• Early Carly  #1  April 9 - September 9, 1996 - 8 hrs - Carly comes to town, Carly's affair with Jason
• Early Carly #2  September 9, 1996 - April 18, 1997 - 8 hrs Carly's affair with Tony, Carly=Caroline
• Early Carly #3  April 17- August 21, 1997 - Carly's one night stand with A. J. - coming soon
• Early Carly #4  August 21 - November 24, 1997 - 8 hour original edit
• Early Carly #5  November 24, 1997 - February 11, 1998 - 8 hour original edit
• Early Carly #6  February 10 - April 27, 1998:  8 hour original edit
• Early Carly #7  April 27, 1998 - January 4, 1999 - 8 hour original edit
• Early Carly #8  January 4 - March 22, 1999 - 8 hours
• Early Carly #9  March 23 - June 30, 1999 - 8 hours
• Early Carly #10  July 1 - September 14, 1999 -  4 hour dvd 

Early Carly #8  January 4 - March 22, 1999 - 8 hour original edit

#8A  Jason is on the phone talking to the realtor about new penthouses when Bobbie arrives. Bobbie asks what is going on and Carly vaguely gives her a story about Sonny maybe coming back. Bobbie is concerned for Carly and Michael's safety, but Carly assures her that Michael is safe with Jason. Moreno knows that if anything happens to Michael, everyone will think it was him. So it is in everyone's best interest to leave Michael alone. Bobbie asks who will be living in the new penthouse. Carly happily tells her that it will be her and Michael and Jason. She is not so happy when she says that she is sure Robin will show up eventually, she always does. She tells Bobbie what they really need is a good bell tower or an attic to keep Robin in. Bobbie just shakes her head and then suddenly comes up with an idea. She suggests that Carly and Michael move to the empty apartment at the top of the Brownstone. Carly hates the idea, but Bobbie assures her that the apartment is perfect. Bobbie starts to tell Jason, but Carly stops her. Bobbie asks Carly what is wrong with the Brownstone. Carly says that she just got out of the mental hospital, she doesn't want to move in with her mother. Bobbie tells Carly that she knows what she is doing and she doesn't like it. She doesn't want to let go of Jason. Bobbie still thinks that the Brownstone is a good idea. If Carly and Michael lived there, they would have a support system. Michael is never going to get used to not having Jason around if Jason is always there.

She isn't going to stand around and let Carly use Michael to get to Jason. Carly says that she loves Michael. Bobbie tells her if that is true, then she should move into the Brownstone. Carly says that Jason is concerned about safety. Jason wants the penthouse, not her. Bobbie laughs and says that they can make the place safe after Carly moves in. And Jason will have guards no matter what. Jason walks in and asks what the guards are for. Bobbie tells Jason about the apartment at the Brownstone. Jason says no and Carly looks pleased. Jason says that Carly is right. Michael isn't ready to do the shared custody thing yet. Carly says that Bobbie is right too. Michael will never get used to Jason not being around if he is always there. She doesn't know. Maybe they should try it. Jason says that the point is that Michael is already confused. The only thing that has been consistent in Michael's life is him. Bobbie agrees, but again points out that Michael will be around people he is familiar with. Lucas will be there and Jerry Jax is great with kids. Jason is adamant that Michael never be left alone with Jerry Jax. He thanks Bobbie, but says that he wouldn't be comfortable at the Brownstone. And Michael isn't ready to be without him. For now, the move has to be the three of them.

Jason explains to Bobbie that Michael can't handle living at the Brownstone without him. Carly wants to move ahead with the plans to move into the Brownstone. She and Bobbie work on convincing Jason to agree, which he does. All parties are reduced to tears. Carly has second thoughts about moving. She and Bobbie leave with Michael. Jason comes close to tears. Carly and Bobbie have mother-daughter bonding. Carly tells Bobbie her life goal is to get Jason (in bed).  Bobbie has an emergency at the hospital, and Carly is left alone with Michael. Carly calls Jason for assistence, and he goes to the Brownstone. Jason is over at the Brownstone and has the daily talk with Carly. She says that she and  Michael shouldn't have left. Jason takes care of Michael and sleeps on the couch. Bobbie walks in and has a really good talk with him.

Bobbie and Jerry start kissing passionately, when Carly walks in with Leticia and the baby. Carly apologizes, but Bobbie tells her that it's okay. Jerry excuses himself to go help with Lucas's luggage. Carly sees Bobbie's luggage by the door and asks if somebody is going somewhere. Bobbie tells Carly she and Lucas have to go out of town for a few weeks to join a pilot program at the Juvenile Diabetes Center. Bobbie then apologizes to Carly for leaving town. Carly tells Bobbie that she understands and that if it where Michael, she would be doing the same thing. They hug and Bobbie tells Carly she will be alright alone with Michael, but Carly is not so sure and is glad Leticia is there with her. Bobbie doesn't like the idea of Carly letting everyone else deal with Michael instead of her, but doesn't have time to get into it with Carly right now. Jerry tells Bobbie that everything is in the car and he's ready to leave when she is. Bobbie tells him she will be right out, but before she leaves, Bobbie encourages Carly to use this opportunity to spend time alone with Michael. After Bobbie leaves, Jason shows up and he and Carly talk about her day with Michael. While complaining that her mother has deserted her, Carly told Jason that she needed his help and is thrilled when Jason offers to spend nights at the brownstone until Bobbie comes back. Jason tells Carly that he has to leave to meet Robin and Sonny at the Port Charles Grill. Carly is shocked that Sonny is back and asks if she can come along too, but Jason vetoes the idea and tells her that he'll be back by the time Michael wakes up from his second nap and then leaves.

AJ has come to visit Carly, once again bearing gifts. He has brought her more CD and an invitation to brunch at the PC Grill. He just stopped by to see how she is doing and how she was liking her new sound system. Carly says that Michael liked it and admits that she may have even danced around a little, played some air guitar. Carly tells AJ that the PC Hotel isn't exactly her favorite place since that was where Tony kidnapped Michael. She asks if the PC Grill still serves champagne with brunch. When AJ says  yes, she says that that would be really hard to pass up. She just doesn't understand how AJ thinks  this will get him closer to Michael. AJ expresses disappointment that Carly still thinks so little of him. He tells Carly that the only identity she has left is Michael's mother. Whatever happened to the fun Carly. The one who used to laugh all the time and let herself go. Has Jason convinced her that that person doesn't exist. Carly agrees that what he is saying makes sense, but she doesn't agree with any of it. AJ says that the point he is trying to make is that he appreciates her for who she is. Is that such a terrible thing? Carly finally agrees to go to brunch with AJ. He suggests she change into something that goes better with sable. Carly laughs and says that it is nice to be around someone who actually cares what she wears. Jason never does.

AJ says that Jason doesn't have Carly's feel for the more subtle aspects of human interaction. Carly says that Jason has a lot of other qualities like loyalty and compassion. Carly leaves to change, but tells AJ that he can't go near Michael if Letitia should happen to return before she is through.  Carly comes downstairs all decked out for her brunch date with AJ. AJ teases her telling her that she looks like a woman who wouldn't settle for anything less than the best and for at least an afternoon, he is going to make sure she gets it. As they are about to leave, Jason arrives and says that he needs to speak to Carly. Carly immediately tells AJ that they will have to do brunch another time and asks him to leave. She turns to Jason and asks what is wrong. Jason tells Carly that he, Carly and Michael are moving to Justus' old penthouse. When he explains that he and Robin broke up, Carly expresses what looks like genuine remorse. She apologizes saying that this wouldn't have happened if she never would have said that Jason was Michael's father. Jason says that he will never be sorry for being Michael's father. Carly promises to make it up to Jason, no matter what it takes.

Carly is packing up her and Michael's things at the brownstone. AJ is at the door and she calls for him to come in. AJ enters and wonders what is going on. She says that she is busy packing and doesn't have time for him if he came to take her out to lunch or anything. Carly then can’t help boasting to a dismayed A.J. that she, Jason and Michael are all going to be living together in Justus' old penthouse. AJ can't believe that she is moving in with Jason and asks her what is going on with Robin and Jason. Carly says that its Robin's own fault that Robin and Jason didn't work. She was always pushing Jason to dump Carly. She then gives AJ her angle on things, saying that Robin gave Jason an ultimatum to ditch Carly or she would break up with him. AJ asks Carly if the windows are bulletproof were she is moving. Carly tells him don’t start the doom and gloom with her. She then tells him that everything is working out the best that it possibly could for everybody involved and anybody who disagrees can just take her off their Christmas card list because she doesn’t have the time or patience for it. AJ tells her not to lose his number in case she needs anything and happy moving and leaves.

