Chapter 48 Brenda had raced back to her and Sonny’s cottage, only to find it empty. She tried not to be disappointed, after all, how could Sonny know that she wanted to see him?
Brenda: *Out loud* You should know, Sonny, you should be able to feel what I’m feeling.
Brenda decides that it is a waste of energy to be alarmed about her husband’s absence. Instead, she decided to go look for him in the main building. She didn’t find him, but she did find Lila sitting near a window in the main building. The shock of AJ’s death had left the incapable of speech or movement. However, as the Quartermaine matriarch was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight shining through the window, Brenda was sure she could see some level of recognition in Lila’s eyes. Brenda agreed with Sonny, Lila understood more about what was going on in the world than her family gave her credit. For some time, Lila had someone who tended to her personal grooming. However, Brenda felt that the woman who did Lila’s hair always did it wrong. At that moment, Lila’s nurse wasn’t paying any attention to her ward, she had her face stuck in the pages of a high society magazine. Brenda sits on a chair facing Lila and takes her hands in her own.
Brenda: Good morning Lila, it is such a beautiful day.
It had taken Brenda time to get used to seeing her old mentor in such an helpless state. Sonny had actually been the one to convince Brenda that Lila wouldn’t want Brenda crying over her condition.
Brenda: I’m going to redo your hair and make you look gorgeous.
Brenda takes a comb out of her purse and starts to unpin strands of hair. As she reaches across Lila, Brenda’s wedding ring catches the light streaming in through the window. Brenda notices that something changes in Lila’s eyes. There is recognition that Brenda is wearing a wedding band.
Brenda: Isn’t it beautiful. It isn’t fancy, but it means more than all the diamonds in the world. Brenda continues to comb Lila’s hair. Brenda: Sonny and I are married. She watches for a reaction, but if Lila expresses any emotion, Brenda misses it completely. Brenda: I know you didn’t really approve of Sonny when we were first dating. She continues to mold Lila’s hair, and talk at the same time. Brenda: I also know that in the end, you were one of the few who saw Sonny the way I see him.
Brenda has finished with her hair, and now she hunts through her purse for a mirror to show Lila the results.
Brenda: Sonny is so generous with his love, given the chance. He loves me, I know he does.
She finds the mirror and shows Lila her own reflection, now Brenda can tell that her old friend is pleased. She chooses to believe that is more than a better hairdo that has changed Lila’s mood. Brenda hopes that Lila is happy about the news concerning her and Sonny marriage.
Brenda: That is so much better, you look gorgeous now.
Lila’s care taker brings two cups of tea and some sandwiches and places them in front of Brenda and Lila. Brenda helps Lila with her sandwich and cup of tea. By the time Carly get back to her and Jason’s cottage, Jason has just finished feeding Michael. She breezes in the door and sees both her guys covered in spaghetti and sauce. She can’t help but smile, even though she is slightly perturbed that Jason fed Michael without her.
Carly: Jace, I thought we were going to feed Michael together. Jason: He was hungry and I wasn’t sure you would have time. Carly: Why would you think that I wouldn’t have time to feed my son? Jason: Because you are trying to organize that party thing for tonight. Carly: I always can make time for my guys. By the way, it’s a masquerade ball. Jason: Whatever, all I know is that I have to wear a tux tonight. Carly: You really hate dressing up, don’t you honey? Jason: Yes I do.
Carly tries to feed Michael some more food. He takes a few bites, just to humor his mom, then pushes the spoon away. Jason uses a towel to wipe some of the food off of himself and Michael.
Carly: I think Michael needs more than a bushing off. Jason: I’ll take him to Leticia and she can get him cleaned up.
Jason picks up the boy and carries him into the next room. He comes back in a few minutes.
Carly: In case you’re wondering, I’m late because I ran into Brenda. Jason: I guess her and Sonny really are back. Carly: Yes and they really are married, which I wasn’t sure was a good thing at first. Jason: Have you changed your mind? Carly: Brenda seems to be happy and she says that she trusts Sonny. Jason: It always starts out that way for Sonny and Brenda. Carly: You don’t think they can last? Jason: If they both want it, but one of them usually messes things up. Carly: You mean, Sonny usually messes up. Jason: Frequently, but not always. Brenda doesn’t know how to protect Sonny. Carly: Maybe she has changed, you said that she protected him after the warehouse. Jason: True, but she also messes with his head, when she is around he doesn’t think clearly. Carly: Of course she does, he loves Brenda. Jason: Love is no excuse for poor judgment. Carly: *Teasing* Oh, right, and you’ve never let me cloud your judgment. Jason: *Grinning* Never, Carly! I can love you and still function at top speed. Carly: Yeah, but that kind of "functioning" isn’t an asset in the organization. Jason: You have made me the envy of every guy in my territory. Carly: I happen to think that Sonny is finally doing to right thing with the right woman. Jason: You’re just happy that he isn’t doing it with Hannah. Carly: You got it! I can’t wait to watch him kick her to the curb with the rest of the trash.
