Gilded Chage Chapters 100-Epilogue

Chapter 100

Brenda sighs and gets up from the table, wondering where Sonny has gone. He has taken Jerry down to the docks. It is a place where he feels in control. It is also the place where he met with Jerry over a year ago, after the warehouse fire. It was where he informed Jerry that he had bought his marker from Carlos. He had given Jerry a break that day not only by buying his marker, but by keeping secret the information that Jerry had set the warehouse fire. He had let Jerry go free with the warning that he had better change his ways.

Sonny: Here we are a year later Jerry, and what have you learned?
Jerry: I don’t know what you are talking about Corinthos.
Sonny: I gave you a chance to prove yourself and you threw it back in my face repeatedly.
Jerry: What are you going to do to me?
Sonny: You would be lucky if I did half the things to you that you have done to me and those I love.
Jerry: My family is still powerful, if you harm me, you’ll be sorry.  
Sonny: I’m already sorry that I didn’t let Carlos take care of you when I had the chance.
Jerry: Look, you aren’t an unreasonable man Corinthos.
Sonny: Are you sure about that?

He gives Jerry a death stare that chills him to the bone.

Jerry: *Pleading*  Maybe we can make a deal?
Sonny: I’ll tell you what, be down at pier 49 at midnight and we’ll see what happens.
Jerry: Why should I?
Sonny: Because, I’m giving you one last chance to live a reasonable life.
Jerry: Let’s just say that I show up, what happens?
Sonny: You’ll get on a boat bound for Canada, then board a plane for the Caribbean.
Jerry: What is my incentive?
Sonny: Besides saving your life? There is an island with a casino and lots of pretty girls.
Jerry: I could learn to live that life.
Sonny: I thought you might like it, only, once there you can never come back to Port Charles.
Jerry: There is nothing here for me anyway. You have a deal, Corinthos.
Sonny: Be at the pier at midnight.

Sonny didn’t shake Jerry’s hand or formalize the deal in anyway. He figured that Jerry would either show up or he would run on his own. Either way, he would be out of the picture, which was what concerned Sonny. He hopped it worked that way, because he really didn’t want to have to hurt Jerry. Sonny spent a while on the docks after Jerry left. So little had changed, except maybe him, he had changed a lot in the last year. There was a time when he wouldn’t have thought twice about using brute force to knock Jerry into line. Now, Sonny just wanted him gone so that he could get on with his life. For the first time he realized how ugly the docks really were. They were a dirty, dangerous place where depraved things took place. Once they had been his kingdom and those corrupt things had been a part of his daily life. However, now he wanted no part of the world, he wanted a completely new life with Brenda and their child. 

Sonny: It is the same town, but it is a whole new world.

He turns his back to the docks and walks back towards the Port Charles Hotel to find Brenda. He looks for her in the Grill, but she is gone, so he stops by Jason’s table instead.  

Jason: What was all that about?
Sonny: To make a long story short, Jerry drew the last straw and it was a short one.
Jason: What does that mean?
Sonny: He was trying to poison you, so I ran him out of town.
Jason: What makes you think he’ll stay gone?
Sonny: I gave him paradise, I sent him to my island.
Jason: That was the last safe hide out you possessed.
Sonny: It wasn’t really that safe after Mike learned where it was located.
Jason: Still, you never know when someplace like that might come in handy.
Sonny: I’m done hiding, Jason. 
Jason: What are you going to do now?
Sonny: Stay here and make a life for my family.
Jason: Are you going back to the organization?
Sonny: Not a chance, I have every reason to stay clean.
Jason: You mean Brenda and the baby?
Sonny: Without Brenda in my life I would end up back in the organization in a heart beat.
Jason: It is a hard life to give up, Sonny.
Sonny: I know, but they are worth it. I have suddenly found my self in need of a job though.
Jason: You could work at the motorcycle shop with me, if you would like.
Sonny: I think I’ll weigh my options first, no offense. 
Jason: None taken, I love my job, but it isn’t for everyone. Brenda would probably not approve.
Sonny: By the way have you seen Brenda?
Jason: She talked to Jax for a while and then she told me she was headed to her penthouse.
Sonny: Okay, I’m going to go find her, I’ll see you later?
Jason: I’ll be around. 
 
