Starlit Night by Angel
"Starlit Night"
Prologue: It had been 3 months since the Salemites had returned from Paris.
Bo had found his Fancy Face and Shawn finally had his mom back. As the
months had progressed Shawn and Belle had grown closer. They were obviously
in love with each other, but neither was willing to admit it, whether it be
from fear or stubborness. Of course people had noticed it before, but Hope
saw how deep the love was in the twinkle of their eyes. The annual spring
musical was coming up and Hope had a plan.
Chapter 1
The news had been posted Monday outside the office doors; Salem High would
be perfroming "Guys & Dolls" this year for their annual show. Auditions
were Friday and the whole crew had gone to .Com after school to talk about
the show. As they sat down Mimi and Philip were both quick to seperate
Belle and Shawn on each side of the table.
Belle: "I can't wait, this show is going to be so much fun!" Belle said
with excitement. The school musical was one thing she truely loved to do.
Philip: "Yeah, well of course I'll be auditioning. It'd be a waste of
talent not to."
Mimi: "Right Philip, I'm sure you'll dazzle us with your charm. Shawn, are
you trying out?" Mimi eyed Shawn, hoping she could use this as a chance to
sink her claws into him just long enough to get Belle out of the picture.
Shawn: "I don't know. I'll think about it."
Belle: "Oh Shawn, you should. You have a great voice and it'd be so much
fun. Come on, even Tough Boy can take off his leather jacket and do a
number or two."
Shawn shot Belle a little half smile as he stared into her baby blue eyes.
She felt herself begin to blush, but Philip noticed and his voice broke the
spell.
Philip: "It's getting late. Belle, I'll walk you home."
Belle: "Thanks, but I'm pretty sure I can find the place."
Belle got up said her goodbyes and headed home with Philip an embarassed not
far behind. Mimi saw Belle's exit as an oppurtunity.
Mimi: "So, want to go hang out at the park?"
Shawn: "No, it is getting late, and my Mom tends to worry about me more
these days, you know since everything happened. I think I'll just get
going."
Mimi: "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow." She said trying to hide her
disappointment.
Shawn: "Yeah, bye."
Shawn walked home. His mind was contemplating whether or not to audition.
"It could be fun, and Belle is in it." His thoughts quickly changed gears
and focused on Belle, he couldn't help it. "She's so beautiful and sweet.
This could be the perfect way to spend time with her." He was on the docks
when he decide that he would try for a small part in the play, afterall
Shawn wasn't the type to bask in the limelight and he didn't want to seem
obvious. When he entered the boat Hope was making dinner and Bo was helping
out as best as he could.
Hope: "Hey Sailorman! How was school?"
Shawn: "Good."
Bo: "What's new?"
Shawn: "Not much, we're doing Guys & Dolls for the musical."
Hope: "Oh yeah, Marlena told me all about it this morning. Belle had
called her and told her she was going for the lead."
Bo: "So, what part do you want?"
Shawn: "I was thinking something small, with not a lot of lines.'
Hope: "Oh come on, why not go for the lead? You have a great voice.Besides
you'd be working with Belle." Hope nudged Bo with her elbow.
Shawn: "I don't like her that way! How many times do I have to tell you,
we're just friends!"
Bo: "You could do it as JUST FRIENDS."
Hope: "Yeah, I hear the only competition is Philip."
Shawn: "Philip? He's going for the lead?"
Thinking: "I can't stand the thought of him kissing my Perfect Girl."
Outloud: "Maybe I will go for the lead."
Shawn retreated to his room to do his homework leaving Bo and Hope in the
kitchen. Hope had a huge smile on her face.
Bo: "You really think this will work?"
Hope: "You bet it will work. Mimi is Belle's only competitor for the lead,
that's no contest. And Shawn could beat Philip anyday. Afterall he does
have that Brady charm. Now, we just have to sit back and wait."
Bo: "I love it when you're devious."
The whole rest of the week, the 4 teens worked on songs and dances from the
play. Belle and Shawn kind of avoided each other, both embarassed at the
thought of having to kiss each other. When Friday came the auditions
seemedto fly by. Afterwards, there was nothing to do but wait until Monday
for the posting. And so that's what they did. The whole weekend Belle had
dreamed of playing the part with Shawn, unfortunetly so did Mimi. And
Philip and Shawn were both imagining having Belle as their leading lady.
Monday morning Marlena and John wished their daughter good luck and kissed
her goodbye. She had gotten to school early and waited with the rest of the
kids, butterflies in her stomach. As the secretary tacked up the piece of
paper a flood of students crowded around with looks of joy and
disappointment. Shawn glanced at Belle and saw the look of fear on her
face. The foursome stood in the back waiting for the sea of kids to part.
Finally Shawn got tired of waiting. With his palms sweating he grabbed
Belle's hand and broke through to the bulletin board.
Shawn: "Excuse me please, I just need to check something."
Belle's eyes scanned the list searching for her name. Then finally:
Sarah: Isabella Black
Sky: Shawn Douglas Brady
Belle squeeked with joy, threw her arms around Shawn, and hugged him.
Belle: "You got the part, I got the part! I'm so happy, Shawn we're going
to have so much fun!"
Belle didn't want to let go, but she remembered Philip and Mimi were near
and parted from the arms she so desperately wanted around her.
Mimi: "Understudies! We're understudies!" She said after finding her and
Philip's names.
Belle: "Sorry Mimi. Please don't be mad."
Mimi: "Yeah, whatever!" Mimi stormed off in a huff, and Belle ran after
her. The bell rang and Shawn went off to class, smile on his face, leaving
Philip there as angry as ever.
Philip: "You may have won this Brady, but winning Belle's heart is one
competition you won't win. You can bet on it!"
Chapter 2 04/09/00
It had been about a week since the parts for the play had been posted. Mimi
and Philip had both settled down a bit, after all both had been repeatedly
reassured from Belle and Shawn that nothing was going on between them.
Practices had started and everything was going well, until the day came that
would prove if there were feelings behind those tough, stubborn exteriors of
the Salem High leads. Today they rehearsed the kissing scene.
Belle had tossed and turned all Sunday night; nerves already on overload.
Over the weekend she was continuously teased about having to kiss Shawn.
Every time the subject came up she'd just put on a smile and laugh it off,
but this morning she definitely wasn't laughing. She had gotten up early,
walked in.
Marlena: "Hi honey!"
Belle: "Hi Mom."
Marlena: "You got up early."
Belle: "Yeah, I couldn't really sleep."
Marlena: "Is that because of your rehearsal today?" Marlena knew exactly
what was going on in her daughter's head.
Belle hesitated, "What would rehearsal have to do with it?"
By this time Marlena got tired of beating around the bush.
Marlena: "You will be kissing Shawn."
Belle: "Mom, it's acting, just acting. It doesn't mean anything" Belle
said, putting on her best poker-face.
Marlena: "Who are you trying to convince, me or you?"
At the same time Bo was walking into Shawn's room. Bo noticed Shawn still
fast asleep in bed and woke him up.
Bo: "Hey Sailorman! You're going to be late, wake up."
Shawn rolled over and opened his sleep-filled eyes.
Shawn: "Huhh? What time is it?"
Bo: "7 o'clock."
Shawn: "Oh man! I forgot to set my alarm!"
Bo: "How ever could it of slipped your mind?" Bo said sarcastically.
He knew his son had a whole lot of Belle on his mind.
Shawn: "Whatever. I'll be down for breakfast in 20 minutes."
Shawn rushed into the shower, got dressed, gave himself a quick glance in
the mirror, and headed to the kitchen. Breakfast was on the table and Bo
and Hope were already eating.
Hope: "You're going to be late."
Shawn: "I know, I'm leaving." He grabbed his book-bag and started toward
the door.
Hope: "Bye. Don't take Belle's breath away!" She shouted after him.
Shawn: "Ha ha! See ya after school."
Shawn got to school just as the bell rang. He went to his locker, grabbed
his books, and rushed off to class. His head was down, searching for his
history homework when bang! He ran into something, or someone. He lifted
his head to see long blonde hair and blue eyes.
Shawn: "Belle! Sorry I wasn't paying attention."
Belle: "Oh, no it was my fault. I should be more careful."
Shawn reached down to pick up a piece of paper he had dropped. His hand
brushed against Belle's who was reaching for the same piece of paper. They
both starred into each other's eyes until the late bell rang and they went
on in their separate directions.. The whole day Belle was constantly
tapping her pen on her desk and Shawn's knee shook so much it nearly fell
off. Besides that they managed to hide their wracked nerves. When school
was over everyone in the play headed for the gym and relaxed until their
director, Mr. Montgomery, came in.
Mr. Montgomery: "Ok people, let's take it from the top. Belle, Shawn, get
in place."
Belle and Shawn both stood up, scripts in hand. The scene started off
strong, with Sarah repelling Sky, which came natural to Belle.
Mr. Montgomery: "Cue the music!"
