Being (Read 26,290 times)

[fluffysmom]

Philip is dealing with so much right now but he shouldn't take it out on Chloe. He needs to let it all out. I'm glad Henderson is there for him.

[gapeach]

Henderson is the one person Phillip can always talk to. He doesn't judge or expect anything from Phillip! Phillip for the love of all that is good in this world, talk to Henderson!!

[MrsM]

Great chapter. Chloe is right, he shouldn't take it out on her. She is there because she loves him.

[felineflash]

Chapter 80 - Late Night Chat

“Philip,” Henderson nodded. He was seated at the kitchen table with a glass of wine and a book. “Having trouble sleeping?”

“Yeah. I’m just gonna grab a glass of milk,” Philip replied.

“Is the hip bothering you?”

“Not really, unless I make a wrong move. It’s this damn cast that’s driving me crazy. It’s really inconvenient, and totally ridiculous,” Philip said as he joined Henderson at the table. “It’s just so damn frustrating having to be in this thing,” he thumped a wheel, “for so long. It’s just affecting me…I didn’t expect it to affect me this way,” he finished pensively.

“It frightens you, maybe?” Henderson suggested. “You worked hard to get to a point where your disability no longer hinders you at all, and this feels like a setback. But it is temporary, Philip.”

Philip nodded, “But if you’d heard Kayla…the way she talked about how I could cause irreparable damage…” he noticed the fear in his voice and stopped.

“She’s the one who knows, that’s what she went to school for. And that’s why you’re off your feet,” Henderson pointed out.

“Yeah,” Philip droned, “but it just…it scared the hell out of me. If something happens to my other leg…I mean…”

“Philip,” Henderson shook his head, “you can’t live your life in fear of something that will probably never happen.”

“I don’t know about that,” Philip gave him a lop-sided smile, “my track record’s not that great. I’m sort of prone to…mishaps. I’m not the guy you’d want to bet on.”

Henderson rolled his eyes, “Keep thinking like that, and there’s no hope for you at all.”

Philip laughed and sipped his milk while Henderson eyed him. “Worried about your mother, huh?”

“Always,” Philip nodded. “I just feel so helpless. There’s absolutely nothing I can do about this. Nothing tangible. It’s all hope and prayer and wishes. You know, last Christmas…I thought I had things all planned out. And now, it’s just…Mom’s got cancer. Claire’s off God knows where, Dad’s had another stroke…the only bright spot is Chloe, and even there, I just feel like she wants me to be someone I can’t ever be again.”

Henderson looked at him over the rim of his wineglass, “What’s that?”

“A memory,” Philip said softly.

“No, I don’t think so,” Henderson replied. “I thought Belle and Shawn were in Nassau, from what your father said.”

“Yeah, they are, at least through the new year. Belle said Claire’s dragging her feet about what she wants for Christmas,” Philip smiled.

“Now that’s unusual,” Henderson remarked with a chuckle.

“It’s because she wants a pony, which,” Philip smirked, “isn’t going to happen on a sailboat.”

“I’m sure she’ll think of something soon,” Henderson laughed.

“Yeah, I hope so,” Philip replied wistfully as he went to the refrigerator to refill his milk. “You know, I guess I probably did, but I don’t remember thanking you for getting me out of here the other night.”

“You did, several times, and you’re welcome again, but thanks isn’t necessary, Philip. It would never have occurred to me to do anything else. You are like family to me, after all.”

“Still…”

“And I wasn’t alone, Chloe took a great part in it.”

“I know. And it kills me to think she put herself in danger like that. Or actually, that I put her in danger like that.”

“I don’t know why you’d think you had anything to do with it, seems to me Chloe made her own decision.”

“I’m aggravating you, aren’t I?” Philip asked suspiciously.

Henderson shrugged, “Self pity doesn’t become you.”

Philip burst out laughing, “I’m sorry. You’re right, I’m being a selfish bastard.”

“Not selfish, Philip. But you are failing to see the big picture. I know you’re frustrated, but you’ll be on your feet soon enough. And I know this time of year can cause one to think about…what they’ve lost, what they long for…but it’s also a time to be thankful for what you do have. And you do have quite a lot to be thankful for,” Henderson brought his glass to the dishwasher and put it in, then turned to Philip, “I’m off to bed. You should be too, you look exhausted.”

“Yeah. Good night, Henderson.”


