he meant nothing to her, that she could never feel anything but repulsion. Brady lowered his head, submitting to the inevitable. He couldn't take hearing that from her, couldn't take hearing the only person who had ever really understood who he was and where he was coming from tell him she wanted nothing more to do with him. But he'd have to. Brady Black never gave up, no matter how lonely he grew as each day rolled into another. "I feel as if, something's incomplete. Like, something's missing, or rather, it's there... just not recognized." Brady looked up to meet Chloe's gaze, fear and resignation beginning to give way to confusion once more.
"What do you mean?"
"That's just it, I don't know! I just know... that I have this feeling. Like... I'm missing something. Or, feeling something that I never open up about. I... I don't know. I just wish... just wish all my memories would come back. I want to remember everything about my life, my childhood, my friends, and... everything about you."
"Well, I know you'll get all your memories back soon, but, to know everything about me, you would only need one fact. What you see, is what you get," Brady stated. The simple phrase brought Chloe back to the porch of a two-story white house. Her hair was up, and she was with Brady, as many of her other clear memories showed. They were talking about relationships, and Chloe was trying to get Brady to open up about himself. Chloe saw herself reach out, gently cupping his cheek. As with her other memories, Chloe's emotions at that time flooded her mind. Only this time, her emotions were so much more intense. She literally felt the electricity surge through her body in real time as she touched Brady's cheek in her memory flash. It was a wonder she didn't gasp in surprise, both in the memory and in real time. The memory spiraled into another, set a night, with a backdrop of woods and what appeared to be a view of the entire city. "Someday you'll meet a man who knows who you are, and loves what he knows, and loves what he sees." Brady was speaking to her in this flash. This flash sent her back into the previous one, back to the porch scene. Chloe somehow realized that must have been because that was what she was thinking at the time. "Chloe? Chloe, are you alright?" Brady's voice broke through her trance. Chloe shook her head, trying to focus on his face.
"What?"
"I said, are you alright? Chloe, you're really starting to worry me. I know you said you don't want to, but I think it best you just rest. I'll send Aida back in here to get some rest too, if that'll make you happy, but you are going to sleep now, whether you like it or not," Brady insisted. Chloe smiled despite herself. Just like her Brady to be so concerned. This was the Brady she, at least vaguely, knew and loved. Wait... her Brady? Loved? Was that it, was that what was bothering her? Stefano could take away her memories, but never her emotions. He could bury them, hide them, but never destroy them. So was that what had been causing her confusion? Was it love she felt? Or was she simply only getting a small bit of a much larger picture? "Chloe, are you hearing me? Sleep, now, or I shall have to get rough," Brady teased slightly, trying to get Chloe to smile. Chloe shook her head, clearing her mind, before she obediently scooted under the covers. "Good girl," Brady said with a smile. He stood, leaning down to kiss Chloe's forehead before he could stop himself. "'Nite, Diva," Brady said softly, resisting the urge to move his kiss to her soft, inviting lips. He turned and was about to walk out of the door when Chloe called to him.
"Brady, wait!" Brady turned around just before he could open the door.
"What is it, Chloe?" Brady asked.
"What do you see?" Chloe asked softly.
"What? I'm sorry, I don't follow," Brady said.
"Knows who you are, loves what he knows, loves what he sees..." Chloe repeated from her memory flash. "What do you see, Brady?" Chloe asked. Brady looked at her, like he was seeing something that couldn't really be there. Why, why did she have to do this? He couldn't tell her what he meant when he'd said that, nor could he tell her what he really felt for her. Now just wasn't the time. He'd always been afraid... to let Chloe see the real him, for reasons even he couldn't explain. Fear of rejecting maybe? And even though he wanted... to tell her everything, now, before fate stepped in and kept him from being able to yet again. Now just couldn't be the right time. But then, when would that "right time" come? Was it possible that such a time might never be? Or were he and Chloe just not as meant to be as he believed they were? "Brady...?" Brady walked slowly up to Chloe, stopping at the foot of the bed. Taking a deep breath, Brady prepared himself to lay everything out on the table. He only hoped this couldn't later be compared to opening a wound to the salt shaker.
