All My Exes (Read 7,205 times)

[Kpatch]

All My Exes Preview


Tune in for the start of All My Exes, with a cast that features ...
Brady
Chloe
Daniel
Kate
Lucas
Nathan
Nicole
Melanie
Philip
Sami
Victor


And a story that shows...
Anger
Angst
Breakups
Comeuppance
Conversations you’ve been waiting for
Guilt
Humor
Jealousy
Karma
Love
Memories
People actually working
Punching
Remorse
Revenge
Romance
Sex


Random sampling of dialogue ...
Philip: I miss being married to Melanie.

Brady: Melanie is living with Nathan.

Chloe: I am so in love with him.

Nicole: Yada yada yada.

Lucas: I’m not sure I approve of you and Rafe.

Nicole: Lucas, you’re a jerk.

Chloe: This is the worst day of my life.

Brady: You got anything to drink around here?

Melanie: I love you.

Kate: La la la la la la.

Philip: Lucas, you’re a jerk.

Brady: Nicole always sounds desperate.

Nicole: Oh my god!

Philip: When are you coming back from the dark side?

Daniel: Which one of you is Michael Corleone?

Chloe: Are you insinuating that I’m a blabbermouth?

Philip: I’m done keeping secrets.

Victor: I always knew you were an imbecile.

Lucas: I heard about how Chloe cheated on you.

Daniel: You’re a jerk, Lucas.


To be continued weekdays ...

______________________________________
Copyright ©2011 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[Kpatch]

CHLOE AND DANIEL’S APARTMENT, ONE MONTH AGO

Nicole arrives to find Chloe hysterical crying.
Nicole: What’s the matter?
Chloe: Everything. Daniel moved out.
Nicole: You’re kidding me!
Chloe: Do I look like I’m joking?
Nicole: I thought he was all “let-bygones-be-bygones,” “forgive-and-forget,” yada yada yada.
Chloe: Well, he forgave, but he couldn’t forget. And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it.
Nicole: And I can’t believe you’re giving up so easily. Where’s your spirit, girlfriend? You gotta go out there and fight for your man.
Chloe: I don’t have the fighting spirit anymore. I spent all my energy trying to keep a secret for the past year and I’m tired. Exhausted. I barely have enough energy to take care of my baby.
Nicole: I’m sorry honey. What can I do to help?
Chloe: Could you stay with me and help with Parker?
Nicole starts laughing and stops abruptly.
Nicole: You’re serious?
Chloe: Yes.
Nicole: Wait a minute. You want me ... baby-stealing Nicole Walker Dimera ... to help you with your baby??? What about your BFF Carly? Why don’t you get her to help you?
Chloe: She hates me ... ever since she found out that the one night stand was with her daughter’s husband. She won’t speak to me anymore.
Nicole: I see. And good ole Nicole is always available.
Chloe: Well, you’re really good with babies.
Nicole: I do change a mean diaper. Sure. Fine. I’m not busy anyway.
Chloe: Thank you Nicole. There’s just one thing.
Nicole: Just one?
Chloe: You can’t drink while you’re staying here. You have to be sober if you’re around Parker.
Nicole: Okay okay. You don’t have to tell me twice.
Chloe: Good.


THE CONDO, ONE MONTH LATER

Brady is looking in the refrigerator while Philip is lying on the sofa shirtless reading Business Week Magazine.
Brady: There’s nothing to eat.
Philip: That’s because we never go shopping.
Brady: That’s why it’s a bad idea for two bachelors like us to share an apartment. I don’t even know where the grocery store is. Do you?
Philip: Do I what?
Brady: Do you know where the grocery store is?
Philip: I dropped Maggie off at a supermarket once.
Brady: Well I’m hungry. Let’s go out to eat.
Philip: Fine by me. As long as it’s not at Chez Rouge. ... Or the Brady Pub. ... Or Java. Or anywhere I might run into ...
Brady: How about the Penthouse Grill?
Philip’s cell phone rings and he answers it.
Philip: Hey! Are you in Salem yet? Good. Me and Brady are heading over to the Penthouse Grill. Why don’t you meet us there? That sounds great.
He hangs up.
Brady: Is Lucas meeting us?
Philip: Yup. His plane just landed and he’s cabbing it over.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CHEATIN’ HEART

After dining at the Penthouse Grill, Brady, Philip, and Lucas are shooting a game of pool.
Brady: How long are you staying at the condo with us?
Lucas: Two, maybe three months. It depends on how long the auditors hang around Hearth & Home. I hope that’s not a problem.
Brady: No, not at all. The more the merrier.
Lucas: So, Philip, how are you doing?
Philip: The truth? Lousy. I miss being married to Melanie.
Lucas: What happened? I thought she forgave you for the one night stand with Chloe.
Philip: Mostly, she did. But I neglected to be honest with her about something important.
Lucas: What was that?
Philip has a flashback.

