Chapter 125 The morning after Rivera’s death Sonny Corinthos awoke feeling as if everything was right in the world. He had spent the night with his arms wrapped around the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman who the night before had given him the two most wonderful gifts he had ever received. One was the first identifiable picture of their son and the other was her faith in him. Sonny had known a lot of women in his life she wasn’t his first lover, but Brenda was different from all the others in one important way. She believed in Sonny, she didn’t just wish that he would be a good father and husband, she knew that we were going to be the best. That moved Sonny very deeply, she didn’t just fill up his arms or his bed. Brenda filled up his heart and his life and he knew that their son would do the same. So, it was with a great deal of reluctance that he pulled himself out of her embrace and out of their bed on that morning. However, he had business to attend to, he had a future to plan and it couldn’t wait. Luke Spencer would arrive soon with details of the events surrounding the death of Frank Smith. In return, Spencer would want details of Hernando Rivera’s death and he would want to know what Sonny’s plans were for the future. With both Rivera and Smith gone the external threats to the families of both Luke and Sonny were gone as well. Sonny no longer had to worry about outside forces threatening his or Brenda’s lives. However, Sonny now faced a crossroads in his life. With the death of two of the most powerful players in the organized crime game. A great deal of power would be up for grabs. The way Sonny saw it; he could have that power, position and prestige if he wished to seize it. However, in doing so he would put Brenda and their child at risk forever. They would never be safe as long as he stayed in the organization. These thoughts run through his mind as he finish’s getting dressed and prepares for his meeting with Luke. He takes one last glance at Brenda’s peacefully sleeping form and realizes what he must do to protect his family. He heads down stairs and finds Stone sitting on the couch. Sonny: Hey, do you want some breakfast before you head to the club? Stone: No, I can get something on the way. Sonny: Are you sure? I can whip up some omelets, waffles, and the works. Stone: If I wait around for that, I’m going to be late. Sonny: Who’s going to know? I’m meeting Luke here in a while, so he won’t be there. Stone: Someone has to be there. Besides, there will be time for a big breakfast some other morning. Since you’re sticking around for a while. Sonny: I’m in it for the long haul. Stone: Is Brenda still asleep? Sonny: She’s sleeping like the angel that she is. I think I wore her out. Stone: I don’t need to hear the details. Sonny realizes that Stone thinks he is speaking in terms of passion. Sonny: *Grinning* That’s not exactly what I meant. I meant that I wore her out by making her think that I was walking out on her. You know, contrary to popular belief, I don’t go out of my way to try and upset Brenda. I don’t want to hurt her, that isn’t why I decided to leave. Stone: I know and so does Brenda. You made the right decision by staying, but what changed your mind? Sonny: Brenda did, I was all set to leave and then I ran into her. You should have seen the look on her face when she realized that I was leaving. She actually thought it was her fault Stone: What did you expect? Sonny: I guess I knew she would be upset, I just never expected to have to see the pain in her eyes. Stone: She loves you. Sonny: Yeah, sometimes I just don’t know why she loves me? Stone: Don’t worry about why she loves you, just thank God that she does. Sonny: I do, because I’d be lost without her. Stone: I know you would be lost if she wasn’t a part of your life. I’ve never really seen you open up to any one the way you’ve opened up to her. She is good for you Sonny. Sonny: She is too good for me. Stone: She doesn’t think so. Sonny: The love Brenda and I share is such a powerful force that sometimes I wonder if we can keep it together. Stone: Running away won’t solve anything. Sonny: I know that now, besides she threatened me. Stone: Brenda threatened you? Sonny: Yeah, she told me that if I left her and our child she would come after me and kick my butt good! They both laugh. Stone: Do you think she really would? Sonny: She would if it didn’t put our child at risk. Stone: You have to hand it to Brenda, she is persistent. Sonny: That she is, thank goodness. Otherwise her and I might not be together right now. Stone: I don’t know about that observation, you and Brenda are meant to be together. Sonny: I guess. Stone: I’m going to head on over to the club. Are you coming by today? Sonny: Maybe just for a little while. I need to go down to Puerto Rico and take care of some stuff. Stone: Brenda isn’t going to like that one little bit. Sonny: You never know. It has to do with securing our future. Stone: I’m not so sure Brenda will see it that way, but stop by on your way out of town. Sonny: Sure. Stone leaves and Sonny goes to the kitchen to start cooking breakfast. About the time that he finishes Luke shows up. Sonny: Do you want to eat? Luke: Sure, we can talk while we eat. Sonny goes to the kitchen and comes back with a tray with food and juice. Luke looks at the feast set before him and rises an eyebrow. Luke: What no coffee? Sonny: I’m all out. I could give you some of Brenda’s mint tea? Luke: I’ll pass. Sonny: Good choice, partner. Luke: You look pretty good for a man that faced death a few hours ago. Sonny: I could say the same for you. When did you get back? Luke: A couple of hours after I spoke with you. As for looking good, I guess you can attribute that to having a beautiful woman waiting for me when I got home. Having a family can do wonders for a man’s resilience. Sonny: You aren’t telling me anything that I don’t know. Luke: So you want to tell me what happened with Rivera? Sonny: I pretty much told you the whole story last night. He showed up at the Quartermaines in order to let Edward know that he was serious about taking over ELQ. I happened to be there as well so he decided to kill two birds with one stone. Luke: Only, Rivera is the one that bought the farm? Sonny: It