Chapter 16 Brenda and Sonny have talked for what seems like hours. She has told him about things and feelings that she hasn't expressed to anyone. Sonny has listened carefully trying to piece together her life over the last year, trying to figure out who she has become as a woman. Sonny: It sounds as if you have really grown in the last year, Brenda. Brenda: Losing the baby had a lot to do with my growth. Also finding out that my mother was alive. Sonny: Veronica is alive? (Writers note: In this story veronica is alive, but she didn't try and kill herself and Brenda) Brenda: Yes, alive and kicking. Sonny: How can that be? I mean, where has she been for the last 20 years? Brenda: That is a long story. She was a little bit crazy, but she is okay now. She married Mike. Sonny: My Mike? Brenda: Yeah, it seems that they have a lot in common. Sonny: Your crazy mother married my nagging father? Should I be insulted? Brenda: No, that's not what I meant. She wasn't crazy by the time they got married. I told you it was a long story, but they seem to be pretty happy. You know, if you'd call home more often you'd know these things! Sonny: *Teasing her* Oh, know I really am insulted! Brenda: Where you always this sensitive? Sonny: Only around certain people. Brenda: I guess we should clean up the breakfast stuff. Sonny: Since it's after noon, maybe we should. Brenda: Oh My Gosh! Did we really talk that long. Sonny: No, you talked and I listened. Brenda: I'm sorry, I guess I'm used to my group sessions where I can just go on and on. Other than that no one really listens to me at home. Sonny: What about Robin? Brenda: When she's around she is with Jason and he says that, "All that yaking," gives him a headache. Sonny: Sounds like something Jason would say. What about Jax, don't the two of you talk? Brenda: Jax doesn't do conversations or heart to heart talks or anything. If I want to talk I have to call Lois and get her answering machine. Sonny: Well, that's all of their loss. I didn't even notice time passing when I was listening to you. Brenda: I'm still sorry that I wasted so much of your time. Sonny: There isn't much else to do here. I really didn't mind. I had a lot of catching up to do. She gets up and starts to clear the dishes. Sonny: You know, you never answered my question. Brenda: What question is that? Sonny: The one about missing me. Brenda: Do you need an ego boost or what? Sonny: Couldn't hurt. Brenda: *Laughing* Okay, sure I missed you, Sonny. You aren't such a bad guy, when you aren't ripping my heart out. Sonny: I think that you have told me that before. So, how much did you miss me? Brenda: You sure are fishing for compliments. Okay, I'll bite. I thought about you a lot. On some days more than others. I couldn't help but think about you on the anniversary of Stone's death. The same with Lily's anniversary. Jax always likes to celebrate that day as the day that should be our wedding anniversary, but I can never forget that Lily died that day because of me. Sonny: Her death wasn't your fault Brenda. Brenda: Yes it was, we both know it to be true. The guilt over her death is just another one of the unbreakable bonds between us. My point is that I think about you particularly on those days. Sonny: Didn't Jason tell you not to worry about me? Brenda: Yes he did, but I still can't help worrying about you. I worry about you being alone, and that you aren't cooking, because I know that cooking is what keeps you alive. Sonny: I still cook, as you can see, it isn't something I could ever forget how to do. You're right though, cooking does keep me alive. Maybe not in a physical sense, but it keeps my soul alive. Brenda: If breakfast is any indication, your soul is just fine. Then again, you always were able to make magic happen in the kitchen. Sonny: I'll take it you are talking on a purely culinary level. This was a little fancier than I'm used to. You are kind of limited in what you can cook where I live, you can't get that many supplies. But you don't have to worry about me forgetting how to cook. Brenda: I also worry that you aren't shaving. Sonny: *Rubbing his chin* This really bothers you, doesn't it? Brenda: It's just not you, Sonny. Sonny: How do you know it isn't? Brenda: Because I know you, better than anybody else ever could. Sonny: Maybe you're wrong and you don't know me anymore. Brenda: No, you may have changed, but some things will always be the same. Sonny: *Intrigued* Like? Brenda: Like the way that you deal with things. The