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Creative liberties for this chapter:
No matter what the show has done
putting Lucky/Nik in the same English
class at PC high, I've made them
farther apart in age (closer to where
they're supposed to be).
For the purposes of this story, Nik is almost 18,
Lucky & Liz 16, and Emily 15.
They probably won't be in the story all that
much, but they do have their place.
I don't watch PC too much, so I
don't know Kevin's current status, but here
he's been restored to his position
on psych staff (although not department
head) at GH after his help with
the General Homicide problem (which has
been solved by now, just because
I don't want to have to deal with it). He
is now Carly's court ordered therapist.
Taggert is pushing Monica to get
info on Justus and Jason, but Monica never
taped Justus confessing to Damian's
death.
Bobbie is taking things slow with
Jerry after the explosion. They're still
friendly, but Bobbie is trying
to cool it down. They didn't sleep
together, since this story picks
up before that happens.
Brenda died (supposedly...I don't
know if I'll bring her back, though.
Maybe in the far future, but I
don't really know yet) in a car accident
with Veronica, and Jax has been
more or less a recluse for the month since
it happened. Sonny didn't
come for the funeral.
--
Shadows & Light: Eye of the
Storm (Chapter 3) (no song credit this time)
"We're back!" Carly called,
barely visible behind the bags and the boxes,
as she walked into the penthouse
with Bobbie.
"I can *see* that," Jason laughed
as he got up from the couch where he was
sitting with Robin. "Here,
let me help you," as he took Michael from
Bobbie. "I thought you two
were just going to get a dress?!"
"Well, we *were*, but you can't
just get a dress. Then you have to get
shoes, and then a purse to match
and then..."
"Yeah, yeah, we get the point."
Jason was smiling at Michael. "I can't
believe she made you go with, buddy.
She made me do that once, and I still
don't get it!"
"Oh, hush! I haven't been
shopping in ages! Besides, I don't really have
many non-maternity clothes that
fit anymore. It was fun."
Jason had noticed that since she'd
been gone, she'd lost the weight that
she'd gained with Michael.
At first, he thought she just looked unhealthy,
but now, with make-up to cover
the dark circles and with a smile on her
face, she looked almost like he
remembered her. Almost. There was still
something off, though. "So,
do I get to see what you got?"
Carly considered that for a minute,
and said teasingly, "You'll just have
to wait and be surprised!"
She knew Robin was sitting there on the couch
watching the scene, and since she
couldn't directly attack Robin without
incurring the wrath of Jason, she
just had to be a little more subtle about
it.
"Well," Bobbie spoke up, recognizing
the little game Carly was playing and
hoping to nip it in the bud, "Let's
just say Michael has good taste in
evening wear. Speaking of
which, I bet the little guy's getting tired.
It's been a long day."
"Maybe I could help you out and
put him down for a nap?" Robin asked hopeful=
ly.
Carly swallowed the biting remark
on the tip of her tongue, not wanting to
get into an argument with Jason
about Robin today. "Sure, Robin, that
would be great," she said in the
sweetest voice she could pull off with at
least a shred of sincerity, and
plastered a smile on her face.
"So Bobbie," Jason asked as Robin
left with Michael, "I still can't believe
you convinced Carly to go to this
thing tonight. I sure wouldn't be there
if I didn't have to. This
is the old man's idea of a good time, not mine.
He's determined to get this Docks
Project back on track. You know he's
going to announce tonight that
groundbreaking is set for January? It's
just a power thing to him.
He can't stand to let anyone think that he
doesn't have the upper hand with
this. So he stages this stupid gala,
hoping everyone will just forget
what happened the last time. That's
another story, though. So,
how did you convince her?"
"Well, I just told her that she
owed me, since you all didn't call me when
she got released, so I could be
here when she got home. An evening out
with me won't kill her after all
I've done, visiting her and watching out
for Michael. I also said
that she should consider it a favor, since I
should be *furious*," emphasizing
the word as she looked directly at Carly,
"that she lied to me about her
little 'breakdown' when she looked me in the
eye and called me Virginia!"
Actually, Bobbie just wanted an excuse to get
Carly out of the house. In
the few days that she'd been back, she hadn't
left the penthouse once, except
for her court ordered session with Dr.
