Chapter 96 When Sonny woke up, at around 9:00 the next morning, Brenda was still wrapped tightly in his embrace and sleeping peacefully. He watched her sleep for some time, before getting out of bed and cleaning up, the best he could, in the bathroom. He never really thought he would miss a shower, that was until he didn’t have access to one. Brenda was right, there was a bath tub and that was all, some how taking a bath was not very appealing unless it involved Brenda in some way. However, she was still sound asleep, so that was out of the question. He wasn’t even sure that she would go for the idea anyway. Last night had been wonderful, because they had reached out to each other in a loving and profound way. But now he had to face the facts, they really hadn’t talked about there problems or made any long term plans for the future. Sonny goes back into the bed room and sits on the edge of the bed, listening to his wife’s steady breathing. Sonny: *Softly* Brenda, are you awake? He gets no response, which worries him slightly. He reaches down and places his hand on her forehead to check for a fever, she feels cool, so he lets out a sigh of relief. Sonny: I’m going to go see if I can get us some breakfast. Still no response, which leads him to conclude that Brenda must have been exhausted. He leans over and kisses her softly on the forehead. Sonny: I’ll be right back, beautiful. He leaves for the living room where he can make a phone call without disturbing her. She opens her eyes briefly and watches him leave, just to convince herself that she isn’t dreaming, then drifts back to sleep. Sonny: Could you have some breakfast sent to our apartment? He listens for the reply. Sonny: Croissants and juice sound fine. Also, could you tell me where I can find a market? Sonny scribbles directions on a piece of paper and then hangs up the phone. The directions look easy to follow, so he sets out to find the market before breakfast arrives. It ends up taking him over an hour to find the market, buy the things he will need for lunch and get back to the apartment. When he gets back, he finds Julia waiting on the front step. Sonny: Julie, what are you doing here? Julia: Not the welcome I expected, Michael. Sonny: Sorry, I’m surprised to see you. Julia: This place is a little difficult to find and I’ve been waiting for you for almost an hour. Sonny: I must have just missed you. He notices that she is carrying a suitcase. Sonny: Are you moving in? Julia: Don’t be absurd, these are Brenda’s clothes, she had left them at my hotel. Sonny: Did you knock and see if Brenda would let you into the apartment? Julia: I did knock, there was no answer, I hope you didn’t make her mad again. Sonny: Not a chance, she must still be asleep. Julia: It is almost noon. Sonny: She was exhausted, Julie. Has she slept at all since Robin got sick. Julia: I don’t think she has slept since her husband ran out on her in Florida. Sonny: It hasn’t been easy on me either, Julie. Julia: I never believed that it was. Sonny: Are you angry at me? Julia: Of course not, Michael. I could never be angry at you, not for very long at least. Sonny: Oh, right, because you are in love with me? Julia: I want you to be happy, and I want the same thing for my sister. Sonny: At least we are on the same page when it comes to Brenda. Julia: I’m glade that you got her to sleep and to eat something. Sonny: I got her to sleep, but I’m still working on the eating part. Julia: I’ve been trying to take care of her, but she has been eating very strangely. Sonny: Are you worried about Brenda? Julia: Now that you’re here, I’m sure she will be fine. He unlocks the door. Sonny: Come on in the living room. Julia: Thank you, I think I am starting to cause a scene out here on your doorstep. Sonny: Are you worried about what the neighbors might think and say? Julia: Aren’t you worried? Sonny: Naw, they aren’t really my neighbors. She follows Sonny into the apartment, and looks around at the luxurious setting. Julia: Very nice. Sonny: You aren’t surprised though? Julia: No, you settle for nothing less than the best, Michael. Sonny: Never settle, that is my motto. He goes into the kitchen and sets down two bags of groceries. He notices juice and pastries have been placed on the counter, he puts them in the refrigerator, then thinks again. Sonny: Have you eaten, Julie? Julia: Hours ago. Sonny: Okay, then you can go ahead and give me the bad news. Julia: What makes you think I come bearing bad news? Sonny: Because my life is all about bad news. Julia: Proves how much you know, I’ve come to tell you that Robin has come out of the coma. Sonny: Robin woke up? Julia: Yes. Sonny: When? Julia: Early this morning, she is awake and the new drug the doctor has her on is great. Sonny: Really?. That is great for today but what about tomorrow or next week? Julia: I’ve learned a lot lately about taking life one day at a time, you should try it sometime. Sonny: Funny, Brenda mentioned something similar recently. Julia: Shall we wake up Brenda and let her know about Robin? Sonny: I think I’ll let her sleep a little while more, then I’ll wake her and bring her to the hospital. Julia: Okay, I’m going back to my hotel room. Sonny: Do you want me to have a car