last time that you wore a beard was right after Lily died. When you are hurt or vulnerable you put on layers of protection and use them to hide your true feelings. I believe that is what you are doing with the beard using it to hide your feelings. Sonny: *Giving her a hot look* What are my TRUE feelings? Brenda: You have to figure that out on your own. I just don't like to see you try an hide your feelings. She runs the water in the sink to wash the dishes. She places the plates and glasses in the sink and starts to wash them. Sonny: Wait a minute, you're going to wash the dishes? Brenda: You cooked, I figured it was the least I could do. Sonny: Have you ever washed dishes by hand? Brenda: How hard can it be? Sonny: It's just that these dishes are very fragile. He stands up and walks to the sink where Brenda is standing. He looks over her shoulder. Brenda: *Looking up at him* What? Sonny: You're doing it all wrong. Brenda: I'm washing dishes wrong? Sonny: Yeah, let me show you. Sonny reaches around her and picks up her hand that she is using to wash a plate. The nearness of his body and his hand on hers sends warm pleasant feelings pulsating through her whole body. He starts washing the plate in a clockwise direction. Sonny: This protects the enamel on the plate. Brenda is so affected by his touch that she can't even speak. She just looks up at him, mesmerized. Sonny finishes with the plate and dips it into the water. Brenda's hand is still in his and their hands become tangled together in the warm sudsy water. Sonny picks up a glass and is about to wash it as well. Suddenly with out warning he feels Brenda's mouth come crashing down on his. The kiss between them is fierce and passionate, but at the same time it is desperate. The passion between them is so intense that the glass in Sonny's hand tumbles to the floor with a loud crash. Both Sonny and Brenda are too consumed with each other to notice the glass. They continue to kiss with unguarded desire and fervor. Neither one can remember the last time that they experienced such intense feelings. They don't notices Luke, who has just walked into the kitchen carrying a garment bag. Luke: * Clearing his throat* Sorry. Sonny and Brenda disengage from their embrace, looking slightly embarrassed. Brenda's cheeks and lips are a rosy pinks and Sonny has a huge smile on his face and his eyes are shining. Luke: If I'm interrupting, I can come back later. Sonny: No, we were just cleaning up after breakfast. Luke looks at his watch. Luke: Is that what they are calling it these days? Sonny: *Sarcastically* What do you have there, Spencer. Luke: Your new look, the perfume girls as well. Sonny: Disguises? Luke: I prefer to call them, makeovers. Since you need the most help, Corinthos, I'll take you first. Sonny: What is that supposed to mean? What do you have in there? He tries to unzip the garment bag. Luke: Now peeking, now come on, I don't have all day. He takes Sonny by the arm and tries to usher him out of the kitchen. Brenda: I'll clean up that glass and finish with the dishes. Sonny: There is a broom in the closet for the broken glass, but leave the dishes and we can finish them later together. He stresses the word, "together," and gives her an unmistakably hot look. Brenda: The water will get cold. Sonny: I think we can heat it up. He gives her an other intense look before following Luke out of the room. Brenda begins picking up the bigger pieces of glass, but she can't stop thinking about Sonny or the feelings that he has stirred in her. Chapter 17 Brenda waited patiently for over an hour before Luke and Sonny emerged from another room. Before they came out Brenda hadn't had much hope for Sonny's new look. She couldn't erase the images that she held in her mind of his Tiger Key look. Even though she still felt like Sonny was the sexist man to ever breeze in and out of her life on a whim, she was afraid that if she had to look at even a week of dark glasses and a backwards baseball cap she would have to gauge her eyes out. However, The transformation of Sonny had been well worth the wait. He had been showered and more importantly, Luke had convinced him to shave! To see him clean and shaven would have been enough to make him irresistible to Brenda, but Luke had gone beyond that. What Brenda saw before her when Sonny emerged from the bedroom bordered on divine. Sonny was dressed head to toe in the classiest clothes she had ever seen. He wore a dark blue linen three piece suit, dark shoes