Shawn took a deep breath as he and Belle started their duet. They sang
"I'll Know" as if they were living the situation, which they were. As the
song came to an end the director gave Sky his cue to kiss Sarah. Shawn
prayed no one heard the seemingly thundering pounding of his heart,
especially Belle. But Belle was too busy controlling her own nerves. She
slowed her breathing as Shawn pulled her close, titled her chin up, and
pressed his soft moist lips against her. The kiss was soft and tender, but
as it deepened became more passionate. Belle had resisted at first, only
because it was in the script, but eventually gave in. Everyone watching saw
the fireworks between them. They were clearly evident. They broke apart as
the orchestra played on and gazed into each other's eyes, both in shock
about what each had felt when in each other's arms. It was their director
who brought them back to reality.
Mr. Montgomery: "Very hot, guys! Love the chemistry! You two take 5.
Havana Dancers, you're up."
Belle and Shawn walked off the stage in a daze and sat down in the audience
seats. Neither knew what to say. Shawn finally thought, "This is stupid,
I'm telling her!" But before he could open his mouth Belle spoke.
Belle: "Look Shawn, you're a really good actor and I don't want this to
effect our friendship." Belle looked a little shocked about what had flown
out of her mouth.
A look of disappointment covered Shawn's face.
Shawn: "Our friendship? Right. Hey I totally understand, I mean it's just
acting." He was good at hiding his crushed heart. He couldn't sit there
and keep up his act while looking into the beautiful face. "I'm going to
work on my lines with Jason."
Belle: "Ok."
Belle had had a million things racing through her head at the time.
Whether to tell him how she felt, how to tell him, or to just wait until he
spoke. And out of all that she chose to tell the guy of her dreams she
wasn't interested. Was she nuts?!
Belle had taken the long way home. She needed time to think. She kept
replaying what she said to Shawn in her head. Every time she heard the word
'friends' she felt a pain in her heart. She scolded herself for not telling
him how she felt, but remembered why she had held her ground today and
before. "This is Shawn Brady I'm talking about. The same Shawn Brady that
taught me to ice skate and played hide and seek with me when we were little.
There's too much risk, too many people we'd hurt. We just can't fall
in..." She stopped herself, realizing what word lingered at the end of her
sentence.
When Shawn got home Bo and Hope were sitting on the docks in each other's
arms. The last thing Shawn wanted to do was talk. So he flew by them and
onto the boat. Bo and Hope were both startled, but knew something had
happened, so they followed him into the kitchen.
Bo: "Hey Shawn, what's wrong?"
Shawn: "Nothing, I'm fine!"
Hope: "Come on you can tell us. Did something happen with Belle at
rehearsal?"
Shawn: "No. I mean we sang, and danced, and kissed, but besides that
nothing. That's the problem." He mumbled under his breath.
Hope: "Shawn, listen to me. If you have something to tell her do it."
Bo: "Ya, go talk to her."
Shawn thought about it for a minute and decided that even if he didn't talk
to her things would be weird with them. So he grabbed his coat and headed
for Belle's penthouse.
Belle had been quiet all during dinner. Her parents knew something was
wrong but didn't want to push. They knew she'd come talk to them when she
was ready. As for Belle, she wasn't ready to tell her mom how she felt yet,
at least not until she could say the word 'love' out loud to herself.
John: "So, how's your lines coming Izzy?"
Before she could answer the doorbell rang. John got up to get it. It was
Shawn, red in the face from jogging over.
Shawn: "Hi Mr. Black. Is Belle home?"
John: "Yeah, hold on." John went back over to the table. "Izzy it's for
you."
Belle got up to see who was there. Seeing Shawn made her heart jump, but
somehow still gave her a feeling of comfort.
Belle: "Hi"
Shawn: "Hey. Can we go somewhere and talk?"
Belle glanced back at her parents to get the ok signal before heading down
to the street below with Shawn. They sat on a bench not far from the
penthouse. After a few minutes of silence Belle felt awkward and started
small talk.
Belle: "So, what'd you want to talk about?" she asked, even though she
already knew.
Shawn: "I think you know. Look, I have to tell you something so for once
just listen to me for a minute."
Belle nodded her head for Shawn to proceed. He took a deep breath and
began. "Ok, I know that we've gotten closer lately and you're probably one
of my best friends, if not the best friend I have. But I won't sit here and
lie to you; I want that to change. I want to be able to hold you in my arms
everyday. It hurts when I'm not with you, it just feels wrong. I love you
Belle, I can't remember not loving you. You're my Perfect Girl and so much
more to me. And you can't sit here and look me in the eyes and tell me you
felt nothing this afternoon. Belle, say some..."
Before he could finish his sentence Belle grabbed the collar of his leather
jacket and kissed him for what seemed like forever.
Shawn: "Does this mean you like me?"
Belle: "No Shawn, I love you. And I don't care who knows. You have no
idea how long I've wanted to say that."
Belle shivered from the chilled air. Shawn took off his leather jacket and
put it around her shoulders. She laid her head on his chest and he was
content just holding her.
Shawn: "I could stay like this forever."
Belle looked up at the sky. The stars were glowing brightly and the
moonlight was beaming down on them.
Belle: "Look at the sky. It's like a painting."
Shawn looked up and saw a little star to the right of the big dipper
bursting with light.
Shawn: Hey, see that star next to the big dipper?"
Belle: "Yeah, what about it?"
Shawn: "I want you to know that as long as that star shines I'll love you,
and even after it's gone. That's our star.
By this time Belle's eyes were watering. Shawn wiped a tear rolling down
her cheek, and kissed her with all the love he had inside. John and Marlena
had watched from the balcony.
John: "If he doesn't get his tongue out of her mouth!"
Marlena: "John, they're just kissing. You knew it was going to happen.
You knew she'd fall in love."
John: "Love!!" John whined. "Can't we just say likes a lot?"
Marlena: "If it will make you feel better."
The next day Shawn surprised Belle by showing up at her penthouse and
walking her to school. The whole thing seemed like a dream, but Shawn knew
a dream couldn't feel this good. They walked into school hand-in-hand.
Everyone who hadn't seen their scene at rehearsal was shocked. Shawn walked
Belle to her locker where Belle remembered she hadn't done her chemistry
homework.
Shawn: "Oh, Perfect Girl slipping?" he teased.
Belle: "Don't you dare tell anyone!" she played along.
Shawn: "Don't worry your secret's safe with me." He leaned in for a kiss
right as Mimi was turning the corner. She couldn't believe her eyes. Belle
was supposed to be her best friend.
Mimi: "You want to play dirty Belle? Fine!" An evil smirk came across
her face. "I'll have Shawn all to myself!"
Chapter 3 05/01/00
A few months had passed since Mimi had vowed to cut Belle out of the
picture. Belle and Shawn had just celebrated
their 2 month aniversary. Everything was perfect between them. They still
fought from time to time, but the make-ups
proved the fights were worth it. They were constantly together and every
night, no matter where either of them were,
Shawn would call Belle and point out the star he had given her the night
they had confessed their love under the stars.
Their families had adapted the the new couple, mostly because they excepted
it. Although John was still not too thrilled to
have to make room for Shawn in his little girl's life. That would take
time. As for Mimi, she put on a happyface and
struggled through the months. The only thing that kept her going was
knowing that her and Shawn would soon be together.
She seemed to spend a lot of time with Philip. So much Belle even thought
they had a thing. But that was definetly not the case. They had teamed up
to break up Belle and Shawn and were almost ready to put their plan into
action.
It was the night before the the show opened and everyone in the play was
there for dress rehearsal. Shawn and Belle
were on stage getting ready to do their big dance number. Everyone was
excited about this scene. It was by far one
of the best scene's in the play. Mainly because Shawn and Belle were great
together. The definetly danced best in each other's arms. Meanwhile Mimi
and Philip were backstage discussing their first step to their operation.
Philp: "So, you know what to do?" he had a disturbed grin on his face.
Mimi: "Yes, we;ve gone over it a million times already! I'm getting
impatient!" Mimi whinned
Philip: "Don't worry. Our months of planning will, without a doubt, pay
off."
Just then the latin beat that Shawn and Belle dance to began.
Philip: "Ok, go. And don't get caught!"
Mimi left Philip who was now peering through the curtains watching Belle and
Shawn dance.
Philip: "Soon, you will be mine."
Back on stage Shawn and Belle had just begun dancing. The scene was in a
night club; dim lights, tables placed
sporatically around the room, bar in the back. Their choreograhpy was a mix
of the ramba and swing dancing, but
fit the cuban rythme perfectly.
Shawn: "I'm starting to feel like Ricky Ricardo with this music!"
Belle: "Just don't go singing Babaloo on me!'
Shawn: "Very funny!"
Mimi was close enough to hear their conversation and just about gagged at
the sound of how happy they were. She
could hear the music and the commotion from their footsteps above her. She
had managed to find her way under the
stage and could see the happy couple through the cracks of the wooden floor.
She moved down stage and began
loosening the nails that held the thick wood up. She had known the whole
dance and Belle's exact movements. One
by one the nails dropped into her hand until her task was completed.
