Chapter 11

A pair of sparrows tweeted in happy gossip the next morning. Nestled in her fluffy down comforter, Chloe smiled as the numbing fog of sleep lifted. Her eyes flickered open to the sound of a low whine and anxious scratches against her door. She let out a sigh, before she rolled out of bed.

"Alright, alright," she muttered, "Hold your horses."

As soon as the door was open a crack, a pudgy spotted lump impatiently squeezed through and shot a couple of feet into the room before tripping over his paws. Cart-wheeled onto his back with tongue lolling, he quickly gained his feet and yipped in greeting.

Chloe laughed, as she bent down to pick up her awkward but darling puppy, "And good morning to you, Great Merlin. To where will your adventures take you today?"

His tail hyper-wagged, before he bathed her face in unadulterated love.

She giggled, "I guess it's true what they say. Men have only one thing on their minds." Merlin grinned, his long pink tongue dangling, and replied with a shameless bark. After an affectionate scratch behind his ears, she set him back on the ground to race about.

Chloe headed for the bathroom, thinking shower and breakfast, when her puppy barked in happy discovery. She watched him circle around the light footprints under the window. Then, Merlin ran to the bed, clawing his way up the sheets until he gained purchase. He hopped excitedly and sniffed to and fro.

"Shhh." Chloe crossed to the bed and picked him up to quiet him. "He's not here, boy. And remember, it's our little secret, alright?" She'd have to clean the carpet today and figure out a way to keep it clean. Maybe she could put a towel there…

It was then that she saw the little slip of paper next to her pillow. After she put Merlin back down onto the floor, she reached for the note. Her heart melted.

"Good morning, Beautiful," it read. She remembered now, being cradled in his arms, as she fell asleep.

For a giddy moment, she held the note to her heart. How could he make her love him more with each passing day? Sighing, she tucked the note in her nightstand drawer and finally rose to shower and dress.

"Shawn! Jason's here to see you!" called his mother from downstairs.

He sighed, watching as the little gold cross swiveled between his fingers in the morning sunlight. He'd had the pendant, since he was a child, and could barely remember, who'd given it to him. Throughout his life, it had hung on his neck, as a symbol of his family's traditions and beliefs. He'd worn it without question and with naïve faith of its divine powers. Now once again, its meaning and spiritual sanctuary eluded him. The first time that his faith was shaken had been when his mother had disappeared without a trace. Everyone assumed that she'd died. So, he watched, as his father fought to recover from losing the love of his life.

Meanwhile, Shawn stumbled through his childhood and puberty, secretly nursing a broken heart, and wondering what horrible crime he'd committed to make his momma go away. His Gram explained to him that his mother was in heaven and that God chose her to be another angel in his kingdom. His young eyes burned hot tears and screamed that he didn't want his momma to be angel. He wanted his momma here to take care of him. So, he hated God for being so selfish and inconsiderate, as to take his mother from him. His faith had offered no solace.

The light gleamed against the shiny metal. Now, his mother had returned to him, but his baby brother had died. Maybe this was an exchange. A life for a life. He'd prayed, tantrumed, and rebelled over the loss of his mother. God had given his mother back, but now took payment for the gesture.

Shawn covered his face in anguish. He knew it was crazy to think this way. His brain could rationalize it. J.T. was sick. He died. Eventually, everything and everyone does. But his heart just couldn't make sense of all this. He'd prayed and prayed and prayed, but his brother was gone. So, what good was faith to him?

A knock came at his door. Shawn dropped the pendant in a drawer and wiped his eyes.

He cleared his throat. "Yeah?"

"Shawn, honey? Jason's here to see you," said his mother's muffled voice through the door.

Fixing a weak smile on his face, he rose and opened the door. "Uh, yeah," he said to his concerned mother, "Thanks, Mom."

Hope caressed her son's beloved face. Then, she went back downstairs. A moment later, Jason bounded up the steps.

"Hey, buddy," greeted his friend, "You get stuck on the john or something?"

Shawn had to smile. "Naw, man. What's up?"

Jason in his usual swagger plopped on a beanbag chair and grinned. "K-Man's pond froze over. Feel like some hockey?"

Shawn gave a noncommittal shrug and laid back on his bed. When Jason scooped up the baseball on his desk and tossed it to him, he easily caught it and pitched it back.

"You hear what happened yesterday?" asked Jason, conversationally.

"Naw, what?"

"Philip beat the shit out of this asshole from Lincoln."

"What?" exclaimed Shawn, holding the ball Jason had passed him. "What happened?"

"The guy was pushing Mimi around, then he hit Chloe-"

"What the hell? Jeez, is she ok?" A concerned Shawn sat upright in his bed.

"Got a nasty-looking bruise on her cheek, but that's nothing compared to what the dude got. I hear a concussion, broken nose, busted lip, and about fifty stitches," grinned Jason. "Asshole had it coming. Tried crap with Mimi at that pool party, remember?"

