Part 31
Salem Hospital:
While the sentencing is going on Shawn and Mimi are waiting in the lobby of the hospital. Shawn is pacing and obviously anxious. Mimi asks him, "Calm down, Shawn... are you really this worried about the results?" Shawn says, "No... I just wish the results could have waited a day... or been a day earlier. Chelsea's sentencing is going on right now. I wanted to be there."
Mimi sighs and says sympathetically, "I'm sorry... I'd forgotten. But didn't your mom say she wasn't going?" He says, "Yes but I know her... she'll be there." Mimi touches his arm and says, "She'll be okay... your grandparents are there." Mimi smiles sweetly to him and he returns the smile and says, "Yeah. And I need to be here right now... we need to get this over with." Mimi's smile fads and she says, "Shawn... what will... I mean... what will happen if ..." Shawn stops her and says, "Hey...we've covered this. Whatever the test says we will ALL deal with it like adults." She raises an eyebrow at him as if to say ‘yeah right.’ He laughs and says, “Okay well we will try at least… I hope.” They smile and he hugs her.
Just then Philip and Belle arrive and join them. Shawn asks where Claire is and Belle says with her parents, telling them they figured she shouldn’t witness the drama no matter which way it goes. Shawn says, "Good thinking." Mimi and Belle barely make eye contact and we can feel the tension between all of them.
A nurse addresses them and says, "Dr. Carver is ready for you now." The four exchange nervous looks and go into Lexi's office. They all sit down and Lexi says, "I know this is very awkward for all of you. Before I give you the results I want to offer you all a bit of advice if I may. All of you love Claire and all of you love each other... in way form or another. So when this is over please try and remember that." They all nod and Lexi opens the file and says, "The DNA tests are conclusive... Philip, congratulations you ARE Claire's father."
The group gasp Philip says, “I knew it!” Belle looks like she’s been kicked in the gut and Shawn looks both relieved and disappointed. Mimi’s mouth just falls open and she asks, "But... how is that possible? Philip's blood type is O+." Philip says, "No its not! I'm B+."
Mimi's mouth drops open again as she says, "But you mom she said..." Philip interrupts, "My mom knew about this!?!" Mimi gapes and says, "Oh my god... Philip I'm sorry I just assumed… figured you and her would have talked by now. I would have told you but I've not seen you since it came out." Philip waves it off and says, "You're not the one to apologize... my mother is."
Mimi opens her mouth to counter but Lexi stops them and answering Mimi’s original question says, "Yes.... Philip is B+... I don't know what Kate read but Philip is B+ and is Claire's father. A woman who is A- and a man who is B+ can have a child who is AB-." Shawn asks, "Then how come Philip couldn't donate blood to Claire?" Lexi explains, "Because AB- can only receive blood from donors who are O-, A-, B-, or another AB-. Shawn is B- so he was a match."
They all sit their quietly for a moment absorbing the information. Mimi looks ill and is the first to speak as she does she grows more emotional and tears up, “I… all this… all this drama… it was for nothing. I... I am so sorry." She looks at Shawn and then at Belle and Philip. Belle is still just staring at the floor. Mimi continues, "This is all my fault. I believed the gossiping of nurses, of Kate, and my mom. I'm sorry I caused all this for... for nothing."
Philip says calmly, "Don't be sorry Mimi I’m glad this all happened. It’s made some things clear that weren’t before.” He looks at Belle who meets his gaze and starts to cry. It is obvious to everyone that he is referring to Belle's feeling for Shawn. Belle, unable to stand it any longer runs from the room in tears.
Lexi chastises, "Philip!" Belle and Shawn exchange looks as to what to do and finally Mimi stands up and goes after Belle. Lexi says, “Philip that was uncalled for.” Philip looks down guiltily but says nothing. Lexi looks at the two of them and says, “I'm going to give you some time to talk." Lexi gives them her office and leaves.
Shawn turns to Philip and says, "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Philip turns to him angry and says, "You mean aside from the fact that my wife is in love with you!?"
