Darin saw how she tensed when he called her name. She could even have been mistaken for a statue; that’s how still she became.
Carly looked at him. Her mother had told her he was there. Sonny had even said it. She had seem him and fainted for God’s sake. But still. Just looking into those eyes, the eyes she had memorized such a long time ago and kept in her mind every day of her life since. It was a little too much.
She blinked, hoping that the image before her would disappear when she opened her eyes. She prayed for him to disappear, but God chose not to answer. He was still standing there, looking at her.
What did he want? After all this time, all these years, he just decides to come back? That’s not how it happened. Ever. He wasn’t supposed to just come back. And now? Why now, of all the times possible? No. She couldn’t do this and she wanted to tell him, but it felt as if her jaw was wired shut.
Seeing Caroline’s hesitation, Darin stepped forward. “Caroline...”
She immediately turned to run. She had to get out of here. She couldn’t stay. But something had latched onto her arm. Realizing it was Sonny, she relaxed noticeably.
“Running won’t solve the problem Carly,” were Sonny’s only words to her. She looked him in the eyes, not knowing what she was searching for yet still doing so. She turned back towards Darin. “H-hello.” That was it. Her mouth clamped shut and wouldn’t open again. Needing a way to escape, to hide, she choose the closest source - Sonny. She positioned her body so that Sonny was standing in between herself and Darin.
Darin saw this too. He closed his eyes for a brief second. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, yet he hadn’t thought it would be this hard. Why did she seem so afraid of him?
“Maybe... Maybe I should just come by and see you some other time,” he said as more of a statement than a question. “When you’re alone,” he added, looking towards the man in she had take shelter behind.
“Maybe, you should just leave her alone,” Sonny returned. “Let that be your first and last warning, Mr. ...”
“Roberts,” Darin finished. “Darin Roberts. And who are you?”
“Sonny Corinthos,” Sonny told him, hoping he would have heard of him and that would give him reason to take his warning into depp consideration. Yet, it didn’t seem to phase him.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Corinthos, but I really think you should leave mine and Caroline’s business for just the two of us to discuss.”
Sonny gave a threatening smile. “Well first, she would have to want to see you. And obviously, she doesn’t. So until then, stay away.”
Darin winced, stunned at his words because they were true, then looked at the man. He was trying to be intimidating, but he didn’t really know why. Was he something to Caroline? Were the two of them together? And what about the baby that they had all been worried about earlier? Was it his? Darin turned his gaze back to Caroline. “Look, I didn’t expect you to just fall back into my arms but I kind of thought... Well, that we would at least be able to talk. As adults. If you’re not ready right now, I’ll understand. I don’t want to push you Caroline. I’d never want to hurt you.” Moving his gaze to the man, Sonny Corinthos as he had said, he spoke the next words. “But I won’t stay away.” Looking back towards Caroline, he continued. “I’ve stayed away too long. I’ll just leave now.” He looked to Sonny one last time, then left the hallway.
Carly stood there, shocked by the scene that had just transpired before her. She had stood back, wordless, and just watched as if it had been the four o’clock matinee. Realizing that she had not only been hiding behind Sonny, but also holding onto him for dear life, she let go.
And then she got mad.
“You know what Corinthos? Just stay the hell out of my business!” Tuning the opposite way Darin had left, Carly stormed off, with a very confused Sonny left behind.
The small desk clocked ticked away, the noise breaking the closed-in silence that would hold the room if it had not been there. It had been a present from her father - one of the many. Only having seen him at his scheduled visits on her birthday and at Christmas, Francesca’s father had felt it necessary to bear gifts the few times they met. The crystal-domed clock had been one of her favorites because of its small size. Usually, her father would bring large amounts of money, ski vacations, one year a brand new BMW Convertible.As a teen, all those gifts had been welcomed...even thought deserved. But she had quickly realized with age that the gifts mattered less...the meaning more. And that’s why she had adored the clock so much. Her father had seen it in a Vienna storefront while on business. He had told her the story of seeing it, and thinking of her mother, his wife, immediately. Since she was gone, he had bought it for her, the daughter that reminded him so much of his lost Rebecca.
