Chapter 51 In all the years he had worked for Sonny, Johnny had never been as embarrassed as he was at that moment. Hannah had tried on Adela’s wedding dress and found that it was too small. She was determined to wear it to the masquerade and had enlisted Johnny’s help with a zipper that simply would not budge. Johnny: I’m afraid it won’t zip, Ms. Scott. Hannah: Try harder! Johnny: We are either going to break the zipper or bust the seam. Hannah: I have to get it zipped! Johnny: Why not wear another dress? Hannah: No! It has to be this dress! It was more than sentiment that Hannah was going for by wearing the dress. At the party, Lopez was supposed to deliver the fake blood tests showing Sonny to be the father of her non existent child. She had already described Adela;s wedding dress to him and told him that was what she was going to be wearing. Hannah: I can get another dress before tonight. Johnny: Maybe you can have this one altered. Hannah: Wonderful idea, you are smarter than you look. Johnny found that he frequently had to remember that she was a woman, otherwise he would have belted her long ago. The woman had no respect what so ever for the men who risked their lives to guard and protect her worthless skin. He tries to stop from seething, as he watches her call the front desk and ask for a seamstress. At Lois and Ned’s cottage, Brenda and Lois are exchanging a friendly hug when Chloe walks back into the living room. Chloe: Is it safe to come back? Brenda: Yes and I’m sorry that I just blurted it out about Jax. Chloe: It is fine, you had information to share and you shared it. Brenda: I should have found a better way to spare you feelings. Chloe: No, I over reacted. After all, I didn’t mean anything to Jax. Brenda: I know that wasn’t true, because I knew Jax. He didn’t pretend to care about people. Lois: That’s true, if he didn’t like you he let you know. Just ask Sonny. Brenda: Besides, like we said before, what is important is how you felt about Jax. Chloe: I loved him, but when he left I got over him as well. Brenda: If it would help you to talk, we can listen. Chloe: What I would really like is for you to please try on your dress. Brenda: I’m dying to see the dress! Chloe brings in a opaque garment bag. Lois: Actually, there are two dresses. Brenda: *To Chloe* When did you have a chance to design two dresses? Chloe: I started to work on them as soon as I found out you were alive. Lois: I helped her design one of the dresses. Brenda: No way, your are dress designer now? Chloe: Actually, Lois has a very good artistic eye. She has unzipped the bag, and is placing two dresses on the couch. Lois: This is the one that I helped her design. Lois picks up one of the dresses so that Brenda can get a better look. It was sea foam green with lace inlay and a full skirt. Chloe: Isn’t it gorgeous? Brenda: You have got to be kidding? Lois: What’s wrong with the dress Bren? Brenda: Doesn’t this dress look familiar to you Lois? Lois: I think it has a timeless quality to it, yeah. Brenda: It looks like the dress Sonny’s mother wore on her wedding day to Mike. Lois: No, this dress is completely different. Brenda: Take another look. Chloe takes the dress so that Lois can look it over. Lois: Maybe it is similar in some ways, but the color is different. Chloe: Thank goodness. Brenda: It is a little too close for comfort. Chloe: Okay, would you like to see the other dress, Brenda? Brenda: Yes. Chloe: Always have a back up plan, that is my advice. Chloe pulls out a dress that is the polar opposite of the first dress. It is royal blue, fitted, with a plunging back. Brenda loves it, until she sees the back, then her face falls. Chloe: Oh my gosh! You hate this one as well. Brenda: *Tears forming* No, it’s beautiful. Lois: Why are you crying? Brenda: Someone should wear this dress, just not me. Chloe: It was designed for you, Brenda. Brenda: I can’t wear a dress that is back less. Lois: You have a beautiful back, Brenda. Brenda: Maybe I used to, but not anymore. I have scars from the accident. Chloe: There is a wrap that matches. Chloe shows her a beaded silk wrap. Lois: Your hair is long, Bren. Chloe: Will you at least try on the dress and the wrap? Brenda: I guess, since you went to all the trouble to make the dress, it is the least I can do. Chloe hands her the dress and she goes into the next room. Lois: Let us know if you need some help. Brenda slips on the dress and instantly falls in love. She places the shawl on her shoulders and turns until she can see her back in a mirror. With the wrap on and her hair down, the scars are invisible. She takes off the dress and walks back to the living room. Lois and Chloe are anxiously waiting for her to model the dress. They are obviously disappointed when she carries the dress out over her arm. Lois: Well, what do you think about the dress? Chloe: How does it fit? Brenda: I love the dress, and it fits perfectly. Chloe: I’m so glad! Brenda: I don’t know how to thank you, Chloe. Chloe: I have wanted to design you a dress for so long, Brenda. Brenda: I still owe you a great deal, so send the bill for both dresses to Sonny! All three women laugh. Chloe: And the purse, you must not forget the purse. She hands Brenda a beaded evening bag that perfectly matches the dress. Lois: Do you have shoes to go with the dress? Brenda: I’ll have to find something I guess. Chloe: I could lone you something if you are really desperate Brenda: I’ll see what Carly has, she is closer to my shoe size. Chloe: I think you are right. Brenda: I’m going to take this back to my cottage and take a relaxing bath. Lois: Okay, I’ll see you tonight. Brenda is about to walk out the door, when Chloe stops her. Chloe: Wait! You almost forgot your mask. Brenda: What mask? Lois: The party is a masquerade, or had you forgotten? Brenda: I was hoping to ignore the fact. Chloe: Nonsense, tonight is going to be so much fun. Lois: Are you going to be able to carry all of that? Brenda: I think I’ll just take the wrap and the dress and come back for the rest. Lois: Suit yourself. Brenda hands the mask and the purse back to Lois and leaves the cottage. She doesn’t get more than a few hundred feet before she nearly collides with Hannah, who is closely being followed by Johnny. It has been over a month since Brenda first saw Hannah standing on the penthouse stairs, wearing only one of Sonny’s shirts. After all that time, Brenda still can’t get used to the fact that looking at Hannah is like looking in a mirror. Brenda stops, paralyzed like an animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. The spell is broken when Johnny talks to her. Johnny: Are you all right Ms. Barrett? Brenda: Yes, but I’m Mrs. Corinthos now. She shows Johnny her wedding ring. Hannah: *Under her breath* Not for long. Brenda: Excuse me, did you say something? Hannah: You should enjoy it while it lasts, because you won’t be Mrs. Corinthos for long. Brenda: You just know everything, don’t you? Hannah: I obviously know a thing or two that you don’t, Brenda. Johnny realizes that this conversation is headed in a bad direction and slips off to go find Sonny. The women don’t even notice that he has gone. Brenda: Whatever! What are you doing here, Hannah? Hannah: It’s a free country. I can come and go as I please. Brenda: You can come and go as you please. As long as you stay away from my husband. Hannah had to stop herself from laughing out loud. It was almost exactly the same conversation she had with Brenda when Sonny was married to Lily. Now Brenda was the wife warning the "other woman" to stay away. Although Hannah would never admit it, one thing had remained the same. Brenda was still the only woman Sonny would ever love. Hannah: Maybe you should talk to your husband about whether or not he wants me to stay away. Brenda: I don’t have to talk to him about it, he has nothing to say to you, Hannah. Hannah: *Faking surprise* Then he hasn’t told you that we saw each other today. Hannah knew that Sonny hadn’t told Brenda. He had told Hannah that he wanted to wait until after the party to tell Brenda about that baby. Brenda: It all makes sense now, you are the one that upset Sonny. Hannah: I did no such thing. In fact he was ecstatic about my news. Brenda: Why can’t you comprehend that I’m Sonny’s wife now? Hannah: Because I know that it doesn’t matter to him. Brenda: Of course it does. Hannah: Not when I have something to offer him that you don’t, Brenda. Brenda: I can’t imagine what your delusion brain has cooked up. Hannah: You’ll