Carly barely has time to gloat before she is interrupted by a knock on the door. She opens the door and finds Sonny standing in the entry way, not looking very happy at all.
Jason: What’s up? Sonny: I need to talk to you, Jason. Carly: You look worn out, Brenda must have been keeping you busy. Sonny: Alone, Jason, I need to talk to you alone. Carly: Is it business? Sonny: Yes as in, none of your business. Carly: Gees, you sure are in a bad mood for being a newlywed. Sonny: Carly, I’m not in the mood for this right now. Carly: Is that why you ran off when you saw me and Brenda talking? Sonny: You knew I was there? Carly: No, but Brenda could feel you or something. She was worried when you ran off, Sonny. Sonny: I didn’t mean to worry Brenda. Carly: Something is wrong though and you might as well tell both me and Jason. Sonny: How do you figure that? Carly: Whatever you tell Jason, he will tell me anyway. So save him the trouble. Jason: She’s right, you know. Sonny: Fine, but you can’t comment, Carly. Carly: Okay, fine, I can see this is serious. Jason closes the door and indicates the couch. Jason: Sit down and tell us what is wrong.
Sonny sits down and starts to speak several times, then stops, then finally just says the words.
Sonny: Hannah is pregnant and the child is mine. Carly: She is lying! Sonny: No, why would she lie about something that could be so easily disproved? Jason: Have you ordered a blood test? Sonny: I just found out a few minutes ago. Carly: Sonny, she is a manipulative little bitch. She has to be lying to get you to marry her! Sonny: Carly, it’s true. Carly: Okay, haven’t you ever heard of using protection? Sonny: I never have unprotected sex, Carly. Almost always, at least. Carly: Well, that almost always has left you with a child with a woman you don’t love! Sonny: Brenda is the only woman I’ve ever been with unprotected. Jason: What about your wife? Sonny: Only Brenda, not that it is any of your business, but I don’t think Lilly and I wanted children. Carly: I thought you loved kids? Sonny: I want a child with Brenda, no one else. Carly: Well, you have got one now with Hannah, like it or not. Jason: What are you going to do now? Sonny: I promised Hannah just now that I would take care of her and our child. Carly: Where does that leave Brenda? A look of guilt crosses Sonny’s face. Sonny: Brenda will understand what I have to do. Carly: *Angry* No, Sonny she won’t! She trusts you and now you are going to break her heart! Sonny: Someone’s heart is going to have to break, should it be my child’s heart? Carly: *Pleading* Why does it have to be Brenda’s heart? She’s your wife, is that meaningless? Sonny: I shouldn’t have married Brenda, not like I did. I should have waited. Carly: You did marry her Sonny, you made her vows and promises? Sonny: What about the promises I made to my child, those are more important! Carly: You are such a hypocrite, you claim to love Brenda, but you only care about yourself! Sonny: Why is any of this your business Carly? Carly: Because Brenda is my friend and I don’t have many friends. Sonny: Since when are you and her such good buddies? Carly: Since she came back, I don’t know why, but she excepts me. Sonny: She excepts more than she should at times. Carly: That doesn’t mean that she deserves to get her heart ripped out, she deserves more. Sonny: Brenda deserves more than I could ever give. Carly: Brenda had me convinced that you had changed, but she was wrong. Sonny: Is that so? Carly: Yes, you are nothing but a self loathing selfish bastard. Sonny: Then maybe I’m doing Brenda a favor and giving her an out. Carly: I know one thing for sure, you don’t deserve Brenda. Sonny: Your probably right. Carly: Actually, you and Hannah deserve each other, your both losers.
Up until that point, Jason had watched the verbal spar from the side lines. Unless either Sonny or Carly physically attacked the other person, Jason found that he didn’t have to get involved in there wars. However, he could tell that Carly’s last remark had really hurt Sonny. So he decided that their little squabble had gone on far to long.