Frankie grimaced at the memory. Everyone had always said that she was the spitting image of her mother. She’d even seen the pictures to back up their claims. But she had always felt, and deep down, knew, that she could never replace her dead mother. Until recent years, she had always felt her father’s action of sending her away was not because she knew too much about the business, but rather because she had started to remind him too much of his deceased wife, the wife who died in giving Francesca life.
The door to the darkened office opened and in stepped Vincent Argento.
“Francesca,” Argento greeted her. When he saw she was standing to greet him, he started waving his hand. “No need for that Francesca. What can I do for you,” he asked as he took a seat opposite her desk.
Francesca smiled. “Why can’t you call me Frankie, Vincent? Or even Rosalee? I’d like that much better than Francesca. You know that.”
Vincent also smiled. “Francesca, I have known you before you even existed. When your parents were choosing names, what I heard was Francesca, for a girl, Franklin, for a boy. No Frankie. I intend to always honor that name that was given to you.”
The smile fell off her face, thinking of the mother she never knew and the father she had never been allowed to know. “Your respect for my parents and myself means a lot to me Vincent. And I thank you."
Again, Argento waved his hand in the air, as if to dismiss her words. “What did you ask me here for Francesca?”
“Always to the point I see,” she said.
“Well, both you and I know that time is money.”
“Correct. Well, I brought you here for two things Vincent. One, was to ask about what the others think of my announcement.”
Vincent shifted in his seat, having already known that this would be a topic of discussion between them. “Francesca, you must know that...”
“The truth Vincent. I expect at least that much from you.”
Nodding in understanding, Vincent told her of the reservations that a few of the organization’s members held. “They don’t really know who to trust Francesca. You know that is always a concern in this business. With you having...taken care of Sorrel, so to speak, they feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under them. And even though no one would say it at the meeting, there are questions as to whether or not a female, and especially one of your age, can handle this type of business. You wanted the truth, that’s it.”
Frankie nodded. There was silence while she thought over his words. Looking straight into the man’s eyes, the man who should’ve been her father’s second in command, but had never wanted the position, she asked him, “And what do you think?”
Not breaking eye contact with her, Vincent spoke. “Rebecca would not have wanted this life for you Francesca. She held so many dreams for you, so many hopes and wishes. I think deep down in her heart, she knew she would not survive the delivery, she knew she would not see you grow into the beautiful woman that you have become. And those hopes, dreams, that is all she had to leave you. Your father followed them as best as he could, but I think it became too tough. I confess that he told me this in confidence. You began to know too much about the business, and that was one thing your mother was always adamant about you not being a part of. That is why he sent you away. And now...”
He shook his head, not really sure how else to tell her these words that he was positive were breaking her heart. Never knowing her mother had always been a hard issue for Francesca to deal with. Though her father had provided her with numerous nannies, she had never felt a close connection with any of them, rather opting to gain a closer one with the one parent she had left. Of course, that had not worked because of Moreno’s own pain, that of which he had been dealing with since the day of his daughter’s birth...the day of his beloved wife’s death.
“And now, I want to be a part of it. I want to know that I have done something that would have made my father proud. I am an adult Vincent, and I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what I do. And let it be to anyone who has a problem with me that I will not tolerate the whispers behind my back. Whether or not they like it, I am here to stay.”
“I understand you perfectly well Francesca, but you wanted the truth, so I gave it.” He raised a brow, as if to challenge that fact.
Frankie smiled. “I understand Vincent. And thank you. Now, to the second reason I asked you here.” She watched as an uneasy look came over the man’s face. “How do you always seem to know what others are thinking before they even have it out,” she asked, having always been amazed at that aspect of his personality.
“I have not said one word Francesca,” Vincent said with a smile.
“I want you as my second in command.” There. Simply and to the point, the exact way he liked to conduct business.
“Francesca, I couldn't...”
