Chapter 26
Brenda couldn't turn around for fear he'd see the tears and pain in her eyes.
She couldn't let him know how much he'd hurt her, could hurt her.
"Brenda..."
Slowly she turned around and looked at him. He still looked handsome as ever
in his tailored $1000 suit but there was something different about him. She
felt her heart melt and relief flood through her body. Something bad didn't
happen to him. Sonny was alive.
The whole time she was watching him, he was looking at her too.
God she was beautiful, he thought to himself. She looked the same but her hair
was longer and there was something in her eyes. Something different.
"You're really back ?" she asked him. It was the only thing that came out. She
was just glad that he was safe and there, with her, at their place.
He nodded and finally spoke.
"Who'd of thought we would end up here where it all started."
While he was talking Brenda lifted her hand up to Sonny's face as if to caress
it but she stopped midway and slapped him with everything in her. He was
shocked and started rubbing his face.
All of a sudden Brenda snapped out of it, all of the rage and anger floated to
the surface and came flowing out full force. The words came tumbling out.
"Whose fault is it that we're where we are right now, like this ! . Who the
hell do you think you are ? You just come waltzing back into town after what
you did to me !"
Sonny was still rubbing his face
"I thought you would've calmed down by now."
"What do you mean ?.." Brenda realized something. "Robin was trying to tell me
something before. Always the last to know huh Sonny ?"
"It wasn't like that. I-"
"You what Sonny ? Do you know that you're a coward ? You can face Robin but
not me! You send Jason to tell me you're not coming and break things off with
me and now you try and send Robin to tell me- What ? tell me what ? Try and
explain things ?"
"It wasn't supposed to be like that. I-"
"Then tell me what it's supposed to be like ? Why did you leave ?"
Chapter 27
"I had to. They were after me. They would've killed you."
"Who ?"
"I can't tell you that but they would've killed both of us. I don't care about
myself but I do care about you."
Brenda was getting even angrier.
"Ha, if you did care you wouldn't have left. You can stop feeding me all this
crap about protecting me. I've heard it time and time again. It's getting real
tired. Everytime you do something to hurt me it was because you were trying to
protect me. You lie to me it was because you were trying to protect me. By
marrying Lily, you were trying to protect me. Ruin my wedding to Jax, you were
trying to protect me. Leave me at the altar, you were trying to protect me.
Well, I have news for you, I don't need your protection. Do us both a favor,
will you. Go back to wherever the hell you were and don't come back. Just
don't tell me where. I could care less."
"You did a minute ago." He was still reeling from the hurtful things she said.
He could easily pass them off as her being angry and saying a bunch of things
but he couldn't. Sonny knew that she meant every single word.
"That was nothing. Someone leaves like you did without so much as a card let
alone explanation. I have to ask why. Stupid huh ? It was a reflex. I stopped
caring as of September 19."
Brenda turns to leave but he stops her
"Bren, wait. Let me explain. We have to talk."
"We don't have to do anything ! Whatever you have to say you can shove it. I
don't even want to hear anymore of your lies."
"I'm not lying this time. You were right. I was a coward. You were ready to
run off with me and never look back but I couldn't do it."
"Why ?"
He looked her right in the eyes
"Truthfully ? I don't know. I was scared for you. Both of us."
"That doesn't cut it. "
"I know. Just give me some time. I can tell you everything then. "
"I don't want to know everything. "
Sonny looks at her disbelievingly
"Well maybe I do but you can't give me everything I need or want. I have to
go. "
"Wait-"
"No. I have nothing else to say to you unless you're willing to tell me the
truth. "
Brenda turned to leave again but Sonny grabbed her arm to stop her. Sonny
looked deeply into her eyes and saw hate, anger and coldness. He didn't see
any trace of love or trust, anything that showed she still cared. Nothing. He
loosened her grip and Brenda ran.
Chapter 28
Brenda hurried up the steps and got out of there as fast as she could. To
where she didn't know yet. She just had to get out of there.
Sonny was left alone on the docks
"Fine, go. I'll wait. We have all the time in the world. I'm not going
anywhere this time" he w whispered to himself. After she left Sonny sat down
on the bench and put his hands in his face.