Collins. Carly certainly
had a penchant for self-destruction, and Bobbie
sure wasn't about to sit by and
watch her wither away pining over Jason.
Besides, Bobbie wasn't all together
sure it was healthy for Carly to be
living here with Jason and Robin.
"She may not be insane," Bobbie thought,
"but she certainly isn't stable."
"Ah, blackmail."
"Not exactly. OK, well, yes." Bobbie laughed.
Carly just rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Don't flatter yourself."
"I will most certainly flatter myself,
whenever I please. Missy, you've
caused far too many problems to
sit by and call the shots now," Bobbie
said, half teasing, half scolding.
Carly was taken aback at first,
but the fact that Bobbie was laughing while
she said it reassured her a little,
"Touch=E9. I still can't believe you're
making me sit with that little
boyfriend of yours."
"Carly," Bobbie stopped laughing.
"Jerry Jacks is *not* my 'boyfriend'.
But, he has been very kind to both
me and Lucas. Not to mention his
generosity in allowing us to sit
at his table tonight--"
"I know the speech, Bobbie.
Relax, I'll be good." Carly was hoping to end
this conversation. She knew
how Jason felt about Jerry, and she wasn't in
the mood to hear the lecture again
'Jerry's dangerous, he's got mob
connections, you can't trust him,
blah, blah, blah'. "Don't you have
something to do?"
"Alright, I get the hint.
I'll *will* see you later. Don't think you're
getting out of this."
"I'll be there."
When Bobbie was gone, Jason turned to Carly. "You look happy."
Carly thought about this for a moment.
"I am happy. You know I told you
once how good it felt not to have
to worry about things anymore? Well,
this time it's real. I'm
out for good, I have Michael, I have you, I even
have Bobbie and Lucas. It
feels good."
"There's still a lot of things that could go wrong."
"I know that Jason. I know
things are tense with your business right now.
Security's doubled, and we're all
careful. But, I'm not the same person I
was. I made a lot of mistakes,
but I can't live my life now always waiting
for the other shoe to drop.
I've wasted too much time already. I've been
scared and alone for too long.
I don't want to feel like that forever."
Jason started to answer, but was
interrupted by the phone. "I should get
that."
--
"Carly," Jason called up the stairs,
"We're ready to go!" He and Robin
were dressed in their best, and
both were getting impatient.
Carly appeared at the top of the stairs in a bathrobe.
"Carly, you're not even ready?!"
"I know. Go on without me.
Michael's not asleep yet, and I've put him to
bed every night since I've been
home. I want to wait until he's asleep."
Jason looked doubtful, "I have strict
instructions from Bobbie not to let
you get out of this. Usually
I wouldn't make you do anything you didn't
want to do, but if I have to go,
you're certainly not getting out of it."
"I'm planning on going! Just
tell Bobbie I'm putting Michael down and I'll
be a few minutes late. She'll
understand."
Jason shook his head. "I'm
leaving Johnny here. The minute Michael's
down, he's bringing you."
"Yes master."
Jason looked confused.
"Nevermind. Have fun!"
"Always."
--
Jason walked in with Robin on his
arm, and immediately drew attention. "Of
course he had to have this thing
in the ballroom of the Port Charles
Hotel," Jason thought, "It certainly
isn't neutral territory."
"There's Uncle Mac," Robin said.
"I'm going to go say hi." Jason nodded
and waited for someone to show
him to his table.
"Right this way, Mr. Morgan."
Benny and Justus were seated at
the table when Jason walked over. "Jason,
this is my wife, Kay.
"Nice to meet you," Jason nodded.
Jason noticed that Justus was alone, and
obviously preoccupied about something.
Following his glare, Jason could
see that the object of his preoccupation
was Dara and Taggert laughing at a
table across the room.
Before Jason could say anything, though, he saw Bobbie quickly approaching.
"Jason, where may I ask is Carly?
I thought you said she was coming with yo=
u?"
"She's putting Michael down, she said she'd be a little late."
"You let her talk you into that?! She *promised* she'd be here."
"Johnny's with her. He's going
to drag her here if he has to as soon as
Michael's asleep."
"As long as she gets here, I'm happy."
"She will."
--
Robin and Jason were at the table
talking to Benny and Kay. Robin was
trying hard to make conversation.
