(4) First Date

“Now why are you doing this?” asked Brady as Belle handed him the bottle of black hair dye. Belle sat on the toilet and pulled the towel around her shoulders tightly. “To prove a point,” she quipped. “Be sure to get everywhere Brady.” Brady shook his head in confusion as he pulled on the latex gloves. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. What exactly are trying to prove, and for whom?”

Belle tilted her head back and pulled her hair back, “Start up here at the roots then make your way back.”

Brady looked at the bottle then too Belle, “Are you sure you want to do this? This is going to be so dark. No one will recognize you.”

“Brady just do it!”

“Whatever.”

“I’m going on a date tonight. He made a crack about blondes and their intelligence. I want to show him that looks can be deceiving”

“And you think this going to do it?”

“Maybe. We’ll just have to wait and see. Besides, this is fun. I’ve been a blond my whole life. Why not try something different?”

“I guess,” he replied. “Here goes nothing,” as he applied the dye. “So who is this date of yours anyway?”
”Just an old friend,” she offered.

“Anyone I know?”

“Maybe.”

“You’re being pretty secretive about this. Do I need to tag along so I can kick his ass if he looks at you funny. Or tries anything else?”

Belle rolled her eyes at him, “You’ll find out soon enough. And don’t even think about embarrassing me.”

“Why not?”

“Just DON’T Brady. I’m totally serious.”

“Fine, whatever. So where is he taking you?”

“I don’t know yet, we haven’t really talked about it.”

“So, what, he’s trying to be all mysterious and romantic. Some shit like that?”

“Yeah Brady, some shit like that.”

Brady squeezed the last of the formula onto her hair. He massaged the dye into her hair and slicked it back. He threw off his gloves and sat on the bathtub’s ledge facing her. “That stuff reeks.” Belle crinkled up her nose, “I know.”

“Seriously though Belle, I want to meet this chump. I’m working tonight, why don’t you guys swing by. That way I can see if I approve.”

“No way, Brady! You’re going to embarrass me, I can tell.”

“No I won’t, I promise.”

“You’re full of shit Brady, I know you.”

“Hey, I have the right to be protective, you know.”

“I think you’re a little overly protective.”

“Some one’s got to keep you in check,” he said smiling.

“No, I think someone’s got to keep YOU in check, big brother.”

“No way.”

“Way. Hey, I think you should dye your hair black too. I think it’d look good on you.”

“You think, huh?”

“Come on, let’s try it. I bought another bottle just in case.”

“We’ll see how this turns out first.”

“Awww come on.”

“Hell no,” he shouted as he left the bathroom.

Belle grabbed her magazine off the counter. She flipped through the contents, barely able to focus. All she could do was imagine Shawn’s expression when he saw her with her “non-blond” hair. She was tempted to call Mimi just so she could stand behind her at the door and videotape his surprise. Tempting, she thought, very tempting.

****************************************

The door bell rang at 8:00 pm on the dot. Belle sat on the couch, nearly sick with nervousness and anticipation. She was the only one at the penthouse. Brady was at work, and her parents were at Tuscany for the evening. So far, Brady and Mimi were the only ones that knew about her date. Everything was going just as planned. She stood up to answer the door. She took one last look in the mirror. She was still in shock from the dramatic change brought on by her hair color. She was appalled by it at first. But after a few hours, she found herself liking it. It made her feel like a completely different person. Older, more sophisticated, even more daring. She also liked the way it brought out the color of her eyes. She hit the lights. Only the romantic lighting of her mother’s courier closet filled the living room.

Just as Shawn started to knock again for the second time, Belle answered the door. The look on his face was priceless. Belle threw her head back and laughed uncontrollably. It was even better than what she imagined! The gum he was chewing literally fell out of his mouth. “Belle?” he asked in confused wonder. “What the? What are you trying to be? Snow White?” When Belle was finally able to compose herself, she invited him in. He stood dumbfounded in the doorway, and jokingly stepped back, “No, wait a second. I’m here to take Isabella Black on a date. You know, Belle, cheerleader, Salem High socialite, quirky little girl with BLOND hair. Very goofy hair, but very BLOND hair. You’re a lovely young woman, Miss Snow White, but I can only handle one girl at a time if you know what I mean.” Belle smiled and gave him a light whack on the chest.

