Chloe: "Nancy, do you mind? We're in a private conversation!" I yell at her. She opens her mouth to say something, but closes it and puts her head down. "Hello Brady." She said softly and walked away.

Brady: "Can we...um...go somewhere?" I ask sheepishly. "I mean, if that's okay...I really just need a friend right now."

I wait patiently, shuffling my feet and looking at the ground. Chloe's so pretty, I think to myself, but I don't dare look at her. Now is not the time to be having raging hormones, so I motion at my jeep.

Chloe: I look at him, concerned. "Brady, are you all right?" I ask as we walk towards his jeep.

Brady: "I don't know, Chloe. It's all happening so fast, what with Belle and all...I just don't know what to think anymore." I open the passenger door for her and then climb in on my side. As I start the engine up, I begin thinking about Belle's accident and what would become of her when Dad and Marlena find out. They would have that guy's hide...

I click on the CD player and the smooth sounds of opera fill the jeep. "Do you mind if I check in on Belle in about 20 minutes?"

Chloe: "I'm a little lost here Brady. You still haven't told me what's wrong...What happened with Belle?...Brady, I'm really worried about you." I say and put my hand on his shoulder as he starts up the jeep and drives away from my house.

Brady: "That name does ring a bell..." I mutter, noticing that Chloe's posture has become stiff. She looks astonished at the fact that I agreed with the name she gave me. In fact, she looks absolutely shocked.

After a few moments of absolute silence again, I glance over at her. "Chloe...say something...anything...please?"

I'm worried that I've offended her and vow never to bring up the subject again. Unfortunately, looking at the clock makes me realize that it's almost time to check in on Belle.

Chloe: "I can't belive he..." I start to say but trail off. "I mean, he's an ass for sure and he's always been a jerk to me for as long as I can remember. But to do something that horrible? I didn't think Jason would be capable of something so major...I mean, he could've kill-" I said but immediately stopped. I didn't say another word until we got to the hospital. We walked inside and to the destined floor. We saw Shawn pacing back and forth in the hallway. I ran up to him. "Shawn, I'm so sorry. How are you doing? Are you holding up okay?" I ask him.

Shawn: I heard someone running down the hallway of the hospital, and when I looked up there was Chloe with Brady.

"Yah, I'm okay I guess." I said quietly.
My perfect girl was laying in a hospital bed and there was nothing I could do to help her, was I supposed to be okay?

"She's with the doctor right now. He said he'd come out and tell us when we can go and see her. What about you Brady? Are you okay?" I asked.
During this whole ordeal I just kept thinking about how badly I was feeling, and what I was going to do to that Jason person if I ever laid eyes on him, I hardly ever thought about what Belle's family must be feeling like.

Chloe: I step towards Shawn. "Shawn, it was Jason. You know, that jack-@ss who's the one who started to call me 'goul-girl' first. Jason Welles." I told him, as his face became hot with anger.

I sit on a chair nearby. 'My best friend is in serious condition and I can't even cry.' I say to myself, feeling bad.

Brady: As the doctor emerged, I half expected Shawn to run inside. But he's being decent and let me go in first. I duck my head from the sympathetic look Chloe gives me and step into the sharp smelling room. My eyes start to tear up again as I see her, hooked up to needles and machines that hum and buzz behind her. Her pale blue eyes flutter open as I approach her bed.

"You okay, Tink?" I ask, my voice wavering.

Her left arm is tucked to one side, fully plastered in a white cast. I give her a small smile, but my heart is breaking inside. She looks so small and frail in the big bed. I just want to hold her and soothe her pain. But I know that Shawn will want that job. So I linger beside her bed, watching as her lips curl into a soft, painful smile.

That's when I notice that neither Shawn nor Chloe have entered the room. When I look behind me, I can see them whispering to each other in the hallway. 'What are they talking about?' I wonder. But before I can investigate, Belle speaks.

Belle: I opened my eyes and the first thing I see is my big brother smiling at me. I try as hard as I can to give him a convincing smile but I think he can tell that I am in a lot of pain. He looks very concerned about me.