would seem so. Luke: Did you kill him? Sonny: Naw, it was Jason Quartermaine. Luke: Your serious? Junior waked the Godfather of the Caribbean Belt? Sonny: The old man had his whole family held hostage. He did it in self-defense. Luke: I guess so, but what does he plan on doing now? Sonny: You can ask him, he is supposed to stop by this morning. Now it’s your turn, what happened with Frank Smith? Luke: I had no trouble getting into Smith’s lair. He was hardly guarded at all. Sonny: he must have figured that he was in hiding, so why worry about guards? Luke: Well, his over confidence got him killed. Sonny: So you just went in and killed him? Luke: I wish! We struggled and he fell to his death. Sonny: Is that your official story? Luke: Yep, and I’m sticking to it. Has anyone made any moves on Smith’s territory? Sonny: I don’t think so. I didn’t really expect anyone to move this soon, I think they are waiting to see what I’m going to do. Luke: What are you going to do? Sonny: Are you really sure you want to know? Luke: Both Smith’s and Rivera’s empires will be up for grabs. They need someone that can keep them together. The way I see it, if you play your cards right you could end up with a lot of power. Sonny: If I told you that I don’t want the power, would you think I was crazy? Luke: Go on. Sonny: There was a time in my life when all I wanted was power. I wanted to be the king of the block. Luke: I can understand that dream. Sonny: Yeah, there was a time when power was all I dreamt about. That was before I met Brenda. Now I don’t have to dream because every night I have the chance to fall asleep next to her. every morning she is the first thing that I see when I open my eyes. I wake up next to the only thing that has ever made me happy. Brenda is my future, but it means that I have to give up my past. I have to give up the organization. Luke: Why? Sonny: You know the answer to that as well as I do. When you’re in the organization you sell your soul. Luke: It is a little demanding. Sonny: It demands absolute loyalty. If I were to marry Brenda, she would be the mistress because I would always be married to the organization first. Luke: Not to mention the danger your family would always face. Sonny: That is important as well. I almost left Brenda last night, because of what happened with Rivera. It made me wonder if maybe her our child wouldn’t be better off without me. Luke: What stopped you? Sonny: Brenda was on the elevator when I was trying to leave. She pulled the emergency stop button and was determined to make me sit there until I told her why I was leaving. She looked at me with those beautiful eyes. Luke: And you were lost in them? Sonny: *Smiling* Yeah, but it is more than that. She really thought that I was leaving because of something she had done. She has never done anything to hurt me that I didn’t deserve, she is perfect. Luke: That may be, but you would give up your place in the organization all for a perfume girl? Sonny: No, I’d give it up for my soul mate, the most wonderful woman in the world and the mother of my child. Am I crazy? Luke: You might be, but I understand where you are coming from. Let me know what I can do to help? Sonny: I appreciate that. I need to make sure that the empires of both Frank Smith and Rivera fold like the houses of cards that they really are. Luke: That shouldn’t be too hard to make happen. If you don’t step in and make a claim on the power they should collapse under the weight of internal fighting. Sonny: That is what I’m counting on. I plan on going down to Puerto Rico to try and get the ball rolling. Luke: That sounds like a good idea. Sonny: Do you think that Damian Smith will try and get control of his father’s business? Luke: He may have the ambition, but he doesn’t have the guts to keep his father’s organization together. Sonny: He is going to come to me, isn’t he? Luke: Probably, he’ll try and seduce you with the power. Sonny: It isn’t going to happen. Do you really think that I have a chance of making a break from the organization? Luke: At this point in your life you are at a crossroads. If you chose to become Frank’s successor you will probably never be able to leave. Right now, you are nothing more than a step above a soldier. Sonny: Thanks a lot. Luke: Don’t get me wrong, you have it in you to be a great leader, but right now all the respect that you are given has to do with fear of Frank Smith. Once they see what a great leader you are, they’ll never want to let you go. Sonny: So I guess I have to decide what I want more? Upstairs Brenda reluctantly woke from a peaceful sleep when the sunlight began to spill through the slightly parted drapes. She opened her eyes and reached over to Sonny. Panic started to fill her heart when she realized that he was gone. Tears started to fill her eyes when she began to imagine the possibility that he was gone for good. Downstairs Sonny has just finished clearing the breakfast dishes. He looks at the clock and notices how late it is and can’t help but wonder why Brenda isn’t up yet. Luke is sitting on the coach Sonny: Will you wait down here while I go check on Brenda? Luke: What am I waiting for? Sonny: I thought you wanted to talk to Jason? Luke: Sure, I’ll be right here. Upstairs Brenda has decided that she can either stay in bed all day and feel sorry for herself because Sonny has left, or she can get up and face the world. When Sonny comes in, she is sitting on the edge of the bed with tears in her eyes. She has her back to him and he can’t tell that she is upset. When she turns around at the sound of the door closing is the first time that he sees the tears in her eyes. A smile that was on his face at the thought of seeing her, quickly evaporates into a look of concern. Sonny: Baby, is something wrong? Brenda is surprised to hear his voice and quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. Sonny: Brenda, what’s the matter. Brenda: *Faking a smile* Nothing. Sonny walks to the bed and sits beside her. He puts his arms around her. Sonny: Something had to have upset you, please tell me what made you cry? Brenda: You’ll think I’m silly. Sonny: I could never think that you are silly. Brenda: I woke up and you weren’t here. I jumped to conclusions. He suddenly realizes what she