Sonny follows Brenda to the penthouse, lets himself in through the unlocked door and finds her in the bedroom sitting on the bed.

Sonny: Wow! It is so much easier to come through the door.

He is referring to his appearance on her balcony, in the rain, with a pair of handcuffs dangling from one wrist.

Brenda: *Smiling* I’m sure it is a lot nicer not to be handcuffed.
Sonny: True, but you know what the best part is about being here now?
Brenda: What?
Sonny: That night I wasn’t sure that we would be leaving together, now I’m sure.
Brenda: You’re not getting rid of me, that is for sure.
Sonny: Glad to hear it. Did you find what you needed to pack, clothes and whatever?
Brenda: Actually, I bought enough clothes in Paris.
Sonny: I know, good thing I added more closet space to the apartment.
Brenda: Did you really?
Sonny: Of course, I learn from my mistakes, it isn’t going to be like last time we lived there. 
Brenda: That is the sweetest thing you could have done, honey. 
Sonny: If you didn’t come for clothes, what is it that you just had to have today?
Brenda: I wanted to get my jewelry box that has all the jewelry you have ever given me.
Sonny: Oh, is it really enough to fill a whole jewelry box?
Brenda: As a matter of fact, you have given me too much jewelry to wear it all at one time.
Sonny: Well, I never expected you to wear it all at once. In fact, there is a piece I need back?
Brenda: I’ve already given some of it back at one time or another, what do you want back now?
Sonny: You know that necklace I gave you in Paris?
Brenda: The green crystals that spell out "Forgive Me"?
Sonny: Yes, that is the piece, I need it back.
Brenda: Please tell me you don’t want to replace the crystals with emeralds?
Sonny: Would that be such a crime?
Brenda: Sonny, you have already given me an emerald wedding ring and a bracelet to match.
Sonny: *Grinning* Did you really try to throw the bracelet in the trash?
Brenda: I was upset, or maybe it was my prenatal hormones.
Sonny: That’s why I need the necklace, I’m going to be apologizing a lot in the next few months.
Brenda: How about I keep the necklace and you try not to mess up too often in the next few months?
Sonny: I’ll try, that is all I can promise.
Brenda: That is all that I ask.
Sonny: In that case, what can I do to help you pack?
Brenda: Actually, I want to wait on most of the packing.    
Sonny: I can understand you wanting to wait until after Jax leaves.
Brenda: Jax is leaving town tonight for good.
Sonny: *Grinning profusely*  I have waited years to hear you say those words.

There is a sadness in her eyes though that makes him back up a step.

Sonny: Jason said you were talking to Jax, did something happen?
Brenda: He can’t accept my choice to be with you, as if it were a choice.
Sonny: You always had a choice Brenda, but I can understand where he is coming from.
Brenda: You can?
Sonny: I never really accepted that we were over, even when you were with Jax.
Brenda: That is because I never stopped  loving you, but it is different with Jax.
Sonny: Then, he’ll have to learn to accept that you two will never be together.
Brenda: *Tears start to spill from her eyes* He wouldn’t take back his engagement ring. 
Sonny: Do you want to keep the ring?
Brenda: No, actually, I would like to take it to the nearest pawn shop!
Sonny: *With mock seriousness* Sweetheart, we don’t need money that badly.
Brenda: *Laughing* You know what I mean, I want to pawn it the way Jerry pawed my wedding ring.
Sonny: We’ll figure out what to do with the ring together. 
Brenda: I really like that together part. 
Sonny: That is the way it’s going to be now. Do you think  Jax will come back here before he leaves?    
Brenda: No, I think he was leaving. In fact, most of his stuff is already packed and gone.
Sonny: Then I don’t understand why you want to wait to clean out your stuff?
Brenda: I still have to make decision about the things Jax left, I don’t want to do that today.
Sonny: Whatever you want, babe.
Brenda: Okay, in that case, I want to know what happened with Jerry?
Sonny: Nothing really happened, he realizes he is beat and is leaving town?
Brenda: When?
Sonny: Tonight.
Brenda: Under what circumstances? I know he wouldn’t just give up and leave. 
Sonny: You’re right, I had to exile him to the island.
Brenda: Your island?
Sonny: That is the one, you know the place we both hate? I think Jerry will be very happy on the island.
Brenda: Still, are you sure you want to give up your hideout?
Sonny: Jason asked something similar. The place lost its potential once Mike discovered the location.

