Being (Read 26,228 times)

[fluffysmom]

Thanks FF! I can't wait for the next chapter.

[felineflash]

Chapter Eight - It’s Complicated

There was something about this pier that was both comforting and foreboding. Good times, with Philip, with Brady…bad times, seeing Philip and Morgan kissing; knowing that the relationships she’d had with Philip and Brady had been doomed from the beginning. But still, she couldn’t stop herself from coming here, breathing in the crisp night air that held the hint of a coming storm, feeling a part of herself coming back to life. Welcome back, Chloe. I’ve been wondering where you ran off to. Could’ve stopped by sooner and saved me from making…a huge mistake…Was it a mistake, though? She didn’t regret it. If she had it to do over, she most certainly wouldn’t, but there was no regret. It had filled a void, a deep, hungry hole created by pain. And now that she felt she might have snapped out of it…now what?

Philip gazed at the charred remains of the warehouse and thought about everything that had happened in the past few months. Things could be worse, he could be the one facing a lengthy prison sentence instead of Hollingsworth. Revenge. Morgan says he’s out for revenge. How much revenge can you have on someone from jail? He chuckled at the thought, then felt a shiver run up his spine about just how much revenge Stefano was capable of enacting from all of the various…places…he’d been. Including the afterlife, or at least, that’s how it had seemed at the time. But Paul’s no Stefano. Definitely not a Stefano.

He shook his head at the sight of the burned out warehouse and walked on. Feels like a storm’s coming. The weather will probably change soon, stock up on the ibuprofen. He walked on, the wind lightly tossing his hair around as he kept his eyes looking down. And then he looked up, and saw Chloe.

She stepped to the edge of the pier, gazing at the water, at the clouds as they began to cover the moon. That’s what happened to me. Chloe was clouded over. Clouded over by pain, by emptiness. By the hateful and hurtful things Brady had said and done while under the influence. By the loss of hope. By the knowledge that no matter how much she tried, they tried, no matter how much she loved, they loved, it was over. The trust was broken. The love wasn’t enough. They’d changed, and with change, their marriage had died. We probably got married too young. We were caught up in some fantasy and thought we could make it. But we were never even meant to be. She sighed. She’d fight like hell to clear the clouds away. To be Chloe again. To love again. But loving again would have to mean letting Philip go, as well.

He felt the rush he’d felt as a teenager, watching her stand there. He found himself sneaking into the shadows, just wanting to watch her from afar until he could figure out what to say. It was all jumbled inside of his head. He had to explain about Morgan. I have to explain about Morgan? She had sex with my brother. I think I deserve the explanation. Oh, shut up, Philip.. He heard her cell phone ring.

“Hey Lucas.”

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m here ready to pour my heart out to her, and loverboy decides to call.

“Did it work?” She sounded pretty excited about something. What the hell could they be talking about? “Really? Oh, my God, Lucas, that’s wonderful! I can’t believe you pulled it off!”

Lucas actually pulled something off? The tide must definitely be turning for him. Oh, shut up, Philip. If you don’t sound like Dad, you sound like Mom.

“Of course! Of course I’ll let you know. You take care of Allie. And Lucas, thank you. No, no you never owed me anything. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

She’d never looked more beautiful. Ever. She was beaming in the last of the moonlight, spreading her arms as if she wanted to take flight. He opened his mouth to call out her name as he stepped from the shadows…and his own cell rang. You have really got to be kidding me. He didn’t even bother to check the caller ID as he flipped it open. “Kiriakis,” he grumbled.

“Philip, it’s Morgan,”

“Oh, God…Morgan…really, now is not the time.”

“No, really, now is the time,” she said frantically, “Philip, I have to tell you that my fa-”

“Now is most definitely not the time,” he told her firmly as he clicked off and turned the phone completely off. Go directly to voicemail, I’m busy.

Chloe looked into the shadows and saw him. “Hi. I didn’t know you were there.”

“I didn’t want you to,” he started towards her. “You look like you got good news.”

“I did…I got the job at the Salem Opera, thanks to Lucas,” she grinned. “He conned Kate into putting in a good word for me,” she giggled.

So that’s what it was about. Maybe I’ll have to rethink my plans to bash his head in. For now. “That’s great! But…well, is this how you wanted to get the part? Because of my mom?”

“No, Philip, of course not. But I had that part. He loved me. If it wasn’t for Victor’s lies. Sometimes you have to use someone to get what you’re deserved.”

“Preaching to the choir,” he smirked. “I’m glad you got it. Glad Lucas came through for you. I have to say, I actually believed him this morning when he said he was cutting you loose.”

“He is,” she stated.

Time to rethink the head bashing. “So, what, this is your condolence gift?”

“Well, I’m sort of kicking him to the curb too. We both decided we’re much better off as friends.” And what about you, what about Morgan? Where is that charming Southern belle?

“Oh.” Good, Philip, good. That should really keep the conversation flowing.

“Oh.” She looked at him. “So where’s Morgan?” Might as well get the question out there.

“I have no idea. Nor do I care. Look, Chloe…”

“Yes?”

“I have to know,” he shrugged. “Why?”

“Why Lucas?” she whispered.