is talking about. Sonny: You thought that I had left you? Brenda: *Her eyes filling with tears* I’m sorry. Sonny: No, I’m sorry. I can’t believe that I made you feel this insecure. How can you ever trust me again. Brenda: I don’t know, slowly but surly I guess it will happen. Sonny: You’re going to have to try. I can’t always be here when you wake up. There are going to be times when we are going to have to be briefly apart. You’re going to have to trust me. Brenda: I know. Sonny: I won’t leave you and our child Brenda: You can’t promise me that. I know you, you might get scared again and you’ll want to leave. When you get scared you do unpredictable things. I just have to face that as a part of your personality. Sonny: How can you stand to live like that? Brenda: I love you Sonny, so I’m going to spend the rest of my days giving you reasons not to leave. Sonny: Every breath that escapes from your body reminds me of why I shouldn’t leave. Brenda: I also want you to know that this morning is the last time that I’m going to worry about the idea of you leaving. I can’t spend my life worrying about when it’s going to happen. Sonny: Your amazing. Brenda: I have to be, I feel in love with a man that is different from most other men. He kisses her gently on the forehead. Sonny: Are you hungry? Brenda: Lately it seems like I’m always hungry. Sonny: Good, I made breakfast. Do you want me to bring it up to you? Brenda: I can go down to the dinning table. Sonny: Would you mind eating in the kitchen? Brenda: I kind of do. Why are you sequestering me to the kitchen? Sonny: Luke is down there now and Jason is supposed to come by soon. Brenda: Why can’t I be there? Sonny: We are going to be discussing business. He feels her tense up. She is angry and she probably has every right to be mad at him. Brenda: Maybe you should go somewhere else to discuss your business! She pulls out of his arms and stands up angrily. She walks to the closet and starts looking for something to wear. Brenda: Better yet, maybe I should just go somewhere else! Sonny: Wait a minute, baby, don’t be upset. This is our future I’m working on. Brenda: Sometimes I don’t know what kind of future we have! Sonny: You don’t mean that? Brenda: Don’t tell me what I mean! Sonny you can’t keep leaving me out of things. Sonny: Okay, your right. Come sit down sweetheart and I’ll tell you at least part of what is going on. Brenda: Part? No, you tell me everything or nothing! Sonny: You’re giving me a choice? Brenda: Sure, you have a choice between keeping secrets or having me and our son in your life. Sonny: Frank Smith is dead. Brenda: Is that supposed to mean something to me? Sonny: No, but what it means to me is that I could take over his operation and gain a lot of power. Brenda: You told me that you were going to get out. Did you lie to me, Sonny? Sonny: No, I’m going to try my hardest to get out of the organization. Brenda: You think that someone may try and stop you from leaving. Sonny: Probably not. Nobody really cares about me right now. Brenda: I do. Sonny: You’re the only one that matters. I know that my dangerous side was what you were attracted to at first. Do you think that you will still love me if I’m just an ordinary guy? Brenda: How ordinary are you going to be? I mean, will you spend the day sitting on the dock watching the ships come in and out. Sonny: That isn’t ordinary, that is vagrancy. I’ll still own the club and I might dabble a little in small business. The main difference will be that I will only take part in ventures that are on the up and up. Brenda: I think I could stand to have a husband that was a lawful citizen. Sonny: I may have a casino or two in Puerto Rico though. Brenda: Is that legal? Sonny: I won’t get caught! He gives her a dimpled smile. Brenda: Is that all you have to tell me? Sonny: Are you coming down for breakfast? Brenda: I’ll be down in a few minutes. When Sonny gets back downstairs Jason has just arrived and he has backed up Sonny’s story regarding the deaths of Rivera and his daughter. Luke: That’s a pretty amazing story. Jason: I did what I had to do. Luke: You did it with a sharp mind and an even sharper shot. I respect that and my respect doesn’t come easy. Jason: Thanks. Luke: How is Brenda? Sonny: She’s upset. She thinks that I’m keeping things from her. Jason: Are you? Sonny: Only to protect her. She doesn’t understand that there are some things that I need to keep from her for her own good. Jason: Is that really the reason or is it that you don’t think that she is your equal? Sonny: What are you suggesting? Jason: Brenda is like a sister to me and, as much as I respect you, I want to know that you respect her. Sonny: I’ve asked her to be my wife and she is having my child. Jason: True, but do you want her as a partner in your life or just your bed? Sonny: I don’t want to worry Brenda with every little concern that I have. Jason: She is going to worry anyway. You have top share things with her or she is never going to know if you are worried about something that is life and death of if you are concerned with male pattern baldness. Luke: *Laughing* Male pattern baldness? That is a good one, but he may be onto something. Sonny: Not you too? Luke: If you want to share your life with a woman, you have to share it all with her. I hate to eat and run, but someone needs to get over to the club and open up. Call about your trip to Puerto Rico? Sonny: As soon as I know something. Sonny and Jason watch Luke leave. Jason: What’s this about, Puerto Rico. Sonny: I want to make sure that anything that remains of Rivera’s operation gets buried with him. Jason: You are willing to let his whole operation go under? Sonny: All except for the ELQ stock that I promised you. Jason: Go ahead and keep that for yourself. Sonny: That could be an awful lot of money. Jason: Consider it the stock that I promised you. Sonny: Thank you. Jason Is that all of Rivera’s assets you are going to try and salvage? Sonny: I thought I would try and pick up a casino or two while I was at it. Jason: I don’t think that I like the sound of that. If you want to be on the ELQ board you are going to have to keep your act clean. Sonny: No problem. Jason: When do you leave? Neither one of them notices Brenda, who has just came down