Sonny takes her hands in his, looks into her eyes, and looks into her soul.

Sonny: *Softly* Besides, I won’t be needing a hide out ever again.

Brenda smiles and then looks around the room.

Brenda: Neither will I, so I guess I should sell this place.
Sonny: That is probably for the best, still I’ll bet you have a lot of memories?
Brenda: Yeah, I’ll never forget the night you sat on my couch during a blackout.
Sonny: Well, Jax was out with Miranda, Harry was stalking you, so it seemed like the right move to make.
Brenda: Lucky for me, you kept making the right moves time after time.
Sonny: I’ve made so many wrong moves as well.
Brenda: Yeah, but we always end up together. 
Sonny: Always.
Brenda: You a1ways save me, like you did when you showed up here in the rain.   
Sonny: Were you in need of rescue that night?
Brenda: Defiantly, I was in danger of settling for less then magic.
Sonny: You should never settle, Brenda.
Brenda: I know, that is your motto. Have I thanked you recently for reminding me of that fact?
Sonny: That depends on your idea of gratitude?

He flashes her an extremely sexy smile. Brenda drapes her arms around his neck and shoulders and gives him a sultry look in return. Leaning in towards his body she gives him a quick kiss, which leaves him longing for more.

Sonny: *Visibly disappointed* Is that all I get?
Brenda: That is a preview for later.
Sonny: You are such a little vex, sweetheart!
Brenda: You have always known that I was a tease, but just wait until we get home!

Sonny looks over at the bed.

Sonny: Why don’t you show me here and now?
Brenda: Oh yes, that would be the ultimate conquest, wouldn’t it?
Sonny: *Innocently* I don’t know what you are implying, sweetheart?
Brenda: I think you would just jump at the chance to make love in Jax’s bed!
Sonny: Well, now you do have me wondering what it would be like.
Brenda: Well, you are going to have to keep wondering, because it isn’t going to happen.

She picks up one bag and her jewelry box and walks out of the room, leaving Sonny no choice but to follow. She doesn’t look back once, not even to see if he is behind her. She was the most amazing woman Sonny had ever known. She was fierce and determined in everything she did, but those were some of her most endearing qualities. They were also some of her sexiest qualities, because it meant that she was truly his equal. Which was a big turn on for Sonny and he knew he would follow her anywhere, even to the ends of the earth.








Chapter 101
As it turned out Sonny didn’t have to follow Brenda very far, at least not to the ends of the earth, only to her doctors office. Even then, he wasn’t really “following” her, because she drove them both to the hospital. At the moment, Sonny is sitting uncomfortably in the waiting room of the doctors office. Looking through pamphlets and magazines. He thought he knew a lot about a woman’s body, Brenda’s in particular. So he figured this pregnancy would be a piece of cake. However, from what he was reading, he was about to have a close encounter with uncharted territory and some of it scared him silly. He walks up to the receptionist  and leans on her desk.

Sonny: Do the examinations usually take this long?
Receptionist: The doctor, had to run some tests.
Sonny: *Worried* What kind of tests?
Receptionist: I’m not supposed to share that information with non family members.
Sonny: I’m the patient’s husband!
Receptionist: I thought Ms. Barrett was engaged to Jasper Jacks?
Sonny: She was, but she came to her senses and married me!
Receptionist: *With disbelieve* Sure she did, honey.  

Sonny shakes his head in disbelief. He didn’t care what the receptionist thought about Brenda’s marital status, he wished he was in the examining room with his wife. Brenda was wishing the same thing, all this was new to her and she was scared herself. She was sitting on the edge of the examining table, waiting for the doctor, and wondering why her husband had to wait out side. The doctor walks in, carrying a chart, with a worried expression on his face 

Brenda: Am I pregnant?
Doctor: Yes, the test was positive. Not that I’m surprised, after all the shots you have missed.

