On any ordinary Saturday afternoon, watching the clusters of clouds skim across the sky�s stretch while lazily lounging within bed seemed a logical solution to soothing a conflicted mind. But today was no ordinary day. The events leading up to this particular Saturday had inexplicably derailed Chloe�s sense of center, leaving her precariously off-kilter throughout the week, both mentally and emotionally. Thus, even now, as Chloe nestled deeper into her quilted comforter amid a sea of pillows, she remained incapable of attaining the innate solace the warmth usually afforded her.

All light systematically banned from the premises, her room was currently shrouded in darkness to fit her similarly darkened spirits. Chloe curled up onto her side, propping a pillow comfortably beneath her head. The harsh words that had passed between she and Philip days before still lingered, haunting her every thought. Although, as angry and as hurt as Philip�s role within their passionate quarrel had made her, she�d eventually come to lay fault where it was due�at her own feet. After all, it was she who had initiated the hateful spree in the first place.

And yet, her irrational behavior remained as much a mystery to Chloe herself as if had formerly been to Philip�Why in the world had she lashed out at the ONE person who had EVER defended her, anyway? Chloe shook her head dolefully, and why couldn�t she ever just act �normal� for once in her life?

However, beyond the heated confrontation itself, festered yet another source of neverending agitation�Philip and Kelly�kissing. Hell, what was it about that image that had since disturbed her so? The indelible vision had perpetually seeped into her subconscious, relentlessly plaguing her dreams or nightmares, as it were, on a continuous basis. And, even then, Chloe couldn�t refrain from momentarily speculating about Philip�s present whereabouts and just who his company might be�

A persistent knock on Chloe�s bedroom door brutally invaded her ponderings within moments of the initial impact. �Come in,� Chloe sighed heavily, gradually emerging from her self-induced fog only to discover an even bleaker reality.

****

�Philip!� a high-pitched voice chimed.

Philip reluctantly glanced over his right shoulder at the sound of his name, catching a split-second glimpse of an eager Belle Black bouncing over toward his booth with her trusty side-kick, Shawn Brady, nipping at her heels. Great, this is just what I need, he thought sarcastically, unconsciously clenching his teeth.

Approaching an oddly subdued Philip, Shawn eyed his friend critically, �What�s up, man? I thought you were too good for the Brady Pub�Isn�t DotCom more your scene?� Suspicious, he raised a brow at the lack of a forthcoming retort from the usually obnoxious, usually outspoken Philip Kiriakis. Shawn cracked a small smile meant to cajole. �And, hey, where are your groupies?� he proceeded to joke as he exaggeratedly scanned the Pub, hoping Philip would instinctively rise to the challenge.

To his surprise and mild disappointment, Philip merely shrugged, �I just felt like being alone today, that�s all. Is that alright with you?�

Belle spontaneously plopped down opposite Philip, purposely ignoring the subtle hint he had just dropped, prompting Shawn to imitate her actions and similarly collapse beside the irrepressible blond.

�Gosh, there must be something in the water, huh? First Chloe and now you,� Belle offered lightheartedly as she dutifully slipped out of her suede coat and let her purse fall to the table.

Philip�s ears pricked up instantaneously at the mention of HER name. He deliberately leant forward, his piercing gaze intensifying all the while in interest. �What about Chloe?� he finally asked, his curiosity piqued beyond recognition.

�Oh, nothing, really. It�s just that Chloe jumped down my throat for the slightest thing yesterday�and that�s SO not like her. I don�t know, I guess I just got the feeling that something�s up with her. And now today you�re acting all weird and mood. Like I said, it�s got to be the water,� Belle finished as she casually motioned the waitress over, oblivious to the sudden atmospheric shift that had taken place in response to her innocent observation.

�Yeah, it�s gotta be the water,� echoed Shawn with a furtive smirk, his voice conversely laced with sarcasm. Chloe was upset�and now, Philip was upset. Hmmm�a coincidence? Doubtful, very doubtful, Shawn concluded, stroking his chin absentmindedly, as he peered intently over at Philip who had seemingly plunged back into the depths of his previous stupor, obviously stewing in his �hydrous� toxins.

****

At the weak, almost dejected tone that accompanied her daughter�s invitation, Nancy had practically fluttered into the room within a heartbeat only to shuffle uneasily and look on helplessly when Chloe failed to acknowledge her presence as she was pointedly turned away toward the window, seeking out the heaven�s foreboding hue once more. At that moment, the speckled skies were a welcome retreat from the glaring realization of the impending onslaught of questions she would soon be forced to endure.

