Masquerade Chapters 36-37

Chapter 36
Carly sat down on a log and rested her head on one of her palms.

Carly: Admit it Jace, we are lost!
Jason: I wouldn’t call us lost.
Carly: We have no idea where the resort is from here, I’d say we are lost.
Jason: Being "lost" means you have no hope. Of course if we hadn’t left our cell phones in the cottage….
Carly: I know, but it was the only way I could get away from Chloe!

Jason sits down beside her.

Jason: Is she still obsessing about the color of the ELQ anniversary announcements?
Carly: Yes, the problem is she is right a decision has to be made today!
Jason: Why doesn’t she just make the choice?
Carly: She keeps complaining  that half of her committee is missing.
Jason: You should have known better than to assign Sonny to a committee.
Carly: I thought it might help Sonny and Brenda to be on a committee together.
Jason: You aren’t qualified to help Sonny and Brenda.
Carly: Still they are somewhere together, right?
Jason: They are on a small island in the Aegean Sea.
Carly: No way! Did Sonny tell you where he was going last night?
Jason: No, but I called the pilot and he told me where the plane is right now.
Carly: I thought Sonny had Brenda’s passport revoked?
Jason: They were on a private plane headed to a private island, no passport necessary.
Carly: Have you been keeping secrets, how long has Sonny had a jet?
Jason: Since Jax had to liquidate his assets after the trial?
Carly: That is cold! Does Brenda know about that?
Jason: The question is does Brenda care?
Carly: Do you think they will make it, Jace?
Jason: Who knows Sonny and Brenda are hard to figure out. Sometimes I think he loves her too much.
Carly: How can you love someone too much, Jace?
Jason: When Brenda is around, Sonny tends to leap before he looks. 
Carly: I guess she is worth the trouble to Sonny.
Jason: I guess, sometimes it is worth the trouble.
Carly: You mean sometimes, even I’m worth the trouble.
Jason: I don’t know, you are a lot of trouble!

He gives her a grin.

Carly: You know, I’m going to have to suspend their voting privileges!
Jason: Why?
Carly: Because they left the retreat early, I did warn them.
Jason: You did warn them, but you should know Sonny by now. 
Carly: Yes, but rules are rules.
Jason: It’s not like any real important vote is coming up anyway. 
Carly: Wait a minute, Jace is that a cabin over there?

Jason squints against the sun.

Jason: I think so, maybe someone over there can tell us how to get back to the resort.
Carly: Or maybe they have a phone we can use.

Carly jumps off of the log and heads for the cabin.

Jason: Carly, wait for me!

Jason runs after.  She was one of the most impetuous women Jason knew and despite the fact that he loved her because of it, he still knew that she tended to fall straight into the arms of trouble. When he reaches the cabin, she is already knocking on the door.

Jason: Maybe no one is home? 
Carly: I saw movement.
Jason: The curtains are drawn, how can you see inside?
Carly: I saw a shadow move past the drapes. You knock, maybe they can’t hear well.
Jason: I’ll try.
Carly: Then let me do the talking, because I know how to talk to people.
Jason: You mean, you know how to talk people onto doing things.
Carly: Same difference, at least I get results. 

Jason knocks loudly on the door.  Inside the cabin, Faison is more than slightly perturbed that whoever is knocking on the door refuses to leave him alone. He turns off a small monitor he has been using to watch the captive Lucky Spencer. He abruptly opens the door and instantly recognizes his visitors. One is Jason Morgan, right hand to Sonny Corinthos. The other is Caroline Quartermaine, or more exactly, Carly Benson, niece of Luke Spencer.

Faison: May I help you?

He makes sure to sound upset. The minute he opens the door, a wave of pure fear washes over Carly. It is not unlike the feeling Brenda experienced when she first laid eyes on this man. Jason notices that Carly is speechless.

Jason: We are looking for the resort.
Faison: What resort?
Jason: The Meadows Inn.
Faison: You have stumbled far off the beaten path, these woods can be dangerous.

