Gilded Cage Chapters 79-80

   
Chapter 79
She takes his hand and follows him downstairs where Sonny proceeds to give Brenda a whirlwind introduction to just about everyone in the room. A sea of faces belonging to a ocean of strangers. She can’t possibly be expected to remember who everyone is or who is important. All of the men seem beyond enthusiastic to meet her, but the women are, for the most part, a different story. Some of them try to pretend to be happy to meet her, while others don’t even try to pretend to be gracious.  Brenda knows that Sonny would never treat her as an object, but the same can’t be said for others in the room. Brenda wonders if this is what she has to look forward to, endless introductions where she will become known to one and all as the owners beautiful wife. As much as she loves Sonny and wants to be with him, she needs more than this life seems to offer. Sonny has just whisked her away from one particularly nasty group and he notices that she looks a little flushed.

Sonny: Are you okay?
Brenda: *Smiling* I’m fine.
Sonny: You look a little overwhelmed.
Brenda: Maybe just a little. Do all of these people work at the casino?
Sonny: Most of them don’t work here at all.
Brenda: Who are they?
Sonny: Customers and contacts. Do you need to sit down for minute.
Brenda: No, really, I’m fine.
Sonny: Maybe we should skip the rest of the introductions for now.
Brenda: You mean I haven’t met everyone?
Sonny: Almost, sweetheart. We’ll take a break and get right to the toast.
Brenda: What toast?

She is perplexed as he gently leads her to the front of the room. As they pass through the room Brenda sees Mike and Veronica, the only familiar faces, besides Sonny and Carlos, and she suddenly feels a little less alone.

Brenda: Shouldn’t we go say hi to Mike and my Mom?
Sonny: We will. 

 He picks up two glasses of champagne as they pass a waiter. He hands one of them to Brenda, then gets the attention of the room. 

Sonny: First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight.
Brenda: We both would like to thank you for being here.

She looks at Sonny.

Brenda: We share things 50/50, remember
Sonny: When she is right, she’s right. Anyway, I don’t usually give speeches. I’m not really good with words. At least I never was before, I met Brenda. You inspire me Brenda to do so many things that I never thought were possible. A life time ago you saved my life and you have continued to save me. I want everyone in this room to know what you mean to me. You are the first woman that I ever loved with my whole heart. You taught me how to feel love and how to give love and what it means to be happy. You saved me from the darkness and brought me into the light.

He is giving her a very intense look now, only seeing her and speaking to her from his heart.

Sonny: I love you, I cherish you, I will honor you and protect you with every fiber of my being.

He raises his glass in a toast.

Sonny: I want everyone her to join me in a toast to my love, my soul mate and my wife, Brenda.

His words touch Brenda in such a profound way that she almost feels weak, as is she might faint at any moment. Her eyes are bright with love and awe as they clink their glasses together. Sonny kisses her gently and she smiles. The crowd starts to break off into small groups, leaving them behind.

Sonny: Wait a minute, everybody come back here.

The crowd stops and gives them him their full attention.

Sonny: There is one more thing, I have always prided myself on running a tight ship.

His tone has changed to a business voice and his body becomes ridged.

Sonny: Some things have happened lately that should never have happened. Things are missing and mistakes have been made.

Brenda knows that he is talking about her clothes and the missing marriage certificate.

Sonny: We are all human, and as such, we all make mistakes. So far the mistakes have only resulted in minor inconveniences. However, I expect these things to stop right now.

He picks up Brenda’s free hand and hold it tightly.

Sonny: The beautiful lady at my side is my  equal partner and I expect everyone in this room to treat her with the same respect that you have shown me in the past.

With that said, Sonny relaxes his posture and his tone.

Sonny: Now enjoy the evening, because I know I’m going to enjoy mine.
      
 Mike and Veronica walk up to Sonny and Brenda. Veronica hugs her daughter, the men stand with their hands at their sides.

