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Post by slyn11 on Apr 24, 2012 16:33:22 GMT -5
A/N - Ok so I was going to post Lucas and Philip late last night, I had planned to switch the order to make JKJpatch happy. However, I did not. And I am so thankful. I totally forgot that there was a reason that Lucas and Philip had to come last...and you shall see when I post it.
So now we are going to head to the hospital for Chloe. We need to check in with her, because for the next few chapters it is all Philip as he finds out about his son, his wife, and his crazy baby mama (just kidding, Chloe's not that crazy.)
Thank you for all the comments and readers - I appreciate you all.
I hope you guys don't mind the pacing of this story. It started to occur to me that maybe I was taking things too slow for you. I just have this need to tell a story completely...to fully show the hows and the whys. Don't you want to SEE people fall in love? Don't you want to understand WHY certain breakups or hookups happen? I'm trying to get into their heads so deeply that it will almost be like we can anticipate their reactions before they happen. I want us to know our characters that well. Crazy?
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Chapter 8 pt 2
Chloe sat in the middle of her bed, legs crossed Indian style as she watched her roommate organize her belongings in the middle of the floor. Iley Plunkett from Evanston, IL, blond hair, brown eyes, age twenty-four with a sister and two brothers. She had been in and out of institutions for years, but it was her first time at the State hospital. She was new too, she had explained to Chloe, overly excited, as if it were their first day of college and not a stay at a mental institution. Iley talked a lot, which was nice for Chloe because she didn't. Nothing was worse than being expected to carry a conversation when you had nothing to say. That would never be an issue with her and Iley. Chloe was sure Iley would find something to feel any lulls in their conversations.
Over an hour had passed and Iley was still unpacking her large suitcase. Chloe didn't realize that patients were allowed to have so much in their rooms. She was given only the option of taking the bare necessities. Maybe it was just an oversight, or maybe Victor had insisted she had the least comfortable experience possible. Chloe wouldn't put it past the old man to stipulate that she have nothing but the clothes on her back, and a strictly bread and water diet.
“Are you married?” asked Iley as she folded her clothes into neat piles.
“Divorced, twice. And recently broken up with my fiancé,” responded Chloe, feeling a little embarrassed by her relationship stats.
“So you tried to off him? Your ex-fiancee?” Iley asked the question so nonchalantly, as if she were asking Chloe where she grew up.
“What? I would never try to kill anybody.” Thoughts of Carly crept into Chloe’s mind, but she quickly pushed them away. That didn’t count, she wasn’t thinking clearly.
“You had to have tried to kill someone. They stuck you in the killers ward.”
“What do you mean, killers ward?”
Iley ran her hand through her pale blond hair as she explained. “Every ward in this place is segregated by crime or mental illness, different levels of security in each section. Here, where we are, is for the murderers.”
Chloe’s heart jumped in agitation. Where had Victor put her? “There must be some sort of mistake, I’m not a murderer.”
“Attempted murderer then?” Iley asked raising one eyebrow.
Chloe shook her heard emphatically. “I think you’ve got it all wrong. The only person I tried to kill was myself.”
“That’s a given, we’ve all done that here at one time or another.”
“You tried to kill yourself too?” asked Chloe shocked that apparently suicide was a common occurrence.
Iley shrugged. “Yes, just once. I’m a cutter.”
“I’ve read about that, some say it is like trying to commit suicide slowly.”
“Isn’t it funny how you become an expert in all that psycho garbage?” she laughed. “I think I should become a therapist after all the time I’ve spent in sessions. But I’m not a cutter like you think. I’m one of those special cases.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I liked to cut other people,” Iley stated flatly, looking Chloe directly in the eyes.
Chloe’s eyes widened in alarm. “You don’t mean…”
“Yep. It started when I was about fifteen, I used to do it to my little sister. I got shipped to an institution, six months later I was cured.”
“So why are you here now?” asked Chloe growing increasingly nervous, something about the way her roommate was staring at her made her uneasy.
“No one is ever really cured. You just learn to manage it all, to try to function. Things got bad for me in college and I started in on my roommate.”
“You cut your roommate?” Chloe asked in alarm, easing herself backwards on the bed, until she had hit the wall.