Benny's wife, Kay, platinum blond with a
heavy Bronx accent, wasn't too
interested in Robin's conversation, and she
wasn't exactly Robin's ideal conversation
partner, either, but Robin was
trying for Jason's sake.
"Sweetie, aren't you a doll!
Although, you know there's about a dozen or
so women in this room right now
shooting daggers at you. Oh, what they
wouldn't *give* to be in your position!"
"How's that?--"
"The girlfriend of Jason Morgan?
You've got to be kidding?! Good looks
and power to boot?! They're
just jealous, that's all."
"Well I--"
Kay was eying Robin from head to
toe, "Well aren't you a sweet little
thing?! And cute, too!
Although, let me give you a piece of advice.,"
With that, she leaned over closer
to Robin with an air of drama as though
she had a important secret to share,
"Honey, blue is just not your color!
I mean, you look great, but that
dress certainly doesn't do anything to
play up your looks. Where's
the pizzazz? Where's the fire? You've got to
make a statement, sweetheart.
Let me tell you, Benny and I have some
friends who are all the *rage*
on Paris runways right now. Tell you what,
if you wanted, I could hook you
up next time one of them's down in the
city."
Before Robin could interject, Kay
had pretty much convinced herself of what
a grand idea that was, and looking
quite pleased, began throwing out names
and dates until Robin could no
longer pay attention and tuned out while
continuing to smile occasionally
and nod politely.
Jason wasn't paying much attention
either. Kay was certainly, well,
*loud*. She knew how to draw
attention to herself, that was for sure.
Besides, Jason didn't much care
for Benny, and got the feeling that it was
pretty much mutual. As business
associates went, though, he was decent, so
they tolerated each other.
Soon, the room went silent, and
both Robin and Jason were snapped out of
their reverie as Kay immediately
stopped talking and her jaw dropped.
Jason turned around to see none
other than Sonny =C7orinthos standing in the
doorway smiling.
As though a sign from the heavens
and a welcome reprieve, Jason thought.
He immediately walked up to Sonny
with a big hug, followed closely behind
by Robin.
"You certainly enjoy making an entrance, don't you?" Robin laughed.
"Only if I can!"
"What are you doing here?" Jason asked. "Not that I mind, of course."
"You don't? Are you sure?"
"Are you crazy? Why would I mind? Are you sure *you* want to be here?"
Sonny looked around hesitantly,
and Robin knew that was her cue to leave.
"I'll meet you back over at the
table in a minute."
"Jason, I may have left the organization,
but I've still got eyes and ears
all over the country. Things
are not going quietly. Since the explosion,
there have been factions mobilizing
around the country, and even a few in
Puerto Rico and South America.
Not to mention both Carlos and Moreno, who
are still pushing for control.
I've been in this business a lot longer
than you, and there's no way you're
going to be able to handle this alone."
"But why are you here, tonight?
Wouldn't it have been better if you'd
played it quiet, from the sidelines?"
"Never underestimate the power of
an entrance," Sonny said with a smile.
"My guess is there's about 4 or
5 different factions represented here
tonight, all of which want a piece
of the Docks. Edward may have planned
this whole mess as a way to run
you out of business, but he's opened up
Pandora's Box. Every gun-toting
Godfather hopeful wants control of the
Docks. I don't think Edward
has any idea just how important of a
bargaining tool they are.
These are desperate people, they'll do desperate
things, and that means carelessness.
A lot of people could get hurt.
Besides, with Brenda gone," his
smile faded, "there's really no reason for
me to stay away. They need
to know who they're dealing with, and they need
to know that you're not going this
alone."
"Thank you. I appreciate the support. I just hope you won't regret this."
"I don't intend to. This is
my home. One thing I've learned, is that you
can run forever and never be free.
Sometimes you just need to stand your
ground and face your demons.
Things may be quiet now, but that's only
because we're in the eye of the
storm."
--
"Bobbie Spencer?" Edward asked, "Please tell me these rumors are not true."
"Perhaps if I was aware of what those rumors were?"
"Am I to understand that progeny
of yours has been unleashed to Port
Charles and is coming tonight,
here!"
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean," Bobbie smiled, faking innocence.
"You know exactly what I mean Bobbie
Spencer! That demon child of yours,
that Carly Roberts....Benson....whatever!"
Edward blustered.