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Chapter 81 - Visiting Hours

“Did you already have breakfast?” A bleary-eyed Chloe asked Philip as she came into his office to find him stuffing a backpack.

“Yep. I thought I’d let you sleep late since I was such a jerk last night,” he craned his neck to give her a kiss. “Cook just said to track her down when you’re ready.”

“Nah, that’s OK, I’m just going to have some fruit,” she cocked her head and looked at the backpack, “are you running away? You‘re not dressed for the office.”

“Going to see my mom,” he explained, “I’m just bringing her some books and magazines and stuff.”

“Some?” She laughed.

“Nothing wrong with variety,” he smiled as he began his inventory, “books, magazines, catalogues, blanket. What am I missing?”

“The kitchen sink?”

“No, seriously, I’m missing something. Oh, damn!” He dug out his cell and hit speed dial. “Chelse, hey, it’s Philip. Did you bring that lotion the other night? No, you didn’t. No, Chelsea, you didn’t tell me. Well, where’d you leave it?” His eyes wandered the room and settled on an end table, “Never mind, I see it. Thanks! Yeah, and I’m running late. I’ll talk to you later,” he clicked off and swiped the bottle of lotion from the table and stuffed it in the bag. “I gotta run, I’m supposed to be there in five minutes. I’ll see you later,” he said as he passed Chloe and touched her hand.

“Philip, wait…do you have anything going on tonight?” She followed him as he blew through the hall.

“Tonight? No, why?”

“Because Nicole wants us to have dinner with her at the pub. Her and Brady.”

“Her and Brady? Uh, yeah, sure, that’s fine. I’ve got to go,” again he craned his neck, and she bent down to receive the kiss. “I’ll see you in a bit,” he said, rolling off to the waiting car.


“Hey Mom, sorry I’m late,” he said as he came into Kate’s room twenty minutes later.

“Hey, baby!” Kate greeted him, “come here, let me look at you…you’ve still got a bruise on your chin,” she frowned as he came over to give her a kiss. “Other than that, you look good,” she smiled as she kissed his cheek.

“OK, I’ve got,” he unhooked the backpack from the back of his chair and opened it, “books,” he said as he placed them on the nightstand, “magazines, catalogues, your lotion, and this blanket,” he unfolded it and spread it out over her.

“Thank you, sweetie. It’s perfect. So, how are you feeling?”

“Not bad,” he answered, leaning back. “There’s still some pain, but I can handle it. How about you?”

“Not bad,” she smiled.

“What about those tests?”

“So far so good, the tumor’s shrinking. After this next round we’ll know more.”

“And that starts tomorrow?”

“That starts tomorrow,” she nodded. “Enough about that. Your father told me he settled with that girl? I can’t believe he let her in his house.”

“Mom, it was classic Dad. You should have seen it. He swapped out the chairs in his office for those old ladder back ones that were in storage, remember those?”

“Those horrible, uncomfortable things?”

“That’s them. And he left the windows open for awhile before she and her lawyer got there, so it was freezing in his office.”

“Oh, Victor,” Kate chuckled.

“Oh, no, but wait. It gets better. He was planning a huge production. He was going to have Henderson wheel me in all half dead. I swear, if he’d had a hospital gown and IV handy, he would have tried to put me in them,” Philip laughed.

Kate was shaking her head, laughing, “So was she sufficiently uncomfortable?”

“Oh, yeah, I’d say she was pretty damn miserable,” he grinned.

“Good! You don’t think your father settled for too little, do you?”

“Oh, no,” he grinned. “I mean, she doesn’t have any assets. If it were anyone else, I’d have probably told him to go lower. But I think he got more than enough,” he nodded confidently.

“Good. How was Thanksgiving?”

Philip shrugged, “Same as always. Food, Bo and everyone came by, Brady was there…”

“Chelsea told me you and Ciara were quite the team,” she commented.

“Yeah, we had some fun. We raced down the hall a bit. It was nice. I could’ve dealt with a lot less Brady, but, whatever.”

“He isn’t causing problems, is he?” Kate asked warily.

Mama Lion. “No, he’s just there. Dad has him helping the contractors out. I mean, we’re going to dinner with him and Nicole tonight, so I can tolerate him.”

“Nicole? I thought she was with EJ. I thought she was pregnant, for God’s sake. Her and Sami,” she spat Sami’s name with venom.

“Well, yeah. But EJ’s out of town for a couple of weeks, and I guess Nicole and Brady have let bygones be bygones,” he shrugged. “I’m not too sure how well Sami would handle Nicole hanging around both EJ and Brady. Guess it’s a good thing she’s not around.”