He finally put his finger on what was different about Brenda. That spark was
gone. It was his fault. He had put that pain in her eyes and he hated it. He
hated himself. Sonny promised himself that if he got her back he'd never hurt
her again and he'd make it all better even if it meant that he'd spend the
rest of his life on his hands and knees.
Brenda made it to her car and drove. She could barely concentrate. How she
even made it home in one piece alluded her.
On the porch of her cottage, she couldn't stop trembling so she dropped her
keys. She collapsed on the porch right there and started crying. She sat there
rocking herself until Robin came out. Robin heard Brenda pull up and hurried
downstairs.
"Brenda, what's wrong ?"
"Sonny..he..." she couldn't get the words out but Robin just held her best
friend and helped her inside. Brenda was grateful for the quiet and her
'little sister'. Robin knew what had happened the second she saw Brenda. She
recognized the look on Brenda's face. Her heart went out to her.
Robin helped Brenda sit on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"Sssh. You don't have to say anything. It's okay."
"You know." It was more of a statement than a question
Robin nodded sadly.
'I saw him yesterday. I tried to tell you but-"
"But I was such a basketcase you didn't want to push me over the edge. You
should've seen me Robin. I completely lost it. He probably thinks I'm crazy.
Do you think he knows that they locked me up in a padded cell ?"
"Brenda. No one thinks you're crazy. I understand. You were probably just
walking along and saw him there. After what happened..."
"I know. Thank you. You already made me feel better." Brenda smiled weakly
Robin watched Brenda for a few minutes. She spoke cautiously.
"You're not mad ?"
"At you ? No, this isn't your fault. If you had told me then I probably
would've gone off on you instead of Sonny. "
"Are you going to be okay ?"
"Not really but i can manage. Just give me a few minutes."
Chapter 29
Robin glances around and looks at Brenda strangely
"Where's Stone ?"
"What ?...Oh my god. I left him at Lois and Ned's. I meant to go back and pick
him up after my walk but I ran into Sonny...I have to go get him."
Brenda grabs her purse and tries to get up.
"Brenda. Relax, it's late and you're in no condition to drive. He's probably
asleep by now. I'll call Lois and see if she can keep him for the night. If
they can't then i'll pick him up."
"You're right. I don't know what i'd do without you."
"Anytime."
They hug each other.
"Go upstairs and rest. I'll call Lois."
"Thanks"
"You can stop thanking me Bren, he's my godson too. And you're my best friend"
Robin waits for Brenda to go upstairs until she dials the number
" 'Lo ?"
"Lois, it's Robin."
"Oh thank god. Sonny's back. You have to tell Bren-"
" She knows. She saw him tonight. I saw him the other day and I tried to tell
Brenda but I couldn't. "
Lois nodded and glanced at her husband who was watching his wife, trying to
catch what was going on
"Is she okay ?"
"Not really but I think I calmed her down a bit. Is Stone okay there ?"
"Oh yeah. He's sleeping like a little angel. Tell Bren we can keep him as long
as she needs."
Robin and Lois finish their conversation and hang up.
Elsewhere, back at the docks. Sonny finally gets up after what seemed like an
eternity from the bench. He finally decided that he should get out of there.
He wanted to go see Lois, he needed a friend right now. He couldn't talk to
Luke or Jason yet. They didn't understand about him and Brenda. Lois did.
Chapter 30
Soon Sonny arrives at the gatehouse to see Lois. He knocks on the door.
Unfortunately Ned answers the door.
"Corinthos, why am I not surprised. Did the fact that I told you you weren't
welcome here just slip your mind ?"
"Can it Ashton. I'm here to see Lois."
"She's busy. Next time call."
Ned tries to slam the door in Sonny's face but he pushes his way in. Lois
hears voices and comes downstairs.
"Ned, with all the noise you're makin' you're going to wake up the-"
She sees Sonny and stops mid sentence.
"Sonny, how are you ? I was worried about you. Where have you been ?"
Lois rushes over to him and wraps her arms around him. Ned is less than
pleased.
