~~**~~Part 13~~**~~ 

Carly sat in Kelly's contemplating what to write to Sonny. It seemed odd, but she had
come to trust him implicitly (something she didn't do with anyone) in a rather short
period of time. It had become clear to her last night that she needed him; they needed
each other, and this both scared and thrilled her to no end. She knew she had to tell
him, show him, that all of the things he was letting eat him up inside, none of them, not a
single one was his fault. 
Carly sighed, as a thought she was not yet ready to think entered her mind. 
What if? What if everything wasn't her fault either? 
Just then, Elizabeth came over with their food. 
Liz had promised herself she'd be nice to Carly, for the baby's sake. So, she walked
over with a smile. 
Liz: Hi, sorry it took so long. 
Carly came out of her thoughts. 
Carly: Oh, that's no problem. We don't mind, do we Michael? (She looks at him) 
Carly wasn't in the mood to start anything. So she followed suite with a polite-civility
mask of her own. 
Liz: He's so cute. 
Carly: Thanks. 
Liz put their food down. 
Liz: Well, enjoy. 
Liz and Carly both wore slightly puzzled expressions. They had really surprised each
other. Carly fed Michael, and then started her letter to Sonny as she nibbled on her own
food and chattered with Michael. 
AJ was still sitting outside when they had finished their meal. He had eventually ordered
that coffee, but hadn't actually touched it. He had gotten up periodically to look at
Michael and Carly, and every time he did he felt his anger grow. 
When Carly finished writing, paid (leaving a generous tip), and rose to leave. 
Carly: Did you have fun Mr. Man? 
Michael gurgled in her arms. 
Carly: Well, you certainly look a mess, she laughed. 
She winced and almost inaudibly grunted as she picked up the baby bag. She hadn't
taken her pain medication for fear it would harm the babies. Johnny's watchful eye saw
her almost hidden struggle, and he quickly took the bag from her. 
Carly: That's okay I--Thanks 
The look in Johnny's eyes was so sweet, she couldn't bring herself to argue. They exit
the restaraunt, Carly with a squirming Michael in her arms in the lead. 
AJ was still outside. He had found an unopened flask in his pocket and had, after
making his coffee Irish, so to speak, downed it in one swift gulp. He approached Carly
and Michael as soon as they exitted. 
AJ: Awww, isn't that sweet the psycho moth- 
He had tried to reach out and grab Michael, but Carly had turned so he ended up
almost falling forward after grazing her shoulder. He was kept from falling when Johnny
stopped him in his tracks, and quickly placed himself between AJ and Carly, who had
backed up and was trying to distract Michael. 
AJ tried pushing past Johnny, but he was no match for the bodyguard who held him in
place with ease. 
Taggert was on his way to Kelly's when he happened upon the scene. 
Taggert: Well, what have we here? 
AJ: Boy, am I glad you're here. This guy's assaulting me for no reason. 
Taggert: (ignoring AJ) If I'm not mistaken, you're in violation of a restraining order. I
think you need to revisit you're cell. What do you say? 
AJ: That tramp and her goon won't let me near *my* son, and you want to arrest
*me*, ha. Gimme a break. 
Taggert: Well, seeing as how it's my lunch hour, I think I'll leave you in the hands you're
in now til the officer I call comes to pick you up. Is that okay with you Ms. Benson? 
Carly couldn't help but smile at the Ms. Benson. She had never liked Taggert because
of the way he treated Jason, but he was nice enough to her, and she was glad he was
there. 
She looked at him briefly and nodded before turning her attention back to Michael.
Johnny got AJ seated and Taggert approached Carly. 
Taggert: I was on my way in, care to join me while we wait for the trash to be picked
up. 
Carly: Well, we just finished, but--sure. 
Carly sat with Michael in her lap while Taggert phoned in AJ. 
Taggert: You care to explain what I walked in on? 
Carly: Nothing really, AJ was trying to get to me and Michael, Johnny stopped him and
then you arrived. 
Taggert: You know, if it were up to me, scum like AJ wouldn't be allowed on the
streets. 
Carly: Um, not that I don't agree with you, but can you not badmouth AJ in front of
Michael. He's still his father, you know? 
Taggert: Oh, um, sure. I'm sorry. He didn't hurt you out there did he? 