and a dark hat pulled down low over his brow. Luke: So what do you think? Brenda couldn't breath, much less talk and just stood there with her eyes glued to the most magnificent image she had seen in a long time. Sonny: *Disappointed* I knew it, she hates it. Brenda: *Responding very quickly* No, I don't hate it. You look good, Sonny. He looked better than good, he looked drop dead gorgeous, but Brenda wasn't sure that she was ready to tell him that. Luke: I think it's a masterpiece on my part. Sonny: If you do say so yourself. Brenda: *Trying to take her eyes off of Sonny* I see you shaved? Luke: I had to just about pin him down to get a razor to his face. Brenda: What made you go with this kind of look? Luke: Well, you said that you both wanted something different than the Tiger Key look. Brenda: This is difficulty different. Luke: It has a practical side to it as well. I used my contacts to get a good look at the FBI file photographs on Sonny. It seems that the Feds have really short memories. All of their file photographs show Sonny with a beard and wearing jeans and that awful leather jacket. The man in the Armani suite that I saw earlier today looked different from the guy in the FBI files. I started there, and this is what I came up with. Sonny: I even feel like a different man. Luke: What you feel like is none of my business. Okay, Brenda, you're next. He hands her the garment bag and a make up bag. Brenda: For me? Luke: You got it, only try not to take too long. Brenda: I've got to take a shower. Sonny: A quick one, because I know you and I know that you tend to take forever in the bathroom. Try and get finished before the sun goes down. Brenda: Just for that, I'm going to take my time. Sonny: Call if you need any help. Brenda: I think I can get dressed on my own. Sonny: No doubt, I was talking about if you needed help getting "Undressed." He flashes her a devilish smile, she leaves the room extremely flushed. Sonny: I think that she'll be taking a cold shower! Luke: You really get a kick out of doing that to her don't you? Sonny: *Innocent* What? Luke: You get a kick out of turning her on and off like a light switch! Sonny: Turning her on is the only part I'm really interested in. I hope that you bought her something short and tight and very revealing! Luke: You've been on that island too long, Corinthos! I was going for an image of class for both of you. Sonny: It doesn't really matter, Brenda looks good in anything that she wears. Luke: I don't really know why she is along on this little adventure, but I think that you should keep in mind that she is engaged to another man. Sonny: They've been engaged for over a year and they still aren't married. That should say a lot about Jax's willingness to make a commitment to Brenda?. Luke: What does your always leaving her say about you willingness to make a commitment. Sonny's answer came in the form of his fist making contact with Luke's jaw. Luke was taken off guard, and for that reason, the force of Sonny's blow knocked him to the floor. Sonny: *Immediately* I'm sorry about that. Luke: No problem. I guess I had it coming for a remark like that. Sonny extends his hand and helps Luke up. Sonny: I'm frustrated, but I have no right to take it out on you. You've been a better friend than I deserve. How can I make it up to you. Luke: Well for starters, don't hit me for what I'm about to say. I've watched Brenda go through a lot in the past year. She had to deal with loosing a child and her mother came back to town. Sonny: I know, she told me about a lot of it. Luke: I'll be the first to admit that I never really cared that much for her. I know that you forgave her for wearing the wire and betraying you, but I never really could get past that. However, In the last year I learned to respect her and I wouldn't want to see her hurt by anyone. You and her have a long history of hurting each other and seeing you try and get close to her makes me a little nervous. After all, you've left her so many times. Sonny: I left Brenda because I love her and want her to be safe. I also want her to be happy, she told me that Jax made her happy, but she isn't happy. When I showed up on her balcony, she was anything but happy. Luke: You think that you can make her happy? Sonny: I know that she is the most precious thing in my life. I would gladly sacrifice my own life to make sure that no more harm ever comes to her. Luke: That doesn't answer my question. Sonny: You say that you've watched her for