take you there? All I have to do is make a phone call. Julia: That would be nice. Are you sure that Brenda is okay? Sonny: I’m sure, she is just tired. Do you want to go see for yourself? Julia: Do you mind? Sonny: The bed room is the second door, down the hall. If she is asleep, don’t wake her, though. Julia nods her head and takes off down the hall, while Sonny calls for a car to take her back to her hotel. When she is gone, he goes into check on Brenda. She is still asleep, still breathing and still the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. He decides to fix lunch, which takes some time because he is cooking a clam sauce almost from scratch. After that, he goes back to the bed room to check on Brenda again and sees that she has a smile on her face that he hadn’t noticed before and he knows right away that she is only pretending to be asleep. He sits on the edge of the bed and leans over her, he runs one of his hands lightly down her cheek, then he brushes his lips across hers. When he still fails to get a response from her he blows lightly in her ear. Brenda is awake and she knows exactly what her husband is up to, he is trying every method he can think of to get a rise out of her. However, she is not going to give into his attempts, even if it takes every ounce of self control she has to resist his advances. She can feel his frustration, but she refuses to let him win. He moves a little closer to her, placing his hand behind her head and neck, she doesn’t resist him at all, he raises her upper body close to his face and begins to kiss her neck. He works his way across to her throat until he has caused her pulse to race and she can’t stand it anymore. Brenda: *Opens her eyes, giggling* Okay, stop it. Sonny: *Giving her his biggest grin* I knew you were awake all along Brenda: How? Sonny: Your breathing had changed. Brenda: You know how I breath when I’m asleep versus how I breath when I’m awake. Sonny: I even how your breath quickens when you’re excited, like you were a few seconds ago. Brenda: *Teasing* You sure are observant. Sonny: I told you before, watching you is one of my favorite things in life. He is very close to her and it almost seems as if he is going to kiss her. She wants him to kiss her, he wants to kiss her as well. However, he knows if he does kiss her, there is a strong chance that they won’t get out of the bedroom at all. So, instead he hands her a robe and notices the look of disappointment that crosses her face. Sonny: Time for you to get up, sleeping beauty. Brenda: Why, what’s happening? Sonny: It is past 2:00 in the afternoon, Julie has already come and gone. Brenda: Julia came all the way here, what happened? Sonny: Robin came out of her coma, early this morning. Brenda: *Quickly putting on the robe and gets out of bed* Why didn’t you wake me sooner? Sonny: *Sincerely* You were so beautiful sleeping. Brenda: *Blushing, then recovering* Give me ten minutes and I can be ready to go. Sonny: Ready for what? Brenda: To the hospital and see Robin, of course. Sonny: Not until you eat something. Brenda: We can eat at the hospital. Sonny: Not good enough, I slaved over a hot stove to make you lunch, you have to eat here. Brenda: You cooked? Sonny: Of course I cooked. Brenda: Okay, but it has to be quick, then we go straight to the hospital. Sonny: Fine, give me a minute to put the food on the table. Brenda: Okay, I’ll get dressed while you get the food ready. Sonny: Julie brought you some clothes, they are in the closet. Brenda quickly throws on some clothes, then she goes into the living room. Sonny has a small table set with china and crystal and a covered dish. He is standing near the table with his hands behind his back. Brenda: You look like a head waiter at the No Name or something. She waits for him to pull out her chair, but instead he hands her a small bunch if white daisies, then he pulls out her chair. Brenda sits down and then looks at the flowers, smiling up at Sonny. Brenda: These didn’t come from a florist did they? Sonny: No, I was passing a yard on my way back from the market and they just called out to me. Brenda: You stole flowers from someone’s yard? Sonny: Flowers should be enjoyed by a beautiful woman, but if you want me to take them back… Brenda: *Smiling* No, I do plan to enjoy them, but the way you got them is just so… Sonny: Delinquent? Brenda: Yes, but in a charming way. No one has ever stolen flowers for me from a yard. Sonny: I aim to please, which brings me to lunch. Brenda: I am curious about lunch, what did you make? Sonny: Close your eyes and you’ll find out. Brenda: How can I eat with my eyes closed? Sonny: Just trust me, okay? Brenda closes her eyes, and waits as Sonny gets some of the pasta on a fork and raises it to her mouth. Sonny: You are going to have to open your mouth, sweetheart. She takes a bite of the food and then opening her eyes, smiles. Brenda: Pasta with clam sauce is one of my favorites. Sonny: I know, that is why I cooked it for you, sweetheart. Brenda: I love you so much. Sonny: *Teasing* Are you sure that you don’t just love my clam sauce? Brenda: I do love your clam sauce, but I was madly in love with you first. Sonny: I don’t know, my clam sauce was an early part