“It’s a very good thing she’s not around. I don’t know what your brothers or EJ ever saw in that woman. Little tramp,” Kate huffed.

“So, Mom,” he smiled, “what do you want for Christmas?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” she laughed and opened the drawer of the nightstand, “I saw this amazing pair of Jimmy Choo’s and I absolutely have to have them,” she handed him a picture clipped from a magazine.

“Wow. That’s an expensive pair of shoes. And you’re right, you absolutely have to have them. Consider it done,” he smiled and tucked the picture into the backpack.

“Have you talked to Shawn and Belle about Claire’s Christmas present?” She asked.

He grimaced and said, “I have. There’s a slight problem.”

“Oh, Philip, now what? They won’t let you get her a present? Are they really starting that again?” She asked worriedly.

“No, no, no. Nothing like that. We’ve got it all planned out, whatever I get her I’m going to have shipped to them in Nassau. It’s just that she only wants one thing, and that’s just not going to work out,” he explained.

“Of course it will. What does she want?” Kate rolled her eyes.

“A pony,” he chuckled.

“Oh. That might not work out,” she agreed.

“Yeah, they’re trying to explain the complexities of a pony on a sailboat to her, and she’s beginning to get the picture. So as soon as she comes up with something other than a pony, Belle’s going to let me know,” he nodded.

They gossiped a bit more about Sami, Kate wondering if they could somehow prolong her stay in witness protection eternally. “Salem doesn’t need the likes of her,” Kate stated. They talked about Billie and Austin and Lucas, and how Victor was doing. “Making Melanie and Berman miserable last night certainly reignited his joie de vivre,” Philip assured her. They talked for two hours before a nurse came in and informed Philip that Kate needed her rest.

“Oh, come on!” Kate protested.

“No, Mom, she’s right. You need your rest for tomorrow. I’ll come see you if you’re feeling up to it, OK?” He came over to the bed and gave her a kiss goodbye.

“Alright, then. I’ll call you regardless. I love you, honey,” she kissed him and smoothed his hair. “You need a haircut.”

“Mom,” Philip rolled his eyes, “I love you too. See you tomorrow,” he smiled and let himself out.

[MrsM]

Love the interactions with Henderson and Kate!

[Kpatch]

Thanks for two chapters tonight Fifi. I loved Philip's honest and earnest talk with Henderson. Henderson is the voice of reason and he isn't letting Philip wallow in self pity.

You even make Kate likeable. She has finally learned to stay away from the subject of Chloe when talking to Philip.

Great chapters. Thank you! I'm looking forward to the double date with Nicole and Brady.

[fluffysmom]

I enjoyed Kate making her comments about Sami and Nicole. That's the real Kate. I hope Philip takes Henderson's advice and tries to remember the good things in his life.

[felineflash]

Chapter 82 - To Hell in a Hand Basket

After Philip returned from his visit with Kate, he and Chloe had a quick lunch before he went into his office and she busied herself with gift wrapping and writing Christmas cards. She’d been so preoccupied with it that she nearly forgot their dinner date, and rushed to Philip’s office. Just as she was about to rap her knuckles on the door, it opened. “It’s almost five!” She exclaimed as Philip let himself out.

“I know. We’re supposed to be there at six, right?”

“Yeah, I lost track of time…”

“Well, come on, let’s go get ready,” he chuckled. “I’ll race ya,” he laughed as he sped off down the hall.

“That’s not fair, you know,” she muttered, following.

At quarter till six, they reunited, showered dressed, and ready to go. “”Are we driving?” Chloe asked.

“Why not?” Philip replied as he helped her into her coat and shrugged into his jacket.

“I need to find my keys…”

He handed her his own set, “Take mine. We need the handicapped plates anyway.” They headed out to the car with Henderson on their heels, and as soon as Philip was in the passenger seat Henderson whisked the chair away and into the trunk, giving the roof a thump to let them know he was done.

“So what do you make of this Nicole and Brady thing?” Philip asked as they drove.

Chloe shrugged, “I don’t know. They were close once. And Nicole needs all the friends she can get right now. So does Brady, I guess.”

“Hmm,” Philip nodded pensively.

“What, ‘hmm’?”

“Nothing. I just didn’t expect them to, you know, ever speak to each other again.”

“Stranger things have happened. Hell, I speak to Nicole, and that’s strange,” Chloe laughed.