He gives her a disappointed look, one that Brenda hasn’t seen since she was being scolded by her father when she was a young girl.

Brenda: Let me get this straight, you’re upset because I’m pregnant?
Doctor: You were chosen for this test because you didn’t want to become pregnant.
Brenda: That was true a year ago, but my needs and my life changed.
Doctor: I guess you didn’t have the right attitude!
Brenda: I personally don’t like your attitude very much. I think I need a different doctor.
Doctor: I was about to suggest the same thing. I’ll make you an appointment with Dr. Meadows.
Brenda: I would appreciate that, Doctor.

He walks over to a computer screen and accesses Dr. Meadows’ appointment schedule. 

Doctor: She can see you next Tuesday, at 3:00.
Brenda: That is fine. Can you make the appointment under the name, Brenda Corinthos?
Doctor: If that is what you feel like calling yourself.
Brenda: Actually, that is what I’ll be calling myself from now on, it’s my married name.
Doctor: Weren’t you engaged to Jasper Jacks?
Brenda: That was one of the changes I made in my life. My husband is in the waiting room.
Doctor: That man is your husband?
Brenda: Yes, who else would I bring to my appointment?
Doctor: From the description by my nurse, I thought he was your driver.

Brenda doesn’t believe he is serious at first, then when she realizes he isn’t kidding, she feels a wave of anger well up inside her. Out in the waiting area, the receptionist is starting to get a little tired of Sonny’s questions. 

Receptionist: Sir, if you’ll sit down, I’m sure that Ms. Barrett will be out shortly.

She is correct, Brenda angrily stomps out of the examining room, slamming the door behind her. Then opens is once more and sticks her head back in to yell at the doctor.

Brenda: I have never had a driver in my life! I drive my own car!

She slams the door once more and sits down beside her husband in the waiting room. Sonny can see that she is extremely upset. 

Sonny: Sweetheart, what is the matter?
Brenda: That doctor never cared about me, he just thought he could get money from Jax!
Sonny: Jax doesn’t have any money.
Brenda: He doesn’t think I can pay my own medical bills.
Sonny: Well, that is something that he is wrong about.
Brenda: I told him that Jax has been leeching off of me for over a year.
Sonny: Good girl!

She suddenly bursts into tears, burying her head in his arms.

Brenda: *Sobbing on his shoulder* He thought, you were my driver!
Sonny: That is something else he is wrong about. You never let me drive and I don’t have a car.
Brenda: I told him that as well.
Sonny: I heard you, sweetheart. Do you have to come back to this jerk?
Brenda: No, he made me an appointment with Dr. Meadows on Tuesday.
Sonny: Then why are we still here?
Brenda: I have no idea.

Sonny takes her by the hand and leads her out of the doctor’s office. As they leave, she leans close to Sonny.

Brenda: *Shyly* Honey, do you want to drive?

She gives Sonny an amazing look of love and confidence, which causes him to break out in a dimpled grin.

Sonny: I thought you would never ask!

Brenda is quiet on the ride home, which causes Sonny some concern. That is until they reach the club and Brenda bolts from the car, almost before it comes to a full stop, and race up the stairs to the apartment. 

Brenda: *Calling down* Can we leave the luggage for later?
Sonny: I suppose I can come back down after while.
Brenda: Good, because I’m dying to see our new home. Can you hurry up and open the door?
Sonny: I’ll be right up, but you have to wait for me to carry you across the threshold.
Brenda: You already did that in Argentina.
Sonny: We have to do it again here, because this is going to be our home for a while.
Brenda: Okay, but hurry up here.

Sonny climbs the stairs at least two at a time and stops on the landing. He takes a deep breath and places the key in the lock.

Sonny: Are you ready, Mrs. Corinthos?
Brenda: Yes!

He scoops her up in his arms, opens the door and carries her into a dark living room. He gently places her on her feet and then turns on the lights. Brenda can hardly believe what she sees in front of her eyes. Sonny has had the whole living room decorated in light creams and off whites. He has had all the furniture replaced with white oak and soft pastel upholstery. The over all decor is light and airy, almost like a spring garden.