find out soon enough. Brenda: It won’t matter what you do, you can’t come between me and Sonny. Hannah takes a hold of the dress that is over Brenda’s arm, before she can protest. Hannah: Is this your dress for the party tonight? Brenda: Yes. Hannah: It’s nice, of course not as nice as the dress I’m wearing. Brenda: I didn’t even know you were invited. Hannah: I’m going as Sonny’s guest. I have his invitation. Brenda: How nice, but I have his heart, his soul and his body. Brenda gives her a smug look, which makes Hannah’s blood boil. Hannah: I could have him in my bed at this moment if I really wanted. Brenda: You are crazy. Sonny would never betray our love in that way or our vows. Hannah: He didn’t care about you when he made love with me. Brenda: He was grieving for me, all that changed when he found out I was alive Hannah: We have been together numerous times since your return. Brenda: You’re lying! Hannah: Oh really, shall I tell you what it feels like to have his arms around me, kissing my mouth. How he moves down my neck to my shoulders. How he almost makes me loose control when he presses his body against mine. Brenda can’t stand to hear it anymore and slaps her. Brenda: Shut up! Hannah: Make me! Hannah gets a malicious look in her eyes before she tosses Brenda’s dress in a nearby decorative pool of water. Brenda: That was real mature! Hannah: I guess the little princess won’t be going to the ball after all. The self satisfied smirk on her face is too much for Brenda to take. She shoves Hannah roughly to the ground . Sonny and Johnny come around the corner in time to see Hannah land on the ground. Sonny rushes to her side, glaring at Brenda. Sonny: What do you think you are doing, Brenda? Brenda: Sonny, let me explain what happened. Sonny: I don’t want to see you ever touch her again, do you understand? Brenda doesn’t understand at all. Sonny: *To Hannah* Are you all right? Hannah: I think so, I need to sit down. *She gives Brenda a self satisfied smirk.* Sonny: I’ll take you back to my cottage. Sonny has his arm around Hannah’s waist, comforting her. It seems to Brenda that Sonny doesn’t even know she exists, so she walks away, dazed and confused. She can’t bare to watch Sonny taking care of Hannah, so she doesn’t look in their direction. If she had looked, she would have seen looking glancing at her with concern. It only took him a brief second to realize that he had wrongly alienated his wife. He stares at Brenda with a look of longing in his eyes. She is the one that he wants to be with, but he feels obligated to Hannah because she is carrying his child. He indicates for Johnny to follow Brenda, while he takes Hannah back to his and Brenda’s cottage. Brenda walks as if she is in a daze, but she manages to find her way back to Lois and Ned’s cottage. Lois and Chloe are sitting on the couch when Brenda walks in, looking like she has just fought and lost the hardest battle of her life. Lois: We didn’t expect you back so soon. Brenda breaks into a fit of hysterical sobbing. Chloe: What is the matter? Brenda: The dress is ruined and so is my life. She sits down on the couch and is instantly comforted by the two women. Lois: Tell us what happened? Brenda: I was walking back to the cottage when I saw Hannah Scott. Chloe: Oh my gosh! I should have mentioned that I saw her earlier. Lois: *Glaring at Chloe* Yeah, that might have been nice. Brenda: We fought and she tossed the dress in a pool of water. Chloe: She desecrated one of my creations! Lois: What happened after that, honey? Brenda: I knocked her on the ground! Chloe: Usually, I don’t approve of violence, but in her case I’ll make an exception. Lois: Will find you another dress, Bren. Brenda: I don’t care about the dress. Sonny saw me knock her down and came to her defense. Lois: Sonny took her side over yours? Brenda: He wouldn’t even listen to me, he was worried about her being okay. If it is at all possible, Brenda starts to cry harder. Lois: *Seething* I knew this was too good to last. Where is Corinthos now? Brenda: I heard him telling Hannah he would take her to our cottage. Lois: Chloe, stay here with Brenda. Chloe: What are you going to do? Lois: I’ll go give Sonny a piece of my mind and my fist. Brenda gets a desperate look on her face. Chloe: No, I think we should both stay here and help Brenda get ready for the party. Brenda: I’m not going, my dress is ruined! Chloe: Good thing I designed two dresses. Lois: Besides, you can’t give Hannah the satisfaction of preventing you from going. Chloe: Just tell me what I can do to the other dress to make you feel more comfortable. Brenda: The dress is lovely, but all my make up is in the other cottage. Lois: No, you left it all here before you left for the island. Brenda: I forgot, but there is a necklace in the cottage that I would like to wear. Lois: Bren, are you sure you aren’t just making excuses to check up on Sonny? Brenda: I can’t stand the idea of the two of them there together. Lois: I can’t let you go over there and be hurt, by him again. Chloe: If you really want the necklace, we could send someone to the cottage. Brenda: I really want the necklace. Chloe: Fine, I’ll call Carly and have her go for the necklace. Lois: Good idea! Brenda wasn’t sure it was a very good idea at all, but before she could protest, Chloe was calling Carly. Sonny has taken Hannah to the cottage and placed her on the couch. He hands her a glass of water. Sonny: Are you all right? Hannah: I am now. Sonny: Was that her dress in the pond? Hannah: Yes, she threw it in there in a fit of rage! Sonny: That doesn’t sound like Brenda. Hannah: It was frightening and Brenda was just horrible to me! Hannah throws her arms around him and buries her head in his chest. He stokes the back of her hair and tries to comfort her as she cries crocodile tears. Before he realizes what is happening, Hannah is attempting to kiss him passionately. Carly walks in without knocking and finds them in a clinch. She just shakes her head sadly and walks right by them into the bedroom. Sonny pulls out of Hannah’s arms and stands up. Sonny: Are you feeling better? Hannah: Much better. Sonny: Than you should go. It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a demand on his part. Hannah: Are you really going to let Carly ruin what we have going on here? Sonny: We don’t have anything going on, Hannah. Hannah: Will I see you tonight? Sonny: There is no doubt in my mind that you will. With that Sonny leaves her in the living room to go find out what Carly is doing in his bedroom. Hannah leaves a huff, pulling out her cell phone as soon as she is out of ear shot of the cottage. She dials a number and waits for an answer at the other end. Hannah: Hello Eric, this is Hannah Scott. I know it has been awhile. Eric: That is an understatement, I thought you had left the agency? Hannah: We parted company about a month ago, but I need your services. Eric: Is this going to go on your tab? Hannah: No, I have cash this time. Eric: Okay what do you need? Hannah: I need you up at the Willow Lake Resort tonight. Do you know how to find the place? Eric: Yes, I’ve been near there before. Hannah: Good, I need you to work your magic on a red Porsche sports car. Eric: Explosives? Hannah thought about it for a second, it would be too perfect to plant a bomb in Brenda’s car. However, she had learned from her father’s mistake. It was too hard to foresee all the scenarios of an explosion. Hannah: No, just make it look like the driver had an accident. Eric: Okay, that is no problem. Hannah hangs up the phone and smiles devilishly, one way or the other Brenda was going to be out of her and Sonny’s life for good. Sonny found Carly going through the drawers in his and Brenda’s bedroom. Sonny: Can I help you, Carly? Carly: *glares at him* You can’t even help yourself, Sonny. Sonny: What are you looking for? Carly: There is a necklace that Brenda would like to wear tonight. Sonny: One of the ones that Alexis brought from Greece? Carly: I suppose so, it is made up of blue crystals. Sonny reaches into a drawer and pulls out the necklace. Carly is about to grab it from his hand, but he pulls his hand away. Sonny: Why isn’t Brenda here to get it herself? Carly: You are lucky she wasn’t the one who walked in on you and Hannah. Sonny: Nothing happened between Hannah and me, I was just giving her a glass of water. Carly: You were about to quench each others thirst all right! Sonny: I wouldn’t have let it go that far. Carly: I don’t care, I promised Jason I