Chapter 36 - Do not go gentle, Part V

"I still can't believe this all happened."

Jason glanced over at Mimi, who'd broken their established silence since leaving the hospital. Philip had left to check on his girl, and in his absence his friends tried to lighten the mood. But remnants of that horrifying day hung over them like an oppressive nimbus. Over a day had passed, and they still weren't over the shock. They didn't think they'd ever be.

No one would ever look at life in quite the same way again. Shawn and Chloe were living reminders of that day. Thus, that presumptuous teenage notion that they were indestructibly immortal seemed tearfully absurd, when they'd all been a hair's breath away from death. Suddenly, life was so precarious and fragile. Precious. One bittersweet benefit of trauma was that it illuminated blessings. They were all alive and they had each other. Together, they'd see one another through this ordeal and come away stronger and wiser.

What was that saying? That which did not kill us made us stronger? Well, they'd put the well-quoted adage to the test.

"So, how're your parents taking this whole thing?" asked Mimi, needing to fill the silence. To talk to someone. To heal.

Jason looked away and then gave a jerky shrug. "Oh, you know…" When her eyebrows rose, requesting further elaboration, he sighed. "They're taking it, like everyone else, I guess."

She looked out in front of them, appreciating the passing scent of honeysuckle. "I came downstairs this morning for breakfast and there's my mom in the kitchen, crying her eyes out. She'd dragged out all our old photo albums… baby pictures, you know?" When he grunted that he did, she continued, "I guess we're all lucky… I don't know what would've happened, if she… if Chloe hadn't said something."

Mimi could still remember, cowering on the floor. Someone - Jason - holding her hands, trying to comfort her, as one body after another fell in pools of blood. Then, the shooter - Andrew - ordered Jason to face him. She remembered. Her body had gone ice cold, as his hands slipped from hers, his eyes wide, his pupils shrunken in fear. But he'd turned and faced Andrew. A chill shivering down her spine, Mimi hugged herself at the memory. She couldn't have done that - turned and faced him. She would have cried and pleaded for her life. Instead, Jason looked into that gun barrel and…

"Hey," said Jason, noticing her pallor. He took her gently by the arms and ducked his head to see her eyes. "You alright?"

She averted her gaze and bopped her head in the affirmative.

Going with instinct, he ran his hands gently up and down her arms and hoped she wouldn't cry. Chicks crying. Now, that was unbearable. It didn't matter, if they were happy tears or whatever girls preferred to call them. Crying was crying, and it always made him feel like sludge.

When she hiccupped a bit and turned away to continue their walk to her house, he could've cursed. He simply wasn't equipped for this. He wasn't darling Shawn, who always knew the right thing to say and do, when it came to… everyone. And he wasn't smooth Philip, who just flashed a smile and wink and made girls forget about… everything. He was just Jason - you know, Philip-Kiriakis-wannabe.

He sighed at himself and lengthened his stride to catch up with her. She's like any other chick, right, Jase? Yeah, that's it, he told himself. Tell her what you tell other chicks and that should work. That should make her feel better. After all, with Philip and Shawn off the market, he'd been bumped up to Salem High's best catch by default. He should have enough experience with chicks by now to suit the situation.

Then, why, he wondered with frustration, did everything come out wrong, when he was around her? Why did he always feel so awkward and foolish? Because, he frowned, he wasn't Shawn Brady or Philip Kiriakis.

Fuck. Say something, man, he berated himself. He looked back over at Mimi, who had apparently collected herself and now let her fingers glide over blossoming bushes, as she walked by them. The moment had passed and he still didn't really know what to say. He shook his head.

They'd already reached the Lockhart walkway.

He found his voice and began, "Listen, Mimi-"

"Mimi!"

Mimi turned to see her mother, running out of the house, waving a thick manila packet. "Mom?"

Slightly winded, her mother reached the pair and handed out the packet to her daughter. "Oh, sweetie, it's from Salem University!"

Mimi's mouth dropped, eyes wide. Finally, she took it and tore across the sealed flap. Her eyes closed, giving herself a moment, before she reached in and drew out the first sheet of paper and allowed herself to read.

