Keeping the Faith (Read 12,587 times)

[Kpatch]

Hey kpatch! I'm finally all caught up on your story. Love it! I have to tell you, this is the funniest thing you wrote all week:

Jul 11, 2012 5:39:39 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

Bo: Do you know what you’re going to be doing over there?
Philip: Generally, yes. Specifically, no. And just between us, my mission is classified. So I can’t tell you.

Just between us, I can't tell you. That's hilarious.

[Kpatch]

Monday
Philip says goodbye to his family in his own special way.

Tuesday
One final memory before the long flashback ends.

Wednesday
Back in the present, Chloe gives Philip a hard time about leaving.

Thursday
A phonecall from Philip comes in the middle of the night.

Friday
Chloe expects a surprise ... and gets one.

[wendylou]

Whew! Been reading all morning and finally all caught up. Great story so far and I can't wait to see the rest. I know there's going to be some twists but I sure hope Phillip gets to be there for this baby's birth.

[djm]

Love that Chloe expects a surprise and gets one. Since it is after Philip's call I am hoping it is a return home and the trip was one week long.
He should be home for the birth. Chloe is 6 months, 3 to go. Philip's trip is 2 to 3 weeks. (Right Kpatch)

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the previews Kpatch. Sounds like an emotional week for Phloe. I can't wait to read more.

[DancingDays]

Jul 14, 2012 6:48:04 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

Hey kpatch! I'm finally all caught up on your story. Love it! I have to tell you, this is the funniest thing you wrote all week:

Jul 11, 2012 5:39:39 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

Bo: Do you know what you’re going to be doing over there?
Philip: Generally, yes. Specifically, no. And just between us, my mission is classified. So I can’t tell you.

Just between us, I can't tell you. That's hilarious. #funny#

You might be losing it, sweetheart.

[Kpatch]

LAKE HOUSE, MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Philip watched Chloe as she slept. He had so many thoughts running through his mind, so many things he wanted to tell her before he left. He kept saying it was just for two or three weeks, but the thought of spending any more time away from each other than they already had, seemed unbearable. They had gone through so many separations over the years. He vowed this one would be the last.

There was one thing he couldn’t tell her, however. That he was afraid. He told her he wasn’t afraid, because he didn’t want to worry her any further. But he knew this was no ordinary mission he was about to embark on. His participation in the project would have far-reaching consequences. He wasn’t even sure it was the right thing to do, but he had taken an oath as a Marine, and it was one of the few things in life he truly believed in.

Philip sighed and grazed Chloe’s cheek with the back of his hand. Then as quietly as he could, he got out of bed.

He walked down the hallway past the nursery that was just about ready for the new baby. Then he went into Wesley’s room and gently sat on the edge of Wesley’s toddler bed. He sat there for a long time and watched his son sleep and listened to the comforting sound of his breathing. Philip gently moved Wesley’s thumb out of his mouth, a habit they were trying to get their 20-month old son to break. Philip stroked Wesley’s hair and saw so much of Chloe in him. His once-blond hair was getting darker like his mother’s. His complexion was a light olive tone, but he had blue eyes, a color somewhere in between Philip’s and Chloe’s eye color. He had Philip’s dimples, of course, but most of his other features were Chloe’s.

Philip: I love you, Wes, more than I ever thought possible. Be good, big guy.

He kissed Wesley’s head and left the room. Minutes later, he found himself downstairs sitting at the desk in his study, staring at a blank piece of stationery. He began to write a letter by hand.

“Dear Chloe, Wes and Phloe,

I’ve been staring at this piece of paper for a half hour. If my heart could write instead of my hand, this sheet of paper would be filled. I don’t even know how to tell you how much I’m going to miss you all.

I’m so proud of you, Chloe. Watching you realize your dream of singing opera makes me so happy. I feel like I finally understand the real meaning of love, and it’s different than I thought it would be. It’s caring more about other people than you do about yourself. And seeing you happy and fulfilled is what makes me happiest.

Remember how you were talking about performing opera being your dream come true? Well, you’re my dream come true, Chloe. And having Wes in our lives and a second baby on the way is just icing on the cake. Even with all the crap we’ve been through these past two years -- make that 12 years -- I still feel like the luckiest man alive.

It’s going to be a long few weeks but I’ll carry the three of you here in my heart always.