Veronica: You look beautiful, Brenda.
Brenda: So do you mama, I’m so glad that you could be here tonight.
Mike: She is too good for you, Michael.
Sonny: I know, but I’m not giving her up. 
Veronica: There is quite a large crowd here tonight. 
Sonny: What can I say? I’m a popular guy.
Mike: I never would have guessed. By the way, that was a  very moving speech.
Veronica: I liked it, especially since I’m now a hundred dollars richer.
Mike: I bet her that you wouldn’t give a speech .
Veronica: He was convinced that he was betting on a sure thing.
Sonny: * With noticeable sarcasm* Mike only bets on sure things. 
Mike: I have to admit that you surprised me. After all, you aren’t the president of Toast Masters.
Veronica: It was very well done, I could tell that the words came from your heart.
Brenda: I probably should have said something.
Sonny: You did fine, sweetheart.   
Brenda: *To Mike and Veronica* How is your room?
Veronica: It is wonderful, the view is amazing.
Mike: It is so peaceful here.
Veronica: I’m sorry that I won’t get to see more of the island before I have to leave.
Brenda: How long can you stay?
Veronica: Honey, I’m afraid that we have to leave in the morning.
Brenda: *Disappointed* Tomorrow morning?
Veronica: I’m afraid so.

She is visibly shaken up by this announcement.

Brenda: There is so much that I wanted to show you.
Veronica: Thanks to the hurricane, I have been out of touch with my business for too long.
Mike: There are things that I need to get back to as well.
Brenda: Of course you both have lives to get back to, I’m being selfish.
Veronica: I would love to stay here longer, if only I could.
Brenda: I understand.
Veronica: I assume that I can come back and visit.
Sonny: You’re always welcome, Veronica.  I guess you can bring Mike too, if you want.
Mike: *Sarcastically* I’m honored. 

Brenda had hopped that they would stay longer, but she knew that Veronica had a business to get back to and Mike still had unresolved problems with Jerry Jacks. It suddenly was dawning on her that she was going to be alone here. She knew that her and Sonny would be fine on a personal level, but she wasn’t sure that she was going to fit into the life that he had here. She is suddenly overwhelmed by emotion and fear.
The color drains from her face and she feels desperate to run away. Sonny notices the change in her face and body language and realizes that something is very wrong.

Sonny: What’s wrong, Brenda?
Brenda: Nothing, I just need some air.

She turns and swiftly moves to the nearest door leading outside. Sonny starts to go after her, but Veronica stops him.

Veronica: You can’t abandon your guests.
Sonny: She’s upset.
Veronica: I’ll talk to her.

Sonny watches Veronica follow her out of the room. Mike gives Sonny an look that screams out, " I told you so" Sonny shrugs his shoulders in confusion.

Mike: We should have waited until after the party to tell her we are planing on leaving in the morning.
Sonny: There is more to it than that.
Mike: I’m glad that you see it too.
Sonny: My only question is, what should I do about it?
Mike: She can’t stay here, she has to be free.
Sonny: I know that, if I make her stay I’m no better than Jax. She will just be trading one cage for another.

Veronica finds Brenda sitting on a bench in the courtyard. She looks up when she hears Veronica approach and wipes tears from her eyes. 

Veronica: If you want me to stay here a little longer, I will.
Brenda: You would do that for me?
Veronica: Of course I would. I missed out on so much of your life Brenda, I would do anything for you.
Brenda: I think you would, but you would have leave eventually. You can’t spend your life here. 
Veronica: Neither can you, Brenda, you don’t belong here.
Brenda: I know, but I do belong with Sonny. Mama, what am I going to do?
Veronica  sits beside Brenda and puts her arm around her daughter protectively. 
 Chapter 80
Sonny can’t believe that Mike is suggesting that he should let Brenda return to Port Charles. 

Sonny: You know that I can’t go back there.
Mike: Because of the FBI?
Sonny: They won’t let go of this murder wrap that they are trying to pin on me.
Mike: How can they do that when they don’t have a shred of proof?
Sonny: They don’t need proof to harass me. Besides, I think Jerry is pressuring them.
Mike: I believe that! You don’t have to tell me how ruthless he can be.
Sonny: Is that why you’re in such a hurry to get back to Port Charles?
Mike: Jerry is really putting the squeeze on Jason.
Sonny: It is amazing that Jerry could regain so much power in such a short amount of time. 
Mike: The racketeering charges barely slowed him down. Is there some place that we can talk? 


Sonny takes Mike into a small side room.