“So Shawn, where are we going?” Belle asked.

Shawn was still staring at her, “Huh?”

“Hello! Earth to Shawn! We’re supposed to be going on a date tonight. You asked me out yesterday. Do you remember? Or are you just brain dead.”

“Oh, yeah. I remember…I just can’t believe how DIFFERENT you look. I mean brain dead doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m thinking. It’s like beyond that.”

“Do you like it?”

“I don’t… know. It’s just so dark. You’re like a completely different person…”
”You hate it!”

“No! NO! Don’t say that. I don’t hate it. It’s not that. It’s just, wow. Why did you color it?”

“Cuz you were making smart ass comments about my blondness. I thought I’d prove to you how looks can be deceiving. Just because I’m blond doesn’t mean I’m stupid.”

“Oh, of course not. But Belle, come on. I mean, deep down, I’m always going to know you’re a true blond, even if you try to hide it.”

“So where are we going?” she breathed impatiently.

“I don’t know. I was thinking we could just wing it.”

“You don’t have anything planned, Shawn?”

“Well no. I was thinking we could just come up with something together.”

“You’re such a take-charge kind of guy.”

“Hey, what can I say. I’m a man of the new millennium. I believe in equality.”

“So you’re not into simple old-fashioned chivalry.”

“Should I be?”

Belle stood with her mouth gaped open, “I can’t believe you.”

“Hey, the night is young, woman. I wouldn’t pass judgement yet.”

“Uh, yeah. Right. Whatever you say Shawn. You’re the boss.”

“That’s right, I’m the boss. And I’d like to take you out to eat somewhere. You haven’t ate yet, have you?”

“Noooo.”

“Perfect. Then lets go.”

“Where?”

“Where do you want to go Belle.”

“Shawn! You’re supposed to be the boss!”

“I am the boss. I just choose to delegate certain decisions.”

“Oh my God Shawn, you are a lousy leader.”

“Hey!”

“Hey yourself! You asked me out on a date, and you have nothing planned.”

“Belle, Belle. Relax. I just want us to spend sometime together and have fun. I don’t care how we do this. I’m sorry I don’t have this whole night planned out for us. I figured it didn’t matter.”

Belle cracked a small smile, “Sure Shawn. I guess I don’t care either.”

“You ready to go?”

Belle nodded, “Yeah, I’m ready.”

They left the penthouse and walked to the elevator. Once they were inside, Shawn stared at his reflection in the elevator mirror. He stuck his tongue out. “That’s real mature Shawn. Real mature.” He laughed at her when she rolled her eyes and mumbled, “I can already see how this night is going to be.” The elevator opened and they walked through the Penthouse lobby. The doorman nodded to Shawn as they approached. Shawn stopped in his tracks, “Hey, can you hold on a second? I got to go to the bathroom real quick.”

“You WHAT?” shouted Belle.

“I’ll only take a second Belle. Just wait outside for me.”

“Oh you got your NERVE…”

“I’ll be just a second.”

Belle huffed and glared at the doorman tried to open the door for her, “I GOT IT,” she snapped. Shawn chuckled to himself as he heard her lose her temper. He made sure he couldn’t see her as he went to the doorman’s post to retriever the single silver sterling rose he bought for her. He winked at the doorman as he hid it behind his back. Belle stood outside with her arms crossed, pacing back and forth. He walked down the steps to her. She nearly bumped into him, “That was quick!” He smiled at her, “Yeah, I left something behind. I needed to get it for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, just a little something. Nothing real special. Nothing chivalrous or anything. Just this…” Shawn presented her with the rose. Belle gasped, “Shawn!!! You got me a rose? Oh my God! It’s beautiful.”