Carly: Nah, he barely grazed my shoulder. Between you and Johnny he never had a
chance. 
Taggert: Good, you want some coffee? 
Carly: No..thanks, but I can't have caffiene, but hey, don't let me keep you from your
lunch. I've taken up enough of your time as it is. 
Taggert: No, please, it's great to have some company. Sorry about the coffee thing. (He
laughs) I'm usually not this good at saying the wrong thing. So, how is the baby? (he's
serious and concerned now) 
Carly: Great, actually, it's babies. I'm having twins. 
Taggert smiles, she was so fun to talk to; very different than he'd expected. 
Taggert: Wow, congratulations. 
Carly: Thanks, and you know, thanks for taking care of AJ for me--you're really
different than I expected. 
Taggert: I'm scared to ask what exactly uou expected, but you know you shouldn't have
to worry about (he covers Michael's ears) dirtbags like AJ. 
Carly laughs at the gesture and Michael gurgles happily. 
Hannah walks into Kelly's and is all simles when she spots Taggert at a table. 
Hannah: Hey Tagger-- 
She stops short when she sees who he's with, and her smile quickly turns to a hate-filled
scowl. 
Hannah: What are you doing here you tramp? (she practically yells) 
Taggert: What in the world has gotten in-- 
Taggert is shocked by Hannah's demeanor, but Carly cuts him off. 
Carly: Now, listen up Bananna, you and me we can go anytime you feel like getting an
a$$ whooping, but you never raise your voice in the presence of my son, understood.
(she says this quietly, but in a voice dripped with venom that just shuts Hannah up.) 
Tammy, who is far from fond of Hannah, comes to see what the comotion was. 
Tammy: Oh, don't tell me you're starting with my customers now. I really think you
should leave. 
Hannah: Don't tell me that witch has gotten to you too? Man, am I the only one who see
what you really are? 
Carly shuts her eyes to fight a wave of nausea. 
Carly: Look Bananna, I'm in no mood to get into it with you, and it's clear that no one
else wants you here, so why don't you make like everyone's favorite dessert and split. 
Hannah: Oh, what's the matter, you scared? 
Carly: Oh, give me a break. 
Hannah: No, Carly. I'm not going to let you steal my man from me. It's bad enough
you've trapped Sonny with this pregnancy. What now you've got to try and whore
yourself off on Taggert too. Tell me you're not really falling for her? You don't really
think I should leave. Do you, Marcus? 
Taggert looks away completely disgusted. 
Taggert: Yeah, I really think you should. 
Hannah: You can't be serious? 
Taggert: Please, Hannah, I think it's best. 
Hannah is totally pissed, and storms up to her room. She tosses out some loud insults at
Carly, Taggert, and Tammy on her way. 
Carly has only half listened to the conversation, while making sure Michael stays calm. 
Carly, Taggert and Tammy, in unison: Sorry about that. 
They laugh. 
Tammy: What are we sorry about? The one to blame for that lovely display is upstairs.
God I wish Bobbie'd let me evict her. 
Carly smiles, but isn't sure she can keep her food down any longer. 
(The cop has come by and picked up AJ, so Johnny comes back in to get Carly. He
sees that she's having a good time and so stands off to the side until she's ready to go.) 
Carly: I hate to do this, but can you guys watch Michael for a second, I've got to use
the restroom. 
Taggert: Sure. 
Tammy: Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them. (Tammy takes in Carly's paled face)
Hey are you, okay, honey? 
Carly's already halfway to the bathroom. 
Tammy: I better go check on her. 
Tammy waits outside the door, and a few moments later Carly reappears. 
Tammy: Are you okay? You don't look so good. 
Carly: Gee, thanks. Yeah, just a little morning sickness. I've got two of them down there
picking on me now (she laughs). 
Tammy: Wow, congratulations. You must be thrilled. 
Carly: Yeah, I really am. Thanks, you know for helping me out there. I know we
haven't exactly gotten along in the past, but well, that's really my fault, and I'm sorry. 
Tammy: Hey, anytime that girl is some trip, and I'd love to be the one that takes away
her frequent flyer miles, and you know I partly judged you based on rumors and I'm
sorry about that. What do you say we make a new start? 
