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Post by Kpatch on Aug 11, 2015 5:13:08 GMT -5
Chapter 8a
Philip held the arms of his chair as if he were undergoing a root canal. He didn’t like talking about himself or talking about his feelings or about his personal life to anyone, let alone a stranger. But this was apparently a necessary evil because clearly, he and Chloe had failed miserably at Relationships 101. “She finally realized I wasn’t cheating on her, but it wasn’t because of anything I said.”
“Then what made her believe you,” the doctor asked.
Philip had a feeling she already knew the answer, but he was obligated to give her his side of the story. “Nothing. I mean nothing made her believe me, per se. She believed what someone else told her.”
“Hmmm. And how did that make you feel, the fact she believed someone else.”
“It stung. Hell, it still does.”
“During our session just now, Chloe told me you’re willing to give her another chance. Do you want to tell me why?”
“Why?” Philip shrugged. “It’s simple. Because I love her. Because I’ve literally been praying for a year that she’d tell me she wanted me back. We told you about our history, right? Starting in high school?” Philip leaned forward in his seat and clasped his hands between his legs. “I’ve loved her since I was 16 and it’s kind of a habit. A hard habit to let go of.”
“A habit. Hmmm. A habit is usually referred to in the negative. Is loving Chloe a habit you’d like to break?”
Philip chuckled and sat up straight. “No ma’am. It’s a habit I’d like to keep.”
“Why? I mean if she’s made your life a living hell … those were your words I believe … why do you want to keep doing it?”
Philip looked beyond the doctor’s face as he thought about her question. “Loving Chloe makes me feel good. It gives my life purpose. Makes me feel alive, you know? See, when she enters a room, it’s kind of like chicken soup. When she smiles, she lights up my world. And when she tells me she loves me, well, there’s no better feeling. It’s kind of the pinnacle.”
“The pinnacle of what?”
“Of … my life.” Philip laughed at himself a little.
“Why did you laugh just now?”
“Because, I sound pathetic.”
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Post by melly on Aug 11, 2015 5:33:50 GMT -5
Argh. Is Dr Richards going to say, "Awwww," or "Are you kidding me right now?" I can't tell!!
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Post by heroicmuse on Aug 11, 2015 6:37:27 GMT -5
Wow. This was a great session chapter. I was right there with Philip. feeling his anxiety and concern over what Dr. Richards thinks of this whole thing. She is trying to help him see things clearly -- hopefully it won't end up in confusion over his committment to Chloe.
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Post by André DiMera on Aug 11, 2015 7:31:34 GMT -5
I'm glad that we're getting to see both Philip and. chloe's sessions. I hope Dr. Richards is able to help them!
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Post by fluffysmom on Aug 11, 2015 19:20:57 GMT -5
Dr. Richards is asking some tough questions and challenging them to think. I could feel Philip's discomfort.
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Post by unavitasegreta on Aug 11, 2015 21:17:01 GMT -5
I think Philip has some issues of his own to work out. Because it's sounding more and more like Mary is going to not just end up with a new beach house off of this family, but maybe her own island! She's got her work cut out for her. I have faith in you, Mary!
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Post by Kpatch on Aug 12, 2015 5:21:54 GMT -5
Chapter 8b
“Loving Chloe makes me feel good,” Philip explained to Dr. Richards. “It gives my life purpose. Makes me feel alive, you know? See, when she enters a room, it’s kind of like chicken soup. When she smiles, she lights up my world. And when she tells me she loves me, well, there’s no better feeling. It’s kind of the pinnacle.”
“The pinnacle of what?”
“Of … my life.” Philip laughed at himself a little.
“Why did you laugh just now?”
“Because, I sound pathetic. Like I should have given myself a loftier goal. Like brokering world peace or curing cancer,” he mused with a smile. “But frankly, everything I want, everything I’ve ever wanted is wrapped up in one five-foot-eight, hundred-and-twenty-five pound blue-eyed brunette named Chloe.”
Dr. Richards smiled and jotted a few notes. “So, tell me Philip, what are your expectations about your future with Chloe?”
Philip shrugged and his smile evaporated. “I guess you could say it’s all or nothing at this point. We’ve been through a lot together and she needs to trust me. Period.” Philip grew quiet for a minute.
“What are you thinking. Right now,” Dr. Richards asked.
Philip scratched his palm as he remembered sitting by Chloe’s bedside when she had her first seizure. “I once promised her I’d never give up on us. And I always keep my promises. But … but it all really depends on her.”
“Hmm. Is that the real reason you agreed to try again? Because of some promise?” When Philip didn’t answer, the doctor tried a different tactic. “Chloe told me you gave her an ultimatum.”
“I did?”