After AJ has left, Robin arrived and tried to talk to Carly about Jason. Carly asks if she shouldn't be packing her own boxes. Robin says so you know and Carly sarcastically tells her that Jason doesn’t keep secrets from her. Robin tells her that Jason is not happy about all of this and Carly says that she thinks it is best for all concerned. Robin says what is best for all concerned is something they have never tried, joint custody. Carly says what’s best for Michael is having both of his parents together and that is what she and Jason are giving him. Robin tells Carly that Jason is only doing this because Carly has convinced him that its the right thing to do. Carly says that Jason loves Michael and she thinks that Jason will get over Robin like he did before. Still not wanting to fight with Carly, Robin tells her that she knows a way to make joint custody work so that Michael can still be with the most important people of his life. Carly asks Robin what is she going on about? She then tells Robin she had better pull out that bilingual dictionary of hers and look up a clue, because if joint custody didn’t last six minutes it’s because Jason didn’t want it to. Jason wants to be with his son all the time and she realizes thinking about what Jason wants is very foreign to Robin, but all she is doing is going along with what Jason wants, so don’t come crying to her because Robin overestimated her importance in Jason’s life. Robin says that she has insinuated herself into Jason's life and she is sorry to disappoint Carly, but she is as common as dirt, selfish, lazy, and greedy and not fit to make Jason's bed, let alone lie in it.

She then tells Carly the only reason Carly thinks of love is to use it as an excuse for the inexcusable things that she does. She lies to him, takes advantage of him financially, and emotionally. It’s how she manipulates Jason into thinking that he can’t be a man of his word unless he does exactly what she wants him to do. Carly calls her "little miss perfect going off to Paris to punish him Scorpio". You pout, and think that'll teach Jason a lesson. If I want something from Jason, I tell him. You manipulate him, and made him quit a job he loved to fit into your Martha Stewart knock off cabin, where he was miserable, but finally deserving of you. She then tells Robin she is nothing, but an icy emotional bully. She says that Robin has no one to blame but herself, and to take her sanctimonious butt back to Europe and leave her and Jason alone. Carly tells Robin that there was a time that she wished to be like Robin, well educated etc. But she is so over that. Robin says that what hurts her is that Carly is hurting Jason and Michael. When you got pregnant, it was the biggest tragedy in the world, you would lose Tony, your figure etc. She says that Jason fell for her ploy and fell in love with Michael while she was gone. Jason will never fall in love with you. Carly says that Jason, Michael and her are family, and Robin can't hurt them. Robin says that she will do what she has always done for Jason, love him. She leaves Carly with that thought and leaves. Carly stands there looking worried by Robin’s words.

Robin calls the Quartermaines. AJ answers the phone and Robin asks him to meet her on the docks, right away. AJ looks surprised, but agrees. AJ meets up with Robin and wonders what has happened. Before Robin can begin, he tells her that he heard about her breakup with Jason, Carly told him. She asks him if Carly was crowing or jumping for joy? AJ says that she wasn’t at all misty eyed about it. Robin says we know her AJ don’t we. AJ agrees that they know her in a way that even Tony Jones doesn’t know her. She talks about their fears, her of losing someone she loves, and AJ's fear of the alcohol taking over his life again and how they let those fears control their lives and how Carly took advantage of their fears. She then wonders how Jason can let Carly use him like she has, because he doesn’t have a weakness. AJ says well there is Michael and that when he sees Jason with Michael it is all that he sees left of the brother that he once had. Robin tells AJ there is more and that Carly taught Jason how to lie. He wouldn’t lie for her or Sonny, only for Carly and it started as just one lie. AJ asks what lie there is. She talks about Carly showing up on Jason’s doorstep pregnant, soaking wet with no place to go and how Carly loves to tell this part of the story because it makes Jason seem like he’s some sort of savior. What it really tells you, if you know Jason at all is that he really didn’t have a choice. AJ doesn't understand and says Carly showed up at Jason’s door pregnant? Robin tells him she is so sorry. He says sorry for what Robin, what one lie and what are you trying to say? Robin says about Michael. AJ then figures out that Michael isn't Jason's son but is his. Robin confirms this by telling him that Michael is his son. 

Robin tells a stunned AJ that Michael is his biological son. AJ can't believe what Robin has just told him and asks how she knows that he Michael's father. He is sorry that she and Jason broke up, but he won't be her revenge. Robin assures him that she wouldn't make this up. Jason told her when she first came back from Paris. Carly lied and asked Jason to go along with it and he did. Jason thought he was protecting a defenseless child from the Quartermaine's. AJ asks with disbelief if Jason was protecting his child from him.  Robin says that nobody had to tell her that the baby wasn't Jason's. She knew Jason wouldn't cheat on her. Noone else seemed to question it. AJ says that he questioned it and he didn't let it drop until he found out Michael's blood type which was the same as Jason's. Robin says that she can't explain that. She is just telling AJ what she knows. AJ says that if this is a lie, Jason did a hell of a lot more than just go along with it. AJ says that he confronted Jason. He asked him point blank. Robin points out that Jason didn't answer him point blank. Robin says that Jason and Carly had a thing, but it was a long time ago when she first came to town. Jason broke it off, but Carly kept throwing herself at him. She somehow managed to convince Jason that they were friends. She was worried that she would lose her son, so she went to Jason for help. If AJ had asked Jason before, if Michael was his son, he would have said no. It's just in the past few months that Jason has begun to say it, because it's true.

AJ can't believe what Robin just said and angrily asks if you tell a lie long enough if it becomes true. Carly can swear by the setting sun that she is a virgin, but it won't make it true and it won't make Jason Michael's father or a decent, honest person out of Jason or Robin. It's kind of splitting hairs to call Carly a liar but not Jason. He asks Robin what about her? AJ tells Robin that she and Jason are worse than liars, they are hypocrites. The only difference between Robin and Tony is that Tony got caught. Robin says that she has no defense. She didn't think it was her place to say anything. Michael was happy. She knew it would hurt Jason if he lost Michael. But now she knows that Jason is going to lose Michael no matter what. Carly will find a way. AJ asks about his feelings. His world was turned upside down last year trying to fill the void that drinking left. He chose ELQ because he didn't have anything else. AJ demands to know if Robin has any idea how different his life would be if he had known that he had a son. Robin  whispers that she is sorry. AJ tells her that she helped Jason isolate Michael from his own family. She kept his real father from getting within ten feet of him. She robbed him of a year of his son's life. AJ knew that Jason hated her, but Robin? Robin says that she doesn't hate him. It wasn't done to hurt him, it just happened. Jason didn't know that he would get that attached to Michael. It was like AJ's sobriety, one day at a time. Suddenly there was a years worth of days and Jason loved Michael more than anything in the world. AJ yells that he won't accept that. If Michael is his son, that he is his to love.
   
Meanwhile at the brownstone, Carly assures Jason that they can be a family now that they are together without Robin. AJ goes to the brownstone to confront Carly, and she tells him Robin is just being spitefull, trying to through him off the track. Later, Robin goes to the penthouse to tell Jason the news, and he screams at her that she has just given the Q's all the ammunition they need to take Michael away from them, and let the Q's into his life. Carly wants to know what Jason plans to do?  They can't fight the Q's financially, because Edward would bury them. Moreover, they wouldn't be able to win in court. Between her past history of shooting Tony, her stay in the mental hospital and the Q's money, she doesn't stand a chance. Jason tries to reassure her saying that the courts always favor the mother in custody battles. Carly asks Jason if he is really sure he wants to stay to try fighting the Quartermaines. Carly wants to try to make a run for it. Jason makes Carly promise that she will "keep it together" for Michael's sake. That means no stupid moves like shooting someone, pretending to be insane, no meeting with Edward or AJ half way. Carly promises.

Carly comes running down the stairs frantically demanding to know where Michael is? Jason calmly assures Carly that Michael is fine. He is with Letitia. Carly is still concerned. What if AJ shows up with custody papers. Jason assures her that AJ has no proof but Robin's word. Sonny looks disgusted as Carly insists that Robin is a snake and would do anything to take Michael away from them. Jason tells Carly that they are in for a long fight and not to panic. Carly tells Jason that if he would never had told Robin the truth, they wouldn't be in this situation. Sonny interrupts and tells Carly that if she doesn't like the situation, she shouldn't have created it. He asks Jason if there is anything he wants him to tell Robin. Jason says no and Sonny leaves to meet Robin to say goodbye. After Sonny goes, Carly starts to say more mean things about Robin, but Jason stops her. He says that it doesn't matter why Robin did it. Jason assures Carly that he isn't going to let AJ take Michael. Carly asks what they do now. Jason says that they meet with the  lawyers. They aren't going to lose Michael. One way or another, Michael will stay with them.