Nancy hesitantly edged toward the bed, resisting the maternal impulse to reach out and smooth back the tangled strands of hair that were currently splayed across the pillow, veiling Chloe�s gaunt, expressionless face. Hovering over her daughter�s lithe frame, Nancy�s impatience got the best of her. �Chloe, honey, are you alright?� she drawled in her sweetest twang, wringing her hands out of nervous habit.

Chloe inwardly cringed. Damn her�Why couldn�t Nancy ever just leave her alone? Reluctant to meet her mother�s demanding gaze, she remained on her side, but replied easily enough, �Why wouldn�t I be alright?�

�It�s 5:00 on a Saturday afternoon and you�re still in bed��

�I�m not STILL in bed! I woke up at dawn and came down to breakfast, didn�t I? And, I�m fully dressed�It�s not like I�m still in my pajamas or anything,� Chloe interrupted, rising defiantly from beneath her flannel covers to reveal her clothed body.

Nancy regarded her displayed garb with disdain. But forced a smile when her scheming mind prevailed. �So, have you talked to Belle today? Maybe you two could jet down to Salem Place and do a little shopping.�

Chloe�s eyes narrowed to slits at her mother�s sly maneuvering tactic. �In case you�ve missed it, Nancy, I�m not exactly a shopaholic,� she paused and then her lips quirked mischievously, ��besides, I�ve got all the black I need.�

�I know but, sweetheart, if you ever just gave it a chance you might actually find a world of colors you�d like infinitely better than�black,� Nancy wheedled, her nose wrinkling in disgust at Chloe�s primary color of choice.

Chloe�s unbidden rage spewed forth, claiming her senses in a fierce grip, as her mother�s words mercilessly conjured up those from Philip in their last wrenching encounter. �Would you just back off, Nancy? I told you before and I�ll tell you again, this is MY life and I�ll live it the way that I see fit. I won�t let you or Ph�well, anyone else dictate what I should or shouldn�t be doing,� she growled, her calm rationality fading, but thankfully still coherent enough to stop her from blurting out HIS name in her foolish rashness. Attempting to lower her voice to a more appropriate level, Chloe continued, �And, furthermore, I don�t need to hang out with Belle 24/7 just to prove my sanity. I�m perfectly fine all by myself.�

�Chloe�it�s just that I worry about you, dear. It�s not healthy to be isolating yourself this way, acting so anti-social. I mean, I know when I was a teenager�� Nancy got a faraway glint in her eye, but was cut off mid-sentence by Chloe�s sharp tongue.

�Spare me the �heartfelt� anecdote�I�m FINE! Now would you please leave. I�d really like some peace and quiet,� Chloe stated coldly, her jaw jutting out in determination.

Nancy�s composure thoroughly shattered, she refused to be shut out of her daughter�s life yet again. �No, I will NOT leave you alone. Chloe, you�ve been walking around here like a zombie these past few days and I�m not going to leave this room until you tell me what�s going on!� Nancy boldly announced, her arms flailing wildly and facial expression twitching animatedly, ultimately betraying the intense frustration, exasperation, but most of all heavy heart that forever sunk her spirits where Chloe was concerned.

�Fine, I�ll leave then!� Chloe stubbornly leapt from her bed, slipped her tennis shoes on, and flounced out of the bedroom past her flustered mother who was now infuriated beyond words.

�Chloe Lane, where do you think you�re going?� Nancy rushed to the top of the stairwell, hollering after her departing daughter.

�OUT!� Chloe responded tartly, stalking out the front door, sure that the destination she had in mind would be free of all hassling mothers AND hateful boys.

****

Once Belle was safely out of earshot, easily chatting with his beloved grandparents, the interrogation commenced.

Munching on a fry, Shawn leant back in his seat and stared across at Philip with a considering eye until his friend intuitively looked up and met his burning gaze, almost as if daring him to speak. However, Shawn Brady was never one to be deterred. He gave a crooked grin that bordered on the wicked, �So, correct me if I�m wrong, Phil ole pal, but I thought you were interested in a certain perky cheerleader, the same perky cheerleader that you just happened to totally blow off. I mean, wasn�t it just this last summer that I could barely drag you away from the girl�s side? And, now all of a sudden��

�All of a sudden, what?� Philip prompted him, his body instinctively tensing in defense.