Sonny: So, what do you think?
Brenda: It reminds me of an angel food cake. 
Sonny: Are you hungry?
Brenda: No, what I mean is that it is beautiful in here. I can’t believe that it is the same apartment.
Sonny: I was hoping that you would like it.

Tears start to fall down Brenda’s cheeks.

Brenda: *Softly* I love it!
Sonny: Then why are you crying?
Brenda: We had so many memories form the old apartment.
Sonny: Do you want it all changed back?
Brenda: Not on your life! We’ll make new memories here, and they will be better!
Sonny: Good, because everything is going to be better this time around.
Brenda: I just have one question. What happened to Mike’s laundry tree?
Sonny: You mean that dead tree branch?
Brenda: He is going to want to know that is has a good home.

Sonny: Come here and I’ll show you the rest of the place.

Brenda wasn’t sure if Sonny was ignoring the question or if this was Sonny’s way of answering. However, she trusted him with out hesitation. So, when he extended his hand to her, she took it and allowed him to lead her on a tour of the rest of the apartment. 

Sonny: I don’t know if I told you, but I pretty much left Stone’s room alone. 
Brenda: I think you mentioned that you only redid the living room and bedroom.
Sonny: I enlarged the kitchen by removing the storage area.

He stops in front of the bedroom.

Brenda: It’s been a long time since I was last in this room.
Sonny: Yeah, I know.

They both knew that she was talking about the night she wore the wire, the night there whole world had fallen apart. He takes her hand in his, interlacing her fingers with his own, as they walk through the doorway. He has had the wall between the bathroom and bedroom removed to create a master suite. The bathroom has a large princess style bath tub and a bay window that looks out towards the river. In one corner of the bathroom is the laundry tree. Only the bare branches have been transformed with hundreds of tiny lights. The same cream color scheme has been carried through from the living room. In one corner of the bed room is a stone lined fire place. Brenda runs her hand across the mantel of the fire place. It all seemed unreal at times.

Brenda: Wow, this is almost like a dream or a fairy tale.
Sonny: It’s all real, the only part that is right out of a fairy tale is the happy ever after we’re going to have.

Brenda sits down on the bed, which was more comfortable than she remembers.

Brenda: I could get used to living here.
Sonny: Well don’t, because this is only temporary until we build our house.
Brenda: We could always turn Stone’s room into a baby’s room.
Sonny: True, but I wouldn’t want the three of us to get comfortable, then move.
Brenda: I understand, we should be settled in the new house before the baby is born.

Sonny sits down on the bed beside Brenda.

Sonny: I guess that means I should get in touch a contractor right away. 
Brenda: It can wait until tomorrow. Sonny, right now can you just hold me in your arms.
Sonny: Always.

He wraps his arms around her tightly and she rests her head on his shoulder.

Sonny: Is anything the matter?
Brenda: No, everything is perfect. It has just happened so quickly.
Sonny: Actually it seems like it has taken a life time to get here.
Brenda: I know, but now that were here, were married with a child on the way all in 3 months.
Sonny: Do you regret not waiting to nave kids?
Brenda: No, I just don’t want you to feel that the baby and I are an obligation.
Sonny: You and our child are the only thing I have ever really wanted. I love you both so much.
Brenda: I want to give this baby to have everything, Sonny.
Sonny: This child will have the one thing we never had, a mother and a father to love him or her.
Brenda: We really have that in common, we didn’t have great parental role models growing up.
Sonny: That is one of the things that makes us soul mates, we know how not to raise our child.
Brenda: You have to admit, Mike and Veronica are trying to make up for what we lost.
Sonny: I know, can you imagine how they are going to coo over this baby?
Brenda: I know, they are going to spoil our child rotten!
Sonny: I’ve been meaning to ask you something for a while. Will you go with me to see my mom?
Brenda: You want me to go to the cemetery with you, honey?
Sonny: I haven’t actually been since we buried my mother, but if you don’t want to go I understand.
Brenda: I would be honored to go with you, Sonny. Just let me know when you wan to go.
Sonny: How about tomorrow?
Brenda: That sounds perfect, then we can stop off in the country and have a picnic.
Sonny: You are amazing, and I love you passionately. Have I told you that lately?
Brenda: You can never say it too often.
Sonny: I can’t remember the last time I felt this much at peace.

