Chapter 24

Clack. Clack.

Chloe smiled and rose from her desk. On her way to the window, she locked her door, turned up the music, and laid down a small towel below the window frame. She looked down and waved in welcome. With ease from practice, he quickly climbed up the tree and into her room.

"Hey," he greeted, slightly out of breath, as she closed the window.

"Hey you." She hugged him. "Where are you coming from?"

He toed off his sneakers and placed them discreetly under the chair. His bookbag was dropped next, before he took a seat on her bed. "Played some videogames with Shawn at .Com."

She smiled, while she picked up a pillow and sat down next to him. Sometimes the best moments were when they could sit and just chat about everyday things. It never failed to amaze her how easy it was to be herself around him. "And of course, you kicked his butt."

He grinned, "Of course." He reached across to twirl a long wavy tress around his finger. "So, you'll never guess who I just ran into."

Her head tilted, considering that somewhat mixed look in his eye. "Jason?"

He kept his voice light. "Yeah. He was just leaving. Told me you invited him over for dinner."

There it was. That dull but noticeable glint in his eye. "Philip Kiriakis, you're not jealous, are you?"

"What?" he scoffed, "Of course not."

She cocked an incredulous brow.

He sighed, "Ok, maybe a little." Some things had to be said, no matter how much pride you had to swallow. "You've never invited me to dinner."

"Philip." She shook her head in exasperation. She put the pillow aside, so she could climb into his lap. Then, she kissed him. And kissed him, until he was brainless. Straining for breath, she rested her cheek against his chest.

"Wow." He ran a slightly tremulous hand down her arm. "I ought to get jealous more often." He smiled, when she pinched him in the gut.

"You're hopeless. I'm still working on Nancy and Craig. They're kind of getting the picture of… well… how much you mean to me. So, I was planning to have you over in a couple of weeks. Your friends are kind of a warm-up." She sighed, when he kissed her hair. "Besides, Jason was pretty down today from, you know, what happened with Mimi, and I thought this might cheer him up."

"So, you guys talked?" he asked, relaxed now.

"Yeah. You were right. He's taking it pretty hard. I hope things work out for both of them."

"Yeah. I hope so, too." He took an indulgent sniff of that fragrant hair.

She giggled. "Feel better now, my little caveman?"

He smiled sheepishly. "Yeah."

"Shame on you," she scolded, shaking a playful finger at him, "Thinking I had eyes for anyone else. Someday we've got to talk about this jealous streak of yours. Oh no," she laughed, when he gave her his most repentant puppy dog face. "Don't even try that, Kiriakis. You look like Merlin, when he's peed on the rug again."

Philip grimaced at the comparison, making her laugh even harder.

"What am I going to do with you?" she sighed in contentment, linking her arms around his neck.

"I think we could come up with something," he grinned with sly insinuation.

Her heart did a happy flip flop. She kissed each one of those wicked dimples, her eyes fluttering half-closed, when he ran a possessive hand down her side. Then, she moved so that she straddled him, her breathing growing erratic, as their lips fused and devoured.

The music changed to an erotic Latin beat. His hands moved to pull her flush against him, wanting to feel every curve. He took a fistful of her hair, dragging her head back to feast on her neck. "God, you drive me crazy," he said in a harsh whisper. His eyes crossed, when she nibbled on his ear. He drew her back, so he could look into her eyes. "When, Chloe?"

The hunger she saw made her heart leap. "T-This weekend… are we still going…"

He nodded and then rested his forehead against hers, waiting for his heart rate to recover.

She sighed and settled against his chest. "Philip, where are we going?"

It provided some relief to laugh. "Now, it wouldn't be a surprise, if I told you, would it?"

"Well," she began, batting her guileless lashes, "Don't you think I should get a little hint, so I'll know what to wear and what to bring? I just want to look pretty for you…"

He swore that he could feel himself sinking into those big blue eyes. Then, he shook himself and chuckled, "Nice try, but the last time I fell for that look, I ended up in a floofy costume."

"Hey," she protested, stifling a giggle, "For your information, Kiriakis, you were wearing a piece of history."

"Yeah, back in the day, when metal underwear was in."

Chloe laughed, "Well, at least you didn't have to wear Kryptonian speedos."

"Now, that was funny," he chuckled, "The guys'll live off that one for months."

"Poor Shawn," she grinned, "See how lucky you are to have me?"

He ran a loving finger along her jawline. "Yeah."

She smiled. Then, familiar scratches and whines came at her door. She rolled her eyes and huffed in bemusement. "My baby calls."

"Hey," Philip said in protest at her departure and the misplaced term of endearment.

She only had to open the door a crack, before Merlin shot putted into the room. The pup spotted Philip immediately and sprang up and down in greeting.

"Hey, Merl." Grinning at the dog's antics, he picked him up, so they were face to furry face. "Hey, buddy." Merlin barked in return. "You still trying to steal my girl or what?" His tail wagged furiously. "Alright, alright, maybe we can share her, what do you say?" Philip lay back across the bed and plopped the insanely hyperactive Merlin on his chest. "Now, what do we do to bad guys?" The puppy's tongue lolled out of his mouth. "Pitiful, man. You gotta grrrrrr. Come on, grrrrrr."