"My *daughter* is attending a semi-public
social function with her mother
as the guest of one Jerry Jacks,
brother of Jasper Jacks, who I believe is
a partner on the project?
Her invitation is as valid as mine. Unless of
course, you'd like me to leave?"
"That won't be necessary, just make sure the little trollop isn't armed."
"Edward!"
"What?! It's a valid concern.
You remember what happened the last time we
had one of these things?
Shots were fired and the dock workers erupted in
a strike. I believe Carly
*was* in attendance...Don't look at me like
that, Bobbie. I'm not saying
there was a connection, I'm just offering up
the possibility. I honestly
don't know why you defend that girl."
"Neither do I!" Monica piped
in as she joined the conversation. "After
everything she's done, your defense
of her is beyond me."
"Whatever her faults, she is still
my daughter. I won't turn my back on
her. Not to split hairs,
but I believe your son is the head of organized
crime in Port Charles--"
"AND with whom your daughter happens to be living--"
"That's beside the point.
The point IS, you would defend Jason to your
grave, if that's what it took
"Or sell him out," came a whisper
at Monica's back. Taggert's voice made
her start, but she was relieved
to see that no one else had heard that
choice remark or even noticed
that Taggert had slowed down long enough on
his way to the bar to make one.
"If you say so. Although I, for
one, will *never* like that girl." Monica
was too rattled by Taggert's comment
to continue this conversation. For
the first time in her life, she
was glad to see Stefan and Nikolas
approach, as it gave her and Edward
an excuse to make their exits.
"Barbara."
"Hello Stefan, Nikolas. I
haven't seen you in ages, Nikolas! How have you
been?"
Nikolas liked Bobbie. She
always seemed to be genuinely interested in what
he was doing, but he was still
wary around her after everything that had
happened between she and his uncle.
"I've been well, thank you Bobbie.
Yourself?"
"No complaints. Well, not
many complaints anyway. Life hasn't been dull,
though, that's for sure.
Except that I haven't seen you near as much as I
would like! You haven't been
around the hospital as much lately."
"I've been busy."
"I know the feeling. Always
trying to stay one step ahead of the masses.
It can be a bit daunting at times."
"I understand your daughter was released recently," Stefan said.
Bobbie looked surprised, "News travels
fast apparently. You're the second
one to ask me that. But I
guess I'm forgetting who I'm speaking with.
Stefan Cassadine knows all."
"Wait, Carly -- that's her name
right -- is back?" Nikolas asked, suddenly
curious.
"Yes."
"And she's living at the...penthouse? With Robin and Jason?"
"And Michael--"
"That's quite an arrangement. How does that work?"
"Don't ask me, I didn't make it
up. Jason doesn't seem to think there's
anything wrong with it, but I think
he's the only one. I don't exactly
approve, but she didn't exactly
ask for my opinion on the subject. She's
setting herself up for disappointment
if you ask me. There's only one way
this can end. Badly.
I don't really want to be around to pick up the
pieces, but I'm all she has."
"Why do you believe that's the way
it will happen?" Nikolas asked hopefully=
=2E
"Experience. Unfortunately,
my experience doesn't carry a lot of weight
with her. Yet."
"What are you up to, Barbara?" Stefan inquired, suspicious.
"What makes you think I'm up to something?"
Stefan turned and nodded toward the ballroom door as Carly entered. "That."
--
Carly removed her overcoat and gave
it and her purse to the doorman with a
smile. She was dressed to
the nines in an elegant dark red tube dress that
fit perfectly every curve of her
body, and matching pumps. Her blond hair
was curled and piled loosely on
the top of her head. Around her neck was
the diamond necklace that Jason
had given her. She swallowed the lump in
her throat and smoothed her dress,
trying desperately to regain a hold on
the conviction that an entrance
was what she wanted. A conviction that was
fading quickly as she scanned the
room. The instant she had seen the dress
in the store, she had thought it
was beautiful. Bobbie had convinced her
to get it after seeing how great
she looked in it. The color was a little
much, and sure to set tongues wagging,
but both had agreed that she might
as well make a statement.
Now, though, she was quickly beginning to wish
she had picked something a tad
more demure. "Nonsense," she told herself,
"You look great." So, she
lifted her chin, and entered the room with as
much conviction as she could muster.