“Nah, it’s nothing.”

“Shawn, it’s silver sterling.”

“Is it? I’m color blind. I thought it was yellow,” he kidded.

Belle laughed at him and sniffed the rose. She closed her eyes as she breathed in the fragrance. She met his eyes, “Maybe I have underestimated you tough guy.”

“The night is still young.”

“Very young,” she answered and gave him a small hug of appreciation.

**********************************************

Belle decided to surprise Brady after all. Shawn was all up for her suggestion eat at Chilis. When they approached the hostess, Belle requested that Brady be their waiter. They stood outside waiting with the rest of the crowd. Belle fingered her rose thoughtfully. She never imagined that Shawn would be that romantic. Shawn caught her off guard when he slipped her around her waist when he saw a college-aged guy checking out Belle. Shawn grabbed her hand as they were led to a dimly lit booth toward the back of the restaurant.

Within a few minutes, Brady approached their table, “Belle?” She smiled at him sarcastically, “Brady, meet the chump.” Brady laughed under his breath and gave Shawn a chin-up, “What’s up cuz? So you’re the one taking my little sister out on a date.” Shawn looked at Belle suspiciously, “What’s going on?” Belle and Brady gave each other a knowing smile, “It’s an inside joke.” Shawn raised his eyebrow, “Ok…” Belle held up her rose, “See what I got?” “Very nice. Way to go, Shawn.”

Brady took their order and left them alone. Belle looked around nervously when Shawn stared at her. She looked back to him, “What?” He smiled at her, “Nothing. You look beautiful no matter what you’re hair color is.”

“Thanks.”

“I mean it.”

“I believe you.”

“I’m glad you do.”

He reached under the table and grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers into hers. Belle felt a rush as he did this. Was this how he “took control, being a man.” She kind of liked it. It was a more mature side to him. A side she never seen before. “You know what,” she heard herself say. “What,” he asked. “Being here with you, right here, right now, I feel like a grown up, you know what I mean?” He rolled his eyes, “Belle Black, grown up. Now that I’d like to see.” She kicked him under the table, “Thanks for ruining the moment.” He flinched, “Oh shit, I’m sorry.” “You’re not.” Shawn picked up the rose and touched it to her lips. She closed her eyes, relishing its cool touch. “Stop it,” she murmured. They sparred verbally Shawn and Belle style for the rest of their time at the restaurant.

*******************************

After they left Chili’s they strolled through Salem Place. They stopped by the ice cream stand and ordered a double dip cone of cookies and cream. They sat on the bench eating their ice cream. “BRADY!” Shawn flinched at the familiar voice coming from behind them. He turned around and saw Philip and Chloe walking their way. “Oh shit,” Shawn mumbled. Belle and Shawn stood up to face their friend. Philip and Chloe’s jaw fell to the ground when the got site of Belle with her raven locks.

Philip gave her an open look of disgust, “Oh my God Belle. What the hell did you do?” Chloe nudged Philip, “PHILIP!” He shrugged, “It’s just so freaking dark. It’s so not you Belle.”

“Hey thanks Philip.”

“Are you going to keep it like that?”

Shawn gave Philip a dirty look, “Shut up Philip!”

Belle spoke up for herself, “Yes Philip, I am. I happen to think it’s great.”

“Ok…”

Belle turned to Chloe, “Uh, can I talk to you ALONE for a minute.”

Chloe nodded, “Oh yeah, definitely.” The two girls walked off giggling. Chloe shouted, “We’ll just be a minute guys.” Shawn stood blushing as Philip began to lay it into him. “See, I told you you had the hots for Belle. I knew it.” Shawn shook his head and sat down on the bench. “Just shut the fuck up Phil, all right.” “No!” challenged Philip. Shawn did his best to avoid Philip’s twenty questions. Meanwhile, Belle gushed to Chloe about EVERYTHING. She couldn’t help it. “Belle…” Chloe kidded wide eyed as she sniffed Belle’s rose, “This is silver sterling. Do you have any idea how rare this is?” Belle took it from her smiling, “Yes, I do. Isn’t it sweet?” “Very.”