Jason: Okay, Carly, that is enough. You have made your point. Carly is about to object, but she sees the look in Jason’s eyes and thinks twice. Carly: Fine, I’m going to go check on Michael. She leaves the room, quietly, which is not easy for her to accomplish. Sonny: I’m not as heartless as Carly thinks. Jason: No one is as heartless as Carly thinks you are, Sonny. Sonny: Probably not, but I’m surprised to see her sticking up for Brenda. Jason: I guess they have some things in common. Sonny: I don’t want to hurt Brenda, the vows we made mean something. Jason: Maybe so, but you were the one who said someone is going to end up hurt. Sonny: I don’t know what to do about the situation, Jason. Jason: You’ve already talked to Hannah, now you should talk to Brenda. Sonny: I want to wait until after the party tonight. Jason: Putting off telling Brenda won’t make it easier. Sonny: I want to spare Brenda from worry for a few hours more. Jason: It is your call. Sonny: I need to give her this time, but I need time as well. Sonny gets up and is about to leave. Sonny: I just need to hold her in my arms and pretend out lives aren’t going to change. Jason: You do what you have to do, I guess. Sonny: Yeah, I’ll see you tonight.
Sonny leaves and walks back to his and Brenda’s cottage. He stands on the patio for sometime, trying to recapture the peace he had felt hours earlier. He is deep in thought and doesn’t hear Brenda come in through the front door, In fact, he doesn’t realize she is there until she wraps her arms around his waist and embraces him from behind. He turns in her arms until they are face to face.
Sonny: I didn’t hear you come in just now. Brenda: I know, you were deep in thought. I came by about an hour ago and you were out. Sonny: I was out walking, I didn’t mean to worry you, baby. Brenda: I wasn’t worried, I just missed you. Sonny: Did you get to talk to Lois? Brenda: No, I saw Carly though. Sonny: I know, I just came from her and Jason’s cottage. Brenda: I also had time to spend with Lila. Sonny: I’m glad you got the chance. I know she loves your visits. Brenda: I showed her my wedding ring and told her we are married. Sonny: You did? Brenda: Yes, and I think she is happy for us, Sonny. Sonny: She didn’t like me very much when her and I first met. Brenda: No, but she sure likes you now. She sees you for who you really are, Sonny. Sonny: Who’s that? Brenda: A man who is loving and giving and lives his life according to a code of honor. Sonny: Maybe she thinks to much of me. Brenda feels Sonny a sadness wash over her husband. Brenda: What’s wrong? Sonny: Nothing, sweetheart.
He gives her a dismissive kiss on the forehead and walks to a private corner of the patio. Brenda follows him and tries to reach out to him, but she can tell by the standoffish way he is holding himself that he doesn’t want to be touched.
Brenda: I thought we were happy? Sonny: I am happy when I’m with you, sweetheart. Brenda: What has happened in the last hour to make you change? Sonny: I haven’t changed, I still love you with all my heart. No matter what that will never change. Brenda: Now, I’m really scared. I’ve heard those words before and it always means trouble. Sonny: I just want you to know that no matter what, you have my heart. Brenda: Stop it! You always say that when you are about to make some horrible mistake! Sonny: Not true, I’ve usually already made the mistake. I never mean to hurt you, Brenda.
Brenda is starting to panic by this time. Her and Sonny had faced some of the most turbulent times in there relationship with him starting out by proclaiming his undying love. It has gotten to the point that she can almost predict when a storm is on the horizon. Right now, she is getting an all to familiar feeling in the deepest part of her heart. He is going to do the one thing he promised he would never do, he is going to leave her again.
Chapter 49 After Sonny left, Jason finds Carly in the bed room, sitting on the bed, with her arms crossed in defiance. Jason: Sonny left. Carly: Good, I can’t believe that he is willing to give up what he has with Brenda for anything! Jason: It isn’t just anything he is giving her up for, it is his child. Carly: I thought they had a special connection though, a supernatural affection. Jason: If they do, than he won’t just be able to stop loving her on command. Carly: Than you agree that what he is doing is wrong? Jason: It doesn’t matter, Sonny thinks he is doing the right thing. Carly: I feel like pounding some sense into his head. Jason: You won’t change his mind. Carly: I can’t just sit back while he ruins the life of my friend! Jason: The make a difference where it counts, support Brenda. Carly: Fine, I’m going to go tell Brenda what Sonny is planning! Jason: No, Carly that isn’t something you should do right now. Carly: When should I do it, Jace? Jason: It isn’t your place to tell Brenda anything. Carly: I should just let Sonny hurt Brenda? Jason: It is better for Sonny to hurt Brenda then for you to hurt her. Carly: I see your point, then when she wants to get back at him, I can help her!
Jason just shakes his head with disbelief. Back at there cottage, Brenda is trying to reach out to Sonny. However, she feels as if she is beating her head against a brick wall. Sonny has poured himself a drink, and it isn’t even afternoon. Brenda sees it all as a bad sign.