wouldn’t get into this with you, Sonny. Sonny: You know why I’m taking care of Hannah. Carly: Right, because she claims to be carrying your child. Sonny: I owe it to her to take care of her as the future mother of my child. Carly: What about taking care of Brenda as the mother of your future children? Sonny almost looses his cool, when it takes that to mean that Brenda has told Carly that she was pregnant Sonny: What are you saying Carly, has Brenda told you something I should know? That wasn’t what Carly meant, but she was not about to let such a golden opportunity pass to play with Sonny’s head. Carly: I know you two having been trying to have a child. Would it matter if she was pregnant? Sonny: Brenda is the only woman I have ever wanted as the mother of my children. Carly: Then why are you prepared to walk away from Brenda and your marriage? Sonny: I have no intention of walking away from Brenda, ever. Carly: I just can’t believe you, Sonny. May I just have the necklace? Carly takes the necklace and gives Sonny a look of disbelief, then she leaves. Sonny spends several minutes thinking about the idea that Brenda could be pregnant as well. He knows that the timing is all wrong, but he can’t help but be happy about the idea of Brenda carrying his child. Chapter 52 Sonny was adjusting his tie in the bedroom mirror when he noticed the night gown Brenda’s had worn the pervious night was thrown over a nearby chair. His picks it up and deeply inhales her scent. Something had happened since she returned from the dead, it was something that he hadn’t allowed to happen during the year she was gone. Now, whenever they were apart, he missed her terribly. He actually ached for her when she was gone. When he believed she was dead, he hadn’t allowed himself to have these feelings. He had actually forced himself to stop missing. Now he didn’t want he didn’t want to stop feeling this way. He wanted to miss her because he knew that it would make him work extra hard to win her back. That was why he was going to the masquerade, because he knew Brenda would be there and she would be beautiful. He would want to talk to her and touch her and make up for his earlier behavior. It was either push himself to do those things or sit alone in the cottage and drink. He walks into the living room and finds Johnny waiting. The body guard looks nervous, as if he has something to say, but is worried about Sonny’s reaction. Sonny: Are you supposed to be here or are you supposed to be guarding Ms. Scott? Johnny was beyond sick of Hannah. It was the first time in his life that he had reached the point where he wanted something bad to happen to the person he was guarding. Johnny: Actually I would like to talk to you about Ms. Scott. Sonny: All right. Johnny: I have been spending a lot of time with her, maybe Francis could guard her tonight? Sonny: Jason has asked Francis to watch Michael tonight. Johnny: *To himself* Lucky Francis. Sonny: Reggie is up for the party and Leticia would like some time with him. Johnny: That is nice for them. Sonny: Yeah, they don’t get to spend a lot of time together. Johnny tries to find a delicate way to phrase his next statement. Johnny: I really think you need to find someone else to guard Ms. Scott tonight. Sonny: Why do you have a hot date or something? Johnny: No, just forget I mentioned anything. Sonny: It’s forgotten, besides I never intended for you to watch Hannah at the party. Johnny: You didn’t? Sonny: No, Hannah will be fine. I want you to watch Brenda at the party. Johnny tried to hide his delight at his assignment. Johnny: I think I can handle that. Sonny: *Smiling to himself* I don’t know, Brenda can be a handful. Johnny: Actually, now that she stopped having us arrested, she is a pleasure to guard. Johnny was referring to the period of time, directly following when Sonny left her at the altar. Jason had men assigned to watch Brenda, but she kept calling the police and having them arrested for trespassing. Sonny acts angry, but he is actually teasing with his next remarks. Sonny: You get pleasure out of guarding my wife? He emphasizes, "My Wife" and causes Johnny to blush. Johnny: I didn’t mean any disrespect. Sonny: I don’t want you to just watch her tonight, I want you to take care of her. Johnny: Could you be more precise? Sonny: I want you to be sure she eats right and isn’t on her feet for too long. Johnny: Is Mrs. Corinthos sick? Sonny: No, but I have it good authority that she might be pregnant. Johnny: In that case, I’ll take very good care of her. Sonny: I’m counting on that. Johnny: Will she be coming back to the cottage before the party? Sonny: No, she is going with the Ashton’s. You can catch up with her at the party. Johnny: I see. It was pretty clear from his voice that he really didn’t understand. Sonny: *Lying* You know how women are, they like to dress together for these things. Sonny was spinning the tail mainly for Johnny’s benefit. However, on some level he was also trying to convince himself that Brenda was with Lois because she needed her friends help to get ready and not because she was trying to avoid her husband. At the moment, Brenda was sitting on the bed in Lois and Ned’s room. She was dressed in the green gown Lois and Chloe had designed. Her hair was pined up in a loose twist, intertwined with ribbons and silk flowers. She should have felt like royalty, but all she could think about was the fact that Sonny wasn’t with her. Ned sticks his head in from the living room. Ned: Brenda, are you ready? Brenda: I’m not going! Ned looks over at Lois, who is sitting on the couch. She is dressed in another Chloe Morgan original, one that is the exact same shade of blue as her eyes. Ned: She says she isn’t going. Lois stands up, determined and marches into the bed room. She stands with her hands on her hips. Lois: Brenda, we are ready to go! Brenda: I can’t. Lois: Why not? Brenda: Do you really have to ask? I don’t feel like going to a party. Lois: You have every right to stay home tonight. Brenda: Thank you, I knew you would understand. Lois: You could stay here hiding under the covers. Brenda: I have no reason not to, right? Lois: Actually, I can think of one very good reason why you shouldn’t. Brenda: What? Lois: Come here and I’ll show you, Bren. Lois takes her friend by the arm and pulls her to a full length mirror. Lois: There you go! Brenda: What? Lois: You look gorgeous! It would be a shame to waste this look on the covers. Ned: She is right you know, you really should show that dress to the world. Lois: Can you imagine how disappointed Chloe would be if you didn’t attend the party? Ned: Believe me, you don’t want to disappoint Chloe! Brenda gives them a reluctant smile. Brenda: All right, you have convinced me that I need to show off the dress. Lois: Good, lets go then. Brenda: Wait a minute, what if Sonny is there with Hannah? Lois: I don’t think he would do that, Bren. Brenda: Why not, he was with her this afternoon. Lois: Carly said that she left soon after. Brenda: Still, I don’t think I could stand seeing them together. Ned: You’ll have a lot of support, you’ll be surrounded by friends. Lois: Right, besides us, Chloe and Carly are completely on your side. Brenda: I don’t want people ganging up against Sonny, he is my husband. Lois: Exactly, Sonny isn’t going to appear in public with Hannah, while he is married to you. Ned: Lois is right, Sonny may have faults, but he takes marriage vows seriously. Ned: Now, can we go? Lois: Don’t forget your mask. She hands a mask to Ned and then picks up hers and Brenda’s. He offers his arms to Brenda and Lois and they are ou the door. Carly has just checked on a sleeping Michael for the hundredth time. She is a little anxious that Jason has given Leticia the night off, leaving there son in the care of Francis, one of the body guards. She is wearing a long, stapless, full skirted purple dress that swishes when she moves and makes a lot of noise. Her hair is up and she is wearing the diamonds Jason gave her. Carly: Michael is still asleep and should stay that way. Francis: I’ve stayed with Michael before, Mrs. Quartermaine. Carly: *Cringing* How many times do I have to tell you to call me Carly? Francis: Sorry. Carly: You know what to do if Michael wakes up? Francis: Read him the book on South America until he falls asleep. Carly: We are to the section on Chile. You know where we will be? Francis: In the main ball room, now go have a nice time. Carly smiles, then calls into the next room. Carly: Jace, lets get