On the stage above Belle and Shawn prepared for their lifts.
Belle: "Don't you dare drop me Brady!"
Shawn: "Like I'd do a thing like that!"
Belle ran toward Shawn and leaped into his arms. Shawn twilred her around
with a big smile on his face. After
putting her down Belle spun out and headed down stage to do her solo steps
while Shawn did his on the opposite
side. As she stepped further down stage she heard the wood crack and let
out a piercing scream while crashing
through the planks of wood onto the floor about 3 feet below. Shawn had
turned his head in just enough time to
see Belle submerge under broken slacks of wood.
Shawn: "Oh God, Belle!'
He sprinted across the stage and lowered himself into the rigid whole that
now stood in the middle of the stage floor.
By this time the music cut and everyone had crowed around the stage to see
what all the commotion was about. Mimi
and Philip both casually strolled over, smiling. Shawn carefully moved the
broken wood that held Belle pinned to the
floor.
Shawn: "Belle, are you alright? Are you hurt? Maybe you shouldn't move."
Belle: "Brady, settle down! I'm fine, just a little embarrased."
She tried to get up, but fell back down in pain.
Belle: "Ooowwwe!"
Shawn put his arm under her head to support her.
Shawn: "What is it? What's wrong?"
Belle: "Nothing, I'm fine." she said trying to be tough.
Shawn: "No your not. You don't have to act tough around me, you know that.
Now what's wrong?" He had
a stern look on his face that Belle knew wouldn't change.
Belle: "It's my ankle."
Shawn took off Belle's shoe to look at her ankle. He could tell just by
looking something was wrong. It was
swollen. He moved it slightly and she squelled, eyes watering. He bent
over and began to pick her up.
Belle: "What do you think you are doing?"
Shawn: "I'm taking you to the hospital, you're hurt."
Belle: "Oh, no your not!" she was more stubborn than ever.
Shwn: "Belle, for once just let me help you!"
Belle knew she needed help. Her ankle really hurt, so she reluctantly gave
in.
Belle: "Fine. Just don't think this is going to become a habit."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the hospital Shawn stood pacing back and forth in the waiting room. John
and Marlena had been called by
the director and were waiting in chairs for news. They knew Belle would be
fine, but Shawn's pacing made
them nervous.
Marlena: "Shawn, she'll be fine. You can relax."
Shawn: "I know, I'm just worried."
John: "I would have never guessed." he whispered to Marlena.
Just then Craig came out to talk to the family about Belle's condition.
Belle was hobbling behind him on
crutches. Shawn ran to her aid; trying to help her get used to her new
"temporary legs."
Dr. Wesley: "She'll be fine. It's just a bad sprain. She'll have to use
the crutches for at least a week though.
And keep her off her feet. No running, dancing, that sorta thing."
John: "Thanks Carig."
Dr. Wesley: "No problem. Have a nice night."
Marlena: "Belle honey, I guess this means no musical."
Belle: "I know. We worked so hard too."
John: "Don't worry Izzy. Next year, you'll knock their socks off."
Belle: "Thanks Daddy. Don't worry Shawn, I'll be in the front row
tomorrow."
Shwn: "No, I don't want to do it without you."
Belle: "Shawn, you can't let the cast down. Do it for me?" she gave him
the sad puppy dog eyes.
Shawn sighed. "Only because its you." He leaned over and kissed her on the
head. Just then Belle's cell
rang. She was having trouble reaching it so Shawn answered it. It was Mimi
checking up on her best friends health.
Shawn: "Hello?"
Mimi: "Shawn?"
Shawn: "Yeah, its me Mimi."
Mimi: "Is Belle alright? I saw her fall. It was awful." She knew playing
the concerned best friend would score
points with Shawn.
Shawn: "She'll be fine. Her ankle's sprained pretty bad though. Looks
like you'll get your chance in the
spotlight afterall."
Mimi: "Poor Belle. She worked so hard too, but I can't complain with
having to take her place. Guess I'll
see ya tomorrow Sky."
Shawn: "Yeah, bye."
Shawn hung up the phone and put it back in Belle's purse.
Shawn: "Mimi wishes you well."
Belle: "I'm sure she does."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mimi hung up the phone and trotted back to her table at .Com.
Philip: "How's Belle?"
Mimi: "Out of the play. Boo hoo!"
Philip: "Good. Now all you have to do is get Shawn to fall for you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 4
The next day Mimi kept Shawn busy all afternoon running lines with her. She
was in major flirting-mode
up until Belle and her family arrived at the school. The Brady's and
Black's had bought out the front row
when they heard their children were the leads. Everyone who was anyone had
come to watch; Bo, Hope,
Mrs. H, Caroline, PopShawn, Julie, Doug, Marlena, John, and of course Belle.
Just like she promised. Chloe
had also come with Nancy and Craig Wesley. She had wanted to join the play
but never got up the courage.
Chloe had helped Belle limp backstage to wish Shawn goodluck. Undoubtly,
Mimi was clung to his side like
gum clings to your shoe.
Shawn: "Hey Belle. How are you feeling?" he gave her a quick kiss on the
lips.
Belle: "It hurts a little, but I'll live."
Mimi mummbled under her breathe "Unfortunetly."
Mimi: "Well Belle, I hope I can do as good a job as you. I feel terrible
for having to take away your guy
for a night, but I'm sure you'll manage." she batted her eyes at Shawn the
whole time.
Chloe thought she was going to sick.
Chloe: "Mimi, Mr. Montgomery is looking for you." she lied without even
flinching.
Mimi: "Thanks Mortica." she said while heading off in search of their
director.
Chloe: "Just thought you could use a minute without your little sidekick.
I'll met ya back at the seats, Belle."
Belle nodded her head in agreement before turning back to Shawn.
Belle: "I just wanted to say break a leg."
Shawn: "I thought you already had that covered."
Belle smiled "Very funny Brady."
Belle had a weary look in her eyes. She had already begun to imagine Mimi
in Shawn's embrace. The thought
of it made her sick to her stomach. It didn't take Shawn long to notice
something was wrong.
Shawn: "Belle remember, I love you. No one else."
Belle: "I know, but it doesn't hurt to hear it."
Shawn: "In that case Isabella Black, I love you.
Belle: "I love you too Shawn Douglas Brady. Now you better get going. You
have a show to do.
Shawn: "I know." He kissed her gently, before walking toward wardrobe.
Belle: "Good luck!" she shouted after him as she retreated back to her
seat between her mom and Chloe.
As the lights dimmed Belle couldnn't help but smile at Shawn when he came on
stage singing his heart out. It
only took a few seconds for her to realize that within the hours she'd watch
the guy she loved fight for the
love of someone else. She told her herself she had to stay strong. That
being there as the right thing to
do, even if it killed her. As the play progressed Belle could feel the fear
running up and down her
spine. Then she herad it. the music for "I'll Know."
All of a sudden her whole body went limp. Chloe knew how hard Belle was
taking this and tried her best to
lighten the mood.
Chloe: "Is that singing or a cat going on it's 9th life?" she whispered
leaning toward Belle in the
darkness. (regarding Mimi)
Belle let out a giggle through her gloomy frown.
Belle: "Thanks for trying Chloe."
Her attention focused back on the stage where the song was coming to an end.
"It isn't fair!" she thought.
"I'm, sitting in the audience while Mimi is playing my role with my guy!"
Her thoughts were interrupted by
Shawn's lips touching Mimi's. Belle cried silently while her mom put her
arm around her. She spent most
of the rest of the play with her tear-stained face burried in her mom's
shoulder.
Chapter 5
The play had been a smash hit. The Brady's were so proud of Shawn's
performance and the Black's were
proud of Belle's strength. When everyone was done swooning Shawn they
decided they'd go to the Pub to
relax. Both Shawn and Belle were surrounded by unspoken words after the
play, but Shawn had a
something up his sleeve to fix it.
Shawn: "Dad, can I have the keys to the bike?"
Bo: "Here ya go. Be careful."
Shawn: "I know. Thanks for helping me set this up."
Hope: "No problem honey!"
Shawn caught the image of Mimi and Philip standing in the background out of
the corner of his eye.
Shawn: "What am I going to do about them?"
Hope: "Don't worry. I got it covered."
Shawn: "Thanks mom."
Shawn walked over to Marlena and John who were talking to PopShawn and
Caroline.
Shawn: "Thanks again Dr. Evans for the approval."
Marlena: "Your welcome Shawn. Your intentions are good."
John: "What approval? What intentions?"
Marlena: "Shawn planned a little surprise for Belle so I told him she could
stay there tonight. Hope and Bo
are staying with us."
John: "You what? Oh no she's not! Why didn't you tell me?"
Marlena: "Cause I knew you'd overreact, which you are. John, you know your
daughter. She's not going
to do anything that would make you hurt Shawn."
John: "This is true. Shawn, if you even..."
Shawn: "I know Mr. Black. I think this is my cue to exit."
He went back to Belle and Chloe.