“Gotta agree with you there. I just can’t believe EJ left her alone for two weeks. So what’s up with that? I mean, she seems kind of ambivalent about that.”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I think the whole Sami situation is really getting to her. She told me yesterday that she’s probably going to end it with him when he gets back, but I don’t believe her. But then, you never can tell with Nicole…”

“Seriously? She’s talking about breaking up with him? What about the baby?” Philip asked, shocked.

“What about the baby? Just because they break up doesn’t mean he can’t have a part in the baby’s life, Philip. But like I said, I think she was just venting,” she pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine. “OK, I’ll get the chair, you wait here.”

“Right,” Philip answered. Because I’m going somewhere without it? Am I going to take flight? He waited. And waited. And waited. He could hear Chloe wrestling with the chair and cursing. OK. He got out, and using the car as support hobbled around to the trunk, in which Chloe had most of her body. “Scoot,” he put his hands on her waist gently and moved her out of the way.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be up! Philip!”

“I’m hungry. I’ll starve to death if I have to wait on you to get it out of there!” He laughed, sticking his head in the trunk.

“It’s caught on something,” Chloe explained.

“Yep,” he agreed as he freed the chair and brought it out of the trunk.

“How’d you do that? How’d Henderson cram it in there like that?” Chloe asked in wonderment as he unfolded it and sat down.

“Practice,” he answered. “Let’s go in, we’re late.”

Brady and Nicole were already seated at a table, and Brady stood when he saw them come in. “You’re late,” he commented as he removed a chair for Philip.

“Sorry, we had a little problem,” Chloe apologized.

“Chair was stuck,” Philip added.

“Hey, that’s fancy,” Nicole commented, admiring the sleek little black wheelchair. “I thought you’d be in one of those big clunky things from the hospital.”

“What, this old thing?” Philip gave her a lopsided grin, “I’ve had this. Just haven’t had the occasion to use it.”

“I don’t envy you, man. I hated every second of being in a wheelchair,” Brady said.

Philip stared at him a moment, not sure of how to respond. “Yeah.” Wow, Philip, deep.

They ordered their food and drinks and fell into conversation. “So how’s EJ?” Philip asked.

“Still in Argentina,” Nicole smirked. “He supposedly tries to call every day, but you know how that goes. But…” she trailed off as Brady shot Philip a look.

“But what?” Philip asked, noticing Brady scowling at him. What the hell is your problem?

“I don’t know. Well, I do, actually. It’s Sami. Samanther this, Samanther that. Samanther is alone in witness protection and pregnant…”

“And you’re alone and pregnant. What a guy,” Brady growled as their food arrived.

“He’s on business, Brady,” Nicole scolded. Clearly this wasn’t the first time they’d discussed this matter.

“Right. How’s your mom doing, Philip?” Brady asked, changing the subject.

“She was doing well today. They start the next round of chemo tomorrow, so…time will tell,” Philip replied. This night is going to hell in a hand basket.

“When do your Lamaze classes start again?” Chloe asked Nicole, changing the subject.

“Next week. You’re still going to be my partner?” Nicole asked excitedly.

“Absolutely,” Chloe smiled.

“You mean EJ’s not even going to be here for that? Are you kidding me?” Brady asked.

“Brady,” Nicole said again.

“No, really. Has he even seen the ultrasound?”

“Yes, he’s seen the ultrasound, OK? Really, Brady,” Nicole replied, exasperated. “I find out if it’s a boy or a girl next week,” she beamed.

“Alone again,” Brady grumbled.

“OK, Brady, enough already. EJ’s on business.”

Philip watched the two of them, trying to figure out if what he thought was happening was really happening. It sure seems like it is. I think Brady’s falling for Nicole again. He noticed the color drain from Nicole’s face suddenly. “Nicole, you OK?”

“Ooh,” she exhaled. “Excuse me for a minute. I’m fine, just need the restroom,” she fluttered her hands as she got up. “Be right back!”

“OK, what does she see in that bastard?” Brady asked as soon as she was out of earshot.

“Have you even met EJ?” Chloe wanted to know.

“Haven’t had the dubious pleasure. But I’ve heard enough to know he’s a louse. I mean, what he did to Sami…I don’t know what’s wrong with the women in my family,” he shrugged.