“No. You can and you will. You’ve already said it Vincent. They don’t trust me. But you have been here since the beginning, even before then. You could be running this operation on your own...with your eyes closed.” Frankie stopped and looked down at her desk, then to her clock, still ticking the seconds away. She looked back up, into his eyes, and continued. “There were times, when I was with my aunt, when I would feel so lonely, so abandoned. No mother. No father. It was at those times that you would show up, just as if you had known that I needed a connection...any connection. I trust you Vincent. My father trusted you for many years, and I’ll trust you for many more. I really want you to do this. For me. You’re the only one I would ask.”
They sat in a pregnant silence. Francesca, hoping that he would say yes because she knew without Vincent, she would not last long. And Vincent, thinking of all the hopes and dreams Rebecca had wished for her daughter and what it would mean for him to do what she asked.
“I’m not comfortable with this Francesca. I’ve always had reasons for staying out of the lime light. I play better as a supporting character.”
“And you’ll still be one Vincent. My support. I need you to do this. You know it as well as I do. I have never begged anyone for anything. Don’t make me start.”
Vincent smiled. “Okay Francesca. I’ll do it.” Seeing the excited smile on her face, as if he’s just given her the greatest gift, Vincent adds, “But only for a while. A year, maybe two, until they learn to respect you. Then, you get someone else.” He stands and holds out his hand. “Do we have a deal?”
Francesca stands and walks around to embrace him in a hug instead. “Deal.” Pulling back, she looks into his face and says, “Thank you.”
Putting his hand to her cheek, he smiles. “Anything for you Francesca. Anything.”
“And after we eat, we’ll play for a while. Together. How does that sound Michael,” AJ asked his son as they walked up to the front door of the Quartermaine house. He shoved his free hand into his left pocket, looking for the keys to open the door when it opened on its own. Cautiously, he stepped inside.
“Where have you been young man! We’ve been waiting for God-only-knows how long for you to come back! How did things go?” Edward stopped with his rant to notice Michael in his grandson’s arms. “My boy, you did it! You figured out a way to keep Michael away from Carly,” he exclaimed as he clapped AJ on the back excitedly. “This calls for a celebration. Reginald? Bring Mrs. Quartermaine down. We’re having a celebration,” he boomed to the non-present butler. Turning, he waved his hands for AJ and Michael to follow him into the living room.
AJ smirked, knowing his grandfather would be disappointed when he heard what really happened. “Grandfather...”
“What is all the commotion Edward,” Monica asked as she and Alan came in from the outside. “We could hear you from the patio and I’m sure the neighbors could too.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Monica! The neighbors live at least three miles away, maybe even more. This is my home and I want to celebrate!”
“I will not have people screaming in my house whenever they please,” Monica returned, an annoyed look on her face.
“Your house that I gave you,” Alan added, always feeling the need to remind her of that.
Monica gave him a look of pure venom.
“Oh! Would you two stop acting like five-year-olds! We have a celebration to begin!”
“And what would that be Edward,” Lila asked as Reginald rolled her in.
“Ah, Lila, my dear, you’re here. Good. Reginald,” Edward spoke to the butler as he took over pushing his wife into the room, “Champagne for everyone. The best we have.” Edward stopped and looked to AJ, remembering that he was a recovering alcoholic. “What would you like instead AJ?”
“Nothing grandfather. And we won’t be needing the champagne Reginald. Thanks,” he finished the dismissal of the butler as he sat on the chair, placing Michael on the cushions beside him. “I do have an announcement for the family though.”
“What have you done now,” Edward asked. He didn’t like the tone of voice AJ had started speaking in.
“Father, why must you always assume that AJ has done something wrong. He could be giving us great news for all you know,” Alan said. Turning to AJ, he told his son to go on with his announcement.
“Thanks dad. Well, I don’t really know how to say this, so I guess I’ll just say it. I’m moving out.”
A silence ensued for a full minute before the explosion of voices came.
“--- What do you mean you’re moving out?”