the past year. Can you honestly tell me that Jax has made her happy. If you can give me a concrete example of how Jax has made her happy in the last year, I'll walk right out of here this very moment. Luke: You'd leave her behind? Sonny: Would Jax take her back? Luke: Probably, without asking her any questions. I don't really know why, maybe she is more of a habit to him than anything else or maybe he sees her as the ultimate trophy . I just know he would take her back. Sonny: Would she be happy? Luke: He gives her a sense of security. This past year, Jax has been for the most part, a basterd towards her. I don't know if he means to be, but he is. When she needs to talk he won't listen, when she needs arms to hold her, she gets an empty bed. Sonny: *With pain in his eyes* How do you know all of this? Luke: Most of the time, you can see it written on her face. Also, she has become pretty good friends with Laura. No one can attract the emotionally wounded like my Angel can attract them. Things went pretty bad between them after Brenda lost the baby. Jax just couldn't comfort her, she got a lot of help from other people though. Women who had lost children, like Lucy and Barbara Jean. Beyond that, Jax was next to useless. Sonny: I was afraid of that, why did she stay with Jax? Luke: I think that she really believes, on some level, that they are in love. Beyond that I don't know. Sonny: Do you think that Jax was unable to comfort her about the child because on some level he doubted that it was his child to begin with. Luke: *A little shocked* Did he have a reason to doubt that the child was his? More to the point did he have a reason to think that it might have been YOURS? Sonny: Not unless Brenda gave him a reason. Luke: Are you admitting to something, Corinthos? Sonny: You know me better than that. If Brenda and I had made love and possibly she had conceived a child, it wouldn't be something that I would talk about. I wouldn't discuses that with anyone, not even you. Luke: I don't understand you, do you go out of your way to torture yourself? Sonny: Back to Jax, did you see him abuse Brenda in any way after she miscarried or act in anyway as if he was angry at her? Luke: I try and stay away from Jax as much as possible, but I don't think that he has ever abused Brenda. At least not in any way that she recognized as abuse. He didn't offer her too much emotional support and he would disappears for long periods of time and then try and make his absence up to he with gifts. Sonny: She deserves better than that, she deserves everything that her heart desires. Luke: I agree, Brenda needs a lot of love and support. I'm just not sure that you're the one to give it to her. I'm not saying that Jax is either. Sonny: A lot of aspects of my life are gray, but there is one thing that is black and white. I Love Brenda! Her happiness means everything to me. Luke rubs his jaw. Sonny: Let me go get you some ice for that. Sonny goes to the kitchen to get some ice for Luke's sore jaw. Chapter 18 Compared with the amount of time that it took Sonny to get ready, Brenda is out in no time at all. The first thing that she notices is that Luke has an ice pack on his jaw. Brenda: What happened? Luke: A little accident is all. I tripped. Sonny: Yeah, and his jaw collided with my fist. Brenda: I can't leave you boys alone for even a few minutes. Luke: It isn't really a problem. I deserved it. Brenda: I don't want to hear about. Sonny hasn't been able to take his eyes off of her since she walked in the room. She is the most beautiful sight he has seen in a long time. Brenda is primped from head to toe. She is wearing a pink cashmere suit with a long fitted jacket and a slim skirt that stops just above her ankles. On her feet are a pair of pink leather boots. Her hair is pulled up in a tight French twist, that makes Sonny want to pull it down and run his fingers through her loose hair. Her makeup gives her whole face a rosy glow. Her lips are pink and desirable. Sonny has never wanted to kiss her as much as he does in that moment. He can't stop looking at her. Brenda: Sonny, would you stop staring at me? Sonny: I can't help myself. I do believe that you're the most beautiful creature that ever walked the earth. Brenda: You're making me nervous! Sonny: You're making me crazy! The tension between them is so thick that it is almost visible, and the looks that they are exchanging are so hot that they are almost making Luke Spencer blush. Luke: The suit looks really nice