"The same guy? Damn and add that to Phil and his temper," Shawn whistled, imagining what that boy looked like, after Philip Kiriakis was through with him. If it had been Belle… Shawn shook his head. "How's Mimi doing, man?"

Jason turned to look out the window. "She was pretty scared, I think, more from the blood than that guy trying to…"

Shawn's eyebrows rose, as he noticed Jason's knuckles whiten against the blue bean bag. "You take care of her?"

"Walked her home. She didn't say much, but I think she's alright. Got spunk, you know?" His green eyes looked wistfully at the blue sky.

"Yeah," replied Shawn, feeling the corners of his mouth rise, "Mimi's definitely got plenty of that."

"Yeah," agreed Jason absently, before he realized how quiet it had gotten. He turned to see Shawn's knowing grin. Jason quickly cleared his throat. "So, you up for hockey or what?"

Chloe sighed, as she submitted to Craig's critical inspection of her cheek at the breakfast table. "I'm fine, ok?" He gently touched the bruise to make sure it wasn't swollen. She rolled her eyes, when her parents exchanged another concerned glance. "It'll be gone in a week or so." When her reassurance didn't seem to make a dent, she muttered, "You'd think I broke my arm again or something."

"What?" twitched Nancy.

Chloe jumped up at the sound of the doorbell. "I'll get it!" she said, before they could demand further explanation. They really didn't need to know any more about her life in foster care. She crossed the living room quickly and opened the door.

"Hey, Chloe."

"Mimi," she blinked, "What are you doing here?" Ever since the Lockharts had moved out of the house, Mimi had never looked back.

"Uh, I was headed up to Belle's, and I was wondering," said a somewhat uncertain Mimi, "If you wanted to come."

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise.

Then, Craig poked his head out from the dining room. "Chloe. Your mother and I would like to have a word with you."

"Uh, I can't," said Chloe quickly, "I'm going with Mimi to see Belle." Before her stepfather could respond, she grabbed her coat, scarf, and Mimi and rushed out the door.

"Man," huffed Mimi, trying to keep up, "What was that all about?"

"Oh, nothing," replied Chloe, finally slowing down, as they headed across the street toward Belle's penthouse.

"Uh, listen, about yesterday…" began Mimi.

"Did you hear anything about that boy?" asked Chloe curiously.

"Uh, yeah. Hospital kept him overnight for the concussion, but he's going to be alright in a couple of weeks."

"Oh, well then," responded Chloe, who could care less about his welfare.

"Some people say he might try to sue Philip and his family," added Mimi.

Now, Chloe laughed, "That'll be a short-lived fantasy. He can go ahead and try."

Mimi tilted her head at Chloe's nonchalant attitude. "Aren't you worried just a little for Philip?"

She considered a moment. "If this Neanderthal were even close to a threat, sure I would be. But the guy has no case and Philip's father has teams of lawyers at his beckon call. They'll squash him like an insignificant bug."

Mimi's eyebrows drew together in mild dismay at Chloe's cold tone. "Aren't you even the slightest sympathetic to this guy? I mean, he had to leave in an ambulance, you know."

Chloe stopped to turn and face her. "Yes, because he deserved it. He tried to hurt you and hurt me, and Philip protected us. Excuse me, but I'll save my sympathies for people living in poverty and endangered animals."

"You know, sometimes, Chloe, you scare me," said Mimi, as they continued walking.

Chloe took a moment to think it over. "I guess I sound pretty heartless, but it's important for me to pick out the good guys from the bad guys… so I know who to trust and care about."

"I guess I got picked for a bad guy, huh?" concluded Mimi softly.

Chloe sighed, "You didn't exactly make it easy for me."

The two walked in silence for the remaining block.

Finally, Mimi spoke. "Well, listen, I just wanted to tell you… thanks. For standing up for me yesterday."

Chloe nodded, acknowledging how much it took for Mimi to say that.

They finally reached the penthouse level and rang the doorbell. The door swung open and the girls came face to face with Brady.

"Hey, Brady," said Mimi finally, who felt tense all of a sudden.

"Hello, ladies," he replied, collecting himself, before he looked at Chloe. Then, his eyes widened, and his hand reached for her face without thinking. "What happened to you?"

Chloe avoided his touch, her eyes deadpanned. "We came to see Belle."

Hand dropping to his side, his jaw clenched. "Fine." Then, he stood aside to allow them entrance. They immediately climbed the steps to Belle's room, while Brady watched their retreating backs.

Their friend sat on her bed with pom-poms in hand and a notepad in her lap, as ideas for new cheers sprang to mind.

"Hey, Belle," greeted Mimi.

She looked up and smiled in welcome. "Hey, guys," she greeted, inwardly wondering by what miracle of God brought these two peacefully together to her house. "What's up?"

Mimi stripped off her jacket and threw it over a chair. Chloe's coat soon joined hers, as the girls sat down on the carpet before their friend.