Shawn says, "Yes... she does... and I love her, and probably always will. But if you would stop being angry for a moment you'd realize that she also loves you! This isn't a movie or a fairytale... this is real life. Sometimes we end up loving two people. Are you seriously telling me that you have no remaining feelings for Chloe?!"
Philip's face that was filling with anger falls. He is silent for a moment and paces the room. He finally says calmer now, "I... I pressured Belle into this marriage." He sighs and falls into a chair. Shawn sits down across from him. Philip continues his confession, "I never meant to steal her from you... I thought you two were over. But I knew she was still in love with you... I just let myself believe she wasn’t."
Shawn looks guilty and says, "I think there is enough blame to go around here. I betrayed you in this too. When you were overseas... I didn’t exactly help your marriage." Philip looks confused and says, "What do you mean?" Shawn squirms a little and says, "I did everything I could to try and win Belle back from you. But I didn't succeed. Belle stayed true to you. But if I had left her alone... I dunno... what I'm saying is that I added to her confusion Philip... I'm sorry too."
Philip looks at first like he will be angry but then sighs and flopping back in the chair says, "Man... we all really made a mess of this didn't we? How'd this happen, Shawn? We all use to be close and now look at us?!" Shawn gives a half smile and says, "We're still close... but yeah... we messed up... all of us."
They are silent for a moment and finally Shawn asks, "So what are you going to do... about you and Belle I mean?" Philip rubs his eyes and shaking his head says, "I don't know. She’s disappointed with the results I can tell." Shawn says, “You don’t know that. You need to talk to her.” Philip says with a sigh, “Yeah…” He then says carefully, “How… how did you manage to forgive Mimi in this? I mean… she really believed Claire was your’s… and she kept it from you.”
Shawn laughs and says, “It’s amazing how almost being killed by your father can help you put things into perspective. But seriously ... I’ve not really forgiven her yet. I’m working on it. I understand her reasoning, but I still feel hurt by it. We’re going to go to counseling, we’re going to try and take it slow… see what happens. I’m just not giving up on my marriage without trying first.”
Philip listens and nods. Shawn asks, “What about you? Are you still going to push for a divorce?” Philip looks distraught and says, “I… I don’t know… I don’t know what to do. Shawn suggests delicately, “Well... you could start by talking to Belle." Philip looks up at him and nods thoughtfully.
Meanwhile Mimi has caught up to Belle who ran out onto the terrace. Mimi says, "Belle? Are you okay?" Belle shakes her head 'no' to upset to speak. Mimi comes over and just stands by her and waits for her to speak. After a moment Belle says, "Why... why didn't you speak up sooner about Claire?" Mimi looks guilty again and says, "Because I thought I would lose Shawn." She turns pleadingly to Belle and says, "Belle... I can't apologize enough. If... if I had been right then I kept Shawn from his daughter and kept you from the truth. We use to be best friends and I... I betrayed you. Can you ever forgive me?"
Belle almost laughs through her tears and turning away says, "Mimi... I am... or I was so angry at you! How you could believe this and say nothing... I don't understand. But ... I know you know all I did to try and stop your wedding to Shawn... I'd say we are even."
Mimi is stunned by this and stammers “I… I think what I did was worse...” Belle cuts her off and says, “Mimi, I just don’t see the point in us hating each other or arguing about who was worse to who.” She sniffs and says, "And it’s ironic now... nothing has changed... Claire is Philip's and yet... I am now on the verge of divorce." She shakes her head and wipes her eyes again.
Mimi is surprised and says, "Why? Why would Philip divorce you now?" Belle exhales and says, "Because... because he knows part of me still loves Shawn. And now that Claire is undeniably his... he'll try and take her from me." Mimi gasps and says, "Belle! Philip wouldn't do that!" She walks over and puts a hand on Belle and says, "Do you love Philip at all?" Belle looks up at her with teary eyes and nods 'yes'. Mimi says, "Then you two have to try." Belle says, “It may not be up to me. How can I try if Philip won’t?” Mimi doesn’t know what to say and just looks sad for her.