�Oh, give me a break, Philip! You know very well what I�m implying here. Ever since school started back up again, you�ve been acting as though you couldn�t care less about your blue-eyed, blond-haired counterpart. In fact, you�ve hardly spoken one word to Belle, much less cast a second glance in her direction all quarter�So, of course, that leads me to wonder just WHO it is that has suddenly captured your undivided attention. Gee, who could the mystery girl possibly be?� Shawn teased, raising his index finger to his forehead in deep �contemplation.�

Philip�s blazing eyes darted down to his white-knuckled hands that were practically gripping the table before him, but immediately bounced back with the familiar undaunted Kiriakis glint reigning in. �I don�t know what you�re talking about, man.�

�The hell you don�t! You know, you never really got around to filling me in on your little excursion out into the woods the other week. I must admit, while I painfully remember scouring the area for your pathetic ass all that morning, I seem to be drawing a blank as to who it was you were all cozied up with once I finally found you�Why don�t you refresh my memory, Phil,� Shawn challenged with that self-satisfied smirk of his.

Philip sighed, he knew when he was beat. �Give it a rest, Shawn. I�m not in the mood for your ridiculous mind games. Not tonight,� he muttered softly, his shoulders now slumping in defeat.

Shawn lifted his hands in mock surrender, �Okay, okay, I�ll change the subject�So, what�s this rumor I keep hearing about you defending CHLOE LANE at school earlier this week?�

Philip instantly stilled. �You heard about that?� In all his personal turmoil, Philip had completely forgotten about the social repercussions such a public statement would undoubtedly spark throughout the school, considering good gossip forever spread like wildfire across the Salem High campus.

�Are you kidding? It was all over school by the next afternoon�but I guess you wouldn�t know that since you conveniently skipped out on your classes these past few days,� Shawn paused in bemused thought then continued, �Anyway, why am I getting the feeling it all backfired? Come on, spill it already, Kiriakis.�

�I don�t want to talk about it. Let�s just say, I�ll never make THAT mistake again and leave it at that.�

After a moment of consideration, a look of understanding swept over Shawn�s face and he nodded slightly. �Ah, so I take it Chloe was less than thrilled about your oh-so-noble gesture, huh?�

�You got that right,� Philip stated flatly before bitterly adding, �I guess she�s just as freaky and weird as everyone is always saying!�

Shawn practically flinched in response. Putting aside his friend�s less than complimentary wording, Shawn hadn�t failed to recognize the intense sentiment raging behind them. In all of the 16 years he had known Philip, he had never once witnessed such raw emotion from him as that single utterance had exposed simply within his wavering tone of voice. Shawn shook his head in bewilderment, no one EVER got to Philip�but apparently, by some mystical force, Chloe had.

The sound of advancing footsteps interrupted all conjecture and Shawn glanced up to see an uncharacteristically somber Belle approaching. �Belle, what�s the matter?�

Belle dropped down into her seat next to Shawn, her frown deepening. �Mrs. Wesley just called me on my cell phone. She wanted to know if Chloe was with me or if I knew where she was. Apparently she and Chloe really got into it and Chloe stormed out. God, it was so awful, Shawn, she sounded so frantic and worried!� Belle bit down on her lower lip as her imagination ran wild, fueling her anxiety, �You don�t think Chloe would actually run away, do you?�

�Of course not,� Shawn soothed, inwardly alarmed. Chloe tended to be a loose cannon at times�Who knew what lengths she might resort to in the heat of the moment? Calm down, he reprimanded himself, for Belle�s sake at least. �We just have to think, Belle. If Chloe was upset, where would she go?�

Philip�s brows creased in concern until all confusion miraculously lifted and the answer became crystal clear. He abruptly rose to his feet, bumping their table in the process. �Look, I�m sorry, guys, but I�ve gotta run. Um�I guess I�ll catch you at school Monday, okay?� He turned to leave, but was immediately brought to a stand still by a hoarse gasp of incredulity.

�Philip Kiriakis, how can you be so damn insensitive? Chloe is MISSING and you�re just going to bail on us?! You know, I thought underneath that jerk fa�ade you were actually a good guy�boy was I wrong!� Belle fumed, her eyes flickering with anger as his seeming indifference astounded her beyond belief. Beside the irate Belle, Shawn simply sat back and studied Philip with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Nevertheless, Philip remained unperturbed. �Hey, she�s your friend, not mine,� he countered with a deceptively nonchalant shrug before making his swift, purposeful exit.

