Righteous Love
Chapter Four
Chloe had taken the long way home from the pier. The night was cool and beautiful, and she didn’t want to waste it. It was November, and while most nights in Salem lately had been freezing, this night was perfect. Just right, as a matter of fact.
She went up the walk leading to her house and unlocked the door. The lights were on, but she didn’t see any sign of Nancy or Craig. But, she did see Belle Black perched in the middle of the staircase. Chloe looked at her in shock.
“Belle… what are you doing here? It’s late.”
“Well, Brady came home and said he ran into you at the pier tonight. He told me about you and Phillip.”
Chloe bit her lip nervously, “Oh.”
“And, so I came to check up on you. You are my best friend, you know. Craig let me in so I could wait for you to get home.”
Chloe sighed and shut the door behind you. “Belle… you didn’t have to come. But, thank you anyway.”
Belle scooted over to the other end of the step and Chloe sat down beside her. Belle gave her a curious glance, “So… what happened? Are you alright?”
Chloe nodded and smiled, “Actually… yeah. I’m fine. It was more mutual than anything. We both knew it wasn’t working out, and we’re both alright about it.”
Belle gave her a nervous smile, “So, do you totally hate me for telling you to take him back?”
Chloe shook her head fervently, “Absolutely not. In fact, thank you… you did the right thing, Belle. For better or worse, I’m glad we had the chance to try.”
“Oh good… Whew…. I feel better now. Had you two ended up hating each other, I would have fully let you blame me.”
Chloe rolled her eyes, “No way, Belle. I make my own decisions, and even with your nudging, it was still my decision. So don’t be silly.”
Belle looked at her with mock amazement, “Who me? Silly? I think you’ve got the wrong person, Chloe.”
Chloe laughed. “I doubt that…”
“So, what are ya gonna do now that you’re a single gal?”
Chloe bit her lip and wrinkled her eyebrows thoughtfully, “Mmmmm… join a convent?”
“Well… we already know you like wearing black… so that’s a start.”
Chloe laughed and elbowed Belle in the side. “Very funny….”
“No, seriously… Chloe… just think about this whole world that has opened up to you now. I mean, I know you’ve only been officially single for like 2 hours… but it never hurts to start planning for the future…” Belle paused and grinned at Chloe, but Chloe seemed to have gotten lost in her thoughts for just a moment. “Chloooooeeeeeee… is something wrong? Did I open my big mouth too wide again?”
“No… nothing wrong.” Chloe sighed and stood up. She walked over to the table in the entryway, and stood with her back to Belle.
“Nothing wrong? Right… that’s why you all of a sudden spaced out into your little Chloesphere. You can’t fool me, Chloe… you have something else on your mind besides Phillip.”
Chloe turned around to face Belle once again and wrinkled her face up in frustration. “Oh Belle… I want to say it out loud, but I’m just afraid of the consequences.”
Belle stood up and walked towards her placing one hand on her arm. “The consequences? Chloe, you can say anything to me. ANYTHING. Whatever it is, you obviously need to get it off your chest.”
Chloe sighed deeply and decided that it was now or never, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. “It’s…. well… it’s Brady. I just… I think that I…. that I…” Chloe broke off, unable to finish her sentence.
“…love him?” Belle finished her thought with ease.
Chloe sighed again. “Well… I guess that’s one way to say it.”
“Oh Chloe… I don’t know what to say. Did you just now figure this out?”
Chloe shook her head. “I don’t think so… I mean, I think I’ve known it for awhile now. But, I was with Phillip. I loved Phillip. I didn’t want it to even be possible to love two people at once. But, the more time I spent with him… the more… the more I wanted to be near him. But, just now when you said about the ‘whole world opening up for me’, all I could think of was how I don’t care about the whole world – I only care about Brady.”
Belle nodded comfortingly. “I understand… And, what about Brady? I mean, I know that he has or had feelings for you before. But, do you think he’s still interested?”
Chloe shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know… but…. I don’t think so. I mean, he said he was going to move on and he has. He’s been out on dates with other girls even… so, I think I missed my opportunity. I’ve lost Phillip… and I’ve lost Brady too, I think.”
Belle reached up and hugged her friend tightly. “Oh Chloe… I doubt that. Just because he’s been on a few dates doesn’t mean he’s forgotten about you. You’re not easily forgettable. Trust me.”
The two friends let go of each other and Chloe smiled at Belle. “Well, I’m gonna take that as a compliment, I guess. But, seriously, do you think there’s a chance for us?”
“Well, I’m not always great at predicting my usually unpredictable brother, but I wouldn’t give up this easily, Chloe. You just… need to communicate. Tell him how you feel. Brady’s always been honest with you, and you need to return the favor. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least it will be out in the open. Then again… who am I to talk about telling someone how you feel… look at *my* love life.”
“Well, sometimes people can give great advice even though their own lives are screwy. And, I think you said exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you, Belle.”
Belle smiled sweetly, “You’re very welcome, Chloe. Are you going to listen to me?”
Chloe nodded affirmatively, “I think so. Your advice has worked out for me in the past. So, I just need to find the right time to tell him.”
“Ahhh… you’ll figure it out.”
“I hope so. Some time before I turn 50 would probably be a good idea. Thanks for everything, Belle… now get outta here. I think we’re both up past our bedtime.”
Belle nodded, nearly stifling a yawn. “Alright… good night, Chloe. Call me if you need me.”
Chloe smiled at her. “Will do… ‘night Belle.” Belle opened the door and ran off to the car she had borrowed from her mother. Chloe shut and locked the door behind her. She leaned against it, and closed her eyes. < Belle’s right… > She thought. < You have to tell him, even if you get hurt. And you’ve got to do it soon, before you risk losing him forever. >