They stand there for a long moment then Belle says, "Look at us.” Mimi looks at her confused at her meaning. Belle continues, “We grew up together… were best friends… and now.” She just shakes her head, “I’ve lost Shawn, Philip, might even lose my daughter, and my best friend!” Mimi’s eyes well up with tears and she takes Belle into a hug. Mimi says to her, “I know… I know you and I are far from being best friends again but… if you are willing, then can we try?” Belle looks up at her and forcing a small smile says, “I can try.”
Belle asks Mimi for some time alone to think and Mimi goes but tells her to call her if she needs her. Mimi walks in and sees Philip who is looking for Belle. Mimi tells him where she is but tells him, “Philip… try and remember that this wasn’t Belle’s fault okay?” Philip nods and says, “Thanks Mimi but this is something Belle and I need to work out.” He walks out onto the terrace. Mimi closes her eyes and sighs fearing Philip will be a jerk to Belle. Shawn comes up behind Mimi and says, “They’ll be okay.”
Mimi turns and says, “How do you know?” Shawn shrugs and says, “I don’t… but what can we do… they have to figure this one out on their own.” Mimi again says, “But this is my fault… I feel responsible I want to fix it… put things back the way they were.” Shawn turns her to face him and says sweetly, “Well ya can’t.” He smiles and says, “Come on.” She sighs trying to let go of the weight of the day’s events and follows him from the hospital.
Out on the terrace Philip says, “Are you disappointed?” Belle turns not having heard him come out. She says after regaining her composure, “Well I know you aren’t… now you can leave me and take Claire.” Philip’s face fills with frustration. He says, “Do you think I WANT to leave you?!” Belle’s lip quivers with emotion and she stays silent. Philip says, “I would never take her from you… I said that because I was angry and hurt and wanted to make you hurt too. But I would never use our daughter to hurt you. I’m sorry I said it.” Belle exhales in a breath of relief and gratitude at his apology. She then says through her tears, “And what about us?”
Philip says slowly, “I… love you. I know I’m not perfect… I know I’m not Shawn… but I love you all the same. And I love our daughter… I’d love her even if she wasn’t mine. I just… I believed you when you married me…all the times you said you loved me and not him.”
He sighs and paces the terrace. He finally continues saying, “I just don’t know… I don’t know how we will ever trust each other again.” Belle walks nervously up to him and turning him to face her she says, “I don’t know… I don’t know anything any more except for two things… I do love you, and I love Claire.” Philip looks at her with tears in his eyes. He says, “So do I.” They stare at each other for a long moment. Then Philip says hesitantly, “So… maybe your mom… maybe she knows someone we could talk too.”
Belle bursts into tears understanding perfectly what Philip is suggesting, that he is saying he will go to counseling with her. She falls against his chest as he cries too and puts an arm around her.
Meanwhile:
After the trial Billie left telling Kate she needed time alone. She wandered through town lost in thought. She finally stops realizing where her feet have brought her… to Georgia’s grave. She sighs looking at it. She notices a rose on it that is dried now and wonders who put it there.
She says out loud to the headstone, “I failed you, and now I’ve failed your sister. Your sister would probably tell you that you are the lucky one… to never have known me. I’m not a very good mother. Oh, Georgia… it shouldn’t have been this way. I… I don’t know what to do.”
She kneels there on the ground covered in sadness. She thinks back to her conversations with Bo, her mom, and Chelsea. We hear Bo’s words saying, “The past we had... our history... it is over, and I won't be revisiting it." Then we hear Chelsea’s words to her saying, “There is no excuse, no reason you could give.” And lastly we hear Kate’s words to her echoing through Billie’s head, “Do you think the truth will win you Bo and Chelsea's love? It won't... it will win you only one thing... pity."
