Stolen Years (Read 27,221 times)

[melly]

Clarification--I was referring to Victor not being a Chloe fan.

[fluffysmom]

Chloe is so vulnerable right now. I feel bad for her worrying that Philip won't return.

I'm concerned about the package from the DoD.

[Kpatch]

Chapter 17


In Chicago

Philip entered the condo and a shiver went through him as he looked around. It was an eerie sight. Everything was exactly the way he left it on New Year’s Day. The tree was still up, although worse for the wear. A few fallen ornaments lay on the ground, near the still-wrapped packages of presents. His stomach turned when he thought about all the plans they made while wrapping the gifts, imagining Parker opening them on Christmas Day, their first Christmas as a family, the first year that Parker had an inkling about the meaning of Christmas.

He put his overnight case in the bedroom, took off his jacket and walked around the condo as if he were an apartment hunter looking at it for the first time. Everything old seemed new, unfamiliar, yet painful reminders of what might have been, what was supposed to be. It was going to feel very strange sleeping here alone tonight, but he’d done it before.

Philip took a deep breath. He didn’t come here to get sentimental. He came here for a purpose, and that was to pick up some touchstones, things that meant something to Chloe and would hopefully trigger memories of her adult life. He mentally made a list.

-Her favorite teacup.
-The planter from the terrace with the flowers that refused to die.
-Chloe’s iPod.
-The framed poem he wrote for her and read when they went ice skating as teenagers.
-A shawl she liked to wear when she got cold.
-A pair of slippers, tennis shoes, and high heels.
-Her Under Armor tank and shorts she wore during workouts.

After emptying out the refrigerator and throwing out all the spoiled food, Philip needed a drink. Badly. He poured himself a scotch, first drink he’d had in months, then he sat on the leather sofa and took his shoes and socks off. When he put his feet on the coffee table, he swore he heard Chloe fussing at him to get his feet off of there. She claimed the coffee table was a work of art and he should treat it with respect. Well, they did buy it at a designer furniture gallery and it cost a small fortune, but Chloe had fallen in love with it.

She was always falling in love with things and he could never say no to her. He just wanted to see her happy. He chuckled at how easy it was for her to say she loved inanimate objects -- a piece of furniture, an article of clothing, a painting, jewelry, a movie ... but how difficult it once was for her to tell him she loves him. Inanimate objects couldn’t hurt her, but people could.

He took a sip of scotch, laid his head on the back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling. How he longed to hear Chloe say she loved him now, and not just because she’d grown dependent on him. She had no contact with the outside world right now, she was cloistered inside the home where she spent her formative years. It was an alternative universe for her. And he wanted her back in the real world again, back in this apartment with him and Parker, resuming the life they built together and looking forward to the future.

It was right here, right in front of the sofa where she got down on her knee and actually proposed to him. It was one of the happiest moments of his life. And it was here in this apartment -- in the guest bedroom where he'd retreated after learning Parker wasn't his son -- that he'd shouted at Chloe to get out. One of the worst moments of his life.

He scanned the apartment from his seat on the couch. His eyes settled on an ornament on the Christmas tree. He got up and went over to the tree to get a closer look. It was a homemade heart-shaped ornament made up of shells that Chloe collected on Miami Beach, the beach they made love on last year when they were falling in love again. She fashioned it herself into an ornament and she gave it to Philip while they were decorating the tree together before Thanksgiving. He smiled wistfully as he took it off the tree.

There was an open Fedex package on the floor near the tree. Philip crouched down to look inside. His heart clenched when he saw the contents of the box. He had almost forgotten about it. But he could never forget how horrible he felt when he opened the package on Christmas eve, the package Chloe sent to him containing the dog tag he engraved with the words “I love you Chloe” and her engagement ring.

He sighed heavily and his mind returned to the task at hand. Tomorrow morning he had a business meeting at the Randolph Street office. Then he’d come back to the condo, pack the car, and head back to Salem. The ornament and the contents of this package were going back with him to Salem.

[jc20886]

Loved Philip thinking back to their life together and about his feet on the table just hope
Chloe gets her memory back soon

[MrsM]

Tears after reading that one.

[gapeach]

Glad Phillip is getting this over with quickly. The sooner he can get back to Salem with the items he has selected the sooner (hopefully) Chloe can get her memory back!!

[fluffysmom]

The condo holds so many memories for Philip. It has to be so difficult for Philip to be there alone again. I hope the items will help trigger Chloe's memories.

[Kpatch]

Chapter 18


“Oh honey, I am so happy to see you,” Nancy said, squeezing Chloe a little too tightly.

“I’m glad to see you too, Nancy.”

“You are? Oh baby, let me look at you. You’ve lost weight.”

Chloe nodded, sitting down on the bed in her room. “You can never be too rich or too thin, right?”

“Don’t make jokes,” Nancy said, taking a seat on the bed next to Chloe. “Your father told me about the dreadful things that happened to you in The Oaks.”

