A/N: So I started this long enough ago that more has happened. So take a few steps back to when Emily died, and this is my version. It's been a lot harder to finish than I expected because now as GH progresses in its own storyline, I start coming up with new ways to introduce Brenda back into Port Charles. Stay with me on this.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters.

One

She leaned against her car and stared up at the house. She once called it home. She had her own room. She had a real family there. Today it was dark, even with the sun out at the highest point in the sky. She needed to be strong before she walked inside. She wasn't there for herself. She was there for them.

She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her jeans and in her black pointed pumps, she took a deep breath and heading for the front door. It opened before she even reached the stairs.

"I was wondering how long you were going to stand out there before you came inside," Ned said with half a smile, arms folded across his chest.

"I was thinking about the first home cooked meal cook made me when I came to live here," Brenda responded, lifting her sunglasses to the top of her dark brown locks.

Ned wrapped his arms around her, kissed her hairline, and sighed. He had a feeling she might just show up without much of a notice. As far as he knew, no one had a chance to call her. But she knew.

"It's freezing out here. Come inside," he said taking her hand and bringing her up the rest of the stairs, closing the door behind them. He helped her off with her coat and hung it on the rack, before squeezing her hand. "Ready?" he asked looking into her already red rimmed eyes.

"I'm never ready for this," she said.

"Grandfather, Monica," Ned said walking into the room. "Someone's here to see you."

Brenda couldn't smile and laugh seeing them again after so long. It would be a long time before any of them could laugh again.

"Oh my dear, Brenda," Edward said as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. "I knew you would come."

She nodded slowly as he pulled away and tried to keep her tears to herself. She would have time to grieve when she was alone. She had no words for Monica. What do you say to a woman who just lost her baby girl? She hugged her. She wished she could take some of the pain away. Monica was like her surrogate mother, she always took care of her. Now, Brenda got to take care of her.

"Monica, I am so sorry," Brenda whispered. "If there's anything you need…" she started but Monica shook her head.

"No. We've made all the arrangements. The funeral will be in a couple days." She sat down on the couch and Brenda sat down next to her. "Edward had Alice make your room up. He said he had a feeling you would show up."

"Thank you. Have you slept at all?" Brenda asked Monica.

"Not in the past two days," Edward answered before Monica could lie.

"Why don't you go upstairs and lie down and rest? I'm here to help, so let me help," Brenda suggested. "I'm not taking no for an answer."

Monica nodded, agreeing to rest and left the room.

"Thank you," Edward said taking Brenda's hand. "No one else has been able to convince her to rest. She's been so distraught. Between Emily and Jason. The family is falling to pieces."

"What do you mean, Jason?" Brenda asked standing up and shooting a glance to Ned.

"Monica blames Jason for what happened. The police are saying that a mob boss named Anthony Zacchara strangled Emily and killed her. He was after Sonny and Jason and their families," Ned told her.

"You know Jason loved Emily very much. She was his baby sister. He would never let anything happen to her," Brenda defended.

"We know that. But Monica is hurting and she's angry. She needs someone to blame," Ned continued. "She won't let him come to the funeral."

Brenda looked between the two strong men before walking out of the room, grabbing her jacket and leaving the house. Jason didn't consider the Quartermaine's family, but in a time of need they were always there. Now that Emily was dead, their last chance at keeping him close was disappearing and they just left him in the cold. There was no way to know what he was feeling.