Wednesday 12/15/10
Arianna stands before EJ, raises her arms gown billowing around her. A howling wind blows, whisking them away to the alleyway below Chloe, Philip, Sami, and Rafe’s building. They are standing in the bitter cold, snow has completely lined the street. EJ is scowling already, for he knows very well who dwells in this rather humble abode.
EJ: Why did you bring me HERE of all places? I don’t want to see her. Please, take me anywhere else. Show me old ladies living on the street, I’ll donate to the homeless. Let me glance at starving orphans. I’ll cook food in a soup kitchen and spend millions upon millions of dollars in toys for the unfortunate tots. But please, don’t make me SEE her. Please. I am begging you!
Arianna: Oh please. Get over yourself EJ. Given a choice, you’d still NEVER do any of those things, even if it meant never seeing Samantha again. Just come with me. And grow a dadgum backbone - you spineless, lily livered, parboiled jellyfish!
EJ: You forgot yellow bellied.
Arianna: Hush up, and follow me! Now. We are of course standing on the fire escape to Chloe and Philip’s apartment. They can’t see us…
EJ: Oh give me a break! I know that! I’ve been in the past before you came along. I believe I have an understanding how this whole spirit thing works.
Arianna: Geez Louise. Sor-ry! It’s in my job description to explain these things to you. Something in our bylaws or something to that effect.
EJ: Very well. Let’s just get on with this, shall we?
Arianna: All you have to do EJ is look through that window…
Before EJ and Arianna, Philip and Chloe are watching a sleeping Parker, his crutches leaning against the wall. Parker is hooked up to a machine to assist with his breathing. It seems that the undisclosed ailment Parker has is attacking his lungs, weakening him daily. Christmas Eve had been a much better day for the young boy. However, the saddened parents know it will not last. For the doctors had warned it would be a matter of time before the more severe symptoms return. Neither of them voice their fears, for this is Christmas. It's best to let the sadness lie away for a while. Just for a while.
Philip: Did you enjoy your evening?
Chloe: Yes! Of course. It was very nice. (puts her finger to her mouth, and says Ssssh) Let’s go back to the living room.
Philip: Sorry! (he grins, dimple showing sweetly. They get back to their sofa and relax for a moment) You know we really should go to bed.
Chloe: Oh, I don’t think I can sleep! Even though we are virtually broke at this point, I love Christmas. I’m still looking forward to Parker opening his presents in the morning. I couldn’t get him that flying gravity defying skateboard (remember, this is 2015 folks) he so wanted, but I think he will be happy.
Philip: Of course he will! Let’s just hope this is our LAST Christmas in this place.
Chloe: Ugh! And be rid of EJ Dimera as a landlord. I cannot believe we had to sink so low as to depend upon him for a place to live.
Philip: Well it certainly isn’t free. $1000 a month for this place is robbery.
Chloe: Huh. You know what he’s charging Rafe and Sami? $3000. a month!
Philip: What? Their place is no bigger than ours. How in the devil’s playground is he getting away with that?
Chloe: Same way he does everything else – because he can. And his last name is Dimera. (Chloe looks down for a moment, feeling rather guilty) Philip, there is something I need to tell you.
Philip: What is it sweetheart? You look upset.
Chloe: You need to know the real story how I was able to get the money to pay rent, AND have enough left over to buy Christmas presents…
To be continued.