Her mother waited a beat, jittering in her shoes, and then asked, "Well?"

Mimi looked up and replied weakly, "I got in." She turned from her mom to Jason and back to her mom. And screamed in joy, "I got in!" and leapt into her mother's arms.

Mother and daughter jumped up and down in a jubilant hug. "Oh, sweetie…" said her mother, who pulled back to lovingly tuck that unruly chestnut brown hair behind her daughter's ear. "I'm so proud of you. Oh! We have to tell your father!" She gave Mimi a quick kiss on the cheek and rushed back inside to call her husband.

Mimi's eyes filled with happy tears. For the first time in days, in weeks really, she was genuinely happy. So, now she was giddy with it. She laughed and then turned around and gave Jason a bone-crushing hug.

His eyes bulged in surprise, before his brain recovered enough to bring up his arms to return the embrace. "Congratulations, Mimi."

She laughed again. "I can't believe it. I didn't think I'd get in. I mean, I thought I'd end up mooching off my parents, while everybody else went off to all these exciting places… Wait," she giggled, "I guess, if I really do go to Salem U., I'd still be mooching off my parents." She laughed at herself. A school wanted her. Someone actually wanted her. She closed her eyes to seal the moment.

A moment later, she realized that she was still plastered to Jason, her cheek burrowing against his chest. Funny. She swore that she smelled the faded scent of leather. Flushed in embarrassment, she finally managed to pull away. Her nervous hands unconsciously smoothed down her hair, while she chewed on her bottom lip. "Uh, sorry. I guess I-I got kinda excited." Doh, she inwardly cursed. She couldn't believe she just said that. Real eloquent, future journalism major.

Jason's voice had a smile in it. "Uh, yeah, I kinda got that." Before he could think about it, he tucked a teasing tress behind her ear. Then, he abruptly pulled back his hand and cleared his throat. "That's awesome, Meems. You know, with college and everything."

"Yeah," she replied dumbly, her articulacy obviously improving by leaps and bounds.

Her mother poked out her head from the doorway. "Mimi! Your father's on the phone for you," she grinned, waving for her to come into the house.

Mimi gave a smile to her mom, before she turned to Jason. "I guess I'd better go."

"Yeah," he replied, "See ya."

Not really knowing what else to say or do, she gave a timid wave, before she went inside.

Jason sighed and started the walk home.

"Yeah, Mom," Philip rolled his eyes heavenward. Meanwhile, his mother's voice babbled away on his cell phone. "Alright, alright… fine." He curtly clicked off the miniscule phone and shoved it back into his pant pocket. All his life, he'd been given free reign, coming and going as he pleased. Mainly because his parents were usually too busy to keep track of him or really care for that matter. Now, out of the blue, his parents had not a business trip for the remainder of this week and wanted him home, before it got too late. He sighed. Someday, things would get back to normal.

He turned and slipped both arms around Chloe, who held her teddy bear in her lap. He remembered that he'd won the somewhat lopsided bear for her at the amusement park. Originally, he'd planned to impress her with making hoops, pitching, or even clobbering gophers, but her eyes cooed, when she'd seen the plush bear with sandy brown fur and blue eyes. Like any dutiful boyfriend and despite Chloe's comments about rigged games and such, he vowed that what his girl wanted his girl would get. And so he'd prowled about the stand, strategized, and basically figured it'd be easy as pie. It'd taken him over an hour and about forty bucks, but he finally got the cursed red ring around the bottleneck.

He'd had a good mind to strangle the booth-man for fraud, but Chloe had jumped into his arms and kissed him, even before they were presented with the prize. He looked down at the bear now, its fur and body softened by love.

He nuzzled her neck. "I gotta go soon, beautiful. My mom wants me to come home for dinner." He looked over at the empty trays sitting on her desk and smiled. "I guess I could stomach dinner number two. Besides, I'm in training, right? Gotta stock up on those proteins and carbs. Gotta look good for my prettiest fan."

She rested her forehead against his neck and curled up against his chest.

