| Part 1 You're with me Til the bitter end What we had transcends This experience. Too painful to Talk about So I'll hold it in Til my heart can mend And be brave enough to love again Carly looked out at the ocean, watching the waves crash on the shoreline, filling her with a sense of peace. She had always loved the beach and it seemed that her love of the water had been passed down to Michael, he was having a ball in the water with Leticia. Her decision to leave Port Charles had been for the best. She needed this time to grow and she had. She was still in love with her husband. But she could live without him. The world wouldn’t end if he didn’t forgive her or welcome her back into his heart. Her son’s safety came first and she did what she did out of love. Carly had come to realize that you shouldn’t have to apologize for love. “Hello.” Carly turned in the direction of her father-in-law’s voice, a smile appearing on her face. Seeing her daughter in her grandfather arms. Was all the proof she needed, telling Mike about Marisa was the right decision. “Hi” Carly greeted holding out her hands for her daughter. Mike reluctantly gave Marissa back to her mother. Mike looked down at Carly holding and talking to her baby with love. His heart ached with regret that Sonny wasn’t here to witness the woman that she had grown into. Carly looked up at Mike seeing the love in his eyes for her and her children. “You’re a great grandpa.” Mike smiled, joining her on the blanket. “And you are an excellent mother.” Carly felt tears well in her eyes upon hearing Mike’s acclamation. “Thank you for coming. I wasn’t sure if you would come after not hearing from me in so long,” Carly whispered in shame. She had excluded everyone and everything from her life that was a reminder of Sonny, with the exception of her baby. “Carly, you’re like a daughter to me. I told you once that I would always be here for you and I meant it,” Mike said reassuring her with a gentle hug. “She’s a beautiful baby,” he stated proudly as Marisa tugged at his fingers, trying to put them in her mouth. “She looks just like Sonny when he was that age,” Mike continued before he could stop himself. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean....'' “It’s okay Mike. You're right, Marisa is very much her father’s daughter,” Carly acknowledged. “How is he?” Carly asked after the tense moment between them had passed. “He’s okay. He misses you like crazy.” “Mike...” Carly whined knowing where this discussion was heading and not wanting to talk about Sonny and how much he loved and missed her. “Sonny knows where I am.” “But he doesn’t know about his daughter.” “I won’t use Marisa as a reason to see Sonny,” Carly vowed with conviction in her voice. Mike opened and closed his mouth several times. He didn’t know how to respond to the new and mature Carly. She was nothing like the Carly he had once known. “You’ve changed,” he finally stated “Yes I suppose I have. I still love him you know but I won’t try to guilt him into coming back to me. There was a time that I thought having a baby would magically solve all of our problems,” Carly admitted sadly, realizing how wrong and immature that was now. “You’re not the only one that has grown this past year. Sonny has too. He’s not the same person he was when you left.” Carly didn’t comment on that bit of information, just letting it sink deep into her heart, filling it with the hope that just maybe … No don’t set yourself up for another disappointment! She mentally shook herself and resolved to stick to her decision. “Mike, I want you to be a part of Marisa’s life. You’re her grandfather. But I’m not ready to deal with Sonny just yet.” “But you’ll have to deal with him at some point. And I think it would be better if you told him about his daughter right away.” Mike hoped that his words would cause her to change her mind about calling Sonny or at least letting him tell Sonny about his baby. But when his eyes met hers, Mike knew that she wasn’t going to change her mind, at least not today. Still, he wouldn’t give up until Sonny and Carly were back were they belonged. “I know that. But not today. I just want to enjoy the rest day with you and the kids. Can we do that, Mike?” “Of course.” Mike said dropping the subject of Sonny for now and focusing on enjoying the time he had with his granddaughter. * * * * * Port Charles A place in time Still belongs to us Stays preserved in my mind In the memories there is solace Sonny looked at the papers he had been putting off signing for so long. It was time to bury the past once and for all. He reached inside his desk to find a pen. He took a deep breath before signing his name at the bottom. The only thing missing now was her signature. He knew that Carly was living in Florida with Michael. She was constantly in his thoughts no matter how much he tried to forget her. She was still a part of him. He wanted to trust her so badly because he still loved her but he didn’t know if he could. He didn’t want her to receive the papers in the mail or by carrier. He wanted to deliver them in person. Sonny dialed a familiar number. “Benny it’s me. Look I have to go out of town for a few days. Take care of things until I get back.” “Where will you be?” Benny asked, worried about his boss and the suddenness of his leaving town. “I’ll have my cell phone, if you need me,” Sonny said, not commenting on his travel plans. “Okay,” Benny answered knowing Sonny wasn’t going to share anymore with him. “Be careful.” “Always,” Sonny said before hanging up and heading upstairs to pack. Never too far away I won't let time erase One bit of yesterday Cause I have learned That Nobody can take your place Though we can never be I'll keep you close to me When I remember Song used was Mariah Carey - Never Too Far |