Undertow 1 (Phelanie/Phloe) - (complete) (Read 17,593 times)

[Kpatch]

I really liked this chapter. Even though it was all from Melanie's point of view, she learned some things about Chloe that she didn't know, and it was interlaced with flashbacks of things Philip told her. Thank you for the Philip flashbacks by the way. Prior Philip is better than no Philip.

Great tale, Slyn. And I too thank you for posting two installments today. It's like a fabulous book and I really don't want to put it down.

[gapeach]

Just read both installments from yesterday. Sure hope Chloe doesn't get in any trouble at Maggie's. Phillip - you need to wake up now. All HE!! is about to break loose!!

[MrsM]

I agree with kpatch. This is like a really good book and I don't want to put it down!!

[sportsgirl]

Oh No,, I thought for sure there was more to read... I am now caught up. What is Melanie going to do when she finds out Chloe is with Parker?

[slyn11]

You guys are sweet with your comments.

Jan 31, 2012 10:24:21 GMT -5 sportsgirl said:

Oh No,, I thought for sure there was more to read... I am now caught up. What is Melanie going to do when she finds out Chloe is with Parker?

There is more to come. It is looking like late tonight or early morning for this next installment.

[angelatil]

I really did like Bo and Melanie scenes. Loved that Bo told her he was glad that Philip married her. Kind of goes along with similar things Bo said in the show. Also, interesting how Bo and Melanie are bonded now it seems...traumatic experiences will do that to people. lol And so true to Stephanie and Melanie, with their tension toward each other.

Loved the scenes with Phelanie. So sad and got me a little teary eyed, but also so sweet and intimate too. Very much like how Days wrote Phelanie on the show and the scenes they gave. It is so obvious and plain as day that Philip loves Melanie and it is obvious as plain as day that Melanie loves Philip. Can't wait to read more about Phelanie!!

[slyn11]

Feb 2, 2012 2:20:26 GMT -5 angelatil said:

Loved the scenes with Phelanie. So sad and got me a little teary eyed, but also so sweet and intimate too. Very much like how Days wrote Phelanie on the show and the scenes they gave. It is so obvious and plain as day that Philip loves Melanie and it is obvious as plain as day that Melanie loves Philip. Can't wait to read more about Phelanie!!

Aww with the Philip and Melanie love. I got a little teary myself imagining them stuck in that wreck. Whether you are a fan of that couple or not you got to admit it would be hard to watch your husband slipping away like that. I am glad you picked up on the intimacy. I was trying to create that feeling - their own little world, floating on their raft.

Yet even in those moments, Chloe was there with them. Sort of like a shadow over their relationship. This is very much a triangle. Hopefully by the end of this I will have Philip/Melanie fans falling for Philip/Chloe and Philip/Chloe fans feeling the love of Philip/Melanie.

[slyn11]

A/N - Next part of Chapter 4. It ran long so I divided it in half. Apparently Maggie likes to prattle on. Probably will post the second half at some point this weekend. It will be nice to devote next week to Ch. 5.

Thanks for all of the comments, I love and appreciate them. They keep me motivated.

Thanks to my beta Zippy - who keeps me honest and never lets me dial back on the angst.

Thanks to JKJpatch for listening to me go on and on about my analysis and interpretations of character and plot.

Be sure to check out the discussion thread for this story here. myhourglass.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=authorsficchat&thread=2776&page=4#73220 I will post a few tidbits after each update.

Thanks for reading!

________________________________

Chapter 4 part 5

It seemed like hours had passed as Maggie stood there, leaning against the sink, sipping her tea, just staring at Chloe. Chloe fidgeted in her seat at the kitchen table, uncomfortable under her gaze, picking up and putting down her own mug of tea just to busy her hands. She was eager to ask Maggie exactly what she was planning to do now. Now that she had caught Chloe in Parker’s room, but she was too afraid at just what her answer might be. So Chloe continued to almost drink her tea, and wait. Maggie placed her mug in the sink behind her, remaining there with her back turned to Chloe seeming to be in no hurry to turn around.