Sonny: How bad are things between you and Jerry?
Mike: How much do you know?
Sonny: Just what I’ve picked up here and there.
Mike: As you know, Jerry has plans to tear down all of the buildings on the block where the garage and the Recovery Room are located.
Sonny: Right, only you and Jason are fighting him.
Mike: Jason has been amazing, but I can’t let him fight this alone.
Sonny: That is why you have to go back? 
Mike: Yes, Jason needs me as back up.
Sonny: I never really pegged you as a back up man, Mike.
Mike: I know you don’t think that I’m very useful, but Jason trusts me.
Sonny: I’m glad that you two make such a great team.
Mike:  There is only one thing that would make the situation better.
Sonny: What’s that?
Mike: If you came back and fought along side us.
Sonny: You know I would if I could, but the FBI would be breathing down my neck.
Mike: You haven’t done anything wrong.
Sonny: Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m stuck as long as Jerry has a deal with the feds.
Mike: Do you think it has something to do with me and Jason?
Sonny: I used to think that it was just about Brenda, now I’m not so sure.
Mike: Come back and face the charges. If you didn’t do anything wrong, they can’t touch you.
Sonny: I wish that were true. No, the best I can do is to make a few calls.
Mike: Do what you have to do, you will anyway.
Sonny: I wish there was more that I could do to help.
Mike: I understand that your hands are tied. I want you to be safe, Michael. 
Sonny: Even if it means that I have to stay here?
Mike: It is easier to accept now that I know where you are.
Sonny: Right, what if it means that Brenda will be miserable?
Mike: Brenda spent the past year and a halve being miserable, she needs you.
Sonny: You just told me that she needed to go home.
Mike: That was when I believed that there was a chance that you would come back as well.
Sonny: Will I be enough for her, though. She needs more than to just be my wife, she needs to live a full life.
Mike: You’re right, but you are an important part of her life. She loves you with her whole heart.
Sonny: She is my life, Mike and I need her more than words can say. 
Mike: You want her to have more than this island has to offer.
Sonny: I want the best of everything for her, but as usual I’m not in any position to offer her what she needs

Brenda tries to pull herself together, but it is impossible. She just doesn’t feel like going back into the party.

Brenda: Mama, am I terrible?
Veronica: Of course not, Honey.
Brenda: I’ve hardly even given this place a chance and yet I’m convinced that I don’t belong here.
Veronica: If you can’t see a future here, why try and get used to it.
Brenda: There was a time when I could have stayed here.
Veronica: Maybe you have changed.
Brenda: I never realized how much until tonight. I can’t go back in to that room.
Veronica: You don’t have to, baby.
Brenda: I know that Sonny did all of this for me, and I love him for it, but it was all wrong.
Veronica: His toast was very sincere.
Brenda: He didn’t really have to do it. I know that he loves me.
Veronica: He obviously adores you as well.
Brenda: I know, but nobody in that room cares about me one way or the other.
Veronica: Present company excluded, I hope!
Brenda: *Smiling* Okay, so there were a few people who care about me, but the rest could care less.
Veronica: Does it matter whether they care about you or not?
Brenda: Yes and no. They don’t really have anything to do with how I feel about Sonny or how he feels about me, but they are apart of living here and I’m not sure that I could get used to that.
Veronica: I understand, after all I once ate up the social scene.
Brenda: How did you do it?
Veronica: I was a lot younger than I am now.
Brenda: Are you telling me that I’m old?
Veronica: No, but you are a lot wiser and mature than I was at your age.
Brenda: When I was with Jax he used to take me to these kind of parties, but I don’t think it was because he wanted to spend time with me necessarily. He did it to impress people and show me off like a prize.
Veronica: Do you feel like Sonny was doing that tonight?
Brenda: Not on purpose, but I feel like that is what the people in that room were thinking. 
I know that Sonny would never treat me like an object, on purpose.
Veronica: That is the way you felt, though?
Brenda: I felt like a pretty face in a Vera Wang dress.
Veronica: That really is a gorgeous dress.
Brenda: Thank you, mama.
Veronica: Did Sonny pick it out.
Brenda: Actually, Luke Spencer bought it as part of my Argentina outfits.
Veronica: Wow, I had no idea that he had such good taste.
Brenda: With endless credit he has great taste Maybe you and Lucy should run a few samples by him.
Veronica: Maybe, but we are getting away from the real issue of your feelings.
Brenda: How do I feel?

Lois walks out to the court yard and notices that Brenda and Veronica are there as well.

Lois: Are you guys trying to avoid the party too?

Brenda looks up and smiles through tears.