“Yes. Why? Hatred? Revenge?” He stepped closer to her.

“I already told you that I don’t hate you, Philip. Revenge? Maybe. I don’t know. I can’t give you an answer. I don’t know.”

“If I’d been honest with you from the beginning about Morgan, we wouldn’t be…here.”

“Honest in that you were falling in love with her? That would have been nice, but I don’t think it would’ve changed anything. If anything, it would probably just…speed up the process,” she said sadly.

“But I wasn’t falling in love with her! I just…I don’t know. I was attracted to her. I still am, in a way. I just, I don’t know what I wanted. I guess I just wanted to get something back, something I lost, some piece of me from before, before I got jaded…before I figured out how hard life can kick you…” Way to wax philosophical. How do I wrap that up with ‘By the way I love you’?

“So, what, you weren’t sleeping with me and chasing after her? Philip, come on. I’m not an idiot. I may have been acting like one lately…”

“Stop it. I was ‘chasing’ her to keep tabs on her father.”

“Among other things,” she retorted.

He stepped closer yet, so that they were almost touching. She didn’t move away, only looked him in the eyes. “Chloe, when I told you that you were the only woman I wanted to be with, I meant it,” he reached out and stroked her hair.

She turned away. “And then you ran to Morgan. Explain that, Philip.”

“I can’t, OK? I can’t give you an answer either. I don’t know why. I was confused. I didn’t know what I wanted. I can’t explain why I did what I did. I wish I could. I wish I knew why I felt like I needed something more. Because I don’t. I never have. It’s…”

“I know,” she sighed. Now what? Is he saying he still loves me? “It’s complicated,” she nodded as the clouds completely covered the moon and thunder rumbled in the distance.

[MrsM]

LOVE it!!! Great chapter FF!!!!

[fluffysmom]

Terrific chapter FF! I'm so glad that Philip and Chloe are finally talking about Morgan and Lucas. I can't wait for more.

[Kpatch]

Oh no, it can't end there. Waiting for the kiss! You are great at making the reader want more. Now I'm all excited about the weekday preview!

[felineflash]

Oops, got company and forgot is was Monday. And I've had a bit...a lot...of wine. So...

Next time...


Philip and Chloe grow closer, Victor surprises all.

[fluffysmom]

Sounds terrific! Thanks for the preview FF.

[MrsM]

Hope you enjoyed your company

Thanks for the preview!!

[felineflash]

Yikes, almost forgot. Been a busy day, and I've got pharyngitis, good fun!

Chapter Nine - To Dance in the Rain

The first fat drops of rain plopped on the pier, and Philip and Chloe stood, in silence, his hand on her shoulder, her face turned from him, gazing at the water. Soon the fat drops turned into a steady, slanted downpour as the wind picked up and the thunder grew closer, and yet they stood, not saying a word.

“Remember that night we danced in the rain?” Philip finally broke the silence. “And then we stayed in the stables?”

“The night your father returned from the dead and your house burned down?” She turned to look at him again. “How could I forget?” she added sardonically. “It’s not every day you see a ghost.”

“How about we just concentrate on the good parts of that night?” He chuckled. That perfect night. Well, almost perfect. It could have been perfect, if Dad hadn’t shown up and the house hadn’t caught on fire. I guess it really is ‘always something’.

“That’s not how life is, Philip, you know that.”

“You think?” He asked sarcastically. “Gee, my life has been a bed of roses, Chloe, a real picnic. Didn’t you know that?”

She scrunched her face up and said, “I’m sorry, Philip. I wasn’t trying to make light of what you’ve been through.”

“I know,” he whispered, drawing her into a hug, “I know. I’m sorry.” I want to go back there, when things were simple. I want to dance in the rain with you. I want us to be like we were. I want the future to be bright and exciting again. Impulsively, he spun them around, then took her hands as he stepped back, looking at her rain streaked face. We can do that. I can do that.

“Philip!” she laughed. “You’re crazy. And we’re getting soaked!”

“Who cares? Let’s make it like it used to be, Chloe,” he pulled her close again.

She pulled away. You can’t turn back time, Philip. And time tends to soften the hard edges. “Like it used to be? It wasn’t always perfect, Philip.”

“Yes, it was.”

“Really? Think about it. You lied to me. You were jealous and possessive. Was that perfect?”

Don’t spoil it. Don’t spoil the memory. “I…loved you. You loved me, too.”

“It was a dangerous kind of love, Philip. It was something that consumed us. That kind of love is just as dangerous and hungry as pain.”

He let her go and turned away. Nothing was worse than pain. Nothing. “I still love you, Chloe.” There, I said it. Whatever happens next, at least I said it.

She inhaled sharply. And I love you. I never stopped. “We can’t just snap our fingers and forget what’s happened, Philip. To you, to me. I can’t do that,” she felt the tears starting to slide down her cheeks. “I’ve been…destroyed,” her voice caught, and she cleared her throat. “I hardly know who I am anymore. You’ve been to war…you’ve lost…”

“My leg, my wife, my daughter, my fatherhood…I’m sure I’m forgetting something,” he finished bitterly.