Chloe couldn’t stand it any longer. “It’s great Parker went right back to sleep,” said Chloe breaking their silent standoff. “He must have been tired,” she added this time actually taking a sip of tea, her throat suddenly dry.

“You disrupted his schedule. Babies need structure for their healthy development,” said Maggie without turning to face Chloe.

“I wasn’t going to hurt him,” said Chloe quietly.

It was then that Maggie turned around. “I know you weren’t trying to hurt him. But I’m concerned that you wouldn’t let him go when he was in obvious discomfort.”

“I didn’t want you to take him from me.”

“You were holding him too tightly,” said Maggie visibly upset. She toyed with the ring on her finger at an almost a frantic pace.

“So now you think I’m a horrible mother too? That I don’t even know how to hold my own baby?” Tears pooled in her eyes as she realized that the one person she had thought truly understood might now also think she was crazy.

“Something got to you upstairs Chloe. You were not acting yourself. I just wanted to protect Parker.” Chloe could see the tears in Maggie’s eyes as she spoke. And there was something else. It looked like fear. Was Maggie afraid of her now?

Upstairs in Parker’s nursery she had felt it again, the disconnect, as if she were watching someone else in her body. She knew Parker was crying, but she couldn’t do anything to make it stop. It was like some force had control and she was powerless within her own skin. As Maggie had stepped closer, Chloe held him tighter and tighter. She knew it was wrong but everything within her was screaming to not let him go. Only when Parker stilled, making a muffled gurgle had she looked down at him in alarm. Chloe had almost hurt him again. She had collapsed in a fit of tears, Maggie grabbing the baby before he hit the ground.

“Parker doesn’t need to be protected from me,” Chloe sobbed wiping the tears from her face with the back of her hands.

“What are you doing here Chloe? You’re supposed to be at the hospital.”

“I needed to see my son.”

Maggie walked over to her at the table and stood in front of her. “You could have asked Melanie to bring him by to visit, you didn’t have to break in.”

“Melanie was not going to let Parker anywhere near me.”

“Then you could’ve asked me. This coming in here at night, sneaking into my home. I’m concerned Chloe.” Maggie held her gently, pressing Chloe’s face into her side as she rubbed her back.

“I couldn’t take any chances,” she sniffled, her tears subsiding.

“You’re not drinking your tea,” said Maggie nudging the mug toward Chloe.

“I’m not thirsty. I need to know. Are you going to stop me?” Chloe eyed her suspiciously wondering why the sudden change of subject.

“I think you need to go back to the hospital,” said Maggie moving back over to the sink. “You don’t need any more trouble.”

“I’m not leaving here without Parker. I have to do this Maggie. It’s the only way.”

“Honey you’re not thinking clearly. Where are you and that baby gonna go?” asked Maggie as she washed the few dishes in the sink.

“I don’t know. Someplace warm, far away where Melanie will never find us.”

“Melanie is not your enemy Chloe. She is helping you until you get better.”

Melanie had them all under her spell. There was no left to believe Chloe now.

Chloe often wondered how it had happened. Just a couple of years ago, Melanie was this spoiled brat no one could stand, and now she was treated like Mother Theresa in the town. Saint Melanie tends to her sick husband and takes care of his illegitimate son. The way everyone seemed to love Melanie made Chloe want to gag at times. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Melanie. She actually was starting to bond with her, before all the mess went down. Chloe thought Melanie was sweet, maybe a tad over eager to please, but she seemed like her heart was in the right place. And she was Daniel’s daughter, so Chloe made the effort.

What Chloe could never fully understand was Philip. Sure she had known there was some attraction between Philip and Melanie, all of cyberspace did after that sex tape. But to Chloe it just didn’t seem like Melanie was the type of person that Philip would date, let alone marry. Melanie had these weird little quirks that she was sure drove Philip insane, and the way she talked so much. Chloe could imagine Philip being annoyed with her after awhile. It just seemed like they didn’t really fit.