He leans over to kiss Brenda, but she holds him back.

Brenda: Hold that thought, because I think I just heard voices in the living room.
Sonny: *Alarmed* You think someone is in the apartment?
Brenda: I think we should go investigate.
Sonny: Maybe you should stay here.
Brenda: No way, we do everything 50/50 now. Besides, do you think it is a burglar?
Sonny: I don’t know.
 
They cautiously  make their way to the living room. Sonny peers around the door way, keeping Brenda behind him, and is surprised to see Mike and Veronica sitting on the couch.

Sonny: What are you two doing here?

They seem just as surprised to see Sonny as he is to see them. In fact, they jump at the sound of his voice.

Mike: We didn’t know anyone was home, so we let ourselves in with my old key.

Brenda hugs both of them.

Veronica: Is that a problem.
Brenda: Of course not, is it honey?
Sonny: *Sarcastically* Of course not, I’ll just have the lock changed in the morning.

Brenda elbows him in the side and gives a disapproving, yet playful look.

Brenda: Ignore him, you two are always welcome. If he changes the lock, I’ll get you both a key!
Sonny: My own wife is working against me, what next.   

Brenda gives him a quick kiss and then sits down on the couch facing her mother. 

Mike: I like what you did with the place, but where is my tree?
Sonny: You mean that piece of potential mulch?
Brenda: It is safe, Mike.
Mike: You I’m willing to believe.
Veronica: How was the flight back from Paris?
Brenda: It was good, I guess. I slept most of the way home. I’ve been sleeping a lot lately.
Sonny: She slept for 14 hours straight when we were in Paris.

Veronica feels of her forehead.

Veronica: You don’t have a fever, are you getting sick again?
Brenda: No, I’ve never been more healthy.
Mike: Then why are you sleeping so much if you aren’t sick?
Brenda: I guess I’ve been conserving energy.

She exchanges a knowing  look with Sonny.

Mike: Okay, what is the secret?
Sonny: I think we should tell them, sweetheart.
Veronica: Tell us what, sweetie?

Sonny reaches over Brenda’s shoulder and takes her hand.

Brenda: I’m not sick, mama, I’m pregnant.

Veronica shrieks with joy and throws her arms around Brenda’s neck in a warm embrace.
While Mike looks on in disbelief. 

Mike: Brenda, you’re having a baby?
Sonny: Correction, her and I are having a baby.
Veronica: We’re going to be grandparents, isn’t that great?
Mike: *Reluctantly* Yeah, it’s fantastic.  May I speak to you alone, Michael?
Sonny: Sure, I want to show you the kitchen anyway.

Mike follows Sonny to the kitchen. While Brenda and Veronica look watch them go with a shared concern.
Veronica turns to her daughter with additional concern in her eyes. 

Veronica: Baby, are you sure that you are ready to have a child?
Brenda: I’ve been ready for a long time.
Veronica: It has been less than a year since you lost your and Jax’s child.
Brenda: Jax wasn’t the father of the baby I lost, it was Sonny’s child.

Veronica tries to hide her astonishment, but Brenda knows she is shocked by her daughter’s confession.

Veronica: Honey, had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?
Brenda: I didn’t tell anyone, I could barely even admit it to myself, mama. 

Veronica hugs her daughter.

Veronica: It’s okay, my baby girl.

In the kitchen, Mike is giving Sonny a disappointed look.

Mike: Have you lost your senses? How on earth did Brenda become pregnant?
Sonny: The usual way. I thought you would be happy for me and Brenda?
Mike: Less than a year has passed since Brenda lost a child.
Sonny: It was my child too and I wasn’t here. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that, Mike.
Mike: That is precisely why you should give yourselves time to heal.
Sonny: She isn’t going to loose this baby and it isn’t a replacement for either of the children I lost.  
Mike: I didn’t mean to suggest either of those things, Michael. Brenda can’t loose you again.
Sonny: I would never abandon my family, I learned from your mistakes. 
Mike: Maybe you learned too well.
Sonny: I learned that I never want to inflict that kind of pain on a child of mine.
Mike: You know what, I hope you’re right. I hope you’re a better father than I was.
Sonny: I couldn’t be much worse. 