Brenda: What are you doing out here, Lo?
Lois: I just can’t get in to the swing of these fancy smancy parties. 
Brenda: Yeah, I know what you mean. Is it always like this around here?
Lois: You mean parties and all?
Brenda: Yeah, will I have to get used to this?
Lois: Bren, you don’t have to get used to anything. There have been a few parties since I’ve been here.
Brenda: I don’t get that, Sonny isn’t very social. At least he didn’t used to be.
Lois: He still isn’t very social.
Brenda: He seems to be having a good time.
Lois: If you had stuck around a little longer, you would see that he is dying in there.
Brenda: Why does he bother and do it then?
Lois: This party was for you, the others that came before it were just business.
Brenda: How on earth did he get through them?
Lois: He drank his way through a bunch, I imagine. Until I put a stop to that behavior.
Brenda: Is that where he met the women with whom he had the one night stands?
Lois: I guess so. You mean, he told you about that?
Brenda: I knew before he told me, but he did come clean about it anyway.
Lois: I’m amazed that he would talk about it, even with you.
Brenda: He is trying to make a clean start with our relationship, no more lies.
Lois: Do you really think that he can pull it off? I mean this is Sonny we are talking about.
Brenda: I know, that’s why I’m not expecting miracles. He is trying to make it different this time.
Lois: I can see that. I haven’t always been a fan of you two, you know.
Brenda: Wait a minute, you were the one that always told me that Sonny loved me.
Lois: He always did, I never doubted that. I just didn’t always like the way he treated you.
Brenda: All of that has changed, Lo. Sonny really wants to make our relationship work.
Lois: I believe that he does, that is part of the reason that I’m leaving.
Brenda: What do you mean?
Lois: Sonny doesn’t need me anymore, so I’m packing up and going home.
Brenda: Why is everybody abandoning me?
Veronica: We aren’t abandoning you.
Brenda: That is what it feels like to me.
Lois: I’m sorry.
Brenda: I’m the one who should be sorry, I’m being selfish. 
Lois: I would stay longer, but the summer is almost half over. 
Brenda: I almost forgot, Brooke will be starting school this fall.
Lois: Yeah, and I figure Ned and the Q’s might want to spend some time with her before then.
Brenda: You’re going to Port Charles?
Lois: I thought that I would drop in there for a while.
Brenda: You are going to try and work things out with Ned?
Lois: Don’t get excited! Nedly and I have a lot of problems.
Brenda: You are going to try and work things out, though. I know you guys can get through this!
Lois: I never said that!  
Brenda: You called him Nedly though!
Lois: *Trying to play innocent* Did I?
Veronica: What on earth is a Nedly?
Brenda: That is who Lois feel in love with.
Lois: No, I learned to love Nedly. I fell in love with Eddie Maine.
Veronica: I love his music, whatever happened to him? 
Brenda: He turned back into Ned Ashton when Lois left town.
Veronica: Oh, I think I understand.
Brenda: Anyway, Lo, if you are going to Port Charles then I say leave tonight!
Lois: *Exasperated* Now she is trying to get rid of me!  
Veronica: It isn’t like you are going to be totally alone, you have Sonny.
Brenda: True.
Lois: Plus, Julia isn’t going anywhere.
Brenda: That’s because she is in love with my husband.
Lois: I love Sonny, but I’m not in love with him. Are you sure that isn’t how Julia feels as well?
Brenda: She told me that she loves him. She is probably hoping to make time with him when my back is turned!
Lois: Sonny wouldn’t do that to you, Bren.
Brenda: I know, but that won’t stop her from trying.
Lois: Do you really feel that uncomfortable being here alone with Sonny?
Brenda: I don’t know!   
Veronica: How do you feel, honey?

They don’t notice that Sonny is standing nearby. He had come looking for his wife and came up the path just in time to hear Veronica’s last question.

Sonny: I would like to know the answer to that question.
Brenda: How long have you been standing there?
Sonny: Not long enough, I guess. 
Veronica: I think I’m going to go find Mike.
Lois: I’ll go with you.

Veronica stands up and Sonny takes her place beside Brenda. Lois leads Veronica back towards the casino.
 