I look around the room wondering where I am and where Shawn is.

"I am ok Brady." "Where's Shawn?"

All I could think about was Shawn. I needed him next to me. I needed him in the room right at that moment.

"Please find Shawn for me Brady."

Brady: Belle's voice rang in my head. 'Shawn? She wants to see Shawn? No, hey Brady! I love you, I'm glad you're here. Just I want to see Shawn?' I think to myself.

The words sting my ears and pierce my heart. I had been going through hell for the last 18 hours and all she wants to say to me is 'Get Shawn for me?' The tears start to break through again, but I refuse to let her see them. I decide not to give her the satisfaction of seeing me upset.

"Shawn? Yeah, Belle. Sure. I'll send him in," I state coldly.

Then I shrug and open the door. Chloe and Shawn stop all conversation as the door flings open, but I don't care.

"Shawn, she wants to see you," I mumble, head bowed in defeat.

Chloe: I go over to Brady and go to touch his shoulder but he moves away from me. He looks so upset. I want to comfort him, but he won't let me. I look up at him. I can feel the tears filling up inside my eyes. I turn away from him and run down the hallway to be alone.

Belle: I see Shawn walk in and I smile at him. I notice Brady out in the hall shrugging Chloe away. Something is really bothering him. I need to stop him before he leaves.

"Brady Wait, Please come back here for a minute."

I watch as he walks back into the room. I am not sure what his problem is but I love my brother and I will find out.

"Brady I am sorry." "I just realized how rude I was being to you." "I love you Brady and care about you so much but I need to talk to Shawn, I need him to tell me what happened." "After that I want you to come back in and I want you to tell me what is bothering you."

I look searchingly into Brady's eyes waiting for his response.

Brady: "You know, Belle...I love you a lot. Ever since Dad and Marlena left for their second honeymoon, I've taken care of you. You hurt me. I've been sleepless all night, wondering if you'd be alright. But now I know...now I know that my sister would much rather hang on her boyfriend instead of being held up by her brother. Thanks, Belle. I'm so glad to know that I'm wanted."

I know I'm being cruel and mean, but I hurt so badly that I can hardly breathe. My own flesh and blood wants to push me aside for Bo Brady's son, for someone who didn't even know she was hurting until today. So I set my jaw and clear my throat before walking out the door to find Chloe.

Belle: I just sat there in shock. I feel tears forming in my eyes. I don't know what to do. I need to get out of this bed to find him but I know that I can't. I turn my face away from Shawn and start crying. I wonder to myself if he will ever forgive me.

Chloe: I run to a drinking fountain and try to take a drink. I barely take a sip b/c I'm crying so much. I lean my back against the wall and slide down to sit on the floor. I cover my head with my hands and ball my eyes out.

I was just now beginning to comprehend what was going on with Belle. I saw her through the door in her hospital bed. 'How could he do this?' I ask myself. 'The next time I see Jason, I swear to god I'm gonna-' I think to myself but was interrupted. I feel someone's hand on my shoulder. I look up and it's Brady.

Brady: I find Chloe sitting on the floor beside a water fountain not far from Belle's room. She looks distressed, so I approach her cautiously.

"Hey..." I say softly. My hand rests lightly on her shoulder, worried I might scare her. She lifts her face and I can see that she's been crying.

"What's wrong, Chloe? Did I make you upset?"

I replay the last ten minutes in my mind: me getting angry with Belle and shrugging Chloe off. She's still young enough that it might upset her to have me shun her, I think. But somehow, I wonder if that's really what's bothering her. I kneel down beside her and touch her long, silky hair.

"You can tell me. Really."

Shawn: I sit in Belle's room and watch as Brady lashes out at her. And I feel myself boil up inside. 'How could he be so selfish? Shouldn't he be happy that she's okay? No, of course not. Brady Black's pride is much more important than the welfare of his sister.' I think to myself. I know that's not true, but I can't help and think that. I push my feelings aside because after all he is my cousin.
Belle turns her head away from me, what Brady said really hurt her. I reach out and hold her small and fragile hand in my own.