He gives Mike a sarcastic grin.

Mike: I get the picture.

Mike starts to leave, but Sonny stops him with a gentle hand on his arm.

Sonny: I know that raising this child is not going to be easy.
Mike: Especially if he or she takes after their father.
Sonny: Did you leave because I was hard to handle?
Mike: My leaving had nothing to do with you. Fatherhood overwhelmed me, I got scared.
Sonny: For the first time in my life, I understand that feeling. Fatherhood scares me silly. 
Mike: You’re not going to be raising this child alone.
Sonny: I know, that is why I hoped that maybe you might be willing to help?
Mike: You want me to give you parenting advice?
Sonny: I don’t have to many options. Besides, it took 25 years, but you turned out all right, Pop.
Mike: That is one of the nicest things you have ever said to me, son.
Sonny: I could really use some of that $5.95 grocery store checkout pamphlet advice, Mike.
Mike: Okay, the best advice I can give you is put Brenda’s needs before all else.
Sonny: I want a refund!
Mike: You always want a refund.
Sonny: That is the same advice you gave me on the island.
Mike: If you put Brenda’s needs before anything else, she can do the same for your child. 
Sonny: You make it sound so simple.
Mike: It is simple, things get messed up when we make them complicated.
Sonny: There is something else you should know.
Mike: Is it about the baby?
Sonny: No, Brenda and are going to visit mom’s grave.
Mike: Do you know that I don’t even know where you mother’s gave is located?
Sonny: I haven’t visited her since the day we buried her, but I wanted you to know.
Mike: Thanks, I think Adela would have approved of Brenda.
Sonny: I think mom would have loved Brenda almost as much as I love her.
Mike: Your mother was a very generous woman. She loved very freely.
Sonny: Yeah, there is something else you can do for me, Mike.
Mike: Name it, son.
Sonny: Take your wife out somewhere, so I can be alone with my wife.
Mike: Consider it done.

They walk back into the living room to find the woman waiting apprehensively.

Veronica: Is everything all right?
Mike: Things have never been better.
Brenda: Okay, shall we order food from the club or do you guys want to cook?
Mike: That sounds like a wonderful idea, but maybe we could do it another night.
Brenda: *To Sonny* Did the two of you get in a fight?
Sonny: *Innocently* Who us? We never fight.
Mike: It’s just that your mom and I have other plans.
Veronica: What plans?
Mike: You remember that thing that we do every Thursday?

He is already ushering her towards the door.

Brenda: I’ll call you later mama?
Veronica: We can have lunch.
Brenda: Okay, but Sonny and I aren’t going to be in town tomorrow.
Veronica: We’ll talk later. I’m really happy about the baby.
Brenda: I’m happy as well.

Sonny closes the door behind Mike and Veronica and bolts the lock.

Brenda: That was smooth, getting rid of Mike and my mom.
Sonny: What can I say, I want you all to myself for as long as possible.
Brenda: How did things really go with Mike?
Sonny: They went really good, he cares about you and wants to make sure you are all right.
Brenda: He cares about you as well.
Sonny: I know, that is why I asked him for parenting help. I also told him about tomorrow.
Brenda: I’m so glad that you feel you can trust Mike.
Sonny: I figure, since he won’t go away I might as well get some use out of him.
Brenda: Now, where were we before our parents showed up?

Sonny sits down on the couch beside her and opening up his arms, takes her in his embrace.

Sonny: You were right here, which is where you are going to stay for the rest of your life.
Brenda: I can’t think of anything I would rather do than spend the rest of my life in your arms.
Sonny: I love you, Brenda Veronica Barrett-Corinthos!
Brenda: I love you Michael Corinthos Jr.

She leans against his chest and she knew that she was finally home, this was where she belonged. Sonny knew that he was in a place where he could finally find peace. It had been a long journey, but he was also finally home.   
 