Tony has arrived at the penthouse to visit Carly. She tries to send him away, but then agrees to see him. Carly demands to know what Tony wants. Tony congratulates her on getting Robin to leave. Carly demands that Tony get to the point. Tony threatens to tell Jason about when he found Michael unattended in the park, unless Carly agrees to help him regain visitation rights with Lucas. If she can persuade Jason to leave Robin, she can do anything. He suggests that she start with Bobbie. Jason walks in while they are talking and asks Tony why he is there. Tony says that Carly can fill him in on the details of his visit. Jason says that there are certain situations he left unresolved for Robin's sake. He can finish them now. He tells Tony not to come there again. After Tony goes, Jason asks Carly if this is about the day in the park or if Tony has something else on her. He doesn't have time for Carly to lie to him, he needs to know what to do about Tony. Carly finally "fesses up" about when she left Michael alone in the swing and Tony found him. Carly is afraid that the Q's can use that against her. Jason points out that Carly shot Tony which is a lot  worse than walking ten feet away from a baby in a swing. Carly asks what the lawyer said. Jason  says that the courts generally want a child with it's mother, but that they have a fight ahead of them. From now on, there are two rules. Don't do anything stupid and if she does, don't lie about it, tell him right away so he can fix it. Carly hugs Jason and apologizes for lying about the park. Jason says that he knows she will continue to lie, but cautions her not to lie about Michael. Carly tells Jason that the best thing she ever did for Michael was to give him Jason as a father. She would never do anything to screw that up. She goes upstairs to play with Michael as Sonny comes home. Jason tells him that the lawyer thinks they have a strong case. Jason tells Sonny that the lawyer also told him that if Michael were two, there would be no way that AJ could challenge the legal father. Even if the biological father can prove a relationship, it wouldn't matter in court. If Robin would have waited one more year, Michael would have been safe from AJ. Sonny says that he  never thought Robin would betray Jason. He would have bet his life on it. Jason says that he bet Michael's. Maybe not his life, but his happiness and his future. Sonny nods in silent agreement.
 
Sonny and Carly are at the penthouse together. Carly compliments Sonny on the apartment and asks who decorated it. Sonny rudely tells her that it was his dead wife. Carly looks uncomfortable, but says that she did a really good job. Carly says that Robin couldn't stand it. She couldn't wait to  get to that tacky little cottage. Carly starts to say derogatory things about Robin, but Sonny stops her. He tells her that Robin is gone and there is no reason to discuss her. Carly insists that Robin betrayed Jason in the worst way  she could. Sonny says that Robin made a bad choice. Carly is shocked that Sonny sees what Robin did as a bad choice. Sonny says that Jason has to live with what Robin did. There is no need for him to keep hearing about it. Carly thinks that Robin asked Sonny to try and fix things with Jason. Carly says that she won't let Sonny work Jason for Robin. She will tell Jason to stop seeing Sonny for Michael's sake if she has to. Sonny agrees that that might work, but it might not. Carly  tells Sonny to do himself a favor and not make Jason choose. Robin did and look how that turned out. They both know that Jason loves Sonny like a brother. Jason doesn't want to go against Sonny, but what Robin did was unforgiveable. Sonny insists that Jason won't forgive Robin. He will never see her the same. He will never open himself up to that kind of betrayal. Losing Robin didn't make Jason stupid. Sonny tells Carly that she is transparent as glass. If he can see it, so can Jason. Carly isn't going to tell Sonny what to do about Jason anymore than Sonny is going to tellJason what to do about Carly. Although he does have some ideas. Carly suggests that Sonny be nice to her because Jason loves Michael more than anything and she and Michael are a package deal. 

Carly told Bobbie the truth about Michael's paternity. Bobbie reacted quite negatively and ticked Carly off. Bobbie wished Jason good luck in the matter. Jason was a bit peeved that Carly spilled the beans to Bobbie in the first place. Sonny warned Jason that Carly could be the reason he might lose custody of Michael in the  end. They were on the docks looking for a warehouse to house the new legal venture that they are doing to make themselves look legitimate. A.J. shows up with the court order for Jason and Michael to get a blood test. He later tells Carly who freaks out and says that they either run or let them take their son. Jason warns Carly not to panic and do  something stupid because that would be what the Q's want. Later, alone with Mikey, Carly cooes that everything will be alright.

Ruby has died and a grieving Bobbie is comforted by Carly. Carly admitted that she only saw Ruby as the woman who had convinced Bobbie to put Carly up for adoption. AJ threatened Carly with an affidavit from Ferncliff stating she had been released against her doctor's orders. Carly wants to know why AJ is talking about Dr. Evans. AJ says that he did a little checking. And he talked to Dr. Evans who had some very interesting things to say. In fact, AJ has an affidavit from Dr. Evans which says that he didn't think that Carly was fit to be released from Ferncliffe. AJ put two and two together and figured out that Jason must have bribed a judge to get her out of Ferncliffe. Carly challenges him to prove it, but AJ reminds her that if he can, everyone will know that she should never have been released in the first place. Carly is horrified and asks if AJ is  threatening to send her back to that hellhole. AJ taunts Carly. He agrees that he can't send her back to Ferncliffe, but Dr. Evans is another matter. He had a chance to discuss things with the doctor and the doctor is concerned about her. Carly is outraged that AJ would do something so awful just because he thinks that he might be Michael's father.

AJ reminds Carly of everything she did to him. She let his family think he was a hopeless drunk. She kept him away from his son for the first year of his life. He thinks he has a little payback coming, but he doesn't want revenge. He wants his son. If getting Michael back means he gets to send her back to Ferncliff, well that is just icing on the cake. Carly freaks out and throws AJ against the wall screaming that he will never send her back there. Hearing the commotion, Jason runs in to pull Carly off of AJ, while AJ asks if this is the behavior of a sane  woman.  After pulling Carly off of AJ, Jason calmly tells AJ that he stands there threatening to send Carly back to hell and then pretends to not know why Jason doesn't want him to have Michael. AJ knows that he can't send Carly back to Ferncliff, but Carly doesn't. AJ is using that to try and get to Carly. Carly tells AJ to shutup because he is a loser and he is going to lose this just like he loses everything. After AJ leaves, Carly sinks to the floor. Jason sits down next to her and offers her areassuring pat on the back.  Carly is still freaking out, but Jason assures her that the paperwork that got her out of Ferncliffe is legitimate. She is not going anywhere. AJ knows it and that is why he is trying to scare her. Carly says that AJ is a bully and a pig and she will never let him have her son. Carly is sure that AJ is going to use the affidavit from her doctor at Ferncliff against her. She will be free, but she will look totally unfit as a mother. What will happen to Michael.

Jason continues to explain to Carly how AJ can't possibly send her back to Ferncliff. When the judge ordered her release, it included a recommendation from Dr. Evans that she was competent to stand trial. His recent affidavit contradicts that. Carly points out that now AJ can say she attacked  him, which she did. Jason says that the lawyer told him that the courts want children with their mothers. That is an advantage for them. Carly apologizes for panicking. Jason says if she can't do this, there is another way to keep Michael. Jason and Carly discuss the possibility of taking Michael and running. Carly is surprised that Jason is even considering running as an option. She suggested that and he was against it. Jason says that he still thinks they should stay and fight, but Carly is the one AJ is torturing. If Carly can't handle it, he is willing to go wherever the Q's can't find them. They talk about everyone they would be leaving behind. Jason says that they can stay and fight or they can go someplace new and start all over. He is leaving it up to Carly.  Carly and Jason decided to leave town with Michael, but their plans changed when Carly received a desperate call from Bobbie. Carly  put her travel plans on hold, but told Jason to leave with Michael as planned and promised she would join them later. Carly comforted a grieving Bobbie and was touched when Bobbie gave her a letter and gift from Ruby. Carly helped Bobbie pack up Ruby's things.  Bobbie and Carly grew closer as Bobbie admitted that she had come to realize that she and Carly were very much alike. Carly  almost spilled the truth to Bobbie about her plan to leave town, but left without doing so. AJ gave Carly another court order for blood tests for Jason and Michael. Carly tried to hide her panic and then came up with a plan of her own and decided not to leave town after all. She has finally reconnected with her mother and just can't seem to
bring herself to leave Bobbie and her home in PC.

AJ decides it's time to put another nail in the coffin and calls Carly to remind her that time is running out for the paternity test. Carly's freaking out. Edward decides it's time for AJ to kiss up to her and invite her into  the house. AJ is totally grossed out by the thought of seeing her at the breakfast table every morning and tells Edward when donkeys fly.  Carly arrives at the Quartermaine mansion saying that Jason kidnapped Michael. Carly told Edward and AJ about how Jason "kidnapped" Michael. AJ doesn't buy it. Edward calls the police. Taggart comes over. Carly is talking to him when Emily comes in and starts going off on, and then physically attacking her. Sonny and Mike talk about Carly. Then, Taggart comes by with a warrant to search Sonny's for evidence in the kidnapping of Michael, Carly has pressed charges against Jason. Sonny is furious that Carly would accuse Jason of kidnapping. An angry Monica blasted Carly for Jason and Michael's disappearance and was surprised when AJ defended Carly.  Later, Reginald catches Carly snooping around the Q's mansion and asks her if she is looking for something? He casts doubt upon her place in the family. He reminds her of their conversation on New Year's when he warned her that the Quartermaine's will do anything to replace Jason. Carly thinks that her place is assured as Michael's mother, Reginald is oddly quiet after she makes this observation.

