Stolen Moments (Read 15,326 times)

[melly]

Interesting that no one has questioned why EJ is still there...

[gapeach]

Everyone is worried about Parker, EJ is not even on their radar! I glad that Daniel feels bad. But he is going to feel worse when he finds out that Parker isn't his son!!

[Kpatch]

Chapter 44


Philip made a beeline for Parker’s room, but Maxine saw him coming and blocked the door. “I’m sorry, Philip. Family only.”

“I am family,” Philip shouted, attempting to get around Maxine and into Parker’s room. The woman was playing defense like a linebacker.

Daniel stepped out of Parker’s room again. “Shhh, keep your voices down, would you!”

Meanwhile, EJ moved closer to the action, leaning his arm on the counter and crossing his legs at the ankles as if his interest in the proceedings was merely casual.

“Let me see Parker,” Philip demanded.

Maxine turned to Daniel. “I already told him, family only, Dr. Jonas.”

“Thanks Maxine,” Daniel said. “I’ll handle this.” He addressed Philip. “That means blood relatives only.”

“Damn it, Daniel, don’t be a jackass, you know I consider Parker my family.”

“I know. And you know that I have a problem with that.”

“No s**t. Let me inside,” Philip tried to push past Daniel, but Daniel pushed back. “Come on, man, there’s no harm in my seeing my ... Parker.”

“There are other people who want to see him too,” Daniel explained in as calm a manner as he could, “people who have more right to be in there than you do.”

“I can’t believe you’d pull this garbage at a time like this,” Philip said.

Daniel’s calm exterior was dissolving. “I can’t believe you would. This isn’t the time, Philip.”

Melanie stepped into the fray and grasped Philip’s arm. “Dad’s right. This isn’t the time, Philip. Come on, let’s take a walk or something.”

Philip pulled his arm away from Melanie. “I’m not going anywhere. This is where I belong.” He turned to Daniel. “Now if you don’t let me in there, you’re gonna be on the receiving end of another black eye.”

There were gasps from several of the people in the waiting room who were shocked by the confrontation going on outside Parker’s room. From behind, Victor gently gripped Philip’s shoulders. He leaned toward Philip’s ear and whispered “Not now” in Greek.

Philip turned his head toward his father and acquiesced. Victor led him away from the door and, with his arm around Philip’s shoulder, the two men walked down the corridor, through a set of doors, and into the hospital chapel.

They sat down in a pew and bowed their heads in silent prayer.

After a few minutes, Victor spoke. “When Bo was a teenager, he was in a motorcycle accident. Cracked his skull. We thought for sure we’d lose him. I had to stay in the shadows while Shawn was free to visit Bo and play father to him.”

Philip turned his head to look at his father. “What did you do?”

“I did a lot of praying. ... Philip, not long ago I asked if you got the results you expected from that test. Your response gave me the impression that you didn’t receive the answer you were hoping for, but ... I’ll ask again. … Are you Parker's father?”

Tears slowly leaked from the outer corners of Philip’s eyes as he nodded.

“I suspected as much,” Victor said.

“But you’re right, Dad. You said ‘not now’ back there, and you’re right. Now isn’t the time to tell anyone. Daniel needs to focus all his energy on helping Parker. As much as I want to see Parker and hold his hand and sit at his bedside and tell him how much I love him, well, that would be for me, not him. Right now, my son needs Daniel far more than he needs me. And all I seem to be doing is distracting Daniel from taking care of Parker.”

“I agree, son. As difficult as this is for you, the most important thing is what’s best for Parker.” Victor rose from his seat and squeezed Philip’s shoulder. “I’ll give you some privacy, son. ... I’m praying for my grandson too.”

After Victor left the chapel, Philip leaned his elbows on the seat-back in front of him, clasped his hands together and inhaled deeply.

“I’m not sure I’m doing this right. ... God, I know they say you don’t give people more problems than we can handle, but I’ve gotta tell you, I’m just about maxed out here. I don’t know how much more I can take, so could you please back off a little?

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. There goes Philip Kiriakis again, always thinking about himself. And you’re right. I’ve been a selfish, irresponsible jerk most of my life. Did whatever I wanted no matter who got hurt. But having a son changes all that, doesn’t it? I know you know what I’m talking about, God. It changes everything. It makes you look at life in a different way, care more about other people than you do about yourself. Bet that’s why you allow people like me to even become parents.