on you, Brenda. The spell is broken between Sonny and Brenda, at least for the moment. Sonny: Yeah, the suit is nice. Brenda: It had better be, it's a Donna Karen! Sonny: I know that it is, Luke also told me that he bought you some clothes by Channel and some Vera Wang dresses. Brenda: I saw them, I just hope that I can do all those beautiful clothes justice! Sonny: Brenda, you are beautiful. You don't need designer clothes to prove your beauty. Brenda: Thank you. Sonny: I just have one complaint about your appearance. Brenda: What? Sonny: Your hair. He reaches up and pulls a few strands loose to frame her face. She tries to pretend that she is unaffected by his touch. Sonny; That's better. Luke: You both look good. It was the look I was striving for. I wasn't sure that everything would fit. Brenda: I tried on everything that you brought for me. It all fits like a glove, did Laura help? Luke: Nope, I did this all on my own. Brenda: How did you know the sizes for the more personal items? Luke: Oh, you saw the lingerie? Brenda: *Slightly embarrassed* I told you, I tried on everything. Luke; I had a very helpful sales girl. I described you to her and then showed her a picture of Sonny. She had no problem picking out those pieces. Sonny: *Trying to cover a smile* So when do I get to see these pieces that I inspired? Brenda: *Angry* In your dreams! Sonny: You have no idea how right you are! Brenda: You're going to have to keep them there, because the only way you're getting to see my undergarments is if Luke models them! For some reason that is beyond Brenda, Luke and Sonny find the whole situation hilarious and burst out laughing. Brenda turns angrily on her heel and goes to sulk on the couch. Sonny and Luke are genuinely surprised by her reaction. They exchange puzzled looks. Luke: I left some stuff in the car, I think all go get it before she decides to hit me. Sonny walks over to the couch and sits beside Brenda, she won't even look at him. Sonny: Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you pout? He leans in to kiss her, but she pulls away from him. Brenda: I would expect that kind of behavior from Luke. I expect more respect from you Sonny, especially when you look so good. Sonny: You really think that I look nice? Brenda: Sonny, you are drop dead gorgeous. It makes me weak just looking at you! There, is that what you wanted to hear? Sonny: I'm glad that you admitted how you feel, but your words could use a little less bite. Brenda: I'm sorry, it is just hard for me to admit. Sonny: You mean it's hard to admit that I still turn you on? Brenda: That isn't what I said. It's hard for me to admit that I still find you attractive. Sonny: Why? We make a beautiful couple. He runs his hand across her cheek, making her whole body tingle. Brenda: After everything that's happened I shouldn't find you attractive, It doesn't make sense! Sonny: Love doesn't have to make sense, it just happens. Brenda: That's where you're wrong, I'm not in love with you. Sonny: So you keep saying, but you're here. Brenda: I love you Sonny, I always will. I'm just not in love with you. Sonny: Your heart isn't like a speed bump Brenda, you can't go around your feelings. Sooner or later they are going to catch up with you. Before Brenda can respond, Luke comes back with a big manila envelope. Sonny: Are those our papers? Luke: Papers, visas, funds and tickets. Sonny: I hope you didn't get us airline tickets, because Brenda can't fly. Luke: I didn't know that. Brenda: Ever since Jason and I crashed on the ELQ jet. Luke: Air travel would be too risky anyway. I'm sure they have the airports monitored. Sonny: How else are we going to get to South America? Luke: Well, you could go by steamer. Brenda: Please, not another boat! Sonny: I tend to agree, that last boat almost made me claustrophobic again. Luke: I figured that you might say that, so I got you these! He hands each of them a ticket. Sonny/Brenda: Train Tickets? Luke: Not just any old choo-choo either! These are tickets for The American Orient Express! They both give him a blank stare. Luke: You have heard of the Orient Express? Sonny: Yeah, didn't some guy get killed on it? Luke: That was fiction, this is real. Brenda: It is one of the most luxurious forms of rail travel in Europe! Luke: This is the American version. Brenda: When I was a girl I used to dream about taking a trip on the Orient Express! Sonny: How much do I owe you for all of this, Spencer. Luke: Come on Corinthos, you don't have any