Shawn: "Belle, you ready?"
Belle: "Yeah."
They headed for the door, but were stopped by Mimi and Philip.
Mimi: "Hey guys, where you headed off to?"
Belle: "The Pub. Both families are going."
Philip: "We'll drive with you."
Hope: "Ahh, actually they're taking the motorcycle, but your welcome to
come." she butted in after
hearing Philip's comment.
Shawn: "Ahhh, yeah. We'll see ya there."
With that Shawn took Belle's hand and led her to the parking lot. The walk
had been relatively quite.
When they reached the bike Shawn pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and
began to tie it around Belle's eyes.
Belle: "What's with the blindfold?"
Shawn: "Its a suprise. So, my fine lady, may I?"
Belle: "Proceed good sir."
He finished tieing the handkercheif, fastened her crutches to the back, and
helped her on the bike
before riding off through the night.
When the families arrived at the Pub Mimi and Philip were quick to notice
the absence of the young couple.
Mimi: "Where's Shawn?"
Hope: "Oh, he and Belle went out together. They needed some alone time."
Mimis' face was covered with the look of a six year old who hadn't gotten
the toy she wanted. Philip just
grew red with furry. Chloe had witnessed the whole scene and couldn't help
but laugh to herself.
Chloe: "Checkmate Mrs Brady. I just thought Belle would appreciate a full
debriefing on Mimi's face."
she whispered. Hope just smiled.
Bakc on the vertially empty streets Belle and Shawn were still driving.
Belle: "Shawn, the Pub isn't this far. Where are we going?"
Shawn: "Just trust me."
A few minutes later the bike came to a stop and Shawn lead Belle down the
streets. She could hear water and
Shawn had to help her step over some gaps of ground.
Shawn: "You ready? Or do you want to wear the blindfold forever?"
Belle: "Thanks, but I'd like my vision back."
He removed the handkercheif and Belle opened her eyes. She saw the Fancy
Face 2 under a starlite sky.
Shawn had strung white lights all around the boat deck and had a stereo
standing by. There were even red and
white rose pedals on the ground.
Belle: "Shawn, what's all this?" she was consumed by awe.
Shawn faced her and took her hands in his.
Shawn: "Well, I knew this wouldn't be easy for you. And I hated it just
as much as you did. So, I just
wanted you to know that I never meant to hurt you. That's the last thing I'd
do."
Belle put her finger to his lips.
Belle: "Shhh. I know." She gave him the most tender-hearted kiss she had
ever given anyone.
Shawn: "And I figure" he began while walking to the stereo "that since we
never got to do our big dance
number, we could do it now." he put in a cd of 98 Degrees "I Do."
Belle: "Shawn, you know I can't dance. Dr. Wesley said I wasn't allowed."
Shaw: "I know." he took her crutches and layed them on the ground leaving
her on one foot, barely keeping
her balance.
Belle: "Shawn..."
Shawn: "Have a little faith in me Belle." He bent over and picked her up.
She put her arms around his
neck, while Shawn started dancing.
Shawn: "I'll dance enough for both of us."
She rested her head on his chest.
Belle: "I love you Shawn."
Shawn: "I love you too, forever."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning Belle woke up in Shawn's arms on his couch. She kissed him
to wake him up.
Belle: "Shawn wake up. I got to call my parents, they're probably
worried sick. My dad's going to kill
me, and you. Where are your parents?"
Shawn: "Whoa Belle, slow down. I got it all taken care of. My parents are
staying with your parents. I
got the sign of approval from the parental units. Ya know you love me."
Belle: "And yet the reason is still unknown."
Shawn: "Are you always going to be this sarcastic when I wake up next to
you?"
Belle: "You plan on waking up next to me a lot?"
Shawn: "As much as I can baby, as much as I can."
Belle: "Sweet talking isn't going to get you anywhere."
Shawn: "Come on. I told your dad I'd have you home for breakfast."
Shawn helped Belle up and handed her her crutched. He drove her to her
penthouse and helped her to her
door. When she went in there was a note on the table.
Belle: "My dad went out for a few minutes. He said your parents went for
breakfast."
Shawn: "Yeah, I'm supposed to meet them there." You going to be ok? You
need anything?"
Belle: "I'm not helpless Shawn. I'll be fine."
Shawn: "Ok, I'll meet you for lunch though?"
Belle: "Its a date."
Shawn: "Ok, bye." he kissed her goodbye and went to leave.
Belle; "Oh and Shawn, thanks for last night."
Shawn: "Anything for my Perfect Girl."
Shawn left and Belle worked her way to the table her father had already set.
She was pouring a glass of
orange juice when her crutches were kicked out from under her and a shadowy
figure grabbed her from
behind. Soon she was unconcious and helpless.
Chapter 6
About 20 minutes later John got home. He turned the key to let himslef in,
but the door was ajar.
John: "Izzy, how many times do I have to tell you to shut the front door
all the way? Izzy?"
No one answered. Then something on the floor caught the corner of his eye.
He rushed over to the table to find one of Belle's crutches lying on the
floor, a tiny pool of blood laid next to it. He froze, starring at it. His
mind had already begun running all the possibilities of what happened.
John: "Izzy?" He frantically scanned the house, hoping, praying, that she
would be there. It wasn't until then that the silence scared him.
-------------------------------------------------------
Belle woke up on a cold, damp floor. Hours had passed since she had been
safe in her house, waiting for her father. She had no clue where she was.
All she knew was that she was scared. Her head was killing her. She sat up
and put her hand to her head, only to find it bleeding.
Belle: "I have to get out of here." She got up and wearily limped across
the room to a large steel door.
Belle: "Let me out of here!" She banged on the door with all her might,
but it wouldn't budge.
-------------------------------------------------------
The police had investigated the Black's penthouse, only to come up empty.
No clues where left, not even one losey fingerprint. Everyone had met at
the Pub to organize an all out search party. Marlena was crying her eyes
out in a booth while Hope held her. John was going nuts, but he wasn't
nearly as bad as Shawn.
Shawn: "I can't sit here anymore. I'm going to find her!"
Bo: "Son, you don't even know where to look."
Shawn: "I don't care, anythings better than sitting here!" With that he
left the Pub not quite sure where he was going.
Roman: "Is there anyone who'd want to hurt Belle?"
The room was filled with silence. It was Chloe who spoke up first.
Chloe: "Mimi wasn't really happy about her and Shawn being together, but
she's at the play."
John: "Let's go, I don't care if we interrupt the whole damn thing!"
With that Roman, John, Bo, and Abe left for Salem High.
------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile Mimi and Philip were getting ready for another performance. With
Shawn gone Philip took his place. They were arguing over something.
Mimi: "You weren't supposed to hurt her!"
Philip: "I didn't do anything! Check my alliby!" He smiled for the first
time in months.
Mimi: "You've gone too far!"
Philip: "I told you I didn't do anything, and you'll keep your mouth shut
if you know whats good for ya! Come on, we're on!"
-------------------------------------------------------
Shawn had already checked all the places he could think of, but he couldn't
find a trace of her. He was furious that this was happening. In result he
drove faster and faster on his dad's bike.
Shawn: "I have to find her." he told him self over and over again.
The faster he drove the the more rage he felt. Soon, he was running
redlights and passing stop signs. Suddenly headlights appeared infront of
him. The only thing he could hear was a truck's horn, warning him to move,
but he couldn't get control of this bike. Luckily, he swerved right before
colliding into it. He pulled over and turned off the motor.
Shawn: "I have to get it together, for Belle. Now think. Who ever did
this had to of had a plan. Who's evil enough to take Belle?" He sat there
thinking to himself for a few minutes. When out of the blue he jumped up,
reved up the bike, and sped off.
-------------------------------------------------------
Belle had given up on opening the steel door. It was just to big for her
little body to move. She spent her whole day searching for an other way
out, but hadn't even found a crack in the wall. She was growing hopeless.
And what frustrated her the most, is that he captor hadn't even made himself
known yet.
Belle: "And I dreaded talking to my dad about what Shawn and I did last
night. I'd give anything to be there right now."
She limped over to the one window that occupied her room. Although it was
barred and covered with thick glass, she could still see the sky. She
looked up at the stars, trying to find her and Shawn's star, but clouds
covered the nightsky.
Belle: "Help me Tough Boy." she cried.
She laid down on the floor with little hope, and had an unsettleing sleep.
Chapter 7
The four men burst into the darken theater and walked right down the center
aisle toward the stage. The confused audience began to whisper. The teens
onstage kept singing, unbeknownist to them that they were being interrupted.
John jumped on the stage and went straight over to Mimi.
John: "I have some questions I need you to answer." he barked at her.
Mimi: "Mr. Black, I'm in the middle of a preformance..."
John: "NOW!" His voice was stern and his face was filled with angry.
Mimi followed him backstage while Abe and Bo apologized to the audience for
the interruption and explained to them the extreme circumstances.
John: "When was the last time you saw Belle?"
Mimi: "What? Yesterday after the preformance. What's going on?"