Right now, I’d trade places with Parker in a heartbeat. I’d give my life for him, so I want to ask you to switch things up. Let me be in there and let him be out here. I don’t care if I die. I really don’t. I just want him to have a future.

He’s such a great little kid. He’s got so much spirit. He’s interested in everything and he likes everyone. ... But you already know all about Parker, don’t you? I gotta say, you did an amazing job with him. I may be a little prejudice, but he’s an example of your best work, God, so don’t send him away so soon.”

Philip rested his forehead on his clasped hands briefly to collect himself before he looked up again. “Please. Don’t take him away.”

“Would I be pushing my luck if I asked for one more thing? ... Chloe. … I just want her to get well. Whether she wants to share her life with me or not is irrelevant. Chloe and Parker are everything to me. I love them both so damn much. But I’d walk away from them both if it meant ... if it meant they could be healthy and happy. That’s all I want for them. Please watch over them. Thank you. I mean ... amen.”

[fluffysmom]

Poor Philip. I'm glad he confided in Victor.

[jc20886]

So sad for Philip I hope the truth comes out soon,and I hope God hears his prayers

[gapeach]

At least Phillip isn't alone in the knowledge that Parker is his son. Victor will always have contact with Parker and can tell Phillip anything and everything he needs to know. Loved the prayer! I just KNOW that God heard every word he said and is preparing a miracle even as I type this!!

[melly]

Great chapter!!

[MrsM]

I love that Victor was able to comfort Philip at least a little and get through to him.

[Kpatch]

The chapter you've all been waiting for is next!

[Kpatch]

Chapter 45


After his talk with God, Philip returned to the waiting area. The scene looked pretty much the same as when he left. When he spotted Melanie, he approached her and grasped her arm. “Mel, what’s going on with Parker? Any change?”

Melanie squinted at Philip and pulled her arm out of his grasp. “Go to hell, Philip.”

“Mel ... I just want to know about Parker.”

“You know, Philip, the whole world doesn’t revolve around you. I’ve tried to be a friend to you, but I’m sick and tired of how you make everything about you. I’m tired of the way you abuse my father. You treat him like dirt and he’s done nothing to you. Nothing! You’re nothing but a beast in a tailored suit.”

Philip looked upward, then returned his gaze to Melanie. “You’re right. Hell, you’re always right. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“And that’s another thing.” Melanie’s irritation was evident. “You always think saying you’re sorry is gonna cure everything. Well I’ve got news for you, mister. It doesn’t! It doesn’t change the past and it doesn’t make things right.”

Philip nodded and quietly said, “I’m just worried about Parker.”

“We’re all worried about Parker, but we don’t all make scenes, threaten physical violence, and treat people like garbage. You’re not Parker’s father anymore, Philip. Get over yourself.” Melanie huffed away.

Philip looked around and saw that all eyes were on him. Maxine, Daniel, Jennifer, Melanie, Abigail, Craig, Lucas, Brady, EJ, Nicole, Maggie, and even his father’s.

“Okay,” he said, holding his hands up and addressing the group. “I’m sorry. I apologize for my bad behavior. No excuses. Just an apology.”

EJ strolled toward Philip and draped an arm around Philip’s shoulder. “No need to apologize, my good man. I’m certain that everyone here understands. Anyone in your position would be mad with worry. After all, it’s your son in there.”

Philip’s eyes darted around the room. “EJ, now is not the time.”

“I beg to differ,” EJ answered calmly. “Now is precisely the time.”

“Wait,” Abigail piped up. “Philip isn’t Parker’s father, EJ. Daniel is. I thought everyone knew.”

“Ah yes, but you see, Daniel only thinks he’s Parker’s father. Parker’s real father is standing next to me,” EJ said indicating Philip.

“Shut up, EJ,” Philip said, gritting his teeth and backing away from EJ. “This isn’t the time,” he said under his breath. “Daniel needs to be one hundred percent focused on helping Parker get well. He doesn’t need a distraction like this.”

“You see,” EJ ignored Philip’s plea and walked toward the middle of the waiting area, as if he were addressing a courtroom, making sure he was the center of attention. “That second paternity test switch was just a fabrication, a sham. I paid Stephanie’s friend Ian to tell Stephanie that he switched the test before Caroline Brady did. But it was merely a lie.”