Epilogue.
Sonny and Brenda walked hand in hand through the gates of the cemetery beside Saint Joseph’s church. It had been years since Sonny had set foot in the grassy graveyard. The morning they had buried his mother he had felt alone. Now, with Brenda by his side, he knew he would never have to feel alone again. Brenda carried a mixed bouquet of daisies, lilacs and roses to place at his mother’s grave. She was wearing a very conservative black dress, but the way the sun reflected off her face she was a vision of life and beauty. 

Brenda: Are you sure this is the right area of the cemetery?
Sonny: It has been years since I was last here, she didn’t even have a head stone yet.

Brenda kneels down and brushes some dead leaves from a headstone.       

Brenda: I found her, honey, you have to see something.

Sonny rushes to Brenda’s side, as she points to the date of death on marked on the headstone.

Sonny: June the 11th?
Brenda: Didn’t you say you were born on June the 9th?
Sonny: Yes, I was. My mother died 2 days after my birthday!
Brenda: Yes.
Sonny: I remember now, she was with me on my birthday that year. How could I have forgotten?
Brenda: I guess, our memories play tricks on us sometimes.
Sonny: I guess I have a lot of birthday’s to make up for.

Brenda places the flowers on the grave and stand by while Sonny says some prayers. 

Brenda: Would you like a few minutes alone?
Sonny: Do you mind?
Brenda: Not at all. I saw a grassy area, underneath a tree, by the gate. I’ll wait there for you, honey.
Sonny: I’ll just be a few minutes.
Brenda: Take as long as you need.

She squeezes his hand reassuringly and then leaves him alone.

Sonny: Hi mom, that was Brenda. The love of my life and at long last my wife. She is also going to have my child in a few months.

He kneels on one knee to touch the headstone.

Sonny: She is beautiful, inside and out and I think you would like her. I finally got my life right, I think you would be proud of me. I still miss you, but I’m not alone.

Brenda decided that while she waited for Sonny, she might as well update her journal. She had been carrying it around in her purse for some time, but she only now found time to write down her thoughts.

August 13th, 1999
It is Friday the 13th and I’m sitting outside of a cemetery. All I need now is for a black cat to cross my path, and I’ll be set. I know in my heart that my run of bad luck has ended and I’m going to be happy for the rest of my life. I now have all the things I thought I would have to live without. I have a husband who loves me and adores me and our child who is on the way. I’ll never have to live a life completely lacking in  passion and excitement. I will never have to live in a Gilded Cage. No matter what came between Sonny and myself, no matter what interference we encountered, we always found our way back to each other. Ours was an epic love story, the type of devotion from which  legends are born. I have only been able to record a small part of our story in this journal. This will be my last entry. Tomorrow I will begin a new chronicle, one that will record the early life of our first born.

Brenda closes the journal after she makes her finally entry. It is many years before she opens it again, when she does it is to share her and Sonny’s love story with their grown daughter. There first born child who they named Carmen Adela. Sonny and Brenda took a leaf from Luke and Laura’s own epic and named their first born child after Brenda’s alter ego on the American Orient express adventure.  

Brenda sat on the grass outside of the cemetery and waited for Sonny to finish visiting his mother’s grave. Since it was his first time in the cemetery since his mother had been buried, Brenda hoped that it had helped him for her to be present. Sonny walks up the path leading out of the cemetery and stops just inside the gate. A small stone wall surrounds the cemetery, separating it from a residential street. The wall was a barrier separating the living from the dead. From inside the gate he can safely watch Brenda as she sits on the grass. The way the sun is hitting her she almost seems to glow. He had hear that pregnancy makes some women radiant, it was certainly true in Brenda’s case. Brenda knows that Sonny is watching her, she could feel him nearby the moment he walked up to the gate. He is happy watching her for a few moments. She was so striking, calm, yet strong. When she can no longer stand him so near, yet so far, she turns and looks at him. Her eyes meet his and she smiles, beckoning him to join her on the other side of the gate. She reaches out her hand and invites him to cross the threshold between the dead and the living, between the past and the future. Sonny looks back, from where he is standing he can see the flowers on his mother’s grave. Then he turns and looks at Brenda and he goes to her and their yet unborn child, knowing he will never have to look back at the past ever again.

THE END 

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