the stairs. Sonny: This Rivera thing is already starting to get tricky. I need to go as soon as I can. Brenda: You’re leaving town? Sonny: I didn’t want you to find out this way, I wanted to talk to you first. Brenda: I should have known better than to think that you would stick around for very long. When do you leave? Sonny: I guess that depends on how long it takes you to pack. Brenda gets a look of pure surprise on her face. Brenda: I’m going with you? Sonny: Of course you’re coming along. Unless you would rather stay here? She runs down the stars and embraces him tightly. Brenda: Of course I want to come with you to Puerto Rico! I’m surprised that you want me along on a business trip. Sonny: I don’t have that much business and I promised to take you to Puerto Rico someday. Brenda: I didn’t think you ever would. Sonny: Of course I want you there. In fact, I was thinking that while we were there we could maybe get married. Brenda gives him a shocked look, then causes his heart to sink by not responding to his proposal. 126 Sonny finds that he can’t breath as he waits for Brenda’s answer to his suggestion that they get married in Puerto Rico. Brenda: Sonny, I don’t know what to say? Jason: It might not be any of my business, but you might consider saying “ yes.” Sonny: Jason is right, unless something has changed and you don’t think we should get married? Brenda: Last night you were ready to walk away from us and today your asking me to marry you? Sonny: That’s always what I wanted, for you to be my wife. Last night was a mistake or more to the point it was the aversion of a mistake. If I had left, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. Brenda: I know that you would never intentionally hurt me or leave me, but I can’t pretend that last night didn’t happen. Sonny: I don’t want to do that either, but I want us to move forward. Brenda: You’re sure that you want to get married right now? Sonny: I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, except for how much I love you. I would marry you right this minute if I could, but I think that Puerto Rico would make for a much better spot than right here. Jason: I’ve heard that Puerto Rico is beautiful, Brenda. They have a lot of pretty churches, some of which are very old. Brenda: I’ve always dreamt of being married in a beautiful old church with lots of candles and flowers. Sonny: *Smiling* Is that a yes? Jason: I think it is a yes. Brenda: Yes! I’ll marry you in Puerto Rico! She hugs him fiercely. Sonny: Okay, baby, just tell me what you want and I’ll arrange the whole thing. Brenda: *Gives him a doubtful look* You’re going to arrange our wedding? Sonny: I’ll have people arrange it, but it will be your dream come true. Brenda: You already are my dream come true. Sonny: Thank you, but seriously, do you want a big church or little church? Brenda: I don’t think that you can just walk into a community and tell them you want to get married in their church. Sonny: Don’t worry about it, for a little while longer I’m going to have a lot of power in Puerto Rico. They are going to respect me as the man who took down Hernando Rivera for them. We could probably even get married in the Cathedral of Old San Juan if that is what you want. Jason: I hate to burst you’re bubble but I’m the one that killed Rivera. Sonny: We know that, but do you really want it published to the whole world? Jason: I guess not. Brenda: Wait a minute! Jason Killed Rivera? Sonny: That’s right, he did it in self-defense. Brenda: I don’t doubt that, but when were you going to tell me about this? Sonny: I was going to tell you pretty soon. I promise I’m not keeping things from you any more. Brenda: Okay, I’m trying to trust you. Anyway, I don’t want to get married in a church that is being bought with the blood of Rivera and his daughter. Sonny: Okay, we don’t have to get married in one of the churches. There are plenty of beautiful places in San Juan. We could get married on the beach or in a garden. Brenda: A garden might be nice. Sonny: There are these public gardens called the Hidden Gardens. They are beautiful and secluded and one area of them overlooks the ocean. We can check them out as soon as we get to San Juan. Brenda: That sounds wonderful. Sonny: You’re going to love Puerto Rico, sweetheart. Brenda: As long as you’re there, I know that I’ll love the place. Jason: Okay, then I guess you have everything under control. I’m going to take off, I have something’s to take care of before the next ELQ board meeting. Sonny: When is that? Jason: A couple of weeks. At that time, Ned will officially resign as CEO and a new rule will start. Brenda: That sounds ominous. Sonny: Not really. Thanks for everything, Jason. Jason: You bet. Brenda: Jason, you’re invited to the wedding. Jason: I wouldn’t miss it, let me know when and where. Jason leaves and Brenda gives Sonny a determined look. Brenda: What’s going on? Sonny: What exactly are you referring too, sweetheart? Brenda: I didn’t think that Jason had much to do with ELQ? Sonny: Edward has been letting the family business slip lately by allowing Damian Smith, Hernando Rivera and Jasper Jacks to gain a foothold on the company. These actions concerned Jason and I have been helping him try and figure out what he can do to save ELQ. Brenda: So that’s why he has been lurking around every time that you showed up at the Q’s to see me? Sonny: I’ve been giving him business advice, but it only went so far. He has been doing his own research as well on running a corporation. I’m impressed on what all he’s picked up, the kid is a quick study. Brenda: Did you also teach him how to shoot your enemies dead? Sonny: Ouch! I had nothing to do with that. Jason walked into his home and saw a bad situation. Rivera had his family held hostage and Jason reacted quickly and precisely. Brenda: You knew about it though? Sonny: I saw his reflection in the mirror. Brenda: That was the gun that you had when you left the mansion last night? Sonny: I picked it up in the hall during some of the commotion, then I took it and tossed it off the docks. Brenda: Is that why Jason came here this morning, to make sure that you wouldn’t sell him out? Sonny: He came by last night and I assured him that nobody official would ever know that he killed