But then when she thought about how Philip’s face lit up every time Melanie came into the room. Or how devastated he was when she was shot at the wedding. The tears in his eyes, the night they slept together, when he thought Melanie had left him. She couldn’t deny that Philip loved her. Who was she to question that? Especially when half the town had never understood her with Daniel either.

The ring of the telephone filled the room. Chloe knew that the call had to be about her. She bolted toward the door leading to the living room, panic setting in. “Don’t answer it,“ she pleaded with Maggie.

“The phone rang earlier, while we were upstairs. It could be important; I need to see who it is.”

Chloe grabbed Maggie’s hand before she could reach the phone. “Please Maggie, don’t tell on me. I just want to save my baby. I promise that is all I want.”

“Chloe you need to calm down,” stated Maggie.

“Please don’t answer the phone.”

Chloe could feel Maggie pulling away from her. She didn’t want to hurt Maggie, not after all she had done for her and Parker. She had to find a way to make Maggie understand, to get her on her side. As she frantically searched her mind for an answer, a rush of heat overtook her body, causing Chloe to sway unsteadily. Letting go of Maggie’s hand, Chloe braced herself on the counter until the dizziness passed.

“I didn’t answer.”

“Thank you,” said Chloe still a little uneasy on her feet.

“Now I need you to do me a favor,” said Maggie reaching up to brush the hair out of Chloe’s face.

“I’m not going back to the hospital.”

“Let me finish. I want you to sit back down at the table and drink your tea. I’m going to pull out some leftovers from the restaurant and make you something to eat. You don’t look good Chloe.”

“Maggie I don’t have time.”

“I can easily pick up that phone right now.” Maggie guided Chloe over to the table an sat her down.

“Fine. I’ll sit for a minute.” Her head was starting to spin again.

“So Chloe, I can tell you are convinced you need to take Parker and leave,” said Maggie as she pulled containers of food from the refrigerator and placed them on the counter.

“I am Maggie. It’s the only way.”

“Maybe you need to come up with a plan. You can’t just run out into the cold with a baby. You won’t get very far.”

There had been many times when Chloe had imagined running away with Parker. When she first had been placed in the hospital she had many a restless night plotting ways to take Parker. Then those plans were primarily ways to get back Daniel. She would often fantasize about him coming to her rescue, saving her and Parker from the unknown perils of the streets. It was only about Daniel then, and getting back the family they had always wanted. Constantly praying that some miracle would suddenly make Parker Daniel’s son. She couldn’t believe God would curse her this way. Taking away not only her son, but also the man she loved.

After a few weeks of therapy however, Chloe began to see things a bit clearer. She actually started to have real concern for her son and his well being and not just her tattered love life. It was a harsh reality when Chloe finally faced up to the fact that she was almost willing to sacrifice her son for Daniel. She couldn’t believe that her mind had blurred so much that she saw Parker as a threat to her own happiness. She had cast Parker in the role of villain, the little destroyer of her dreams. But once she had let go of Daniel, fully accepting that what they had was over, almost. Chloe felt lost and alone. She had been clinging onto the idea of Daniel and a life with him for so long that she didn’t know how to want anything else.

Then she remembered Philip. Their alcohol filled nights on the hotel balcony, his constant support, and never faltering friendship. He was the one bright spot in her life. He always had been. It suddenly seemed fitting that the one person that had always forgiven her, no matter how heinous the offense, the one person that always loved and supported her unconditionally was also Parker’s father. It made a crazy kind of sense that her oldest friend was now the person she was most closely connected to for life. He had always been there, when all the others had left. It was Philip she counted on. It was Philip she trusted. Her late night trips to visit him started after that. Sitting in near darkness by his bedside, sharing her hopes and fears, wishing they both could escape to a better place, Chloe found peace.