Sonny: I know that something is wrong, sweetheart. 
Brenda: I feel a little silly.
Sonny: *frowning* Why?
Brenda: Because you went to all the trouble to plan this evening and I’m hiding out in the garden.
Sonny: * puts his arm around her* Actually, hiding out here is probably the best idea that I’ve heard ending.
Brenda: I thought that you were having a good time in there?
Sonny: I hate it, I would much rather be out here with you.
Brenda: Why do you do it then?
Sonny: Tonight was about you, Brenda. I wanted you to feel comfortable here.
Brenda: I haven’t been here for very long.
Sonny: You hate it here, though.
Brenda: I don’t hate it.
Sonny: Yeah you do. You forget who you are talking to, lying to me is a waste of time.
Brenda: *Sighs* I don’t want to hate it here.
Sonny: It’s no big deal, most of the time I hate it here too.
Brenda: What are we going to do?
Sonny: Do you think that you can live in the same town as Jax?
Brenda: I guess so, why do you ask?
Sonny: I stayed here because I couldn’t live in the same town as you and not want you.
Brenda: I don’t want Jax, Sonny.
Sonny: Then you could live side by side with him and it wouldn’t bother you?
Brenda: I wouldn’t even notice. What are you asking?
Sonny: I want to go back to Port Charles, if you do?

She gives him a shocked look that turns to ecstatic joy. She throws her arms around him and hugs him fiercely, then smothers him in enthusiastic kisses.

Sonny: *Between kisses* I’ll take that as a yes!
Brenda: Yes!
Sonny: *Grinning* All right!
Brenda: I love you so much.
Sonny: I love you too sweetheart.
Brenda: How many men would give up all this?
Sonny: All this is nothing compared to seeing you happy.  
Brenda: I’m really happy, as long as this is what you want?
Sonny: It is the only way that I can see our future. 
Brenda: I feel kind of guilty, I haven’t been here for that long, maybe we aren’t giving it a chance.
Sonny: You would really end up hating this place in the end and probably me as well.
Brenda: Why would I end up hating you?
Sonny: Because, by keeping you here, it would be like I was keeping you in a prison.
Brenda: It wouldn’t be that bad, what Jax did to me was worse. He locked me away in Buffalo.
Sonny: Keeping you here would have been just as bad. What would you have done here?
Brenda: I figured you would let me manage the casino show?
Sonny: I would have, but how long would that have kept you happy?
Brenda: Not long.
Sonny: Do you remember telling me that you bore easily?
Brenda: *Smiling* Yeah, it was at that photo shoot that I had right after I married Jax.
Sonny: Then you proceeded to prove that point by getting involved in my life after the drug overdose.
Brenda: I had to get involved, we were friends.
Sonny: We were more than friends, but the main thing was that you were bored.

Brenda nods her head in agreement.

Brenda: I was about to loose my mind, I was so bored, hating being a trophy wife to Jax.
Sonny: You would end up feeling the same way if you stayed here, sweetheart.
Brenda: I used to think that you wanted me as a trophy, but not anymore.
Sonny: Brenda, I love you because I do, not because you are a beautiful object that I desire.
Brenda: I know that now.
Sonny: That isn’t to say that I don’t think that you are the most beautiful creature on earth. I think that you are, but you aren’t my trophy.
Brenda: I believe you, but I’m not sure that other people share your feelings.
Sonny: Is that how some people made you feel tonight?
Brenda: Yes, but it has nothing to do with the way that you treated me.
Sonny: Brenda, you need to experience life to the fullest and you can’t do that here.
Brenda: I still can’t believe that this is happening.
Sonny: As long as your happy.
Brenda: You know what would really make me happy right now?
Sonny: You and me upstairs.

She gives him a very hot look.

Brenda: You read my mind and since we didn’t get to eat dinner, you can cook.
Sonny: You got it, baby. In fact, why don’t we invite Mike and your mom and Lois?
Brenda: *A little disappointed* You mean like a family dinner?
Sonny: You hate the idea?
Brenda: No, I guess it is a good idea to all have one meal together before we all leave.
Sonny: We should probably invite Julia as well.
Brenda: Do we have to?
Sonny: She is your sister!
Brenda: She’s in love with you!
Sonny: *Innocently* I hadn’t noticed. 
Brenda: How could you miss the way that she looks at you?
Sonny: I guess because I only have eyes for you, Brenda and your the only one whose looks I notice.

He leans over and kisses her deeply and passionately until she can hardly breath.

Sonny: My everything else is all yours as well.
Brenda: I’m going to hold you to that later tonight, when we are alone.
Sonny: You had better. Meanwhile, you go gather up the gang and I’ll start dinner.
Brenda: What about the party?
Sonny: Trust me, those people in there are so drunk, they won’t even miss us. 

Sonny gives her another sensual kiss that makes her whole body tingle and then they head in opposite directions.  

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