Brenda: Sonny, what ever is bothering you, we can solve the problem together. Sonny: I wish that life really worked that way, but it doesn’t, Brenda. Brenda: *Softly* Okay, then tell me how it works? Sonny: You want to know how My life works? He throws the glass and it shatters into a thousand pieces. Sonny: In my life, I make mistakes and you keep getting hurt. Brenda tries to hold back tears as she gently places a hand on Sonny’s shoulder. Brenda: It doesn’t have to be that way anymore, honey. Sonny: Yeah, it does, because we never learn. Brenda: *Concerned and puzzled* What are we supposed to learn? Sonny: I hold happiness in my arms, the more I want it, the farther away it will float. Brenda: No, that’s not true. Come here and I’ll show you. She takes his arms and wraps them around her body, then she leans her head on his shoulder. Brenda: Do you feel it, Sonny? Our hearts beating together, that is happiness. Sonny: It won’t last, but can I just hold you for now, or to you have someplace to be? Brenda: I’m exactly where I want to be, now and forever. Sonny: We shouldn’t have come back here, we should have stayed on that island.
Brenda can feel him relaxing in her arms, but his voice is still tinged with desperation.
Brenda: Sonny, are our lives in danger? Sonny: No, there’s no danger. Brenda: I don’t want to fight. Sonny: Me either, that is the last thing I want, baby. Brenda: Then will you please just tell me what has happened? Sonny: It isn’t something that you need to worry about right now. Brenda: You don’t trust me? Sonny: Oh no, baby nothing could be more untrue. I trust you and our love. He tilts her head up until he is looking right in her eyes. Brenda: How can I believe that if I know you are keeping things from me? Sonny: Brenda, are you keeping anything from me at this moment? Brenda: No, like what? Sonny: Something about that guy that attacked you in my warehouse? Brenda: That is different. Sonny: It’s not different. I know you have a secret about that, but I’m okay with it. Brenda: It’s not driving you crazy? Sonny: No, because you think you are protecting me, and you’ll tell me when you’re ready. Brenda: *Smiling* You do trust me, don’t you honey? Sonny: I have been trying to tell you that all along. Brenda: Will you let me take care of you, then, right now? Sonny: How? Brenda: Come with me, but you’ll have to trust me. Sonny: I already do, but you know that sweetheart. Brenda: I do now, now come on. She takes his hand and leads him back into the cottage, where she sits him on the couch. Sonny: What are we going to do? Brenda: It’s a surprise. Wait here, okay? Sonny: As if I have a choice. Brenda: You don’t have a choice. Sonny: Do you mind if I have a drink? Brenda: Yes, as a matter of fact I do mind. What I have in mind is much more relaxing.
She gives him a alluring look, which completely captivates him, then she disappears into the bedroom. He can hear her looking through drawers and opening and closing the closet.
Sonny: Do you need some help in there? Brenda: No, I’ve got it under control. Sonny: Are you sure you don’t want me in there? Brenda Don’t move from that couch!
Sonny wants a drink so badly he doesn’t think he can stand it for a minute longer. He can see the bar from where he is sitting and he almost gives in, but Brenda comes out of the bed room with a canvas bag and something rolled up that is either a terry clothe robe or a beach towel.
Brenda: Are you ready? Sonny: I guess so. She starts to walk out the door, but first she gives Sonny a sultry look. Brenda: Follow me! Sonny: That is one command I can obey, I’d follow you anywhere.
She leads him out of the cottage and down a path, into the woods. Sonny hopes she is right and she can help him relax. Brenda always had the power to make him forget about the rest of the world and concentrate on their love. He isn’t sure how much more time he will have with her, but he is determined to make every minute count. Brenda leads him past the thermal lake she was swimming in a few days earlier.
Sonny: We aren’t stopping here? Brenda: No, this area is too public, remember Chloe and her sprained ankle? Sonny: I would just as soon forget, but this place is kind of sentimental. Brenda: Because this is where you became Chloe’s hero? Sonny: No, this is where I realized that I wanted to spend my life with you, Brenda. Brenda: You’re so sweet, but we still aren’t stopping here.
She takes him by the hand and leads him off on to a small, dirt, footpath which goes through a dense clump of bushes. Just when Sonny is sure they aren’t going to see the light of day again, the foliage opens up into a clearing. Off to one side is a smaller thermal lake.