“I was hoping Philip would come with us.”

“Philip?” Maggie looked up from the dish she was preparing in shock.

“I know. Crazy huh?”

Every time Chloe talked about Philip lately people gave her strange looks. They either thought she was living in an imaginary world where Philip walked and talked only to her. Or they were indignant, as if she had no right to mention his name, since she wasn’t his wife. She was just the woman that ruined his life. No one seemed to consider how much Philip meant to her too. That she had a place in his life before the accident, before Melanie, before everything.

“I’m sure you miss him. We all do,” said Maggie gently.

“I just thought that maybe he would by some miracle wake up and help me tonight.”

“Well let’s try to think of what Philip might say if he were here now. What kind of plan would he come up with?” Maggie put the plate in the microwave before coming to join Chloe at the table.

“He’d want to make sure we were safe.”

“How would he do that?”

“I don’t know, maybe whisk us away in his jet.”

“You don’t think Kate and Victor would try and stop him? They love Parker very much.”

“You’re right. He would have us lay low at first. Rent a room in a motel outside of town, then sneak out in the middle of the night.”

“Do you have money saved up for this? Parker needs his diapers and formula. You have to pay for food and transportation.”

“Why are you making this so hard Maggie?” asked Chloe resting her forehead on the table.

“You need to think it through sweetheart.”

“Philip would say that.”

“Think it through?”

“Yeah. He said I had a tendency to run off half cocked. Which I always thought was hypocritical of him because he’s the same way.”

“Seems like you two know each other well,” said Maggie.

Chloe smiled. They had been through so much together. He had seen her at her worst and still never turned away from her.

“We do. I sometimes think no one knows me better.”

She noted the picture of Philip on the small desk in the kitchen. He was with Melanie of course, matching big grins, their arms wrapped around each other, happy. He had once looked that way with her, all those years ago serenading her under the stars. Chloe shook herself free of the memories, not wanting to dwell on the reason why she suddenly felt the need to prove that Melanie wasn’t the only woman that ever made his smile that bright.

“Would he really want you to do this Chloe? Would he want you to take Parker away from people that love him?”

“Philip would want him with his mother.”

Chloe knew without a doubt that Philip would never let anyone take Parker from her. If he were able, Philip would have her out of this legal nightmare and Parker would be safely back in her arms. Philip would stand by her.

“But wouldn’t he worry that you two weren’t safe, out there on your own? What if he woke up and found you gone? How would he feel?”

“He would understand.” He always understood.

Her mind went to another sleepless night at the Towers Hotel, leaning against the metal balcony bars, sipping beers under the star filled sky.

“I wish we could run away. To Tahiti. We could live in a hut,” said Chloe, eyes closed visualizing the scene.

“I somehow can’t see you roughing it,” said Philip taking another swallow of his beer.

“Ok a bungalow with indoor plumbing,” she laughed.

“Better. Would we hunt and gather our own food, live off the land?” he turned to face her, getting more into the game.

“You could catch fish with your bare hands.”

“I think I’d rather use a spear. More manly.” He rubbed the cold beer bottle across his forehead, cooling himself from the heat.

“Me in a grass skirt. You all tan. It would be paradise.”

“It does sound nice. We could be free.” He looked at her then, his eyes sparkling in the twilight. She could tell he was there with her, on that beach.

“Let’s do it,” she said excitedly. “We could run away tomorrow. What’s stopping us from escaping?”

“Forget about everyone in Salem? Just leave them all behind?” he asked, seeming a bit surprised.

“Why not? Everyone hates us anyway. We’d have each other. What more would we need?”

“You could just give up on Daniel? Forget about him just like that?”

“I don’t know,” she looked out at the darkening Salem city skyline. “Maybe. I think life under the sun with you could make almost anything bearable. As long as I have you by my side,” she said softly holding his gaze.