#8B Edward is cordial to Carly, which is always suspect. He informs her that he's going public with Michael's kidnapping and is offering a $1 million award. AJ walks in and is upset because the police have no leads. He tells Edward that because Jason's name is on the birth certificate, he's still the legal guardian and Dara Jensen is hesitant about pressing kidnappings charges. But he's in violation of the court order for the blood test. Alone, Carly looks upon a picture of her, Jason and Michael. Bobby shows up and wants to know what she's trying to pull. Carly accuses Bobbie of deserting her. Bobbie warns her that siding with the Q's is a dangerous mistake. Carly tells her that they've been threatening to send her to Ferncliff and that everything she does and will do has been for Michael. She didn't want a life being dragged through the courts or running from the Q's. Bobbie doubts her intentions  and suggests she's motivated by money. Carly has now made it clear to the audience that it is all an act. She wants Jason to come back and save her. Edward tries to make it seem like she is already becoming part of the family. AJ tries to reassure her. 

Sonny shows up in Carly's room! Carly threatens to call the Q's in to throw Sonny out; he tells her to go ahead, that he would love to enlighten the Q's. Carly asks if Jason is back in town. Even if he was, he wouldn't  want to have anything to do with her, Sonny says. Carly says that Jason knows her, he would  know that things are not what they seem. Sonny tells her how stupid she is, how long after acquiring Michael would the Q's lock her up? Carly continues to believe that they can't keep Michael without Michael's mother.  Sonny tells Carly that when Jason finds out what she's done, he'll never come back. Jason wouldn't do that to me! Carly insists. Sonny tells her that she'd better figure out what she's going to do once the Q's throw her out. Sonny leaves. Later, Edward finds Carly in her coat. Carly says that she's going to go make up with Bobbie. She tries to refuse Edward's offer to have Reginald drop her off but Edward insists.

Carly shows up after Mike and Sonny leave the penthouse, and uses her key to enter. She searches for a number to use to reach Jason. She finds a cell phone and presses redial hoping to reach Jason. Suddenly Sonny enters and finds her there. Sonny tells Carly that if she hits redial, she'll get Benny on the other end. Carly tells Sonny that she needs to get a hold of Jason but Sonny tells her that if he has his way, she'll  never talk to Jason again.Carly tries to make good with Sonny. She backtracks, trying to work Sonny, but by the look on his face, he doesn't believe her twle of sibling rivalry. Sonny tells Carly that he insight of what makes A.J. tick is of no intrest to him. He tells her that what does interest him is that his best friend is being double-crossed by a garden variety tramp! Carly is ticked off. She says that there is no reason to insult her. She says that her plan is to get A.J. on her side, the rest of the Q's will follow and when they trust her with Michael she'll decide who will see Michael and that it will be, of course, Jason. Sonny tells Carly that her crap doesn't work with him after she says that in order to make her plan work she has to make Jason look bad. They continue to fight and it looks as though Sonny is winning, but she gives a low blow concerning his love for Robin and he gives Carly a look that could kill. Sonny tells Carly that Jason chose Michael over her. She snaps back by telling him he's just like Robin. She refers to Robin as a tramp and suggests that he and Robin were doing something in the back room. She says that Jason chose her and she'll find him with or without his help. Either way she'll find Jason and he'll believe her.

Sonny tells Johnny to get the car and get Carly out, nevermind the snow. Carly and Sonny are stuck together during the stormand the tension is bad. She suggests that they work together to come up with something so that everybody wins. The best thing for her to do, she says, was for her to go to the Q's. She wants to call Jason and let her explain everything to Jason herself. Sonny's hesitant, to say the least. He asks her how Jason won't go to jail for the kidnapping. Carly comes back by saying that she has to be the one to press charges, but she won't. He humors her and lets her believe that he's in accord with her. Then with something naughty on his mind, he suggests that they go upstairs. He leads her on, then calls her out. She denies that she would have slept with him, but he says she had that yes look. He calls her a slut and she retorts that he is a pig. He tells her that he'll tell Jason that she tried to seduce him to get him in her corner. What will hurt him the most, that she tried to seduce him or that she turned his son over to the Q's. He leaves her there hysterically crying and screaming that Jason won't believe him, and tells the guard not to let her leave for three hours.

Jason arrived at the Q mansion to a smiling Carly. Carly is ecstatic to see Jason, but he pushes her away when she tries to hug him. Carly does a complete 180 when she notices AJ walking by and starts yelling at Jason demanding to know where her baby is. He can't just run off with her son. He is her son, not Jason's.  AJ insists that Jason get away from Carly. He asks if it finally dawned on Jason that people get arrested for kidnapping. Jason said that he didn't kidnap anyone. He and Michael went out of town for a couple of days. It's called a vacation. AJ says that Carly admitted the truth and demands to know where Michael is. When Jason refuses to answer, AJ leaves to call the police. AJ informs Jason that the police are on their way. Monica walks in and is thrilled to see Jason. She is not so thrilled when she learns that AJ has called the police. Taggert arrives commenting on thereturn of the baby snatcher. Jason explains that he and Michael took a trip and now they are back. Carly made a mistake. Carly is reluctant to confirm or deny. Taggert tells her that before she answers she should know that kidnapping will be difficult to prove since Jason has been the custodial parent since Michael was born. AJ asks about the blood test and happily shows Jason and Taggert the new and improved court order.

Jason crumples up the court order and informs AJ that there will never be a blood test.  AJ asks Jason if he thinks they are bluffing. Jason says that he isn't letting anyone stick Michael with needles to prove something everyone already knows. Jason admits that AJ is Michael's biological father. Monica says that she is proud of Jason. His actions prove that he is acting in Michael's best interests. AJ says that he and Carly want to see their son. Jason says that Carly can see Michael, but AJ can't. AJ is outraged, but Taggert confirms that Jason can keep Michael away temporarily since Jason's name is on Michael's birth certificate. Jason offers to take Carly to Michael, but AJ doesn't want her to go. Taggert offers to remove Jason from the premises, but Monica says no. After Taggert leaves, Jason offers to take Carly to Bobbie's, but Carly says that she will have AJ drive her. AJ tells Jason that this is the last time he will keep him away from his son. After Jason leaves, Carly tells AJ that it doesn't do any good to antagonize Jason. They should just be glad that Michael is back. AJ agrees that Carly is right. He can't wait to see his son.

Carly arrives at the brownstone, brushing past Bobbie saying that she is there to see Michael. Jason picks Michael up out of his play pen and hands him to Carly telling Michael that his Mommy missed him. Carly holds Michael tight and says that Daddy is right, she did miss him. Carly is talking to Michael asking if he had a good time with his Daddy. Bobbie sarcastically asks if that is Daddy the kidnapper or Daddy who has been a wonderful father to her son. Carly says that now isn't really the time and Alexis tells Jason that she needs some time alone with him. As Jason leans down to say goodbye to Michael, Carly says that the only thing that matters is making sure Michael doesn't get hurt. Jason says that he has been trying to do that from the beginning. After Jason leaves, Carly tells Michael that Daddy doesn't understand Mommy's plan yet, but when she has a chance to explain everything, she knows he will.

AJ finds Carly in the parlor at the Q mansion. He tells her that he is meeting with his attorney to file temporary custody papers and wants her to attend. They must present a strong case against  Jason and they need Carly to tell how violent and controlling Jason was. She needs to tell the  attorney how Michael being with Jason is in danger. Carly doesn't want to drag Jason through the  mud. If they bring up Jason's past, he can do the same with them and they don't want to go there. AJ agrees. He leaves for the attorney's without Carly. As soon as AJ leaves, Carly immediately grabs her fur coat and tries to sneak out through the patio french doors but Ned stops her. She explains that she just wants to go for a walk. Ned sees right through that! He tells her that whatever angle she is working on AJ, she has his permission and his admiration. Carly shows up at the penthouse. Before she can go into Jason's, Sonny intercepts her. They exchange heated words. Sonny asks her what she's peddling today, honesty? Carly fires back about being honest with Jason about Sonny propositioning her! Right then Jason opens the door.  She tells Jason it's true, but Jason cuts her off. They go into the penthouse. He asks her if she is going to doublecross him again like Sonny says.
 
Carly is attempting to explain things to Jason. She insists that Jason is the only person with which she can be really honest. He is the only one who really "gets" her. Jason fires back "Maybe I did but not anymore." He demands to know why she didn't follow him as planned and instead went to the Quartemaines and accused him of kidnapping. She claims it was to ensure that Michael would have a life with the two of them. Carly paints a picture of how awful it would be if they had to be on the run and never trust anyone. She tells Jason she didn't want to leave their friends and family behind. Through this display she manages to insult Sonny and Emily. Jason looks in anger. She even plays the Bobbie card. She goes further and says she doesn't want to take him away from the very life he loves, like Robin did. All these things were going through her mind when A.J. showed up with another court order for a blood test. She claims they can fight the Quartermaines and win. Jason wonders what could they possibly win by telling everyone he steals babies. Carly continues to tell Jason what she did is for the best. She is only pretending to be on the Q's  side. Since Jason is legally Michael's father he can't be charged with kidnapping. She says she  knew this all along. She didn't. Jason tells her it doesn't matter what she does because Michael will  still end up at the mansion. He will take Michael and leave before he allows that to happen. She blames this attitude on Sonny and declares Jason would never take her son from her. She drops the bomb, she will have to marry A.J. before the three of them can be together as a family. Jason looks at her in shock. She attempts to explain that by marrying A.J. it won't entitle him to anything. It entitles her to do whatever is necessary to ensure her son doesn't grow up like A.J.