Oh, you bastard. “You know what, Brady?” Philip asked angrily, “I think it’s time you dismounted your moral high horse. Yeah, I was a bastard to Belle. I admit it and I regret it. But you really can’t lord over me with your good deeds anymore, now, can you? I mean, you are a recovering junkie, and you were every bit as much of a bastard to Chloe.”

“Philip!” Chloe exclaimed.

“No, I’m sick and tired of him looking down his nose at me like I’m a dreg of society. You’re no better than I am, Brady, and you never will be,” he snarled.

“Glad we cleared that up,” Brady responded every bit as angrily. “I wasn’t even referring to the situation with Belle. I was referring to Marlena, who, while she isn’t my blood, is my step-mother, therefore I consider her family, and she’s being strung along by the stranger I once called my dad. But if you’d like to discuss how you made my sister’s life miserable, name a time and place, man. I’d love to understand it.”

“Go to hell,” Philip spat.

“Philip, stop it,” Chloe warned.

“What is going on here? I leave for five minutes and you two are like rabid pit bulls."

“Oh, nothing,” Philip said flippantly, “the junkie here was just bringing up the finer points of my personality.”

“Philip, stop it. You’re being an ass,” Chloe told him.

“What is your problem?” Nicole stared at Philip.

I’m being an ass. And the morally just Brady sits there with his damn white hat on, everybody’s hero. “You might not be so quick to defend him if you knew how he’d treated Chloe,” he pointed out.

“I know exactly what happened between Brady and Chloe, thank you. What I don’t know is why you’re suddenly being a bastard,” Nicole said.

“Oh, well then, defend the abusive junkie,” Philip retorted.

“That is enough!” Chloe rose her voice. “Stop it. Just stop it. What the hell is wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? Ask your ex-husband. He has all the answers, don’t you Brady?” Philip gave Brady an icy glare as he took his wallet out and threw some bills on the table. “Dinner’s on me,” he snarled, turning and wheeling himself out of the pub.

“Philip…” Chloe called after him, “I’m so sorry,” she said to Brady and Nicole as she hurried after Philip. “Philip, would you please stop? Philip!”


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Chapter 83 - Common Ground


“Philip, stop!” Chloe yelled as she ran after him. I’m glad I wore flats tonight. It’s amazing how fast he can go in that thing. “Would you please stop? Damn it!” She sprinted and finally caught up to him, taking hold of the handles and planting her feet firmly on the ground, bringing him to a halt.

“OK, now that? Pisses me off more than pushing,” he snarled.

“Too bad. Where do you think you’re going?”

“Where do you think? Away,” he grumbled, wrenching the chair free and heading to the car.

“I’ve got the keys, Philip,” she taunted.

“And? I can’t drive it,” he pointed out. “Let’s go.”

“No,” she said firmly.

“No?” He asked.

“No. Not until you tell me why you’re acting like a petulant child,” she replied.

“Fine, I’ll call for a car,” he dug his cell phone out, but she pounced and grabbed it out of his hand. “Oh, who’s acting like a child now?”

“You’re being absolutely ridiculous, Philip. Why are you acting like this?”

“Are you kidding me? Brady’s being all sanctimonious in there, and you of all people are asking me why I’m acting like this?” He shook his head in disgust.

“Brady wasn’t being sanctimonious until you started pushing his buttons,” she pointed out.

“Well, I was trying to be civil until he started pushing mine,” he stated.

“You’re like two three year olds. It’s completely ridiculous,” Chloe told him.

“That’s why I’m leaving,” Philip responded, heading towards the street.

“Where are you going?” Chloe called after him.

“Home,” he called back.

“How are you going to get there? I’ve got your phone, you can’t call for a car,” she taunted.

“I’ve got my own set of wheels,” he shrugged as he took to the sidewalk.

“You plan on wheeling yourself all the way home?”

“Gotta do what you gotta do,” he chuckled. This is the stupidest fight I’ve ever been in. And it’s really starting to cheer me up.

“OK,” she called to him, “since you’ve got it under control, I’ll see you at home.”

He heard the car door open and close and the motor turn over before he sneaked a peek back at her. This is the moment of truth…if she really does leave, I’m kind of screwed. Unless I want to go make nice with Brady, which…no. He waited with his back against her for her to pull the car around, but it wasn’t happening. In fact, the sound of the engine was definitely moving away from him. He finally turned, to see his taillights turning the corner. Damn. She really left me. He grinned in spite of being a bit upset by the fact. She really took off! What the hell am I going to do now? I can go back in the pub with egg on my face, or I can actually…wheel myself home. It was stupid pride, but he chose the latter, and got moving. Someone’s bound to feel sorry for the poor guy in the wheelchair. And then they’ll see it’s Philip Kiriakis, and I’ll never hear the end of it from Dad. This could be fun all around. He’d gotten to the intersection when he heard a car slowing down behind him. Looks like I’ll get a ride sooner than I thought. As the car approached, he realized that he recognized the sound of the engine.

