Part 7

Sonny was sitting at the desk in his room remembering the past when he 
heard Carly screaming.  He ran out to find her before she woke Michael.  He found her 
midway between their rooms.
Carly: MICHAEL, WHERE'S MICHAEL?
Sonny: Hey, hey everything's fine-Michael's asleep in my room
Carly: Oh, God.  I woke up and he was gone and...
She went passed Sonny into his room and saw Michael fast asleep.  She 
stroked his hair as she knelt by him and wept slightly.  She had been so scared.  Sonny 
approached her gently.
Sonny: Come on downstairs.  (She hesitated) He'll be fine. We'll take the 
monitor. Come on.
She didn't want to leave Michael, but there was something so gentle and 
genuine in Sonny's voice that she couldn't help but feel safe, and follow him 
wherever he led.  He just wanted to see her stop crying.
~Downstairs
Sonny: I didn't want to wake Michael.
Carly: Why was he in your room?
Sonny: You didn't come down, so after the dishes were done, I came to 
check on you guys.  You were fast asleep, but Michael was still fidgety.  When he saw 
me, he got up all together, so I brought him to my room, and put him down there.  I didn't 
think it'd be a big deal.
Carly: It's not.  It's just I woke up, and couldn't find him, and --I 
didn't know what to do.  I got scared.  It was like---Damn AJ 
She said this last part very quietly, but Sonny still heard.  She didn't 
want to go into anymore detail, if she started talking now, she'd never be able to stop.  
She was so mad at herself.  Why was she letting this stuff with AJ exhume long buried 
demons.
Sonny: Hey, hey, AJ can't get hurt you anymore.  I won't let him near you.
All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms until that look of fear left 
her eyes forever, but he held back.  He couldn't let her know, not until he knew she 
was...no, definitely not yet.  It was starting to get hard to keep his feelings in check.  She made 
him feel so alive and happy.  The other women in his life had touched on making him feel 
awake, but never alive, and no one but his mother had ever made him feel deep down soul 
happy, and well, even she couldn't keep that going.  His soul had been so dark for so long.  
Carly just stormed into his life and at times could just wash away the pain, if only 
for a short while. 
But he couldn't let her know, he had been so cruel to her, even after she 
stood by him, and now he had to pay the price.  Why would she ever want him?  He had to 
watch her, he had to stand by and yearn to touch her, he had to suffer.  He wanted to hold 
her, not only to make her feel safe, but because he wanted, no he needed her.  She felt 
like home to him, and he had been away too long.  
Carly: No, I'm fine thanks.
Sonny looked up at her.  He couldn't believe he was feeling these emotions 
for Carly.  It was not too long ago that he had hated her, or was she right, he had just 
hated the power she had over him, and the fact that her ties to Jason prevented him from 
giving into that power?  But Jason was gone now.  There was nothing really holding him back 
anymore.
He was so absorbed in his own thoughts, he barely heard her words.
Sonny: You, sure?
Carly: Yeah, don't worry the baby's fine.  It was too early for me to go 
to sleep anyway. (It
was barely 9:30 at the moment)
Sonny: What about you, Carly?  
Carly was a bit surprised.  She didn't want to overstep assuming his 
concern was just for the baby.  Could it be that he actually cared about her?  She couldn't 
bring herself to think about that now, not tonight.  There was too much other stuff.
Carly: I'll manage.
Sonny: I mean it Carly, I won't let anyone hurt you.
Carly: Yeah, thanks.
She wouldn't meet his eyes as she mumbled her response because she knew 
that no one could protect her from herself and her thoughts, and that no matter how 
far she thought she had come her dreams were still haunted.
Sonny knelt down in front of her. Sonny: You wanna talk about it?
Carly: About what?
Sonny: About what's got you too scared to sleep through the night.

Part 8
~Penthouse
Sonny: Come on, tell me about it.
Carly remains silent.
Sonny: We've got to learn to be straight with each other, if this child's gonna have a chance. Not to mention the fact that all this stress is no good.