“Like what,” Chloe asked.

“Oh, that’s right, you don’t remember. Hmmm. And I’m not allowed to tell you because of the seizures. So let’s talk about something else.”

“Fine. No one wants to tell me anything. So, how’s my baby sister,” Chloe asked.

“Oh Joy is fine. Oh you need to hear this. She’s dating a hoodlum.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, it’s awful,” Nancy said in dramatic fashion. “I just hope they’re not staying at the condo while your father and I are here in Salem. I half expect to go home and find the place trashed.”

“That’s odd,” Chloe said. “Last time I spoke to Joy, she told me she was dating this guy named Matt who worked as a car mechanic to put himself through college.”

“That’s him. He’s got tattoos up and down his arms and he wears an earring. He’s just disgusting.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Well, Nancy, what are you doing about it? I bet you have a plan to break them up.”

“What can I do about it? My daughters are rebels,” Nancy said pointedly. “If I forbid her to see him, she’ll move in with him. I’m pretty sure they’re having sex.”

Chloe stifled her laughter. “If you want, I’ll talk to her,” Chloe offered. “Maybe it’s not as bad as you’re making it sound.”

Nancy shot Chloe a disapproving look. “If you were back in New York with the rest of your family, you’d see for yourself.” Her tone softened, but Chloe knew that fake sweetness was part of Nancy’s grand plan. She just hadn’t figured out what Nancy’s plan was just yet. “Speaking of hoodlums, that reminds me. I hear Philip Kiriakis has been staying here.”

“He is.” Chloe decided to ignore the hoodlum remark. “I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without him these past few weeks.” She also didn’t know why he didn’t seem to return her affections, and it worried her. He seemed to be backing away from her and now that he was out of town, she couldn’t help but feel like he was intentionally avoiding contact with her. He’d only been gone a short time and already she missed him like crazy. She was almost relieved to have her mother here while Philip was away. She needed the distraction.

“Hmmm,” Nancy mused, “I’m not sure I like the two of you getting close again.”

“He’s changed, Nancy. He’s not the impulsive boy you remember. And he’s really good to me, so why don’t you like him?”

“First of all, my memory is intact. I know exactly what Philip Kiriakis is like in the present day and he’s no prince, I can tell you that. It’s obvious he takes after his parents, especially his mother.”

“I think you’re being a little dramatic, Nancy. Kate’s not that bad,” Chloe replied. “Okay, she’s mean and conniving....”

“She’s a backstabbing bitch!” Nancy exclaimed.

“Wow, Nancy. Tell me what you really think.” Chloe chuckled. “You know, there was a time when people would have said the same thing about you.”

“Hmmph. I resent that remark!”

“Sorry, but it’s the truth,” Chloe answered. “Remember what you did to Mike Horton? You tried to sabotage him when he was Chief of Staff at University Hospital.”

“That was a long time ago,” Nancy said defensively.

“I guess. But just because you don’t like Kate doesn’t mean you should hold that against Philip. He’s nothing like his mother. He’s a good guy.”

“I don’t think he’s such a good guy,” Nancy said. “He hasn’t always done right by you. I would advise you against getting emotionally involved. Remember when I helped you with Daniel last year?”

Chloe’s brow knit. “Daniel who?”

“Oh. Um. I forgot. You don’t remember him.”

“Oh wait,” Chloe said. “I do remember.”

Nancy’s eyes widened. “You do? Oh honey, that’s wonderful!”

“Wasn’t he one of the doctors who came to see me at The Oaks? He was very nice. But what does he have to do with ....”

“Oh. Um. How about Brady, have you seen him lately?”

“No, not since I got home, although I think he visited me at The Oaks too. I can’t really remember.”

“See, now Brady was really good for you. He’s mature and solid and he’d protect you, a competely different story than Philip.”

“Right. A story that had an unhappy ending, or so I’m told.”

“That was only because of the drugs, baby,” Nancy said. “He can’t be held responsible for what he did or said under the influence. ... You know he’s single. And you’re single.”

“Nancy, you are so transparent. I can see your little wheels spinning.” Nancy always had her own agenda to push, Chloe recalled, one that she claimed was in Chloe’s best interest, but in reality was in Nancy’s best interest.

“Honey, I just want you to be happy. You and Brady were so much in love. You remember that, right? I’m sure he’d like to see you. Wouldn’t you like to see him too?”

Chloe looked down at the coverlet on the bed and picked at some of the embroidery. Thinking about Brady made her feel sad. She shrugged. “I guess. I’d really like to find out directly from him what happened between us.”

“Good!” Nancy surprised Chloe by springing to her feet. Chloe didn’t remember Nancy being quite so buoyant. “I’ll call him and tell him. Be right back.”

“No. Wait. Nancy!”

Nancy disregarded Chloe’s protests and she went into her and Craig’s bedroom down the hall. She picked up her cell phone and dialed Brady’s phone number.