With a sigh of relief, Shawn watched his friend bound out the Pub�s doors with an air of confidence that had previously been lacking. A gentle smile suddenly curved his lips and his brown eyes shone with certainty, �Belle, don�t worry, everything�s going to be fine. Philip will take care of it.�

As Shawn proceeded to relay to a perplexed Belle the ongoing saga of Chloe and Philip to the best of his ability or knowledge, as it were, he couldn�t deny the pang of envy that increasingly made its presence felt at the dawning revelation: His punk of a best friend had unwittingly discovered something that he himself had yet to even fathom.

At the edge of the pier, shrouded within the thick sea air, Chloe stared out contemplatively over the lapping water. The waves� incessant rhythm accompanied by the intermittent sounding of the foghorn created that desired sense of certainty she forever sought, but had haltingly lost when recent days had sent her reeling head-first into a tailspin. Today, everything was so complicated, so utterly confusing, that, ironically enough, uncertainty had become the only certainty in her life.

Chloe recalled a past conversation between she and Philip regarding the way in which she viewed the world. He had adamantly maintained that her strictly black/white perspective was too rigid of an aspect to take on and that it was lacking the intermediary shades of grey the innate complexities within human nature intrinsically called for. Although, maybe THAT itself was her problem, she mused. After all, it seemed that ever since she had followed his advice and extended her self-appointed spectrum to include all those �necessary� greys, her predictable world had spiraled into an unpredictable, blurry whirlwind where loneliness seemingly thrived upon that very same wavering uncertainty.

Loneliness�that had long been an emotion or, more accurately, state of being that Chloe Lane had unfortunately become accustomed to at quite the early age. However, there was something different this time around as she once again stood amidst the stark isolation. While experiencing that familiar void deep from within, there was a newfound ache coiling in the pit of her stomach almost suggestive of a loss of some sort. Though, as always, all pain eventually subsided as she fleetingly escaped into the other tried-and-true realm of reality through her song.

Humming softly, the melody stirred within her soul until its haunting lyrics finally captured her lips.

�There�s longing in the sea and mountains grey,

There�s longing too in silence and in song,

In murm�ring waters on their endless way

At sunset hours and firelight�s flames among;

But fondest in the wind it makes it moan

And saddest in the sedge the wind replies,

Awaking echo�s echo with its tone

And mem�ry�s mem�ry in the hearts deep sighs.

As when one hearkens to the chanticleer

At hand with eager song at break of day

Evoking answer upon answer clear

From nearby gardens, till from far away

A last lone songster lifts his voice on high,

With distance�s sad longing in its cry.�

The last note softened to a whisper and Chloe bowed her head, suddenly overcome with emotion. Though, the sound of applause from behind swiftly sobered her up. She involuntarily flinched, startled and a bit frightened, but just as soon spun around to boldly confront her uninvited audience.

A tall, lanky figure emerged from the shadows with a deliberate gait that almost bordered on a swagger, a familiar swagger with cockiness to boot.

Chloe let out a frustrated sigh of recognition�and relief. �Ugh, I should have known. Of course, it�s YOU!� She took a step forward to head off the interloper�s further advances. Cocking her head to one side, her eyes glazed to ice as her mouth contorted to that haughty scowl of superiority. �So, pray tell, what could Philip Kiriakis possibly be doing out here in this �shady� part of town and on a Saturday night, no less? What, did the school kegger fall through and you were forced to take on a new hobby? Eavesdropping�yeah, that�s certainly a worthwhile pastime alright, especially after considering the alternative. Boozing it up sure doesn�t seem to command the respect it so rightfully deserves now, does it, Philip?�

Philip stiffened, Chloe sure wasn�t going to make this easy. However, he managed to side-step the bait and responded calmly enough after a momentary pause. �Well, as a matter of fact, Miss Know-It-All, a few of us were hanging out at the Brady Pub when Belle got a call from your mother. Belle later filled us in on your little vanishing act and how upset Mrs. Wesley sounded over the phone since she had absolutely no idea where you were. Anyway, all of a sudden, it dawned on me. I remembered the last time we met out here on the pier before and�well, I took a chance.�

�Wait a second, are you trying to tell me that Nancy could be on her way down here any moment now?�

�No, no�I didn�t talk with Mrs. Wesley or even tell Belle or Shawn where I thought you might be. I swear, I left the Pub without so much as a word to anyone,� Philip hastily declared, unwittingly fueling Chloe�s agitation with his intended reassurances.