"It'll be okay." I tell her. "Brady's just upset right now, don't worry, he'll get over it." I wonder if she'd want me to go and get her friends to come and visit her, but I decide against it, she needs to rest. Maybe I'll just call Mimi.

"Hey." I say as I gently turn her head to face me. "Do you want me to call Mimi? I'm sure she'll be able to fill you in on the latest happenings at Salem High, because let's face it, Mimi is 'Gossip Queen Extraordinaire." I say as I laugh lightly. She laughs quietly with me for a bit, but I see it's causing her pain, so I tell her to take it easy.

"Is it okay if I go and give Mimi a call?" I ask, I don't want to leave her if she doesn't want me to. But she nods yes and I give her a kiss on her forehead before I exit the room and close the door gently behind me.
When I get out of her room, I look down the hall and there is no sign of Brady or Chloe. I come to the conclusion that they must've left to talk or something as I walk up to the payphone and put my quarter in. The phone rings twice before I hear Mimi's voice on the other end.

"Hi Meems, it's me, Shawn."

Chloe: "No, it's not you Brady. It's Belle. She didn't deserve to go through something like that." I say. "I swear to God, if I ever see Jason, I'm gonna kill him!" I say, loudly.

Belle: I wake up and look around the room. I notice Shawn sleeping on the chair. He looks so sweet and peaceful. I love him so much. Then my thoughts drift off to Brady again. He was so mad at me. I wish he was here. I love my brother so much but I hurt him so badly. I decide to wake Shawn up so I can have him go and find Brady for me. I really need my brother. I feel so bad for blowing him off but I didn't realize where I was and just wanted to hold my boyfriend. I hope he can understand that. My brother means the world to me.

"Shawn...wake up." "Shawn please wake up.."

He looks up at me and smiles.

"Shawn please go and find Brady for me." "I have to see him."

Shawn just nods and leaves the room.

Shawn: I walk down the hallway and see Brady holding Chloe, I run towards them and say.

"Brady, Belle wants to see you."

Brady: I have been sitting there, holding Chloe for so long, I forgot where I was. Just feeling her in my arms, smelling her delicious vanilla scent makes me wonder why I ever overlooked her before. Perhaps I should try to be a little friendlier to her and all of Belle's friends. Who knows what else could come along?

I drift off in my thoughts and snap back to reality only when I hear Shawn's voice behind me. I scramble to my feet, taking Chloe with me.

"Belle wants to see you," Shawn says quietly.

I know he's mad at me for being upset, but I'm far from being calm. Chloe looks up at me in anticipation. I nod at her.

"I'll go and see her now. Thanks, Shawn," I reply.

As I walk past him, I murmur, "Sorry about earlier."

He just nods and turns to follow us.

Chloe: (In Belle's Room) We walk into her room and I rush up to her and give her a huge hug. "Hey blondie. I was so worried about you." I say and squeeze her hand. "I'm so glad you're okay. How are you feeling?" I ask her.

Shawn: Chloe, Brady & I are in Belle's room. I hear footsteps coming down the hallway. I look outside of the door and see Mimi. 'Well it's about time., I think jokingly. We see eachother and hug quickly. She asks me how Belle is doing.

"She's pretty much fine, don't worry so much." I tell her. But then again it is her job to worry, as it is all of our jobs, a job that we just can't seem to quit.

Belle: "Hey Chloe, I am glad you came." "I guess I am doing as well as can be expected."

Chloe smiled at me and I smiled back.

I really wanted to speak to my brother alone but I love Chloe like she is my own sister and I really don't want to hurt anyone else's feelings by pushing them away. I already hurt the most important person in my life. I love Shawn to death but Brady is family and what I did to him was wrong. He was worried about me and I just pushed him away. I guess I will just have to wait to talk to him.

"Hey ah guys, I need you to tell me what happened." "I don't remember anything."

They both just stared at me.

