Disclaimer:  The majority of the characters are not mine.  They are the sole property of ABC and General Hospital and are used in this story for entertainment value alone.  I can only claim TK, Gale and Kale as my own creations.  The story begins slow because I am attempting to increase my use of a more descriptive vocabulary.  Please bear with me… the story does get quite interesting as it proceeds. J  Warning: If you are sympathetic to the character of Carly… the first chapter is not for you.

  Learning To Breathe

It was a breathtaking sight resembling mounds of cotton or massive drifts of snow; a panoramic gift to curious sightseers seen through a small oval window. Mischievous participants suddenly found themselves dreaming of reaching out with curious fingers to impishly disturb the solitude of a quiet and peaceful existence.   The only darkness to be found throughout the sweeping skyscape were the unavoidable shadows, made by clouds overlapping each other as the sun worked diligently to prove its purpose of keeping the night at bay.  Such gracious clouds, moving companionably against one another; forever shifting, entwining themselves to create new shapes… new silhouettes... a flagrant boast of an unfettered independence.  It was eerily reminiscent of a pleasant uninhibited dance… one that could teach those that walked below a lesson in harmony, of being at peace with oneself, of living tranquilly amongst one another.  A dance that lonely burdened souls tried in vain to mimic with the rise of each new sun.

As the small aircraft began its slow descent through the clouds, they parted with generosity to graciously make room for the sudden disruptive presence of the small craft.   Untainted white pom-poms of fluff gradually began to lose their purity until finally becoming a solid wall of silver and gray as the sun lost its battle to the heaviness of rain filled masses that threatened to release their load at a moments notice.  The quiet serenity of golden warmth and quiet breezes reluctantly delivered itself over to the darker forces of nature that forever seemed intent on endangering the tenuous, hard won peace that existed below.

The plane taxied slowly toward the terminal and just as it came to an abrupt halt the rain won its freedom and poured from the sky as gusts of wind drove it relentlessly in an almost horizontal path, making the use of umbrellas a waste of time and effort.  It was a small airport that was usually found closed due to a lack of business. And being one of the smaller less occupied flights to the small island; it was not given a high enough priority to allow its occupants the comfort of the one gate that afforded tourists and the more prominent residents of the island an enclosed exit.  Instead they would have to brave the elements and fight to stay somewhat dry until they reached the tattered and worn canopy that was hastily erected for just such occasions in front of the secondary entrance to the terminal.  Its mere existence begged for an explanation of its worth in the midst of a storm that could not be contained much less expected to follow any rules of travel etiquette that would allow weary travelers to arrive as calm and dry as when their journey began.

A handful of exhausted vacationers and less financially endowed residents began to embark at an exaggerated pace in hopes of making it to the terminal with as little damage as possible.  Most of the occupants were in fact residents returning from vacation spots chosen specifically for their lack of beaches or lakes.  One after another fled the plane until it appeared that everyone had finally exited.  Just as the flight attendant prepared to close the door she drew back as one final patron appeared.

One solitary woman remained.  Standing in the doorway she looked up toward the rain and thought how appropriately the weather welcomed her self-imposed exile to this island.  At approximately 5'5" she stood regal… proud and reserved. Her gaze never once strayed toward the flight attendant nor any of the other patrons who were already huddling under the temporary tent waiting their turn to enter the terminal.  No one and nothing held her interest except the treasure she held tightly to her breast under the tunic that kept the wind and rain at bay. Looking down to make sure her steps were true she began a slow descent down toward solid ground uncaring that her sneaker-clad feet were becoming soaked.  It was just rain.  Rain was good.  Its timeless task to wash away the debris of days filled with dust, smog… the ugly smell of commerce… a task incomplete until it refreshed and rejuvenated nature.  Allowing the rain to wash away tears brought to the surface by unwanted memories was an additional benefit for a broken-hearted, wounded soul who was admittedly escaping a life filled with pain, loss and heartache. 