money, except what is in that envelope. Sonny: This must have cost you a small fortune, with the clothes and tickets. Luke: I buy in bulk to save money and I have a little nest egg that I can chip away at if need be. Sonny: You have to let me repay you. Luke: I'll add it to your tab. Sonny: You're a better friend than I deserve. Luke: Probably true. Brenda, I want you to do everything that he says. Brenda: Don't I always? Sonny: *smiling* Never, but I'm letting you come anyway. Luke: If he is mean to you, just let me know and I'll come beat him up. I owe him a punch. Brenda laughs. Sonny: Also, if you want to go home at anytime let me know and I'll get you there. Luke: If you want to come home, call Me. I'll come get you myself. Remember to wear your coat. Brenda: I saw that, but it's summer. Luke: Not where you're going. Sonny: Argentina is in the southern hemisphere. It's winter there right now! Brenda: I was wondering why Luke didn't buy me a bikini. Sonny: As much as I would LOVE to see you in a bikini, I don't think we will be lying on any beaches. Brenda: Skiing maybe? Sonny: You really think that I'm going to take you skiing? You attract avalanches, remember? Brenda: Oh yeah, besides you hate the snow. Sonny: Right, that's why I live in the tropics. Brenda: Where exactly is your home, again? Sonny: Brenda, you ask too many questions! Luke: Just wear your jackets, kids! Sonny and Brenda: Yes Dad! Luke: The two of you are scary sometimes. You have been together for less than 72 hours and you are all ready talking in unison. Let me go over the papers with you. He pulls out the passports. Luke: Sonny your name is Santiago Martine. You are a banker from Costa Rica and very well off. Sonny: That is what the nice threads are about? Luke: You have to look the part. Brenda: Who am I? Luke: Don't get mad, but it was easiest to make you be his wife, your name is Carmen and you are American. Sonny: I like the name Carmen. Brenda: What do you mean, I'm his wife? Luke: This way you can travel with him and I can make your identity American. Brenda: Why can't I travel alone? Luke: Women don't travel alone in South America. I could have made you his sister, but you don't speak Spanish. This way you have a native speaker nearby, you don't get hit on and Sonny has a better cover. Brenda: I'm not sharing a compartment with him! Sonny: That is generally what married people do, Brenda. Brenda: We aren't married! Luke: Don't worry, this train has suites. You should have plenty of room for whatever. Brenda still doesn't seem convinced. Sonny: Great, when do we leave? Luke: Tonight, only you have to leave from a station in Canada. Sonny: No problem. I can get us there. Luke: Okay, then my work here is done. Sonny: Thanks for everything. Luke: Brenda, I'm giving you one last chance to go back with me. Brenda: What and waste all of those beautiful clothes. It's getting too warm to wear them in Port Charles and by the time winter comes back around they will be out of style. So, I guess I'm going to Argentina. Sonny: Are you sure? Brenda: Yes. Sonny: You heard the lady. Luke: You can't say I didn't try. Good luck, to both of you. You are going to need it! Brenda: Thanks again for everything Luke. Luke: You're welcome darlen. With that Luke Spencer breezed out of the door, leaving Sonny and Brenda alone with their unresolved feelings. Brenda: *Giving him a skeptic look* How are we going to get to Canada? Without giving her an answer or a warning he grabs her and kisses her passionately. He bends her body back until she is touching the couch. At first she is caught off guard, then she gives in and kisses him back amorously with an impatience and zest that surprises him. Her pulse races and her mouth feels like it is on fire. He laces his hands with hers and kisses her harder than before. As suddenly as he kissed her, he pulls away leaving her lips and cheeks more pink than when he started. Brenda tries to recover, but is left completely turned on and wanting more. Sonny: You ask way to many questions. Brenda: And you answer far to little of those that I ask, you want to give this one a stab? Sonny: I have my ways. He gets up to leave the room, leaving her breathless on the couch. Sonny: You can come watch if you'd like. Brenda: *With mock excitement* You never used to let me watch, I feel so privileged! Sonny: I told you that I'm a changed man. She follows him into the other room.
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Gilded Cage Chapters 19-22