“We’ve changed. That’s all I’m trying to say. We can never go back,” she swiped her face, and he, taking notice of the tears, took her in his arms again.

“So we start over.”

She backed away, out of his embrace, and took a breath. “Right now, all I want is to go check in at the Salem Inn, take a long bath, and sleep.”

Well. That’s not really us starting over. “Wait a second…you’re not checked in? Where’s your stuff?”

“In the car. I pulled into the lot, but I just suddenly felt like I needed to clear my head and came out here before I even checked in.”

“Chloe, if you aren’t checked in, you’re never going to get a room now,” he told her.

“It’s the Salem Inn, Philip, it’s not The Four Seasons-”

“Don’t you know there are three conventions in town this weekend? Everything’s been booked for days!”

“Stop it. You’re trying to get me to go back to the mansion with you, and I’m not falling for it,” she said firmly, but not angrily.

“No, Chloe, really…call the inn and see for yourself. I mean, I want you to come home with me, but I’m completely serious.”

“Right. Fine, I will call the inn. I’m not falling for your bluff,” she slanted her eyes at him as she took shelter and pulled out her cell phone. He followed her, gazing at her as she made the call. After a brief conversation with the receptionist that led him to believe he’d been proven right, she hung up, her face sullen. “They’re completely booked. There’s not a room in Salem, or any of the surrounding areas. There might be something four hours from here. And there’s no way I can go back to the cabin in this weather.”

“Then I guess you’re going to have to stay with me,” he grinned. “We can talk.”

“The last time we were supposed to talk, we didn’t. Maybe I can bunk with Nicole for the night.”

“Chloe! Come on! Come home with me. I promise, we’ll talk. That’s all we’ll do. If you want to talk, that is.”

“I do want to talk, Philip, but I don’t want to have to deal with Victor. I’m wet, I’m cold, I’ve had a long day, and the last thing I want is to have to deal with him.”

He took out his own phone. “I’ll deal with him. It’s a huge house, he probably wouldn’t even notice you were there. But I’ll deal with it right now,” he turned the phone on, noticed the exorbitant amount of messages from Morgan. God, this isn’t good. He dialed the phone and waited for his father to answer.

“Philip, where the hell are you?” Victor answered.

“On my way home. Dad, so that you know, Chloe is spending the night tonight. I’d appreciate it if you would be civil, and if you can’t do that, then I suggest you stay away from us.” Here it comes. God, it feels good being Dad to Dad. Not that he appreciates it…

“Fine, but I need to speak to you in the morning…alone,” Victor replied. As long as Philip was with Chloe...she was the lesser of two evils. If Paul stepped out of line and Stefano made good on his threat to Morgan and Philip was with her…Victor shuddered at the thought. Philip had already taken a bullet for that dimwit. He could play hero all he wanted, as long as it wasn’t to Morgan. Not now. It was too dangerous.

Fine? The stroke must have really mellowed him out. Or my getting shot. Or the medication. Fine? Fine. “Glad we could come to an understanding, Dad. We’ll be there soon.” He hung up, put his phone back in his pocket, still wondering what had come over Victor. “All taken care of,” he smiled at Chloe.

I’m surprised I couldn’t hear Victor ranting and raving from here. That’s odd. “Philip, I mean it. We’re going to talk, and just talk. That’s all.”

“Fine, that’s all. Let’s just get out of this rain,” they began the walk to the Salem Inn. Just talk. About us. About our future. About getting back what we’ve lost.

[Kpatch]

I love this story and the imagery and the voices in the characters' heads. Thank goodness Philip is thick skinned and doesn't get thrown off by Chloe's resistence. Go Philip! Stay Chloe. Thanks for the chapter!

Fifi, I can send you a tweet on Saturdays if you need a reminder. I really look forward to these chapters.

Hope you feel better!

[felineflash]

Oh, please do tweet! I kept reminding myself all day, but being sick and having to run around doing Power of Attorney stuff, groceries, visiting Mom, doing her laundry, remembering my antibiotics and eating dinner...I was just sitting there going, "Hmm...I'm forgetting something, I just know it" before I posted.

I WISH Marlene & Darrell would happen upon it, and see what potential Philip as a character (portrayed by Jay, sorry Kyle fans, but...I think his greatest accomplishment onscreen was being boring on The Real World...that takes guts) has, and make Jay an offer he can't refuse.

[ghoulgirl]

Loved the chapter FF! it was awesome. Hopefully their conversation turn out to Involve More then talking. Lol

[Kpatch]

I agree with you Fifi. I have written a series of adult Phloe stories that are posted in the kpatch fancreations section and I also wish the writers would see their potential. It's not that hard, right?

I'll be happy to send you a tweetminder on Saturdays. I didn't want to pester you, but now that I have your permission, I will gladly do it.

[felineflash]

Dude, it is hard to pester me. I'm a total ham. I crave attention. And I did not mean to sound like I was bragging in my previous post. By no means do I proclaim to be better than any professional writer. Well, aside from Dena Higley. {Insert Dr. Evil laugh because I just recently saw Austin Powers again.}

[ghoulgirl]

Austin Powers are three of my favorite comedies ever. They are making a new one and I am soooooo excited!