***CHEZ ROUGE, JOE the PILOT’S RETIREMENT PARTY, THREE MONTHS AGO

Philip: Melanie, are you okay? You seem rattled.
Melanie: I’m kind of in shock, you know? Finding out Nathan is my brother.
Philip: But that’s good news, right? Wait a second. Did you and Nathan ever ...
Melanie: No! God no. Oh, that reminds me. I told you I have a surprise for you. Follow me.
Melanie leads Philip to a private banquet room. They walk inside and a woman is sitting at a table while a little 3-year old boy is standing by her side.
Melanie: Surprise!
Philip: I don’t get it.
Melanie: This is Tyler. Your son.
Philip: Uh oh.
Melanie: What’s the matter? I thought you’d be thrilled.
Philip takes a deep breath and rubs his forehead.
Philip: Mel, um. Tyler isn’t really my son.
Melanie: I’m sorry. What did you say?
Philip: There was a switch of petri dishes and he’s not really mine.
Melanie: How long have you known this?
Philip: Pretty much all along.
Melanie: Another secret, Philip? Another lie?
Philip: Mel, this has nothing to do with you and me.
Melanie: You’re right. It has everything to do with you and the kind of person you are. A liar.
Philip: Mel, come on.
Melanie: Philip, you know how important honesty is to me, and yet you’ve lied to me and lied and lied and lied. What’s next Philip? What else are you hiding from me?
Philip: Nothing, I swear.
Melanie: I forgave you for the one night stand with Chloe. I’ve given you the benefit of the doubt again and again. I can’t do it anymore, Philip. If I can’t trust you, then we have nothing. We’re done.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CHEATIN’ HEART

Lucas: What happened? I thought Melanie forgave you for the one night stand with Chloe.
Philip: Mostly, she did. But I neglected to be honest with her about something important.
Lucas: What was that?
Philip: I didn’t tell her that Tyler wasn’t really my son. That was the last straw.
Lucas: So it’s really over?
Philip: Can we talk about something else?
Lucas: Fine by me. What do you want to talk about?
Philip: Anything else. I don’t care.
Brady: Lucas, did you see the kids yet?
Lucas: I swung by Sami and Rafe’s place and saw Allie before I met you guys at the Grill. Now, Will ... he’s a little harder to pin down these days.
Philip: You remember what it’s like to be a teenager.
Lucas: Hey man, it wasn’t that long ago.
Philip: It just seems like a long time because of the way they SORAS* the kids nowadays.
Lucas: So this is the first time in a long time the three of us are all unattached at the same time. Hmmm.
Brady: Hmmm what?
Lucas: I was just thinking about how much pain we’ve all suffered because of one blue-eyed raven-haired bombshell.
Brady: If I weren’t an addict, I’d drink to that.
Lucas: Same here. Hey Philip, how did you get away unscathed?
Brady: He’s not unscathed.
Lucas: Yeah, but at least Chloe didn’t turn him into an addict or push him off the wagon.
Brady: Oh, right. She only caused the breakup of his marriage.
Philip: Come on you guys, lay off of her.
Brady: Uh oh. I think Philip still has a soft spot for her.
Lucas: Or is it a hard spot?
Philip: You’re a jerk, you know that, Lucas?
Lucas: And you’re a little sh!t, but I love you anyway, little brother.
Philip: Look, Chloe’s my friend. We’ve been through a lot together, and I don’t like it when you talk smack about her.
Lucas: Then you’d better leave the bar because we’re just getting started.


To be continued ...