"Do you really want me to answer that, Chloe? Because I will, if you think you're ready. I've never really been as open with you as I should be. Are you sure now's the time for me to start?" Brady asked. Chloe hesitated, unsure of her answer. Did she? She felt as if her own heart had been guarded for so long, she didn't know how to handle the things she was feeling now. Or, the things Brady might be feeling for her. Did she love him? She didn't need all her memories to be clear to know the answer. Yes, she did. She had known that from the moment he first touched her arm when they bumped into each other outside of St. Michan's Church. Chloe's soul was forever connected to Brady's. It seemed so strange to her, and yet so very... not strange. The situation, crazy as it was, seemed... oddly normal. Here she was, having gone through... what had to be the most insane experience ever, resulting in the lose of all her true memories. And yet, without having but a few, vivid memories returned to her... she somehow knew that she was looking up at the man she was completely and hopelessly in love with. And she felt like... that had scared her before. But it didn't now. No. She wouldn't fear it anymore. Not after having nearly lost him. Time was too precious to let things like fear get in the way. The only question now was, did he feel the same way? Or would he be frightened off by such an intense relationship? When she didn't answer, Brady took that as his answer. No, she wasn't ready. And she never would be. Brady was about to turn when she finally answered.
"Yes, I am. Please... tell me..." Chloe pleaded. Brady nodded, stepping forward to the right side of the bed.
"What do I see when I look at you...?" Brady prompted. Chloe just watched him as he began to pace in front of a few pictures on the wall. "What I see in you... is everything I ever wanted, and more. When I look at you, I see me. Or, I see the other half of me. When I look into your eyes, it's like looking in a mirror. But, no matter how much you go through, I can still see a shimmering, radiant light dancing in your eyes. When I look at you, I see something I lost so long ago, that I want so badly to regain. When I look at you, I see not just the beauty of your body, but the beauty of your soul. Everything you are... is everything I've longed for," Brady answered, all in one breath. Almost like he'd rehearsed the answer. Truth be told... he had, a million times over, in his head.
"What do you know?" Chloe asked quietly. Brady wasn't watching her, he'd turned his attention to a portrait on the wall so he wouldn't have to look at Chloe while she rejected him. He didn't see her stand up from the bed.
"Sometimes...I think I know you, the real you, better then I know myself. I know... I know that you are vulnerable, and yet strong. I know you are kind, and yet tough. I know that you are amazingly talented and bold, yet inwardly insecure. I know you are stubborn as hell, with a temper to match. But there's an inner child there. One that's so scared of lose, she's locked herself away from the rest of the world. One who's been through so much pain, that she'd decided to block out any possibility of happiness to completely avoid more pain. One who's been hurt so many times, she finds herself incapable of trusting again, for fear of that sacred trust being shattered once again. I know... that you are, in so many ways... just like me," Brady answered. By now, Chloe had walked up behind him, and was mere centimeters from him. Brady could feel her presence just behind him, and he turned around slowly.
"What do you love?" Chloe asked softly, so soft it was barely above a whisper. With all fear and hesitation long gone, Chloe reached up, brushing the back of her fingers against the skin on Brady's cheek. Brady shuddered as the tingly sensation spread throughout his entire body. Chloe trailed her thumb slowly against Brady's bottom lip, her eyes never breaking contact with his.
"You," Brady whispered hoarsely. Unable to resist the urge, Brady lowered his head to capture her delicious lips with his own. He kissed her with a passionate hunger, telling himself that if he could taste of those lips just once, he could be satisfied. Much to his shock, Chloe responded, just as passionately, if not more so, then he. Their tongues mingled in a delicious heated battle, each taking their time to enjoy the taste of one another, but also urgent in their battle to get as close as possible. With Chloe's body firmly pressed against his, Brady finally broke the kiss, only because they both needed the oxygen. Of course, at that moment, he could die a happy and content man. Neither spoke as Brady rested his forehead on Chloe's, each panting for breathe. Slowly, Brady brought his hand up to caress Chloe's cheek gently, reeling in the feeling of holding her so close. "I love you, Chloe. So much," Brady whispered. A smile slipped across her face as she took Brady's hand in hers.