Carly can't say anything. She knows she can trust Sonny (If the last few days had shown her anything, it was this), but to tell him about her nightmares and in effect her past would make her fears real, and she wasn't sure she was ready for that, so she stalled.
''I don't know,'' she says noncommitally.
Sonny couldn't get over his feelings toward her. He couldn't describe them, what he felt for her seemed sronger than anything he'd ever felt before. He guided her chin to have her face him.
Sonny: Carly, people need sleep, you're not getting any. I just want to know why, maybe I could help.
Carly: (laughing slightly) You, the perpetual insomniac are going to lecture me on the need for sleep. Tell me, what keeps the great Sonny Corinthos up all night?
Sonny couldn't help but laugh a little.
Sonny: Well, you know, I do run a coffee warehouse.
Carly: Right, so this is all from sampling your product.
Sonny: Well, maybe not all, I like to believe some of this charm is just natural.
Carly: Right.
They're both surprised at how easy this enjoyable banter was, but Sonny turns serious.
Sonny: Well, now you know what keeps me up, what about you?
Carly: Don't think I'm gonna accept that as an answer Corinthos. Look, all this stuff with AJ just brought back some old demons. I guess... (she stopped herself, almost in tears)
Sonny: You can trust me.
Carly: God, it's not that, believe me. It's just, Sonny, these are things I've never really told anyone. Words give things power, and I can't give these..uh.. things any more power over me.
Sonny was a bit surprised, he had always pegged her as a drama queen. He was beginning to see there was a lot more to her than he had first thought.
Sonny: I get it, but I really think we should--we should share with each other. You know, get things out in the open from the start. So we can build a home for Michael and the baby.
Carly: Whoa, whoa, back the domestic bliss train up here. Sin-
Sonny: Carly the best way for us to do this is to work everything out before the baby gets here, right? I've given this a lot of thought and I think the best way would be for us to live together. Plus, you'll be safe here. I was going to ask you the other day before the mess with Sorel--and AJ.
Carly wanted to protest, but couldn't, he was right.
Carly: Do you have any idea how annoying you are when you're right?
Sonny: Aww, so I'm always annoying?
Carly: Ha, ha.
Sonny: (Sonny smiles, and then sobers) I'm serious Carly. I want to give our kid and Michael everything--everything I didn't have growing up. Now, you asked what keeps me up, it's not something I share readily, but you know I'm willing to try.
He let the unasked question hang in the air.
Carly: I'm willing too, it's just..Sonny these are things I've never said out loud before, I've never even put them into words.
Sonny: Well, what if, what if you didn't have to? Just hear me out (he said this to her incredulous look) what if you write it? I know it would be a lot easier for me to write how I feel down than say it aloud. What do you think?
Carly: Yeah, I guess it's worth a try.
Sonny sighs and rubs his face, what had he just gotten himself into? He looked over and saw the same look in Carly's eyes.
Carly: Well, we better get to bed.
Sonny: Yeah.
He was surprised by his unwillingness to leave her. Their faces had been so close, he just wanted to reach out and kiss her.
Carly: Oh, by the way, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. If you want to come al-
Sonny: Definitely (he was so happy she and offered)
Carly laughed to herself.
Carly: Okay, I'll see you in the morning then, and Sonny, good night.
Sonny: Night.

~The next morning, at GH.
Carly was thrilled. Morning sickness had her feeling crummy physically, but their meeting with Alexis had her on cloud nine.
Carly: I can't believe AJ's not even putting up a fight. I almost feel sorry for him.
Sonny smiled at her happiness.
Sonny: He doesn't deserve it. He doesn't even deserve to be out of prison.
Carly: I said *almost*.
Sonny: I'm glad
Carly shut her eyes as a wave of nausea hit her.
Sonny: You okay?
Carly: Hmm...Oh, I'm fine your child is just picking on me this morning.
A receptionist looks at them.
Receptionist: Ms. Benson, Dr. Meadows will see you now.