of our relationship. Brenda: I still fell in love with you before I ever tasted your cooking. Sonny: Right, the night that you saved my life with your blood? Brenda: Uh huh. She takes the fork from him and feeds him a bite of pasta Sonny: Only, really you didn’t save my life just that night, you know? Brenda: Oh really? The fact that you would of bled to death without me doesn’t mean anything? He gives her another bite of pasta and an intense look. Sonny: It means everything, but you have been saving my life everyday since that night. His words are loaded with such intense feeling that Brenda doesn’t know what to say for several seconds. Brenda: Eat another bite of pasta. She feeds him another bite, then he takes the fork and does the same for her. They continue this until the pasta has all been eaten. Sonny: I have to admit that feeding each other pasta is very exhilarating activity. Brenda: I would describe it more as sensual, and very enjoyable. Sonny takes her hand and kisses it, then looks straight into her eyes, holding them with an intense stare, as he continues to hold her hand to his lips. Sonny: Very enjoyable. Brenda: feeding each other feels familiar, though. Sonny: I seem to remember feeding you on the island. Brenda: The morning after we made love in the moonlight? Sonny: Another very enjoyable activity. Brenda: I was thinking more about the safe house. Sonny: The safe house, you mean at the start of this little adventure? Brenda: It was strawberries if I remember correctly. Sonny: Strawberries have been an early part of our relationship as well as clam sauce. He takes the plate they have been eating from and places it to the side. Then he takes Brenda by the hand and leads her over to the couch. Brenda: What is going on, aren’t we going to the hospital to see Robin? Sonny: Yes, but first I need to ask you something important. Brenda: What is so important. He gets down on one knee, proposal style and takes her hand in his, looking directly into her eyes. Sonny: I need you in my life Brenda, I never realized how much until we were apart. Brenda: I need you to, but things aren’t that simple. Sonny: I know, that is why I’m not going to do this simply. Brenda: What are doing, exactly? I know you aren’t asking me to marry you, since we are married. He reaches into an inside pocket, pulls out a long velvet box, and hands it to Brenda, who gives him a astonished look. Brenda: What is this? Sonny: Open it up and you’ll see. Brenda opens the box and is surprised to see a necklace made of green gem stones, which spell out “Forgive Me.” Sonny: What do you say, will you forgive me and give our marriage a second chance? Chapter 97 Brenda is caught off guard by his grand gesture and a little worried that he might begin to believe that her decisions can be influenced by a piece of expensive jewelry. Brenda: Are these emeralds? Sonny: I doubt it, if they are I got an even better deal than I got on our wedding rings. Brenda: Oh, I see. Sonny: I hope it doesn’t matter if they are emeralds or paste, because I was going for sentiment. Brenda: The sentiment is beautiful, I don’t care if they are really emeralds or fakes. Sonny: Then you are willing to forgive me for what I did in Florida? Brenda: What happened in Florida was as much my fault as it was your fault. Sonny: I can hear the hesitation in your voice, though. Brenda: You’re right, because our problems can’t be solved by mere forgiveness. Sonny: I know, but I’ll do whatever it takes to win your heart back, Brenda. Brenda: You will always have my heart, that is a given. Sonny: Then I need all of the rest of you, because you are my heart and soul. Brenda: Sonny, if that is true, how can you say such loving things and still doubt our love? Sonny is caught off guard by her question. Sonny: I don’t doubt our love. Brenda: The why do you throw jealous fits and act like I would cheat on you, on us? Sonny: I thought jealousy was the sincerest form of flattery? Brenda: It’s not, it makes me feel like you don’t trust me or our love. Sonny: That’s not true, sometimes I think you deserve better. Brenda: Maybe I do, maybe there are even better men in the world than you, Sonny. He won’t look at her, but she can tell that what she is saying is hurting. Sonny: I’m sure that there are much better men than I could ever even aspire to become Brenda: They don’t matter though, I love you want you the way that you are. Sonny: Even if I’m a jealous jerk? Brenda: *Smiling* You aren’t always a jealous jerk, but you can be one a little less often. Sonny: I’ll promise to try, but what happens if I fail? Brenda: I’ll try to handle it better than I did in Florida, we’ll work on it together. Sonny: Do you have any idea where to start? Brenda: No, but almost loosing Robin has made me realize that love is so important. Sonny: Having your love in my life has made everything else pale in comparison. Brenda: I want to be your wife and love you, Sonny. Sonny: You are more than my wife, you are my soul mate and my life, Brenda. Brenda: I want everything to pale in comparison. Sonny: Even the deepest sunsets will pale when compared to our love. They lean together and give each other a gentle kiss. When they break apart, Brenda has tears in