She says they can't win in a battle against the Q's. She is a mental patient. He is a criminal. She insists the plan will work because A.J. hates Jason more than he hates Carly. He is jealous of Jason. Carly believes A.J. still has a thing for her. Jason points out that this is probably not true  now since she drugged him and threw him in an alley. She goes on to say that Edward will insist that his great grandson be legitimate. Carly says when A.J. thinks he has won she will make her move and file for divorce and sole custody. She will then be a rich woman and the three of them  can be together, in a year or less. Jason tells her this is the dumbest idea he has ever heard. Jason tells Carly she will be making a mistake marrying A.J. Legally he will have too much power. Jason tells her even if everything goes her way, in which he has yet to see,this will be a disaster. Jason tells her the best thing would be for the two of them to go for custody. They both know this won't happen. Carly continues to insist they do this her way. It's too late to turn back now. If it doesn't work she knows Jason will save her like always.  She breaks down in tears and tries to allay Jason's fears that Michael will be out of his life. She tells Jason she loves him and leaves. Jason looks very doubtful.  Carly sneaks back into the mansion, and plays A.J. like a fiddle. He falls for all her lies. She tells him she will give him a signed affidavit about Jason's mistreatment of her. A.J. is very pleased.

Carly is on the phone calling someone, she tells to meet her down by the Gatehouse. AJ walks in and she hangs up the phone. He asks her if that was for him and she tells him no. He tells her he was expecting to hear from one of his attorneys about getting custody of Michael. Carly tries to hide the fact that she is happy Michael is not with them and tells AJ that she wants Michael to be  with his real family as much as he does. Sensing that Carly is playing games, AJ warned Carly that he would send her back to Ferncliff if she decided to switch her allegiance back to Jason. Carly assures AJ that he doesn’t have to threaten her and she wants Michael to be here with them. She then tells him that she is going to go see Michael and will be back later. After she is gone, AJ makes some phone calls.
 
While Jasonis gone, Carly goes to Jason's penthouse to see Michael but is irked to find only Sonny in residence. The two of them argue and Sonny warns Carly she's made an enemy for life in him. Jason and Leticia return with Michael and Carly immediately tells Jason that Sonny just threatened her. Jason tells Carly he doesn’t want to hear it and gives Michael to Leticia to take upstairs. Carly tries to explain, but Jason cuts her off and tells her that she is not going to be able to turn him against Sonny. He then tells her that she hates Sonny and Sonny hates her and if they want to fight and argue that’s their business, but he is not going to be in the middle of it. Carly then reiterated to Jason the importance of following her plan. Sonny makes a off the wall comment and Carly yells at him to stay the hell out of her business. Sonny leaves and tells Jason he’ll see him at their meeting later on. Once Sonny is gone, Carly tries again to badmouth Sonny in front of Jason, but Jason refuses to talk about her feelings toward Sonny. He then asks her what is really bothering her. She tells him that she has been going crazy not seeing Michael and needed to come over to visit the both of them, so that she would know what she is fighting for. Carly tries to play on Jason's sympathy by claiming that A.J. has repeated his threat to send her back to Ferncliff, but Jason tells her that it is her own fault. Carly tells him once she has sole custody of Michael there is nothing AJ can do to them and AJ deserves everything he gets. Jason doesn’t agree and tells Carly even if AJ does decide to marry her, she may end up liking the guy and where will that leave Michael. Carly says that won’t happen, because all she has to do is remember AJ standing there with the court order in his hands threatening to send her back to Ferncliff.

They then talk about how bad things would be for Michael to live with the Q's. She reminds Jason about the time he stopped someone from raping her, and how she begged him not to beat the guy to a pulp and he told her that the idea is to make the guy not get up. Well, AJ will be so beat up by the time this is over, he won't be able to get up either. Jason tells her that her idea is stupid, like shooting Tony in a crowded courtroom. Jason says that he has the possibility of visitation, or partial custody even and for her not to worry. Jason goes upstairs to get Michael and the three of them visit. Carly asks him about the meeting with Sonny and is it safe? Jason doesn’t answer her and Carly tells Jason she is asking because AJ is hinting that Jason's line of work is not safe for Michael and pleads with him not to get shot at. Jason tells her it will be okay. Carly gets ready to leave and tells Michael that she is going to miss him, but knows that this is the best place for him. Carly is back at the mansion and AJ asks how Michael is doing. She tells him Michael is fine. AJ then hints that it  won't be too much longer for her to be apart from Michael. With Jason's job being what it is, it won't be long till they get custody. Carly tells him she is glad to hear that and they hug, but the look on her face that AJ doesn’t see is that of someone who has their own agenda.

Carly hopes that AJ isn't being over confident. Asking a judge for custody of Michael seems like  it should work. They are Michael's biological parents, but they do have some image problems. She is a former mental patient and AJ became Michael's father in a drunken blackout. AJ reminds Carly that being a recovering alcoholic is not against the law. Jason breaks the law every day. Carly agrees, but points out that they won't be able to prove it. In court, Jason is a former mechanic going into the coffee business. The phone rings. AJ is angry that the media has once  again gotten their unlisted number, but isn't disappointed to learn that there is a fire at Jason's warehouse. Carly wants to know if anyone was hurt, but AJ says that he didn't think to ask.

AJ is angry when he catches Carly on the phone with Leticia checking up on Michael. He demands that Carly hang up the phone. Carly tells Leticia that she will call her back and demands to know what AJ's problem is. AJ asks why she cares about Jason anyway. Jason is a man who has terrorized her, held her a virtual prisoner, kidnapped her son. Carly tells him to worry a little more about his son. AJ says that he is. He is going to call his attorney right now and tell him about this tailor made example of how Michael isn't safe with AJ. Carly sarcastically tells him to go ahead. AJ angrily asks her if she is ever going to participate in getting their son back. Carlytells him he just isn't a lot of fun when he is like this. AJ angrily leaves the room and Carly calls  for a cab.

At the warehouse, Sonny and Jason are angry because the warehouse and everything in it has been totally destroyed. Nothing was saved. Not one pound of beans, not one file cabinet. Taggert walks up saying that it looks like someone was trying to send the new businessmen a message. Moreno maybe? Sonny says that he has been out of town. He hasn't kept up on these things. Taggert says that Sonny being back in town is what made Moreno nervous. Taggert says that Sonny was supposed to be out of town and Jason was supposed to be retired, but here they are, reunited like the temptations. He thinks maybe Moreno was trying to remind them of promises made. Jason asks Sonny if he knows this guy Moreno. Sonny says that he sells watches on thestreet when the weather isn't bad. Taggert gets angry when Sonny and Jason plead ignorance where Moreno is concerned. Sonny and Jason could give him something that would allow them to bring Moreno in, but instead they pretend like they know nothing and next week something of Moreno's will go up in smoke. AJ arrives and demands that Michael be released from Jason's care immediately. Alexis interrupts and says that this is not the time or the place for AJ to be discussing Michael's custody. Taggert agrees. AJ and Taggert start to argue, but Alexis interrupts saying that if AJ wants to discuss Michael, he should do it with her and not her client. As AJ and Alexis continue to argue, Carly arrives. She remains hidden, but breathes a sigh of relief when she sees that Jason is unharmed. Carly tells herself to go home and she leaves without being seen.

Sonny and Jason know that Moreno is behind the fire. Jason knew that something bad like this was coming. Jason is sorry that Sonny can't retaliate because of him. Sonny says that Moreno isn't worth it. He is a bug. Alexis asks AJ if he really needs to be there. He has expressed his concern. He knows that  Michael is safe. His tactics are very obvious. He came to try and provoke his brother. AJ says that he doesn't have to do anything to make Jason look bad. The way Jason chooses to live his life does if for him. He tells her that it looks like she picked the losing team again. When Alexis asks what he means by again, AJ asks how else she would explain Ned. As AJ leaves, Sonny asks if she put a frog down his shorts. Alexis says that she imagines AJ is on his way to see his attorney. She tells Jason and Sonny that if they are in the middle of a turf war, they need to leave her out. Jason says that he doesn't know what he is in the middle of. He just knows that he didn't start it and he does not intend to continue it. He asks her to please not quit on him now. Alexis says that there is no chance of that. AJ just made the mistake of gravely irritating her. Jason says that he knew AJ wanted to him to hit him. He wouldn't have, he doesn't think.