Brenda: This is much more private. Sonny: I agree. Brenda: Granted, it isn’t as secluded as a Greek island. Sonny: I had my own private island once. Brenda: I think you told me about it. You lived by the ocean, right? Sonny: Yeah, and I hated it. Brenda: You hated living by the ocean? Sonny: I hated the island and the ocean and the perfect weather. Brenda: It sounds like a tropical paradise. Sonny: It was the kind of place that some men would kill to have. Brenda: What was wrong with it then? Sonny: It was as bad as being in prison, because you weren’t there, Brenda. Brenda: That is so sweet, maybe you don’t need an island anymore. Sonny: I can differently tell you that I don’t need that island. Brenda: For a few hours we are going to make our own island right here. Sonny: If only that were possible, if only we could make the world disappear. Brenda: It will, I promise. Now go slip into your swim trunks and I’ll meet you in the water. She hands him the bag. Sonny: Actually, I was thinking about us slipping out of everything all together. He gives her a sizzling smile. Brenda: Maybe, later.
He disappears into the brush, while she strips down to her swimsuit underneath her clothes. He was keeping something from her and that had hurt at first. However, he was right she had a secret as well and if he could live with that, she had no complaints. Sonny lived inside his head so much when things were bothering him that Brenda was willing to do anything to help him relax for a few hours. She eased in to the water and was surprised at how warm it was, about 102 by her estimate. It was a little warmer than the bigger thermal lake she had swam in several days earlier. It was extremely relaxing to move through the warm water an allow all her worries to float away.
Sonny walks out of the brush and clears his throat to grab her attention, as if he really needed to try very hard. He had captured her full attention years ago and she had never been able to let go. Brenda found him to be one of the most attractive men she had ever met, it didn’t matter what he was wearing or not wearing. Something happened to her physically every time she saw him, her heart rate increased and she had to consciously remember to breath. It would have probably blown her away to learn that she affected Sonny the exact same way.
Sonny: So what do you think?
Brenda tries to stifle an excited laugh and remain collected.
Brenda: It will do for now. Sonny: Please, do not tell me you are still waiting for the real thing to come along? Brenda: No, but I’m waiting for him to get in this water with me, it is so warm. Sonny: How about if I just sit on the edge and watch you sweetheart? Brenda: This is supposed to be your time to relax. Sonny: I find watching you to be very restful. Brenda: Sonny are you afraid to get in this water? Sonny: No, of course I’m not afraid. Although, we don’t know what is in that water. Brenda: Now you are starting to sound like Lois! Sonny: *Teasing* That really hurts, Brenda! Brenda: She wouldn’t swim in the thermal lake either! Sonny: I think she might have the right idea. Brenda: I think that it must be something they teach you in Bensonhurst! Sonny: We don’t have lakes in Bensonhurst, but are you insulting my old neighborhood? Brenda: What would you do about it was an insult? Sonny: I’ll show you.
Brenda had been floating in the water, about a hundred feet from the edge. Sonny catches her off guard as he dives into the lake and swims up to her in a few quick strokes. He throws his arms around her and his mouth comes crashing down on hers for a passionate kiss. She pulls away when they are both out of breath.
Brenda: *Smiling* Wow! I think I should insult you more often. Sonny: I don’t think that is a wise idea. He kisses her neck until she can’t stand it anymore and pulls away, smiling. Brenda: Lets swim. Sonny: I have a better idea.
He kisses her again, with more intensity than the before, pulls back for a breath and then kisses her once more. He runs his hands through her hair and down her back.
Brenda: *softly* Do you know how hard you are to resist? Sonny: I know how you make me feel, Brenda, by just getting near me. He trails kisses across her neck and throat until he hears her sigh. Brenda: I don’t want to start something we aren’t going to be able to finish. Sonny continues to kiss her and gently caress her body. Sonny: Why wouldn’t we be able to finish? Brenda: Because I have to leave soon. Sonny: No, Brenda, where do you have to go? Brenda: I promised Chloe I would meet her so she could fit me for my dress for tonight. Sonny: Does Chloe have something against you and I being together? Brenda: I don’t think so, why? Sonny: Because I need you right now, Brenda. Brenda: I know, but I didn’t know that when I promised to meet Chloe. Sonny: Okay, how long will this fitting take? Brenda: Not more than an hour. Sonny: Will you come back here when you are done? Brenda: That depends, will you be here in an hour? Sonny: Yes! Brenda: You really don’t have anything better to do than wait here for me for an hour? Sonny: I want to wait here for you, Brenda. Brenda: In that case, I’ll hurry.