Turning toward the water, Chloe gave a slight laugh, sarcasm oozing within its hoarse lilt. She then shook her head ruefully, �Of course, you did. I don�t know why I was so worried. I should have known that YOU, of all people, would never breath a word about this to anyone, let alone Belle or heaven-forbid your best bud, Shawn Brady. After all, you wouldn�t want them thinking we were actually friends or anything, right?�

As soon as the last word had escaped her mouth, Philip had impulsively tugged her back around to face him, his hands now on her shoulders, firmly holding a defiant Chloe in place. With one glance at his blazing eyes, Chloe immediately regretted what she had said and dreaded his impending temper flare.

Chloe�s body shuddered slightly beneath his grasp and a repentant Philip instantly released her, dropping his clenched fists at his side. He took a deep breath in an effort to compose himself�Hell, he didn�t want to scare her. Nevertheless, his restraint slowly ebbed away as anger overpowered logic. And with one last breath, that escalating fury spontaneously erupted, �Chloe, what the hell do you want from me, huh? You�re mad when I DON�T speak up and freaking clue everyone in on this whole friendship thing we got going or whatever the hell this is, but, then again, you�re even MORE enraged when I publicly defend you in front of half the school! Apparently I�m damned if I do and damned if I don�t. So, care to enlighten me, Chloe? Because frankly I just don�t get it!�

Chloe could only stare at Philip mutely, her mouth slightly ajar. For the first time in her life, she was rendered speechless. All her previous confusion came flooding back, crashing over her in waves. If she�d presently possessed any sense of humor whatsoever, she would have laughed at herself. How any person could be so confused by their OWN actions and behavior was truly beyond the ridiculous, in fact, it was quite pitiful, Chloe reflected bitterly.

However, upon meeting Philip�s expectant gaze, she felt her pent-up tension gradually recede as her body surrendered itself to the conflicted reality of present. With an almost imperceptible shrug, she tentatively began to speak, unsure of where it all would lead, but hopeful that somehow by thinking aloud she would eventually come to sort through her muddled thoughts.

�Honestly, I don�t know, Philip. I don�t,� she stated with feeling. Chloe haltingly shifted her weight to her other foot, betraying her innate discomfort in doing so, but forcefully pressed on before her nerve completely failed her. �You know, I�ve attended more schools in the past ten years than most people do in a lifetime. Being in foster care, you tend to get shuffled around a lot. Anyway, you�d be surprised how easy it is to transfer from one school to the next without missing a beat. I mean, they�re all practically the same�burned out teachers, asinine academic curriculums, and obnoxious classmates apparently span the USA�or the Midwest at least. The treatment I receive at Salem High is nothing new, Philip, at least not for me. I�ve always been different and differences aren�t readily accepted in schools. Kids who are different are automatically singled out and then ridiculed. It�s just the way it is��

Sobered by the topic at hand, Philip stood in silence as he intently listened to Chloe, taking in her every word.

�Not that that makes it okay,� she was quick to reason. Suddenly, Chloe froze mid-thought as her eyes seemed to fill with emotion and her lower lip began to quiver. After a moment, she managed to find her voice again, shaky though it was, and, with much trepidation, continued on, �After all we�ve been through these past few weeks, it would be pointless to try and lie to you and pretend that I don�t care what those other kids think or that it doesn�t hurt when I�m called �Vampira� or �Ghoul Girl� because�by now, you know that�s not the case. But, at the same time, I�ve sort of gotten used to it and actually EXPECT the cruelty�the hatred from others. I expect to be bombarded with Jasons and Jans, it�s Belle and Shawn�and YOU who are the exception, Philip. You know, you three threw me for a loop when I first arrived here in Salem. You were so completely different from everyone I�d known in the past. I didn�t know what to make of you. And, I guess, on some level, I still don�t.�

Pushing aside her innate reservations, Chloe swallowed hard as confusion finally gave way to truth. �I mean, when you stood up for me last week�I was relieved�and grateful�and yet, for the life of me, I couldn�t show it. No one had EVER done anything like that for me in all of my 16 years and it kind of made me�I don�t know�uncomfortable, I guess. I�I just didn�t know how to deal with it, Philip. I�d never had someone on my side before.�

�Well, you do now. So, you better get used to it, Chloe Lane,� Philip countered with a broad grin as he nudged her playfully on the shoulder, desperately hoping to lighten the mood.