“Would you get in the damn car?” Chloe shouted. “You are such a pompous ass, you know that?”

“If I’m such a pompous ass, why’d you stop to pick me up? I’m sure I can get a ride,” he yelled back, trying hard not to laugh.

“Philip,” she put the car in park and plunged out of the door, stomping up to him and pushing him to the passenger side. “And don’t even start about me pushing, you arrogant jerk,” she told him as she opened the door. “Get in the car.”

“I knew you couldn’t leave me,” he grinned as he got in and helped her fold the chair.

“Shut up,” she replied, fighting back a smile.

“You’re pretty when you’re pissed,” he smiled when she got back in the car.

“Don’t even try to butter me up. I am pissed. Still pissed. So don’t even start, or I’ll dump your ass back out on the street,” she said in a low voice.

“Yes, ma’am,” he chuckled.

‘You’re an idiot,” she shot back.

“But you love me anyway,” he chuckled.

“Shut up, Philip, you’re this close,” she warned.

“You’re smiling,” he teased.

“I still have your phone,” she threatened as they pulled up to a red light and he leaned over and planted a loud kiss on the cheek. “Jerk,” she grumbled as the light turned green.

They made it home and Henderson helped them inside. “OK, I admit it, I was a jerk,” Philip admitted.

“What are you going to do about it?” Chloe asked him.

“I’m going to apologize to Nicole, and Brady, tomorrow. OK?” He asked as he remoted the TV.

“Congratulations, you’ve taken your first step into adulthood,” Chloe replied sarcastically as she curled up on the couch. “Seriously, Philip, I know you and Brady have issues. I know how awkward this is. But I can’t hate him. I just can’t. And I will not cut him out of my life, because I would never expect you to do that to Belle.”

“Fair enough,” he nodded. “But you can’t expect me to like him. I mean, we didn’t always hate each other, I guess we can find some common ground. But we’ll have to lay down some rules.”

“I’m just so damn tired of waiting for everything to blow up, don’t you get that?” She asked.

“I do,” he nodded sincerely. “And I’m sorry. I really am. I flew off the handle, and I shouldn’t have. I’m just stressed about everything, and he set me off.”

“I’d just really like to know what it’s like to have everyone in my life get along for once, you know?”

“Yeah. I’ll make nice with Brady. I promise,” he leaned in and kissed her.

“Thank you,” she smiled as she returned the kiss.

“Now what are you going to do? I froze my butt off when you drove off,” he asked roguishly.

“You wouldn’t get in the car, Philip, that’s your own damn fault,” she laughed.

“You left me. Poor, helpless me,” he cocked his head and gazed into her eyes.

“I drove around the corner,” she huffed. “What am I supposed to do, apologize to you?”

“Uhn uhn,” he grinned.

“Uhn uhn?” She repeated.

“Nope. Something more,” he nuzzled her neck.

“You’ve got a bad hip and a cast on your leg,” she pointed out.

“We’ll be creative,” he suggested, tugging her off the couch.

She followed him to their room, where they got very creative indeed. Things were a little awkward with cast and the hip, but Philip found a way to fit right into her, and her into him. She wrapped her legs around him and marveled again at how wonderful it felt to be in his arms, safe, secure, happy.

"You like being creative, Ms. Lane?" He asked as he kissed his way down to her stomach.

"I do, Mr. Kiriakis," she smiled, "I do, ooh, I do," as he continued his journey.

[fluffysmom]

Will Philip and Brady ever get along?! They always seem to push each others buttons without even trying. I liked Chloe driving around the block before returning to pick up Philip. I was happy to see them make up and get creative. Thanks FF.

[Kpatch]

These were some great chapters. Fantastic dialogue and visuals. The arguments were so realistic, I could see it all before my eyes. Both chapters were home runs, and I love that creativity at the end.

Fifi, you make me like Mondays. Thank you!

[MrsM]

Love that they made up!!