She gives him a final kiss before getting out of the water and wrapping up in a robe. He watches her go and realizes that she has made him forget his problems for a short while. He knows that Hannah is still claiming to be pregnant with his child and he is going to have to tell Brenda the truth. However, none of that seems important at the moment. He misses Brenda the minute she disappears through the brush and that is something that matters. He doesn’t feel complete when he and Brenda are apart and he isn’t sure how he could manage to spend the rest of his life without her. Chapter 50 Brenda gets about half way back to the cottages and turns around and goes back to Sonny. As soon as she gets near the lake. He can feel her, but he resists the urge to break through the brush and grab her. Instead, he pretends that he doesn’t know she is there, until he sees her with his own eyes. Brenda gives him a warm smile as she breaks through the ring of shrubs. Brenda: Hi! Sonny: Hi yourself. You came back. Brenda: Yeah, did you miss me much? Sonny: That is pretty much a given. I thought you had somewhere important to be? Brenda: Yeah, right here with my husband. Nothing is as important as you, Sonny. Sonny: What about the dress? Brenda: The dress will still be there in a couple of hours. Sonny: Are you afraid that I’m going somewhere? Brenda: No, I just want to be here right now. Unless you want me to go away. Sonny: How about just plain wanting you, sweetheart . C’mer, Brenda. She smiles and sighs deeply. Brenda: Do you realize what is does to me when you say that phrase? Sonny: What? Brenda: It makes my heart melt. Sonny pulls her to him gently, wrapping his arms around her waist . Sonny: Only your heart? Brenda: No, it makes every part of me receptive to your every charm, it always has been that way. Sonny: I love you, I want you and I need you, Brenda. He gently frames her face with his hands and gives her a lingering kiss. At that moment, he needed to feel her in his arms more than he needed anything else in the world. Brenda: There is no place I would rather be than right here with my husband. Sonny: Could you say that again? Brenda: The part about wanting to be here with you? Sonny: No, the part about me being your husband. Brenda: I love you Sonny and I love the fact that you are my husband. Sonny: Brenda, I need you right now. Brenda: I know. She always knew what he wanted and what he needed. She wasn’t sure if it was the look in his eyes or just something that she felt in her heart. Right now she sees anguish in his eyes, but she sees love as well. Sonny: It’s just I’m not sure if it’s right, at this moment. Brenda takes his arms and wraps them around her, then kisses him softly. Brenda: It’s all right, Sonny, it is never wrong. Brenda lifts her head up and kisses him. Softly at first and then harder. Their kisses become more intense as he reaches up and runs his hands through her hair and down her back. He kisses her neck and then moves down to her shoulder, slipping the robe off of her body. Brenda enjoys the security of his arms around her, the feel of his mouth against her neck and the smell of his cologne. Sonny revels in the feel of her hair brushing against his face the smell of her perfume and hearing her breath quicken as he holds her tight. In a few timeless moments, they forget the problems of the world around them and indulge in each other on a level that only true soul mates can achieve. Afterwards, Sonny holds her tightly in his arms, vowing in his heart never to let go. Brenda: You keep coming up with new ways to amaze me. Sonny: Every time we make love, I find myself being reinvented by our love. Brenda: I wish we could just stay like this forever. Sonny: Why can’t that happen? Brenda: Well, for one thing I still have to go find Chloe. Sonny: *Kissing her neck* Not now. Brenda: *Groaning* I wish it were different, but it isn’t like we can’t come back here. Sonny: *Unconvinced* Right. Brenda starts to put the robe back on, much to her husbands disappointment. Brenda: In fact, we could probably sneak away while everyone is at the party. Sonny: *Grinning* Are you suggesting a moonlight dip? Brenda: Unless you don’t like the idea? Sonny: Oh, I like the idea all right. I might even make it through the party on that thought. Brenda: You aren’t looking forward to the masquerade tonight? Sonny: Not really, I don’t like parties. Brenda: Carly is putting a lot of time and effort into this party. Sonny: She is going to be at the party though and that kind of ruins my evening. Brenda: It won’t be that bad, plus you look so gorgeous in a tux. Sonny: I’m not looking forward to dressing up and hanging out with my fellow board members. Brenda: *Teasing* Not even this board member? Sonny: I Always want to be with you, baby. He gives her a kiss to end all kisses. By the time she is able to pull herself away from her husband it is late in the afternoon. Brenda rushes in to Lois and Ned’s cottage and find her friend and Chloe waiting. Lois looks at her