her eyes. Brenda: I’m so sorry for everything that happened in Florida. Sonny: I’m sorry I ever doubted you and our love or thought that I don’t deserve you, baby. At that moment, the phone rings. Brenda: Can you hold that thought? That might be Julia on the phone or the hospital. Sonny: It is probably Robin wondering why we haven’t come to see her since she has been awake. Brenda answers the phone. The conversation she is having is so vague and one sided that he couldn’t guess who she is talking to if his life depended on identifying the caller. He can tell that it must be important because Brenda has a very serious look on her face. She hangs up the phone, after thanking the caller, but she seems preoccupied. It is almost as if she has forgotten that Sonny is even in the room. Sonny: What was that all about, sweetheart? Brenda: You had better sit down. Sonny: I am sitting down, baby, now you are scaring me. Brenda: Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, that was the hospital. Sonny: Was it about Robin? Brenda: No. Sonny: Okay, Brenda come sit down here beside me and tell me what is going on! Brenda walks back to the couch and sits down beside her husband. Brenda: I understand now why you get so jealous when you see me with another man. Sonny: Because I’m an insensitive jerk? How can you put up with me, Brenda? Brenda: I love you and I’m going to devote my life hope to making you feel secure. Sonny: I don’t want you to devote your whole life to holding my hand. Brenda: Than how about I just give you something I have never given another man. Sonny: I already have your heart, your love and your support. Brenda: Yes, but there is something else I can give you, think about it for a minute. Sonny is genuinely puzzled. Sonny: What? Brenda: How about a baby? Sonny: When? Brenda: In about 7 months, that was what the phone call was about. Sonny: You’re pregnant? Brenda: Yes, we’re going to have a baby! Sonny: I don’t believe this. Brenda’s face falls. Brenda: That isn’t the reaction I’ve always imagined. Sonny: Weren’t you on some kind of experimental birth control drug? Brenda: I guess it doesn’t work as well as the doctor thought it would. Sonny: Are you sure about this, because doctors make mistakes. Brenda: Yes I’m sure, but I’m starting to think you aren’t happy about this? Sonny: No. He doesn’t get to finish his sentence, or tell her how happy he really is, because she spontaneously bursts into tears, stunning Sonny. He is even more surprised when she stands up and runs to the bed room, and slams the door. He find her with her face buried in the soft pillows, crying harder than he has ever seen her cry. He sits on the edge of the bed and places his hand soothingly on her back and hold it there until she stops crying. Sonny: Brenda will you look at me for a moment. Brenda: *Turning to face him* I don’t care if you want this baby or not, it’s coming in 7 months. Sonny: Of course I want to have a child with you, I just wasn’t prepared, you caught me off guard. Brenda: I was kind of caught off guard myself. Sonny: I thought my life couldn’t get any better, but I was wrong. Brenda: You’re really happy about this, child? Sonny: I don’t see how I could get much happier. Why didn’t you say something about this earlier? Brenda: I wanted to be sure that I was pregnant before I said anything. Sonny: What made you go get tested? Brenda: My period was late, but I thought it might be stress. No other reason, I guess. Sonny: You are 2 months pregnant, that means you were carrying the baby in Florida? Brenda understands what he is asking, he is worried that all the stress she has been under could have harmed the baby. Brenda: Apparently, the plane landing didn’t harm our child. Sonny: I guess our baby is as strong as its mom and dad. Brenda: Apparently just as stubborn as well, but I’ll get a full check up when we get home. Sonny: Are you feeling all right? Brenda: I’m feeling fine, I just crave strange foods sometimes. Sonny: *Worried* How strange? Brenda: On the train coming home from Florida, I ate cottage cheese. He flashes her a dimpled smile. Sonny: I think I can handle cottage cheese. Have you had any morning sickness or anything? Brenda: No, but I didn’t with the child that I lost. I didn’t even I was pregnant that time. He can see the sadness in her eyes and he knows that nothing will ever make up for their dead child. Impulsively, he embraces her, holding her tightly against his chest. Brenda: What if something happens to this child too, I couldn’t go through it again. Sonny: *Softly* This child is going to be healthy and beautiful, just like you, Brenda. Brenda: You can’t imagine how much I needed to hear you say those words. Sonny: Don’t tell me that you are starting to doubt that you are beautiful? Brenda: Well, any day now my body is going to start changing. Sonny: I can’t wait. The mere thought of you carrying my child is an incredible turn on, sweetheart. Brenda: You say that now, but just wait a couple of months. Sonny: I don’t think you can be more beautiful than you are right now. Brenda: You are intent on fighting with me, aren’t you? Sonny: I don’t want to fight, but you are beautiful and always will be beautiful in my eyes. Brenda: Can