*SORAS = Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome

[Kpatch]

SALEM CITY PARK, ONE MONTH LATER

Nicole and Chloe are sitting on a bench in the park while Parker is in his carriage, when Lucas and Allie walk by.
Allie: Chloe! Chloe!
Allie runs over to Chloe and hugs her.
Chloe: Hi honey. Wow, look at you! You have gotten to be such a pretty young lady!
Lucas: Allie, get back here.
Nicole: Chill, Lucas. We’re not gonna bite.
Lucas: Speaking of biting, I heard Pookie died because you abandoned him.
Nicole: Why don’t you grow up, Lucas?
Chloe: Probably because Kate won’t let him.
Nicole: Good one, girlfriend.
Allie: Whose baby is this?
Lucas: Now, there’s a timeless soap opera question. And it’s one we’d all like the answer to.
Chloe: He’s mine and Daniel’s. Want to know his name, Allie?
Lucas: Allie, get away from that baby carriage. You’ll get cooties.
Nicole: Lucas, you’re such a jerk.
Lucas: That’s what my brother called me too. Speaking of Philip ... Chloe are you keeping score? I think I’ve got this right. Chloe-3, Exes-Zero.
Chloe: Nicole, let’s go somewhere less hostile.
Nicole: Iraq would be good.
Chloe: Bye Allie.


LATER, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AT CHLOE’S APARTMENT

Chloe is walking the floor holding her crying baby.
Nicole: What’s going on? Why is Parker crying like that?
Chloe: I think he’s running a fever. Dr. Hellman wrote me a prescription for the colic, and I just used it up.
Nicole: Is there anything I can do?
Chloe: Is there ever! I just called in a refill. Could you pick it up? Here’s the prescription bottle. The address for the drug store is on the label.
Nicole: You mean you want me to pick up the prescription now??? It’s the middle of the night. Isn’t this a 24 hour pharmacy? Why can’t they deliver it?
Chloe: They’re open 24 hours, but they don’t deliver at this time of night. Please Nicole. I just can’t stand to see my baby crying.
Nicole: Of course. I’ll be back as fast as I can.


BURNT STAKE ROAD, SALEM, AN HOUR LATER

Nicole is on her way back from the pharmacy with the baby’s prescription. She’s humming along with her Barry Manilow CD. (Her love for Manilow is a guilty pleasure that pretty much no one knows about.) Suddenly she hits a bump. She hears a loud noise and the car swerves out of control.

To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

Readers, please click the link to listen to the song that’s playing on Nicole’s CD player:


BURNT STAKE ROAD, SALEM

Nicole is on her way back from the pharmacy with the baby’s prescription. She’s humming along with her Barry Manilow CD. Suddenly she hits a bump. She hears a loud noise and the car swerves out of control. Nicole struggles to regain control and finally gets the car to stop. She’s shaking like a leaf as she gets out of the car.
Nicole: Oh no. Damn it. I’ve got a flat tire. Why now? Why here? This is the creepiest road in Salem.
She opens the trunk and sees the spare tire, but she has no idea what she’s supposed to do with it. She takes out her cell phone and dials a number.

THE CONDO, MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Brady is on the living room sofa watching Chiller Theater’s Chilly Nights when his cell phone rings. He ignores it. Philip comes out of his bedroom and walks into the living room.
Philip: Is that your phone?
Brady: Yeah.
Philip: Either answer it or mute it. It woke me up and it’s gonna wake Lucas.
Brady: Must be a client in Asia or Europe and frankly, I’m too tired to talk business.
Philip: Yeah well, they’re persistent. You want me to answer?
Brady: Go ahead.
Philip [answering Brady’s phone]: Hello, Kiriakis here.
Nicole: Brady it’s me. I just picked up a prescription for Parker and I’m in the middle of Burnt Stake Road and my tire blew out and I don’t know how to change a flat and ....
Philip: Psst, Brady, it’s Nicole.
Brady: Tell her I’m not home.
Philip: She sounds pretty desperate. I think you should take the call.
Brady: Nicole always sounds desperate.
Philip: Come on. Talk to her.
Brady takes the phone from Philip.
Brady: What do you want, Nicole? What? Slow down. I can’t understand a word .... Don’t you have Triple A? ... Of course you don’t. Where are you? ... Okay, listen, whatever you do, don’t get out of your car. ... Okay. ... Then get back inside. And stay there. Lock the doors. I’ll be there in 15 minutes. He hangs up the phone.
Philip: Wait up. I’ll go with you.
Brady: What for? I seriously doubt that anyone with the last name Kiriakis knows how to change a flat tire.
Philip: I was in the Marines. I can change a tire on a tank.
Brady: Ha! Nicole drives a Mazda, not a tank.
Philip: Then maybe I can help in ways you haven’t thought of. Let me get some pants on.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