Alexis Davis did the only remaining thing she could think of to put time and space between herself and all of the loneliness, grief and disillusionment that the last few years had forced her to endure. Years given to Port Charles, New York in an attempt to aid her family and perhaps build a life for herself.  Those years now left her reeling from all that was gained and lost there; losses that cut so deeply into a soul that for a lifetime had secretly begged to be released from a prison of loneliness… losses that kept her ever mindful of what her inability to remain detached cost her.  Nothing had been gained from her time in Port Charles… nothing except for this small one gift… this one blessing that she came away with.  And in the light of day… when the darkness of night faded and the horrors of nightmares lost their ability to paralyze… when terror filled dreams could no longer rip the breath from her lungs; she could center herself on this one gift… this one treasure that made it all worthwhile.  Tightening her arms around the bundle she held close to her breast she looked down to make sure the child was still covered and safe from the rain her mother welcomed.  Little Kristina, safe and warm within the comfort of arms that would move heaven and earth to keep her safe slept peacefully unaware of the gloom that not only filled the sky but filled her mother's heart as well.  One last step… one last connection to sever… the small plane was her last physical connection to a world she welcomed leaving behind.  She was arriving on this little island just as she arrived at Port Charles just a few short years ago… reserved, withdrawn and except for the child she carried… alone.

The trip to this small obscure island in the Caribbean proved to be arduous and turbulent.  Bigger more prominent airlines could have handled the trip with much less trouble, but when one was trying to maintain a certain anonymity; leaning toward the unexpected… the unusual was always best.  And this little island, virtually unknown, would provide one war weary veteran a chance to start over.  A chance to finally welcome a little peace into a life that was filled with turmoil and loss; a chance to provide a safe loving existence for a child that entered the world under frightening circumstances.

Mother and child were striking out alone to create a new life free of casual, well-meaning, domineering friends. She was finally free of a man that had taken her heart and torn it from its resting place only to leave it abandoned as he ran after that which would one day destroy him. Alexis laughed cynically as she envisioned the sight of a dog chasing after his own tail; it being such a perfect analogy of the relationship between Sonny Corinthos and Carly Benson Quartermaine Corinthos etc. etc.  She was now free from another who had done his best to take from her the only remaining hope left to her, along with the cruel and spiteful demon he had attached himself to.  And regretfully… free of the insistent uncontrollable pull of a man who seemed content to stand by and wait for life to happen.  Or at best, in her opinion, quite adept at explaining away the problems of life rather than dealing with them.  Cameron.  She wondered briefly what he was doing at that moment and whether or not he was aware of the fact that she was no longer a resident of Port Charles.  Would he miss her as much as she already missed him?  

Shaking herself free from thoughts of what she left behind, Alexis finally entered the terminal and stopped to uncover Kristina just enough to allow a little fresh air to reach her daughter and quickly recognized that the musty smell of the airport would not benefit her little girl in the least.   Lifting her eyes from the peaceful beauty of her daughter's face she looked around the small airport for a taxi stand or a car rental agency.  She was becoming anxious to finally settle her daughter for the night without the jostling of travel that constantly disturbed her patient little angel.  When she found both unavailable, she headed in the direction of the small information desk next to the baggage claim area.  Surely they would have someone around to at least direct tourists.

"Excuse me, but could I bother you for a bit of information?"

Sighing at the less than enthusiastic attitude from the girl behind the desk, Alexis waited for her to finish applying the most horrendous shade of nail color to her last nail then tried again.

"If I could interrupt you for a moment, please.  I'm new to the island and just need a little information… "

"I heard you the first time lady… I'm thinking."

Without realizing it, Alexis' thought became more as she voiced it with all of the sarcasm it warranted as the weariness of travel finally caught up to her freeing her from the ability to remain tactful at all cost.

"Your name wouldn't happen to be 'Carly', would it?'

Seeing the confusion cross the girls face, Alexis subtly nodded once thinking, 'evidently it's true that if you look hard enough and long enough you'll eventually come across a replica of yourself'.  Forcing herself to relax Alexis shook her head in unbelief.  Evidently the fates weren't finished with her yet. Breathing deeply she addressed the girl again.

"You're thinking?  Would that not warrant my first asking a question?"

"I thought you did."

It was official.  No doubt about it.  Carly had a twin and Alexis groaned inwardly at the irony of having traveled so far only to come face to face yet again with such a waste of brainpower.  Shifting Kristina to a more comfortable position, Alexis tried again.