"Philip," laughed Chloe, "We're not promoting violence in this house."

Paying her no mind, Philip flashed his canine teeth and then stretched back the dog's lips to reveal the baby fangs. "Grrrrrr. You gotta sic 'em!" Merlin barked in agreement. "That's right. You gotta be an animal."

Chloe laughed and kept the obvious comment to herself.

"No mercy. Grrrrrr. Grrrrrr. And what do we do, when another guy hits on our girl? That's right. Piss on his shoes. Good boy." He gave his ole pal Merl a light nuggie.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Chloe rolled her eyes in amusement. "Men."

"We are invincible!" Jason collided his chest with Phil's in ferocious victory. "Yeah!"

Shawn grinned, "Ever hear of this thing called humility, Jase?"

His friend laughed, raised his hockey stick high, and howled.

Their teammates chuckled and gathered their gear.

"Later, dudes," waved Phil, as everyone dispersed.

This would be one of their last pick-up games, before spring glided into Salem. The air was still chilly, but there was no denying the approaching season of rebirth. Already the trees and perennials were budding, while squirrels and other animals scurried out of hibernation to refill their emaciated bellies. Soon, the ice over the pond would melt just in time for the annual model boat races in the park.

Shawn's stomach growled. "Ok, who's up for a burger?"

"Cool," replied Jason, picking up the extra puck.

Phil gave a cavalier shrug.

With that, the three headed out of the park toward the Brady Pub.

Cheeks flushed from the good mood, Jason chatted with his friends about the upcoming baseball season. "None of those girly pitches this year. Got it, Shawn?" he joked.

His buddy gave him a good-natured punch in the arm. "And no striking out in the first freaking inning. Got it, Jase?" he grinned. "Or else, Phil here's gonna pop an artery."

Wearing the confident title of captain easily, Phil smoothed back his hair then readjusted his bookbag securely on his shoulder. "The championship's in the bag this season, dudes."

"Whatever you say, your Cockiness." With a sly grin, Shawn swung open the window-paned oak doors to the Pub. He and his friends had settled into a roomy booth, when Shawn's grandmother reached the table.

"Hello, boys," she smiled, "Where is this handsome trio coming from?"

"Hi, Grandma." Shawn greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Just finished some hockey. Could smell those famous burgers all the way from the park," he winked.

"Well, we don't disappoint. We'll serve them right up."

"Oh, it's ok, Grandma. I'll get them." Shawn stood and followed her back into the kitchen.

"So, Phil," began Jason, who smiled, when a pretty waitress brought three tall glasses of soda, "Did that rock throwing thing work the other night? You talk to Chloe?"

Philip took a big gulp from his glass. "Yeah."

Jason's brows rose, when his friend left it at that. "Uh, you're not like really pissed at me, are you? I swear, I just had some dinner. If you want, I won't go over there again."

Phil held up his hand and shook his head. "Naw, naw, man. It's ok. I mean, seriously it's good that you and her are finally getting along. I just gotta get used to the idea."

Jason looked his friend straight in the eye. "You know me, man. You've got nothing to worry about. I know, how you and Chloe are and… it's awesome. I mean, I was sitting over in the field feeling sorry for myself and she came over and talked to me."

"Yeah, buddy. She told me. I'm glad you finally talked to someone about it."

"Yeah," he replied somewhat absently, while he fingered the condensation on his glass. "It's better now. I hear Mimi's doing alright now, too." His eyes were wide, as he took a slow sip.

"Have you talked to her yet?"

"Naw. Just been giving her space, you know?" He gave an awkward shrug. "Just been giving myself some space, I guess. Sort all of this out."

"We're all rooting for you guys, man. I mean-" Philip quickly amended, when Jason threw him a look, "So, you guys can sort things out and move on."

Jason shrugged again. "So, what's the deal with the rock throwing thing? You throw the rock and she comes outside to talk or what?"

Philip's lips pursed at this uncomfortable change of subject. "Uh…"

"Or you throw the rock and she shouts from her window. It ain't that bad, is it?"

"Look, Jase-"

Jason took in that rare Kiriakis chagrin and leaned in. "I mean, have you even seen the inside of her room yet, K-Man? Because that'd just be sad-"

"Look, man, I have, ok?" interjected Philip in defense of his manly achievements. Then, his eyes flew furtively to and fro, wondering how big of a can of worms he'd just opened. He took a long, nervous drink from his glass.

Jason tilted his head and tried to read his friend's expression. "So, you guys do it yet or what?"

Philip choked on his soda. Coughing uncontrollably, he grabbed a napkin and covered his mouth.

"Damn," exclaimed Jason, "What'd I say?"

"Three Brady Burger Specials," announced Shawn with three heaping plates balanced across his arms. "Whoa, Phil. You alright, buddy?" Concerned, he cautiously set down the plates, strategically out of hacking range.