They window shopped while Belle relayed the night’s events. She stopped in her tracks, “Chloe look at that bed.” Chloe followed her gaze at the featured bedroom set inside the furniture store. “It’s beautiful,” she replied. “I have to go inside Chloe. Hold on, I’m gonna tell Shawn and Philip where we’re at.” “Ok,” said Chloe. Belle walked half way back to the bench and caught Shawn’s attention. “We’re going in the furniture store.” Shawn rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Thanks a lot Kiriakis. You couldn’t just walk on by, could you?” “I just meant to say hey, punkwad.” “Yeah, but you know how girls are.” “Fucking relax Brady. They’re just going in there for a few minutes.” Shawn stood up to follow Belle. “You coming Kiriakis?” Philip shrugged, “Yeah, I’m coming.”

Philip and Shawn entered the furniture store. Belle and Chloe were in the midst of “decorating their apartments.” Belle was her usual animated self with “Oh, I LOVE that color… look at that lamp, that coffee table…OH MY GOD, this BED. I HAVE to have it Chloe.” Shawn found a black leather couch and sat down disheartened. He saw Philip head up the stairs to an enormous bed with mirrors affixed to the headboard. He lay back and called out for Chloe. Chloe broke away from Belle to join Philip. Shawn watched Belle as she came down the stairs to join him.

“What are you doing over here in the dark?” she asked.

“I like it like this. It’s very sexy.”

“Oh sheeeeyit,” she mocked. She sat next to him. He patted the seat, motioning for her to come closer. She slid so she was next to him. “Closer,” he whispered. Belle smiled and slid “closer” as requested. Shawn put his arm around her and turned on the lamp next to him, dimming it to a romantic hue. Belle ran her hands along the black leather fabric of the couch. “So, is this a Shawn kind of couch?” Shawn smiled, sunk lower and crossed his legs. “This is a pimp couch. So yeah, it’s definitely me.” Belle smiled, “Shawn the pimp, huh?” “Yeah,” he whispered.

They smiled when they heard Philip and Chloe making out. “They have no shame,” mumbled Shawn. “Aww come on Brady, they’re in looooove. Give them a break.” Shawn shook his head. Philip was whispering something to Chloe. Chloe laughed outloud and snorted uncontrollably. Shawn and Belle chuckled when they heard this. “Oink oink!!!” Shawn shouted. Chloe snorted again, embarrassed. “Leave her alone Brady,” shouted Philip defensively. “Oink, oink.”

Shawn blushed when he caught the eye of the obviously annoyed salesman. They were going to get kicked out of there real soon if they kept this up. He squeezed Belle tighter as she rested her head on his shoulder and peered up to him. Shawn smiled, “You’re breath Belle. It’s feaking awesome.” Belle punched him on the thigh, “You suck,” she hissed. “Now what was that you ate tonight.” She hit him again and laughed, “You have no room to talk Mr. Fireball Chili, shit, I don’t know, Pepper in Sky chicken platter.” This cracked Shawn up, “My what?” “Yeah, I’m thinking your breath is kind of kicking it too, smart ass.” Shawn shrugged innocently and reached into his jacket pocket. “Want a tic tac?” Belle shook her head, “Sure, I’ll have ONE. I don’t want to hog them all. You need the ENTIRE box.” Shawn bit the lid open and poured a couple in her hand. “Here woman, neutralize yourself.” “I appreciate your honesty Shawn.” “No problem.” Shawn threw a few into his mouth and sucked on the orange flavor. They sat quietly while Shawn stroked her fingertips.

“I got to be alone with you,” Shawn whispered. Belle felt a rush of adrenalin when he said this. She sucked in her breath and met his eyes. He wasn’t kidding. Her heart did another flip-flop when he gazed at her seductively. “You want to ditch them,” she asked softly. Shawn nodded. “Let’s go.” “Ok,” she whispered back. They stood up and left the two love birds undetected. Once outside, Belle shivered. “Hey, it’s getting kind of late. I think we need to head back to my place.”