Chloe halfheartedly returned his gesture in kind with a slight smile of her own, but remained serious. She wasn�t about to waste the newfound clarity that had inexplicably emerged in her breakthrough. She was currently on a roll and wanted to get everything out in the open while she was so inclined. Screwing her courage together, Chloe boldly looked Philip dead in the eye. �You were right before�what you said was true. I do hide,� she finally admitted, the emotional strain painfully apparent within that small, almost inaudible voice of hers.

�Yeah, I think we have that in common,� was Philip�s wry reply as he hung his head helplessly at the unfortunate turn their conversation had once again taken. At this rate, one of them would undoubtedly end up bawling their eyes out before the night was through. And, considering how affected he already was by Chloe�s unwavering candor�he, himself, appeared to be the prime candidate.

Chloe gazed up into the darkened sky and felt the night chill burn her cheeks. She then released a big sigh and allowed her heavy lashes to momentarily flutter shut. Experiencing a secure sense of peace, Chloe�s innermost thoughts escaped her lips anew, �You know, for as long as I can remember, I imagined myself as this strong, independent person. A person who stuck to her principles at any cost and lived life on her own terms. I prided myself on being one of those rare people who were true to themselves always, even when that very honesty yielded adversity.�

She languidly opened her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath as realization brutally washed over her. Chloe now regarded Philip with a soft frown. �But�the truth is�I�m not one of those people. I never have been. All of that pathetic jargon I used to spout off turned out to be nothing more than self-righteous crap!� she sputtered, her voice cracking. �How can you be �true to yourself� when you�re not even sure who the hell you are? And, how can you �live life on your own terms� when you�re scared to death half the time? God, we should tape this conversation and send it to the crowd at Salem High�They wouldn�t believe their ears! Their very own �heartless witch� admitting she�s afraid. As ludicrous as it sounds, it�s so true, just as you had claimed the other day. But, you wanna know the real kicker here? Most of the time, I can�t even comprehend why or what the hell it is that is making me feel so god-damned freaked out�� Chloe buried her face in her palms then added in a muffled tone, �God, I am such a hypocrite!�

Philip smiled against his better judgment. Damn, what was it about this girl? With each additional snippet of insight into her character, Chloe Lane only managed to become all the more endearing to him. He tentatively reached out and took her hands in his, removing them from her face. With a smile still tracing his lips, Philip broke the silence, �Hey, join the club�Hypocrites Anonymous�maybe I could be your sponsor.�

Chloe rolled her eyes, but nevertheless cracked a small smile in spite of herself. His hands suddenly moved gently against her own and she wondered for the millionth time that night how anyone could be so sweet and understanding or, more importantly, feel so comfortable and utterly safe.

When Chloe�s fingertips lightly clasped his palm, Philip�s smile stretched to a knowing grin. A few months ago, Chloe would have most likely slapped him HARD across the face or at least cursed him vehemently for ever considering invading her �personal space��and yet today, here she was willingly holding hands with him. It was progress, definite progress. However, Philip soon drew serious as he decidedly wanted, needed to settle things between them once and for all.

�Look Chloe, last week things kind of got out of hand between us. I think we both said some stuff we wish we hadn�t�I know I did. But I was hoping we could just try to put it behind us and move on. You know, the whole clean slate idea?� he suggested with an affectionate squeeze of added encouragement.

Thoughtfully, Chloe nodded slightly, �Yeah, I�d like that.� She then snuck a covert glance at their interlaced hands just to assure herself that it was indeed real, but started when her eyes returned to Philip�s. A curious expression had swept over his face, one that almost bordered on, what? guilt?

Chloe suddenly felt sick to her stomach�It couldn�t be happening again, could it? After all that she had shared, she couldn�t believe he would just cast her aside as callously as he had in the past. Though, with each ticking second of nerve-racking silence, she became increasingly convinced of what would come next.

�You know how the kids at school love to make something out of nothing�and, I wouldn�t want that to happen to us. So I think it�s best that we keep tonight our secret�� Those unforgettable words still stung in her memory. God, Chloe, when will you ever learn? she angrily berated herself.