"I'm fine Cerrullo. Take it easy."
"Well, you look good. One of my oldest and dearest friends disappears and
leaves my best friend on their wedding day, I worry."
Ned takes the opportunity to interrupt.
"At least you didn't forget that part Lois. I was just telling Sonny here that
he should leave since it isn't a good time. You just put our daughter down and
she's sleeping like a baby."
Lois caught on quickly
"Nonsense. I can make time for Sonny. You stay here and me and Sonny will go
for a walk.
Come on Sonny. Ned can watch the baby for awhile."
Lois grabs her coat and pushes Sonny out the door
"We'll be right back."
Ned is about to object when Lois shoots him a look. Sonny smirks at Ned
"See ya Ashton."
Chapter 31
Lois and Sonny sit on the perch in front of the gatehouse.
"So Corinthos, Ned isn't here anymore. Tell me truth. What happened ?"
"Cerullo, I told you I was fine."
"How come I don't believe you ? Come on , spill."
"I had to leave Lois."
"I know you don't like to talk much Corinthos but you can do better than that.
I was here after you left Brenda. She was a wreck. I know you loved her. Why'd
you go ?"
"I had to. They were after me. Brenda would've been hurt. "
"She already was. Bren was a mess. I was still in Brooklyn and Robin was in
Paris. She didn't have anyone except Jax and her sister. "
"What did they do ? Badmouth me ? Make her think I was no-good and never loved
her ?"
Sonny asked as he rubbed his face
"Like you've said a thousand times, actions count more than words. What you
did to Brenda spoke for itself. Those thoughts were already there even if they
did. "
"I never wanted or meant for any of this to happen. I thought I could do it
but I couldn't."
"You're back. Why ?"
"Why not ? "
"Is it safe or did you just come back for Bren ?"
"I'm trying to make it safer. The danger has subsided but it's not completely
over. Port Charles is my turf. I can fight better here than on the run or
hiding out in some house in Puerto Rico. I still love Brenda with all my heart
and soul. Always will but I doubt she'll take me back. I don't blame her.
Besides I have to beat this thing before I can even think about getting her
back and making things right with her."
"Those are pretty big goals my friend. I wish you all the luck in the world. "
Lois pauses and takes a few minutes to stare at her old Bensonhurst pal." You
gonna tell me why you really came here ?"
Sonny smiled to himself. Lois really knew him well.
"I came here to ask you about Brenda."
Lois smiled knowingly
"What about her ?"
" You are her best friend. You were there for her and you've been there for
her this past year. I sure as hell can't ask Julia or Jax, so tell me. What
happened with her and what's going on with her life right now ? I need to know
everything."
Chapter 32
Brenda tossed and turned all night. She could barely sleep and would've given
up trying if her mind didn't keep wandering back to Sonny like it always did
especially after that talk she had with Robin. She left early the next morning
to pick up Stone at Lois and Ned's. A bunch of thoughts had passed through her
mind. Sonny was back and she had his son. She had to tell him. Or did she?
Maybe it would be best for everyone if she didn't say anything, keep quiet but
Port Charles was a small town. If Sonny stayed, he'd find out eventually. Luke
or Jason could tell him, just because they hadn't so far didn't mean anything.
They were Sonny's friends, not hers. What would happen then, she wondered.
Sonny might hate her and try to take her son away from her. Just the thought
of losing her son sent shivers down her spine and made her heart stop.
Wake up Brenda, the man left you like you were nothing and humiliated you in
front of everyone. He already hates you.
She didn't want Sonny near her son and she knew what a child would mean to
him. He'd always wanted a family but... Her thoughts were disturbed as she
reached the Quartermaine grounds and pulled into the Quartermaine driveway.
She forced herself to push her thoughts aside for the moment. Everything will
work out and i'll deal with whatever happens, she assured herself. Cheer up,
you're going to see your son. He'll make you feel better, she told herself as
she slowly got out of the car and walked the short distance to the Gatehouse.
It was still early but she hoped Lois was up and didn't mind. She needed
someone to talk to.
A groggy Ned answered the door in his bathrobe.