a move on, I’m the hostess I can’t be late! Jason walks in, buttoning the cuffs on his tuxedo. Carly spins around so he can get a good look at her dress. Carly: What do you think? Jason: *Smiling* Nice, really nice. Carly rolls her eyes and then gives him a teasing look. Carly: We need to get you a thesaurus! Jason: What? Carly always wanted Jason to gush when she dressed up, which he didn’t understand. She wasn’t wearing the dress for him, or even for herself. She was all dressed up to impress other people. Of course she looked drop dead gorgeous, but he always thought she was most beautiful in the morning, when she had just gotten out of bed and was feeding Michael breakfast. The problem was, he never told her that. Carly: Never mind. Jason: I see you are wearing the diamonds I gave you? Carly: These diamonds saw me through a marriage to AJ. Can we go now? Jason: Actually, that was Sonny on the phone. He wants us to wait for him. Carly: I can’t be late, how long do we have to wait? A knock on the door answers her question. Francis opens the door to Sonny. Jason: *Grinning* We won’t have to wait long. Sonny: *Whistling* I got to admit Carly, you clean up pretty well is that a Chloe Morgan? Carly: Thank you, Sonny. Yes it is a designer original. She glares at Jason, who just shrugs. Sonny: Did ELQ pay for that designer original? Carly: *Shooting him a sour look* You just don’t know when to quit! He flashes her a dimpled grin. Jason: Sonny, where’s Brenda? Sonny: She is with Lois, I’ll catch up with her at the party. Carly gives him a know it all look. Carly: You take a lot for granted, Sonny. Sonny: You just don’t know when to quit. Jason: Okay, I can feel a fight brewing,, so we had better just leave. Carly: Let me grab our masks. Sonny and Jason burst out laughing. Jason: You have got to be kidding? Sonny: You really don’t expect us to wear masks? Carly: Of course I do, it is a masquerade. Jason: Sonny and I don’t do masks. Carly: Everyone will be wearing them, you’ll look Silly if you don’t! Sonny: Not as silly as we’ll look in feathers and sequins! Carly: Jace, you’ll wear it for me, won’t you? Jason considers for a moment. Jason: Um, No! Carly: Fine, then just be party drags for all I care! She storms out of the cottage in a huff, while the two men look on. Jason exchanges a look with Sonny. Jason: We are doing the right thing? Sonny: Of course! Jason: Would you wear a mask if Brenda asked. Sonny: *Letting out a breath of air* Tough call, I hope she never asks. Jason: Maybe I should just take the mask, in case I decide I want it later. Sonny just shrugs. Sonny: It is your call. He and Jason leave the cottage, following Carly into the night. The first thing that Brenda does when she gets to the ball room is look around for Sonny. She is visibly disappointed when she doesn’t see her husband, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Lois. Lois: I guess Sonny hasn’t arrived yet. Brenda tires to remain nonchalant and unfazed. Brenda: I hadn’t noticed. Ned: Right! Well, I’ll go find us a table. Brenda wasn’t the only one who looked for Sonny as soon as she walked in the room. Hannah was also disappointed that Sonny had yet to arrive. Lois was facing the door and saw Hannah walk into the room and was stunned to see her wearing Adela’s wedding dress. Lois: Oh my gosh! Brenda, you will not believe what just walked through the door. Brenda: Is it Sonny? Lois: Not by a long shot. At least we know he isn’t with Hannah! Brenda turns around and can’t believe her eyes, it is almost as if Adela’s wedding picture has come to life. Brenda: Where did she get that dress. Lois: I don’t know, maybe it isn’t the same dress. Brenda: Of course it is the same dress. I have got to get out of here! Brenda sprints from the ballroom, passing Carly on her way out. Carly: Brenda, what’s wrong. Brenda: I just need some air! Brenda doesn’t slow down until she is away from the main building. The party had spilled out of the ball room. Waiters carried trays of food and drinks to the milling party guests, but Brenda just wanted to be alone. Brenda sat down on a bench looking, from a distance at least, as if she was waiting for someone. Lopez had arrived a short time before and had been waiting to deliver the blood tests to Hannah. From his hiding place he saw a woman with dark hair wearing a dress with lace inlay. She was wearing a mask as well, however he was convinced that she must be Hannah. He had already decided it would be dangerous for him to approach her personally. Hannah had explained to Sonny that Lopez was her photographer. As such, he had no valid reason for being at the party or making contact with Hannah. It was much easier to have a third party deliver the file to Hannah. He pulls a waiter off to the side and hands him the file. Lopez: Do you see that woman siting over on that bench? Waiter: Yes sir. Lopez: Make sure she receives this file. Lopez slips the man a tip as well, waits until the waiter approaches the woman, then disappears into the darkness. Brenda looks up as the waiter approaches, but doesn’t notice Lopez. Waiter: A man asked me to give you this. Puzzled, she takes the file and opens it, but the light is too dim to read the contents. If she had been able to see that the file contained the results of a blood test, she wouldn’t have understood anyway. After all, she had no idea Sonny found out earlier that day about Hannah’s pregnancy. Brenda decides that she has other things to think about and closes the file. She can’t help but wonder why Sonny isn’t at the party. Chapter 53 From where Brenda is sitting, outside the main building, she can see everyone who is coming and going. So, when Sonny and Jason arrive it is almost as if Brenda were waiting for them. To a certain extent she was waiting, using the excuse that she couldn’t stand to be in the same room with Hannah. Really, Brenda was waiting to catch a stolen glimpse of the man she loved before Hannah attached herself for the evening. To say that when Sonny saw Brenda he wanted her, would be doing a discredit the sense of longing he had been feeling all day. Jason hadn’t even noticed Brenda or the fact that Sonny had stopped walking and was watching her. Sonny: Jason, wait up, what is you hurry? Jason: I need to get in there to Carly. Sonny: Carly can wait. Jason: Maybe you think so, but I know better. Besides, what is out here that is so important? Sonny indicates Brenda, sitting on a beach looking absolutely beautiful. Sonny: Is it my imagination or does she look different? Jason: Different from what? I guess her dress is new. Sonny: It is more than a new dress. She looks like something that fell from the heavens. Jason: Where do you come up with those lines? Because I could use a few for Carly. Sonny isn’t listening, his complete attention is focused on Brenda. She has known for some time that he is watching her, but she has refused to look up and meet his gaze. Finally she can’t stand it any longer and looks in his direction. Sonny was drop dead gorgeous when he was all dressed up. It makes her weak just looking at him! She has taken off her mask and placed it on the bench, so nothing prevents him from connecting with her gaze. For the first time, he is able to see her face and her hair and how they work with the dress to form a lovely package. For a few seconds he is so taken with her, he forgets to breath. He lets out a breath of air he has been holding and mouths the words, Wow! She seems flushed for a few seconds, then she smiles. He moves towards her, which causes panic to build in her heart. Admiring him from across a crowded garden was not the same thing as having to speak to him or letting him close enough to touch. She is almost relieved to see Hannah walk up to him and divert his attention. Almost relieved was the key, because even though she expected Hannah it still hurt to see Sonny with another woman. Hannah: Sonny, I’ve been looking for you all evening. Sonny: Well, you’ve found us. Sonny is looking over Hannah’s shoulder, at Brenda, with a look of longing in his eyes. Hannah: You should probably go inside, Carly is missing you I’m sure. Jason: I’ll just wait for Sonny if you don’t mind. Hannah: Sonny and I have some things to discuses! Jason: I think, After this afternoon, Sonny is all discussed out. Hannah: You told him? Sonny isn’t really listening to Hannah and Jason, he is focused on Brenda. He can’t take his eyes of her hair. The way it is pulled up with intertwined flowers makes Sonny want to pull it