She was interrupted from her moment
of empowerment, though, by one of her
least favorite people.
"Carly Roberts!" cried the voice,
falsly sweet. "Or should I say Benson.
I never do know what to call you
these days. I guess that's not important,
though," she continued before Carly
could answer. "Don't you look nice.
Red? How appropriate."
Monica looked smug.
Carly swallowed her pride, held
back insults and matched Monica's
saccharine tone. "Monica
Quartermaine! You must be doing something new
with your hair. You look
positively ten years younger."
This time it was Carly's turn to
look smug as she walked away, leaving
Monica speechless.
"This was your idea," Carly said
under her breath to Bobbie as she walked
up, "I hope you know what the hell
you're doing."
"I always know what I'm doing," Bobbie looked smug.
"That's debatable," Carly added with a laugh.
"I have to say, that was quite a
show there with Monica. Just exactly what
were you trying to prove?!"
"You asked me to be nice," Carly said innocently.
"Yes, well, there is such a thing as 'over the top'."
"Well, I figured if I *had* to do
it, I might as well be thorough. So I
raised a few eyebrows? You
must know by now that I haven't done a *thing*
in my life without raising eyebrows."
"She certainly is Barbara's daughter,"
Stefan thought with a chuckle. He
often wondered why no one had recognized
it sooner. He had been sure her
scheme would have fallen
through far before it did. "I guess you have to
give the girl credit," he thought,
"although she sure does have poor taste
in men." Stefan extended
his hand, "I don't believe we've been formally
introduced."
Carly shook his hand with a smile,
"He really *does* look like something
out of a Gothic novel," she thought
with a laugh. "Caroline Benson."
Might as well start using the real
thing, she added mentally.
"Stefan Cassadine. This is my nephew Nikolas."
"Pleasure to meet you both."
Contrary to popular opinion, Carly wasn't
completely lacking in manners and
social skills. She could pull off an
incredible air of grace when she
needed to, it just happened that most of
the time she didn't need to.
"I'm surprised you two haven't met
before." Bobbie said, referring to
Carly and Nikolas. "You seem
to run in....similar....paths."
"Right, Robin's friend."
Nikolas nodded. "Jason's 'friend' right?"
Well, Carly thought, this boy was
certainly direct. Unfortunately, both
Bobbie and Stefan had noticed that,
too, and now no one was speaking.
=46or Bobbie, Alexis' approach was
a welcome distraction, for a moment.
"Alexis, hello."
"Nice to see you again Bobbie, Carly."
Carly just ignored the greeting.
"Well, I think I'm going to go get a
drink," Carly said to Bobbie, hoping
to make an exit before she entered a
personal tirade with Alexis Davis.
Sensing the tension, Alexis hoped
to smooth things over. "I know you have
every reason not to like me, Carly.
Please believe me, though, that I
didn't want to defend him."
"But you did," Carly answered quietly
before turning and making her way to
the bar.
--
"What's a beautiful woman like you doing drinking alone?"
"Well that's a line if I ever heard one," Carly remarked dryly.
"Even so, that doesn't mean it's
not a valid question. Allow me to
introduce myself. I'm--"
"Sonny Corinthos, I know."
Carly smiled and extended her hand. "It's nice
to finally meet you. I've
heard a lot about you."
"Apparently so." Sonny looked a
little confused. "I'm sorry, should I know
you?"
"Sonny, this is Carly." Jason
joined the conversation. "I guess you got
Michael down alright?" Jason asked
slyly.
"Yes. Johnny made sure of that."
A look of understanding passed over
Sonny's face, and he smiled his best
smile. "Ah, so *this* is
Carly. I've heard a lot about you, too."
"Oh." Carly's face fell. "So
much for that one," she muttered under her
breath.
Not too quietly for Sonny to hear,
though. "Why do you automatically
assume that's a bad thing?"
"Well, Jason doesn't lie to his
friends, and I'm afraid the truth doesn't
reflect very well on me."
Sonny laughed. "You and me,
both. Let's try this again. It's a pleasure
to meet you, Carly," and he gently
kissed her hand, as Carly laughed. And
then he added, "You have a beautiful
little boy."
At the mention of Michael, Carly's
face noticeably lit up. "He's a genius,
too, you know."
This time it was Sonny's turn to laugh. "So I've heard."