we agree to disagree and go see Robin. Sonny: Sure, can we tell people about the baby. Brenda: I don’t think we will be able to keep this a secret. Sonny: I don’t want to keep this to myself, I want the whole world to know that I’m happy! Brenda: I think you are happy, maybe even happier than I have ever seen. He stands up and helps her to her feet as well, then pulls her into a tight embrace. Sonny: You have given me everything I have ever wanted. I love you, Sweetheart. Brenda: I love you, always and forever, but you are going to have to let go of me. Sonny: Never, I’m never letting you or our child go, ever! Brenda: It is the only way we can go to the fit through the door to go see Robin. Sonny: Okay, but letting you this time is the exception, not the rule. They walk through the door, hand in hand. They both know they are walking towards their future as a family. A future they are finally prepared to embrace with complete commitment in their hearts, their souls and their minds. Chapter 98 Sonny kissed Brenda gently on the forehead to wake her from her sleep. It did the trick, she opens her eyes and smiles at him. Sonny: We are about to land in Port Charles. Brenda: It seems as if I just went to sleep. Sonny: You did, it only took us two hours to get home on the Concord. Brenda: Isn’t technology wonderful? Sonny: No argument there. It took me 13 hours to reach Paris on the ambassador’s jet. Brenda: I still didn’t get to meet this ambassador friend of yours. Sonny: You can meet him next time we go to Paris. Brenda: Do you really think we will go back? Sonny: Of course, we will have to take Jr. Corinthos there some day. Brenda: I’m not sure I like the Jr. part, but we can think of a really great name later. Sonny: This is really happening, right? It isn’t just a dream? Brenda: It’s really happening. Sonny: If Julie comes in to wake me up to make breakfast and I’m still on the island, I might kill her! Brenda laughs. Brenda: Do you think that my sister was really happy about the baby or was she just faking? Sonny: Your sister loves you Brenda, and we know she loves me! He flashes her a dimpled smile the kind that makes it all worth while, the smile that Brenda knows is only for her now. Brenda: Yeah, I hope she finds someone who loves her the way she deserves to be loved. Sonny: You mean the way I love you. I think Julie wants the two of us to be happy. Brenda: Mission accomplished! Brenda throws her arms around Sonny and kisses him passionately, then wraps her arms around him tightly. Brenda: Do you think that Robin will stay in Port Charles? Sonny: She claims she is just coming home for the summer. Brenda: I bet Jason doesn’t let her leave again. Sonny: I don’t blame him one bit, he almost lost her and that really makes you think. Brenda: I’m surprised that he didn’t stay and help her pack. Sonny: She had Mac and Felicia for that, Jason didn’t want to intrude. Brenda: I hope your right. Sonny: What else could it be? Brenda: I’m afraid that Jason might think Jerry would take advantage of his absence. Sonny sighs and looks out the window of the plane, trying not to let on that he is worried about the same problem. Brenda: I’m right, you’re also worried about Jerry! Sonny: I’ll probably always worry about what the Jacks brothers are up to at any given moment. Brenda: Jax is still going to Indonesia, you don’t have to worry about him. Sonny: I wish he would take Jerry along for the ride. Brenda: * Leans her head on Sonny’s shoulder* It will all right. Sonny: I’m going to make sure of that, Jerry won’t harass Jason or Mike any longer. Brenda: You just reminded me of something. Sonny: The reason why you love me, because I’m loyal and protective of those I love? Brenda: Not exactly, although that is all true. He leans over and kisses her. Sonny: What is one your mind, sweetheart? Brenda: We need to tell Mike and my mom about the baby. Sonny: We will, right after you get your check up from your doctor. Brenda: What check up? I just saw a doctor in Paris before we left. Sonny: Yes, but I want you to see an American doctor, one at General Hospital. Brenda: Okay, I’ll make the appointment as soon as we land. Sonny: I am way ahead of you, I made the appointment while you were asleep. Brenda: *Miffed* That was a little presumptuous of you! Ever since Brenda had told him she was carrying their child, Sonny had been reading everything he could about pregnancies. One of the main things that stuck in his mind was that Brenda was going to have mood swings and the best way for him to respond was with patience, love and understanding. However, it surprises her when he doesn’t respond to her outrage in a defensive manner. Instead, he gently takes her hand and holds it tightly, and looks directly into her eyes. Sonny: Maybe it was presumptuous, but I want you and the baby taken care of properly. Brenda: Those doctors saved Robin. Sonny: I’m thankful that they did, but you and our child are my world Brenda, I won’t take chances. Brenda: Sighing* When is the appointment? Sonny: Right after we land, which should be about now. The plane jolts a little as its wheels touch down on the runway. Brenda: You know what the best part of being home is for me? Sonny: What? Brenda: An unlimited