That sounded like a threat to Jason.

Jason: All we want is directions back to the resort
Faison: Let me draw you a map, I wouldn’t want you to get further lost.
Jason: You can give it to Carly.
Faison: Wait here for one moment.

Faison returns into the cabin.

Jason: So much for letting you talk, Carly.
Carly: *Frightened* Forget the map Jace, lets just go!

Before Jason can react, Faison returns with a map, drawn on a piece of white paper.

Jason: Thank you.
Faison: It was my pleasure.

He gives them a wicked smile, while Carly grabs the map and takes off running. Faison watches them leave with a look of heinous glee in his eyes. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to carry out a plan right under the noses of some poor oblivious fools. As soon as they are safely away from the cabin, Carly looks at the map.

Jason: Does that map make sense to you?
Carly: I think I know where we’re at now. I just had to get away from that man.
Jason: Something wasn’t right him.
Carly: You can say that again. Lets just find our way back to the resort.  

Carly leads the way in what she hopes is the right direction.  On the island, Brenda has grown tired of watching the ocean from the cliff side. She is about to go back to the house and find Alexis when she sees Sonny walking on the sandy shore bellow her. 

Sonny: You always look so beautiful when you are standing in front of the ocean.
Brenda: The sea air does wonders for you as well.
Sonny: You have to be joking?
Brenda: No, the humidity highlight the waves in your hair.

She reaches up and touches a wave strand of his hair. He takes her hand in his and holds it against his cheek. 

Sonny: Your hair does the same thing. Those are the only waves that I can stand.
Brenda: I thought you liked the ocean when we were in Puerto Rico?
Sonny: I only like the ocean when you are standing in front of it.
Brenda: Now your joking?
Sonny: Not on your life. You give new meaning to the term natural beauty.
Brenda: I thought you had left?
Sonny: Not yet.
Brenda: You are going back to Port Charles though?
Sonny: *Gives her a desperate look* What choice do I have?
Brenda: There is always a choice.
Sonny: I played my hand and lost the game, so I have to move on, Brenda.
Brenda: What are your plans?
Sonny: Hannah is returning in a day or two, so I guess her and I will end up married.
Brenda: Do you love Hannah?
Sonny: Naw, but love is a luxury I can’t afford, it costs me too much.
Brenda: It shouldn’t be that way Sonny. Why should you cheat yourself like that?
Sonny: I need the tax break.
Brenda: Excuse me, what does that mean?
Sonny: There are certain tax advantages to being married. I need all the help I can get.
Brenda: *Angry* Was that all I was going to be, a tax break?
Sonny: No, but I figure if I can’t have you I should at least save money.
Brenda: When are you going to learn that you should marry for love, not for utility?
Sonny: For you I would marry for love, but you are the only woman I would do that for.
Brenda: Sonny, will you look me in the eye and answer a question?
Sonny: *Shrugs* Sure, I don’t have anything to hide.

He turns to her and gives her a piercing look, which she finds difficult to meet head on.

Brenda: Maybe that isn’t the best idea.

She turns away and looks at the water.

Sonny: What is it that you need to know, Brenda?
Brenda: When you brought me here, did you know that Jax was dead?
Sonny: I already told you that I didn’t know he had been killed. 
Brenda: You brought me here knowing full well that I might stay here with Jax?
Sonny: I knew there was a slight chance that you might choose Jax.
Brenda: You didn’t have to bring me here and yet you did?
Sonny: *Softly* It seemed important, to you at least.

He drops his eyes to the ground. Brenda takes her hand and gently tips his head up, so that their eyes meet in an intense gaze that seems to last until the end of time. Brenda gently brings his face to hers and gives him a kiss that is as soft as the petals of a rose. 

Brenda: *Softly* Sonny, how would you like to marry for love for once in your life?
Sonny* Caught off guard* Are you saying what I think?
Brenda: Yes! you asked me to marry you and I’m saying yes!