Before the conversation could advance
any further, though, it was
interrupted by a far too familiar
voice. "Well, well, well, look who's
back from the big house."
"Imagine that." Carly was
less than excited about furthering this
conversation.
"I wasn't aware your contract with
the funny farm had expired, Ms.
Roberts... er...Benson."
"Well, you should be happy to know,
then, that the charges were overturned
by reason of insanity."
"Insanity my eye."
"Oh well. It's funny how that justice system works, isn't it?"
"Sure is. Can't say I missed you, though."
"Oh, well I certainly missed you,
Det. Taggert." Carly put on her
sweetest, most saccharine voice,
"I would lie there in that cold room at
night, and I would think 'If I
could just see Det. Taggert and hear his
disparaging remarks one more time,
my life would be complete." With that,
Carly sighed dramatically and covered
her heart with her hands.
"I've been known to have that effect on women."
"I bet," Carly said with a wink, "but I really must be going."
"So," Taggert called out as she
started to leave, "You're still living with
Quarterbrain here?"
"I'm living with *my son* and *his father*, yes."
"And his daddy's girlfriend, right?
That's quite an interesting setup you
got there." Carly rolled
her eyes and started to leave again, when Taggert
turned to Jason. "Two women,
huh? Lucky guy. I always wondered just how
that worked?"
Carly stopped in her tracks and
whirled around, eyes flashing. Jason's jaw
set, and his eyes went cold.
"Ooops," Taggert said, feigning
apology, "Guess that was the wrong thing to
say. Relax, anger boy, it
was just a joke," Taggert continued with a sly
smile.
"Funny how no one's laughing."
Carly said calmly, covering the anger she
felt inside.
"I've been known to have *that* effect on women, too."
"That, I believe," Carly finished as she walked away.
Taggert watched her as she left.
"Hmm, fiesty, isn't she. And quite a
piece of eye candy, huh Jason?"
Jason was barely controlling the urge to
deck him.
"Marcus, back off. Garcia
had come to the bar to get a drink, and was
really hoping to avoid another
scene like this one. Trying to look casual,
he turned to the bartender, "Can
I get a martini?"
"Relax, Alex, Morgan and I were just sharing a little guy talk."
"Take it somewhere else."
Taggert just shrugged and left.
Garcia felt Jason's eyes on him. "Relax,
pal. I didn't do it for you."
--
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Edward had
taken center stage, "thank you all for
coming tonight. I realize
that there have been some unexpected delays on
the project in its infancy, but
we're all hoping to get things back on the
right track tonight. The
fact that you are all in attendance shows a great
support for the project at hand.
We would like to reassure you that the
founding partners in the Port Charles
Harbor Docks Renovation Project --
ELQ, Cassadine Inc., and J&J
Jacks of Alaska -- have continued support in
the importance of this project
and renewed hope that the problems which
have plagued this undertaking in
the past will finally be put behind us and
that the work will be able to go
forward undisturbed."
In the midst of Edward's speech,
the table was interrupted, "Caroline
Benson?" One of the staff
asked.
"Yes, that's me," Carly spoke up.
"Ms. Benson, you have a phone call."
Carly looked confused, and shrugged
at Bobbie as she stood up and walked to
the phone near the bar.
"Hello?...Yes, this is she....Who
is this?....What?!!" Carly's face
drained of all color, and she stopped
hearing just what was being said on
the other end. The phone
slipped out of her hand, as she stood there,
unmoving, unblinking.
--
"Jason, who's Carly talking to?"
Emily asked. She had taken a seat at
Jason's table hoping to get away
from the family for a minute. Not to
mention that there was a much better
view of the Cassadine table from here.
"I don't know, why?"
"Well, she looks kind of...sick."
Jason turned to look at Carly as
she dropped the phone. "Pete, pull the
car around. Johnny, get the
coats."
Emily looked scared, "Jason, you don't think..."
Apparently the noise that phone
made when it dropped had attracted the
attention of the rest of the party
as well, as Edward stopped speaking and
the room turned to see the source
of the commotion. Bobbie rushed up to
her. "Carly, is it Michael?"
Carly couldn't speak, she just nodded
numbly until she could find words.
She turned to Bobbie, face white
as a sheet, "Th...That...That was the
hospital."