Carly: (looks at Sonny) That's us.

~In the office
Carly told Dr. Meadows she was worried about the stress the baby had been put under lately. The doctor said everything seemed all right, but ran some tests to be sure.
Dr: Do either of you have any other questions while we wait?
Sonny: Not really.
Carly: Well, I noticed that my morning sickness is *a lot* worse, and I'm gaining weight much more quickly than I did when I was pregnant with Michael, is there anything I can do the quell the nausea?
Dr: Well, I'd say stress, and possibly the low-grade pain killers you were given would account for the increased morning sickness which unfortunately is just part of motherhood. It should subside soon, though. Most women gain weight more readily during their second pregnancy so I wouldn't be too worried. My only recommendation is less stress and more rest, and this baby should be just fine. I'm sure you'll find it to be more similar to your last pregnancy than different.
Just then a nurse walked in with some lab results. Dr. Meadows studied them.
Dr: Oh my, scratch that-
Sonny and Carly both looked at her in fear, and simultaneously asked ''What's wrong?''
Dr. Meadows studied their worried expressions quickly.
Dr: Perhaps you should sit down. It seems...

Part 9 
Sonny and Carly were unknowingly gripping each other's hands tears threatening to fall as they waited for Dr. Meadows to continue. 
Sonny: Oh God (he whispers) 
Dr. Meadows takes in the scene before her. 
Dr: Gosh, I didn't mean to scare you guys. I wasn't wrong about the babies being healthy just- 
Sonny & Carly: (in unison) Did you say babies? (they look at each other) Did she say babies? 
Dr: Yes, she did. What I was wrong about was this being just like your first pregnancy. Turns out the reason you'be been gaining weight more readily and having more severe symptoms than usual is, well, you're having twins. 
Sonny & Carly: Twins 
They both laugh in relief. 
Carly: Oh, wow. 
Sonny: Yeah, wow...Everything else is okay though. 
Dr: Basically. I have a few additional dietary recommendations, and I'm going to give you a new round of vitamins. I'm also going to reaffirm my less stress more rest order because multiple-birth pregnancies are naturally more taxing. In light of the complications in your last pregnancy, and well, recent events in your life, I don't feel I can stress this point enough. You needn't be on 24 hour bedrest or anything, but do try to avoid undue stress and exertion, and rest as much as possible. 
Sonny: Oh, don't worry, I'll take care of her. 
Calry: Great now he has twice as much motivation to drive me crazy. 
Sonny: Twins (he says to himself) 
Dr: Cheryl (nurse) will get you what you need. I see no evidence of complications at the moment, however, I would like to see you every couple of weeks, just to be sure. For the reasons I mentioned earlier, I plan to treat this as a high-risk pregnancy. (she sees their worried faces, and continues) This is not cause for alarm, I just want to be on the safe side so we can be aware of and try to avoid any possible problems. Unless you have any further questions, I'll see you in two weeks. 
Sonny and Calry step out of the office and Carly throws her arms around Sonny. 
Carly: My God, twins. 
Sonny: I know (he can't help but grin) 
~Back at the Penthouse 
As soon as Sonny and Carly enter the penthouse, a screaming Michael runs into Carly's arms with excitement. Latecia was busy cleaning the mess he had made earlier. 
Micahel: Mama 
Carly: Hey there Mr. Man, did you miss me? Were you a good boy for Latecia? 
Carly didn't care for an answer, she just engulfed Michael in a hug. Remembering his birth during her appiontment renewed her appreciation for him. As she held him, all she could think was what a gift he truly was; all children were, and tears sprung to her eyes. Sonny smiled as he watched them. He couldn't remember a time when his home had been so peaceful and so alive all at once. 
Michael started squirming. 
Michael: Why Mama sa-ad? 
Carly: (pulling away to look at her baby) Oh, sweety. Mommy's not sad, she's happy. You know why? Because I have you, baby. 
Michael beamed with pride. 
Michael: I a big boy. 