supply of cheese fries at Luke’s! Sonny makes a horrible face. Sonny: Is that what the next 7 months are going to be like, strange pregnant cravings? Brenda: This has nothing to do with being pregnant, I have really learned to love cheese fries. Sonny: Yeah, well do you know what I think the best part of stepping off this plane is going to be? Brenda: I have no idea. Sonny: No federal agents are going to be lurking around waiting to haul me in for questioning! Brenda: Never again. Sonny helps her out of the seat and hands her a carry on bag. Sonny: Come on, baby, lets blow this tin can! Brenda: I want to call my mom as soon as possible. Sonny: Use my cell phone and call her right now. Brenda: Okay here take my bag. She hands him her carry on as he hands her the phone. Then she sits down in one of the chairs in the passenger boarding area, and dials the cottage. Brenda: I got the answering machine, what should I say? Sonny: Tell them that we are home and we have a few errands to run, we’ll talk to them later. Brenda: Mama, we’re home, we have something we need to talk to you about, we’ll call back. Sonny: If you want we can swing by the cottage after your appointment. Brenda: That might be a good idea, then we can decide where we want to go from there. Sonny: What do you mean? Brenda: We need to figure out where we are going to live. Sonny: I thought we were going to live in the apartment above the club? Brenda: That was before we knew I was pregnant. Sonny: We’re going to have a baby and suddenly our old apartment isn’t good enough? Brenda: I think it is fine, I just wasn’t sure if you still wanted to live above a blues club? Sonny: It won’t be forever, just until we can build the house. Unless you aren’t okay with this. Brenda: I’m okay with it, but I have one request. Sonny: Anything you want, all you have to do is ask. Brenda: I know that you hate to change things. Sonny: Yeah I do, but don’t worry I’ll change my kid’s diapers, every once in awhile. He flashes her a dimpled smile. Brenda: Cute, but I was thinking about the apartment, maybe we could add a little color? Sonny: You don’t like black and gray? Brenda: Not all over the place. Sonny: Well, I’m way ahead of you, I had the whole place redecorated. Brenda: Every room? Sonny: Well, there aren’t that many to start with, but I had everything except Stone’s room redone. Brenda: When did you do that? Sonny: When you were in Buffalo, I really think you are going to like what I had done. Brenda: I would live in the box car, as long as were are together. Sonny: The box car gets cold in the winter. I think you’ll like this much better. Brenda: I can’t wait. Sonny: You’ll have to wait for a few hours more. Sonny’s cell phone rings. Brenda: Maybe that is Mike and my mom. Sonny: You want to answer? Brenda: No, you can talk to them as easy as I can. Sonny reluctantly answers the phone. Sonny: Hello? Carlos, what’s wrong? Brenda makes a disappointed face. She just knows that Carlos is calling for some unimportant reason. He probably even wants Sonny to fly back to the island and hold his hand. Sonny appears to believe that Carlos is capable of running the casino, but Brenda wonders if the man is even able to scratch his own nose without Sonny’s help. She thought things would be different once they got back to Port Charles, but how could they ever be different? The same problems still existed and Sonny was still dealing with them the same way. Sonny was a hands on boss, if Carlos said jump he would be on the next flight to Puerto Rico. So she would go see the doctor alone, eat her first meal back in town alone, and sleep alone. Really it was no different than the past year that she had spent with Jax. She had to wonder if she was trading one gilded cage for another? The only difference was that she now had a child to think about. She had to keep her spirits and her strength up for the sake of the baby. Sonny: Thanks for letting me know what is going on, I’ll take care of the situation. He hangs up the phone. He has that look on his face when he is deep in concentration. Sonny: I don’t know how to tell you this, sweetheart. Brenda: I know, there is a problem that you have to take care of personally. Sonny: Yes there is, I hope you understand, I’m doing this for us. Brenda tries to keep the bitterness out of her voice. She didn’t understand one bit. She didn’t understand when Jax would say the exact same words and she didn’t understand now. Why did men keep leaving her in the name of her own good? She thought Sonny was different, but she was obviously wrong. She doubted that he really cared about her or the baby. They obviously were not his top priority. Brenda: *Unemotional* When do you have to take care of the problem? Sonny: I’m afraid it has to be right away. Brenda: Okay fine, if it is important than go ahead and leave, but just stay gone, okay? She takes off up the airport terminal towards baggage claim. Sonny is completely surprised and shocked by her reaction. He didn’t have the slightest idea what she was talking about or why she was suddenly so upset. It takes him several seconds to realize that she is gone, then he takes off after her. Chapter 99 Sonny catches up to Brenda at the baggage claim