“What??” Daniel took a step toward EJ. “What the hell would you do that for?”

“I’m glad you asked.” EJ rubbed his chin. “I suppose I did it for the same reason you falsified records that made it appear as if I was not the father of Nicole’s baby.”

Daniel’s jaw slackened and his eyes grew wide. Gasps and “oh my gods” reverberated around the waiting room. Daniel pulled himself together and asked, “Why should I believe a damn thing you say?”

“Well certainly, you don’t have to, my good doctor. But Philip here can corroborate my story, can’t you, my man?”

“Oh my god, Philip,” Melanie burst out. “You’re in on this??”

“What?? No, of course not.”

“Then it’s a lie,” Maggie conjectured. “That means EJ’s lying.”

“Actually, I’m quite serious,” EJ added. “And Philip has the DNA tests to prove it, don’t you?”

Maggie went to Daniel’s side. “This doesn’t make any sense honey, I’m sure it’s just a Dimera trick.”

“I assure you, this isn’t a trick,” EJ said. “The trick was making you all believe that Daniel is Parker’s father. Interesting, isn’t it? It was so easy to make you all believe a lie, yet it’s so difficult to get you to believe the truth.”

“Oh dear God.” Maggie looked at EJ. “How did this happen?”

EJ chuckled. “Well, I wasn’t there, but my understanding is that Philip and Chloe had a one night stand in 2010 while they were in relationships with other people. And sometimes, when a man and a woman get together, a child is conceived....”

Melanie shouted at EJ. “You bastard!” She put her hand to her forehead and began to pace. “Oh my god, it’s like reliving it all over again.”

EJ shrugged. “Don’t blame me. I’m not the one who cheated.”

“Hold on,” Daniel interjected, pointing his finger in Philip’s direction. “The DNA test Philip took proved that Parker isn’t his son, he’s mine.”

“Mia culpa,” EJ shrugged. “I’m afraid I tampered with that result too, Dr. Jonas. Seems to me you merely assumed that Parker was yours if he wasn’t Philip’s son. Didn’t you?”

Philip took a step back as the spotlight moved away from him and onto Daniel and EJ. He glanced toward the door of Parker’s room and noticed that bulldog Maxine was watching the brewing fireworks instead of watching Parker’s room. This was Philip’s chance! He inched his way toward Parker’s room, gripped the door handle and stepped inside.

Jennifer went to Daniel’s other side, holding his arm and addressing EJ. “How can you be so flippant? Do you know how many lives you just ruined?”

“Ruined some, perhaps. But improved others, right Philip? ... So tell me, Daniel, how does it feel to have a child ripped away from you? Not so wonderful, eh?”

“Oh my god,” Nicole said. “You’re just as sick and twisted as your father.”

“I take that as a compliment, love.”

“This can’t be happening,” Daniel mumbled. “Then ... it's true? Parker isn't my son?”

“By George, he's got it,” EJ laughed. “Philip has several paternity tests to prove it, but I'm certain you'll want to do your own test when the boy recovers. And I'll keep out of it next time. You have my word.”

“Freaking monster.” When Daniel lunged at EJ, Brady and Craig struggled to pull Daniel away. “Let me at him. Let me go. You’re gonna pay for this, Dimera.”

Maggie looked at Victor. “I don’t understand. If Philip knew, why didn't he say anything?” She looked around. “Where's Philip anyway?”

[jc20886]

Loved the chapter hope Philip gets to see Parker before they all stop him

[wendylou]

Wow! EJ is really cruel to pick that moment to do that BUT I'm glad the truth is coming out.

[Minako98]

EJ chuckled. “Well, I wasn’t there, but my understanding is that Philip and Chloe had a one night stand in 2010 while they were in relationships with other people. And sometimes, when a man and a woman get together, a child is conceived....”

    

I had to laugh at this....

[fluffysmom]

I liked EJ relishing the moment as the realization finally set in. Good thinking for Philip to visit Parker while everyone is distracted.

[gapeach]

Hope that Phillip gets to spend some time with Parker before anyone comes in and takes him out. Loved this line from Maggie... Maggie looked at Victor. “I don’t understand. If Philip knew, why didn't he say anything?”

I hope everyone realizes that Phillip didn't say anything because he was putting Parker first.