John just ignored her and went on. "Where were you this morning around
9am?"
Mimi: "Here, running lines with Philip. Tell me what's going on!"
John: "Belle was kidnapped this morning."
Mimi: "And you think I did it? How could you? I'm her best friend!"
John collected himself and spoke in a calm tone. "You told Belle you liked
Shawn, didn't you?" She didn't answer. "But she still fell in love with
him. Sounds like a motive to me."
Mimi: "I would never do that! Are we done?"
John: "For now." His face was expressionless.
Mimi went to her dressing room near tears.
Roman: "I talked to Philip and Mr. Montgomery, her aliby checks out."
John: "Damn it! She's hiding something, I know it." He kicked a near-by
chair across the room.
Roman put a hand on John's shoulder. "Hey, we'll find her."
-------------------------------------------------------
When Mimi reached her dressing room Philip was already there.
Mimi: "Get out of here! All of this is your fault!" She mananged to show
her anger through her tears.
Philip: "My fault? I was here with you, remember? Now what did you tell
them?" His anger flarred to match hers.
Mimi: "Nothing, I swear." her voice cracked with fear.
Philip: "Good." He started to leave. "You know, you shouldn't go around
accusing people of things when you know it isn't true." He remarked just
before he passed through the door.
-------------------------------------------------------
Shawn had arrived at his destination and was crawling around in the bushes
peering through a window.
Shawn: "I know your in there Belle. You have to be." He snuck over to the
back door and jiggled the handle, but it was locked. He pulled out a credit
card and tried breaking the lock. He opened it without effort. "At least I
learned one thing in boarding school." He wasn't even 3 stpes into the
house when a hand caught the back of his shirt.
Voice: "Your trespassing on private property. He whipped out his
walky-talky and spoke into it. "Yeah, boss I got him. Ok." He turned to
talk to Shawn. "Your coming with me."
He dragged Shawn into the house where an familiar voice met him.
Stephano: "What business do you have, waking an old man from his sleep?"
he said while coming down his stairs.
Shawn: "Where is she?"
Stephano: "Where is who?"
Shawn: "Belle, I know she's here!"
Stephano: "You Brady's think that just because something goes wrong in your
disgusting lives, it's my fault."
Shawn: "It usually is!"
Stephano: "Well, as much as I'd like to take credit for young Isabella's
where-abouts, I'm afraid I can't. Now go away!"
Shawn: "Not without Belle!" He lunged for him, but Bart had the help of
two other men to hold him back.
Stephano: "And you wonder why I don't like you." He went to his phone and
dialed. "Ah Bo, how are you? Well, I'd love to get the hell out your life,
but your son won't get the hell out of my house! Thank you." He hung up
the phone. "Your father will be here shortly. Bart, keep an eye on him,
I'm going to bed."
And that he did. Bo arrived and talked his son into going back to the Pub
with him and everyone else.
-------------------------------------------------------
Philip was on his way home from the play, which had been cancelled, when his
cell phone rang.
Philip: "Hello?"
Voice: "When are you coming?"
Philip: "I'll be by tomorrow, give her another day to suffer."
Voice: "Fine, but don't be late!"
Philip: "I won't. Bye!"
He hung up his phone and went home, having an eerily peaceful sleep.
Chapter 8
The Brady's and Black's had spent the whole night in the Pub going over
numbers and theories about the kidnapping. Everytime they walked through it
they always came up with the same answer, no clues were left. They had no
clues to find any leads, and without a lead the case seemed hopeless. Even
John entertained the fact that he may never see his little Izzy again.
John: "Marlena, why don't you go home and get some rest. It's no use
sitting here."
Marlena looked deep into John's eyes. "I'm not leaving without my baby."
Hope: "At least go home and change. Belle wouldn't want you worrying."
Marlena: "Fine, but I'm coming back."
John: "Ok, sweetheart." he hugged her.
Hope and Sami took Marlena home while the boys stayed there and began going
over things for what seemed to be the 15th time.
Bo: "So, no clues, no leads, and no motive. Now what?" his voice was
filled with desperation.
John: "Well, we do have a motive."
Shawn: "Who?" Shawn nearly jumped from his seat.
John: "Mimi. She may have an aliby, but something just wasn't right about
her when I talked to her."
Shawn: "I'm going to talk to her." he started toward the door.
John: "Shawn, she wouldn't even tell me."
Shawn: "Yeah well, she's not in love with you."
Bo: "Shawn, you know better than to use her emotions against her."
Shawn: "I don't care, as long as it gets Belle back!"
He left the Pub, hopped on the bike, and drove off.
Roman: "Poor kid."
-------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile Philip had gotten up early. He told his parents he was going
jogging, which surprised them a little. He went to the park, parked his
car, and grabbed his waterbottle. He started jogging the usual paths, but
was soon deep in the woods. He pulled out a piece of paper and studied it
before turning onto a path that was barely visible. At the end of it he
came to a rock cave, which he entered. After going down a few spiraling
tunnels he came to a big steel door.
Philip: "Well, here goes nothing." He took a deep breath and unlocked the
large bolted lock. In the corner of the room lay Belle, curled up in a
ball, half asleep. She jumped at the sound of the opening door.
Belle: "Who's there?" she sat up.
Philip: "Belle, is that you? Are you alright?" he asked confused.
Belle: "Philip? You locked me in here?" she grew angrier with each
passing moment.
Philip: "What? No! I was jogging in the park, when I saw a light from the
cave. You believe me, don't you?"
Belle looked a bit perplexed. "Yeah, I guess. Now can we get out of here?
I don't want to wait around for whoever put me in here."
Philip: "Yeah, let me help you." He went over and help her up. "Belle,
your bleeding."
Belle: "I'll live." she said, crutch in hand.
Philip: "Well, I'm still taking you to the hospital to get you checked
out."
Belle: "Ok. Thanks Philip. I don't want I would have done if you wouldn't
have found me."
Philip: "Hey, what are friends for."
He took Belle to his car and drove her to the hospital.
-------------------------------------------------------
Shawn had already arrived at Mimi's house and was talking to her on her
porch.
Shawn: "Mimi, I know your probably upset about what happened to Belle, we
all are. That's why I need you to tell me what you know." He gave her his
best puppy dog face.
Mimi sat there thinking about the past few days and the events they held.
After a few minutes of silence, Shawn tried again.
Shawn: "Please, Mimi. I'm begging you." his puppy dog eyes were gone and
all that remained was his concern for Belle.
Mimi: "I'm sorry Shawn, but like I told Mr. Black, I don't know anything.
I have to go now." She got up and rushed back inside.
Shawn: "Damn it! What am I going to do?" Just then his cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
Bo: "Shawn, its dad. Philip just called, he found Belle. There on the way
to the hospital now. She's asking for you."
Shawn was near tears. "Is she ok?"
Bo: "Yeah, she should be. The family's already here, so were just waiting
for Craig to give us some news."
Shawn: "Ok, I'll be right there."
-------------------------------------------------------
At the hospital, everyone had arrived, but know one was permitted to see
Belle yet. They wanted to make sure she was ok. Everyone was in the
waiting room. Most of them were talking to Philip and praising him for his
heroic deed.
John: "I can't thank you enough. Anything you need, its yours." he shook
Philip's hand.
Philip: "Really, it was nothing. As long as Belle's ok."
Roman: "So, you'll have to show us this cave. We want to find the guy who
did this."
Philip: "Yeah sure. What's the luck, that I'd find her jogging? I wasn't
even going to to it this morning."
Marlena: "God truely blessed us. Thank you so much Philip." she hugged
him.
Philip: "I don't deserve all this praise, but hey I'm not complaining."
Just then his phone rang. "Yeah?"
Voice: "I want my money!"
Philip put his hand over the receiver and turned to the happy family.
"Excuse me, I have to take this." He went over to a lonesome corner in a
hallway. "It's coming, don't worry. As soon as the cops inspect the cave
and find nothing there."
Voice: "Fine! But don't play me Kiriakis!'
Philip: "Chill, you'll get it. I gotta go, don't call me again!"
Voice: "Fine, later."
Philip to himself: "I'm almost in the clear. I just gotta stick to the
plan. On with Act two." he smiled.
Chapter 9
Shawn rushed into the hospital waiting room, nearly tripping over his own
feet. He wanted to see Belle, but the doctors wouldn't allow it. So, the
family explained to him how she was found. Shawn was relived, to put it
plainly.
Shawn: "Thanks Philip, you don't know what this means to me." he hugged his
friend.
Philip: "Hey, I was just doing what any 'regular joe' would do in the
situation."
Shawn: "Where did you say you found her again?" Shawn asked curiously.
Philip: "In the park, off some jogging paths."
Shawn: "You sure? I mean, I spent half the day searching that park."
Philip got a bit nervous, but covered it nicely. "Hey man, its a big park.
Anyone could have missed her."
Shawn: "Yeah." He felt a bit suspicious. After all he did practically turn
that park inside out looking her her. But he brushed it off, figuring he
was just jealous that he wasn't the one to find her. His thoughts were
interrupted by Craig and Lexy.