"Just a couple of questions… One… is there a hotel near by?"

"Yeah, we got one of those."

"Could I further bother you with which direction and how far it might be from here?"

"Uhmmm… it's only a couple of blocks that way… or is it the other way… hang on a minute… "

Alexis used her last remaining shred of patience. "No, that's fine.  I'll find it.  Don't bother yourself… " finishing her thought under her breath as she walked away, "wouldn't want you to hurt yourself by straining that pea brain too much."

"She's not too bright, so we try to cover for her when we can."

Alexis jumped as the sound of a rich melodic baritone voice drifted over her shoulder from behind.  She turned swiftly while taking a couple of steps backward pulling Kristina closer to her breast; her irritation at being addressed by a stranger clearly evident.

"Excuse me, but you really shouldn't walk up behind someone without first warning them of your presence; it is not only rude, but highly irritating as well as cause for concern in some cases."

"Well I just didn't want you to get away without at least having your questions answered with a little more intelligence."

Alexis drew herself up stiffly with a definitive 'hands off' demeanor and looked into eyes that reminded her of the blue green tide of her homeland just as the day began to settle into evening.  He was tall, very tall with dark hair streaked with the most attractive shade of gray Alexis could ever remember seeing before.  The enticing salt and pepper mane complimented a tan that boldly laughed in the face of anyone who believed that being blonde was essential in order to fully appreciate the gift of the sun. Denim jeans hugged slender hips underneath a white linen shirt that was only half buttoned revealing another mane of salt and pepper that any woman would relish running her fingers through.  He was quite simply the most attractive man Alexis had come across in a long while.  'Too bad I'm not in the market', Alexis thought to herself.  There wasn't a man on earth that could coax her into any kind of involvement at this point in her life.  Not with the painful remnants of past relationships still lying in tattered rags at her feet.  She wasn't about to lower her guard again.  All that she needed in the world lay quietly asleep in her arms.

"I only wanted to know if there was a hotel nearby, which way and if not too difficult how far?"

His voice, while lowered to provide a meager amount of privacy from others milling about, struck a chord deep within her.  It was a rich baritone that she could almost imagine bringing to life the finest aria ever written. "The 'Pacific Tavern' is just down the road… a couple of blocks on your left.  I'd be more than happy to drive you over there.  This storm is going to last a while I'm afraid and it's nothing you would want to brave on foot for two blocks."

Conscious of the flush she knew from experience now graced her cheeks, Alexis shifted her daughter to her shoulder as she attempted to steer her thoughts away from the physical attractiveness of the man who stood before her by spilling the first thing that popped into her head.  "That doesn't make sense.  The Pacific Ocean is off the western coast of the Americas.  We're in the Atlantic.  But the establishment is named after the Pacific Ocean… why not call it the 'Atlantic Tavern"?  Realizing he was looking down at her as though she were daft, Alexis shifted nervously and decided it was time to take her leave of his presence.  "Forgive me, it's none of my business.  Thank you for your offer of assistance, but I can handle it from here.  If you'll excuse me…"

Turning on her heel, Alexis headed for the terminal exit.  Hearing the man start to follow her, she stopped instantly causing him to run into her.  She sighed with annoyance as she attempted to shield Kristina as much as possible from the jolt and spoke with a voice deliberately chilled.

"What? I thought I was perfectly clear.  You offered information… I accepted it… thanked you for your hospitality and stated quiet clearly my ability to arrive at my destination without any further assistance.  I'm beginning to think I may have taken the wrong plane or something."

Green eyes that moments before displayed a casual indifference darkened with irritation as the man took a commanding step backward as if it were too distasteful to find himself in such a close proximity to her.

"You were very clear in your ability to take care of yourself, lady.  It's just that I know what's going on outside that door and things are going to be busy enough for me tonight without adding the additional task of rescuing a 'tourist' from a possible mud slide or worse because she refused to consider the possible risks of a torrential downpour.  And from the looks of you, I can pretty much guarantee you've never been anywhere that your every wish could not be catered to in a matter of minutes.  Now, would you like a lift or do you really want to soil those designer jeans?"