"Hi Ned. How's it going ?" she asked as she bounced into the room. " You look
awful by the way."
"Gee Thanks little sister. Want to refresh my memory of the reason you're
always welcome here."
Brenda smiled at him
"Because i'm your best person. Just call me whenever you need a pick me up.
Didn't you get any sleep? "
"Not really considering I had two young children to take care if all night."
"Was Stone okay ?"
"Yes, your son's an angel but even angels won't sleep peacefully throughout
the night."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump him on you. I just needed downtime."
"It's okay. You can leave my godson here whenever you like."
Brenda glanced at her tired best friend
"Why didn't you get Lois to help you ?"
Ned didn't like where this conversation was going
"Uh, she was otherwise engaged."
Chapter 33
"With what ? She got another husband we don't know about ?" she teased him
Ned smiled wryly and tried to change the subject
"Something like that. May I offer you some coffee ? Better yet, let me get
dressed and we can both go up to the main house for breakfast. We'll take the
kids. I'm sure Grandmother would love to to see you."
Brenda looks at him suspiciously
"Okay, something is definitely wrong with this picture. You actually want to
willingly go up to the main house where the rest of the Quatermaines including
Edward and face a whole meal with them not to mention an entire morning !"
"I do remember a time when I would hide out here with my wife and avoid
them."
"So do I. Let me take Brooke and you two can spend the day together."
"Thanks for the offer but i've got a dozen meetings to take and about 10
deals to close before the end of the business day."
"Sounds... boring. Sure you don't want to reconsider ?" she asked as she
plunked herself on the couch
"Tempting but Grandfather would have my head on a platter for ducking out
today of all days."
"Well, don't say I didn't try. Is Lois up yet ?" as she stretched out on the
couch after accepting a cup of hot freshly brewed coffee from Ned.
"Not yet. She had a long night."
"Do I want to hear this ?" she smiled suggestively.
Ned smiled back
"I told you I was taking care of the kids all night."
"Are you sure Stone was no trouble ?"
"None whatsoever. My godson is welcome here whenever he wishes to visit. No,
we had an unexpected visitor."
"Who ?"
"Sonny dropped by "
The smile instantly left Brenda's face.
Chapter 34
"What ? When ? " Brenda jumped to her feet and started spilling, forgetting
about the cup of steaming hot coffee in her hands
Ned got up, took the cup and tried to calm Brenda down.
"Brenda, relax. "
"Relax ?! Did he see Stone ? He was here all night -"
"Sonny was in this house no more than 2 minutes. He didn't see or hear Stone
at all, in fact Lois and I got rid of him so fast he never had a chance."
Brenda loosened up a little bit more.
"What did he want ?"
"I'm not sure. Probably just talk to Lois. "
"About what ?"
"I don't know. They went outside and I never got a chance to ask. It was lat,
you're going to have to ask Lois." he lied
At that moment Lois walked walked down the stairs holding Stone with Brooke
right behind them. She should be about 4 or 5 years old so she can walk and
talk.
"Ask Lois what ?"
"Oh, hey Lo. There's my beautiful goddaughter."
Brooke smiles at Brenda
"Aunt Brenda ! Did you come over to play with me ? "
"You know i'd love to sweetie but I just came over to pick up Stone. Maybe
some other time. I really have to talk to your mom for awhile then i've got to
be someplace. I'm sorry."
she explained as she saw the pout forming on Brooke's face.
"That's okay Aunt Brenda. " Brooklyn said as she turned her attention to Ned.
"Hey daddy, after we eat , you wanna play ?"
"I'd love to. Let's go back upstairs and get dressed then we'll go have
breakfast."
Ned and Brooklyn head upstairs, leaving Lois, Brenda and Stone.
Brenda takes Stone from Lois and sits back down
"Hey , honey I missed you last night. Did you miss me , huh ?"
"The little cutie always misses his mama when she's not around. So Bren, wha'd
ya wanna talk to me about ?"
"What did you and Sonny talk about last night ?"
This time the smile left Lois's face
Chapter 35
Luke's
Sonny and Luke are at the bar, drinking coffee and talking
"So then what happened partner ?"