He smiled, dimples erupting on his face as he looked at her through the balcony bars. “Well that you got. We don’t need a beach. You got me right here.” He placed his hand over his heart. “No way you can shake me. We’re for life.”

“Would he really? Would he understand you taking his son away from him? Melanie takes Parker to see him sometimes you know.”

“I don’t want to talk about Melanie. She’s the reason I have to do this.”

“It’s not just Melanie alone here with the baby. I’m here too. Don’t you trust me?”

“I do.”

“Good,” said Maggie rising from the table to check on the food in the microwave. “Drink some more of your tea. The food is almost done.”

“How did you know about the castle Maggie?” asked Chloe as she sipped her tea.

“What castle are you talking about?”

“The one on the wall in Parker’s room.” In her mind she could still see it. Celestial blues, following her around the room, taunting her at every turn, she physically shook her head trying to block the image out.

“Oh Kate did that. She overheard Melanie telling Parker that story she always tells him about his castle in the stars, and she had that mural painted. Came out nice.”

“Melanie knows?” A knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she let that information sink in. Her poor little Parker.

“Melanie knows what honey?” asked Maggie placing a plate of food on the table in front of Chloe.

There was a knock at the door. Chloe jumped up in panic. “Don’t let her in please,” she begged Maggie.

“It’s okay,” said Maggie coming to Chloe’s side, gently holding onto her arm. “Come in,” Maggie called out.

Chloe held her breath as the door opened, resigned to the fact that she had nowhere to run.

----
next update - Who is at the door?

[Kpatch]

Oh how I loved that chapter. I laughed at Chloe thinking of Melanie as Mother Theresa. Sadly, she does seem kind of crazy when she's talking to Maggie.

I really like it when Chloe thinks about Philip and how she realized that it was fitting that Parker was his son. I have said in the past that I think it was their destiny to end up having a child together. Loved her flashbacks of the two of them on the balcony. I just love that they spent so much time together. Plus, I'm glad Philip wasn't all alone after the breakup. I'm glad he had someone to "come home to," so to speak. And the castle is apparently meaningful to her somehow.

I think it's Bo at the door. And if it is, I wonder how he'll react to seeing Chloe there. Will he turn her in? Or will he remember Philip's request for Bo to look after her.

Thank you Slyn! I'm ready for the next installment.

[MrsM]

Loving this Slyn!! Can't wait for more!!

[sportsgirl]

What a great chapter... Looking for to the next part!!!

[fluffysmom]

I really enjoyed this update a lot. I love the flashbacks to the days at the hotel. I really liked Chloe's thoughts about Philip being the perfect man to be her child's father. It was quite a realization for her after her wanting so desperately for him to be Daniel's son.

[angelatil]

wow really good update. Chloe is just off her rocker....she needs to calm down and think things through. I hope she does not do anything drastic. I think she has gone a little cuckoo....but I am sure there is a reason.

Did Maggie spike her drink?? Is that why she got overheated and her head spinning?? Or wait...didn't she eat or drink something before leaving the ward? Did someone spike those??

[slyn11]

A/N - Last part of chapter 4 is here! YAY! I am so ready to move onto chapter 5.

Thanks for all the comments. You guys are the bestest.

Thanks to Zippy for helping me out with my issues on this one. You made it all fall into place.

Be sure to check out my discussion thread after reading. I've got a few things to share. I love hearing your thoughts and speculation.

myhourglass.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=authorsficchat&thread=2776&page=4#73627

_________________________

Chapter 4 pt 6

“Mrs. Horton?” Drew Donovan poked his head in through the half open door, hesitant to just walk in.

Chloe had been certain it was Melanie at the door, barging in to steal her sweet baby away. When it was Drew instead, Chloe’s heart started to race wildly. Her mind consumed with questions about his sudden appearance. She wondered how he had known she was at the house. Had he been following her all this time, watching her every move since she left the hospital?

“Hi Drew. C’mon in,” answered Maggie still holding onto Chloe’s arm.