Chloe: I looked at Brady, then back at Belle in confusion. "You don't remember?" Belle shook her head. "That stupid son of a-" I started but held back my anger. "Maybe Brady should tell you what happened. I'm afraid I'll blow a fuse." I say and stomp across the room, clenching my fists together.

'I can't wait to see the look on Jason's face when I, a girl, punches his lights out.' I think to myself.

Belle: I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It had to be a mistake. I know that Jason isn't the nicest person in the world but I don't think he could be that cold. I started to tremble and then tears started to fall. I wasn't sure why I was trembling but I couldn't control myself. Brady put his hand on my back and started to rub it. I looked up at Chloe and saw that she had tears in her eyes. Please let this be a mistake. How could he do this to me. How can anyone be so cruel. I looked my brother in the eyes and asked him to confirm what I heard was true.

"Brady, Are you sure it was Jason?" "Are you 100% sure." I hoped he wasn't but I was afraid that my worst fear would be true.

Chloe: I yelled out in frustration, interuppting Brady before he told her the truth. "Yes! It was that bastard who doesn't deserve to live on this earth!" I yell.

I stomp out of the room and run down the hallway. I wait for the elevator and then walk inside and the door closes behind me. 'You're going to get what you deserve, Jason Welles.' I say to myself.

I walk out of the hospital and I bump into Cynthia. "What the hell are you doing here?" I ask her.

Cynthia: I look Chloe up and down.

"I sure didn't come here to see you. Philip just parked the car. We came by when we heard that Belle was in an accident. We wanted to check on her. before we go back to my house so I can show Philip how a man like him should be treated."

I push past her as I walk off thinking 'Yes Philip is better of with out Chloe in his life.'

Philip joins me and I wait outside while he goes in to see Belle.

Shawn: I turn around and I see Phillip entering Belle's room.
I don't know what I can do to help her. When I was told that Jason didn't I didn't want to believe it either, I couldn't believe it. When we were kids we used to all hang out together. We were all friends, this couldn't be the same Jason that I was on the baseball team with, the same Jason that I used to hang around with at dot.com. I don't want to believe it, and I don't think I can, until I see some proof. But if it was him, then he's going to have to deal with alot of very pissed off people, and injuries worse than Belle's.

Brady: I turn around after Chloe storms out of the room. She seems so angry, I'm worried about what will happen when she gets outside the hospital. Actually, I'm afraid for Jason when Chloe finds him. I look back at Belle with an apparent panicked gaze, because she nods at me to go after Chloe.

"I'll be right back, Belle. I promise," I whisper and give her a kiss on the forehead.

As I turn to leave the room, I almost run right into Philip. "Hey, Uncle Phil. I'm glad you could make it here," I start. But then I notice the red-head standing behind him.

"What the hell is she doing here?" I demand.

Mimi: When I heard it was Jason that hit Belle, it was like someone knocked the wind out of me. Jason and I aren't the best of friends but I never thought he was capable of hit-and-run. Now Phillip is here and oh my God he brought Cynthia. Brady doesn't look happy. I'm just gonna sneak out into the hall now.

Shawn: Everyone leaves Belle's room, and it's now just her and I. I sit in the chair next to her bed, and I hold her hand.
"It'll be okay Perfect Girl. I promise." I say trying to comfort her, as she still has tears running down her cheeks.

Belle: Everyone is gone and it is just me and Shawn. I still have tears running down my cheeks. I can't control the crying. Shawn is trying as hard as he can to comfort me. I am just in total shock over this whole thing. I just want to get out of this hospital and get home. I look over at Shawn and he looks so upset. I know that he hates to see me upset and he is trying everything that he can to help me. I look into Shawn's eyes and I start to talk.

"Oh Shawn I can't believe that Jason would do something like this." "Does anybody know where he is?"

I wait patiently for him to answer me.

Chloe: I take a taxi and arrive at Jason's house. I approach his door and ring the doorbell. A woman answers the door. "Hi, is Jason here?" I ask. She says he is and soon, Jason appears at the door.