"Oh, my gosh, Chloe," gasped Belle, when her friend faced her. "What happened to you?"

Chloe and Mimi exchanged a look. Finally, Chloe said, "Why don't you explain it, Ms. Future Journalism Major?"

"I'll meet you at Phil's, ok? I gotta do something first," said Shawn, pulling on his wool cap and waterproof gloves.

"Sure, dude," answered Jason, "We'll set up the goal posts and stuff. Knowing Phil, he might run the zimboni over the ice for the hell of it." With a grin, he waved to his friend and stepped out into the sidewalk toward the Kiriakis mansion.

Shawn smiled with a lightened heart because of time spent with good friends. He turned and walked the salted sidewalk, passed quaint old houses to the cathedral. Its sharp steeple pointed mightily at the heavens. He entered the old iron gates and followed the path to the hallowed plots stretched across the rolling ground. The slabs of marble stood like sporadic teeth nestled in beds of snow. He reached a modest pure white marble tombstone, surrounded by freshly laid flowers and wreaths. Squatting, Shawn brushed the snow from his brother's etched name.

"Hey, buddy. Just thought I'd come to see you today." He plucked at carnation petals, as the tears fell. "Sure miss you. So do Mom and Dad. House is awful quiet nowadays, but it's picking up. Gram came by with cookies and donuts. Didn't let Mom get sad, when w-we put away the crib-" Shawn turned away, as if ashamed that his brother would see him weakened. "B-But," he sniffed, "You know Mom. Tough as nails, you know. She says we're gonna give your clothes to the Good Will, so you'll carry on by helping others. Yeah, that's what we're going to do." He wiped a sleeve across his eyes. "Me? I'm hanging on. Gonna play hockey today with the guys. Your bro's gonna slam a goal just for you, buddy."

A soft breeze chased dried leaves through a tree, as the sun moved gradually to shine warmly over him.

Shawn nodded, "Yeah, I'm gonna make you proud, J.T. Phil, Gram, and everybody, they've been there for me, making things clearer, ya know? Whatever happens I'm gonna make you proud. I promise." He dug into his jean pocket and pulled out his necklace. He kissed the cross and laid it atop the gravestone. "I promise, buddy."

He took a long breath and rose, when a shimmery blue butterfly landed delicately on an arrangement of white roses. It had woken weeks early from its cocoon and blissfully sampled the nectar of peculiar winter flora. Shawn watched mesmerized, as life even under the most peculiar and adverse circumstances persevered.

With grateful tears, he said, "Thanks, buddy," and turned toward the gates and life.

"Wow," sighed Belle.

Even Chloe had a silly grin on her face.

Mimi flushed from the memory. "I have to admit, he was an amazing kisser."

"So," inquired Chloe, "Does that mean that you and Jason are going out now?"

"Hell no!" answered Mimi to the surprise of her friends. "I mean, everyone knows the guy's a player. He's got a black book the size of Texas. And he's not exactly a scholar."

Belle and Chloe exchanged unconvinced looks.

"What?" blinked Mimi, "You think I actually like him or something?"

Chloe cocked a brow.

"Whatever," asserted Mimi, "Just because he's cute-"

Belle grinned.

"I mean," stammered Mimi, "He's decent looking and is a good kisser-"

"An 'amazing' kisser," corrected Chloe.

Mimi's cheeks reddened.

"And gentleman enough to walk you home now on a regular basis," added Belle, nodding with Chloe for confirmation.

"And wasn't it also revealed that the boy writes, as well?" asked Chloe with a facetious smile.

"Ooo," feigned Belle and swooned with a hand to her forehead, "Is it Jason the poet? Or novelist? Or is he… multi-talented?"

The girls burst into hysterical giggles.

With hilarious tears in her eyes, Belle stumbled to answer her bedroom door.

Brady abruptly handed her the phone. "It's for Chloe." With that, he turned to walk back downstairs.

Belle shrugged, figuring her brother was in another one of his moods. She passed the phone to Chloe.

Somewhat surprised to receive a phone call at someone else house, Chloe said, "Hello?" Her smile spread and cheeks flushed. "Hey."

Belle and Mimi smirked behind her back.

"Oh, you know, gossiping… No, boys are not all we talk about… Really?" asked Chloe. "Wait. Let me ask them." She turned to her friends and said, "Philip wants to know, if we'd like to come over to his place. Jason's dropping by, since the pond froze over, and maybe we could do a co-ed hockey game or something. What do you think?"

"Well, we know Mimi's dying to go," teased Belle, laughing when her friend jabbed her in the ribs and pointed to the phone, embarrassed. "But I'm not so good at hockey. Plus, I should finish these routines for the cheerleading competition."

"Oh, whatever, Belle," said Mimi, "That's not for another couple of months."

"And it'll be fun. Last time, Henderson joined in and passed a few pucks. With him, that'll make two teams," said Chloe.

Faced with two eager faces, Belle smiled, "Oh, ok," and prepared to act as the third wheel, twice over.