NICOLE’S CAR, BURNT STAKE ROAD

Nicole is on her cell phone talking with Chloe.
Nicole: Is the baby still crying? I’m so sorry. Look, Brady will be here soon, he’ll fix my flat, and I’ll be home before you know it.
Nicole hears a noise and she practically jumps out of her skin. She looks up to see Brady tapping on her windshield. She gets out of the car and starts crying as Brady reluctantly hugs her.
Brady: It’s okay now. We’re here.
Nicole: Brady, I was so scared. I hate this road.
Brady: Then why were you driving on it?
Nicole: It’s the fastest way back. What’s Philip doing here?
Philip: Where’s the baby’s prescription?
Nicole: It’s on the front seat. Why?
Philip opens the car door and takes the bag.
Philip: You got everything covered here?
Brady is disassembling the donut mechanism.
Brady: I’ve got it handled.
Philip: Okay. I’ll see you back at Chloe’s.


TWENTY MINUTES LATER, AT CHLOE’S APARTMENT

There’s a knock at the door and Chloe answers it. She is still holding Parker.
Chloe: Philip, what are you doing here?
He holds up the prescription bag and smiles.
Philip: I come bearing gifts.
Chloe: Oh my god, you are such a lifesaver.
Philip: Actually, I’m just the delivery boy. Brady is fixing Nicole’s tire.
Chloe: Poor Nicole.
Philip: Where’s Daniel? Working?
Chloe is giving the baby a dropper-full of the medicine.
Chloe: I guess you didn’t hear. He left me.
Philip: What???
Chloe: Two months ago.
Philip: Why?
Chloe has a flashback.

***CHLOE AND DANIEL’S APARTMENT, ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO
Daniel and Chloe are lying in bed kissing. Daniel stops kissing Chloe and sits up in bed.
Chloe: Daniel ...
Daniel: Give me a minute.
Chloe: That’s what you said last night.
Daniel: I know. I’m sorry.
Chloe: Can’t we get past this?
Daniel: I wish I could. But every time I kiss you ... I picture you with Philip.
Chloe: Daniel, what can I say? What can I do to make things right again?
Daniel gets out of bed and gets dressed.
Daniel: I think I’ll go to the hospital and see some patients.
Chloe: But your shift doesn’t start for hours.
Daniel: I know. I just need to be somewhere where I don’t feel inadequate.
END OF FLASHBACK***

Chloe: He left me.
Philip: What???
Chloe: Two months ago.
Philip: Why?
Chloe gives Philip a look.
Philip: Seriously? I thought that was ancient history. I thought ...
Chloe: Well you thought wrong.
Philip: Wow, I didn't know ... I guess I’ve been busy with my own problems. I’m really sorry Chloe. I mean that.
Chloe: I know. We both paid a really high price for our mistake. But right now, I just wish I could get Parker to stop crying.


NICOLE’S CAR

Brady is driving Nicole’s car.
Nicole: Sorry I bothered you in the middle of the night.
Brady: Hey, it’s okay.
Nicole: No it’s not. I’m always calling you and expecting you to rescue me.
Brady: It’s not a big deal.
Nicole: Yes it is. I’m trying to get my life back together and stand on my own two feet.
Brady: Then you’re going to have to learn how to change a tire.
Nicole: I’m not joking Brady.
Brady: A strong independent Nicole. I like the sound of that.
Brady pulls over to the side of the road and puts his arm around Nicole.
Brady: I was actually thinking about you tonight.
Nicole: You were?
Brady: I was. And then the phone rings and it’s you saying you need me. Seems like fate, you know?
He moves closer and kisses her.

To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

NICOLE’S CAR

Brady: I was actually thinking about you tonight.
Nicole: You were?
Brady: I was. And then the phone rings and it’s you saying you need me. Seems like fate, you know?
He moves closer and kisses her. She pushes him away.
Nicole: Brady, don’t.
Brady: Why not?
Nicole: I need to get home. Chloe needs me.
Brady: Philip is with her.
He kisses her again. She resists again.
Nicole: But she’s counting on me. I promised I’d be home to help her.
Brady: What’s the rush?
Nicole: Brady! Take me home. Or else get out of the car and I’ll drive myself home.
Brady: Wow, you’re really taking this independent sh!t seriously.
Nicole: Chloe is my friend and I’m not going to let her down again.