down and run his fingers through her loose hair. Her makeup gives her whole face a rosy glow. Her lips are pink and desirable. Sonny has never wanted to kiss her as much as he does in that moment. He can’t he can’t manage to take his eyes off Brenda. Jason: I’m going on in, are you with me Sonny? Sonny takes another longing at Brenda, but she has averted her eyes, looking everywhere except in his direction. Sonny: *Sighing* There isn’t anything keeping me out here. I’m right behind you, Jason. In an absent minded moment, Sonny allows Hannah to take his arm as they walk into the ball room. Brenda turns and looks in time to see them walking away. This emotionally crushes Brenda. Sonny: Is that a new dress? Hannah: Yes, I wasn’t sure you had noticed. Sonny: I thought everything you owned was black. Hannah: This is a special exception. Sonny: It looks kind of familiar. Hannah: It should, it was your mothers wedding dress. Sonny tires to hide his surprise. He isn’t sure how else he feels about Hannah wearing his dress, but a large part of him is convinced it isn’t right. He is about to ask her how she ended up with his mother’s dress. However, they walk into the ball room and find all eyes focused on their entry. The three nonchalantly walk towards Lois and Ned. Ned: The dress that Hannah is wearing looks just like the one in that photograph. Lois: I Know, and this night just keeps getting better and better. I need a stiff drink. Ned: I think junior Ashton would object. Lois: What a night to be pregnant! Her and Ned had been watching a magic show that was going on at the front of the room, that is until there attention was drawn to Hannah’s second grand entry of the evening. Jason: Have you two seen Carly. Lois: Up there. She points to the stage, where the magician is demonstrating that a box is solid. Jason: What is going on? Ned: I think he is going to make Carly disappear. Jason: I don’t like the sound of that. Sonny has just walked up, with Hannah trailing behind like a shadow. Sonny: Too bad it is only a part of his show and it isn’t for real. Lois: *Glaring at Hannah* I can think of a few people I would like to make disappear. Jason: So Carly will be all right? Ned: She’ll be fine. Lois: That is an interesting dress you are wearing, Hannah. Hannah: Isn’t it beautiful, I think it was made with me in mind. Ned: Is it one of Chloe’s designs? Hannah: No, it is much older than Chloe, it belonged to Sonny’s mother. Lois: You know the last time I saw that dress it was in an attic in Bensonhurst. Ned: How did you get the dress Hannah? Hannah: It just kind of fell into my lap and I knew I was meant to wear it tonight. Lois: I feel sick! Hannah: Is it morning sickness? I hear that can be such a pain, I guess I’ll have to wait and see. Sonny and Jason both glare at Hannah. Sonny: Lois, you should probably go sit down. Ned: Good idea, I see Grandfather over there, lets go sit with him. Ned leads Lois to a table. Sonny turns to Hannah and tries to control his anger. Sonny: What was that morning sickness crack supposed to be about? Hannah: They weren’t paying any attention. On the stage, the magician helps Carly into the box. Then he closes the door and a puff of smoke clouds the stage. When the smoke clears, he opens the box and reveals it to be empty. Jason: Where did Carly go? Sonny: Down a trap door or escape hatch or something, she will be back soon enough. Jason: She had better be, she has to read to Michael at midnight. After falling through several feet of escape hatch, Carly found herself roughly deposited outside the building. After she stands up and straightens her crumpled dress, she finds that one of her shoes is missing. The whole ordeal might have entertained the guests, but she finds herself less than amused. She looks around for her shoe and when she doesn’t find it, she takes off the other one and tosses it in the bushes. Her dress is long, so it isn’t really noticeable. She walks across the grass until she comes to Brenda. Carly: Hey, Brenda, are you okay? Brenda turns around and tries to fake a smile. Brenda: What are you doing out here, Carly? Carly: Some stupid magician made me a part of his disappearing act and dropped me out here! Brenda: I bet that was a popular act! Carly: Not with me, somewhere along the way I lost my mask and one shoe! Brenda: Do you want to borrow my shoes? I’m not really using them. Carly: No, but I think I’ll have Jason and Sonny make that magician disappear for good! Brenda sighs when Carly mentions Sonny and a wistful look crosses her face. Carly: I know that look, what did Sonny do now? Brenda: What makes you think he had to do anything new? Carly: You’re dressed for a party and not at a party, which screams out that Sonny did something. Brenda: All Sonny did was show up looking like a cover of GQ and gave me that look! Carly: What look? Brenda: That look that could melt the polar ice caps and cause global sea levels to rise. Carly: I guess he has never given me that look. Brenda: It’s like he is making love to me with his eyes. Carly: Okay, no one has EVER given me that look. Brenda: Sonny gave it to me tonight, he was standing right over there. Carly: This is a bad thing? Brenda: Yes, because after this afternoon, he has no right to look at me that way! Carly: Did you tell Sonny that he really screwed up? Brenda: No, I just gave him the same look he was giving me. Carly: Let me get this straight, you and Sonny were seducing each other from across the courtyard? Brenda: We can’t seem to help it, even when we are apart we are always together emotionally. Carly: Yet, you are out here alone? Brenda: That is because Hannah showed up and he went inside with her. Carly: You let him go? Brenda: What was I supposed to do? He is free to go anywhere with anyone! Carly: I’m not the best person to argue morals with, but that ring on you finger means something! Brenda: What about his behavior this afternoon, he took her side. Carly: Temporary insanity affects us all at one time or another. Brenda: *Laughing* I guess we both know that first hand. Carly: What you need to do is get in there and rip the Banana’s hands off of your man! Brenda: Okay, but first lets go look for your shoes. Carly: Actually, it is kind of nice to go barefoot. Brenda: Aren’t you afraid that you will ruin your hose. Carly: No, I’ve been walking on the grass and it is kind of nice. Brenda: I’ll take your word for it. Carly: You should try going barefoot. It is hard to be unhappy when you are walking through cool grass. Brenda: We need to get you inside quick, you are going delusion! Brenda is about to walk off when Carly sees the file folder. Carly: What is this? Brenda: One of the waiters gave it to me, must be L&B business. Carly: It doesn’t go with you dress, take it to the front desk and they’ll hold it for you. Brenda: Good idea, I’ll pick it up after the party. Brenda and Carly walk back towards the brush where Carly had been dumped by the disappearing act. Even though they are surrounded by party guests and the courtyard is well lit, Brenda suddenly feels a wave of fear pass over her. Brenda: Carly, lets hurry up and find your shoes and get back inside. Carly: Why is something going to happen inside? Brenda: No, but I’m afraid something is going to happen outside. Carly: Like what? Brenda: I don’t know, but I feel as if we are being watched. Carly: You mean by Sonny? Brenda: No, this is a very different feeling. Brenda was right, something was going to happen that evening. However, It wasn’t much safer inside the ball room. From one corner of the packed chamber a executioner, hidden behind a mask, was stalking his prey. It had been a long, frustrating journey that had led him to this moment, but tonight was the night when his pilgrimage would be complete. One way or another, he was going to kill Brenda Barrett that evening. Chapter 54 Brenda and Carly looked for a short time and couldn’t find both of Carly’s shoes. The did find her mask, but it was unwearable. Brenda was still feeling uneasy when they finally made it to the front desk with the file, and she was down right distracted by the time they returned to the ball room. Brenda notices that Johnny is watching her from the moment she walks into the room. Which is kind of a comfort, because it means that Sonny still cares enough about her to have her guarded. Brenda: I’m sorry that we couldn’t find your shoes. Carly: My dress is long enough so no one will even notice. Brenda: You’re probably right. Carly: Did you read the