John: "So, how is she?"
Lexy: "She'll be fine. She has a minor concussion and we had to put 3
stiches along her forehead, but she'll be ok in a day or so."
Craig: "We gave her a new pair of crutches. Don't forget she still has 4
more days on them."
Marlena: "Can we see her?"
Craig: "Yeah, she's been asking for Shawn."
John: "Thank you."
Craig: "Don't thank me, afterall I'm not the one who found her." he shook
Philip's hand. "She's in exam 3." He said while leaving to attend to
another patient.
John and Marlena went to see Belle first while Shawn waited outside with the
rest of the family.
John: "Izzy! You scared me to death!" he said while hugging his daughter.
Belle: "Oh daddy, I was so scared. I'm just glad I'm back." she said
feeling safe in her father's embrace.
Marlena: "We don't know what we would have done if we didn't find you. We
love you sweetie."
Belle: "I love you too." she said hugging her mother.
Belle went on explaining everything that had happened to her in the past day
and how Philip found her. John and Marlena knew they owed Philip their
lives and decided to throw a party in his name to show their thanks and
celebrate Belle's return.
Marlena: "Well, we know you want to see a certain young man," she said
pointing through the glass window to Shawn. "so we'll let you have some
privacy."
Belle: "Thanks, I love you." she hugged her parents one last time before
they left. Shawn came in moments later.
Shawn: "Hey Perfect Girl, how you feeling?" he said entering her room.
Belle just marvelled in hearing her loving nickname.
Belle: "I'm ok."
Shawn: "Your supposed to tell me you feel perfect." he said jokingly.
Belle leaned up and kissed him tenderly. "Now I feel perfect."
Shawn: "I'm sorry you had to go through this. I should have stayed until
your father got home."
Belle: "Don't go there Shawn. It's not your fault, I practically kicked
you out. Besides, I'm safe now."
Shawn: "I thought I'd never see you again. I don't know how I could of
went on. Your my whole world."
Belle: "And your mine, but I just want to get out of this hosptial and
forget all about this."
Shawn: "You do realize that I'm never going to leave your side agian,
right?" he informed her crawling into her bed beside her, wrapping his arms
around her.
Belle: "I think I can live with that." she laid her head on his chest and
their hands interwined as they drifted off to sleep.
-------------------------------------------------------
The next day the Blacks through a big party at the Pub in honor of Philip,
the newfound hero, and Belle's return. Belle had been released from the
hosptial the day before and practially the whole town had come to see her at
the penthouse. Shawn didn't leave her side until his father and his uncle
Roman dragged him from Belle's room. Even still, he had gone over around
3am to check on her. The party had been booming and Philip enjoyed the
limelight. He always thought Town Hero had a nice ring to it. And he got
the perk of spending time with Belle, even if Shawn was at her side the
whole time. John had just toasted him and Philip was trying to be as modest
as he could.
Philip: "It was nothing big. I don't deserve all this praise for just
going jogging."
Mimi suddenly came out from the crowd and shouted. "That's for damn sure!"
Everyone watched her in shock and confusion. "Everyone, Philip Kiriakis is
a liar!"
Chapter 10
Belle: "Mimi, what are you talking about?" Belle was truley baffelled.
Philip: "Yeah Meems, what are you talking about?" he said while trying to
look confused through his anger.
Mimi: "You know damn well what I'm talking about Philip! I'm sick of all
this guilt! I can't live like this anymore!"
Philip (thinking): "God, I have to shut her up! What am I supposed to do?
There's way too many people here." He moved slowly toward the door.
Everyone was too busy listening to Mimi to even notice.
Shawn: "Live like what Mimi?"
Mimi: "You actually think that Philip just happened to come across a
trapped Belle while he was jogging! This is Philip Kiriakis were talking
about! He's never jogged a day in his life!" she shouted.
John: "So what are you saying?"
Mimi: "I'm saying that he KNEW where she was!" Everyone gasped at this
remark. Afterall Philip was the son of the wealthies man in the city. Why
would he ever do something like this?
Philip: "You don't know what your talking about Mimi! She's lying!"
Marlena: "I think we deserve to hear this."
Mimi: "Look, I took the nails out from the stage. That's why you fell."
she said quietly to Belle.
Belle: "What! Your supposed to be my best friend! How could..."
Mimi: "I'm sorry." She was in tears by now. "It's just, you knew I liked
Shawn. And Shawn knew Philip liked you. We couldn't stand seeing you two
together, so we hatched this plan, chessy as it may seem. But after you got
hurt I told him I wanted out. I never wanted to hurt anyone. He told me
that he had bigger plans for you and he didn't need me anymore and that if I
wanted to live I'd keep my mouth shut. That's why I didn't tell you
anything Mr. Black. I'm so sorry I never meant for it to get so out of
hand."
Nobody in the room could move, they were too shocked. They were all trying
to take in what was just said. They nearly forgot that Philip, the accused
kidnapper, was still very much present.
Marlena: "Philip, how could you?" she said so quietly it was almost a
whisper.
Philip: "Hey, I have an aliby, remember? I brought her back to all of you!
Who are you going to believe, me or some physco with a motive!"
Abe: "Mimi, you said so yourself. Philip was with you the whole morning,
running lines."
Mimi: "He was, but do you really think that he would be stupid enough to
not have someone do his dirty work? I even heard him auguring with with
someone on his cell phone about getting payed."
Eye's of suspicion now laid heavily on Philip.
Philip: "My dad and I got in a fight about allowance, is that a crime?"
Mimi: "He's lying! You gotta believe me!" she said with desperation in her
voice.
The room was filled with silence. No one knew who to believe or what to do
about it. They didn't have concrete evidence against anybody. Mimi did
have a motive, but she sounded like was was telling the truth. Philip had
an aliby and he did bring Belle back. If he was the kidnapper than why
bring her back, he was practically home free.
Philip was standing right by the door by now and he managed to find a spot
right behind Belle. He pulled out something from this back pocket and
pointed it at Belle's back. He leaned close to her ear, but made sure no
one was watching.
Philip: "If you wanna see more than just Shawn's headstone you'll go
outside alone and stay there. Say anything and I'll be sure not to miss."
he whispered while putting the object back in his pocket.
Belle got a lump in her throat from feeling that the object shoved into her
back was a gun. She didn't want to go, but she knew she couldn't live with
her self if she was the cause of Shawn or anyone's harm. So she did what
she was told.
Belle: "I need some fresh air. I'll be outside." she startled everyone.
Shawn: "You want me to come with you?"
Belle looked from Philip to Shawn. "No, I need to be alone." She kissed
Shawn, not wanting to let go, but had to and left the Pub.
People were still trying to fit the pieces together about the kidnapper.
The men had gathered in a group to discuss what to do about the situation.
The women were all eyeing Philip in disbielf.
Philip: "Fine! You know what, I'm tired of being accused for something I
didn't do! I'm outta here! If you wanna make fools of yourself than talk
to my lawyer!" he said slamming to door behind him.
-------------------------------------------------------
Philip: "Smart girl!" he said looking at Belle alone outside.
Belle: "Why are you doing this? We were friends."
Philip: "That's the problem. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I was
supposed to bring you back and everyone would think I was a hero. You were
supposed to fall in love with me!"
Belle: "I'll never love you! You've seriously lost it, you know that! I
hate you!"
Philip: "You don't mean that." he said caressing her check.
Belle pulled away, but he tighten his hold. He tried to kiss her, but she
spit in his face.
Belle: "Go to hell!"
Philip: "You'll come around." he said whipping his face off. "Now come
one, we got places to go." he grabbed her arm and pulled he along by her
crutches into his car and sped off.
Chapter 11
Back inside the Pub Shawn heard screeching tires from outside and peered
through the window to see what was happening. He saw a car racing off to
God knows where. Then he noticed that Belle wasn't there anymore. So he
hurried outside, hopped on the bike, and followed the car. Inside the Pub
the family was a little confused about Shawn's rather dashing exit.
Bo: "What was that all about?" he said pointing in the direction Shawn went
a bit confused.
PopShawn: "I don't have the slightest clue."
Mimi turned toward John, her face still tear-stained from her earlier
confession.
Mimi: "Mr. Black, what if I told you I have proof that Philip was involved
in the kidnapping?"
John: "I'd say spit it out!" For the first time in two days John finally
felt a little hope at solving this case.
Mimi: "Well, yesterday was our last play performance. Philip had come from
the hospital and was running late so he wasn't really paying attention.
Something fell out of his pocket. I picked it up and put it in my dressing
room. I think you should look at it."
John: "Ok. Bo, Roman, Abe, your with me. Marlena just stay and have a
good time while we wrap this up. Where's Belle? I want to say goodbye."
Marlena: "Still outside, I guess. I'll go get her." She went outside to
find Belle, afterall this party was for her, she should be there. After a
few minutes of searching she started to get worried and went back into the
Pub. "John, I can't find her. And the bike's gone."