Philip kissed her hair. For the last few hours, little by little she'd grown more responsive, particularly when he touched her or talked to her. She seemed to retreat again, when her mother and Craig arrived with food trays for the two, but they hadn't stayed long. Craig simply smiled at his stepdaughter and then exchanged a somewhat knowing nod with Philip, before Craig led Nancy out of the room. Earlier, Mrs. Wesley had said nothing, when she'd retrieved the lunch tray, but obviously they realized that Philip had somehow gotten Chloe to eat. So, they'd brought the extra portion of food, as a thank you and a peace offering. And this time, Chloe had eaten her plate clean, while Philip fed her and ate from his plate, as well. He'd never quite imagined his first dinner at the Wesleys like this, but he wasn't complaining. Chloe was slowly coming back to him.

A soft knock came to the door, before Craig popped in with his brows high. "Philip. I believe your driver is here to pick you up."

Philip sighed. His parents actually sent Sebastian. Unbelievable. "Thanks, Dr. Wesley."

He nodded and departed to let Philip say good night.

Philip turned back to Chloe and raised her chin to kiss her gently on the lips. "I'll see you later, ok?"

His hands prepared to pull away, when a hand slowly reached out to clasp his wrist. Heart quaking, he looked up to meet those big blue eyes, so clear and expressive for the first time in days.

"Chloe?" he whispered.

She blinked, her eyes filling. "Don't go," she whispered weakly.

"Oh, baby," he choked, as his hand trembled and lovingly cupped her cheek. "Y-You know, I'm not going anywhere." Then, the emotions were simply too much for him to bear. He pulled her into his arms and rocked. "I love you so much." The tears ran heedlessly down his face.

She'd spoken. For the first time in nearly two days, she'd spoken. His Chloe was coming back to him. He sniffed and pulled back. Then, the tears threatened again, when her slender fingers reached out to trace his face. Gently, he captured that hand to raise it to his lips.

He drummed up a smile for his beloved. "I'll be right back. Our secret slumber party, remember?" He brought her hand back to his cheek, savoring the warmth. "We'll wait 'til your folks are asleep and then I'll be by the window, ok?"

Her eyes fluttered, and then she finally nodded.

Philip pulled her back into his arms and closed his eyes. How hard it would be to let her go, even for an hour or so. Someday… Someday, they wouldn't have to sneak around anymore. They'd just laugh, recalling their tree and their window.

From behind the front doorway, Nancy watched Philip Kiriakis take one last look at the upstairs window, before slipping into the shiny black limo and gliding off. She sighed. At lunch, Craig had returned from checking on Chloe and reported that Philip coaxed their daughter into finishing her soup. Then, Craig suggested bringing the couple dinner and hypothesized that Philip would get her to have dinner, as well. And when Craig went to inform Philip of the arrival of the limo, Chloe's loving stepfather noticed that both food trays were clear. Nancy and her husband had hugged each other in relief.

That boy was a spoiled little snot, but he'd somehow gotten their little girl to eat. For that, she was grateful. For now, she'd look a little more kindly toward him. For now.

Nonetheless, it was still a painful pill to swallow that Philip, Belle, and Mimi held a greater, more intimate connection with Chloe than Nancy did. Their visits were making the difference. Sure, teenage daughters were known to be particularly difficult with their mothers, but Nancy had a feeling that Chloe's distrust of her was more than a phase. Nancy's breath hitched in sadness, before she calmed herself.

All that mattered was Chloe and her recovery. Nancy would do the few but important things that she could do. Be there for her. Provide a safe and loving home, which her daughter could grow to depend on. And make herself available, if and/or when Chloe decided to allow her mother into her life.

Taking another breath, Nancy climbed up the stairs to check on her daughter and to collect the dirty dishes. She almost tripped on the last step, when she heard music. Coming from her daughter's room. Her trembling hand lay over her heart, as she stepped closer and pressed her ear against the door. Opera music… Verdi's "Aida," if she was not mistaken. Chloe was listening to her music. For the first time, since…

Her hands came to cover her mouth. Her baby was coming back to her. Her hand reached instantly for the doorknob. And then, she pulled away.