“Brady? Well hello. This is Nancy Wesley. ... Oh aren’t you nice to ask. I’m fine. I’m in Salem visiting Chloe, and she was just telling me how much she wants to see you. ... Yes, really. ... So I was wondering if you’re not too busy right now, perhaps you could come over.” Her sweet tone turned bossy. “Yes, I said now.”

[MrsM]

I have a really bad feeling about this.

[gapeach]

Nancy hasn't changed a bit. Sure hope no one follows Brady to the house.

[fluffysmom]

Nancy doesn't waste any time when she has an agenda.

I like the conversation about Joy. At least Nancy realizes forbidding her daughters will backfire.

[melly]

NANCY!!!!

[Kpatch]

Chapter 19


Taking care of business took a day longer than Philip expected. He didn’t want to be gone for two nights, he didn’t want to be away from either Chloe or Parker this long. But he was almost home now, well, wherever home was these days. He wasn’t quite sure himself.

Once in Salem, his first stop was the hospital to see Parker before driving to the mansion and picking up whatever it was the Department of Defense sent to him.

Philip was thrilled that Parker seemed more like his old self every day. He could hardly wait to get his son home again. The only real issue was finding a trustworthy occupational therapist to work with Parker at Craig’s house -- someone who would be discreet about their location, someone who he could trust completely and who would work hard to get Parker back to where he should be in terms of his motor skills.

And there she was. One of the best medical professionals he knew. He wondered how she’d react when he asked her if she’d be interested in the job. She already knew Parker and loved him like family. But she didn’t much like Parker’s mother ... or his father for that matter. Even though she was the one who convinced Philip to return to Salem, a lot had happened since then, including a knock-down drag-out fight between Philip and her father.

Melanie’s dislike of Chloe wasn’t one-sided. Chloe wasn’t wild about Melanie for obvious reasons. Too much bad blood between them. But Chloe wouldn’t remember Melanie. Heck, she didn’t even remember Parker. All personal feelings aside, the important thing was to do what was best for Parker. So Philip swallowed his pride along with the lump in his throat as he approached Melanie in the nurse’s station.

“Hey Mel.”

Melanie looked up from the chart she was reading and he watched her face go from neutral to fiery in no time flat. “Go away, Philip,” she said, turning back to the chart.

Undeterred, Philip continued. “I wanted to talk to you about Parker.” He knew where Melanie’s Achilles heel was located. “Got a minute?”

“Oh.” She looked up at Philip again. “About Parker? Um. I guess I could spare a minute.”

Philip followed Melanie into the waiting room and he closed the door. “Let’s sit for a minute.” He went into business mode. “I’ll come right to the point, Mel. When Parker gets released, I want to bring him home. I don’t want him in rehab or in any kind of halfway facility. I want him home. With me. That means I’m going to need a nurse for him. Full-time while he’s recuperating. Someone with training in occupational therapy.”

Melanie’s mouth fell open. Indignant, she stood up from the couch. “I’ll check the computer and print out a list of nurses for you.”

She turned to leave and Philip caught her hand and pulled her back. “Mel, please.” Now it was time to leave business Philip behind and turn on the charm. Or the guilt. Or the begging. Whatever worked. “Please, I need you.”

Melanie squinted at him and pulled her hand out of his grasp. She crossed her arms over her chest. “How many times have I heard that line?”

He unfolded her arms and held both her hands in his. “Then let me put it another way. Parker needs you. I can’t trust just anyone with his care, you know that. It has to be someone who loves him as much as I do.” He looked into her eyes trying to read her, something he used to be so good at.

“Of course I love him. I thought he was my brother once. Or twice.” Melanie was quiet for a few minutes. “I’m not gonna quit my day job.”

Philip smiled. He knew she was softening. He knew she was going to say yes. “Of course not. You can come over after work. Whatever fits with your schedule.”

“Are you bringing him to the mansion?”

Philip released Melanie’s hands. “Oh. Um, no. I don’t want anyone to know where we’re staying.”

“I kind of need to know where to report for work. Or are you gonna blindfold me like you did the Christmas you proposed?”

Philip chuckled. “No, of course I’ll tell you. I just need you not to tell anyone else. Okay?” After Melanie nodded, Philip said, “I’ll be bringing him to Craig Wesley’s house.”

Melanie’s expression changed again. It was a mix of anger, surprise, and disappointment. “Oh now I get it. It’s where Chloe is ....”

“Shhhh,” Philip gestured for her to keep her voice down.

So Melanie whispered. “It’s where Chloe is staying, huh? This is going to be awkward, Philip.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” he pleaded, “not if we keep our focus on getting Parker healthy again. So you’ll do it?”

Melanie nodded slowly and smiled. “How can I say no?”

[gapeach]

This is going to be interesting. Mel at Chloe's and Chloe not knowing who Mel is. Maybe they can be friends if Mel can keep it from becoming personal.

[MrsM]

When Chloe remembers she will flip her lid!