"Brenda went off on me "
Sonny rubs his face in the spot where she slapped him. He could still feel it
because it was sore.
"She told you to take a hike in a not so elegant way."
"Basically, yeah, she did."
"What else did she say ?" Luke asked
"Nothing much. She left, couldn't get out of there fast enough. Why ? Is there
something else I should know ?"
"No" Luke lied. He hated lying to his best and longtime friend but it wasn't
his place to say anything. He'd give Brenda a week tops or else he would say
something. Fortunately for Luke, Sonny was too wrapped up in his own thoughts
to notice Luke was growing uncomfortable.
The front door opened and Robin walked in.
"Hi Luke. Hi Sonny."
"Hey sweetie. "
"Robin. How's it going ? Haven't seen you around in awhile"
"I've been busy. I just dropped by to chat."
"Got better things to do than hang out with a couple of old guys like us ?"
"Watch your mouth Corinthos. Seriously Robin, you're a young intelligent
woman. You should be out partying."
"I've been real busy with school and work not to mention Uncle Mac's wedding
coming up."
Luke soon excuses himself and leaves Sonny and Robin to talk.
"He's gone. How are you really doing ?"
Sonny asked concerned
" I miss Jason but we can't be together. I figured that out a long time ago
but it still hurts. Things are easier though now that Mac's getting married.
I'll finally have a family. Maxie and Georgie are like sisters to me and
Brenda and -"
Robin caught herself in time. It was so easy to talk to Sonny. Maybe too easy
"What were you going to say Robin ? If Brenda's seeing someone then it's okay.
You can tell me."
he lied. Just the thought of someone else with his beloved Brenda killed him
"Not really. Brenda's gone out a few times but mostly she's trying to rebuild
her life."
"After I destroyed it."
"Sonny..."
"I know. Let's talk about something else. Why don't you find someone else ?
Luke was right. You're smart, beautiful and have lots of things going for
you. You should be able to meet someone."
"I also have HIV."
"So what ? If a guy can't see past that then he doesn't deserve you."
Robin smiled at him half-heartedly
"Maybe you should take your own advice."
Sonny was caught off guard. There wasn't anyone for him except Brenda. Never
would be. He thought Robin knew that.
"I will never love anyone like I do Brenda. Even if I don't get her back I can
spend the rest of my life thinking about her."
"That's what I thought after Stone died but then I found Jason."
"This is different. I know what you're thinking but I don't know if I can
leave it alone. I love her Robin. I have to get her back."
"I just don't want Brenda to be hurt anymore."
"Neither do I"
"I know. I want to see you both happy too."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
Just then Jason walks in. He sees Robin and he stops. There is an
uncomfortable silence which Sonny breaks.
"Hey Jason. I wasn't expecting you so early."
"Uh, I know but there's something we need to discuss."
Robin gets up to leave.
"I have to go. You two talk. "
"You sure ?" Sonny asked. Jason finally looks at Robin and felt his heart melt
"I can come back if you're not through."
"No, it's okay. Uncle Mac is expecting me. I have to go."
Robin leaves and Jason is watching her go. Sonny watches the two of them and
feels guilty for being the one responsible for their unhappiness.
the gatehouse
Ned and Brooke walk back in an hour later after having breakfast at the main
house. Lois is coming down the stairs freshly dressed.
"Hey mommy ! We brought you something to eat."
Ned is holding a plate of food
"I managed to sneak a plate out without Cook noticing. "Ned glances around
"did Brenda leave ?"
"Yeah. She had errands to run. I told her i'd call her later. I'm worried
about her Nedley."
Lois said concerned
"So am I. With Sonny back in town there's no telling what could happen."
Lois starts playing with her daughter and Ned leaves for work.
Luke's
Luke went to see his sister Bobbie at the hospital. Sonny and Jason are there.
Robin has just
left after visiting with Sonny.
"So Jason what did you want to talk about ?" Sonny asked his best friend
"We got trouble" Jason said solemnly
"From who ?"
"Richards, Smith and some of the other guys. Benny's trying to cool them down
but-"
"They're getting nervous because i'm back in town. They don't know what's up."