Ripping her hands out from under his, Chloe took a few steps back, stumbling a bit. She would have liked nothing more than to just run away from him right then and escape the cruel plea that would inevitably follow but, by some twisted notion, she knew she needed to hear it from his own lips.

Chloe studied Philip with an accusatory eye. Damn, he was good. He actually had the nerve to look puzzled that she had pulled away. Resolutely exhaling, she then spoke up, her belligerent tone daring him to dash all previous hope, �What is it, Philip? What�s wrong?�

Philip vaguely noticed the sudden shift in Chloe�s demeanor, but was far more concerned with collecting his thoughts�those cluttered thoughts that had long weighed upon his conscience. However, at her questions� prompting, everything finally seemed to fall into a place of lucidity. Nervously raking a hand through his hair, Philip eventually began, �Actually, Chloe, I�I was just thinking about that day after the headless chicken prank. You know, when I apologized? Well, to this day, I can distinctly remember you thanking me for�how did you put it again? Uh��being a man� about it. But, the truth is, I haven�t �been a man� at all this past year. And, I�I am just so sorry, Chloe. I�m sorry it took me this long to grow up and�well, stand by you the way I should have from the start.�

�Philip�� Chloe only could gasp, so astonished was she at his words.

However, he lifted a hand as if to hush her protests, �No, let me finish�please.� With Chloe�s nod of consent, Philip continued, his voice softening further, �I also wanted to apologize for calling you that night�that night after we met out here on the pier the last time. I acted like such a stupid punk! I don�t know what got into me, I guess I just��

�You don�t have to spell it out for me, Philip,� Chloe was quick to interrupt. �You were ashamed to admit you were with Ghoul Girl is all. It�s not exactly shocking�I�m no Belle Black, that�s for damn sure!�

�No, you�re not. You�re Chloe Lane,� Philip murmured quietly after a moment�s pause. Hesitantly, he extended a hand toward her trembling frame, allowing his touch to slowly glide up her arm�s length before eventually settling in the smooth curve of her neck. Philip gently tilted her chin toward him but her gaze, nonetheless, remained downward cast. �Look at me, Chloe, please,� he then implored with a soft whisper. However, when her gaze cautiously ventured up to reach his own, Philip felt his heart drop out. For, behind the black plastic, lay the most beautiful set of eyes, tinged by tears and a remarkable sadness.

Philip decided right then that Chloe deserved to hear the truth even if it would forever alter their relationship in the process. Shuffling his feet uneasily, he cleared his throat, �You were right with what you just said�at least from the standpoint that I thought it would ruin my reputation if word got out we were together but�that wasn�t the only reason I blew you off the way I did��

He shifted nervously again, but the beginnings of a smile soon played upon his lips as he drifted into a reminiscent haze. �You know, from almost the first second I laid eyes on you, I felt this�CONNECTION between us, Chloe. This unbelievably intense connection. Ironically enough, I think it was when I hassled you in DotCom that it all began.�

Philip gave a self-deprecating laugh or cough, as it were, before launching into one of his more humbling experiences. His face instinctively flushed at the less than flattering recollection, �I was in total jerk mode that night, giving you the big Salem High �welcome�, and yet you kept your cool, appearing so unaffected, so aloof all the while, that I became intrigued in spite of myself. In fact, if I remember correctly, you unflinchingly stared me down until I ended up practically flinching, myself. God, you put me to such shame! Though, from that day forward, everything changed�because of you. I spent the next few months trying to get my mind off you once and for all, but it was useless. And then the night I heard you sing at Shawn�s birthday party and we talked out here on the pier, I knew for sure then, Chloe. I knew you were something special, I knew that I cared about you in a way I�d never cared about anyone else. EVER. And, it scared the hell out of me�I guess I just didn�t know how to deal with it��

Philip hesitated then busted out in a hearty chuckle, �Wow, we definitely have more in common than I�d thought, considering the fact that I believe I just quoted you directly there!� Glimpsing a warm glow of recognition flicker across Chloe�s face in response, Philip experienced a certain relief and pride that he had made her feel better and gratefully noted that the threat of tears and, by extension, bawling of any sort had seemingly subsided. Maybe his prior prediction wouldn�t pan out after all, he concluded bemusedly before growing pensive once more.