A look of complete shock crosses his face and then it turns to pure pleasure. He grabs her and hugs her so tightly that he almost knocks the breath out of her. he pulls back and looks at her face, her beautiful face. He still can hardly believe that it is happening, so he asks her again, just to be sure.

Sonny: Yes, you’ll marry me?
Brenda: Yes, I will marry you, today!
Sonny: You want to get married today?
Brenda: Sonny, you’re the love of my life, marrying you is all I’ve thought about for most of my life
Sonny: You really want this to happen today?
Brenda: Yes, before I change my mind!  Why would you doubt that I want to marry you?
Sonny: I just never believed this would happen, after all you choose Jax.
Brenda: When?
Sonny: When I came back to town last summer.
Brenda: No, Sonny you are wrong. I settled for Jax, because I knew you couldn’t stay.
Sonny: If I had asked you to leave with me, to run away, would you have gone?
Brenda: In a heart beat.
Sonny: Then I wish I had asked you to leave with me.
Brenda: I thought you didn’t want to live in the past anymore?
Sonny: I don’t want to think about the past.
Brenda: Than marry me, right now. That is, only if you think we still have time?

Looking at his watch.

Sonny: We still have plenty of time, it is only 2:00.  
Brenda: I have conditions though.
Sonny: *Lets out a breath of air* What ever your heart desires, babe.
Brenda: You don’t know how nice it is to hear you call me your baby.
Sonny: You never stopped being my baby. What made you change your mind about us?
Brenda: It occurred to me that I would be stuck on this island if I let you walk away.
Sonny:* Disappointed*  I would have never left you here with no way to get home.
Brenda: I believe that you wouldn’t have, but the ride home would have been awkward.
Sonny: To say the least, but please tell me this marriage means more than a ticket home?
Brenda: Of course it means more. I wasn’t sure that you had changed or I could trust you until now.
Sonny: Not that I’m complaining, but what helped you to see the light?
Brenda: I needed to know that you were honest about bring me here, then I knew you’d changed.
Sonny: You mentioned conditions to our marriage. Do you want a prenup or something?
Brenda: No, I just want to know that we can file separate tax returns, at least at the start.    
Sonny: That was a tasteless joke, but I promise it was a joke.
Brenda: What about our friends, won’t they be upset if we get married in private?
Sonny: Jason won’t care and I can live without Carly being at my wedding.
Brenda: What about Lois and Ned?
Sonny: Turn about is fair play.
Brenda: I guess they did get married without letting anyone know.
Sonny: Besides if they were here it might be awkward for Alexis.
Brenda: I guess it isn’t a good idea to offend Alexis, since we want to use her chapel.
Sonny: We do?
Brenda: Yes,  it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
Sonny: I feel like the happiest man in the world, so what ever you want, babe is fine with me.
Brenda: You might change your mind when you hear my request. 
Sonny: I doubt that, but go ahead.
Brenda: I know we can’t have most of our friends here, but I would like Robin to be at our wedding.

Sonny is silent for sometime.

Brenda: *Sighing* I knew you would have a problem with this.  
Sonny: I’m just not sure that Robin wants to see me, Brenda.
Brenda: She is my sister and I know she loves you too, Sonny.
Sonny: Brenda, I was hard on her, that is a hard thing to face.
Brenda: If we ask her to be here, she’ll come.
Sonny: I don’t know, but I’m willing to try.
Brenda: Sonny, I have another request. I think Mike should be here.
Sonny: Brenda, that could be nearly impossible if you want to get married today?
Brenda: You will at least try, it would make me extremely happy.

She gives him a look of complete adoration, the kind of look that makes it impossible for Sonny to deny her request. 

Sonny: I guess It’s possible if Mike took the Concord to Athens, then a private plane here.
Brenda: I knew you would think of some way to make it happen. 

She hugs him fiercely. 

Sonny: I have waited so long for this moment, Brenda, I would turn the world upside down for you.
Brenda: I think I can make it easier on you than that. Sonny, is this the right thing?