"I love you too," Chloe returned, softly kissing each of Brady's knuckles. Brady was so thrilled by the sensation of her lips on his fingers, the words she spoke had yet to hit him.
"Mmmm. You love me too... whoa! Wait a minute! Wha...what did you just say?" Brady stammered, shaking himself out of the daze. Chloe's grin grew as she leaned up on her tippy toes to come eye to eye with him.
"I said, I love you too. I'm in love with you, Brady Victor Black. I always have been, and I always will be," Chloe stated. No, not just a statement. A promise. He knew it was true the moment he looked in her beautiful blue eyes. Now matter how confusing the situation, or how confused her state of mind was, he knew. He knew she loved him the way he loved her. Not the love of a best friend, but only a love two soulmates could share. And that love was a promise... that no matter what might befall them, no matter how many psycho bastards tried to steal her memories from her, she would always love him, even if she couldn't remember his name. Brady leaned down, capturing her lips for another soul searing kiss. Only this kiss, was not urgent, rushed, or demanding in any way. This kiss was tender, loving, passionate, and gentle, all rolled into one. It was only their second kiss, but this time, they both knew for sure it would not be the last.
"Oh, Chloe, I lo--" Brady was interrupted by a loud pounding on the door.
"Brady. We're leaving in an hour, tell Chloe to get some rest and then come out here and help me get ready for our departure. Aida and Jordan fell asleep on the couch, I could use a hand making the final arrangements," John called through the door. Brady looked down at Chloe, sighing deeply.
"You do need to rest," Brady whispered. Chloe shook her head.
"Stay with me?" Chloe pleaded. Her sparkling eyes immediately drew him in, turning his knees to jelly. Oh hell no, he was not leaving after a request like that!
"Hey, Dad, would it be okay if I just stayed here? I'm sure you can handle whatever it is on your own. Chloe's having some trouble getting to sleep, so I'm going to stay here with her, alright?" Brady returned. If only he could see John's grin.
"Sure, Son, fine with me. Just let her get some actual rest, will ya?" There was no arrangements John needed help with. They would leave in an hour to catch John's private jet. They had no baggage, and really had nothing to do for the next hour. After 10 minutes of Aida's begging, John finally caved in, going along with her plan. She just had to know if Brady worked up enough nerve to tell Chloe, so she convinced John to make up the "need your help" story. Brady grinned, winking at Chloe.
"Sure thing, Dad. Promise," Brady returned. John chuckled, turning away from the door to head back to Aida, who was eagerly awaiting confirmation. Brady turned to look at Chloe once more, trailing his thumb over her lips. "You really do need to get some sleep. You've been though a lot," Brady said.
"Hold me while I sleep?" Chloe asked. Brady just nodded, not trusting his voice. He walked Chloe back over to the bed, helping her under the covers before walking around to the other side of the bed and getting in himself. Chloe immediately pressed her back into him as he pulled the covers up over them and wrapped his arms securely around her. He was amazed at how perfectly Chloe fit next to him, how right it felt to have her pressed up against him. Brady leaned his head forward, nuzzling her neck, but mindful of her bandage, before planting a soft, loving kiss on the base of her neck.
"I love you, Chloe," Brady whispered. Chloe sighed with content, closing her eyes.
"I love you too, Brady," Chloe returned quietly. Brady closed his eyes as well, and it wasn't long before they both drifted off to sleep, secure in the safety of each others embrace...