“With a paring knife, little slits in her sleep. She didn’t notice at first, thought she was bleeding from nicks from her shaver.”
“You cut your roommate and they put you in here with me?”
Chloe's first impulse was to scream for help. There had to be some sort of mistake. She shouldn't be locked up with crazy people and criminals. Then reality set in, that was exactly where she should be. She was one of those crazy criminals.
“I was pretty surprised too. I’ve been in an out of hospitals for years. They’ve never given me a roommate. Not that I’m complaining. You seem sweet.” Iley smiled at Chloe, showing all of her bright white teeth.
“Oh uh...” Chloe stammered nervously trying to come up with something to say next.
“Don’t look so nervous,” she chuckled. “I haven’t cut in months. Maybe that’s why they put me with you, to test my willpower or something.”
“But to test you with me?”
“Maybe because you are all high profile, they assumed I wouldn’t risk it.”
“You know who I am?”
She wasn't sure why she was surprised by that at this point. Once she had been on CNN, her privacy was pretty much shot. Chloe just had hoped that in a mental hospital she would be able to escape some of the stares. No such luck.
“Doesn’t everyone? Besides we were both at Salem University psychiatric ward.”
“I don’t remember seeing you.”
“You sort of stayed to yourself, from what I can tell, so I’m not surprised.”
“If you knew who I was, why did you ask me about why I was in here?” Chloe asked her defenses shooting up. Maybe her new roommate was a plant working for Victor, someone sent to spy on her, or to make her life even worse. There was no telling how far Victor’s influence reached.
“Never fair to assume. We all get to tell our own stories. And if you don’t want to tell me the truth, which you clearly don’t, then it’s on you. I’m not gonna judge you.”
“I did tell you the truth.”
“Except the part about how you tried to kill your baby,” stated Iley shooting Chloe a look, before returning to her clothes.
Chloe started tearing up. Is that how the world truly saw her? Some heartless baby killer that was trying to get away with her crimes? Didn't they see she was trying to protect Parker, not hurt him? Things just went wrong. Chloe knew now that she should have left Parker with Maggie, or taken him to the hospital to be with Philip. Just at the time, the woods seemed the most logical place that Philip would be able to find him.
“That never happened,” said Chloe shakily. “Not how you think.”
“I understand. I would try to block something like that too. Just be careful around here. Women don’t like baby killers.”
“I didn’t kill him. He’s fine.” Chloe pulled her knees up to her chest, and rocked herself back and forth slowly on the bed, humming in her mind to block out Iley’s words.
“Is he with your parents?” asked Iley raising her voice, as if she knew that Chloe was trying to ignore her.
Chloe eyed her suspiciously. “I thought you knew all about me.”
“I haven’t been allowed to watch much TV so I’m behind. Last I heard, your baby was with his father’s wife, but I figured you’d nip that in the bud.”
“Can’t do much stuck in the hospital.”
“I suppose. If it were my kid, I’d make sure my mom had him. You don’t want another woman raising your child.”
Chloe definitely agreed with that. She didn't want another woman, namely Melanie, raising her child. Melanie had taken care of Parker long enough. He didn't need to grow anymore attached to her. Thank goodness Philip would be able to take him soon. But it had also occurred to her that Philip would probably be raising Parker with Melanie, and she would be still stuck in the mental hospital. So no matter what happened, Melanie would still be in Parker's life. If Chloe couldn't find a way out of the hospital soon, she would have to call her parents. Melanie may have her good points, but there was no way she was going to have her baby calling that girl 'mommy'. Chloe would die before she let that happen.
“His father will have him soon. He’s better now.”
“Good. But if you find out that’s not the case, and that other bitch still has your baby, let me know. I’ll take care of it.”
“Take care of it how?” Chloe asked apprehensively, the dread rising as she eyed her roommate on the floor.
“I’ve got my ways,” said Iley with a sinister looking smirk. “I can cut her in places she’ll never recover from, just like I did my college roommate.”
Chloe’s heart pounded as she imagined just exactly where Iley could have made those cuts on her college roommate. Every idea that popped in her mind was utterly disgusting, not to mention painful. Suddenly the door opened and a brunette female aide appeared.
“Chloe, your attorney is here to see you. You’ll have to come with me,” the aide announced.