Drew walked into the kitchen, closing the door behind him. “I got your message.”

“You called him?” asked Chloe. Maggie stroked Chloe’s arm soothingly, trying to get her to remain calm. Chloe felt anything but calm. Maggie had ratted her out

“Yes. When I heard you go into Parker’s room.”

“Why would you do that?” asked Chloe in shock. Maggie was the last person she thought would betray her. She had always been so upfront and honest in the past.

Chloe shook herself free from Maggie and ran toward the kitchen door, there was no way she was going to let Drew stop her from leaving with Parker. She just had to get upstairs to him before anyone could stop her. Drew was quick, grabbing Chloe by the arms before she could even touch the swinging door that led to the living room.

“I figured we would need his help,” said Maggie as she watched them from the side of the center island.

Drew held both of Chloe’s arms behind her back as he guided her toward the kitchen table. She fought wildly to get free of his grasp, but he held her firmly, unphased by her movements.

Sitting her down at the table, Drew let Chloe go, but stood directly in front of her, blocking any means for her escape. “I’m a little confused at what Chloe is doing here. Did you sneak out of the hospital?” He looked down at Chloe in mild confusion.

“Obviously. It’s not like the judge changed his mind and set me free,” said Chloe pushing the plate of food on the table away from her. She was starting to feel dizzy again and she hoped a few minutes off her feet would help her regain her balance, before she made her next move.

He pulled off his navy wool coat and took a seat in the chair next to her, pushing up the sleeves on his dark green sweater as he leaned in toward Chloe, trying to look directly into her eyes. “Are you seriously getting snarky with me right now? I thought we had come to an understanding.”

“You didn’t believe me about Melanie so I had to take matters into my own hands.” She rubbed her temples slowly, hoping that it would make the spinning stop.

“I never said I didn’t believe you. I said if she really is trying to steal your baby as you claim, that you should stop doing things to make it so easy for her.”

“If I took Parker, then she wouldn’t get the chance to steal him.”

“Do you realize you are making no sense right now? Are you still drugged?” he asked, leaning back in his chair in exasperation.

“Why are you being so mean to me? I thought you were a nice guy.”

“You don’t need a nice guy Chloe, you need someone to put his foot up your ass,” said Drew tapping his finger on the table in front of her for emphasis. “Excuse my language Mrs. Horton.”

“Don’t worry about me,” said Maggie from across the room. “Just talk some sense into the girl.”

“We’ve got to get you back to the hospital now.”

“I’m not going back,” said Chloe crossing her arms across her chest. They would have to drag her out of there kicking and screaming. There was no way she was going to leave without Parker. She had abandoned him once before, never again.

“Yes you are,” said Drew firmly rising up to stand in front of her as if in anticipation of her flight. “If you don’t go back, the Salem PD will be within their rights to arrest you.”

“No one knows I’m here.”

“Drew and I do.”

“Maggie you promised,” begged Chloe turning to face Maggie. “You can’t turn me in.”

Maggie walked over and placed her arm around Chloe’s shoulder, hugging her gently. “Chloe I just want you to do the right thing. Do what’s best for Parker.”

“Yes think about Parker. Think about how he’s going to spend his formative years without you because you’re going to be locked upstate.”

“Upstate?” asked Maggie.

“The judge ruled to have her sent to the state mental facility.”

Maggie patted Chloe’s arm sympathetically. “That’s hours away.”

“See why I have to run Maggie?” she asked looking up at Maggie pleading with her to understand.

“I convinced the judge to allow her to remain here for one more week to be re-evaluated. This is going to look really bad. You’ve put everything in jeopardy,” said Drew as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“Nothing matters but me and Parker. They can’t put me away if I’m gone.”

Drew began to pace in front of them, his dark jeans rustling as he walked. “How far do you really think you’re going to get? Your face is plastered all over the news. How did you even get out of the hospital without anyone seeing you?”

“I wore a disguise.”