folder? Brenda: No, it was too dark. Why do you ask? Carly: I’m just curious. Why would someone deliver it to you in the middle of a party? Brenda: I guess I won’t know until I find out until I read the file. Brenda and Carly walk over to Lois, who looks like she is waiting for something to happen. Lois: Carly, weren’t you a little taller a few minutes ago. Carly: Probably, it has been that kind of night. Lois: What happened, did that magician shrink you? Carly: I would like to shrink him! She lifts up her skirt for Lois to see her feet. Brenda: We looked for her shoes all over and couldn’t find them. Lois: Are you okay with going barefoot? Carly: It will be okay as long as Jace doesn’t step on my toes when we dance. Brenda: Is that magictian still around? I’d like to make Hannah dissapear. Lois: You read my mind. Brenda: Can you believe that she wore that dress? Carly: What is so special about her dress? Brenda: Nothing, except that it was the dress Sonny’s mother wore when she married Mike. Carly: Are you sure, it might just look the same or maybe Sonny gave it to her? Lois: We just saw that dress a little over a month ago. Brenda: I would kill to know how Hannah got her hands on the dress. Lois: You had that trunk of Sonny’s old things sent to Kelly’s didn’t you Bren? Brenda: Yes, that has to be where she found the dress! Carly: You had a trunk of Sonny’s belongings sent to your room at Kelly’s? Brenda: Yes, it wasn’t safe in the attic of Sonny’s old house. Carly: So you thought you would keep it safe? Brenda: Yes and Hannah had no right to paw through the trunk. Lois: You had a right to, though? Brenda: You were with me! Besides, I’m not the one wearing the old wedding dress. Lois: No, but you were the one that pocked Sonny’s senior ring. Carly: You took his ring? Was it worth anything? Brenda: I don’t know! It was worth something to me. It isn’t the same thing as what Hannah did! Carly: No argument here. She wore that dress tonight to get a reaction. Lois: So I say we should ignore her. Brenda: Then I’m going to need a lot of champagne! Brenda reaches for a glass from the tray of a passing waiter. Before she has a chance to realize what is happening, Johnny is at her side with a glass of mineral water. Johnny: I think you had better drink this Mrs. Corinthos. Brenda is puzzled, but takes the glass, as Johnny steps back to watch over her. Brenda: Is there something wrong with the champagne? Lois: Don’t ask me, I’m pregnant. A guilty look crosses Carly’s face. Carly: I guess I forgot about that. You are going to find this so funny. Brenda: Okay, Carly just what is going on here? Carly: I might have kind of let it slip to Sonny that you might be pregnant. Brenda: What? Carly: I guess he probably told Johnny to treat you with special care. Lois: Carly, how could you mislead him like that? Brenda: Carly, why would you tell Sonny something like that? Carly: I guess I just wanted to mess with Sonny’s head a little. Brenda: Planting the idea of us having a child together is probably not the best idea. Carly: He was treating you pretty badly, I thought maybe if he thought you were pregnant it might help. Brenda: Even if I were pregnant, it would be too soon for me to know. Carly: Well, Sonny is a man, and they don’t realize that kind of stuff. Lois: It’s true, they expect you to know the minute the child is conceived. Carly: Besides, you could be pregnant Brenda. Lois: She could? Carly: Yes, her and Sonny have been going at it, unprotected, 24/7 since they got married. Brenda: How do you know this, Carly? Carly: You have told me part of the story and Sonny has filled in the blanks. Lois: Is this true, Bren? Have you and Sonny been trying to have a baby? Brenda: Yes, but only since the wedding. Lois: Then I back Johnny up 100%! No champagne for you tonight. Brenda: Thank you so much, Carly! I’m stuck at a party with Hannah and I can’t even drink! Jason walks up in time to hear Brenda’s last comment. Jason: Why can’t you drink, Brenda? Carly: because she is trying to be supportive of Lois. Jason: Brenda is the only one drinking club soda. Brenda: I was just about to have Johnny get Lois a refill. Carly: Jace, no one is dancing. We should probably go out there and set an example. Jason: Sure. Brenda: Watch your toes, Carly. Carly: Right! Carly takes Jason by the arm and leads him to the dance floor. Jason: Weren’t you taller when we left the cottage? Carly: So much for no one noticing. Jason: What happen to your mask? Carly: I lost my shoes and my mask during that stupid magician’s act! Jason: He wasn’t that good, I could tell how he did most of his tricks. Other people begin to join them on the dance floor. Carly: I hope you didn’t announce that to the rest of the room? Jason: Actually, I did and they weren’t very happy with me. Carly: You aren’t suppose to tell how a magic trick is done, Jace. Jason: Is that why the magician didn’t seem to be very happy either? Carly: Actually in this case, he probably deserved what happened. Jason: Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? Carly: *Smiling* You said I looked "nice" Jason: You look more than nice, you look like something that fell from the heavens. Carly gives him a puzzled look and then bursts out laughing. Carly: Did you get that line from Sonny? Jason: *Embarrassed* Why would you think that I would have to get a line from Sonny? Carly: It just sounds like something he would say. Jason: *Teasing* I was trying to compliment you and this is the thanks I get? Carly: I know how you feel about me, you don’t have to use lines. Jason: How is that? Carly: Because I know you so well and I can see into your heart. At that moment, one of ELQ’s foreign investors cuts into Jason and Carly’s dance, sending Jason to the sidelines. He walks over to Sonny, who fakes sympathy. Sonny: You lost your dance partner? Jason: Yeah, but it is part of her job as official hostess. Sonny: Well, at least she seemed to be having a better time with you. Jason: Carly was laughing at me, not with me. I told her she looked like she fell from the heavens. Sonny: Brenda inspired that line, you can’t use it on Carly! Jason: She saw through it anyway. Sonny: Of course she did, you don’t ever say those kinds of things to Carly. Jason: Would Brenda have laughed at you if you had told her the same thing? Sonny: Probably not, because Brenda knows that I mean those things, I adore Brenda always. Jason: Carly is so beautiful to me when she is reading Michael a book or feeding him. Sonny: If you feel that way, you should let her know often how beautiful she is to you. Jason: They are just words though. Sonny: *Smiling* I used to think the same thing, then someone reminded me words are important. He gives Brenda one of his famous sultry looks from across the room. Which she tries to pretend is not affecting her. She looks down at her glass of club soda and notices the ice has melted for the second time in ten minutes. Brenda: My ice keeps melting. I wish Sonny would stop giving me those looks! Lois: That is a lie, there is nothing you and Corinthos love more than driving each other crazy! Brenda: *Smiling* That is probably true. Lois: You know I’m right. Lois takes Brenda by the arm and leads her across the room. Brenda: Where are we going? Lois: We haven’t looked at the historical pictures of Edward and Lila yet. Lois takes Brenda over to look at a table of pictures. Sonny finds it impossible to take his eyes off Brenda. Sonny: Is it getting warmer in this room? Jason: That depends on where you are standing. Sonny: Are you blocking the air conditioning or something? Jason: It wouldn’t matter, you and Brenda are heating up the air between you two. Sonny: Is it that obvious? Jason: Yeah, but I don’t get what is going on between you two. Sonny: I hurt her this afternoon. Jason: So, does that change how you feel about her? Sonny: Nothing could change I feel about her. Do you think she can forgive me, Jason? Jason: For hurting her feelings? Sonny: No, for making a mistake with Hannah. Can Brenda live with my mistake? Jason: You think a baby is a mistake? Sonny: No of course not, but I don’t love Hannah and I never will. Jason: Are you thinking about asking Brenda to raise Hannah’s baby with you? Sonny: I don’t know, I’m just thinking out loud. Jason: You were willing to give up Brenda for Lily and your other child. Sonny: Brenda that that was a beautiful reasoning for leaving her. Jason: Was it? Sonny: No, it was just selfishness on my part, besides Brenda wasn’t my wife at that