Carly is sitting in front of Jason's door waiting for him. She jumps up when she sees him and tells him how glad she is that he is okay? Jason assures her that he is fine and so is Michael. Carly says that none of them will be fine if AJ gets his way. Jason can't believe that Carly went to the pier. Carly says that she saw how AJ tried to use the whole thing. She asks Jason if she sees why she did what she did. If things like fires continue to happen, he will lose Michael. He doesn't have a prayer of holding on to any legal rights. That's why she really needs to stay where she is and make nice to the Q's. She tells Jason that, no matter  what, she is going to bring Michael back to him. She promises. Carly looks a little worried as she walks out the door.
   
Carly arrives at the penthouse all worked up from her visit with Bobbie. She is ranting and raving about how Bobbie will not lie for her. When is she going to learn that a mother who invites you to Christmas dinner is not a family. All she wanted was one little favor so she could see Michael without AJ siccing the blood hounds on her every time. The most laughable part of the wholething is that its Bobbie's fault that they are in this mess She was the main reason that Carly wanted to stay in town and fight. As far as Bobbie is concerned, they could disappear. Jason says that they still can, tonight.  Jason tells Carly that Michael will be taken away by AJ. Alexis told him that after the warehouse fire, the next time AJ and Carly ask for custody, they will get it. He says that Carly is the biological mother, and he is legal guardian. If they leave tonight, then it can't be kidnapping, tomorrow morning may be a different story. Carly says that when the whole thing happened and Robin opened her big mouth, she was ready to pack up and go and he wanted to stay and fight. She wants to know what changed.

Jason says that she found a different way to chicken out, and now there is no chance to win. He won't let the Q's take Michael if there is another way. They can keep the promises they made to Michael and raise him somewhere else. Carly says that they can,but they won't. Carly tells Jason that she warned him that he might lose Michael temporarily in order for them to be together in the end. Jason angrily asks Carly what she is going to tell Michael about why Jason isn't around? Michael can't understand it's a plan. Carly tells Jason to calm down. She isn't his enemy. Her plan may not be the simplest plan, but it plan has worked so far. How would leaving the country be any better? Is that what they really want for Michael? They can't raise Michael, no matter where they go, the Q's will find them. She asks when they are going to tell Michael that he is not Jason's son. She talks about finding out that she was adopted. When she found out, she burned every picture in the house and moved out as soon as she could. She couldn't even receive the love her adopted mother was trying to give her because she was too caught up in the lies. She doesn't want that for Michael.

She asks Jason to promise her not to leave with Michael. Jason says that if Carly won't go away, she knows that he can't. Before Michael was born, she asked him to take care of him. He wouldn't be doing that if he stole him away in the middle of the  night and took him where his mother couldn't find him. It might be better if he did, but he won't.  Jason tells Carly that he knows her. She won't hate AJ forever. She will have anything she wants,  anytime she wants. She will have chauffers and servants. She isn't going to want to leave and that is her business. But then Michael will be trapped and that is his business. Carly admits that she could get used to life at the Q's, even Monica and Emily, but she really does want what is best for  Michael and that is Jason. She asks if he thinks she is destined to be a horrible mother. Before she met him, she was never not trying to work the situation. She was always trying to scam someone. But with him, she is just herself. He saw right through her and he didn't care. She doesn't have tofake it with him, she can just be Carly. She doesn't have to pretend to be someone better like she  did with Tony. It didn't work, why would she sign up for a lifetime of it? She notices that Jason isn't listening and asks what he is thinking about. Jason says that he is thinking about how to help Michael through what's going to happen. Carly tells Jason that he can't let Alexis give up on the issue of visitation. Jason says that Alexis gets that. Since he has been Michael's care taker since he was born, he should have a chance. Carly is glad because AJ hates Jason. There is no motivator like revenge is a great motivator. AJ is going to do whatever he can to make sure that Jason never lays eyes on Michael again.

Jason says that there is no way that AJ can make it look like it is bad for Michael to see him. Carly says that AJ may be able to because she signed a statement saying that she was terrified that Jason was going to hurt her. It never actually says that Jason did anything wrong. When it comes up in court, Alexis should just say that it proves that Carly is unbalanced. Jason is stunned that Carly said that he would hurt her. Carly says that she lied. She is a complete and total flake. And that is what he should say. Have Alexis get her up on the stand and make her admit that Jason never touched her. Better yet, have Alexis ask her if he ever threw her out of bed. Jason can't believe that Carly wants him to call her a liar in court. Carly says that she wants him to pull out all of the stops. She has done a million outrageous things. Carly says that judges leave children with mothers worse than her all the time. Jason still can't believe what he is hearing. Before they can discuss it further, they hear Michael on the monitor. Carly asks if she can go see him since it will probably be the last time for a while.   Carly is playing with Michael, singing him a silly song. Carly says that if something goes wrong and Jason doesn't get visitation rights, she and Leticia will sneak him into Michael's room at the mansion. She tells Michael to remember Jason as Daddy, and Mommy, and home, and they will all be back together soon.
 
Carly is at the Q's arrangements for a car. AJ walks in the room and asks if she is going to visit Jason. Carly confesses that she has signed up for an interior decorating class at PCU. AJ asks if it is something she would like to do professionally. Carly says maybe. She wants Michael to be proud of her. AJ assures her that Michael will be proud because she has done the right thing by getting him away from Jason. Carly inquires about the custody petition. AJ says that the decision is expected to come down this morning and he is pretty sure they are going to win. Carly says that Michael is going to love it there. The only bad thing will be putting up with Jason when he comes to visit. AJ says that he doesn't think it will be an issue. Carly asks AJ if he thinks that a judge would try to keep Jason from seeing Michael at all. AJ says that they can hope. Carly says that that would be great. The three of them together without Jasonaround to mess it up. AJ says that he has done everything he can and that it could happen. He asks if Carly wants to come along to the court house. Carly declines when AJ says that Jason might be there. She doesn't want to see him. AJ offers Carly a ride to PCU, but she reminds him that she already called a cab. Carly thanks him for doing so well with everything. AJ says that he did it all for their son. Bobbie insists to Jason that he is Michael's father no matter what the courts say. Jason thanks her for trying to help, but knows that it doesn't look good for him. Bobbie says that she has to get going and asks if Michael will be awake soon. Jason tells her that she can go check on him. Bobbie goes upstairs leaving Jason alone in the living room.

Carly comes breezing through the penthouse door complaining about what she had to do to get away from the Q's and all because her dear mother wouldn't help her. Bobbie is coming down the stairs and overhears Carly's comment. She tells Carly that she didn't want to lie for her because she does enough of that on her own. Carly says that she didn't come to defend herself to Bobbie, she just wants to see her son. She asks if Bobbie is going to be there long. Bobbie says that she was just leaving, but she has a few things to say first. Carly says that she thinks that Bobbie has said them all. She is a liar, and she is wicked, she only thinks about herself, she is disloyal. She asks Bobbie if there is anything else.  Bobbie says that she is dangerous to her child. Carly says that she will go home and add that to her list. As Bobbie and Carly continue to argue, Jason reminds them that this isn't going to hel  Michael. If he ends up with the Q's, he will hear enough fighting. That's why they have to help him. Bobbie agrees with Jason. Carly leaves asking Jason to tell Michael that his mother loves  him. After she leaves, Bobbie says that maybe she should have stayed upstairs and pretended she wasn't there. Jason says that if she stays on his side, she can be wherever she wants.

AJ arrives at the Q mansion. He gleefully tells Carly that they won. And she doesn't need to be concerned about Jason coming to visit. The judge denied any visitation until the final custody hearing. It could not have worked out any better. Jason will probably be completely cut out of Michael's life for good. Carly acts ecstatic for AJ's benefit but looks very sad once he leaves the room. AJ tells Carly he has gotten a present for Michael, but will let her open it. He jokes that it can be re-wrapped. Carly has a hard time hiding the fact that AJ has won, but decides to try to play cheerful and opens up the gift. It turns out to be a spun silk blanket for the bed that has been monogrammed for Michael Quartermaine. Carly thinks Michael will like it very much. AJ admits to not being able to sleep lately with all the excitement of Michael’s arrival. He says what is done is done, and tonight is the start of a new life for them. Emily returned home and AJ and Edward are surprised to see her, thinking she had gone out that afternoon. When she asks them what is going on, they admit that they have gotten custody of Michael. She asks how Carly could have let them do this and can't believe it. She then calls out for Monica, but gets no answer. An angry Emily tells them that the police will never touchMichael. Someone knocks at the door. It turns out to be Johnny with Leticia. Carly brings her in and introduces her to Edward. Edward only asks, "where is my great grandson?" AJ asks her too, where is his son? Jason is still outside. Emily goes to the door, with sadness on her face and witnesses Jason arriving at the mansion with Michael.