Carly: Sounds good to me. 
She is about to say more when she hears Sonny's voice. 
Carly: Uh, oh. Sounds like we better get out there. 
She can hear the anger in his voice even though the tone is low. 
Sonny: (to Taggert) What do you think you're doing? Where's Carly? 
Carly: Hey Sonny. 
Just seeing her immediately calms Sonny down. He quickly shifts his attention from
Taggert to Carly. 
Sonny: Hey, are you okay. Johnny called and told me AJ stopped by. He said
everything was fine, it is right? 
Carly laughs at his mix of anxiety and concern, God the man was adorable. 
Carly: Yes, everything's fine. Taggert called it in. AJ's back in jail, for now. I was just
waiting for him to be taken away, and Taggert was nice enough to wait with me. 
Sonny: Oh..um, thanks. 
Taggert: Yeah. 
Carly wraps her arms around Sonny's neck. 
Carly: You worry too much, you know that? 
Sonny: What can I say? It's a gift. 
Carly: Well, I think it's time we head out. 
She impulsively hugs Tammy. 
Carly: Bye. 
Tammy: Hey you guys come back real soon. Bye Michael. 
Carly: We certainly had an interesting afternoon, didn't we Mr. Man? 
She asks as she takes Michael from Taggert. 
Carly quietly thanks Taggert, who just nods. 
Taggert: Anytime. Bye Mikey. 
While Carly gets Michael Sonny and Tammy talk. 
Sonny: I didn't realize you and Carly were friends. 
Tammy: Neither did we. You've got yourself a good women there Corinthos, now don't
screw it up (she jokes). 
Sonny: Thanks. Hey is Liz around. 
Tammy: Oh, she left a little while ago, but I can pass along a message if you like. 
Sonny: Nah, just checking. 
Carly: You ready to go. 
Sonny: Ready when you are. (to Tammy) tell Liz I'll see her around. 
Tammy: No, problem. 
Sonny and Carly exit. 
Tammy: (to Taggert) I'll be right out with your order. 
Taggert: Thanks. 

~Back at the Penthouse~ 
Carly had stayed focused on Michael during the car ride, unsure exactly how to explain
the afternoon's events. 
Carly: Wow, I'm whiped. I think I'm going to join Michael for a nap. You coming? 
Sonny: Nah, you go ahead. I've got a letter to write, remember. 
Carly: Don't worry, you'll have one to read, too.

~Part 14~ 

~Penthouse 
Carly couldn't believe how tired and drained she had felt earlier, but 
after spending time with Michael, and putting him down for his nap, she was feeling much more 
relaxed, and a bit restless. She knew she was finally ready to go through some old 
things,  and something was tugging at her to do it immediately. So, she started mentally 
preparing for it. 
Sonny sat in the kitchen thinking about his letter, and what to make for 
dinner when he heard her coming downstairs. 
Sonny: Hey, that was a mighty quick nap. 
Carly: Yeah, well, it's just not the same without you (she laughs). 
Anyway, um...I've got something I need to pick up from across the hall. I'll be back in five. 
Sonny: Sure, you want me to come with you? 
Carly: No, I can handle it (though she wasn't sure she could) 
Sonny: Okay (he looks a bit dejected, but Carly's too focused on what she 
has to do to notice) 
Carly goes across the hall to Jason's penthouse. When she enters, she 
can't help but remember the time she had there with Jason and Michael. 
Carly: We were a real family back then. (she says to herself) 
and then she realizes that she's got a real family right now, with Sonny, 
and  smiles. So much had happened, so quickly, her new *family* (she loved the word) 
almost  caught her by surprise. She could have stood there all day thinking about what could 
have been, and what was, but she had a purpose. She quickly went upstairs and retrieved a 
rather large box. When she got to the door with it in her hands, Johnny immediately 
took it from her. 
Carly: That's okay, I got it. 
Johnny: Nope, Ms. Benson, I do. 
Carly: It's Carly. 
Johnny: I know (he laughs teasingly, and opens the door to Sonny's 
penthouse) Where do you want it? 
Carly: Just leave it on the couch. Thanks. 
Johnny: My pleasure. 
(Johnny exits) 
Sonny: What is that? 
Carly: Just some stuff. 