He answers her with and impulsive, passionate kiss, which she breaks only when they are out of breath. 

Brenda: Sonny, I just thought of a problem or two that could prevent us from getting married.
Sonny: Don’t worry about Hannah.
Brenda: I’m more worried about the fact that we don’t have rings and I don’t have a dress.
Sonny: I have rings the rings we were supposed to exchange 2 years ago.
Brenda: You carry them around with you, that is so sentimental!
Sonny: What can I say, I have a romantic soul.
Brenda: That maybe, but what about a wedding dress?
Sonny: That is being taken care of as we speak.
Brenda: What do you mean?
Sonny: I sent Alexis to Athens to pick up samples for you to choose a wedding dress.
Brenda: When did you have time to discuss this with Alexis? 
Sonny: She found me wandering the beach right after you left the chapel.
Brenda: You must have been pretty sure that I would marry you today.
Sonny: I was pretty sure that you would come to your senses. 

A look of fake offense passes across her face.

Brenda: You are the most impossible man I have ever met!
Sonny: Alexis was pretty sure there was going to be a wedding today as well!
Brenda: In that case, maybe you should marry Alexis!
Sonny: No can do Brenda, I promised I would only marry for love!

He flashes her a dimpled grin.

Brenda: In that case, I had better call Mike and Robin.
Sonny: I’ll call my pilot and tell him that he is going to have to fly to Paris.
Brenda: I’ll see if I can’t track down Mike, then I’ll call Robin.
Sonny: If I were you, I would call Kelly’s and see if Tammy has seen Mike.
Brenda: Good idea.

Sonny calls the pilot, while Brenda tries to track down Mike. They are both in a state of surreal giddiness.  


Chapter 37

Due to a strange storm system, Mike actually beat Robin to the island, and he was helping Sonny get ready. When Robin arrived, about an hour later, the sun was starting to set. She spent some time talking to Alexis and then made her way to the room Brenda was using as a dressing area. Robin had spoken to Brenda on the phone several times she her return. In fact, she had spoken to Brenda several hours earlier. However, knowing that her best friend was alive and seeing Brenda for herself were not the same thing at all. Robin stood in the door way and watched Brenda for a few minutes, until her friend saw her and stood up to give her a warm hug.

Brenda: How was your flight?
Robin: A little bumpy, but otherwise it was fine. I can hardly believe my eyes, you look great!
Brenda: You mean for a dead woman? 
Robin: I still can’t believe your alive!

They hug again. Then Brenda pulls back to look at her friend.

Brenda: You’ve cut your hair again.
Robin: I cut it before you left, but then I cut it shorter.
Brenda: I love it.
Robin: Alexis says for you to wait here and she will come for you, whatever that means?
Brenda: I’ll tell you the whole story, but first, how are you feeling?
Robin: I’ve never been better, but you didn’t bring me here just to talk about my health.
Brenda: No, I’m getting married today and I want you to be my maid of honor.
Robin: You know I will, but you need to back up a few steps. Who are you marrying?
Brenda: Didn’t I tell you on the phone?
Robin: No, you were a bit cryptic. 
Brenda: I’m marrying Sonny!

Robin turns away from Brenda, so her friend doesn’t see the look of shock in her eyes.
When she speaks she tries to keep her voice even.

Robin: I didn’t know you and Sonny were back together?
Brenda: We really weren’t until very recently.
Robin: Then don’t you think you might just be rushing things a little?
Brenda: It isn’t as if Sonny and I just met and are eloping, Robin.
Robin: I know that better than most people, but why do you have to get married today?
Brenda: We just do, it is important to Sonny.
Robin: What are you afraid will happen if you don’t marry Sonny today?

Brenda gives her friend and exasperated look.

Brenda: You know how much I love Sonny.
Robin: Yes, I also know he has hurt you terribly, are you willing to risk that kind of pain again? 

In an other part of the house, Mike has just asked Sonny a similar question.