"Look Sonny, I'm in charge now. They know that but they know you disappeared
and now you're back. They don't know why and they're antsy. "
"They don't know what to think. If I were in any one of their shoes i'd be
jumpy too. I'd also be ready for an attack. "
"I'm trying to keep everything together-"
"No, Jason, it's okay. This is my fault. I never meant to cause any trouble
for you. I came back because-"
"You wanted to be back home. I understand. This is your home. "
"It doesn't feel like it anymore." Sonny said sadly
"What do you mean ?" Jason asked
"It feels like everything's different but it's not. Luke is still running the
club. Mike still works here, you know but it feels -"
"Strange " jason nods in understanding
"Exactly"
Chapter 36
General Hospital
Brenda walks off the elevator on the fifth floor where Pediatrics was. Stone
had an appointment for his check-up. She walked over to the big circular desk
a few feet away. She looked around and thanked god Amy wasn't on that floor
that day. The last thing she needed was more gossip especially with Sonny back
in town.
"May I help you ?" a nurse asked
"Yes, I have an appointment with Dr. Simone Hardy. My son needs a check-up."
"Dr. Hardy is with another patient right now but i'll take you to an exam room
and she'll be there shortly."
Brenda followed the nurse to the room, set Stone down and waited. A few
minutes later Simone walks in.
"Hello Brenda." Simone smiles at Brenda then at Stone." And how is this cute
little guy ?"
"He's perfect in every way but i'm probably prejudiced."
"All us mothers are. I have his file, it says he's due for a shot soon. Why
don't we take care of that today after I examine him ?"
Brenda agrees and Simone checks baby Stone over.
"I give your son a clean bill of health. He is growing along nicely and you're
feeding him everything he needs but I am worried about one thing."
"What is it ?" Brenda asked. She was afraid something was wrong with her
precious son. He was the most important thing in her life.
Simone glanced up from her charts and saw how worried Brenda was.
"Relax. Your son is fine. It's his mother i'm worried about."
"Oh, well somethings are happening right now but i'll survive."
"You look tired. Maybe you should take a vacation."
"Yeah right. Where would I go ? "
"Take a cruise. Meet a gorgeous man and live happily ever after."
"I wish that would happen but I can't leave my son for that long. "
"Just a thought. I do recommend that you get some sleep."
"I will. Anything else ?"
Simone says no. Brenda scoops up her son, thanks Simone and leaves. In the
hallway she gets an idea. Brenda thinks for a minute Maybe Simone's right. I
should go to London and visit Julia
While she was turning the corner she ran into someone.
Chapter 37
Brenda held Stone tighter while the man steadied her
"Oh Luke. You scared me. I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going."
"Brenda, it was probably my fault anyway. If I had a beautiful baby like your
son, i'd be in la-la lan too."
Luke was playing with Stone's hand
"You do, how's LuLu ?"
"She's good. The whole Spencer clan is." Luke turned his attention to Stone.
"Hey little fella. The munchkin looks good." then realizing they were at GH
"He's not sick is he ? "
"No, thank god. Simone gave him a clean bill of health." Brenda replied
"That's good. You know Mike is totally enthralled by his grandson. He barely
comes in anymore and when he does he can stop talking about the kid. Mike's a
proud grandfather." Luke said cautiously
"Did you tell Sonny ?" Brenda asked directly
"No, at least not yet but you should soon. "
"Or what ? He's the one who left. I don't owe him anything." Brenda said
coolly
"But you do owe your son a father. I'm sure your doing a good job taking care
of Stone but the kid needs a father."
"I agree but it doesn't have to be Sonny. The only thing he comes with is
danger and violence. I won't allow my soon be caught in the middle of the
crossfire. You of all people should understand. Lucky's lived on the run for
most of his life and he's been shot not to mention other things. I need to
protect my son."
"I do understand Brenda but Sonny's in a better position to protect the both
of you."
Brenda eyes Luke carefully
"What are trying to say ? Sonny's not out ?"
"I'm not saying anything, just that you need to talk to him real soon. I've
got to run. I'll see ya around."
Brenda watched Luke leave
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