She was to make herself available, not intrude on what was her daughter's very private and very healing time. The music had always been there for Chloe, when Nancy wasn't. For now, Nancy would let Chloe find her way back from the abyss on her own terms. Like Chloe had done before, over and over. Without her mother.

Nancy backed away from the door. Craig. She needed to talk to him. She needed his comfort. She sniffed and headed toward the master bedroom.

Later, on her bed next to her, with one hand supporting his head and the other running through Chloe's hair, Philip listened to the finale of "Aida." He smiled. He remembered how happy she was that night, enraptured in the music and the story of star-crossed love. "Not bad," he commented, while a sleepy Chloe cuddled against him, "Almost as good as the Met, right? But you know what?" He kissed her brow. "I'd rather hear you sing it."

She smiled and let her eyes close, feeling safe with his familiar scent and voice.

The stereo changed cds and the heartthrobs of 98º crooned a bluesy love song.

He pulled up the blanket and tucked them both in, when eager scratches and whines came at the door. Her eyes cracked open, but Philip whispered, "Don't worry. I'll get him."

He brought his sock-clad feet to the floor and carefully trod over to answer the door. Hopefully, Dr. and Mrs. Wesley wouldn't wake to investigate what the puppy was up to. Philip cracked the door open and vibrating Merlin squirmed in. When the pup saw Philip, he let out a yip in greeting.

Philip quickly picked him up and calmed him. "Shhh, little buddy."

Merlin quieted, while Philip scratched him behind the ears, sending him into canine euphoria. Philip climbed back into bed with the puppy in his arms. "Look, beautiful. Look who came to visit."

Merlin crawled over to Chloe and happily licked her face.

She giggled. "Hey," she said softly, reaching out to stroke her puppy.

"Now, you've got two of us watching over you," Philip grinned, "Um, he's got bladder control, right? He's not gonna wake us up, needing to pee, is he?"

She sleepily smiled. "No," she replied, stroking that baby soft fur, "He's a good dog." And watched her puppy snuggle into his favorite place - her boobs.

Philip cocked a brow, "Merl, I don't appreciate you, feeling up my girl."

Eyes drooping, Chloe laughed and leaned over for a kiss. And then another, before tracing that chiseled jawline. "Good night, Philip."

Dimples flashing, he pulled her and thus the puppy closer. "Night, beautiful."

The next morning, Hope added another stack of pancakes onto her son's plate. Shawn D. promptly dove into his second helping. This was heaven after a day of what masqueraded as food at the hospital. "This is so great, Mom," he managed with his mouth full of pancake, syrup, and eggs.

His mother smiled, and giving into maternal urge, she ran a doting hand over his hair, mindful of his bandages. "Thanks, honey. Now, eat up."

Shawn happily obliged.

His father shrugged at Bottomless Pit, Jr. and started on his third helping. When his wife cocked a regal brow at him, he retorted, "I know, I know. I'm gonna burn it off, working on the boat today." To that, he raised his glass of orange juice in deference.

Hope shook her head, but laughed nevertheless. Shawn Douglas had inherited his father's rapid metabolism, thus burned fat with his grin alone. However, Bo no longer had youth on his side and was instructed by his doctor to watch his cholesterol and blood pressure. Hope would see to it that they both lived to play with their grandchildren. She already reduced butter and other fats to a minimum and made sure every meal was balanced with leafy green vegetables. They also tried to sail, bike, or jog together every weekend. Not only was it healthy, but also irresistibly romantic, when it was just husband and wife. After all, some things remarkably never changed.

Hope had just sat down with her own first helping, when a knock sounded on the backdoor. The family looked up from their meal and peered across the kitchen out the window.

With fork and knife still in hand, Shawn grinned. "Come on in, Jase!"

Jason stepped into the kitchen. "Hey, Shawn. Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Brady."

"Good morning, Jason. If you want, I can fix you a plate," offered Hope, who already rose from her chair to prepare another plate. Shawn's friend was a regular visitor at the Brady house. The boy was courteous and sweet, but Hope sensed trouble at home.