“Why, what time do you have to be home?”

“By 10:30. Actually, my parents don’t even know I’m on a date.”

Shawn blushed, “You didn’t tell them?”

“No,” she replied, biting her lip nervously.

“Why not?”

She shrugged, “I don’t know. I just didn’t want the whole mess of my dad and mom hounding you with a big lecture. I wanted everything to go smoothly. I didn’t want them to scare you. Do you know what I mean? I know it doesn’t sound right.”

Shawn looked around as if offended, “It’s ok,” he said.

Belle could sense his sarcasm, “Shawn…Please understand. Hopefully they’re be a second time, and you can still live through the experience of my parents overprotective lecture.”

He tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t. He could already imagine what John Black had to say to him. He grabbed her hand, “I’d be honored for a second time. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

************************************

Belle talked Shawn into accompanying her all the way to her penthouse. They grew quiet once they entered the elevator. Belle’s heart raced as she anticipated the famous goodnight kiss. She let out a deep breath when the door opened at her floor. They stepped out of the hallway and walked towards her penthouse. “So…” Belle breathed as they walked down the hall. Shawn stopped in his tracks and reached out for her. She whipped around, “What…” Shawn cradled her face in his hands and started kissing her. Belle’s heart rose to her throat when he introduced his tongue. She lost her balance and leaned against the wall. Shawn continued kissing her. She rested her hands on his shoulder, thinking, “Oh my God! This is magic.” She couldn’t believe the way she felt. It was like she wanted to explode. He broke his kiss and smiled. He gave her another soft kiss on the lips.

Belle placed her hand on her forehead and let out a deep breath. “Ummm. Hi. How are you?” she mumbled. “Good,” he whispered, “And you?” Belle nodded, “Really good, thanks.” They started to kiss again. Belle jumped when she heard the familiar ding of the elevator and the doors opening. Familiar voices- tt was her parents! Shawn stepped away and wiped his mouth. Belle stood stiff in her tracks as she heard her parents coming around the corner. She smiled when she saw her mother, “Hi mom,” she said innocently.

“Hi sweetie. What are you doing out here so late?”

“I was just….hanging out with Shawn.” She explained, scratching her head. Shawn emerged around the corner red faced. “Hi Dr. Evans, Mr. Black.”

John and Marlena raised their eyebrows at each other. Marlena smiled, “Oh hi Shawn. It’s good to see you.” Marlena looked at John as she asked, “We’re you two hanging out with some friends tonight? Or were you…on a date?”

Shawn looked a Belle for direction, “We uh…uh. We were hanging out with some friends. Philip and Chloe.”

John raised his eyebrow, “Is that a fact?”

Shawn blushed even harder, “Uh, yeah, that’s a fact,” he laughed nervously.

“Oh,” interrupted Marlena. “Well thanks for making sure Belle got in safely Shawn. But it’s getting late.”

“Mother…” Belle plead.

Marlena noticed Belle’s rose and gave her a firm look, “Say good night to Shawn, Belle.”

Belle gave a small wave to Shawn. She was mortified. “Good night Shawn. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Shawn nodded, “Good night Belle. Good night Mr.Black, Dr. Evans.” He started to walk off and John spoke up, “Hey Shawn, I need to speak to you…”
”John!” Marlena interrupted through gritted teeth. “Let’s not keep Shawn any longer. I’m sure his parent’s are concerned of his whereabouts.” Shawn entered the elevator, attempting a quick getaway. John tried to go after him, but Marlena grabbed her husband.

“Have a good night Shawn. Be safe on your way home.”

“I will,” said Shawn as the elevator closed.

Belle went inside the penthouse and headed straight for her room with her mother yelling, “Belle!!!!” after her. Belle ignored her and threw herself onto her bed. She closed her eyes, smiling as she recalled the rush of their kiss…