“--- AJ, what’s the meaning of this?”
“--- Moving where?”
A loud whistle silenced the shouts. They all turned to Lila.
“Well, I had to get your attention somehow. Now AJ, finish your news. And not a word out of anyone else,” Lila warned.
“Thank you grandmother. As I was saying before, I’m moving out. Carly and I worked out the custody settlement so there won’t be any public court battle. Her only condition was that I move out of the house and I agreed. So, I will be finding a place to live soon and moving out.”
There was a silence, as all had been instructed by Lila not to speak. “What were the terms of the custody agreement AJ,” Lila asked.
“We’re going to start out slow. Carly will have Michael for six months out of the year, I’ll have him for the other part. Whenever neither one of us has him, the other is allowed to see him or visit with him as much as they like. This arrangement will go on for as long as it works and later we’ll work out something better.”
“Well, that sounds like a good plan. Especially for Michael. I have to say that I ‘ll miss you dear, but I know it’s for the best.”
“I’ll miss you too grandmother. But I’m sure I can bring Michael over for frequent visits.”
“I would like that very much AJ,” Lila returned with a smile. “Reginald,” Lila called. Surprising to everyone else, the young man came in almost instantly. “I told him to stay around because I knew the fuss couldn’t be as big as Edward made it out to be,” Lila explained. “I’ll be returning to my quarters. You can continue with your ranting now,” she called as Reginald wheeled her out of the room. Not five seconds after her exit, the storm continued.
“--- I should have known you would mess this up!”
“--- How could you let that witch talk you into moving out?”
“--- Moving where?”
Holding a hand to secure Michael in the chair, AJ stood. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t yell in the presence of my son,” he spoke in a commanding tone.
The other three adults closed their mouths, realizing the error they had made - again.
“Thank you. To answer you comment grandfather, I am not in the least surprised that you would feel the way you do. It’s obvious to both me and everyone else that nothing I ever do is good enough to please you. Therefore, I’ll just quit while I’m ahead.”
Before Edward could open his mouth to say anything, AJ continued, still in a calm tone, to speak to Monica. “I knew you wouldn’t agree with this mother. It’s no surprise to any of us that you don’t like Carly, you never did really. But, if moving out will let me have some sort of relationship with my son, then I’ll do it. I’ve already missed a year of his life, I won’t miss anymore.” AJ turned to Alan. “To answer your question dad, I really don’t know. I guess I’ll just start looking tomorrow, after Carly picks Michael up.”
“You mean he’s spending the night here,” Alan asked curiously.
“Yea. Carly was in...an accident.”
“--- Again!”
“--- My God, is she all right?”
“She’s fine grandfather. She just bumped her head, but Bobbie said it would be best if I just took Michael for the night. And I agreed.”
“What happened this time,” Monica asked. “She didn’t get run over by a bicycle messenger, did she?”
AJ gave his mother a warning look, then answered. “It’s really a long story, one I’d rather not go into because I want to spend some time with my son tonight.” AJ turned to pick up Michael, who had carelessly been playing with the cushions on the chair. “So if you will, please excuse the two of us.” AJ and Michael left the room for parts unknown to the remaining Quartermaines.
Monica moved to sit on the couch, not really sure what to think of the events that had just taken place. “I can’t believe he’s leaving. First Jason, now AJ.”
Alan moved to sit down beside his wife, throwing a comforting arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him. “Maybe it’s for the better, Monica. You know that AJ was hurt by not being a part of Michael’s first year. This way, he will get to spend more time with his son without the interruption of Carly. It’ll be good for him...for all of them.”
Monica nodded, understanding his view on the subject. But, still. She’d had a hard time of letting Jason go and had never imagined that AJ would leave to.
While the two parents sat comforting each other on the chair, Edward moved towards the patio. Stepping through the door, he moved into Lila’s garden, taking a seat on one of the benches. The family had already lost Jason and now they were on the verge of losing Michael. Looking towards the rosebushes, Edward whispered “I will not let that happen.”