Chapter 4
THE SIDEWALK OUTSIDE CHLOE’S HOUSE
(Philip and Chloe have been walking for a few minutes in silence, when Philip starts talking.)
Philip: I wanted to talk about our court date next week.
Chloe: Okay. What about it?
Philip: Well, Justin tells me if everything goes as planned, next week we should have shared custody of Parker.
Chloe: Really? I will have my son back?
Philip: Yes. I want you to know that I never wanted you out of Parkers life. I just wanted you to get better.
Chloe: I know. I am sorry for everything.
Philip: There is no need to say sorry. You had no control over having postpartum depression. It is just something that happens. I am glad you are better now. I want us to work together to raise Parker. Also, you don’t have to be scared to tell me anything. No matter what you tell me I won’t try to take Parker from you.
Chloe: Thank you Philip.
(Philip takes Chloe’s hand as they cross the road.)
Philip: And I am so glad you recovered from the attack. I would have hated it if Parker would have lost his mother.
(Chloe starts feeling guilty about keeping the truth from Philip.)
Philip: Let’s see if we can work out a schedule on when Parker will be each day.
Chloe: Okay. There is a little park about a block up the road we can go sit on one of the benches and talk.
(They walk to the park and find a bench.)
Philip: Well, what I was thinking is, Parker could be with you during the week and I can take him on the weekend. I work long hours during the week and wouldn’t get to be with him much.
Chloe: That works well for me. I sing a lot on the weekend and only a little during the week.
Philip: Well it is good it works out for both of us.
Chloe: And I think we should celebrate his birthday and holiday’s together so we both get to see him.
Philip: Sure, that’s fine.
Chloe: Also, I don’t think we should be really firm with that schedule.
Philip: What do you mean?
Chloe: I mean I would have him 5 days a week and you would only have him 2 days a week. So, if you don’t have anything going on one day and wanted to spend time with him I am okay with that.
Philip: Oh yes, your right that would be good. And if there is something that you want to take Parker to is on the weekend I am okay with that. I am happy we are agreeing on things. I want to make this co-parenting thing as easy on Parker as possible.
(The guilt of hiding the truth from Philip gets the better of Chloe and she starts crying.)
Philip: What’s wrong Chloe?
Chloe: You are being too nice to me after everything I have done.
Philip: Chloe, I have already told you that you couldn’t help the postpartum and that ….
(Chloe cuts Philip off.)
Chloe: I am not talking about that.
Philip: What are you talking about then?
(Chloe stands up and paces for a minute.)
Philip: Chloe, what is it? Tell me please.
Chloe: I am going to tell you this and I hope this doesn’t change anything.
Philip: What?
Chloe: You know how the attacker was attacking hookers?
Philip: Yes, and then you was attacked.
Chloe: Well, I was attacked because I was hooking.
(Chloe is shocked that she just told Philip the truth and is scared he will take Parker away. She turns around about to run back to the house to hold Parker when Philip grabs her by the arm.)