[felineflash]

Chapter 84 - Darkness


Philip awoke with a sore throat. He’d thought he felt it coming on the night before, when he awoke from yet another nightmare, but this morning, it was a full fledged sore throat. He turned to look at Chloe, sleeping peacefully beside him. She just wants everyone in her life to get along. A novel idea, but it’ll never happen. I’ll apologize to Nicole, but I’ll be damned if I apologize to Brady. The anger he'd been able to shake off the night before began to bubble up inside of him again, as he remembered Brady’s smug, sanctimonious face. Sorry Chloe. We all want something we can’t have. He stroked her bare shoulder, then carefully got out of bed, feeling the frustration mount as he dealt with his lack of mobility. This is no way to start the day. I need to do something. I need to move. Hell, I need to beat something up. He could try with the punching bag, although it would probably be a little awkward with the chair and the cast, but if nothing else, he could at least lift some weights and get some kind of minimal workout in. And so, after a quick breakfast, he locked himself in the Kiriakis’ exercise room and tried to vent his anger for a few hours.

“Henderson, have you seen Philip?” Chloe asked as she sipped her coffee an hour later.

“Yes, ma’am, he said to tell you that he’s in the exercise room. He’ll be in there for awhile, I assume,” Henderson answered.

“Does that mean he told you that he didn’t want to be bothered?” She asked suspiciously.

“I’m afraid so,” Henderson nodded.

No surprise there. We might have ended the night on a positive note, but I’m still angry and I know he is. “Is Victor around?”

“He’s gone to visit Ms. Roberts.”

Well, I guess I have some time to myself. She fetched her iPod and spent the morning listening to music and finishing up her Christmas cards. When she’d finally finished them up, she read the current issue of Opera Magazine, listening to La Traviata and thinking of what she was going to say to Philip. Can’t he just understand that all I want to do is move on? For all of us to move on, as adults. Put the past behind us. Put aside the animosity. To start fresh, a clean slate…a tap on her shoulder startled her, and she turned, fully expecting to see Philip.

“What are you listening to?” Brady asked.

“La Traviata,” she answered.

“Have you seen my grandfather around?”

“He had gone to visit Kate, I guess he’s still out. Look, Brady, I’m sorry about last night.”

He looked at her questioningly, “What do you have to apologize for?”

“I…well…”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he continued, “Philip’s the one who should apologize, but there’s no chance of that.”

“I’m sure he will,” she sighed.

“I’m sure he won’t. Where is he, anyway?”

“Working out,” she answered.

“Good, because I’d really like to talk to you alone,” Brady sat down in the chair across from her.

“About?”

“About Philip.”

“Brady, I really don’t think--”

“Just hear me out, OK? I know you care about him. I know you love him. But Chloe…”

“What? Don’t do this, Brady,” she warned.

“No, no. I’m not trying to get you back. I’m not…you know. This isn’t about us, it’s about you. You getting hurt again.”

“Brady, don’t start this again. Please. I’m happy. I thought that’s what you wanted for me.”

“It is, Chloe, it is. It’s just…you think you know him, but you don’t. Not anymore. Look, I just came from talking to my dad. And for all intents and purposes, he’s still John Black, but…he’s not,” Brady shrugged.

“That’s different, Brady. Philip hasn’t been…”

“But he’s changed, that’s what I’m trying to tell you.”

“So have I. So have you,” she pointed out.

“Chloe, do you even realize half of the things Philip’s done? You know what he did to Belle…”

“And I know the reasons why. He was hurting, Brady. He was out of his mind hurting. You’ve been there, you’ve done things you regret.”

“I know. I know. But, God, Chloe, don’t you see? Don’t you ever wonder what might set him off again? The Philip you dated in high school would never have dreamed of doing the things that this Philip does.”

“That Philip is still in there, Brady,” she said quietly.

“That’s the thing, I don’t think he is. And you’re going to be crushed when you find that out,” Brady sighed.


The workout had helped his mood a little bit, but had done nothing for his sore throat. Or his head, which was throbbing, even after a hot shower. But maybe lunch, and then telling Chloe that she’s just going to have to deal with the fact that I’m not going to apologize to Brady will help. As he approached the sitting room, Philip heard muffled voices, one of which he identified as Chloe’s. The other, a male’s was familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Definitely not Dad or Henderson…damn. Brady.

“…and you don’t realize how vicious Philip can be,” Brady was saying.

Well, now, let’s see what this conversation's about. Philip opened the door and wheeled himself in, “Don’t mind me. I think you were talking about how vicious I can be. Please, go on,” he snarled.