Two hours later, John, Jordan, Aida, Chloe, and Brady had all boarded John's private jet, and were already well on their way back to Salem. Aida had long since decided Salem was where she belonged. And Jordan would stay at her side no matter what. So they would both finally be leaving behind their life under Stefano's control for life in Salem. Aida was more then nervous about meeting her mother for the first time. John had phoned Nancy the moment they had Chloe back into safety. He also called three more times, at Nancy's insistence, to tell her when their flight was scheduled to leave, when they actually left, and estimated arrival time. Nancy had called a few times, insisting to know how Chloe was. She had not known at first that Aida, the daughter she had not seen in over 17 years, would also be coming to Salem. Craig would later report that Nancy had nearly fainted when John told her Aida was coming as well. Probably would have fainted dead away, actually, if he hadn't caught her. Despite Nancy's insistence, John had advised her not to talk to Aida over the phone. They would meet in a few short hours, after Aida was taken to the hospital to be treated. Chloe had talked to Nancy, however, for a short time, mostly spent in teary greeting, and constant reassurance that she was okay and would be home before she knew it. Now, she sat curled in the comfortable leather seating of John's jet. Or rather, curled up in Brady's lap, with his arms wrapped around her. John was in the front, talking on his cell phone to Marlena and Belle, who had both already spoken to Chloe and Brady. Aida, though against her will, was laying on the sofa opposite Brady and Chloe, with a blanket over her.
"I'm telling you, Jordan, I'm fine, really. You don't have to make me lie down, I'm more then capable of sitting up on my own," Aida grumbled. Actually, she was not angry. Not even frustrated really. She was too thrilled to see her sister so happily, and openly, in love with Brady Black to let such negative emotions bring her down. Well, they couldn't take away her apprehension about meeting her birth mother for the first time, but that of course was to be expected. Still... it was nice to see someone enjoying themselves.
"I don't care what you say, Aida. You fainted when you tried to get up and go get a glass of water on your own. You've been over-doing it, and now you are going to rest and I will not hear any more complaints, is that clear?"
"I love it when you get demanding," Aida returned, with a sly smile. Jordan chuckled, shaking his head. Aida gazed over at her sister, who was far to busy running her hand slowly up and down Brady's forearm to notice her or Jordan. "Hey hey, you two. Don't start getting all mushy over there with the kissy face stuff. I'm a wounded chick, my body couldn't take the damage that puking up my lunch would cause," Aida teased, loudly enough to get Brady and Chloe's attention. Both of them grinned.
"Oh really? So, would you lose your lunch if I did, oh say, this?" Brady inquired, before tipping up Chloe's chin and kissing her deeply on the mouth. Aida made a face, pretending to be appalled.
"Gross! Such public display of affection would be fine, if it wasn't my twin sister on the receiving end of that tongue of yours, Brady," Aida stated.
"Hey!" Jordan would have swatted at Aida playfully, but she was wounded, so he had to refrain.
"Oh, don't worry, Jor. I'd much rather it be your tongue, as long as I'm the only one on the receiving end," Aida stated. It was Chloe's turn to pretend to be disgusted, although she was as happy for Aida as Aida was for her.
"Ewww. And you say we're bad?" Chloe asked. Aida stuck her tongue out at her sister, before sitting up and grabbing Jordan by the shirt, with the intent on putting her tongue to much better use. Brady and Chloe turned to hear John chuckle from his place standing in the doorway to the front compartment.
"You four, are hopeless. Ah, young love. Such an amazing, yet nauseating to watch, experience," John joked.
"Now you know how Belle and I feel every time you and Marlena lip-lock," Brady returned. John shook his head.
"They said they want you guys home A.S.A.P. by the way, and that you should prepare yourselves for the inevitable. Being completely smothered in hugs and kisses."
"Yeah well, I can think of someone else I would rather be huggin' and kissin'," Brady stated, wrapping his arms tighter around Chloe. John again shook his head, turning around to go back into the front compartment.
"Hopeless," John muttered under his breath. Both couples broke into rounds of laughter, Jordan pulling himself down on the sofa to wrap Aida in his arms much the same way Brady held Chloe. Aida rested her head on Jordan's chest, staring out the jet window after the laugher subsided to comfortable silence. Soon, she would be in Salem, with her birth mother. She would finally have a place to call home..…