John: "What?! Are you sure?" he shouted.
Marlena: "Yes, she isn't here!" she said nearly hysterical
Eric: "Oh God, not again!" he burried his head in his lap.
Hope: "Settle down!" she said taking charge. "She could have gone
somewhere with Shawn. I'm sure they're fine."
Eric: "I'm going to look for them." he said while pulling out his keys.
John: "Fine. Eric you go. Everyone else stay here and call Shawn's cell
phone."
Marlena: "What if he doesn't pick up?"
John: "Keep calling until he does! We'll go to the school. Mimi, we need
you to come with us."
Mimi: "Ok." she said while nodding in augreement.
John, Abe, Roman, Bo, and Mimi left for the school while Eric searched the
streets and the rest of the family began the calls.
-------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile on the road Shawn was gaining on the speeding car infront of him.
He noticed the license plate said MONEY-PK on it.
Shawn (thinking): "Hey that's Philip's car. And to think I believed his
cheap jogging story. He really should of gone jogging, he's going to have
to be in shape to get away from me!" He hit the gas harder than before and
pulled up paralell to his car.
Philip looked out his passengar window and saw Shawn on the bike beside him.
Philip: "You wanna race Brady? Fine with me!" He began swerving in and
out of his lane nearly hitting Shawn.
Belle: "Philip, leave him alone. Please!" she screamed.
Shawn: "He is crazy?" he slowed his speed alittle and Philip's car pulled
ahead of him. As it passed he saw Belle in the back seat, her hands bound
behind her back. "That son of a b****!"
He excellerated his speed once again and caught up to him.
Shawn (thinking): "Great, now what do I do? Hold on Belle, I'm coming."
Shawn got as close to Philip's jeep as he could and tried to grab on to the
rack on the top, but Philip saw him through his rear view mirror and smashed
the side of his car into the bike. Shawn lost his balance and the bike
started to serve uncontrollably. He tried his best to steady the bike but
by the time he got both hands back on the the handle bars the bike had
flown off the road and slide into a near-by fence.
Belle: "SHAWN!" she said looking out the back window crying.
Philip: "Bye bye Brady!" he said with a wicked grin on his face.
-------------------------------------------------------
The lights on the police cars were still flashing when the cars came to a
slow stop. John, Abe, Roman, Bo, and Mimi pilled out of the car and headed
for the doors of the auditorium. Abe cut the chain lock with bolt cutters,
gaining access to the gym. Mimi lead them to her dressing room where she
opened her top dresser drawer and looked at a piece of paper.
Mimi: "This is it." she said handing it out to John.
John took the paper from Mimi and studied it.
John: "Your sure this came from his pocket?"
Mimi: "Never been more sure of anything in my life." she said with
confidence.
John: "Abe, I know its your day off, but can you test this for
fingerprints?" he said giving it to Abe.
Abe: "I'll get right on it." he grabbed the paper by its corners and left
for the station.
Bo: "How about we go check out Philip's dressing room?"
Roman: "Good idea. Let's go." John, Roman, Bo, and Mimi headed for
Philip's dressing room in hopes for more evidence.
Abe went to his car and put the paper in a plastic bag.
Abe: "Finally, proof." he said while throwing the bag onto the back seat of
his car. He got in the car and drove off with the map to the cave safely in
his possession.
-------------------------------------------------------
By this time Philip and Belle had reached their destination. He shut off
his car, grabbed a now blindfolded Belle, and lead for to their hideaway.
Philip: "It's just you and me now Belle. You don't have to worry about
Brady anymore, I took care of him." Once they were safe inside he took off
the blindfold.
Belle didn't answer, she wouldn't.
Philip: "Now I have a little surprise for you. I want you to meet my
partner in crime, of course you already met him at the penthouse. The one,
the only..."
Chapter 12
Philip: "Elvis Dimera! Encase you didn't know Elvis enjoys sports, cars,
but mostly he just likes torturing the Brady and Black families."
Elvis (to Philip): "Your wacked, you no that? But what can I say my dad
taught me well." he turned to Belle. "It's nice to formally meet you. You
probably recognize my hands." he said showing her his hands. She didn't
answer. "Want me to grab you from behind? Maybe that will jog your
memory."
Belle: "Leave me alone!" she shouted.
Elvis: "Grr. That's a fisty one you got there Phil. Now on to the whole
me getting money thing. You did bring it right?"
Philip: "Yeah I got it. Here, for a job well done." he gave him his cash
and Elvis counted it.
Elvis: "Pleasure doing business with you. So, now what?"
Philip: "We wait until the coast is clear so we can get out this God
foresaken town. Then we'll start a new life together."
Elvis: "Whatever. You sure no one followed you?"
Philip: "Someone tried to, but I took care of him." he said with an evil
twinkle in his eye.
-------------------------------------------------------
Shawn's helmet laid on the side the road dented on the side. A few feet
away lay the bike and Shawn. He was caught under a steel fence, but he was
able to get himself out. He had a few bumps and bruises, but he was ok. It
was extremely lucky that he wasn't hurt considering the extend of the
accident. Although he was ok, the bike was another story. It was entangled
in the fence and even if he spent the whole night getting it out the front
tire was flat so it wouldn't get him far. He got up and walked back to the
road. He didn't know what to do. There was an intersection in the road up
ahead so he didn't know which way Philip went and it was a long walk back to
the Pub, the sun would be setting soon. Just then his cell phone rang. It
had been ringing continuously for the past 45 mintues, but he was kinda
preoccupied with hanging off the side of his bike to answer it.
Shawn: "Hello?"
Hope: "Honey its me. Where are you?" she said relieved that he answered.
Shawn: "Like 10 miles north of the Pub. He's got Belle mom! Philip took
her!" he said in a melancholy tone.
Hope: "We know sweety. Abe called, we have evidence that Philip was
involved in the kidnapping."
There was a slience on Shawn's end of the phone.
Shawn: "The bikes recked, I need someone to come get me." he answered
softly.
Hope: "Recked? Are you alright? What happened?" She began to worry for
her son's safety.
Shawn: "I'll explain later." Just then a familar car rolled up.
"Nevermind about the ride. I'll be right there. Bye mom."
Hope: "Bye."
Eric: "You look like you could use a ride." he called through the passenger
window.
Shawn: "Yeah, thanks." he got in the car and Eric started the drive back to
the Pub in silence.
Eric: "Shawn, she'll be ok. Belle's a big girl. If anyone can handle
herself, its her." he said reassuringly.
Shawn: "I know, but she doesn't deserve this."
Eric: "No one does."
-------------------------------------------------------
When Shawn and Eric arrived back at the Pub everyone was already waiting for
them. John had a map of Salem on the table and was tracking everyplace near
the road Shawn had last seem Philip.
John: "So you last saw them here. If there still in Salem there's only so
many places they could be.
Abe: "And we have to remember Philip's probably not alone in this. He has
to have at least one accomplice, whoever took Belle from the penthouse."
The families sat staring at the map, running options in their heads as to
the whereabouts of the missing Black and her rather luney captors.
Shawn: "Wait a minute. What about here, the old underground mine. Philip,
Belle, and I used to play there when we were younger. And it's right by
that cave where Philip 'found' Belle."
Roman: "Makes sense. But wait a minute this properties owned. See." he
said pointed to the property lines on the map. He traced his finger over
the line searching for the name of the owner. Finally his finger stopped on
big read letters. "Dimera."
Shawn: "I knew it."
Bo: "Alright I'll call for back-up then we'll get going." He whipped out
his cell phone while everyone headed for the cars.
Shawn: "Hang on Belle, I'm coming." he said getting into the car.
-------------------------------------------------------
Belle had been crying almost the whole times she'd been at her 'new home',
as Philip called it. Philip tried to get her to stop, but eventually gave
up, knowing she would adapt to her life in time. He had unbound her, not
fearing the somewhat little girl, especially since there were two of them.
Elvis was getting impatient from all the waiting and extremely annoyed from
Belle's endless sobs.
Elvis: "God! Can't you turn her off?" he said filled with frustration.
Philip: "Deal with it, I am."
Elvis: "Phil, I'm going to give you a little advice. No girl is worth all
this, especially when she cries the whole time! Can't we just sell her or
hold her for ranson or something. Why not profit from this?"
Philip: "NO! She's mine! I payed you to do your job, so don't tell me how
to do mine!" he said defensively.
Elvis: "Whoa, chill. Fine but I'm going to bed I can't stand to listen to
this anymore!" With that he left to get some rest.
Philip: "Well, I guess that leaves us alone. Belle, I know your upset, but
come on this is Shawn Brady! No big loss. And family's not all that's
cracked up to be. I mean look at your family life. You were the product of
an affiar, none of your brothers or sisters share both your parents, your
sister sold you when you were little. How can you miss that?"
While Philip was talking Belle began to grow incredibly angry. All her
desperation and hopelessness turned into hate. Soon the little flame of
anger inside of her erupted into a forest fire. She got up quickly, her
face beat red and her breathing loud.