Sonny: Oh what kind of stuff.(he teases) 
Carly: Just some stuff I left across the hall when I...last year. 
Sonny sees she doesn't really want to talk about it, and decides to change 
the subject. 
Sonny: So, how's you're arm. 
Carly remembers the brand on her arm with disgust, but doesn't let this show. 
She doesn't
want Sonny to feel worse than she knows he already does. 
Carly: It's fine, no more stitches, just a bandage to prevent infection. 
Sonny: Is there a scar? (he knows and fears her answer) 
Carly: There probably will be one, but it's a pretty clean cut so it could 
easily be removed. 
Sonny nods. Damn he thought, how could I let them touch her. He felt the 
need to hold her. 
Sonny: Come here (He leads her into his arms). 
Carly followed willingly, she loved the feel of his arms around her. 
Sonny: You know I will always try to protect you, right? 
Carly: I know you won't let anyone hurt our children, or me. (she 
hesitates a bit, Sonny
notices immediately) 
Sonny: Carly, I need you so much. I'm sorry I was so blind to who you 
really are. I was so wrong. I love you Carly, you know that right. 
Carly has tears in her eyes. This wasn't the first time he had professed 
his love, but that someone like him, as good as him could love her, was so overwhelming. 
Carly: I love you too, Sonny. I know this has all happened really fast, 
but I can't imagine my life without you. I know at first it was about the kids,(he gives her a 
look, but knows she's right), but Sonny it's so much more now. You make me feel stronger, 
safer...better. 
Sonny: Hey, you don't have to cry. (he wipes her tear, and she can't help 
but smile) You know Carly, I used to think I was broken somehow; damaged. You Carly, you 
fix what's broken in me. You make me feel less damaged, you make me whole. These past 
few weeks Carly, they've been amazing, because of you. You (he lifts up her 
face so that their eyes meet), you complete me. (he pulls her into a kiss, and literally 
sweeps her off her feet, and they make their way upstairs) 

~PCPD Precinct 
Alan: Well,AJ, I bailed you out this time, but that's it. No more. 
AJ: Gee thanks for all you're support. 
Alan: Now, I don't know exactly what's going on with you, and frankly at 
the moment, I think that's a good thing. I don't want to interfere in you're 
relationship with Carly so I've left that well enough alone, but you're drinking is out of control. Get 
some help son. I know you can stop. 
AJ: What if I don't want to? Look thanks for bailing me out. I'll make 
sure not to call you next time. 
He walks away in search of a drink while Alan looks on and shakes his head. 
Alan: Where did I go wrong? (to himself) 
Taggert was just walking in, and couldn't help but laugh when he heard Alan's question.
Alan looked at him angrily and left. 

~PC Hotel 
AJ sat in his new room drinking his room service. 
AJ: Ahh, nothing like a liquid diet. 
He glanced at his watch, and saw the numbers on his hand. 
AJ: I think it's time I call my friend (he laughed) 
He picks up the phone and dials the number off his hand. 
~Phonecall 
Man: Yeah 
AJ: Hey, it's AJ Quartermaine. Are you set to go? 
Man: Yeah, you? 
AJ: Oh, yeah. When do we move? 
Man: I move now, you don't for another twenty minutes. You got that? Don't 
blow this. 
AJ: Hey I paid for this, you can't talk like that. 
Man: Just don't screw up, this is my life here. 
AJ: We'll talk later. (He hung up, the power of hanging up the phone felt 
mighty big in his inebriated hands). Ahh, Carly, I can't wait to see you again. 

~Penthouse 
Sonny and Carly lay on the couch, when they heard Michael over the baby 
monitor. 
Carly: Looks like somebody's up. I better go check on him. 
Sonny's about to tell her he'll go, when, the phone rings, and Sonny rises 
to get it. 
~Phonecall 
Sonny: Yeah. 
Benny: Hey boss, you need to get to the old warehouse warehouse right away. 
Sonny: What? Now? 
Benny: Yes now. I wouldn't call if it wasn't important. 
Sonny: Yeah, you would, what's going on? The old warehouse is pretty far off. 
Benny: Boss, it's of the nature that can't be discussed on the phone. 
Sonny hears the urgency in Benny's voice. 