time. Jason: Now she is your wife. Sonny: I think it is about time I started to treat her as my wife. Brenda wasn’t looking at the pictures, she was looking at Sonny, again! Lois decided that had been patient with Brenda’s mood swings, and stubbornness for long enough. Lois: Okay, Brenda! This has gone on long enough! Brenda: What are you talking about? Lois: The looks that you and Sonny are exchanging could melt the polar caps! Brenda: He started it by looking like he want me! Lois: I think it goes way beyond want, Bren. Brenda: If that is true, than why did he walk in here with Hannah on his arm? Lois: I don’t know, Sonny has been confusing me since junior high. Brenda: What kind of hold does she have over him, because I know it’s not love. Lois: Of course not, he is madly in love with you. Brenda: I’m not imagining this though. Lois: Bren, you are going to have to ask him yourself. He is headed this way. Brenda: Hannah will intercept him. Lois: I don’t think so, he looks pretty determined to me. Brenda: Sonny is so sexy when he is determined. I can’t look at him. Lois: I think you might want to look. This is my cue to disappear. Brenda: Lois, don’t leave me alone! Lois: You won’t be alone for long, I promise. Lois walks off as Sonny approaches. Brenda pretends to ignore him and looks at the pictures. In reality, she is physically affected by his presence. He knows this, he can tell by how she is holding her body that he is affecting her. Brenda is holding Edward and Lila’s wedding picture in her hand when Sonny places his own hand over hers. He leans over her to look at the picture, making sure to brush gently against her shoulder. Brenda has to remind herself to breath. Sonny: It is hard to believe that Edward was ever that young. Brenda: Or Lila either. Sonny: She sure was a beautiful bride. Brenda: They say that all brides are beautiful, because they are loved. Sonny: *Whispering into her hair* Some brides are more beautiful than others. This affects Brenda so much that she nearly drops the photograph. If Sonny hadn’t been holding on as well, she would have dropped it. Sonny: Woa! That was almost embarrassing. He puts the photo back on the table. Sonny: It just occurred to me that we didn’t take any photos like that at our wedding. Brenda: I guess Alexis couldn’t think of everything. Sonny: I guess you don’t have to take the picture on the wedding day. Brenda: It wouldn’t be the same. Sonny: Who would ever know. We could get all dressed up and have it taken anytime. Brenda: It wouldn’t have Mike or Robin. Sonny: What does it matter, we are the same two people who exchanged vows on the island. He indicates the picture. Sonny: Edward and Lila have been married for over 50 years. Brenda: Yes, they have something special. Sonny: So do we. Do you think in 50 years it will matter what day we took our wedding picture? Brenda: That depends, do you want your mistress in the wedding picture? Sonny: Who are you talking about? Brenda: I’m talking about Hannah. Sonny: You know I don’t believe in having a mistress. Brenda: That was the story when I applied for the job. Sonny: I’m confused, why would you think that Hannah was my mistress? Brenda: Because you took her side this afternoon. Sonny: I didn’t realize that I was doing that, sweetheart. Brenda: You took her back to our cottage. I felt like I was intruding or something. Sonny: I’m sorry, I hurt your feelings or alienated you. Brenda: It goes way beyond hurt feelings, I want to know what happened? Sonny: I took her back to the cottage, gave her a glass of water and then she left. Brenda: No, I want to know why you were taking care of her? Sonny: I was trying to keep her away from you. I don’t want you wasting time fighting with her. Brenda: Why do you care so much about what happens to her? Sonny: I don’t, I care about you, baby. I didn’t want you getting upset. Brenda knew he was still keeping something form her, she could always tell when he had a secret. Brenda: Do you promise that is all it was about? Sonny: I promise. Now, will you dance with me? Brenda: Why? Sonny: Because I want you in my arms and besides they are playing our song. Brenda: *Smiling* Which song would that be? Sonny: Whichever song you want it to be, baby. An instrumental version of "The Nearness of You" starts to play. He leads her to the dance floor then, gently places his hands on her shoulder and turns her to face him. Sonny: *Whispering into her hair* Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? Brenda: I don’t think you have gotten around to that. Sonny: You take my breath away. Brenda: You don’t look so bad yourself. Sonny: When I saw you in the court yard earlier, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous you were. Brenda: I almost stayed home tonight. Sonny: I’m glad you decided to come here, otherwise I would have missed you. Brenda: I’m glad I came too, these last few minutes have made it all worth it. Sonny wraps his arms tightly around Brenda and as they move in time to the music she can’t help but think of how easy it would be to get lost in his embrace. They both have their eyes shut tightly, blocking out the rest of the world and concentrating on each other. Brenda: I have been waiting all night to be in your arms and to dance with you. Sonny: Me too, Brenda. I don’t want to fight like this ever again. I love you too much. Brenda: I love you too, and I hate it when we fight. They somehow manage to hold on even tighter to one an other and for a few moments all of the problems of the outside world disappear. Chapter 55 Sonny held Brenda in his arms, even after the song they had been dancing to ended. Brenda was the first to realize that there wasn’t any music at all anymore, because the orchestra was taking a break. Brenda: *Self conscious* Sonny are you even listening to the music? Sonny: Not really, I’m listening to the song playing in my heart. Brenda: *Smiling* What song would that be? Sonny: The one that says I’m never going to let you go. He continues to hold fast to his wife. Which would have been fine with Brenda it they hadn’t been drawing attention to themselves. Brenda: Honey, the music has stopped. Sonny finally notices that they are the only ones still on the dance floor. Sonny: *Whispering into her hair* Brenda, do you want to go somewhere private? Brenda: *Smiling* Will we come back? He pulls back just enough to give her a passionate look. Sonny: Not if I have my way. Brenda: Isn’t it kind of rude to run out on Carly’s big night? Sonny: I think she will understand. Brenda: I’ll just go tell her that we are leaving. Sonny: I’ll wait for you by the door. They are still deep in each others embrace, neither one making any move to let go. Brenda: Sonny, do you want to go with me to talk to Carly? Sonny: *Frowning* No that is not my idea of a perfect end to a perfect evening. Brenda: First of all, who says the evening is coming to an end? Sonny: I hope it isn’t ever going to end. Brenda: Second of all, except for the last ten minutes, how perfect has tonight really been? Sonny: I don’t remember anything before that time, sweetheart. I’ll be over by the door. They are finally able to break their embrace, knowing full well that they would be back in each others arms in a few minutes. Sonny watches her walk across the room and can’t help but wonder how he ever lived without her in his life. Brenda physically affected him whenever she was near, but what he felt for her was so much stronger than a physical attraction could explain. Brenda touched his soul on a level that was hard to put into words. Hannah had been watching them for the past ten minutes with complete disgust. She had convinced herself some time ago that all Sonny felt for Brenda was based on lust. Of course, that didn’t take into account the fact that Sonny had loved Brenda faithfully for over five years. Which was light years beyond the period for most relationships based on lust. However, believing there was no deep base to Sonny’s feelings for Brenda was the only way Hannah could face herself every morning. On some level, she knew what she was doing was deplorable. She had allowed Sonny to continue to believe that Lily and there child had died because of his love for Brenda, even though she was very much alive and there had never been a child in the first place. Now she was pretending to be pregnant once again, in the hopes Sonny would choose his family over his passion. Only something appeared to be going wrong, Sonny didn’t appear to be in the process of