Rivera. He also came by to offer me the opportunity to be on the board of ELQ. I told you before that he had offered me stocks in the corporation in exchange for my help. Brenda: I didn’t think you had taken his offer seriously? Sonny: With Ned resigning as CEO, Jason has accumulated enough stock to become the head of ELQ. Brenda: Jason is going to be the CEO? Sonny: No, he’s restructuring it and making all board members equal. Lila is going to be the physical head, but she won’t have any more power than any other board member. Brenda: Do you think that Jason can run ELQ? Sonny: He’ll have a better chance with my help. Brenda: Wow! Okay, so how long before all this starts to go down? Sonny: A few weeks at the most. Brenda: Do we really have time to get married and run off to Puerto Rico? Sonny: I’ll make the time. I want to marry you right away and I need to go down there for other reasons as well. Brenda: Are you going to tell me about Puerto Rico? Sonny: I need to make sure that Rivera’s empire folds. Brenda: You can’t do that from here? Sonny: It needs to be hands on. Brenda: Is this dangerous? Sonny: You think I would let you anywhere near the place if I thought that it was dangerous? Brenda: Can you tell me about Puerto Rico? Sonny: Yes, but later. You need to go eat and get packed because we have to stop by your doctor’s office on our way to the airport. Brenda: I just saw him yesterday. Sonny: I know, but will you just go again for me, please? Brenda: Sure, honey. She gives him a confused look and goes to eat breakfast. 127 Brenda is sitting on the edge of the examination table in her doctor’s office. Sonny is sitting on a chair, lost in thought. The doctor had come into the room and given Brenda an examining gown. It had been the first time that Sonny had seen her doctor during the first 5 months of her pregnancy. Brenda notices the frown on his face. Brenda: What are you thinking about, honey? Sonny: Your doctor sure is young. Brenda: I hadn’t noticed. Sonny: He isn’t a dog either, I bet he raises a few pulses. Brenda: *Laughing* Are you jealous of my doctor? Sonny: *Lying* No, of course not. Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable with a woman. Brenda: This doctor is fine, Sonny. He was the one that ran the first pregnancy test on me and he is very qualified and very gentle. Sonny: *With a look of concern* What do you mean that he is gentle? What does he do that is gentle? Brenda: You’re cute. Sonny: *Frowning* I’m serious Brenda. I don’t know much about being pregnant, but I want to understand what’s going on. Brenda: Do you really? Sonny: Of course I do. Brenda: Then come here. She takes Sonny’s hands and places them on her stomach and lets him feel the baby kicking. Brenda: Do you feel that? Sonny: Yeah, what is it gas or something? Brenda hits him lightly on the shoulder. Brenda: You really don’t know much, do you. That was our son kicking. Sonny: Are you serious? Brenda: Yeah, and judging from the feel of it he is one strong energetic little guy. Sonny: Wow that is so amazing! Brenda: I know. Sonny: I love you both so much. Brenda: I love you too, honey. He leans in and kisses her tenderly on the lips, just as the doctor walks back in the room. Doctor: I’m sorry to interrupt. Sonny: *Sarcastically* I’ll bet you are. Brenda: Ignore Sonny, he is just a little territorial. Doctor: As are most expectant fathers in my experience. So, you’re Sonny? Sonny: That’s right. Doctor: I was starting to wonder if you really existed. Sonny gives Brenda a knowing glance that she just shrugs off. Sonny: Yeah, I really exist. Doctor: What can I do for you Brenda? Has something changed since yesterday? Brenda: No, I’m feeling fine. Doctor: then why are you here? Sonny: She was under a lot of stress yesterday and I want to make sure that both her and the baby are okay. Can you do another ultrasound? Doctor: I don’t see why not, give me a minute or two to set things up. The doctor starts hooking up the ultrasound machine Sonny: You know, I’ve seen several of these pictures, but I could never really figure out what I was looking at though. Brenda: Wait till you see our child in action. He is a natural star. Sonny: What about this doctor is he good? I want only the best for you and our child. Brenda: He is really good. I talked to Monica about him and she only had good things to say. Sonny: I still think he is young. The doctor has finished hooking up the machine. He rubs some jell on her stomach and starts the machine. Brenda: Ouch! Sonny races to her side in a panic. Sonny: What’s wrong, baby? Brenda: The metal thing is cold. Sonny picks up her hand and kisses it. Sonny: Does that hurt? Brenda: No, it feels kind of weird at first, but I got used to it really quick. Sonny: I guess this all feels kind of weird doesn’t it? Brenda: Yeah, but I’m used to it by now. She smiles up at him. Doctor: If you’ll direct your attention to the screen, the main attraction is about to start. The doctor points to the ultrasound screen, where the image of their child takes form. Brenda: Wow, you know no matter how many times I see this it always amazes me that I have that perfect person growing inside of me. Sonny is astonished looking at the ultrasound. He is holding Brenda’s hand and staring at the image on the screen. Sonny: That’s really our child? Doctor: Yes, there is the head, the arms and legs. *The doctors is pointing to the image.* Brenda: Sonny do you see the heart beating? *Brenda points out the heart.