CHLOE’S APARTMENT

Chloe: Right now, I just wish I could get Parker to stop crying.
Philip: Here, let me try. I used to be pretty good at getting Claire to calm down.
He takes the baby from Chloe.
Philip: Hey Parker, remember me, your godfather? Hey, big guy, chill. Everything’s cool.
Little by little, the baby stops crying. Chloe smiles in amazement.
Philip: Look at that. He heeded my advice.
Chloe: Wow, you have the magic touch. How did you do that?
Philip: It’s a secret.
Chloe: Philip!
Philip: It’s simple. I’m calmer than you are right now. You’re panicking, and I’m calm. Parker can feel that.
Chloe: I’m a terrible mother.
Philip: No you’re not.
Chloe: I don’t know how I’m expected to be calm with everything that’s been going on.
Philip: Is Nicole staying with you?
Chloe: She’s actually doing me a huge favor by staying here. She’s been an enormous help to me.
Philip: Seriously?

Nicole and Brady walk in. Chloe goes over and hugs Nicole.
Chloe: You okay?
Nicole: I am, thanks to Brady.
Chloe: Thank you, Brady.
Brady: Not a problem. You got anything to drink around here?
Chloe: Help yourself.
Brady goes over to the wine rack and pulls out a bottle, opens it and pours himself a glass.
Brady: Anybody else want some?
Philip: Chloe, I’m gonna put Parker in his crib.
Chloe: I’ll come with you.
They leave the living room.
Nicole: Brady, why do you drink so much lately?
Brady: Pot, meet kettle.
Nicole: I’ve never seen you drink so much.
Brady: Then stick around.
Philip and Chloe come back into the living room.
Philip: Ready to go, Brady?
Brady: Sure.
Philip: Chloe, I’m glad Nicole is helping you out, but don’t forget I’m your friend too. And I’m Parker’s godfather. Call me if you need anything.
Chloe: I will.
Nicole: Philip, make sure you do the driving.


PHILIP’S CAR

Philip is driving as he and Brady are heading back to the condo.
Brady: So, what do you think?
Philip: About what?
Brady: About Nicole and Chloe.
Philip: What about Nicole and Chloe?
Brady: When the two of them hugged ... I gotta admit, I got ... shall we say, bothered. And hot.
Philip: You’re crazy.
Brady: Seeing my two exes like that. Wow.
Philip: Brady, I think you’ve been gone long enough. When are you coming back from the dark side?
Brady: Never. It’s too much fun here.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

THE NEXT MORNING AT THE CONDO

Brady and Philip are in the kitchen drinking coffee.
Philip: Did you know that Daniel left Chloe?
Brady: Yup.
Philip: Why didn’t you tell me?
Brady: I figured you knew.
Philip: How would I know? I’ve been out of town on business on and off for the past three months.
Brady: You mean you sent yourself out of town on business because you needed to get away from Salem.
Philip: What’s your point?
Brady: Even if you were away, I figured you must have talked to someone.
Philip: Who? Who do I talk to? My father doesn’t talk to me except about Titan.
Brady: I know, but ...
Philip [getting heated]: What? Who else? Do you think I chat with all my exes on a regular basis? Melanie doesn’t even want to hear my voice on a phone message. And Chloe was trying to rebuild her marriage, so being friends with me would have done nothing to help that situation. You and Lucas are the only ones who still speak to me.
Brady: Calm down! Jeez Phil. Sorry I didn’t keep you in the loop on the latest gossip.

Lucas walks into the kitchen and pours a cup of coffee.
Lucas: What gossip? What are you talking about?
Philip: Daniel walked out on Chloe.
Lucas: No kidding! This should be good. What happened?
Philip: Apparently, I did. Daniel couldn’t get past our ... um … mistake.
Lucas: Ha ha ha ha ha.
Philip: What are you laughing at? This isn’t funny. There’s a baby involved.
Lucas: I’m just thinking about karma. Daniel is getting exactly what he deserves.
Philip: Well I’m just thinking about Chloe and Parker. They don’t deserve this. I feel responsible.
Brady: Lucas, there’s something you should know about your little brother. When he’s not gracing the Earth with his presence, he likes to hang out on the planet Guilt.
Lucas: Considering who his parents are, “guilt” shouldn’t even be in his vocabulary.
Philip: Stop talking about me like I’m not in the room.
Lucas: Speaking of parents, how come you’re not living at Victor’s anymore?
Brady and Philip exchange glances.
Lucas: Okay, I saw that. What gives?
Philip: After Dad found out I slept with Chloe, he had a fit.
Brady: I had never seen Granddad come so close to being physically violent. I thought he was going to tear off Philip’s other leg. It was pretty scary.
Lucas: Ah, so Victor threw you out.
Philip: Right.
Lucas: You’re damn straight that’s “right.” It’s what I would have done too. ... Hell. This is all my fault.
Philip: What???
Lucas: If I had been in town, you never would have slept with Chloe.
Philip: How do you figure that?
Lucas: Because, I would have beaten the sh!t out of you before I let you get caught in that black widow’s web.
Philip: Shut up. You wouldn’t have had time to beat me up. Cheating on Melanie wasn’t premeditated or anything. I was a happily married man.
Lucas: “Premeditated.” Good word. Because what you did was a crime.
Philip: I know. And believe me, I’m paying for my crime.
Lucas: What’s your story, Brady? Did Victor throw you out too?
Brady: Actually yes. I took up for Uncle Phil here. I thought he needed someone to be on his side. But Granddad didn’t take too kindly to it.
Philip: Do you know that Dad loves Melanie so much, he invited her to stay on at the mansion? For as long as she wants.
Lucas: That doesn’t sound like Victor. So does she still live there?
Philip looks at his watch.
Philip: I gotta jump in the shower. I have a Board meeting at 10.
Philip leaves the room.
Lucas: What was that all about? Why didn’t he answer me?
Brady: Melanie is living with Nathan.