Incensed was too mild a description to fully express what Alexis felt in that moment.  Her anger was making her ability to breathe evenly impossible.  The fact that his words held a modicum of truth did not in any way calm her fury at being treated so condescendingly by an absolute stranger.  The further realization that, for the sake of her daughter, she needed to accept his help didn't improve her already highly inflamed mental state.  Cursing the laws of etiquette and the manners that were such a prominent factor of acceptable behavior, Alexis yielded to his knowledge of the island as Kristina began to move restlessly in her arms… a clear indication of her ability even at such a tender age to feel the anxiety of her mother.

"I apologize for my lack of manners and would appreciate your offer of a lift to the hotel.  It is not my way usually to be so… discourteous.  But, it has been an extremely long and… challenging flight."

He smiled disdainfully as he answered her.  "Most tourists would check the climate of a resort before scheduling a vacation.  You just happened to land right in the middle of the monsoon season.  This is normal weather for this time of year and not such a great vacation spot for a tyke that small.  I'll just bet the kid didn't fare so well on the trip down, so I'll accept your apology even if it wasn't quite as sincere as it should have been."

The absolute audacity of the man was rendering Alexis incapable of coherent thought, not to mention speechless.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Boy when you do remember those manners, they really kick in to high gear, don't they?"

Alexis was done.  She wasn't about to open her mouth again and possibly give him another reason to open his.  It didn't take long for her to realize that she wasn't too fond of this exasperating, condescending beautifully built specimen of the male gender.  She was in fact having a problem finding anything remotely agreeable about him.  Therefore his next remark sent her over the edge.

"When in doubt… silence, right?"

"Alright, you've had your say.  And I imagine you've successfully gotten your daily quota of insults in at the expense of the less than enlightened tourist and you've also fulfilled your responsibilities as host by offering your help.  I accepted said help, but now I think it's best if I do find another way to the hotel.  So again, if you'll excuse me… "

"I see, so you're a runner?"

"Excuse me?"

'Things get a little tough and you head for the hills.  That why you've escaped to our little island in the sun?  If it is, then perhaps I could interest you in a little out of the way bay just up the road a bit.  It's official name was too difficult to remember much less pronounce, so the islanders just nicknamed it 'Runaway Bay'.  It's a beautiful spot… quiet and out of the way.  Great place to get lost."

Her emotions raw, her body weary from travel Alexis broke.  With her arms beginning to ache with the weight of her daughter and trying to calm her at the same time, the tears of anger and frustration began to slide down first one cheek then the other only serving to anger her more at her inability to remain in control of herself.

"If you are quite through torturing me with what you so obviously believe to be an engaging wit and irresistible charm, I will thank you once again for your offer of help.  But as I have no intention of spending one more moment in the company of such an ill-mannered pompous 'islander' you will please excuse me so I may find other accommodations."

Alexis turned and walked away trying her best to reign in the anger that was disturbing her daughter.

"Shhh… my little one.  Mommy's fine.  We just happened to run into a little bit of the local color… very little if you ask me.  Why don't we find somewhere to sit for a moment and I can take this tunic off and maybe we can both take a breath before braving the storm again."

Looking around she sighted a small isolated café in the corner of the terminal and headed in that direction as she continued talking to her daughter.

"We didn't arrive under the best of circumstances, but at least we're here and off that dreaded airplane.  That was pretty horrible, wasn't it sweet girl?  I thought we were going down a couple of times.  But, you knew that didn't you.  You could feel mommy's tension couldn't you?  You're my special little angel.  Well, we'll spend the night in town and then tomorrow I'll find us a real estate agent and then you and I are going to find the perfect little home for us.  How do you like that?"

Alexis jumped slightly as she felt a slight touch her on the shoulder.  Looking around she found herself staring into familiar green eyes.  Sighing with irritation she clutched Kristina to her and stood up tossing the damp tendrils of hair from her face and turned to face the rude gentleman she escaped from only moments before.

"If you'll pardon me, I need to be on my way."

Attempting to walk away, Alexis felt his hand on her arm and she stopped instantly throwing a menacing glare back at him.  Before she could open her mouth to speak he removed his hand from her arm and raised it as if signaling a truce.