All my love, Philip (Daddy)”


Philip folded the letter and put it inside an envelope. He was writing Chloe’s name on the outside of the envelope when she entered the study.


To be continued...

[djm]

And, And, Ohhh I guess I have to wait for more. Just loved the chapter. The letter Philip wrote to his family was so heartfelt. You could just feel his love for them coming though the words. I am worried about this trip tooo. Knowing the writer I have faith that Philip will make it back to his family. Thanks for the great start to the day Kpatch.

[gapeach]

What a sweet letter. Can't wait for Phillip to come back home (and he hasn't even left yet) to his family!!

[sportsgirl]

How sweet!!!

[fluffysmom]

I liked Philip watching Wesley sleep. I'm sure Chloe must be scared too. The letter is so touching. I loved him saying that the page would be full if his heart could write the letter.

[DancingDays]

I liked hearing the description of how Wesley looks. I was trying to picture how much he looked like Chloe and how much like Philip. The letter was super sweet too.

[MrsM]

So sweet!!!

[Kpatch]

PHILIP’S STUDY

Philip folded the letter and put it inside an envelope. He was writing Chloe’s name on the outside of the envelope when she entered the study. She tried to rub the sleep out of her bleary eyes.
Chloe: What are you doing?
Philip: I was about to ask you the same thing. Why are you awake?
Chloe: I haven’t really fallen asleep yet. I felt you get out of bed, but I thought you were coming right back.
Philip: I’m sorry sweetie. I didn’t mean to worry you.
Chloe approached Philip and sat herself down on his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. He slipped his hand under her nightgown and rested it on her stomach.
Philip: You’re cold again.
Chloe: I’m warmer now. ... Philip?
Philip: Hmmm?
Chloe: I’m sorry I’ve been giving you such a hard time about leaving.
Philip: Really? I hadn’t noticed.
Chloe smiled and looked at Philip.
Chloe: I’ve been a real brat, whining about you going away. It’s just that ... I’ve almost lost you so many times.
Philip: That’s not gonna happen this time.
Chloe: But you’re not just going around the corner. It’s not even in the same state or the same country. It’s oceans away. And we’ve been apart too often.
Philip: This will be the last time.
Chloe: Promise?
Philip: I promise.
Chloe: And you’ll be back for my opening night.
Philip: I’ll be back long before that.
Chloe rested her head against Philip’s chest again.
Chloe: Philip?
Philip: Hmmm?
Chloe: Who’s going to keep me warm while you’re away?
Philip: I don’t know. ... How about Wes? And Phloe? And remembering nights like tonight, when we made love until the sun came up.
Chloe lifted her head off Philip’s chest and she looked into his eyes. She pushed his hair off his forehead and smiled.
Chloe: I love you, Philip Kiriakis.
Philip: I love you more, Chloe Lane Kiriakis.
Chloe: That’s simply not possible.
She kissed his mouth and he could taste her tears. She got up off his lap. She stood in front of him as he held her waist. He slipped his hands under her nightgown and lifted it so her pregnant belly was uncovered. He pressed his lips to her stomach and then put his ear against it. He closed his eyes and savored the moment before looking up at Chloe again. He took hold of her hands and rose from his chair. Then they put their arms around each other and they silently made their way back to their bedroom.

***The Flashbacks end***

THE NEXT MORNING, LAKE HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM

Philip looked in the mirror as he methodically got dressed. This was even harder than he expected it to be. He sat down on the bed feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. Looking around the room one last time, he glanced at the photograph on top of the dresser -- a photo of Chloe, Wes, and himself taken at the ice skating rink. Happier times.

Chloe appeared in the bedroom doorway briefly and she looked at Philip’s packed bags. He could see she was choking back tears.
Philip: Chloe, I wish it didn’t have to be this way.
Chloe: Me too.
She nodded sadly and walked away.

He held two envelopes in his hands -- one containing a letter that changed everything, the letter from Colonel Hudgens. The sound of a car horn broke his thoughts. He went over to the window and waved at the service vehicle waiting in the street below. He then placed the other envelope on Chloe’s pillow, then picked up his duffel bag, and headed downstairs to say his goodbyes.


To be continued ...

[djm]

What a great flashback. This is getting me so worried. I am like Chloe can't wait for Philip to be back. Thanks for the chapter kpatch.