“Oh thank God!” Chloe exclaimed as she jumped off the bed and rushed to the door. She couldn’t get out of that room soon enough. Iley was creeping her out.
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Through the glass panel in the door, Chloe could see Drew seated at the table, coat on, brown hair combed back, drumming his fingers on the screen of his phone. He had been waiting for her in the stark white closet, turned consultation room that Chloe had been escorted to before when she had talked to Philip on the phone.
“Drew I am really glad to see you right now,” said Chloe as she took a seat across from him across the table.
“What’s wrong?” asked Drew taking off his charcoal gray blazer and putting in on the table next to them. “You’re all flushed.”
“The roommate from hell, literally.” Chloe didn’t want to be too quick to judge, but there was something in Iley’s eyes that made her worried. She didn’t want to wake up in the middle of the night covered in blood because her roommate decided to take up cutting again.
“Maybe I can try to do something. Get you moved.”
“No don’t. The last thing I need is special favors. People already know who I am.” Never draw attention to yourself, another lesson she learned growing up in orphanages. She couldn’t help that her face was plastered all over the news, but Chloe didn’t have to set herself apart from the other patients either. Her life at the hospital would go a lot smoother if she just tried to blend in.
“So has it been awful?” Drew asked. Chloe could see the concern in Drew’s hazel eyes. He was probably thinking she would breakdown being stuck in this place. He really didn’t need to worry. Chloe was determined to make it through this, through all of it, for Parker.
“It doesn’t matter. I deserve to be here.” She truly did. It was high time she stopped running away from her problems. She needed to face things head on, commit to getting better. Maybe if she had been more receptive to treatment sooner, things never would have gotten this bad. She wouldn’t be separated from everyone she knew and loved.
“You didn’t deserve this. Victor Kiriakis put you in here.”
“Victor never would’ve been able to if I hadn’t given him ammunition.” Impulsive, stupid choices put her in this place. She played right into Victor’s hands. With each passing day, she realized Victor wasn’t even really to blame, she had done it all to herself.
“I’ve been working on your appeal but I have to say I’m hitting road blocks. What exactly did you do to make Victor so angry with you?” asked Drew as he pulled his Ipad out of his bag, his dark green dress shirt stretching across his broad chest.
Chloe pushed the hair out of her face. “Victor and I go way back. He’s pretty much always hated me.”
“Because of Philip?” asked Drew, raising one eyebrow.
“And Brady and now Daniel. See I’m screwed,” she said sinking in her chair.
It probably wasn't the smartest of ideas to get involved with so many men in the same family. If for no other reason than it gave them all a chance to talk about her behind her back, to compare notes. Not that she thought that Brady, Philip, or Daniel would do that to her. Even with their bad breakups things hadn't deteriorated to the point of mud slinging. Now Lucas, well he was another matter. She could certainly see him trashing her all over the place. Good thing he was still in China, or he would probably be conducting exclusive interviews with the news, to tarnish her image even further.
“I’m not giving up. I’ve got a meeting with Judge Leery tomorrow,” said Drew as he flipped through his files on the screen.
“It won’t do any good,” stated Chloe feeling discouraged by her situation.
“We’ve got to try. Victor Kiriakis has been throwing his weight around in this town for far too long. He can’t keep getting away with it.”
Chloe narrowed her eyes at him. “This is the second time I’ve heard you mention Victor like this. You were lying when you said you didn’t know him, weren’t you?”
“First time I met him, that I can recall, was in court,” replied Drew. “Before that I was too young.”
Just as she had suspected Drew was hiding something. “You knew him as a kid?”
“My parents have a history with him. Dark and complicated.”
“Who are your parents?’
He looked up at her in surprise. “I thought you knew. Shane and Kim Donovan, well my mom is a Brady.”
It all finally clicked in her mind. “Oh, Shane, the spy, is your dad. I’ve heard stories about him.”
“Yeah well he and Victor go back so I really could get some sort of dirt to use against Victor from my dad. I’m just reluctant to go to him.”
“Because you want to do it on your own?” They had that in common. Neither of them wanted to involve their parents if they could help it.
“Yes. But I won’t risk your freedom because of my pride,” he assured her. “I’ll call him. See what I can find out.”
“Don’t do that,” she said putting her hand on his arm.” I think I know a better way.”