His thumb brushed lightly over her cheekbone in a soft caress while her blue eyes suddenly captured his focus, drawing him in. Moving his palm to cup her cheek, Philip then spoke with an undeniable determination and sincerity, �Chloe, I�m not scared anymore�or at least not about us. And, I want you to know that I�ll NEVER turn my back on you again. I promise.�

Leaning in, his lips were just about to close over hers when her eyes instinctively widened in surprise, a surprise that was only too swiftly replaced by unmistakable fear. In that alarming instant, Philip realized his mistake and abruptly pulled back. What could he possibly have been thinking? How many times had he witnessed Chloe retreat from physical contact? She wasn�t like other girls�she needed space and time, he reminded himself. So why then was he pushing her to give something she clearly wasn�t yet ready to give?

With an inward sigh of disgust, Philip reluctantly withdrew his hand from her face then promptly offered it before her. Shrewdly harnessing his god-given talent, he let his dimples do the talking, �Friends?�

Chloe gave a shy smile, �Friends,� she agreed softly. Though, she couldn�t quite distinguish whether she was, in fact, relieved or disappointed by that fairly limiting prospect.

Without losing contact, visual or otherwise, Philip dutifully slipped her hand into his left and started back-pedaling toward the stairs, pulling Chloe with him. �So, Chloe, tell me, that song you were singing before�isn�t it, like, the title track on Britney Spears� latest CD?�

****

As soon as Chloe set foot through the front door, the Wesleys had practically jumped her. Following tradition, they had fired question after question, ruthlessly grilling her for answers. And yet, this time Chloe saw their demanding interrogation in a whole new light. The stark fear in her mother�s rampant squawking caught her off-guard while Craig�s harsh, disapproving tone had shamed her beyond belief in merely the few words he had deigned to supply his ranting wife.

A fidgeting Chloe was currently seated in the living room, trapped between a pacing Nancy and a scowling Craig.

Nancy�s eyes glittered dangerously as she paused mid-stride to administer another dose of guilt. �Put yourself in my shoes, Chloe. Hours passed, NIGHT began to fall, and my daughter who had earlier raced out of here in a fit of rage was no where to be found! I was worried sick�I actually had Craig called out of surgery for the first time in his entire career. So, answer me this, Chloe Lane, did you even consider for ONE moment how your rash behavior would affect US? Because for the life of me, I cannot comprehend how you could be so damn selfish!�

Chloe hung her head in shame, but then admitted to everyone�s astonishment, �You�re right�it was very insensitive of me to just run off like that without a word. I promise I�ll be more considerate from now on.�

Craig and Nancy exchanged puzzled looks over Chloe�s sincerity and utter civility in accepting responsibility for the night�s transgression. Undaunted, Chloe determinedly rose to her feet and turned toward her mother to offer a proper apology. �I�m sorry, Nancy. For our earlier argument and especially for making you worry so these last few hours,� she then shifted her focus to her stepfather, �And Craig, I�m sorry you got pulled out of surgery on my account. I swear it won�t happen again.�

�No, I can�t imagine it would,� Craig swiftly replied, his stern demeanor fading as a smirk visibly tugged at the corners of his mouth. �Now, young lady, it sounds to me like you�ve had a LONG evening so why don�t you go on up to bed. I think your mother and I can find SOMETHING to keep us busy,� he added with a suggestive wink.

Chloe rolled her eyes in disgust at his obvious innuendo, but nodded. �Yeah, I should probably give Belle a call. Well, good night then,� she locked eyes with Craig then Nancy before dutifully heading for the staircase.

Craig became increasingly concerned as he eyed his uncharacteristically silent wife. For probably the first time following Chloe�s arrival in Salem, she�d actually owned up to her mistake and respectfully apologized�so why then did Nancy appear so removed, so completely detached, from that noteworthy breakthrough?

Once Chloe was safely out of earshot, Craig slyly rambled over toward his objet d�amour and spontaneously enveloped her in a steamy embrace, meant to seduce. Though Nancy immediately pulled back ever so slightly to dreamily gaze up at her loving husband, her solemn face now shone triumphant. Smiling through her glistening tears, her hands moved to cover her heart. �We�re truly a family now, Craig. I can feel it. I can feel it in here!� she joyously exclaimed, the pulsating beat beneath her fingers pounding strong and steady.

****

Chloe reluctantly trudged down the hallway, cursing her aching legs all the way. The promise of a hot bubble bath was all that kept her upright as she practically stumbled toward her bedroom. Throwing the door open, Chloe instinctively flipped the switch, allowing the luminescent light to dance across the formerly darkened space.