MAGGIE’S KITCHEN

Nathan: I had no idea you’d be here when I moved back in.
Melanie: It’s okay Nathan, really.
Nathan: Grandma Maggie wanted someone to house-sit while she’s visiting my mom, so ...
Melanie: It’s not a problem. Maggie didn’t even know I was coming back. I just needed somewhere to crash for a while.
Nathan: So ... it’s okay that we’re both living here, right?
Melanie: It’s more than okay.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

BOARDROOM AT TITAN

Philip is conducting the monthly Board of Directors meeting.
Philip: Okay, Agenda Item 3 ...
Marie knocks and opens the conference room door.
Marie: Excuse me, Mr. Kiriakis. I’m sorry for interrupting your meeting, but you have an urgent phonecall.
Philip: Can’t it wait?
Marie: Sorry sir.
Philip: I apologize, ladies and gentlemen. If you would excuse me a moment, I’ll try to make this short. Talk among yourselves.

Philip goes into the outer office to take the call. He picks up the phone.
Chloe: Philip, I need you.
Philip: Chloe?
Chloe: I’m really sorry to bother you, but I need someone to come babysit Parker.
Philip: Well, why didn’t you ask Marie? She would help you find a babysitter.
Chloe: No, you don’t understand. I can’t leave Parker with a babysitter.
Philip: Okay, now you lost me. You just said...
Chloe: I mean I can’t leave him with a stranger. He’s too little and I wouldn’t trust just anyone. And you’re really good with the baby.
Philip: Where’s Nicole?
Chloe: She’s on a shoot for Titan.
Philip: Oh. ... Well, what’s so important that it can’t wait?
Chloe: Daniel and I are meeting with our attorneys. He wants to finalize the divorce.
Philip: Oh. Look, Chloe, I’m in the middle of an important meeting.
Chloe: You said I should call you if I need you. I have no one else to call.
Philip: Can’t you take the baby with you?
Chloe: To my divorce???
Philip: Nevermind. Forget I said that. Okay, give me a half hour and I’ll be there. I’ll conduct the rest of the meeting over the phone.


TITAN BROADCASTING NETWORK, REMOTE LOCATION SHOOT

Nicole: This is Nicole Dimera for TBN. Until tomorrow.
Cameraman: Cut. Good segment, Nicole.
Nicole: Thanks Lou.
Nicole spots Brady.
Nicole: Brady? What are you doing here?
Brady: I wanted to see if you want to catch a bite to eat. Or do you have to head home and play Chloe’s house-husband?
Nicole: Don’t be cute.
Brady: I can’t help it. So, what do you say?
Nicole: I’ll give Chloe a call and tell her I’ll be home late.
Brady: Great. Let’s go.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SAMI AND RAFE’S APARTMENT

Lucas: So, you’re engaged to Rafe.
Sami: That’s right. We’re going to get married.
Lucas: Sure you are.
Sami: We are! What do you think being engaged means?
Lucas: In Salem, not much.
Sami: Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Lucas: I’m not sure I approve of you and Rafe.
Sami: No one asked for your approval.
Lucas: I have a right to an opinion. My kids live under the same roof as he does.
Sami: And he’s very good to them. And to me.
Lucas: He’s a sap.
Sami: He is not.
Lucas: Sure he is. You use him for a doormat and he keeps coming back for more. He reminds me of someone. He snaps his fingers as he tries to remember. Hmmm ... what’s that guy’s name? Let me think.
Sami: Stop it Lucas.
Lucas: That’s it! “Lucas!”