His face reddening, Phil waved his free hand, trying to convey that all was well.

Jason shrugged and reached for the ketchup.

After they scarfed down their burgers and fries and stuck to safer topics of conversation, such as sports and "the Sopranos," the boys headed over to .Com to check out the newest music and videogames. They'd just honed in on an open booth, when Philip caught sight of a head of distinctively long hair under a headset with that curvaceous body swaying to some private rhythm. He grunted to his fellows, before he approached her from behind. She was humming something romantic and intense. So, he slipped his arms around her and kissed her neck.

She jumped a bit, before she realized who he was. Turning in his arms, she slipped off the headphones and smiled. "Hello."

"Hey, beautiful. Fancy meeting you here."

Chloe reached up to tuck away that rebellious lock of hair, which habitually fell on his forehead. He'd need a haircut soon. "I'm hanging out with the girls, listening to music."

"The girls? Belle and Mimi are here, too?"

"Yeah. They're somewhere around here. I think there was some cute cashier they wanted to flirt with. How about you? Where are you coming from?"

"We played some hockey and had some dinner. Shawn and Jason heard 'Everclear' came out with a new CD. Came to check it out."

"Ah." With a cocked eyebrow, she placed her hands on his chest, when he leaned in for a treacherous kiss. "Philip…"

"Hey, I get to be your cashier dude," he grinned devilishly, before he pulled her in for a kiss.

She giggled, "This definitely gives new meaning to customer service."

With fingers warmly interlocked, they walked over to see what their friends were up to. They found them in a booth, in which Belle and Mimi sat on one side and Shawn and Jason sat on the other. By all appearances, all was normal, though Jason and Mimi never directly addressed each other. Philip and Chloe exchanged a look, before they each joined their respective genders.

"So, yeah," continued Belle, "I got my first acceptance letter today."

"Wow. Congratulations, Belle," said Philip, "From which school?"

"UCLA. California!" she squealed, "Sun, beaches, and movie stars!"

Chloe smiled, imagining eternally perky Belle fitting right in there. She was happy for her friend and for all of them. It was finally happening. The next stage of their lives was on the horizon. She watched, as Shawn gave his girlfriend an encouraging smile.

"So, I guess it all starts now, huh?" said Mimi, "In just a couple months, we'll graduate and by then, we'll know where we'll be going. Or staying, whatever the case may be."

"Yeah, this is so exciting," exclaimed Belle.

But the rest of the table was somewhat at a loss. How many times had they sat together like this and talked about their hopes and dreams? How many more times would they have?

Jason inwardly shrugged. Aw, what the hell. It's not like he had much say in his future anyway. His dad wanted Notre Dame and what his dad wanted, he usually got. So, what did it matter? He'd take life, as it came.

Mimi watched Belle, while the queen of optimism went on and on about how wonderful this whole experience would be for all of them. Blah blah blah. Of course, it'll be wonderful. For her. But what would Mimi do without her friends to always believe in her?

Shawn fixed an easy smile to his face. It's going to alright. No matter where each of them ended up, they'd all make it. He'd make it. Now, what if Belle really went to California? Well, then, they'd work it out. Somehow.

Philip looked across the table at Belle, then to Mimi, and then to Chloe. Chloe, who shared a smile with Belle. Chloe. She was definitely going to New York. There was no doubt about that. He looked down at his hands. What if he didn't make into Columbia or Princeton? What would he do then? His eyebrows drew together, as he stole another glance at the girl he loved and the girl he was quite sure now that he couldn't live without. He looked up, when someone's foot bumped into his. Chloe smiled at him and reached across the table to squeeze his hands. Looking at those blue eyes, he asked himself again. What ever would he do?

"It's getting kind of late," announced Mimi, a while later, "I've got some homework to finish up."

"Sure, Meems," said Belle.

Chloe scooted off the seat to let her out.

Mimi picked her backpack off the floor and slung it over her shoulder. She gave a wave in farewell and took two steps, before she hesitated and turned back to the table. "Jason…"

The table turned utterly silent. Everyone looked from Mimi to Jason and back again. Meanwhile, Jason's smile faded in shock.

"Uh," Mimi hesitated again but was encouraged, when Chloe nodded in her direction, "Would you mind walking me home?"

Belle and Chloe gave her slow but proud smiles, while Jason's eyes widened to saucers.

Jason didn't notice the furtive looks from his comrades. It seemed like an eon, before he found his voice. "Uh," he cleared his suddenly weak throat, "Sure. I mean, yeah. Of course." His buddies scrambled out of the booth to let him out. He couldn't quite look anyone in the eye, as he shrugged on his coat and picked up his gear. "Uh, ready?"

Mimi looked back to her friends, whose eyes flashed looks of hope and support. "See you guys, later." Which translated to "Call you later" for her girlfriends.

"Yeah," replied her friends, "See ya."

Mimi took a breath, before she turned around to head out with a quiet Jason following behind.

"Oh, boy," said Shawn.