“Like what?” Drew leaned forward, intrigued.
“You have to go talk to Philip. He’s the only one who can convince Victor to back down.”
Philip and Victor fought often, but Chloe knew, even if Philip failed to see it, that Victor held his son in high regard. Philip had the power to talk some sense into Victor. All Drew had to do was talk to him.
Drew smiled. “Justin told me he’s doing better.”
“Yeah he is. He wasn’t talking yet, but he was alert.”
Chloe looked down at her lap trying to hide her smile. She didn't want Drew to see her reaction to the subject of Philip. It was silly really, everyone knew that Philip was her friend, so it was natural she would care about his health. Somehow, for Chloe things were feeling a bit different now. Her feelings for Philip were transforming, growing stronger, deeper somehow. It felt almost too intimate to share with other people, she felt like she needed to hide, almost as if a change could be seen in her eyes.
“That’s great news Chloe, but I think you might have forgotten one thing.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“This whole case is about you harming his son,” he said slowly. “What makes you think Philip won’t agree with his father and think you deserve to be locked up?”
“I know Philip. We’ve been through so much together. He’ll understand that I was sick and I wasn’t in my right mind at the time.”
Every single time they had made it back. Through heartache, anger, jealousy, she and Philip had always managed to keep their friendship intact. She couldn't believe this time would be any different, especially since it involved their son.
“I hope you’re right Chloe. Sometimes when a kid is involved people feel differently. Most of all, never forget Philip is a Kiriakis. They are very protective of their families.”
“You say that like you know from personal experience.”
“I do, and I just want you to keep your guard up, even around Philip,” he warned.
“I appreciate your concern but Philip is the one Kiriakis we don’t have to worry about. Oh and Brady, but you already know that.”
“Know about Brady?” He scratched his head, looking quite confused.
“Yeah I’m sure you’ve talked to him a lot since he’s the one that hired you.”
“Brady didn’t hire me, Chloe. I don’t work for him.”
“You don’t? Then who’s paying for my legal bills?”
This didn't make any sense, if Brady wasn't helping her who could it be? Nicole didn't have any money, and there really was no one else she could call a friend in town. Her mind instantly went to Philip, but that was impossible, since he was comatose when it all happened.
“Oh I almost forgot,” announced Drew abruptly, scrolling rapidly through on his tablet.” Maggie wanted me to show you these.” He turned the Ipad so Chloe could easily see the screen.
She flipped through picture after picture of her happy baby boy. “Look at my Parker.”
“She told me she took these the other day,” said Drew.
“Did you see here?” she asked pointing to the picture on the screen. “He’s wearing a ‘I love my mommy’ shirt. This was so sweet of her. Please thank her for me.”
Their hands grazed as she handed him back his Ipad, a gentle crackle of electricity went through her body causing her to shudder slightly. It had been weeks, months actually without much human contact. Kind hugs and pats on the arm, couldn’t compensate for not having anyone to touch her that truly cared. Not that Drew actually cared about her on a personal level, Chloe would never assume that, but it felt nice to be touched by a man, even accidentally.
“I will.” He smiled, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “She’s pulling for you.”
“I’ve got to get home to my little boy. Promise me you’ll talk to Philip.”
“If I can get in to see him, security has been tight. They’re not letting just anyone get into his room.”
“You’ll find a way.”
“It’s worth a shot at any rate. So we’ve got a few more minutes before they kick me out. Do you want to stay here with me, or go back to your room?” he asked a smile playing on his lips as he stared at her awaiting her response.
“Oh stay with you. Definitely. Why would I pass up the chance to hang out with an attractive young man?” she asked smiling.
“I guess I should feel flattered, but something tells me you just want to avoid your roommate.”
As nice as it was to be with Drew, her thoughts gravitated toward Philip, that morning, clinging to her hand, a moment that she never would forget. Amazing as that experience was, Chloe couldn’t help but long for more. She wanted Philip to hold her hand, and mean it. She wanted him to touch her and be conscious that he was doing it. And more than anything, she wanted him to hold her, to take her in his arms and tell her things would be okay. He would rub her back, stroke her hair, look deeply in her eyes and make her believe that some good was just around the corner, because he was there, and he was never leaving again.
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Next update - Philip
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