CHLOE’S APARTMENT

Chloe returns home after meeting with Daniel and the divorce attorneys.
Chloe: How’s Parker?
Philip: He’s fine. He’s sleeping. How did it go? ... Chloe?
Chloe plops onto the sofa and buries her face in her hands.
Philip: Talk to me.
Chloe: I feel awful. This is the worst day of my life.
Philip: Is there anything I can do?
Chloe: Yes. You can turn back the clock a year.
Philip: Trust me. I would if I could.
Chloe starts to cry and Philip puts his arms around her to comfort her.
Chloe: I’m sorry. I hate being this way.
Philip: Shhh. It’s okay. I know how you feel.
He brushes away her tears and kisses her on the cheek. They stare at each other for a moment and then begin kissing. A moment later Philip is lying on top of Chloe kissing her passionately.

To be continued...

[Kpatch]

CHEZ ROUGE

Brady and Nicole are dining at one table while Nathan and Melanie are at another.
Nicole: Melanie and Nathan seem to be taking their brother/sister relationship to extremes.
Brady: They’re not brother and sister.
Nicole: I thought Stephanie did some kind of DNA search that showed Daniel was Nathan’s father.
Brady: Stephanie lied. She was trying to make sure that Nathan and Melanie kept their hands off each other. Daniel isn’t Nathan’s father.
Nicole: Wow. Hats off to Stephanie. Sounds like a stunt I might pull. Must be a little weird for you.
Brady: Weird? What are you talking about?
Nicole: Your friendship with Melanie. I mean, you’re sharing a place with Philip and you’re best buds with Melanie.
Brady: It’s not a problem. I can separate my personal life from my personal life.
Nicole: Brady, you’re drunk.
Brady: Nicole, so are you.
Nicole: Actually, I haven’t had anything to drink.
Brady: Still clean and sober, huh?
Nicole: That’s right.
Brady: Well, enough small talk. Why don’t we go back to my place? Oh, that’s a bad idea. Lucas and Philip are there. How about your place? Oh, that’s no good either. How about we go back to Titan? No one is there, and I know a nice comfortable boardroom table where I can ravage you.
Nicole: I have a better idea.
Brady: That’s impossible. That was the best idea ever.
Nicole: I’m going to take you home, and I’m going back to Chloe’s place.


CHLOE’S APARTMENT

Philip and Chloe are lying on the sofa making out when suddenly Chloe pushes Philip away.
Chloe: Wait, what are we doing?
Philip: Heck, I know you’re not that naive.
Chloe: No, I mean this. It’s wrong.
Philip: Why? We’re both single now.
Chloe: But it’s not a solution. It’s not going to solve our problems.
Philip: No, but it might make us forget them for a few minutes.
Philip grabs her and starts kissing her again. She pushes him away.
Chloe: Stop. I mean it. And don’t stand there looking all hurt. I hate it when you look pathetic.
Philip: Sorry.
Chloe: You don’t really want me anyway.
Philip: Of course I do.
Chloe: Let’s be honest, Philip. If Melanie walked into the room right this minute and said she would take you back, you’d be the happiest man in Salem. Wouldn’t you?


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CHLOE’S APARTMENT

Chloe: You don’t really want me anyway.
Philip: Of course I do.
Chloe: Let’s be honest, Philip. If Melanie walked into the room right this minute and said she would take you back, you’d be the happiest man in Salem. Wouldn’t you?
Philip: Yes. I mean no. I mean ... I don’t even know what the hell I mean anymore.
Chloe: See, that’s what I’m talking about.
Philip: Then how about reinstating our friends with benefits policy again?
Chloe: No. I don’t want to just be each other’s default lover. We deserve better than that, don’t you think?
Philip [sighing]: I gave up thinking a long time ago.
Chloe: Philip, I don’t want to hurt you, but this just isn’t right. For either of us. It’s what got us into this mess in the first place.
Philip: You’re right. ... You’re right. ... I’m gonna head home.
Chloe: Philip, I hope we’re still friends.
Philip: Oh sure. It’s the “let’s be friends” speech.
Chloe: Please don’t be angry.
Philip: I’m not. It’s all good.