“Are you talking about these glasses?” asked Drew gesturing toward her face.

“No one notices me in them,” said Chloe looking down self-consciously adjusting the frames on her nose.

“Are you high? Chloe you’re just as gorgeous as always with the glasses. That’s not a disguise.”

“Trust me. I have had years of practice. No one saw me leave.”

“You better be right because it is going to take some really creative thinking to sneak you back in.”

“Maybe you can say you needed to take her out for some air,” suggested Maggie.

“She’s not allowed to leave the ward. I wish we had a medical reason that somehow could explain her being outside.” Drew began to pace again, stroking his chin absently. Chloe noticed his hair was damp, as if he had just gotten out of the shower. He must have rushed right over when Maggie called him.

“Well she definitely is not looking well,” said Maggie tilting up Chloe’s chin to get a better look at her face.

“She really doesn’t. Chloe are you feeling all right?”

“You both are talking about me like I’m not even in the room. Like I have no say in my own life.”

“You think this is bad? Imagine years in a psychiatric hospital. They will be watching your every move, your entire life scheduled. Your days starting with a green pill and ending with a blue one.”

“You can’t scare me into going back there.” Chloe jumped up out of her seat. Challenging Drew as he stood his ground in front of her. “ I’ve made up my mind. Either you call the cops or you get out of my way.”

“What do you say Mrs. Horton? 911?” asked Drew calling her bluff.

Another knock at the door and Chloe was off. She raced out of the kitchen into the living room heading toward the stairs. It was now or never to get Parker and go. Chloe had made it up three steps when she felt herself being grabbed around the waist and lifted in the air.

“I was a running back in college. No way you can side step me,” Drew whispered in her ear as he placed her on the floor, pinning her arms behind her back as he dragged her into the kitchen.

“Chloe? What the hell.”

Chloe opened her mouth in shock when she saw Daniel standing there. “Oh my God you called Daniel?”

Of all the people Chloe expected to drop by the house, Daniel was not one of them. He hadn’t been to Maggie’s house in months.

“No I did not,” answered Maggie. “What brings you by?”

“Actually Melanie is why I’m here,” replied Daniel as he walked over to Maggie.

“You told Melanie? Is she here? I’ve got to keep her away from Parker.” Chloe struggled in Drew’s arms, trying to stomp his foot to get him to release her. But he was quick and avoided her every move. “Let me go. I’ve got to get to my son.”

“Chloe calm down. No one has told anyone anything,” said Maggie.

“Told Melanie what?” asked Daniel the confusion apparent on his face.

Maggie pulled Daniel to the side, away from Chloe and Drew. “Daniel what’s going on?”

“Melanie asked me to come and check on you. She said you weren’t answering the phone.”

“Did she mention me?” asked Chloe from across the room still fighting in Drew’s arms.

“No she didn’t,” answered Daniel. “She’s kind of a wreck right now.”

“What happened?” asked Maggie, her voice filled with concern.

“She probably found out the judge didn’t ship me directly to the mental hospital right after court.”

“Like I said, she didn’t mention you Chloe. It’s Philip. He’s having a bad night.”

Chloe stilled in Drew’s arms, the fear slowly building. “What’s wrong?”

“His temperature spiked. Looks like he might have an infection. I haven’t had a chance to look in on him. Melanie sent me here when she couldn’t get a hold of you. Like I said, she’s a real mess right now. She’s not handling this well at all. I think she needs you.”

“I’ll call Sonny to come sit with Parker,” said Maggie picking up the phone.

“I guess it is up to me ask the obvious. Why is Chloe here and not in the hospital?”

“Is it really bad? With Philip?” asked Chloe swaying slightly on her feet. She felt like she might pass out. Philip had to be all right. Drew loosened his grip on Chloe, running his hand down her arm softly. He reached down and grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly.

“Infection in Philip’s condition is always dangerous. From what I gathered from Melanie, I think his doctors are worried about it being a systemic infection.”