* Sonny: Yeah, I think I do. This is so perfect. Our baby is so perfect Brenda. He kisses her on the forehead. Tears start to form in Brenda’s eyes. Brenda looks at Sonny, he is mesmerized by the image on the screen and has a huge grin on his face. Doctor: Your daughter is developing right on schedule, no change from yesterday. Sonny: You must be mistaken? Doctor: I don’t think so. Brenda: You told me yesterday we were having a boy. Doctor: I’m pretty certain that is a girl. Brenda looks at Sonny and sees that his face has turned white. Sonny: What happened to our son? The doctor looks at the image again. Doctor: Wait a minute, there he is. Brenda: I’m confused. Is my child a girl or a boy? Doctor: Both! You’re having twins. The doctor ignores the looks of shock that appear on both Sonny and Brenda’s faces. Doctor: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to update your chart. The doctor leaves the room to get Brenda’s chart. As soon as the door shuts, Brenda hits Sonny in the arm. Sonny: That hurt! Brenda: I hate you! Sonny shakes his head in confusion. Sonny: What did I do now? Brenda: You were going to leave me alone to raise Two kids? Sonny: I didn’t know! Brenda: That’s no excuse! Sonny: Twins! A grin spreads across his face, one that is larger than Brenda ever remembers seeing before. Brenda: Things will have to change, really fast. Sonny: You’re telling me, I’m going to have to redo the nursery! Brenda: That isn’t exactly what I’m talking about. Sonny, I was worried about raising one child. Now I have the chance to ruin two lives! Sonny: Sweetheart, you aren’t going to ruin anyone’s life. That’s what they have me for, because you are going to be a wonderful mother. Brenda: You are going to be the best father in the world, but I don’t know how we are going to do it. Sonny: I think we are going to have to take it one day at a time, but you can’t hate me. Brenda: *Smiling* I don’t really hate you. Sonny: *Kissing her lightly on the lips* I know. Brenda: There has to be someplace that we can go and take classes to learn how not to ruin our children. Sonny: I’m sure that there is. Brenda: I can probably ask the doctor. She heads for the door, but Sonny restrains her lightly and pulls her back to him. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her to him. Sonny: We don’t really need to involve Dr. Doolittle, do we? Brenda just smiles as his mouth comes crashing down on hers in a passionate kiss. Brenda: We really should go, don’t we have a plane to catch? Sonny: Yeah, but when you say that we need to learn how not to ruin the lives of our children. Brenda: It might not be a bad idea. Sonny: Well, as long as that doesn’t include spoiling our children, because I intend to spoil them rotten! Brenda: You do? Sonny: Yeah and their mother too. The most beautiful, smart, capable, woman in the world. Brenda: You really think that I’m all that? Sonny: And more, but your especially smart. Brenda: How do you figure that? Sonny: *Giving her a huge grin* You chose me as the father of your children. Brenda: We had better go, before I hit you again. Sonny hesitates for a few seconds. Sonny: Are you really sure that you want to go? Brenda: Well, I don’t really want to hit you again. Sonny: No, I mean are you sure that you want to go to Puerto Rico? Brenda: Are you asking me if I want to marry you? Sonny doesn’t answer. Brenda: Are you having second thoughts about us being a family? Sonny: Can we talk about this someplace more private. Brenda: Oh my god! You don’t want to marry me? Sonny: I knew you were going to react this way. Brenda: How do you expect me to react? They are interrupted before Sonny can respond. The door opens and the doctor walks in. Doctor: You’re still here? Sonny: We were just leaving. Doctor: Actually, it will save me a phone call. Brenda may I speak to you alone? Brenda: Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of Sonny. Doctor: If you don’t mind, I would rather speak to you alone. He can wait in the lobby. Sonny: Whatever! He starts to walk out the door. Brenda: Sonny? Sonny: *Perturbed* Yes, sweetheart? Brenda: You’ll wait for me, right? Sonny: I’ll be in the car. Brenda watches him leave and lets out a sigh. Brenda: Was that really necessary? Doctor: I’m sorry I had to do that. Is he having problems handling this pregnancy? Brenda: Sonny tries, but he feels left out a lot. You’re not helping. Doctor: I’m afraid that I’m being a little selfish by making him wait outside. I don’t think he likes me very much and I know he isn’t going to like what I have to say. Brenda: Is there a problem with my twins? Chapter 128 By the time that Brenda gets back to the car, she is scared to death that Sonny won’t be there. She walks up and is relieved to see that he is waiting for her, as he promised. However, he has his back to her and she can tell by the way that he is holding his body, he is upset and probably even sulking. She stops a minute to wonder how on earth she is going to take care of twins and still baby Sonny. She opens the car door, but he won’t turn around to face her. Brenda: Sorry that took so long. Sonny: Yeah, sure. Brenda: I told the doctor that I don’t like the idea of him not talking freely in front of you. Sonny: It’s really no problem Brenda. Brenda: Yes it is a problem, you’re the father of these children, you deserve to know what’s going on in their development. Sonny: What did the doctor tell you? Brenda: It really wasn’t anything too critical. I’ll tell you all about it in a minute. First I need to know why you’ve changed your mind about us getting married? Sonny: I haven’t changed my mind. Brenda: I don’t understand why you asked me if it is really what I want? Sonny: I want you to be sure about marrying me because once you’re my wife that is it, Brenda. I’m never going to let you go after that, so I want you to be absolutely sure that you want to spend the rest of you’re life as Mrs. Michael Corinthos Jr. Brenda slowly turns him around until he is facing her. Brenda: Sonny, look at my eyes. What do you see? Sonny: The most beautiful sight in the world. They kind of shine, I don’t really know what I’m looking at, but it is beautiful. Brenda: You’re seeing the same thing that I see when I look into your eyes. It’s love Sonny, It’s almost like we can see into each other’s souls. Sonny: I know what you mean. I don’t have that connection with anybody else in this world. I never have and I never will. I’m not even sure that I’ll have it with our children. Brenda: We have it Sonny, I can’t imagine spending my life doing anything else but nurturing that feeling. Sonny: I’m sorry. Brenda: For loving me so much? Sonny: No, for doubting our love. You are my strength and my inspiration, I don’t know what I would ever do without you. Brenda: Stop trying to imagine life without me and just love me. Sonny: I love you more with every breath that I take. Now, please tell me what the doctor said! Brenda: He is a little concerned with my blood pressure. Sonny: He had to tell you that in private? Brenda: Sonny, you scare him. Sonny: Good! Brenda: He has a few suggestions for keeping my blood pressure stable, but he was afraid that some of them might upset you. Sonny: The important thing is that you and the twins are healthy, what ever it takes to accomplish that is fine with me, sweetheart. Brenda: I told him that you would feel that way. Sonny: What does he suggest? Diet changes or more exercise? Brenda: A good diet and exercise are important. He also feels that you and I should abstain until after the twins are born. Sonny: Abstain from what? Brenda: Sonny, he doesn’t think that we should make love until after the babies are born. Sonny: WHAT? He Is Dead! Brenda: That is exactly the way he thought you would respond. It will only be a few months. Sonny: I want a second opinion. Brenda: *Laughing* You can’t be serious? Sonny: Is he really serious or is he just trying to ruin our honeymoon? Brenda: He doesn’t even know we are getting married, please tell me that you aren’t going to let this ruin things. Sonny: Not on your life. I want you and our children to be healthy and safe. Brenda: I love you, you are going to be the best father in the world. Sonny: I love you too and I want to marry you, Brenda Barrett! She leans over and kisses him passionately. Epilogue. Eight months after the birth of her twins, Brenda stood on a Puerto Rican beach and looked out into the sea. Two years before, her life options had been as wide open as the ocean that spread out endlessly before her. Now, she tried to focus on the life that she had and not to dwell on “what might have been.” Sonny Corinthos walks down a small sand dune towards the woman to whom he long ago pledged his heart and soul. She is dressed in a pair of cotton Capri pants and a cropped cotton shirt that leaves part of her back exposed. After so much time, she still takes his breath away. He pauses for a moment, transfixed by her serene beauty. The sun setting behind her bathes her in an almost celestial glow. Brenda feels him behind her long before he approaches. Her body tingles with anticipation as he moves behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. His embrace warms her and protects her from a slight breeze rolling off of the ocean waves. His scent quickly mingles with the humid sea air and causes a euphoric smile to spread across her face. Brenda: You almost missed the sunset. Sonny: I had the best View on the beach, the sun setting behind you. Brenda: Where did you go? Sonny: I forgot something in the car. Brenda: You’re cell phone? Sonny: You know me too well. Brenda: So how are Michael and Michelle? Sonny: *Smiling* What makes you think I was checking on the kids? Brenda: I know you too well. Sonny: They’re fine, Lois says they are sleeping like babies. Brenda: They are babies. Sonny: Lois will call us at the hotel if she needs anything. Brenda: I knew you were checking on something, it was either the kids or your casinos. Sonny: The casinos do not exist on this trip. This is a trip about you and me and celebrating our first anniversary in the very same spot that we were married one year ago today. Brenda: Actually we were married more over there. She indicates an area behind them where the shape of the Hidden Gardens can is barely visible. Sonny: I think it was the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever seen. Brenda: You mean because you arranged everything. The flowers, the food, making sure that all our friends were there, the flowers, the perfect weather, did I mention the flowers? Sonny: You’re never going to let me live down the flowers, are you? Brenda: I didn’t think that this island could possibly have that many white orchids Sonny: *Smiling* You said they were your favorite flower. Brenda: They are my favorite flower. You’re right, our wedding was the most beautiful wedding in the history of matrimony. From the over abundance of orchids right down to the last vow. Sonny: You know what I though when I saw you walking up that garden path towards me in that flowing silk dress? Brenda: How’d she ever cram that 5-month pregnant body into that dress? Sonny: The thought never even crossed my mind. It occurred to me that somehow I had cheated fate and ended up with the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world. Brenda: You didn’t cheat fate, we are each other’s fate. Sonny: No argument here. Come on, let’s go. Brenda: We just got here. Sonny: Yeah, but I want to take you someplace else. Brenda: Where? Sonny: Come with me and I’ll show you. Brenda: Okay, but catch me first! Brenda catches him off guard, as she takes off running up the beach. Because of taking care of the twins, Brenda is in the best shape of her life. She gets about 1000 feet before Sonny catches up with her and playfully grabs her around the waist. He swings her around as they both laugh, then he lifts her up into his arms. Sonny: I think I caught you. Brenda: *Laughing* I guess you did. Sonny: Do I get a prize? In response to his question, Brenda kisses him long and hard on the mouth. Their mouths continue to fuse in hot passion until they are both dizzy. Sonny begins to walk up the beach with Brenda still in his arms. Brenda: What are you doing? Sonny: Carrying you back to the El Conquistador! Brenda: Say that again. Sonny: What? Brenda: The name of the hotel. Sonny: El Conquistador. The words roll off Sonny’s tongue as smooth as silk and it makes Brenda shiver with pleasure. Brenda: If you’d talk like that more, I might just marry you. Sonny: Sorry, my wife might mind. Brenda: I can guarantee that she would mind. Their mouths collide together again in an explosion of heat and desire. Brenda: Sonny? Sonny: Not now, I’m on a roll. He kisses her neck. Brenda: You can’t carry me back to the hotel, it is on a hill a mile away. Sonny stops kissing her neck and looks up at the hotel. Sonny: I guess we had better drive. Sonny’s cell phone rings. Brenda: You said that Lois would call us at the hotel if she needed us? Sonny: I told her I wasn’t going to answer my cell phone on this trip. Brenda: Then why have it along? She reaches into his pocket, pulls the phone out and tosses it into the ocean. Sonny looks after it, as if it isn’t any real loss. He continues to kiss her neck and mouth alternately as he walks to the car. He opens her car