“Oh, don’t act all innocent. You put my sister through hell, and you loved it. Don’t deny it,” Brady accused.

“I won’t,” Philip answered.

“Stop it, both of you,” Chloe stood. “I can’t stand this anymore. Can’t we just grow up?”

“He chased Belle halfway around the world, Chloe. He scared her to death. He put her life in danger. That doesn’t bother you?” Brady yelled, standing up.

“Brady, just shut up,” she said angrily.

‘No, no, let him go on. Please, Brady, I’m sure you’ve got a long list of my misdeeds to go over. Come on, go for it,” Philip taunted.

“She wanted out of that marriage from almost the beginning, but you knew just how to keep her, didn’t you?”

“What, like you did to Chloe? Hmm, no, I don’t really remember cutting off Belle’s phone privileges or controlling her bank account,” Philip shook his head.

“She was going to leave you for Shawn, until you got wounded,” Brady spat.

Philip leaned back in his chair, and Chloe saw his face change…the angles, the look in his eyes, the set of his jaw, he suddenly looked so malevolent, so vicious, her breath caught. She’d never seen such fury in anyone’s eyes. “Ha!” He laughed harshly, “so you’re suggesting…what? That I went tap dancing or something in a minefield so that I could get my leg blown off intentionally?” I am going to kill you, you bastard.

“Of course not,” Brady growled. “But the fact is, Granddad has a way of taking a bad situation and making it work for him, and it’s a trait he definitely passed on to you.”

The words were barely out of his mouth before Philip lunged out of the chair and tackled him. Before Chloe could even comprehend what was happening, Philip and Brady were rolling around on the floor, punching each other, kicking each other, spitting out insults about Chloe, about Belle, about each other. “Stop it! Brady!” She tried to pull Brady off of Philip, gave up, tried to pull Philip off of Brady. It was being in the middle of a dogfight, there was no pulling them apart, and if she stayed in the middle she was just going to get hurt as well. “Henderson!” She screamed.

Henderson ran into the room followed by Victor. Victor grabbed Brady by the back of his shirt while Henderson pulled Philip away by the waistband of his pants, the two of them snarling at each other all the while.

“What the hell is going on here?” Victor yelled.

“Get him the hell out of this house!” Philip yelled as Henderson helped him to his chair. “Get him out of my sight. Now,” he demanded as he wiped blood from his lip.

“Oh, I’ll leave. This is what I meant, Chloe,” Brady as he wiped away the blood dripping from his nose.

“I asked what’s going on here, and I want an answer,” Victor demanded.

“Ask your son,” Brady replied. “You know, Granddad, looks like your deal with Chloe isn’t working out so well.”

“I think it’s time you left, Brady,” Victor stared at Brady.

“What deal? What kind of deal do you have with Chloe?” Philip asked, still furious.

“There’s no deal! I don’t know what anyone is even talking about! There’s no deal, Philip,” Chloe interjected.

“Granddad told her she could stay here as long as she kept you happy. Code for sane, I’d guess,” Brady said over his shoulder as he left the room. There was complete silence until the door slammed.

Philip was fuming, Victor was beet red, and Chloe looked from one to the other. “It wasn’t like that, Philip…”

Philip stared at her, hurt, anger and betrayal playing out across his face. He looked from her to his father and shook his head angrily. “Go to hell. Both of you. Go to hell!” He wheeled himself out of the room as Chloe started to follow, but the look he gave her when he turned to look back stopped her dead in her tracks.

“Philip, Brady misunderstood--”

“I said, go to hell,” Philip spat as he left the room and slammed the door.

Chloe started to follow again, but Victor gently took her arm, “No. I made this mess, I’ll fix it,” he told her as he went after Philip.

[fluffysmom]

Brady and Philip getting into a physical fight makes me feel like they are back in high school. Poor Chloe. She didn't do anything and now Philip is furious with her and Victor. Hopefully Victor will tell him the truth about his talk with Chloe. Thanks for the action packed chapter FF.

[MrsM]

Wow. Brady didn't hold back any punches.

[Kpatch]

Wow, what an emotionally charged chapter. Brady really detests Philip but he has way of making himself look like the good guy in all of this. Poor Philip. I hope Victor can explain it so Philip understands that Chloe isn't just staying with him as part of a deal. I knew that pact would come back to haunt her.

Exciting chapter Fifi. Looking forward to the next one.