Had Philip been sick when she saw him earlier? Maybe hearing about her plans to run away with Parker set him off somehow. Maybe Maggie was right. Maybe he wouldn’t like her leaving town with the baby. Maybe it was causing him distress now. All the maybes were starting to make Chloe feel queasy. She had hurt Philip so badly in the past, it wouldn’t be hard to believe that she had somehow hurt him again. She was about to do the one thing she promised never to do. Leave him behind. They were supposed to be in this together. Chloe and Philip partners in crime.

And here she was running off without him. She was letting Philip down, just as she had let Parker down before. She never seemed to be able to get things right, to make the right decisions. How could she ever have thought to take his son from him? Parker and Philip needed each other. Chloe needed to be there for Philip as he had always been there for her. She had to see him, to let him know she was still by his side. Always. There was no other option. She had to go back to the hospital. She had to go back for Philip.

“You’ve got to help him.” A wave of nausea hit Chloe as she let the information that Daniel just shared sink in. She knew what a systemic infection meant. She had battled cancer. Chloe knew the toll of prolonged illness on the body.

Daniel rushed to her side. “Chloe are you feeling okay?” he asked his voice sounding far away. “Let’s sit her down. Chloe can you hear me?”

Chloe shivered as Daniel touched her, his face so near hers, she could feel his breath on her skin. Daniel lifted her up and carried her to the chair. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, hold him close, and never let him go. She felt so safe in his arms. He had always made her feel so protected and loved. Her white knight, saving her from the wicked witch’s poison apples, capturing her heart, making her believe in the promise of happily ever after.

“Daniel. Please help Philip,” Chloe said weakly, her voice fading as she felt another wave of nausea hit.

“What are you taking? Medication from the hospital?” asked Daniel peering into her eyes.

“They sedated her when they brought her back from court. I know that much,” replied Drew.

“Tell me again why she is not under medical supervision? I thought you were supposed to be helping her,” snapped Daniel.

“I am helping her. I’m here aren’t I?”

“I assume you didn’t know she left the hospital. Or was it your big plan to let a woman on mind altering drugs run the streets of Salem?”

“Weren’t you practically married to Chloe? You should know better than anyone that you can’t tell her what to do. I’ve only known her a week and I can already see that,” retorted Drew.

They argued over her head. Chloe groggily tried to follow their back and forth but her he was spinning wildly and her vision was starting to blur.

“It’s the tea. Just making me a little hot. I always liked cocoa better. Remember Daniel?”

“What kind of tea did you give her Maggie?” asked Daniel stroking the hair out of Chloe’s face. “Maybe it is reacting with her medication.”

“Just plain Lipton black tea,” answered Maggie.

“That shouldn’t have caused a reaction. We have to get her to the hospital.”

“We need a way to get her back in without causing any issues. Clearly it can’t be known where she was tonight,” stated Drew.

“Daniel will help us,” Chloe insisted.

She knew her white knight wouldn’t let her down. She looked up at Daniel hoping to see the love in his eyes, the look that always used to be there. Instead she was met with coldness, as he looked back at her blankly. It hurt Chloe to see him so withdrawn, to know that once again she had been careless with someone’s heart.

“Are you sure you want to involve him Chloe? He is Melanie’s dad.”

“Daniel would never do anything to hurt me,” she said fighting to keep her eyes open and resist the darkness that was threatening to overtake her.

“I’m trusting you with this man. Will you help us?” Drew asked looking over at Daniel.

“Don’t worry. Daniel will save me and he will save Philip.”

She prayed to God that her Daniel was still in there somewhere, that her white knight would save them all.

_____

Next up - CHAPTER 5
OMG Philip
Daniel & Chloe have it out
The Kiriakis Family face the terrible truth
Drew has a plan
Nicole keeps it real with Chloe
Melanie finally confronts Chloe

[MrsM]

Wow Slyn!! Great chapter! I think Chloe is seriously delusional about Daniel.