Sonny: Okay, I'm on my way. (He had rushed out of work when he heard AJ 
was at Kelly's, and knew he needed to focus on it more) 
He hangs up, and goes upstairs to tell Carly. 
~Upstairs 
Carly, and Michael are playing while Latecia readies his bath. 
Sonny: Hey Buddy. Hey Carly, I've got to go out for a little while, we'll 
have dinner when I get back, okay? 
Carly: Yeah sure, Johnny going with you? 
Sonny: No, he's staying with you. 
Carly: Take him with you. 
Sonny: This is not up for discussion. 
Carly: Look, I've always had good instincts, and right now they're telling 
me Johnny should go with you. Pete will be here soon enough for the shift change anyway. 
She puts Michael down, and makes her way to Sonny. She puts her forehead 
against his. 
Carly: Either you take Johnny with you, or I'm not letting you go. 
Sonny knowing he can't fight her, and that Pete was usually early for his 
shift, and relents. 
Sonny: Okay, I'll see you guys later. 
Sonny and Johnny wait by the door until they see Pete coming down the 
hall, before leaving. 
AJ, and a homeless drinking buddy of his, came in shortly after they left. 
AJ: Okay you know what you have to do right Bill? 
Bill: Yeah, I'm gonna get hurt aren't I. 
AJ: Look, you want a place to live right? Maybe even money to send to you 
family. 
Bill: All right, I'm going. 
The man goes up to Sonny and Carly's Penthouse, where he is of course 
stopped by Pete.
He causes such a raucous, and is so persistent, that Pete has no choice, 
but to remove him all the way downstairs. 
When they reach the elevator Pete realizes it's a set up, but it's too 
late, there are five guys in the elevator all armed. They get Pete in, and pull the emergency break 
stopping the elevator between floors. 
Bill: You should really let go of me now (Pete does). Look pal, we don't 
want to hurt ya. All you have to do is sit quietly and forget my face. (all the other man 
have masks on, and each one has his weapon rested on a point of interest on Pete (there's a 
gun at each temple, one at his heart, one at his jewels, and a knife to his throat). Bill 
quickly injects something into Pete's arm, and Pete soon passes out. 

~Penthouse 
AJ saw Pete's key on the floor outside the elevator just as Bill had 
promised, and quickly
used it to open the door. 
Carly: What's up Pe...AJ. What the HE!! are you doing here. 
AJ: Just paying a visit. Thought I'd come see my son. 
Carly rushes up to him, (where the hell was Pete she wondered) 
Carly: You thought wrong. There's no way you're getting to Michael. 
AJ: Oh, yes I am, but I thought we'd have a visit of our own first. (God 
she looks good, he thought) Come on, you know you want me. 
Carly: No AJ, not now, not ever. (Where's Pete, she thought desparately) 
AJ grabbed her wrists and pinned her against the couch. He kissed her hard 
as he lay on top of her. 
AJ: Come on, just pretend I'm you're latest cash cow. Don't worry there's 
a nice trap set up for him tonight. 
Carly: Shut up AJ (What did he mean trap? She knew something was off 
tonight, thank God she made Sonny take Johnny she thought. She didn't want to raise her 
voice for fear that Michael would hear, but she knew she had to keep him downstairs 
somehow,  so she goaded him) You know why I don't want you, why no woman does? 
AJ looks at her with pure hatred, and squeezes her wrists hard (she 
squirms, but continues) 
Carly: It's because you're not a real man. You'll always be in the shadow 
of your younger brother. You know? It's almost like you were obsessed with him. Could it 
be you can't satisfy a woman because we don't satisfy you? 
AJ slaps her hard across the face, keeping her pinned down with his body. 
Carly's head thrashes. 
AJ: Shut up Carly. (he starts unbuckling his pants, and hers) 
Carly: (Carly knows she needs to get him off her, so she can fight back) 
That's it isn't it? All that hatred for Jason, wasn't hatred at all. You were in love with 
your younger brother. It all makes sense now. 
AJ's totally pissed now, and Carly knows it. He gets off of her, ready to 
strike (good Carly thought, she waited til he was almost standing, to catch him off guard) 
Carly: Don't worry AJ, I'll show you a ride you won't ever forget, and 
Jason won't even be a memory. 