I give him a cheesy smile. I swing my arm back and slug him in the face. His eyes almost pop out of his face from the punch as he falls back a few feet and lands flat on his back.

Shawn: "Well, I guess he's probably at his house." I say answering Belle. "I think everyone has been too busy worrying about you to even give Jason a second thought."
She just nods her head slightly, and I give her a soft kiss on her forehead.

Belle: I look at Shawn lovingly. I am so thankful for him.

"Thank you so much for staying with me Shawn....I love you."

He smiles back at me and then speaks.

Shawn: "I love you, you know that right?" I say, and she nods.
"And don't worry, Jason will get what he deserves for this. I promise you."

Belle: Tears start to form in my eyes again but not because I am sad but because I am happy. I am so lucky to have a boyfriend who loves me so much. Shawn looks at me confused. I am sure he is wondering why I look like I am about to cry.

"Shawn I am so lucky to have you in my life." "Please hold me and never let go."

As he pulls me into his arms I really start to cry again.

Cynthia: standing with my hands on my hips I turn to face a very mad Brady. The way he is staring at me really irritates me and I get mad.

I look at him and say "Brady if you want to know what the hell i am doing here ask me not Philip. I am here because I was with Philip when he heard about the accident. And even if I don't like Chloe I do like Belle and wanted to know if she was ok. Now that we know she will be I think it is time for me and Philip to go and have some fun. Unless there is some thing else youwanted to say to me. Is there?"

Turning to smile and look at Philip i ask him "Are you ready to go? I would like to get out of here before I have to see Chloe again."

Brady: I drive back to the penthouse without even realizing that I did. After I park the jeep, I stare dumfoundedly out the window. I wanted to beat the crap out of that ignorant son of a bitch. That's when I realized that Chloe was the only thing stopping me. I turn to her.

"Chloe, you know how much I wanted to hurt Jason. Hell, you wanted to hurt him that much, too. But you held me back. I've never done anything for someone else like that before. I've always done what I wanted, when I wanted. But you've changed me. I want to do what you ask, because it's you doing the asking. I wouldn't do it for anyone else. Do you know what I'm saying?"

I take her hand in mine and look into her deep blue eyes, hoping that she understands and that I would do anything if she just asked. Hoping that she sees what I see.

"You're my best friend, Chloe Lane," I whisper. I turn her hand over in mine, eyes still even with hers. Then, I lay a soft, gentle kiss on her palm, waiting for her response.

Chloe: I smile at him and start to blush. "I didn't know I had that affect on you Brady...I'm glad to see that I mean that much to you. And you mean a lot to me too." I say and look deep into his eyes. "You're the best friend I've ever had. And I want you to know exactly how I feel about you." I say and lean in towards him and we kiss.

Brady: Chloe leans towards me and closes her eyes. Oh my god, what do I do? Do I follow my feelings and kiss her, or do I keep my distance? Oh here she comes... I press my lips against hers gently, and the sparks fly. The sweetness of her lips shocks me and I place one hand on her cheek, egging her forward. She takes my hint and opens her mouth to my tongue. Her mouth is soft and tastes like her strawberry lipgloss. We kiss until we're both breathless. I pull away and look into her eyes. "Do you, uh...do you want to come upstairs...for a snack, I mean? I need to call the hospital to check on Belle anyway."

She looks shell-shocked...and who can blame her? I am myself. I uncomfortably await her response.

Chloe: I kind of wanted to go back to the hospital and see how Belle was doing in person, but I need some time away from all of that so I can cool down. "Sure, I'm hungry. Maybe I should make you one of my delicious BLT's." I suggest as we walk inside.

Shawn: "Hey Chloe, it's me." I say, wondering if they were coming back.
"I just wanted to know if you and Brady were coming back to see Belle soon. She's okay and everything, I just think that she'd really like to see you two." I explain, getting the feeling that I'm inturrupting something.

Chloe: I roll my eyes. 'When am I going to get some privacy with Brady alone sometime?' I ask myself.

