Once Upon a Time (Read 38,180 times)

[Kpatch]

Chapter 5b


When she first begged for forgiveness, his initial reaction was no way, no how. Chloe accused him of cheating on her and it still made him angry every time he thought about it. After all this time, she should know him better, she should have believed in him. She closed herself off to reason, just like the way she was when they met in high school. She demonstrated a lack of trust in him that cut so deep, he was still bleeding. And to add salt to his wound, it turned out that her epiphany had nothing to do with him; it was a stranger who convinced her of the truth.

But there was no denying that there were a million moments of bliss scattered among the ashes of their brief marriage. And there were countless memories over the sixteen years he’d known her that he wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s why, the more he thought about it, the less he was able to fight the desire to reunite with her. He’d been waiting for so long for her to want him back, and now that she did, how in hell could he say no?

His decision not to reconcile with her lasted about a half a day. When he watched her give that speech and present that slideshow and talk about life’s most important memories, it stirred something inside that was stronger than his resolve to stay away. That presentation reminded him what they once had together and made him long to have it again. All he had to do was say yes.

Where Chloe was concerned, Philip was an addict. His addiction to Chloe was just as real as his brother’s addiction to alcohol and his nephew’s addiction to cocaine.

Philip knew very well that Chloe may not be good for him, she may not be the healthiest choice, but the temptation was too great. He loved her too much, so he had to give in. Still, he believed he did the right thing by keeping her at arms length instead of jumping into bed right away. When he left her at the door, she sounded frantic, her insecurities were evident. She asked if he was going to change his mind, and he wasn’t quite sure if she was talking about the reconciliation or about spending the night with her. No, he wasn’t going to change his mind on either count. He was old enough to know that sex wasn’t the answer to their problems, and was likely to cloud his thinking.

Were their problems solvable? Sadly, he had his doubts. He’d been in enough relationships in his life that he knew love just isn’t always enough. It was true with Belle. It was true with Stephanie. And it was true with Melanie. Maybe that was the case with him and Chloe too. Maybe their love story wasn’t actually written in the moonlight and painted on the stars, the way his romantic soul wanted to believe they were. Maybe they were destined to be star-crossed lovers for all eternity.

Maybe, but maybe not. Hopefully not. He told her he’d never give up and he knew they were still worth one more try. So he couldn’t give up on them, not yet. He prayed there’d be a better outcome this time.

The pilot broke Philip’s thoughts with an announcement that they were beginning their initial descent into Chicago. He opened his eyes and glanced at his wrist watch. He guessed he’d get some answers to his questions once they started their therapy sessions this afternoon.

[heroicmuse]

What a moving chapter Kpatch. I loved seeing Philip's conflicting thoughts. I can't wait for the therapy session. Of course you end on Friday with a mention of it..lol

[melly]

Oh thank goodness! They're headed to a session with Dr Richards today!

[André DiMera]

It was nice to hear Philip's thoughts. Sad, but nice. I can't wait to see their session with Dr. Richards!

[melly]

And...since it appears to be Friday...how about some previews, boss? If we're really nice?

[jc20886]

I love Philip's thoughts his conflic between love and reason is so sincere but his love for Chloe is
so strong it always seems to win love it

[unavitasegreta]

I feel kinda sad for Philip! He loves Chloe so much, but is clearly afraid that they won't be able to make it work. I hope Dr. Richards can help them to become a family again. I'm already ready for next week!

[fluffysmom]

I really like hearing Philip's many thoughts about Chloe and their relationship. I hope therapy will be very helpful for them.

May we please have previews Kpatch?

[phloeforever]

Great chapter as usual. I enjoyed it but I would like to know if you could include in this story Phloe trying to have another baby for Parker, a little girl this time.

[Kpatch]

Previews for the coming week!


-Chloe and Craig have a heart to heart.

-Philip returns!

-Counseling begins.


Thanks for your enthusiasm everyone!

[André DiMera]

Yay! We finally get to see the counseling session! And Craig makes another appearance! Sounds like a good week, Kpatch!

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the previews Kpatch. Looks like a great week. I'm looking forward to Chloe and Craig's conversation.

[Kpatch]

Chapter 6a


In her bedroom, Chloe was unpacking her weekender, trying to block out the loud argument her parents were having in the other room. Nancy just would not quit ragging on Philip. Thank god Craig was there to defend Philip, but she hated the fact that they were arguing about this at all. Not only that. She worried about Parker overhearing. Suddenly she understood why Parker punched Nancy. If Chloe was four years old and she could get away with it, she’d punch Nancy too.

All at once, it got eerily quiet. Chloe put her ear to the door and was startled by a soft knock. She was about to say “Go away, Nancy” when she heard her father’s voice come through the door. “Chloe, it’s Dad. Can I come in?”

Chloe slowly opened the door. Craig gave her a half smile and walked inside.

“I thought maybe you killed each other,” Chloe snarked, closing the bedroom door.

Craig sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Well, if it hasn’t happened in 33 years, it’s probably not going to.”

Chloe looked over her shoulder toward the bedroom door. “What’s she doing?”

“Giving herself an insulin shot.”

Chloe quickly turned back to face Craig. “Because of me? Because of the stress?”

He shook his head. “Noooo. Because she needs to take her insulin twice a day.” Chloe sat down next to Craig. He noticed she looked morose. “You okay?”

“I just don’t get it, Craig.” Looking at him, she said, “Even after all these years, I don’t know how you do it. Or why.”

“Why what?”

“Why do you put up with her?” As soon as she said the words, she had a deja vu. She remembered asking Craig that very same question while she was staying at Craig’s house in Salem working at recovering her memory. She probably asked Craig that same question a million other times.

“I guess you could say we get each other,” he told her at the time.

She knew that the same could be said for her and Philip. They get each other.

Craig smiled a small smile and he nodded. “Same reason Philip is giving you that second chance.”

Chloe smiled too. “Love.” She understood what Craig was telling her.

“Exactly. It’s a powerful emotion.”

“I know.” Not to mention irrational. She would never ever be able to understand what Craig sees in Nancy. “Sometimes it runs your life,” she said. Her smile evaporated. “And sometimes it ruins it.” Chloe shifted to face Craig. “I wish she’d just accept the fact that Philip is it for me. If things work out the way I hope they will, he’s going to be in my life forever. And Nancy isn’t going to change that by throwing a hundred tantrums.”

“That’s what I told her,” Craig said flatly.

[heroicmuse]

YAY. I'm glad Craig is on Chloe's side. I feel bad for Chloe thinking she caused Nancy to need an insulin shot.

[André DiMera]

I'm so glad Craig is here to support Chloe! Great chapter, Kpatch!