AJ stopped mid-blow, had she just said she wanted him. Carly saw his 
confusion, and used it to swiftly knee him in the groin. He buckled over, and she kicked him. 
She kept kicking his chest, unable to stop herself, all she could think was he wanted to 
hurt Michael. She heard pounding on the door, but kept going. AJ was passed out. 
Luke barged in. 
Luke: Hey...What in the world is going on here? Caroline? My God... 
He ran over to her, and pulled her back. She was crying now. Luke holds a 
trembling Carly
in his arms for a moment. 
Luke: Hey babygirl, you want to tell me what's going on? 
Carly looks at him, still shaken up. 
Carly: I have to check on Michael. You won't let AJ move, right? 
Luke knows something is very wrong here, and needs to know what's going on. 
Luke: You explain everything when you get back, and Junior here won't move 
an inch. 
Carly rushes upstairs where she finds a completely oblivious Michael and 
Latecia, and rushes back down. 
Luke: He's still passed out, you sure did a number on him. Mind telling me 
why? and What exactly you and Michael are doing here with Sonny Corinthos? 
Carly: Oh my God, Sonny. 
Luke: What about him? 
Carly: Not now Luke, I have to warn Sonny. 
She picks up the phone to call him. 
Carly: Damn, it's his voice mail. Sonny it's a trap. Don't go wherever 
you're going. Head back to the penthouse immediately. AJ's here, this is a set up. 
She pressed *66 so his cell would keep being called. 
Carly: Come on Sonny get annoyed, and answer it. 
She hung up. 
Luke: Now, would you please tell me what's going on? 
Carly: Hold on, I have to call Francis. Who knows what happened to Pete. 
She quickly calls Francis, who was on his way anyway since Pete wasn't 
answering his cell. 
Luke: Now, can you tell me what's going on? 
Carly: Ha, where to begin? Whoa, I need to sit down. 
Luke: You okay? 
He couldn't help but be concerned. 
Carly: I hope so. It's probably just morning sickness, you know they call 
it that, but it lasts pretty much all day (she laughs) 
Luke: Back up, you're pregnant? 
Carly: Yup, twins (she can't help but smile) 
Luke: I mean no disrespect, but who's the father? 
Carly: Yeah you do, and it's Sonny. 
Luke: Okay that explains you're living here I suppose. Wait, I thought you 
and Corinthos hated each other? 
Carly: Yeah, so did we. We were wrong. 
Luke: Whatever (he wants to know what's up with AJ, and how she got what 
was becoming a nasty bruise on her face), so what's the deal with Junior? who I'm 
assuming is now you're ex-husband. 
Carly: Well basically, turns out AJ's drinking again and likes to throw me 
around and such when he's drunk. He came over here trying to do more of the same, but I 
wouldn't let him. That's what you walked in on. That's pretty much the deal. 
Luke saw that her face was beginning to swell. 
Luke: You should get some ice on your face. 
Carly: Yeah, I will. As soon as the room stops spinning (she tries to laugh). 
Was there something you needed? 
Luke: I needed to talk to Corinthos. Hold on. 
He went to the kitchen and got her a bag of frozen peas and some water. 
Luke: Here you go. 
Carly: Thanks. So what's up with you? It seems you don't want to kill me 
anymore (she laughs) 
Luke: Yeah well, it's clear you're a Spencer, and if Barbara Jean can 
forgive you, I guess there's no need for me to hate you. 
Carly: Aww, so- 
Francis knocks to check in. 
Francis: Hey, I brought Matt with me. 
Carly: Hey guys, good thinking Francis, he can take *him* (she glances at AJ) 
out, and find Pete, whil-Oh My God!! (she cries out) 
All three men look at her with concern. 
Luke: What is it? 
Carly: I don't know, something's wrong, this hurts too much (she trails off). 
Francis stay on the door no one comes in, and keep trying to get in touch with Sonny or 
Johnny, tell them it's a trap, and they need to get home. Matt do what I said before. Luke, 
you need to take me to GH now, something's not right. 
All that talking had taken more strength than she had. She sat doubled over. 
Carly: Come on, let's move. 
She grabbed her phone, and walked out, assisted by Luke. 
God please let everything work out she prayed.