area. She is dragging several huge suitcases towards the door. Sonny: Can I give you a hand with those? She gives him a perturbed look. Brenda: You’re still here? Sonny: Where else would I be? Brenda: I thought you had a plane to catch or something? Sonny: Not that I know about, are you trying to get rid of me all of a sudden. She glares at him, then makes Sonny follow her out of the airport. She hails a cab and Sonny helps the driver put the luggage in the trunk. Brenda is actually surprised when Sonny gets in the cab with his wife. Driver: Where are you headed. Sonny/Brenda: Port Charles Hotel. They both turn and look at each other surprised. Sonny: Am I missing something? Brenda: Why would you ask that? Sonny: I haven’t really figured out this pregnancy mood swings. Lily died before hers kicked in. Brenda: I’ll bet Lily wouldn’t have had mood swings, she would have had a perfect pregnancy. Driver: They all have mood swings, I have 10 kids by 6 wives. Brenda: *Ignoring him* I’ll bet she wouldn’t have had labor pains either, the baby would pop out! She is almost in tears now. Sonny: Brenda are you upset about the baby for some reason? Brenda: Just the fact that I’m going to have to raise it alone. Sonny: That is not true honey, in fact, that is a ridiculous thing to say. This makes Brenda weep hysterically. Driver: Never tell them anything they say or do is ridiculous. Brenda: Just go away and let me go home in peace! Sonny: I’m not going to go away. Why are you going to the hotel? Brenda: I live there, remember? Sonny: No you don’t. Now you live with me above the club, remember? Brenda: If I’m going to sleep alone, it’s going to be in my penthouse in my comfortable bed! Sonny: How do you know the bed in the apartment isn’t comfortable? Brenda: What difference does it make, alone is still alone, just like when I was with Jax! Sonny: Wait a minute, now you are comparing me to Jax? That isn’t fair, Brenda. Brenda: No, it isn’t fair that I’m going to have to sleep alone tonight. Sonny: Why would you sleep alone, sweetheart? Brenda: Don’t call me that, don’t try and make this better by calling me sweetheart. Sonny really didn’t understand what she was talking about. Sonny: I’m just trying to understand why you keep saying you’re going to be alone? Brenda: Because you are going to leave me, just like every other man leaves! Sonny: I’m not ever going to leave you again. I promised you that would never happen. Brenda: Except when you have to rush off to help Carlos? Sonny: Carlos is more than able to take care of himself Brenda: You just told him you would go back to the island and take care of his problem. Sonny: I swear to you, Brenda, I’m not going anywhere except where ever you are going. Brenda: I heard you tell Carlos you would take care of the problem personally. Sonny: Carlos called about Jerry, who is at the Port Charles Hotel right now. The cab pulls up to the hotel. Brenda: That is why you are going to the hotel? Sonny: I’m going to the hotel because you are going to the hotel. Brenda: You aren’t going to get on a plane and go back to Puerto Rico? Sonny: The only place I want to go is to the doctor with you and then home. Driver: Are you two getting out or not? Brenda: There are some things I need to get out of my penthouse. Sonny: Okay, then we are getting out here. Driver: Do you want me to wait? Sonny: No, that won’t be necessary. Brenda you have a car, right? Brenda: Of course I have my car in the garage, unless Luke borrowed it or Jax. The cab driver helps Sonny with the baggage. Brenda is already in the lobby of the hotel, making arrangements with the front desk to keep the bags. Brenda: Can you hold these bags here for me for about an hour? Desk Attendant: Of course Ms. Barrett. Sonny: Brenda, before you go up to the penthouse, can we talk? Brenda: Of course we can talk. Sonny leads her to a small sitting area. Sonny: First of all, you are not getting out of going to see the doctor! Brenda: We’ll go from here. I’m sorry I overreacted and thought you had to go back to the island. Sonny: I may never be able to go back to the island again, Brenda. Brenda: What are you talking about, and what does it have to do with Jerry? Sonny: Jerry has a bottle of wine from South America. Brenda: From Chile, I know all about it. He had Matt Johnson deliver it to him in Canada. Sonny: How do you know? Brenda: Matt was on the train while I was coming back from Florida. Sonny: *Teasing* Was his assistant Carrie there as well? Brenda: No, and it was a good thing, otherwise I would be on the run for murder. Sonny: I’m surprised that Matt would get mixed up with Jerry. Brenda: I don’t think he really was, he was just acted as a well paid courier. Sonny: I hope it was very well paid, it turns out that the wine is laced with a lethal poison. Brenda: Why would Jerry want poison wine, do you think he knows? Sonny: I’m betting he does, he is at the Grill right now with the wine and Jason. Brenda: You think he wants to poison Jason? Sonny: I’d bet my first born on it! Brenda: Sonny, don’t gamble with our child, or Jason’s life. We have to get in there! Sonny: I want you to wait out here, where you will be safe. Brenda: Why? Sonny: Because, I might have to corner Jerry and he