“My word, not hers,” the doctor added. “But she seems to think she has one last chance and if she messes up — her words — it’s over.”
“Yeah, I guess I did say something like that. I just can’t….” Philip rubbed his forehead. His voice cracked a little as he continued. “Emotionally, I can’t handle much more. The past year has been hell for me. For all of us. For no reason.”
“I understand. You feel the need to protect yourself,” Dr. Richards paraphrased. “And by giving Chloe this … this goal, as you might say, you’re giving yourself some emotional insurance.”
“Exactly,” he nodded in agreement. The doctor’s face showed some skepticism. “What?”
“I’m not sure,” she answered leaning forward a little. “This is only our first session and I don’t know you very well beyond these walls, but something about your words isn’t matching your demeanor.”
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Post by melly on Aug 12, 2015 5:30:35 GMT -5
Uh oh... What is Dr Richards about to do to Philip?  |
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Post by heroicmuse on Aug 12, 2015 7:10:10 GMT -5
Wow. If there's a mismatch Philip needs to be made aware of it. But I didn't see it, so I'm not sure what Dr. Richards is talking about.
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Post by André DiMera on Aug 12, 2015 8:12:45 GMT -5
Interesting that Dr. Richards doesn't think Philip's words match his demeanor. I wonder what's going on with that.
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Post by fluffysmom on Aug 12, 2015 14:53:19 GMT -5
I don't think you can protect yourself emotionally in this kind of situation. I'm curious to hear more from Dr. Richards.
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Post by unavitasegreta on Aug 12, 2015 22:03:56 GMT -5
Dr. Richards is about to work her magic on Philip ... but I wonder if he's going to want to hear what she has to say!
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Post by Kpatch on Aug 13, 2015 5:30:21 GMT -5
Chapter 8c
“What?” Philip asked the doctor as she eyed him with skepticism.
“I’m not sure,” she answered leaning forward a little. “This is only our first session and I don’t know you very well beyond these walls, but something about your words isn’t matching your demeanor.”
Philip’s eyes darted around the room. He knew Dr. Richards was right. What Philip wanted and what Philip felt were two different things. There was a constant little gnawing in his gut at all times. It was anger — anger at Chloe for what she put them through. He hoped with time that the anger would fade. “I’m just a little stressed out is all,” Philip said, hoping she’d be satisfied with that answer.
“I’d say you’re more than a little stressed out, Philip. Your teeth are clenched, your shoulders are tight, your hands are clenched into fists, you’ve been avoiding eye contact the entire time. I bet if I took your blood pressure right now, I’d find that it’s abnormally high.”
In response to the doctor’s assessment, Philip rolled his shoulders, looked downward and spread out his hands, cracking his knuckles to relax his fingers. He forced himself to look her in the eye. “I’ve got a lot going on. Both personally and professionally. You do know I run a business.”
“Not just a business, Philip. A billion dollar multimedia company.”
“You’ve done your homework.” She apparently thinks I’m a cash cow, Philip said to himself. “For the record, doc, I don’t run the whole show, just a piece of it.”
“When was the last time you took a vacation,” Richards asked. Philip's brow knit. He leaned back in his chair, mulling the question. “If you can’t remember, that means you’re overdue,” she pointed out.
“Didn’t you just hear me say I run a business? I can’t be….”
“Look Philip,” she interrupted. “I run a business too but I manage to take vacations. I’m a doctor with a successful Chicago practice. I have patients who depend on me. Did you ever see the movie ‘What About Bob?’” When Philip squinted at her, she quickly added, “Nevermind. My point is, I still make sure to unplug for two weeks a year. It’s important. Why don’t you take some time, go back home to Salem, reconnect with your family.”
Philip scoffed. “If you think my blood pressure is high now, you should take a reading after I spend an hour with my father.”
“Fine. You choose the setting.”
“Okay. Done. I’ll take a vacation,” Philip said. At this point he’d say anything to get this over with.
“Something tells me you’re still not being completely honest with me … yet. But you will be.” The doctor didn’t wait for Philip to react. “Why don’t we bring Chloe back in, and the three of us will talk about how I think you should proceed.”
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Post by melly on Aug 13, 2015 5:35:48 GMT -5
Um. Maybe a solo vacation? If he's all tied up in angry knots, going away with Chloe might not be the best plan. She's right, of course--time away from the office would probably do Philip a world of good! Not only would he have time to unwind but he'd have a chance to work through some of his feelings about Chloe.
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Post by unavitasegreta on Aug 13, 2015 6:18:18 GMT -5
Dr. Richards has Phillip's number. He doesn't seem to want to face reality. But some time to himself might be a good thing. Now I'm curious what she will tell them together!
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