Mike: Are you afraid that Brenda might change her mind, given time to consider?
Sonny: She might change her mind, but I wouldn’t give up until she changed it back.
Mike: Aside from the date, why does the marriage have to take place today?
Sonny: The date is important to me, Mike.
Mike: So wait a year and marry her next September 19th.
Sonny: I can’t wait a year, I need her. If we wait I know I’ll loose Brenda.
Mike: You told me Jax is dead.
Sonny: Yeah, that’s right.
Mike: Than to whom are you afraid of loosing Brenda?
Sonny: To the fates that are always conspiring to keep us apart.
Mike: That doesn’t even make sense.
Sonny: Some unseen force has been working hard to keep me away from Brenda.
Mike: That is your head Michael, you are the only one who works to keep you and Brenda apart.
Sonny: Why did I even invite you here, all you do is give me bad advice!
Mike: I assume I’m here at Brenda’s request, but you know I’m right.
Sonny: Fine, maybe you are right and I’m my own worst enemy. Whose fault is that, Mike?
Mike: Maybe, I did contribute to your problems, but it was because I broke your heart, Michael.

Sonny turns to his father, with a look of sincerity in his eyes, deeper and more intense than Mike has ever witnessed.

Sonny: Mike, I won’t ever break Brenda’s heart again. I love her more than anything.

Without saying a word, Mike leaves the room, standing in the doorway, he watches his son for a few moments, then walks away. Sonny starts to try and put on his tie, but he finds the task impossible because his hands are shaking. He throws the tie on a nearby dressing table and sits down on a chair. He gets a venerable, far off, look in his eyes. Not even his own father believed that he could love  and protect the woman he loves. In her room, Brenda has been thinking long and hard about Robin’s questions. Robin has just finished pulling Brenda’s hair into a twist on top of her head.

Brenda: I’m not afraid to love Sonny anymore, Robin. At one time that kind of love scared me.
Robin: I don’t necessarily think Sonny would hurt you, at least not on purpose.
Brenda: I also don’t think I will loose him if we don’t get married today.
Robin: Right, because Sonny seems to keep turning up, like a bad coin or something.
Brenda: My love for Sonny is something I’ll carry in my heart forever.
Robin: I know what it’s like to love him too Brenda, don’t forget that.
Brenda: I know, that is why I thought you would understand why I want to marry him.
Robin: I do, I just don’t understand why you have to marry him toady, what are you afraid will happen?
Brenda: I’m afraid of Hannah Scott, if you must know!
Robin: Who is Hannah Scott?
Brenda: She must have come along after you left. She was Sonny’s new girlfriend!
Robin: I thought you were convinced you could never loose Sonny?
Brenda: That doesn’t mean that Hannah the Banana won’t try to distract Sonny.
Robin: *Laughing* Hannah the Banana?
Brenda: That is what Carly calls her, I think she might hate her as much as I do.
Robin: *Perturbed* Are you friends with Carly?

Brenda feels a little guilty, because she and Carly are friends and she knows how much Robin hates Carly.

Brenda: That isn’t the point. I don’t want there to be any doubt in Hannah’s mind that Sonny is mine!
Robin: Does Sonny care about Hannah?
Brenda: He doesn’t love her, but that won’t stop her from chasing him. She reminds me of Lily!

Brenda has no idea how close she is to the truth, with that remark.