"Hey Shawn. We were just going to get a bite to eat and then come right back to see her. But there's a little problem...We're stuck in the elevator." I say.

Shawn chuckles. "You know. You'd think they'd fix this thing so this kind of accident doesn't happen. First you and Belle, now me and Brady." I say and all three of us laugh.

Brady: Chloe looks like she was not happy about Shawn's interruption. She obviously was getting cozy, or trying to...and I am not about to complain. In fact, I hope the elevator doesn't kick in. But, to make it look "manly," I open the call button box and fiddle around inside. I punch all the buttons on the wall, and glance back at Chloe who seems to be snickering about something Shawn has said.

'I wonder what they're talking about?' I think to myself, continuing to press buttons.

Shawn: "So what's Brady doing?" I ask.
"Trying to look manly by pressing all the buttons on the wall." Chloe replies, quietly enough so that Brady doesn't hear her.
"Sounds like him." I say. "Well, I'll talk to you guys later." Chloe & I say our goodbyes and I hang up the telephone. I walk back to Belle's room,and she is now awake.
"How are you feeling?" I ask.

Brady: I hear Chloe's cell phone click off, but I continue to press the elevator's buttons. Finally, I feel her body heat right behind me and I turn suddenly. She gasps in response as I put my arms around her waist. "I thought we'd never be alone," I whisper.

Belle: My eyes flutter open and the handsomest man I have ever seen is standing in front of me. He is asking me how I am feeling. I better stop staring and answer him before he thinks there is something wrong with me. I smile at him and he smiles back.

"Hi Shawn, I am so glad you are here." "I am feeling much better, thank you for asking."

He takes my hand into his and then pulls it up to his mouth and places a light kiss on it. I feel goosebumps all over my body. My mind wanders to being back on the island when we were ready to make love. I can never seem to shake these thoughts out of my head.

I am finally pulled out of my thoughts by Shawn now placing a kiss on my lips. He is telling me that he loves me.

"I love you too Shawn." "I think I have always loved you." "Ever since we were kids."

Shawn told me that he felt the same way too.

My mind then wanders to Brady and Chloe.

"Shawn, where is my brother and Chloe?" "Are they going to come back to see me?"

Shawn: I am so caught up in her ocean like eyes that I don't even hear ask me anything. I snap out of it, and ask her to repeat herself, and so she does.

"Yeah, they'll be here soon, they just had somethings to take care of." I reply, and I give her another kiss on the forehead and we continue to talk.

Brady: I search her deep blue eyes and take a shaky breath. She wets her lips, blushing a little and I give her a small smile.

"Chloe...ummm...I know this is going to sound sudden, but...will you...I mean, will you go out with me? Seriously. I've given this a lot of thought, especially while I was trying to fix this elevator. You're my best friend and I want you to be more than that. I think we have a great chemistry together, an...electricity. I want to nurture that and let it grow. I want to be able to hold your hand, stroke your hair, kiss your lips...without having to worry that you don't want it," I sputter, doing all the things I say as they come out of my mouth. "You can stop me if I'm rambling any time."

I close my eyes as her hand gently tugs my head down to hers. Her lips fuse to mine and we kiss deeply as the elevator hums to life.

I pull back slightly. "See what I mean about us? Electricity," I whisper.

Chloe: I giggle as I pull him into another kiss. When our lips part I say, "Yes Brady, I will go out with you." And I hug him. After a few moments, I break the embrace. "Not to spoil the moment or anything. But don't you think we should go back to see Belle. I'm sure she's wondering where we went." I say. But on the inside, I wanted to embrace Brady forever.

Brady: "Of course," I nod, taking her hand in mine. "We can go back and see Belle. As long as you don't mind taking the elevator..." I suggest, hinting that I'd love to stay in the elevator with her forever.

It stops on the ground level again, totally missing the penthouse's level. I give Chloe a quick kiss before I open the passenger side of my jeep, then we ride off to the hospital, laughing and touching the whole way.

~*~THE END~*~

Copyright 2002, Teens of Days Ezboard