Carly and Sonny laughed. 
Sonny: You sure are buddy. 
ichael: Mama, Tag-Tag time? 
Carly realized it had been quite a while since she had felt well enough for her and Michael to play his favorite game (their very own version of the ever popular tag). She was beginning to wonder if the morning sickness would ever subside, when she suddenly felt the need to sit down, and went to the couch. 
Carly: Aww, honey, I don't think I can play today. How bout you come here (she tapped her lap), and we read a story? 
Michael stamped his foot and held his ground. Carly dropped her head as she felt a tantrum coming on. She had learned all too well that they didn't call them the ''terrible twos'' for nothing. 
Carly: Here we go. 
Michael: (loudly) Tag-Tag!!!! 
Sonny had been watching the scene wordlessly, and decided it was time to step in. 
Sonny: Hey buddy, how bout if Uncle Sonny plays with you? 
Carly looked up at him greatfully, with more than a hint of surprise, and Michael eyed him warily. 
Michael: Tag-Tag? 
Sonny: Sure, whatever you want. 
Michael was thrilled. He ran up to Sonny, tugged at his pants until he bent down, and then planted a big kiss on the older man. 
Michael: You it. (he said as he scurried to the other room) 
Carly: Thank you. He was just about to explode. 
Sonny: Yeah well, you should rest. 
Carly: I will. So what do you want for lunch? 
Sonny: I said rest Carly. 
Carly: And I said I will, there's no reason I can't make lunch for you guys afterward. 
Sonny: I won't have it. Put your feet up, take a nap, whatever, but no work. 
Carly: What did I tell you about trying to control my life? Besides I can't just sit around and do nothing all day. I have things to do. First off, I'm gonna have to plan twice as much for the nursery, and I still want to find a job, and- 
Sonny: Those things can wait Carly. You want something to do. Why not write out the stuff we discussed last night. You can do that in bed, and I'll be sure to get you a laptop so you can do the nursery stuff and whatever else is possible without getting up. 
Carly: You have this all planned out don't you? I'm telling you right now I'm not staying in bed for the next six months, Dr. Meadows didn't think it was necessary. 
Sonny: Why are you fighting me on this? You're obviously not feeling well. Go relax. Look, at least for right now, we'll discuss later, when it comes. 
Carly: All right, all right, I'm going. You better get going before Michael starts wondering. 

~That Night 
Sonny and Carly are clearing the dinner table. 
Sonny: I'll get those, why don't you take a seat on the couch, and I'll bring out your tea. 
As she fingered the envelope in her pocket, she couldn't bring herself to argue. 
Carly: All right. 
Sonny: I'm shocked, no argument? 
Carly: Hey, I could think of worse things than you waiting on me hand and foot. 
Sonny: Well, just sit back, because your wish is my command (he jokes). 
Carly sits deep in thought over what she had written that afternoon. A few minutes later, Sonny reappears. 
Sonny: Your tea madam. 
Carly: Why, thank you. 
They sit in silence for a few moments. Sonny has an envelope of his own to finger, and both are contemplating just how the contents of their envelopes will change their lives and relationship. 
Carly: So... 
Sonny: Yeah... 
Carly: You know Michael just adores you. You're right up there with Blue's Clues. 
Sonny: He's a great kid. 
Carly: Yeah, he is. 
Sonny: Okay, you know what. Let's just get this over with. Let's just exchange what we've written, so we can read and move on. 
Carly: Are you sure you want to do this? 
Sonny: No, but I think we need to... we need to be straight with each other. 
Carly: All right, here goes nothing. 
They both take out envelopes, hands shaking, and exchange them. 
Carly: I think--I think I'll read this upstairs. 
Sonny: Sure, whatever you want. I think I'll go to my room too. 
Carly: Okay, um good night. (she had never been so nervous, but she did want to learn more about what made Sonny who he was) 
Sonny: Night. (He was scared, but dying to know more about the woman who had changed his life, and yet was such an enigma to him)