Smiling, Jason shrugged. "Sure. I'm always up for good food." He pulled up his usual chair and plopped down next to his friend. "What're you doing later, man?"

Shawn took a gulp of his orange juice to wash down his breakfast. "Thought I'd drop by Chloe's and see how she is. Maybe call Belle. See if she can come, too."

"Thanks, Mrs. Brady," said Jason, when Shawn's mother set down a mountainous helping before him.

Mrs. Brady smiled and returned to her own breakfast. "Chloe. How is she?" she asked, thinking of the girl, who often practiced music with her son. Hope had heard from the news and other parents of what happened to the children that day. She'd heard that poor Chloe had been right next to the boy… when he shot himself.

Shawn and Jason looked at each other, their normally ferocious appetite suddenly waning. "I don't know, Mom," Shawn replied finally, "She's been through a lot." He thought of the timid girl, who arrived in Salem, wrapped in dark baggy clothing and thick black glasses. And the girl that Chloe was now. "But Chloe… She's tough," he assured the table and himself, "She's gonna be ok."

"Oh, hello. You must be Miss Chloe's mother. Permit me, my name is Henderson," he extended a formal hand across the threshold, "I butler for the Kiriakis family. And you might remember Sebastian," he indicated to the tall silent man in uniform behind him, "Our driver."

Nancy hesitated before the unexpected visitors. "Uh, hello." Was Philip Kiriakis now too busy to call upon her daughter? Instead, he sent his servants?

Sensing the mother's discomfort, Henderson said mildly, "Please, forgive us for taking your time. We simply wanted to wish Miss Chloe a speedy recovery and hope that she'll come visit us again very soon." He held out a tall, colorful gift basket with an arrangement of fruits, crackers, and jams. Cook and Marie had put their heads together to design an elegant yet edible present. Then, Henderson stepped aside, so that Sebastian could present an oversized bag. Inside, Cook had packed his best pastries and his newest vegetarian creations.

Nancy gasped, as the driver bent humbly at the waist and backed away, so that Henderson could speak again.

"She's a very sweet girl and the Kiriakis household misses her dearly. You see, she often helps me in the gardens and chats with Sebastian." Nancy understandably blinked at the seemingly quiet and expressionless driver. "Please relay our tidings to her." Since Chloe's mother seemed unable to respond, Henderson thought it best to cut their visit short. They had hoped to see dear Miss Chloe for themselves. However, obviously the girl's mother was uncomfortable with surprise guests. "Thank you, Mrs. Wesley, and good day."

With that, the two servants walked back to the limousine, which started with a hum and glided up the hill toward the Kiriakis mansion.

Meanwhile, Nancy stood gaping in the doorway. First at the gift basket. Then at the overflowing bag of food. She knew that her daughter spent a lot of time with Philip, but she'd had no idea…

Misty-eyed, Nancy set the gift basket on the table in the foyer, before she went back to pick up the surprisingly heavy bag of food. Huffing a bit from exertion, she finally was able to close the door. When she regained her breath, she decided that she'd take the gift basket up first. Later, she'd arrange a sample of the food on a tray and hopefully inspire Chloe to eat a bit. It would make Chloe so happy to know how loved she was.

So, she picked up the tall, shiny gift basket and climbed the steps to Chloe's room. After setting it down on a hall table, she knocked on her daughter's door. "Chloe? Honey? Something just came for you." Nancy had checked on her earlier this morning, sleeping again with the window open. Perhaps, she was still sleeping or she could be awake, but… Nancy took a breath. Hopefully, this would bring a long absent smile to her daughter's face. She waited then knocked again. Finally, she picked up the basket and let herself into Chloe's room. "Chloe," she began with a gleaming smile, "You'll never believe…"

Her daughter's bed was empty. She looked around the room.

"Chloe?" After setting the heavy basket on the desk, Nancy walked to the private bathroom, but Chloe wasn't there either. "Oh God…" She bolted out of the room to call Craig. And the police. Fearing the worst.