Back in the moment Billie shakes her head, tears running down her face she says aloud courage ringing out of her voice, “No! No more… I’ve lost Bo, I lost Georgia and Chelsea at birth… I’m NOT losing my daughter again… not when the truth can set things right.” She stands up wipes her eyes and says to herself, “I’ve got to find Chelsea. I’ve got to tell her the truth.” She takes off to find her daughter.
Elsewhere:
Clancy sits in a parked car alone, a moment later Chelsea returns and gets into the passenger seat. She says, “Hope wasn’t there. I figured she’d be at home.” Clancy says, “Have you tried her cell?” Chelsea nods, “She didn’t answer.” Clancy asks, “So where next?” Chelsea thinks and says, “Drive by Patrick’s, she may be there.” The two drive on and we see that Mason is following them in his car.
They reach Patrick’s and Chelsea says, “Isn’t that Hope’s car?” Clancy says, “Yeah I think it is.” Chelsea says, “Finally! Okay just let me out here and I’ll meet you at Roman’s later.” Clancy says, “Don’t you want me to come with you? Or at least give you a ride back.” Chelsea says, “No I need to do this alone and if its okay I kinda want to walk back… its not that far. I just need some time alone.” Clancy nods understanding and says, “Okay… be careful.” She promises she will and leaves.
Mason watches her get out of the car and go into Patrick’s and watches as Clancy drives off.
As Clancy leaves his phone rings he answers it is Billie he says shortly, “What do you want?” She says, “I’m looking for Chelsea…” Clancy inhales to tell her off but Billie stops him, “Clancy please! I’m begging you. I know you hate me and you have every reason too but please… I just want to tell her why I did it, why it happened the way it did. If she hates me then I promise to stay away from you both forever.”
Clancy is silent and says finally, “She’s at Patrick’s looking for Hope.” Billie says excitedly and with much gratitude, “Thank you. I’m right around the corner.” Clancy stops her excitement and says, “Listen to me Billie… once you’ve told her… you and I are going to have a talk. I want to hear this explanation of your’s as well.” Billie says, “I promise I will tell you everything… Thank you, Clancy.” Clancy doesn’t respond and just hangs up. He sighs and says to himself, “I need a drink” and drives on.
Chelsea knocks on Patrick’s door and Patrick answers he’s surprised to see her and says, “Chelsea? Hey… what are you doing here?” Chelsea says, “I was looking for Hope. I saw her car outside. Is she here?” Patrick says, “No, that’s my neighbor’s car… I know… looks just like Hope’s.” Chelsea sighs deflated. Patrick seeing her expression says, “Come in.” She does and Patrick says, “Why do you want to talk to Hope?” Chelsea says, “I just wanted to thank her… you know… for the letter.” Patrick nods and says, “Yeah… I know it was hard for her but she really does want you to have a fresh start.”
Chelsea sighs and says, “She shouldn’t have… everyone would be better off if I were in jail.” Patrick says, “No Chelsea! Come on now. Being hard on yourself isn’t going to help anything.” Chelsea says very calmly, “I’m not coming down on myself… I just know who and what I am.” Patrick looks confused but doesn’t press it. He just sighs and says, “And what about your mom and dad? How are things with you and them? They must be happy about the sentencing.”
Chelsea says, “Dad is. He wants to ask the judge to commute my sentence to Vermont… guess he has a place there, thinks it’ll give us time to bond.” Patrick says, “Yeah I remember the place… its nice. And what about Billie?” Chelsea’s face turns cold, “She can go to hell for all I care.”
Patrick starts to defend Billie, “Chelsea listen I don’t understand why she did it but I know your mom loves…” He is cut off when just at that moment the door bursts open, Mason comes in his gun drawn. Before Patrick or Chelsea even have time to register what’s going on, a ‘pop’ of a silenced shot is heard as Mason, without hesitation or warning shoots Patrick. Patrick is thrown back and crashes into the coffee table. Chelsea screams as Mason turns pointing the gun at her. He is smiling and says, “Scream again and you will be the next to die.”
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