gets dangerous when he is cornered. Brenda: I might be able to reason with Jerry. Sonny: He is beyond reason. Things might get really ugly in there between me and Jerry. Brenda: Now you are worrying me, Sonny. Sonny: I don’t mean to worry you, but this game with Jerry has gone on for too long. Brenda: What are you going to do? Sonny: What ever it takes to protect the people I love from a man like Jerry Jacks. Inside the Grill, Jax and Jerry are sitting at one table and watching Jason, who is seated at an opposite table. The dangerous bottle of wine is sitting on the table of the Jacks brothers and they are arguing because Jerry insists on sending the bottle over to Jason. Jax: This is a perfect good vintage, why on earth would you want Morgawn to have it! Jerry: No, you don’t understand, now give it back! Jax: Get him a different bottle if it means that much. Jax pulls the cork and inhales the musty scent of the wine. Jerry: It has to be that bottle, now give me the bloody bottle of wine! Jax: Sure Jerry, right after I pour a glass for us two. Jerry stares in horror as Jax pours two glasses of the lethal liquid. Sonny is standing in the doorway to the Grill, watching the scene unfold with amusement. Sonny: I was wrong he doesn’t want to poison Jason, he wants to kill Jax. Brenda peers into the restaurant and catches the look of terror on Jerry’s face. Brenda: Sonny, you have to stop Jax from drinking that wine. Sonny: If the Jack family wants to kill each other off, who am I to interfere? Brenda: I don’t want Jax to die, he doesn’t deserve to die! Sonny: I’ve saved Jasper’s life before, and he wasn’t very grateful. Brenda: *Pleading* Please, Sonny, save him. Sonny: After everything they did to you? Brenda gives him a desperate look. Sonny: They kidnapped you, locked you up, set me up to be hounded by the Feds? Brenda: If you don’t save Jax, than I will! Sonny: fine, stay right here. Jax picks up his glass, while Jerry looks like he is about to have a coronary. The liquid almost touches Jax’s lips, but then he thinks again. Jax: Wait, I just thought of something. Jerry breaths a sigh of relief, maybe all was not lost. Jerry: Lets get a fresh bottle of wine, this one seems to be a bit stale. Jax: This one is fine, I just want to propose a toast to the future. Jax raises his glass in the air and then to his lips, he is about to drink the wine when Sonny comes from behind and knocks the glass from his hand. Brenda lets out a sigh of relief, she knew that Sonny wouldn’t let Jax die accidentally at his own brothers hand. Jerry: Bloody Hell! Not you again, don’t you give up Corinthos? Jax: What are you doing here? Sonny: Looks like I’m saving your life again, Jasper! Jax: What? Sonny: Jerry, would you like to tell him or shall I? Jerry: I don’t know what you are talking about! Sonny: That wine is laced with a deadly poison! Jerry: That is insane! Jerry stands up to protest, while Sonny picks up the full glass of wine. Sonny: Then you won’t mind drinking this glass? He holds the glass to Jerry’s lips and acts as if he is going to make Jerry swallow the liquid. Jerry takes the glass and throws it on the floor, then he attempts to give Sonny a death glare. Sonny: Come on Jerry! He practically drags Jerry out of the Grill, while Jax watches helplessly. Brenda walks over to the table where Jax is sitting. Jax: You really want to spend your life with that animal? Brenda: Jerry was trying to poison Jason, Sonny was just protecting some one he cares about. Jax: If he hurts my brother, he’ll pay! Brenda: Doesn’t all of this get old? Jax: Everything I did, was because I love you, Brender. Brenda: I don’t understand your kind of love. Jax: I suppose, that what Corinthos does makes perfect sense? Brenda: Most of the time I do understand Sonny. Jax: I’m just glade I’m not going to be around to watch you throw away your life on him. Brenda: You’re still going to Indonesia? Jax: I’m leaving this afternoon. Brenda: Then I guess I should give you this now. She reaches in her purse and pulls out the diamond engagement ring. She hands it to Jax, who looks at it in a perturbed way. Jax: Did this ever mean anything to you, Brenda? Brenda: Yes, I loved you once Jax, but you destroyed that love. Jax: It wasn’t me, it was Sonny Corinthos who turned you against our love. Brenda: I’m sorry you think that, because it isn’t true. Jax: You’ll never be happy with Corinthos. Brenda: You’re wrong there as well, Sonny and I are going to be happy. We love each other. Jax: He is a selfish bastard who will never love anyone besides himself! Brenda: Jax, you don’t understand, I’ve giving Sonny a child. Jax stands up to leave. Jax: God help you and the child you are carrying. He leaves Brenda and the ring, Brenda watches him leave without any regrets. There are parts of her relationship with Jax that she wouldn’t trade for anything. However, there is no doubt in her mind that her destiny was always to spend her life with Sonny. Jax had been her friend and she had loved him, but Sonny always was and always would be her soul mate and the love of her life. Brenda: You’re wrong about Sonny, Jax. He loves me and this child, we’re going to make it work.
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