Belle: "No one makes fun of my family!" she said while lunging toward
Philip.
Chapter 13
Belle caught Philip completely off gaurd. He hadn't thought that the rather
small girl with an injury could prove somewhat of a challenge when she
became violent. Belle socked Philip with a right hook to his jaw which sent
Philip flying off the rock he had taken up as a seat earlier. She went over
to him lying on the floor and kicked him in the side.
Belle: "That was for my parents!" she said angerly. Before repeating the
blow to his side she said, "This is for my brothers and sisters!" Her fury
grew. This is for Shawn!" she said while kicking his other side. "And
this" she said while preparing a 4th kick. Philip was aware of her
intentions this time though and caught her foot before it reached him. He
pulled her foot out from under her and she fell, hitting the cold dirt
floor, with her back.
Philip: "Repitition is so overrated." he said getting to his feet. "Nice
try. I have to admit that you do real damage even with the sprained with
ankle. Come on your going to bed." he said while leaning toward Belle with
an outstreched hand.
Belle was not giving up though. Her right arm was streched behind her back
searching for her lone crutch Philip had allowed her to keep to get around
on. She grabbed the bottom of it and with one strong swing clocked Philip
across the face with it, knocking him uncouncious.
Belle: "And that was for me! Never mess with a gimp! Or a Black for that
matter." she said with confidence. She got to her feet with the help of
her crutch and began searching for a way out. She had played at these mines
when she was younger, but not often and she had been blindfolded coming in.
She had no clue how deep Philip had taken her. She decided that guessing
was better than sitting around waiting for Philip to wake up so she chose a
direction and headed for one of the tunnels. She looked back once at her
former childhood friend lying on the musty floor, blood seeping from the
wound on his head and the cut on his face.
Belle: "Nighty night Philly." was all she said before turning away
determined never to look back. Belle hobbled toward the tunnel that seemed
to be sheading the most light. She made her way around the first corner
only to be grabbed from behind.
-------------------------------------------------------
The parade of cars jolted to sudden stops infront of the old mine in the
deepened forest. Shawn sprinted toward the entrance followed by John, Bo,
Roman, Abe, Eric, Doug, PopShawn, and the rest of the family carrying
flashlights. They went down the first coridor and split into groups when
coming to a merge in the tunnels. Abe lead his group down their assigned
tunnel, proceeding with caution. He was armed, just incase, and had his gun
ready at hand. When the tunnel came to a clearing he waved his group
forward after checking it out.
Abe: "This is where it splits into dozens of different passageways. Its
going to take time to search them all." Suddenly he heard a moan near-by.
He followed it, ducking under a long jagged rock which lead into a concealed
room. There he stumbled upon Philip, still groggy.
Abe: "Eric go back and tell everyone this is the right way." Eric left to
do what he was told and minutes later the whole family was in the room where
Abe had found Philip. Philip stood up, holding his head, still unclear as
to what was going on. Bo hand cuffed him, which he hadn't fully expected.
Shawn: "Where's Belle!" he shouted at him.
Philip: "Do you have to yell? I have a killer headache!"
Shawn: "Where is she!" he said dragging Philip away from Bo by his shirt.
Philip: "I don't know! Ok!" he answered out of fear.
John: "What do you mean, you don't know?" he screamed impatiently.
Philip: "Like I said I don't know! Last time I saw her she was swining a
crutch at my head." he said gesturing toward the wounds on his face.
Sami: "Belle did that to you?" she said in disbelief.
Philip nodded in defeat.
Eric: "I told you she could take care of herself."
The family looked around, unsure which tunnel to take. They were just about
to split into groups again when they heard a scream from one of the tunnels.
Shawn: "That's her!" he said taking off in the direction of the scream.
-------------------------------------------------------
Belle screamed and someone bound her arms behind her back.
Elvis: "Will you shut up!" he said gagging her. "Well, at least your not
crying." he added. She shot him a dirty look. "Come on, we're getting out
of here." He dragged Belle down the path, soon they came to a hidden detour
which they took. There was no place to go, but up. Elvis took out his rope
and began attaching it to rocks, intending to lift him and Belle out of
there.
Elvis: "Look, I have no beef with you." he said while knotting the rope.
"I was only in this for the money, the fact that my father hates and your
family was just an added bonus. Personally I don't want to keep you, all
you do is cry. Although you do have a hell of a right hook. I hold no
grudge toward you for kicking the crap out of Philip, he annoyed me anyways.
He was way too possessive." he shook his head. "Like I said," he said
getting back on track. "I was only in this for the money. So, when we get
out of here I'm going to bring you to my dad. If he doesn't want you then
I'll be happy to ransom you back to your family. I'm sure they'd pay a
hefty price for you. I just DON'T want to get caught! So you have to
corroperate with me here and stay quite! Can you do that for me?"
Belle gave him a look that said she'd scream her lungs out if she could and
he better thank God she's was tied up otherwise he'd be the one gagged at
the moment.
Elvis: "Ok ok, just trying to make friendly conversation. Jes." He
finished setting up the ropes and tied some around Belle's waist after he
did it to his own. He began hoisting them up. They were half way there,
hanging in mid-air.
Elvis: "Won't be long now."
Chapter 14
Shawn had gone as far as the path could take him. He was at a deadend, and
Belle wasn't anywhere to be found.
Shawn: "Come on Belle, I need your help. Give me a sign." he said
pleadingly, scanning the rock walls for hidden groves. He was barely done
with his sentence when he heard rock falling from behind him.
Shawn: "That's my girl." He examined the rock thouroghly, finding the the
hidden entrance.
-------------------------------------------------------
Elvis: "Would you stop kicking! Your going to cause a cave-in!" he said
continueing to hoist them upward.
Shawn entered the room unnoticed. Elvis was too preoccupied with pulling
the ropes and trying to keep Belle still at the same time. Shawn found a
sufficent hiding place and contimplated what to do.
Shawn: "How do I get her down without drawing attention to myself?" he
asked himself. Then a lightbulb went off in Shawn's head. "I hope this
works." he prayed.
Shawn leaped out of his hiding place, starteling Elvis.
Shawn: "Let her go!" he shouted.
Elvis: "Why do the goodguys always ask that? You know I'm not going to."
he said annoyed, but he never stopped pulling on the ropes.
Shawn: "Let her go NOW!" he said more calm than before. He moved closer to
them now.
Elvis: "Ohhh! You convinced me this time!!" he said sacastically.
Shawn moved underneath them, but they were too high for him to reach.
Elvis: "What are you going to do now, Brady? Haven't you ever heard the
expression 'whitemen can't jump?'" he said mockingly.
Shawn looked deeply into Belle's eyes. His gaze never left hers.
Shawn: "Nope." he said reaching for the ropes that were strung to the
rockwall next to him. He untied the knot, sending Elvis and Belle crashing
to the floor. "Sorry Belle." he said innocently. He pulled her away from
Elvis' grasp just in time. The echoe from the crash was rumbling throughout
the cave. Soon the ground was shaking and the ceiling was falling. Shawn
pulled Belle into the back of the room, ducking under solid rock for
protection. Elvis ran for the entrance of the room, only to be pelted with
a rock halfway there.
-------------------------------------------------------
The family had followed Shawn into the tunnel, but hadn't seen him enter the
hidden detour. They had been stuck at the deadend, searching for the hidden
the hideaway when the rumbling began. They all ducked and covered until it
stopped. When the dust cleared they noticed the secret passageway, which
was now completely visible. They all traveled down the path, finding Elvis
near the entrance, unconscious. Roman cuffed him, after waking him, and
beagn to read him his rights.
-------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile Shawn had unbound Belle and removed the gag.
Shawn: "Are you ok?" he asked concerned.
Belle: "I am now." she said, cuddeling up to Shawn. He kissed her
tenderly.
Shawn: "You must be like number one on 'The People Most Likely to be
Kidnapped List'" he joked.
Belle let out a laugh. "Your the only one I let kidnapp me though." she
played along.
Shawn: "I saw the number you did on Philip. I really need to start calling
you Tough Girl." he said while helping her to sit down.
Belle: "Hey, he was making fun of my family, and you! No one makes fun of
my guy and gets away with it!" she said sternly.
Shawn: "Oh ok, I get it now. You were protecting me." he answered,
plopping down next to her.
Belle: "Actually I was talking about my dad." she joked.
Shawn: "Ha ha very funny."
John: "Izzy?" he called through the rock wall.
Belle: "Speak of the devil." she said to Shawn. "I'm here daddy!" she
hollered back.
John: "Sweetie, are you alright?" he asked.
Belle: "I'm fine, but we're stuck in here."
Eric: "We know, we're working on it." he chimed in.
Bo: "Sailorman? You ok?"
Shawn: "Fine dad."
Bo: "Don't worry we'll have you out of there in no time." he yelled.
Shawn look at Belle, who was resting her head on his chest, and smiled.
Shawn: "Take your time dad." he called back, right before lifted Belle's
chin and kissing her.
To Be Continued...