Sequel to Prolonged Silence.

- I Dislcaim -

Part I:

"Sonny, again, I want to thank you."

"You really don't have to."

"You might not be ready for this. I'm not entirely ready for this."

"I want to do this. We need to do this."

A moment of silence passed. "I'm scared, Sonny."

"Me, too, Alexis." Another moment of silence. "Me, too."

The two newly reunited friends sat in Alexis Davis' apartment, silently, patiently, frightened. Today had been a remarkable day. Secrets had been revealed, feelings announced and renewed. A bond, that had never truly been broken, grew stronger.

The day was not over. There was one more secret to reveal. A secret that should never have been kept for so long.

Eighteen years ago, Alexis made a decision that cost her and the people she loved most in life their happiness. She kept her daughter from her father, Sonny Corinthos, in the hopes of keeping her safe. The secret ate away at her until only regret survived. Though she has fared well as a lawyer, a judge and a mother, something was always missing from her life. The knowledge that her daughter had, and knew, both her parents.

The fear for Kristina's safety was not only feared by Alexis. Sonny feared for his little girl as well, and committed the most selfless act anyone ever has. An advocate for parental rights, he kept his own personal knowledge of Kristina's parentage as secret as well. Living with the knowledge she was safe and happy with her mother, and away from the dangers in his life, Sonny was able to move on in his unhappy marriage to Carly Corinthos and live the life he could never get away from.

That secret knowledge was brought to light today, fourteen years since Sonny and Alexis last saw each other. Alexis feeling that now was the time, and Sonny finally revealing that he always knew.

Now they had to tell one more person.

Their eighteen year old daughter, Kristina.

The fear that she would hate them both was more than present in both their minds. They had just gotten each other back. Losing their daughter was not an option. So, here they sat, silently, leaning on each other for support as they had always done. They would get through this. . .somehow.

The door latch turned, unlocked, opened slowly, and in walked the reason that brought Sonny and Alexis were together again after so long. Walking in the door, Kristina, tall and slender like her mother, wore a priceless bright smile. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Her blue jeans clung to her curvaceous hips, the black shirt she wore fit her well, and her black leather jacket and boots completed her ensemble. For a moment, Sonny thought that maybe she inherited something from Jason, but he remembered where Jason got his style.

"Hi, Ma." greeted Kristina, cheerfully. Turning the charming smile, that she did inherit from Sonny, her way. She looked from her mother's face to Sonny, a man she had never seen before, and back again. Like both her parents, she could tell when something was going on. "Hello." She greeted Sonny, with a smile less charming, but friendly.

Sonny nodded his greeting, not able to find the words to speak. He was looking his grown daughter in the face now. He hadn't seen her since she was four years old. He dreamed of the of what he would say to her once this day came, and now the words escaped him.

"How was the movie?" asked Alexis, taking up the slack from Sonny's nonverbal greeting.

"Jackson almost got us thrown out when he got into it with the usher." replied Kristina, still standing at the door, now closed behind her. "But it was not our fault. The usher mistook us for another party of kids who were making noise in the section three rows in front of us."

"Something I'm sure you pointed out." joked Alexis.

"Of course." replied Kristina with a smile. "I am your daughter."

Alexis laughed and her gaze caught sight of Sonny. The sadness radiated from his entire being. He had missed her whole life. His daughter was a stranger to him, and he to her.

"Um, Kristina, come here, sweetheart." said Alexis, holding out a hand for her daughter.

Kristina walked from the door to the chair that was opposite the couch Alexis and Sonny occupied and sat down. Here came the dreaded moment. In all her legal expertise, and litigation, Alexis had no idea how to begin. She couldn't just blurt it out but she couldn't beat around the bush.

"A long time ago," began Alexis, softly. "Before you were born, Sonny Corinthos and I," She gestured towards Sonny. "We worked together."

"Corinthos?" inquired Kristina. "The one Grandfather Edward referred to as a ruffian?"

Sonny laughed softly. In his absence, Edward Quartermaine, the most lovable codger, passed away. Joining his lovely wife, Lila. His family carried on as only they could. . .by bickering and back-stabbing. Edward would be so proud.

"Edward always had a soft for me." joked Sonny. He caught Kristina's eyes roaming over his face. He could see she was comparing the similarities. Seeing herself in his eyes.

"He was a good man." said Alexis. "Sweetheart, Sonny and I. . ."

"He's my father, isn't he, Ma?" asked Kristina, abruptly. Her gaze remained on Sonny. "Aren't you?" She asked him.

"Yes." answered Sonny, after a moment of silence. "I am your father, Kristina."