Robin: Now you are starting to sound a little paranoid.
Brenda: Hannah is exactly like Lily. She won’t give up, even though  Sonny will never love her.
Robin: So you mean you want to marry Sonny because your afraid Hannah will instead?
Brenda: Yes, she will not stop until she traps Sonny just like Lily forced him to marry her.
Robin: Sonny didn’t have to marry Lily, it was his choice.
Brenda: We both know why he married her, Robin, but you supported him anyway.
Robin: I supported him because he tried to do the right thing, even if it was for the wrong reason.
Brenda: Then why won’t you support Sonny and me, now.
Robin: Because I’m not sure that this marriage is the right thing for either you or Sonny!
Brenda: It, is, we love each other and are committed to a future together.
Robin: Are you sure this isn’t about Jax?
Brenda: Robin, Jax is dead.
Robin: I know he is, I’ve known for a while.
Brenda: *Surprised* How?
Robin: I have been in touch with him and Alexis since they arrived on the island.
Brenda: Did you know he was being poisoned?
Robin: Nobody knew, not even Alexis, until it was too late. I saw him right before he died though.
Brenda: Had he been happy with Alexis?
Robin: I’m positive that he was happy, even when he was sick and dying.
Brenda: *Angry now* When were you going to tell me about Jax?
Robin: I didn’t want to tell you on the phone. When did you find out?
Brenda: This morning.
Robin: Oh no, Brenda, you can go through with this wedding to Sonny!

Brenda gives her friend and exasperated look. In his room, Sonny is once more trying to put on his tie. Mike opens the door and sticks his head into the room.

Mike: Is it safe to come into the room?
Sonny: As if you would take my word for it!

Sonny throws the tie on the dresser once more in frustration.

Mike: Didn’t I just leave this scene?
Sonny: I figured you would be on the next flight out of here.
Mike: I’m not leaving, Michael. If I left, I would miss my son’s wedding.
Sonny: So, you finally believe that I’m not making a mistake by marrying Brenda?
Mike: I don’t know, but maybe I’m wrong about you rushing into this marriage.
Sonny: Gee, Mike you really think you might have made a mistake?
Mike: Maybe.
Sonny: There is always a first time for everything.
Mike: I finally realized that you are ready to commit to Brenda.
Sonny: I love her Mike and I want to share my life with her. I want her to be my wife.
Mike: Then you might need these.

Mike hands Sonny a small, black, box. Inside are two gold wedding bands.

Sonny: Are these what I think?
Mike: They’re the rings you and Brenda were supposed to exchange 2 years ago.
Sonny: How did you get them?
Mike: Jason didn’t know what else to do with them after you skipped town.
Sonny: You held on to them for two year, that is hard to believe.
Mike: You mean, it’s hard to believe that I didn’t pawn the rings?
Sonny: The thought did cross my mind.
Mike: I guess your old man is a romantic after all. I figured you might need them someday.
Sonny: I’ll bet you never imagined I would be marrying Brenda.
Mike: Never in my wildest dreams.
Sonny: Just don’t give me that line about you "betting on a sure thing."
Mike: Are you afraid I might jinx this wedding?
Sonny: I would bet on it. Now, help me with my tie.

Mike helps Sonny put on the tie.

Mike: Your hands are shaking like a palm tree in a hurricane, Michael.
Sonny: I guess I’m a little nervous. I want everything to be perfect for Brenda.
Mike: That is a tall order, especially since you had less than 8 hours to pull this together.
Sonny: That is where Alexis has been a life saver.
Alexis: Did I hear my name being mentioned?
Mike: My son was just saying that none of this would be possible without your assistance.
Alexis: All I did was throw together an event worthy of Modern Bride in less than a day!
Sonny: Is everything ready?
Alexis: Yes, but there is one thing you need to know about.
Mike: Okay, here comes the road block.
Alexis: I always thought Sonny was the most pessimistic man alive.
Sonny: It runs in the family, it is all part of the Corinthos Curse.
Alexis: I’m a Cassadine, I don’t fear curses.
Sonny: Then what is the problem? 
Alexis:  You need to know that It’s getting dark outside and the chapel doesn’t have lights.
Sonny: I’ll get married by bonfire if necessary.
Alexis: There’s an idea, but candle light is probably more romantic.
Mike: She is good!
Sonny: *Smiling*  I told you so!
Alexis: I’ll walk you two over to the chapel and formally introduce you to the priest.
Sonny: Okay, were ready whenever your ready.
Alexis: We can go over now, then I’ll come back for Brenda and Robin.
Mike: Is the chapel far from the house?
Alexis: No, but it will be very dark outside until the moon rises.