watch and gives Brenda a look she hasn’t seen she was late for curfew in boarding school. Lois: Bren, where have you been? Brenda: Swimming in one of the thermal lakes Lois: Oh really, because you look positively flushed. Brenda: I do not! Lois: Yeah you do, doesn’t she, Chloe? Chloe: Actually, I would say she looks radiant. Lois: So I’m going to take a leap and say you weren’t alone? Brenda: No, and that’s all I’m saying. Am I that late or something? Chloe: No, we just arrived, I hope you don’t mind that we let ourselves in. Lois: The door was open. Brenda: No, it’s fine. After all, both of you started out as my roommates. Lois: Until we were replaced. Brenda: *Ignoring Lois* I didn’t even ask how your ankle is, Chloe. Chloe: It is much better, thank you. I don’t think it was even really sprained. Brenda: I’m glad. Lois was getting a little tired of the small talk, she wanted to know what was going on between Sonny and Brenda. Lois: So, Bren, speaking of roommates are you shacking up with Sonny for good? Chloe looks shocked, but Brenda looks unfazed. Brenda: That is usual what you do with your husband. Now it is Lois who looks shocked, until Brenda shows her the ring. Lois: Oh my gosh! Brenda, you married Sonny? Brenda: I think that looks like a wedding ring. Chloe: It sure does. Lois: Is that why you ran off, to get hitched? Brenda: Not exactly, Sonny was taking me to see Jax. Chloe: No one has heard from Jax since he left with Alexis. Brenda: Sonny traced them to a island off of Greece. Lois: Did you find Jax? Brenda: Not exactly, he’s dead. Lois: How can that be true? Brenda: Helena Cassadine poisoned him to death. Chloe is visibly upset by the news, but tries to keep control. Chloe: Are you sure Alexis was telling you the truth? Brenda: Robin saw him, right before he died. Chloe: I see, well I did warn him that running with the Cassadine’s would get him killed. Brenda and Lois can tell that Chloe is not taking the news very well at all. Brenda: Chloe, I’m sorry, I should have told you sooner. Chloe: What difference would it have made? Lois: Sweetie, are you okay? Chloe: I’m fine, after all, it’s not as if Jax loved me or anything. Lois: It doesn’t matter, you loved Jax. Chloe: Yes, but in the end it brought me pain because he couldn’t love me back. Brenda: I’m sure that Jax cared about you, Chloe. Chloe: Maybe, but he cared more about wining the game. Lois: Can we help? Chloe: No, I think I need some fresh air. I’ll be right back. She quickly leaves the cottage before they can see the tears in her eyes. Brenda: Lo, I feel really awful. Lois: It isn’t your fault, that kind of news is hard to take. Brenda: I know, it surprised me as well. Lois: Then you went right ahead an married Sonny! There was a disapproving tone in her friends voice that Brenda didn’t like. Brenda: Marrying Sonny had little or nothing to do with Jax. Lois: How can you believe that to be true Bren, they have always had something to do with each other. Brenda: That was what I realized, loving Jax had always been about not being able to have Sonny. Lois: You loved Jax though, right? Brenda: I loved all the things about Jax that were different from Sonny. Lois: That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, honey. Brenda: No, but it wasn’t necessary right either, because I was never able to stop loving Sonny. Lois: Are you sure you didn’t just marry Sonny out of grief over the loss of Jax. Brenda: I didn’t really loose Jax. Besides, things had changed between Sonny and I before we left. Lois: I knew it, right before you left you told me things had changed but you couldn’t talk. Brenda: Sonny came to me when I was at the lake and told me that he wanted to be with me. Lois: That was before You two rescued Chloe? Brenda: She actually interrupted me and Sonny. Lois: I’m surprised he let her live. Brenda: Me too, he was frustrated to say the least. Lois: If you and Sonny had decided to be together, why did you go look for Jax? Brenda: Sonny felt that it would help me to let go of the past if I saw Jax. Lois: What did you think? Brenda: I wanted to hear Jax’s account of the night AJ died. Lois: I would have liked to have heard that myself. Brenda: Didn’t you get a chance to ask Jax what really happened? Lois: Not personally, all I heard was what happened at the trial. Brenda: I guess it is pretty clear that Jax wanted ELQ at any cost. Lois: I don’t think murder was what he had in mind. Brenda: You know, I used to think Jax and his family were better than me or Sonny. Lois: It always seemed like they were pretty well put together. Brenda: That wasn’t true, in fact in a lot of ways they were worse than Sonny. Lois: Or at least they always got caught. Brenda: At least Sonny has honor and actually cares about people. Lois: Yeah, but sometimes he is really screwed up Brenda. Brenda: At least I know where Sonny is coming from 99% of the time. Lois: It’s that other 1% that really throws you though. Brenda: I know, but I love him and I’m never giving up on him, Lois. Lois: Besides, most of what Sonny does is a result of things that have happened in his past. Brenda: I, know and that kind of worries me at times. Lois: How so? Brenda: Lo, can I ask your option on something? Lois: Of course you can. Brenda: Your the only one I can ask this. Lois: Okay, but I want you to know that if Sonny makes you happy, that is all that matters to me. Brenda: Thanks, Lo. That means more than you could possibly know. Lois: Okay, so what’s your question? Brenda: Do you think Sonny has a problem with alcohol? Lois: No, I don’t think Sonny is a drunk. If that is what you mean? Brenda: How was he while I has gone, did he drink a lot? Lois: Well, I didn’t really see him much while he was grieving your death. Brenda: He probably drank though. Lois: Probably, but you should ask someone who knows like Jason or Mike or even Carly. Brenda: Carly would be biased and Mike and Jason wouldn’t give me a straight answer. Lois: Is there something particular you are worried about? Brenda: When I left Sonny this morning he was happy, then when I came back he was drinking. Lois: I don’t know what to say, Bren, other than what I’ve told you a thousand times. Brenda: You mean, "Sonny is who he is and I shouldn’t bother trying to reform him"? Lois: Exactly! Brenda: Did he always drink though, even when he was in high school? Lois: Yeah, but all the guys partied, it was high school after all. Brenda: I guess so, but where did they get the stuff? Lois: That was where Sonny came in handy, he could get his hands on just about anything. Brenda: See that is what I was afraid of, Lo. Lois: What? Brenda: Sonny equates drinking with power and popularity, even when he feels out of control. Lois: I guess I don’t see it as a problem. All the guys in the old neighborhood drank, it was a social thing. Brenda: Then Deke drank as well? Lois: That was different, Deke was probably always out of control. Brenda: I would just rather Sonny talked to me about his problems than drinking. Lois: If you really are worried about Sonny you should talk to him about it. Brenda: He would probably close up more, you know Sonny he doesn’t open up easily. Lois: Do you want me to talk to him? Brenda: No, he says that I don’t need to worry about what is bothering him right now. Lois: You believe him? Brenda: I trust him, Lois, plus I’m keeping something from him as well. Lois: I don’t believe that, you don’t have any secrets, Bren. Brenda: Yeah I do, and Ned already knows, so I might as well tell you. Lois: My Nedly has been keeping secrets from me? Brenda: Yes, but only because I asked him to keep quiet. Lois: Okay, is this your secret or Ned’s? Brenda: Mine, you know how I don’t remember where I was for a year? Lois: Right, until just before you returned to Port Charles. Brenda: I woke up one morning a month ago on a small island off of Chile. Lois: Why does that have to be a secret? Brenda: Because I was in bed with a stranger. Lois: So what? Brenda: I later found out he was Jaun Marco Chavez. Lois: The leader of that strange South American cult? Brenda: The very same, I saw his picture in the newspaper a few days later. Lois: You were the lover of a crazed cult leader? Brenda: I’m not sure, when I woke up I was wearing street clothes. Lois: Was he alive when you left? Brenda: I don’t know, I thought he was sleeping, but he might have been dead. Lois: Do you realize you might be the only living witness to what happened there. Brenda: Ned said the same thing, but I don’t remember anything. Lois: There are probably good reasons for that, but you should get to the bottom of this. Brenda: I thought it was all over until the night that guy attacked us on the docks. Lois: That had something to do with Chavez? Brenda: The man who tried to kill me in the warehouse claimed to be a Chavez follower. Lois: Does Sonny know about this stuff with Chavez? Brenda: No, and I’m scared to tell him for so many reasons. Lois: You have got to tell him, Bren! Brenda: I know. Lois: Tonight, after the party. Brenda: I will, don’t worry. Sonny and I are just starting to rebuild our trust. Lois: You mean you had trust before? Brenda: Yes, before I wore the wire. Lois: You mean when he was lying through his teeth? Brenda: Before that, when I knew what he was about and didn’t care. Lois: Remind me, when was that? Brenda: I always knew what Sonny was doing, when he was working for Frank, and I didn’t care. Lois: You were scared silly though. Brenda: Not of Sonny, more of what could happen to him. Are you trying to talk me out of loving Sonny? Lois: No, because I know that would be like trying to stop the sun from rising in the morning. Brenda: Exactly. Lois: Or trying to stop an asteroid from slamming into the planet and wiping out all life. Brenda: Okay, I get the picture. Lois: I’m not sure that you do, but that is okay. I’ll stand by you no matter what. Brenda: You know, Lo, I don’t remember much about the last year, but I’m sure I missed you. Lois: I missed you too.
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