leaving Brenda. In fact, it didn’t seem as if he planned on telling Brenda about the baby at all. Sonny was standing in the doorway, as if he were the master of the universe. At the same time, he was gazing over at Brenda, looking at her as if though she were his queen. When Hannah had been Lily and her and Sonny were married, she had always hated the looks Sonny always gave Brenda. Now it was happening again and she couldn’t stand the situation. She knew that she had to put a stop to Brenda’s happiness. She could see Brenda across the room, laughing with Carly. Brenda: So, you don’t mind if Sonny and I skip out on you and the party? Carly: Are you kidding? You two were fast becoming an embarrassing part of the entertainment. Brenda: Since when is watching two people in love an embarrassment? Carly: It happens when they are so wrapped up in each other, they forget about the rest of the world. Brenda: I guess I see your point. Are we going to loose our voting privaleges if we leave? Carly: Impossible, you lost those when you ran off to that Greek island. Brenda: It was all for a worthy cause. She shows Carly her wedding ring. Carly: Very nice, but the jury is still out on whether or not it was a worthy cause. Brenda: What will it take to convince you, Carly? Carly: That is going to depend on how Sonny treats you, Brenda. Brenda: I don’t think that is something we are going to have to worry about. Carly: Tell me that again in a month or 9 and I’ll believe it more. Brenda: Carly, I don’t think I’m pregnant yet. Hannah has walked up behind them and has heard this statement. Brenda has opened up a wonderful opportunity that she just can’t let pass. Hannah: I don’t think Carly was talking about you, she was talking about my pregnancy. Brenda turns and gives Hannah a furious look. Brenda: This is a private conversation, Hannah. Hannah: Maybe, but don’t you want to congratulate me on being pregnant with Sonny’s child? Brenda was absolutely stunned beyond words by Hannah’s announcement. There was no way on earth that it could be true, it had to be a lie. Only she knew it wasn’t, because within an instant, Carly was slapping Hannah with all her might and yelling ever name in the book. Carly: You are such a whore! Sonny wanted to tell her in his own time. Hannah: I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to think of my child! Carly has now knocked Hannah to the ground, and is showing every sigh of wanting to rip her to shreds. Brenda on the other hand, seems to be unable to move. She feels as if she is watching a movie where everything is in slow motion. She feels hurt and humiliated, but on some level she feels numb. She isn’t sure how it happens, but in less than a minute, Jason and Johnny are pulling Carly and Hannah apart. Jason: What happened? Carly: Hannah, told Brenda she is pregnant. Hannah: Is that such a crime? Jason: Sonny asked you not to say anything. Suddenly it dawns on Brenda, they all knew about this and conspired to keep her in the dark. Brenda: *Angry* You both knew about this and didn’t tell me? Carly: Sonny asked us not to say anything. Brenda: I thought you were my friend, Carly? Carly: We are friends, Brenda. Brenda: No, I hate all of you! Brenda turns to leave and bumps into Sonny. Sonny: Brenda, sweetheart, what is the matter. She shoves him aside. Brenda: I especially hate you, Sonny Corinthos! She turns and flees the room, her emotions running high carry her deep into the night. Sonny: Will someone please tell me what is going on here? Carly: She knows about the baby. Sonny doesn’t stop to ask questions, he turns and races after Brenda. Hannah is being restrained by Johnny. However, she pulls free and is about to follow Sonny, until Carly forcefully grabs her by the arm and jerked her around until they are face to face. Carly: Don’t you dare. Hannah: Sonny needs my help. Carly: You have "Helped" enough! You leave them alone or I’ll rip you apart with my bare hands! Jason: Okay, Carly, you have made your point. Come over here for a minute. Jason takes her by the hand and leads her off to a side room. As he does, Carly calls back to Johnny. Carly: Make sure she doesn’t leave this room! Hannah tries to step around Johnny, but he doesn’t allow her to move. He gives her a wicked smile. Johnny: I’m going to really enjoy this. Jason takes Carly into the side room and sits her down on the couch. He can see from the look on her face that she is about to break down in tears. Carly: Jace, this is a nightmare. This whole evening has turned into a disaster! Jason: It isn’t a disaster, it will just be memorable. Jason wraps his arms around Carly, as tears streaming down her face. She leans her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes. Carly: Why did I ever think I could pull off something like a masquerade party? I’m so stupid! Jason: You’re not stupid, Carly. This isn’t your fault. Carly: I should have had Hannah thrown out! Jason: You didn’t know what she was going to do, besides she had an invitation. Carly: It was Sonny’s invitation. I don’t know why Chloe sent it to the penthouse. Jason: See, it was all Chloe’s fault. You were the perfect hostess all evening. He gives her a smile and she can’t help but laugh. Carly: What kind of hostess throws herself at guests? I should have controlled myself better. Jason: What else is new? When someone you care about is threatened you fight hard. Carly: Jason, there were people here tonight that I should have been trying to impress. Jason: You mean investors and people like that? Carly: Yes, they are going to think that the CEO of ELQ belongs in the gutter. Jason: Carly, you are a good CEO, your record will survive a fight with Hannah. Carly: The thing is I know where Hannah is coming from, I’ve been in her place. Jason: So, you agree with what she did? Carly: No, and if she ever hurts Brenda again I’ll kill her or hire someone to kill her. Jason: Let Sonny take care of Brenda, can you do that? Carly: She looked so hurt as if everything she believed in had been destroyed. Jason: Everything must have come as a shock to Brenda. Carly: She didn’t even fight Hannah, she just stood there. It was as if her heart had been crushed. Jason: She is lucky to have you as a friend. Carly: I hope she still feels that way. I guess the party is pretty much over. Jason: I don’t see why, not that many people saw the fight. Carly: You have to be kidding? Jason: Some people hadn’t arrived yet and others were outside. Carly: If you are just saying that to make me feel better, it’s working. She gives Jason a quick kiss. Jason: I think we should go back out there, before the hostess is missed. Carly: Do we have to go back? Jason: I’m afraid it is a part of your duties. He takes Carly by the hand and is leading her out of the room when Edward comes barreling through the doorway. Edward: *Waving his finger* What are you trying to do, ruin this company? Carly: No, Edward. Edward: Ned get in here! Ned and Lois walk through the doorway, looking puzzled. Lois: What’s wrong now? Edward: Carly is trying to destroy 50 years of my hard work! Ned: How, by having a successful anniversary celebration? Jason: Where have you guys been for the last 30 minutes? Lois: Outside, why did we miss something important? Edward: Only the brawl of the century between our CEO and Hannah Scott. Lois: Good for you, Carly. Hannah has been asking for it all night. Ned: *Upset* What happened? Jason: Hannah is claiming to be pregnant with Sonny’s child. Edward: Wonderful, did you know you attacked a pregnant woman! Carly: Yes, but it is just her word. She could be lying. Jason: Sonny doesn’t think so. Lois: Oh my god! Poor Brenda. Where is she now? Carly: She ran out of the building, Sonny went after her. Edward: I feel for Brenda, but we have business to conduct. Jason: Most people didn’t even notice the fight. Edward: Still, I can’t have a CEO who continually gets into fights. Carly: *Defensive* What are you saying Edward? Edward: For the good of the company, I must request your resignation, my dear. Jason: Wait a minute, it was one little fight. Carly is one of the best CEO’s ever. Edward: She is probably only second best to Ned. Ned: IN some ways she is better than I ever was. Edward: No matter Ned, you will have to do for now. Lois: He will have to do what for now? Edward: What do you think? He will have to take over as CEO. Lois, Ned, Carly and Jason just stare at Edward. None of them can believe what they are hearing.
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