door and places her in the seat, then he quickly goes to his side. The continue to exchange hot looks all the way up the hill. They barely make it to the door of their room before they start to kiss again. Sonny opens the door and Brenda is pleasantly surprised by the room, which is filled with flowers and candles. Brenda: This is beautiful! Sonny: Yeah, well because of you doctor we never really got to have a honeymoon here a year ago. Brenda: We have more than made up for it, though. Sonny has poured them both a glass of champagne. He hands one to Brenda and they clink glasses together. Sonny: True. Brenda: Whatever happened to that doctor anyway. Sonny: He disappeared. Brenda: Sonny, did you whack my doctor? Sonny: Naw, I wish. He went to Bosnia. He’s helping people and he is very happy. Brenda: How do you know? Sonny: He sent me a postcard! Brenda laughs and almost spills the contents of her glass. Brenda: You are too much! Sonny: I know Sonny gives her a very intense look, takes the glass from her hand and then brings the same hand up to his mouth and presses it too his lips. Then he leads her to their bed, not once breaking the intense gaze. He gently lowers her onto the bed and trails kisses along her hand, wrist and up and down her arm. She sighs with pleasure as he runs his hands through her hair. She pulls his mouth to hers and kisses him with vigorous enthusiasm. He has some how managed to remove her clothes and they are scattered across the floor. Now she begins to unbutton his shirt at a teasingly slow rate, until his desire to have her is almost overwhelming. Meanwhile, he already has the rest of his clothes off and on the floor beside hers. Finally the last button is undone and their passion explodes as they make passionate love for hours. Sometime later, they are still in each other’s arms, when the phone rings. Neither one of them has the energy to answer the phone. Sonny: Let the desk get that. Brenda: Who knows we’re here? Sonny: Just Lois and Stone. Brenda: You had better get it, maybe it is about the kids. Sonny groans as he reaches over and picks up the receiver. Sonny: Hello? He listens to someone on the other end and a grin spreads across his face. Sonny: Really, what were they? Okay, I’ll tell Brenda. Thanks Cerullo! He hangs up the phone. Sonny: That was Lois. Brenda: I figured, you know since she is married to Ned you really shouldn’t call her Cerullo anymore. Sonny: I’ve called her that most of her life. Brenda: I think it kind of bugs her though. Sonny: Why do you think I continue to call her Cerullo? Brenda: What did she say, are the kids all right? Sonny: Yeah, she wanted us to know that they said their first words Brenda: Aren’t they a little young? Sonny: Are kids are fast learners, they are the smartest kids in the world. Brenda: What did they say? Sonny: She wouldn’t tell me, but she video taped the whole thing and sent it by satellite feed to the hotel. Brenda: How did she manage that? Sonny: We’re living in a technological age. I guess this hotel is hooked up by satellite to the Port Charles Hotel. She said that we can call the front desk when we are ready to watch it and they will send it directly to the TV in our room. Brenda: Let’s watch it now! Sonny: Okay, let me call the desk. Sonny picks up the phone and calls the front desk. Sonny: A satellite loop was just sent for me from the Port Charles Hotel, can you patch that through to my room now? Sonny hangs up the phone. Sonny: They’ll have it running in a few minutes. Brenda reaches over and grabs the control for the TV and pushes the on button. Brenda: What channel? Sonny: 99 Sonny wraps his arms around Brenda and she rests her head on his chest as they wait for the satellite feed to start. In a few minutes face of Lois fills the screen. Lois: Okay, kiddos, this is for your mom and dad. Do your thing! The kids look straight at the camera with lost expressions on their faces. Their daughter even looks like she is about to cry. Sonny: They aren’t saying anything. Brenda: Give them a little time. Sonny: Maybe they’re camera shy. Brenda: Not my babies. They wait for a while and finally Michelle babbles something. Lois: Did you get that? I sure hope so, because I don’t think she’ll be doing it again. Sonny turns to Brenda. Sonny: What did she say. Brenda: I think it was something along the lines of “Luv U.” Sonny: That’s sweet. On the screen Lois seems exasperated because Michael won’t say his word. Lois: Come on Michael, talk to mom and dad. Michael seems more content to make bubbling and gurgling noises. Then he quickly blurts something out and grins. Brenda turns to Sonny with a look of surprise on her face. Brenda: Did my son just say what I think he said? Sonny: I heard it loud and clear. Brenda: My son’s first word was “C’mer!” Sonny: *Grinning* That’s my boy! Brenda: Wow! Our children are going to grow up before we know what has hit us. Sonny leans over and kisses her on the forehead. Sonny: I know, sweetheart. I love you so much and I relish the time that we spend alone. Brenda: Me too, but are you thinking what I’m thinking? Sonny: Do you want me to book us a flight back home for tonight or tomorrow? Brenda: First thing in the morning will be soon enough. Tonight I want to relish you some more. Sonny: *Laughing* You want to relish me? How do you intend to do that. Brenda: A little of this. She kisses his neck. Brenda: And a lot of this. Her mouth coasts down his throat to his chest, causing his whole body to feel as if though it were on fire. Sonny: Would you like some help? Before she can comment again, he takes her face in his hands and he kisses her with an intensity that almost makes her pass out. He runs his hands over her body, making every nerve stand on end. They proceed to make love and connect on a level that transcends the realm of their physical bodies and touches their very souls. With each passing moment their passion, as well as their love grows and they realize that neither their love or their passion will ever become exhausted. As they fall asleep, their bodies, souls, and lives become entwined for all eternity. Two individuals living one life, sharing one heart and one destiny until the end of time and beyond. THE END
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