SAMI AND RAFE’S APARTMENT

Sami: So, how long are you staying in Salem?
Lucas: I came because we’re being audited and it’s taking a little longer than I’d like.
Sami: Has Hearth & Home got something to hide?
Lucas: I can’t say.
Sami: You seem to like living in Switzerland.
Lucas: Sami, you are so self-absorbed, you don’t even know where I live.
Sami: I do too.
Lucas: I live in Hong Kong. Your parents live in Switzerland.
Sami: They do not.
Lucas: Do too.
Sami: No, my mother lives in Switzerland. My father lives in Salem.
Lucas: Well excuuuuuse me.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM CITY PARK, A COUPLE WEEKS LATER

Chloe and Philip are walking through the park with Parker in his baby carriage.
Chloe: Are you doing okay?
Philip: Sure, why?
Chloe: Because, you never talk about Melanie, but I know you, and I know how much you must miss her.
Philip: Yea, well ... you know what they say about time healing all wounds. I miss her a little bit less every day. How are you doing?
Chloe: Same as you. A little bit better every day. It’s funny. In spite of everything that’s happened, I feel really blessed. Parker is the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t know how I would have gotten through it all if I didn’t have him. And you. ... Have I thanked you for babysitting him as often as you do?
Philip: It’s my duty as his godfather. Besides, he’s better company than most grown-ups I know.
Chloe: Are you talking about your roommates?
Philip: No, they’re cool. You know Lucas is staying with me for a while.
Chloe: I know. How’s that going?
Philip: Great, I like having my big brother around.
Chloe: I’ll bet he doesn’t miss a chance to bad-mouth me. Sort of like Victor does.
Philip: Nah, Lucas doesn’t hold a grudge.


SALEM PIER

Lucas is walking back to the Hearth & Home office after having lunch at the Pub. He sees Daniel in a running outfit, stretching out his calf muscles on the bench.
Lucas: Well well well. If it isn’t Dr. Adonis.
Daniel: Lucas! What are ... you doing ... in Salem?
Lucas: You know what? I don’t really feel the need to explain myself to you.
Daniel: What’s with the hostility?
Lucas: Hostility? I’m not hostile. Oh, but I did hear about how Chloe cheated on you. Sorry buddy.
Daniel: That subject ... is off-limits.
Lucas: And when I heard who she cheated with ... well, I couldn’t help but be amused. In fact, I ran right out and shook my brother’s hand.
Daniel: You’re a jerk, Lucas.
Lucas: You know what? There’s just one thing that would make me happier.
Lucas punches Daniel hard in the jaw and knocks Daniel off his feet. Lucas smiles as he rubs his knuckles.
Lucas: I feel so much better now.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM BEACH, TWO WEEKS LATER

Chloe and Philip are lying on beach chairs wearing swimming attire (yes, Philip is shirtless) and Parker is in his baby carrier between the two chairs.
Philip: I’m really impressed.
Chloe: With what?
Philip: With you. You’ve really taken to motherhood.
Chloe: I know. I love being Parker’s mom.
Philip: It shows. Parker’s really lucky to have you for a mom.
Chloe: I don’t know about that. But I really appreciate the interest you’ve taken in the baby. He needs a father figure in his life, and Daniel doesn’t seem to have much time for him.
Philip: I meant it when I said “anytime.”
Chloe: I know, but you’re a busy man too. You have better things to do than babysit my son. I mean, I know he’s your godson, and you take that seriously and all ...
Philip: Chloe, it’s not an obligation. You know how I feel about Parker. Spending time with the two of you almost makes me feel like I’m part of a normal family for once.
Chloe: I’m not so sure about the “normal” part.
Philip: Ha. Close enough anyway.
Chloe: I hope you’ll always be a part of our lives.
Philip: What’s this all about?
Chloe: You know me. I start to feel insecure anytime I get close to someone. The people I care about always leave.
Philip: Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. We’ve been friends for what? Like 12 years -- since high school. I think there’s a law that says if you’ve been friends this long, you have to stay friends for life.
Chloe laughs.
Chloe: Well, you’ve been the one person I could always count on.
Philip: Yea, to wreck your life.
Chloe: Don’t say that. I’m serious. You were the only one who stood up for me when I came back from Austria and Brady was missing. I haven’t forgotten about that. Whenever I call, you come. You’ve really been there for me when I need you.
Philip: I’ll always be here for you and Parker.
Chloe: It’s so weird how things turned out.
Philip: What do you mean?
Chloe: I mean ... I was so happy when Parker turned out to be Daniel’s son, and now I never even see him anymore.
Philip: Hmmm.
Chloe: What? Why are looking at the baby like that?
Philip: It’s nothing. Just a random thought.


To be continued