At the appointed hour, a sorrowful Jason appears at the Quartermaine mansion with Michael in his arms. Jason then arrives at the front door carrying Michel. Carly smiles at him, but Jason just stands there silently, holding Michael regretting what he has to do. Lila comes into the foyer. When she realizes what is going on, she apologizes to Jason saying that she would have stopped it if she had known. AJ tells Lila that she would have been making a terrible mistake because Michael belongs with his family. AJ demands that Jason give him his son, but Jason hands Michael to Carly. Michael immediately starts to cry while Jason tries to explain things to him. He assures Michael that he will be fine with Carly. AJ intervenes telling Jason to say his good byes and go. Emily asks AJ why he is trying to tell Jason how to handle this. Jason knows Michael, AJ doesn't. Edward asks whose fault that is. Emily asks AJ if he has any compassion for this baby that he supposedly loves. Emily tells Edward and AJ that they aren't acting like they have Michael's best interests at heart. Carly is in tears as she watches Jason say good bye to Michael. Jason tells Michael that he loves him and he may not be able to see him for awhile. He promises that he won't stop fighting to get him back. Edward tells him that that is enough. As soon as Jason says goodbye, Leticia takes Michael upstairs. The rest of the Q's are uncharacteristically silent as they watch Leticia go. Once Michael is out of the room, Jason warns the Q's not to fight in front of Michael again. He gets scared when he hears people yell. Emily says that Michael isn't used to meanness. Edward says that Michael will get used to the cadences of family life and tells Jason to go. He is legally barred from seeing Michael. Emily tells Jason that she hates what the Q's are doing to him and Michael. Jason tells Emily that he needs her to keep it together so she can look after Michael. Emily promises and leaves the room. Lila also leaves telling Edward that she doesn't care where he sleeps tonight as long as it isn't in their bedroom. Carly follows Emily up the stairs to help Leticia get Michael ready for bed. Jason walks over to Edward and tells him that Michael will never belong to him. That said, he leaves with once last glance up the stairs.
   
Jason is alone on the docks when Tony happens along. Jason is silent while Tony tells him that he knows why Jason doesn't want to go home. There isn't anyone waiting for him now. It isn't the quiet he is afraid of. It's the prospect of facing all of those little things. He might sit down on the  sofa and feel a lump behind his back and it is one of Michael's toys. He might find a plastic spoon  shaped like an airplane or trip over a little boot. All the small, but significant items that he will never need again. Those tiny little reminders of another time will cut him to the bone time and time again. Even after the little things are gone, it won't get any easier. If he is feeling bad now, well welcome to a world of pain. Tony tells Jason that he has waited a long time to say this to him. It is so sweet to be able to tell him now that what goes around comes around. Jason, who has finally heard enough, turns around and punches Tony just as Sonny arrives on the docks. Tony starts to stand up calling Jason a tough guy when Jason hits him again.

AJ tells Monica that the custody issue is not Edward's fault but his responsibilty. AJ tells Monica that he was only trying to spare her because he knows how ambivalent she is.Monica tells AJ that her primary concern is Michael. Rule one as a parent is that what he wants is not a primary concern. Any child psychiatrist will tell him that uprooting Michael without a transition period is not a good idea. Michael has been cutoff from the only parent that he knows. Carly asks what about her, but Monica just gives her a look and continues talking to AJ. She tells him that this is one time where going cold turkey is not a viable situation. AJ says that he is sorry that she thinks so little of him. Monica tells AJ that she loves him, but he is acting out of spite. Ifhe really wants to do what is best for Michael, he will work something out with Jason. Edward tells AJ and Carly to pay no attention to Monica. She lapses into maudlin displays, but she will come around now that there is a baby in the house. Edward asks AJ if he wants to talk about the restructuring of ELQ, but AJ declines saying that he wants to go get his son.  AJ and Carly have finally gotten Michael down for the night. AJ asks if it always takes so long.  When Carly says no, AJ says that it must just be that everything is new. He thinks that river systems in central Africa is an inappropriate topic for a child's book. He thinks that the sound of his voice, not the contents of the book is what put Michael to sleep. Carly suggests that tomorrow they go to a children's bookstore and select some books that AJ would like to read to Michael. And she has to tell him that she thinks he did an incredible job with Michael. Carly really thinks that Michael is going to love it at the Q's. She can feel it. AJ thanks her for saying that and they hug.

Jason arrives home with Sonny. He is reluctant to go into his penthouse now that Michael is gone. As he starts to walk in Sonny invites him to stay at his place for the night. Jason declines saying  that this is where he lives. It's gonna be like this every night and he had better get used to it how it is. Sonny leaves Jason alone. Jason wanders aimlessly around the penthouse sadly taking in the emptiness. The Quartermaine's breakfast was interrupted by Michael's cries.Carly attempted to comfort Michael but was unsuccessful. Carly then demanded that AJ call Jasonto help calm Michael. AJ stood his ground and refused to let Jason anywhere near Michael. A distraught Emily begged Jason to run away with Michael. Jason calmed Emily and told her that going on the run wouldn't be best for anyone.  A.J. is at a loss as to how to stop Michael from crying. Ned takes this opportunity to heckle him. A.J. blames Michaels' behavior on Jason saying that he spoiled and catered to him during his first year of life. Ned corrects A.J. by saying Michael is scared and alone and needs his father, Jason. Hearing this was like a knife through A.J.'s heart. Edward complains loudly about Michael's' crying. A.J. and Ned argue about the CEO seat at ELQ. Ned infers A.J. is using Michael to cement his place at ELQ. A.J. quickly reminds Ned about his decision to put ELQ over his own daughter.

A.J. and Carly argue about Michael's continual crying. He wants Carly to remember she is his mother and he will get use to her and him. Ned enters ready to antagonize them.  Carly stops by to tell Jason about Michael. Sonny leaves at the sight of Carly. She tries to get Jason's sympathy. Carly complains about how miserable Michael is feeling. Jason tells her to tell Michael Daddy loves you Michael. Up to the sky and around the world. He always told him that when no one else was around. He instructs Carly to do this until she is sure Michael has heard her. Carly then implies that all his crying could benefit them in the long run. Jason angrily tells her to never use Michael's pain to get what she wants. She looks on in shock and what appears to be disdain. Jason reprimands her and threatens her to never do that again. She sheepishly apologizes. They lay blame on each other. Jason says all that matters now is to fix things for Michael. Carly is told to stay close to Michael no matter what, and to not appear to be afraid. She tries to comfort Jason by saying that in time they will be together again just the three of them. Jason coldly hands her the magazine and says nothing as she prepares to leave. This coldness is not left unnoticed by Carly.
   
A.J. comes back to check on Michael. The psychiatric evaluation is the following day and Carly is worried. A.J. buys the liecompletely. A.J. thinks since Michael is now sleeping that he is adjusting. A loud cry from the baby monitor dispels this wish. Michael's cries continued to disrupt the Quartermaine household. Edward tells Emily that sheshould get to school. Emily says that she is going to help Leticia. Edward is complaining about the incompetence of Leticia. Emily complains to him about how Jason isn't allowed there. Monica calls it inhumane about how they just let Michael cry. AJ and Carly come down and join the others in the living room. They tell everyone that they have to go to the court shrink today. AJ hopes that they will retain custody. Ned comes home and doesn’t waist any time taking potshots at AJ about how unhappy Michael is. Emily says that AJ and Carly need someone there who actually has a clue as to what Michael does need. Carly tells Emily contrary to what Emily thinks, she loves her baby boy. Emily and Carly snarl at each other and exchange sarcastic remarks, while the rest of the Quartermaines chime in with their two cents' worth. Carly yells at Emily, wondering who appointed her princess of the manner and asks Emily doesn't she think that it hurts her to hear Michael cry? AJ pulls Carly aside and tells her that its okay if Michael cries, it will show the judgethe brainwashing that Jason has done. Emily and Monica leave the room and Ned insults AJ and Carly as they prepared to meet with the court appointed psychiatrist. AJ tells Ned that he reallydoesn’t care what Ned thinks and he and Carly get Michael and leave for their appointment.
   
Carly and A.J. nervously report for their first session with the court-appointed psychiatrist. Trying to impress the shrink with their parenting prowess, A.J. and Carly stumble through the session. Carly talks some about Michael's birth, and how she had Jason sign for the emergency surgery for Michael during her post partum depression. She says that she left Michael with Jason because she trusted him. AJ says that he would have helped. She tries to defend herself, and was forced to backpedal after she praised Jason in front of the psychiatrist, but AJ steps in, also trying to defend himself and Carly. The doctor asks how sudden fatherhood feels. AJ says that it's wonderful, and he knows he can guide and give Michael all he needs to succeed in life. The psychiatrist tells them that it has been an interesting meeting, but her next visit will be with Jason and Michael. She then tells them that she will be making a home visit to see how Michael is fitting into the Quartermaine household. They are disconcerted to learn that the doctor’s visit will be unannounced when she comes to see Michael in his new environment. She thanks them for coming and then goes into the other room to retrieve Michael for them. Alone in the room, they both wonder what she was writing down about them, and Carly wonders what she will write down when she sees Michael and Jason together. When the doctor brings Michael out, all three leave for home.
   