Mike and Sonny follow Alexis down a hallway, out the door and along a well lit path to the chapel. She wasn’t exaggerating about it being dark. There was a mist from the ocean that completely blocked any star light and with no surrounding lights, it would be easy to get lost if it weren’t for the path leading directly to the chapel. The chapel itself acted as a beacon, once you were close enough to the building The whole inside was illuminated with more candles than Sonny has ever seen in his whole life. The air is filled with the scent of exotic flowers which seem to burst from every corner of the room.

Mike: I’ve never seen anything like this, and I have seen a lot in my travels.
Sonny: I’ll bet you have. This place looks a  lot different from the way it looked this morning.   
Mike: I hope she wants lots of candles and flowers at her wedding, but what woman wouldn’t?

Mike steers Sonny towards the front of the chapel, past a large assemblage of people from the island town. 
Seeing all those strangers sends Sonny into near nervous hysteria and he starts to pace, anxiously. 

Sonny: What about all the strangers here, you really think Brenda wants that?
Mike: No, I know that all Brenda really wants is to have you here.
Sonny: Maybe this wasn’t the best idea for a wedding.
Mike: Too late, you already insisted and Alexis went to all this trouble.
Sonny: I’ll just go talk to Brenda and we’ll postpone.
Mike: Not on your life, you are not getting out of this as long as I’m standing.
Sonny: I don’t think I can do this in front of all these people!
Mike: You are understandably nervous, I want you to look at the door in the back of the room.
Sonny: Why?
Mike: Brenda is going to walk through that door and you are going to forget about everything else.

Back in the house, Brenda has continued to dress, despite Robin’s protests. Now she stops to look at her friend.

Robin: I just don’t want you to marry Sonny for the wrong reason.
Brenda: Robin, I had committed to Sonny even before I knew about Jax.

Robin didn’t need to know that Sonny and Brenda had pledged their love to each other  the previous night.

Brenda: What matters is that I know Sonny so well and yet I still love him fully. 
Robin: Then you know there are parts of him that are broken so badly they will never be fixed.
Brenda: I know, but underneath all that hurt lies a beautiful soul. That is what I’m marrying.
Robin: You know that I love both you and Sonny, I want what is best for you both.
Brenda: Sonny and I complete each other. I don’t need you to favor this wedding, but I would like for you to be happy for me and Sonny. 
Robin: As long as you two are happy, that is all that matters.

Brenda finishes getting ready quickly, then she and Robin leave the house through a side door. It just so happens that they find themselves stepping out into a night so dark that it threatens to shallow them whole.  

Brenda: It must have gotten dark while we were getting dressed.
Robin: The moon isn’t up yet. 
Brenda: That’s okay, I think I can find my way to the path leading to the chapel.
Robin: I think we should go back into the house and wait for someone to come for us.
Brenda: What if they expect us to come on our own. 
Robin: Alexis said to wait for her, Brenda.
Brenda: I’m not very good at waiting.

Brenda calls back to Robin, then she takes off into the dark night and quickly disappears into the blackness.

Robin: Wait, Brenda I’m not letting you wander off alone!

Robin follows after her friend. Meanwhile, Alexis has followed the lit path back to the house. She returns to the chapel ,puzzled, when she doesn’t find Brenda or Robin in the house or on the path. Sonny is visibly shaken when Alexis returns without the bride. 

Alexis: Mike may I speak to you alone for a moment?
Mike: Sure.   

Alexis takes him to a side chamber out of ear shot of Sonny. Mike can tell from her voice that something is wrong.

Mike: Where are Brenda and Robin?
Alexis: I don’t know. They weren’t at the house and I didn’t pass them on the path.
Mike: Could they have gone out another door?
Alexis: I hope not, as dark as it is, that could be extremely dangerous.

Mike is deeply upset by this statement.

Mike: What is that supposed to mean?
Alexis: It means that there are dangerous drop off to the ocean  all around the house.

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