Lila says that they are all ignoring the obvious, that Jason is the only one who Michael wants. AJ is hurt by her comment and Lila tells him that Michael is not adjusting, he is grieving and if the situation doesn’t become better, he will work himself sick by continuing to cry all the time. Weary of her family's endless squabbling, Lila shocks the Quartermaines when she takes matters into her own hands by taking the bull by the horns. She calls Jason and invites him to the mansion to visit Michael.  Lila asks Jason to please come and see Michael. She assures Jason that Michael isn't sick or hurt, he just needs him. Jason agrees to come right away. Lila hangs up the phone and informs the Q's that Jason is coming. Carly is noncommittal at the news, Emily is delighted, but Edward and AJ point out that it is violation of the court order. Lila is unconcerned and cheerfully tells them to haveher arrested and then instructs Emily to have the cook prepare
something for Jason to eat.

Edward, AJ, Carly, Emily and Monica are awaiting Jason's arrival. They all have mixed reactions, but Emily is glad. She is still concerned about the next time Michael cries and the next time and the next time. AJ says that they are giving in to Michael. He is just throwing a tantrum and they are giving him his way. Monica says that Michael is lonely and frightened and he is not  throwing a tantrum. AJ agrees that Michael is lonely frightened, but that is because the Q's are  strangers to Michael thanks to Jason. Edward starts issuing commands regarding Jason's visit. He insists that this is a one time thing and says that there will be legal action if it happens again. Monica counters Edward's demands with a threat to throw him out of her house if such a thing ever happens. On the side, Carly asks AJ if it really is Monica's house. AJ explains that Alan gave  it to her. The upheaval is interrupted by Jason's arrival. Edward opens the door and starts to tell Jason the conditions of his "visit". When Jason hears Michael cry, he brushes past Edward and runs up the stairs to Michael. He runs into Michael's room. Michael immediately stops crying  when he sees Jason. Jason  tells Michael that he needs to get some sleep. He carries  Michael around the nursery pointing out the toys, telling him that he is going to have a lot of fun playing with them all. He tells Michael that everything in the room is all his. He knows why Michael hates it, because he does too.

Downstairs, Edward tells AJ that Jason's visit is a very bad precedent. Monica says that they  should think of it as an opportunity to work something out. Michael needs both of them. For Michael's sake, he and Jason should try to put aside their differences. AJ refuses to reward Jason's lie by giving him a place in Michael's life. Emily asks why AJ can't think of what Michael needs. AJ says that Jason is not the solution. Jason is the reason that Michael is afraid of them. And that is the way it is going to be until he is no longer a stranger to his own son. The room  grows eerily silent as Jason walks in carrying Michael.  Edward warns Jason not to even think of leaving with Michael. Jason tells Michael that these are the Q's. He already know Emily. She is the one who tells the truth and the one he trusts to watch over him. He carries the baby over to Lila and explains that she is his great grandmother. He tells Michael that Lila loves him. He then carries Michael over to Monica and tells him that Monica is his mother. Jason points to Edward and tells him that he probably has him figured out by now. He then walks over to AJ and tells Michael that AJ will never hurt him. AJ speaks to Michael saying that "Uncle" Jason is a bad man. He robs and kills people for a living. He tells Michael that Jason stole him before he was even born. After tonight, he will never see him again, if he has anything to do with it. Jason ignores AJ and asks Carly if she will go upstairs with him to help read Michael to sleep. Carly agrees, in the interest of maintaining family harmony, and follows Jason out of the room. Carly is relieved when Jason finally manages to get Michael to sleep. Carly thanks Jason for coming. Jason tells Carly that she has to do for Michael what he used to. She has to be him. He  knows she thinks she can't do it, but she can. She can't be afraid because Michael will sense it  and fear is contagious. When Michael is afraid, she should just kick everyone out of the room and  hold him. It doesn't matter what she says as long as she says it without being afraid. Jason assures Carly that if Michael hears the sound of her being his Mom and loving him, he will accept  her comfort. As she watches Michael sleep, Carly tearfully tells Jason that she doesn't know why she thought she could handle the Q's. She is so out of her league. These people have their daggers out all of the time. She turns around as she is talking and discovers that Jason is gone.

As she watches Michael sleep, Carly tearfully tells Jason that she doesn't know why she thought she could handle the Q's. She is so out of her league. These people have their daggers out all of the time. She turns around as she is talking and discovers that Jason is gone. Carly is still in Michael's room watching him sleep. She tells the sleeping baby that he gave the Q's hell and says good for him, but now he should let her take over.  Jason reaches the psychiatrist office and A.J. tries to convince him not to see Michael. It only  makes matters worse for the baby. Jason tells A.J. he is Michael's father and goes in to see him.  The doctor questions Jason on Michaels' behavior, and his habits. They discuss Carly and her actions. She questions what loving Michael means to him. Jason tells her he will give Michael everything he needs. He will love and protect him and never leave him. Jason then has to turn Michael over to A.J. after the meeting. As soon as A.J. takes him, Michael begins to cry.

A.J. complains to Carly about how much more agitated Michael has become since he saw Jason at  the psychiatrist's office. Carly is well aware of that and tells AJ that Michael feels comfortable with Jason. AJ senses Carly is pleased with the fact that Michael is not responding to him and  calls her on it. The two of them argue over Michael and Jason, and AJ decides to get some air and leaves. Edward happens to eavesdrop on Carly making plans to go see Jason. She calls a cab to come get her and then hangs up. As Carly gets ready to leave, she gets advice from an unlikely source and turns around to find Edward standing behind her. They talk about AJ and all of the things Carly has done to him in the past. Edward tells her it is in the past and the family that she has been yearning for is within her reach. As Carly listens, Edward shocked Carly by suggesting that she and AJ present a united front in order to help Michael. Carly later took Edward's advice to heart and decided to make a move on AJ.  Carly is preparing herself to go make nice with AJ. She is practicing what she is going to say. She tries several different approaches until she thinks she has hit on one that will work. She decides to beg AJ for forgiveness. With that she gives her hair a final flip and walks out the door.  Ned tells AJ that what he lacks in talent, he has made up in callousness because it takes a cold bastard to launch his career on the broken heart of  his only son. Carly arrives at the end of Ned's statement. Ned brushes past her on the way out.
 
AJ's office asking if she doesn't see enough of this idiot at home. After Ned leaves, Carly tells AJ  that he has Ned running scared. He was totally rattled. Ned is on the defensive. He can feel that AJ is coming into his own. She suggests that AJ relax and enjoy it because it can be a lot of fun to  control the people you despise.  Carly asks AJ to forgive her for the things she said. They want Michael to be happy and the best way to do that is to work as a team. Carly tells AJ that she understands how much pressure he is  under with his job and the family and everything. Their son's future depends on them finding a way to work together. They have to stay friendly and find a way to back each other up when ever there is an opportunity. AJ says that that is an attractive concept although it is hard to fathom on Quartermaine turf. Loyalty is fleeting in his family. Carly is sure that AJ can teach Michael loyalty.  AJ says that he can't do it alone. He can handle the business, but Michael is a full time job. He  agrees that it will take a lot of work for the both of them. Carly says that they are in this together.They laugh together and AJ says it feels like they just made a pact. Carly agrees, she considers that progress. AJ agrees and invites Carly to dinner. He knows a great spot that he is sure she will love. 

Carly and AJ arrive at Café Matisse. Carly orders a bottle of champagne and then starts to change her mind when she remembers that AJ doesn't drink. AJ insists that she get the champagne and orders something nonalcoholic for himself. Carly looks at the menu and asks for a translation. She asks if you don't belong there if you don't speak french. AJ assures her that as the mother of a Quartermaine, she belongs anywhere she wants. The waiter arrives and AJ charmingly orders in French for both of them. Once the waiter is gone, he comments on how surprised he was when Carly apologized. Carly says that she is basically loyal. Carly continues to play AJ like a fiddle as  they wait for their meals to arrive. Carly doesn't look too thrilled when the waiter removes the plate covers to reveal salmon in a bernaise sauce. AJ tells her that she will love it and she obligingly chokes down a bite. He had a feeling that he pallet was ready to expand. Carly pretends to love the meal and then asks AJ how  he knew she was ready for more sophisticated meals. AJ says that it was her eyes. Her eyes say show me more, show me everything, I want to experience it all. She has searching eyes and they are very nice. AJ says that when he brought her the CD player it was because he remembered her eyes wishing for more. Carly says that her eyes had nothing to do with it, Edward did. AJ laughs because he knows that Carly is right. He asks if he mentioned that her eyes are very intelligent. He admits that Edward offered him the moon in exchange for Michael, but now that he knows Michael is his son, he doesn't care much about the moon. He wants to win because he wants ELQ for Michael and he will do whatever it takes to make sure he gets it. AJ says that when he was a drunk, he handed the company to Ned. Now he is strong and he has  to protect Michael's interests. Ned will fight to take ELQ away. Carly says that AJ will win because he
has her and she is no slouch in the war department. AJ says that he was furious when he found out that Carly lied, but he would like to put that all behind them. He would like to have his friend back. Carly says that she would like that too.

The End