"Wait a minute… please."  She stopped and looked up warily to see if the look in his eyes matched the regret in the tone of his voice.  Satisfied that it did, she waited for him to continue.

"Look… You're right.  I admit it.  My behavior has been inexcusable and I do owe you an apology.  The name's Kale Redmond.  I've been a permanent fixture around this place for as long as I can remember and it seems my own set of manners must have got lost somewhere out in that monsoon.  If you will allow me… I'd like to try and make amends for my extremely ill-mannered behavior."

Alexis could see the sincerity of his words and glancing down at her daughter, realized she needed to get her settled as soon as possible.  Without offering a hint of a smile, she nodded.

"I would appreciate a lift to the hotel if the invitation is still open."

"It is and I can have you there in a matter of minutes.  Have you been to baggage claim yet?"

At her somewhat embarrassed negative response, he eyed her curiously wondering why a tourist wouldn't first retrieve their luggage before attempting to leave the airport.

Alexis finally offered a hesitant guarded explanation.

"I was so concerned about getting my daughter settled… I forgot about our luggage."

"I see.  Not a problem.  If you'll allow me your name, I will retrieve your bags for you if you want to wait by the entrance.  It won't take a minute."

Her name… that wouldn't be so easy.  Her journey to this remote island in the Caribbean may have begun in Port Charles, but 3 cities and 3 aliases later she needed to start her time on the island with her real name rather than the last name she chose to travel under.  Mentally shrugging her shoulders at the current dilemma, she thought 'I'll probably never see him again, so what does it matter if my luggage is traveling under an assumed name'.

"It's Alice Bergen, and thank you for your assistance."

"Back in a moment."

Alexis again nodded without speaking and walked back toward the entrance.  'Kale Redmond', she thought.  Nice strong name, attached to a somewhat nice, strong man it seemed.  And true to his word moments later, he joined her carrying all four of her heavily packed suitcases.  As he drew closer, smiling briefly, she opened the door for him and then followed him to a mud covered Land Rover that was parked under the overhang. She turned at the sound of his voice that he raised just enough to still be heard above the sounds of the storm.

"There is a car seat in the back for the child, Mrs. Bergen.  Since this vehicle is most often used as a taxi by the airport, it was decided that 'all' of our visitors should be afforded an equal amount of care and service.  You might want to sit in the back as well to keep an eye on the child.  The ride could be a little bumpy considering the rain is creating a few ruts in the road."

For once Alexis appreciated the sound of his raised voice as it reached her ears.  Any suggestion that would make the rest of the day pass as easily as possible for her daughter was welcomed and for the gentleman to offer advice of any kind to that end… it was received readily.

"Thank you, Mr. Redmond.  I appreciate your consideration of my daughter's comfort."

Alexis opened the front of her tunic and shielding her daughter as much as she could against the driving wind gently placed her in the car seat strapping her in while speaking soothing words to her.

"We're almost done, my little girl.  Our trip for today is almost over.  You've been so good today… putting up with your mother.  But I promise, once we get to the hotell we are both going to sit back in a tub of warm water and let all the horribleness of the day just melt away.  How do you like that idea?"

Crawling in beside her, Alexis fastened her own seat belt and closed the door.  Reaching over to take her daughters hand in her own she tapped her foot impatiently turning to look over her shoulder to find out what was delaying her escort.  She groaned audibly as she saw the 'information girl' running out of the airport toward her escort screaming her head off.  Watching helplessly her head dropped to her chest as she finally realized that her trip was about to reach an all time low.

"Kristina, your mommy is about to get an impromptu lesson in the art of patience.  It looks like 'Carly Jr.' is going to be joining us.  I sure am glad you are still too young to understand certain words if I fail the test."

Watching with barely concealed irritation, Alexis breathed deeply as the front seat was suddenly filled with a rush of wind that could barely be heard over the screeching of its newest member.

"Hurry, Kale.  The wind is blowing my hair all over the place and my nails aren't quite dry yet so you're going to have to buckle my seatbelt for me.  Oh… hello.  What a pretty baby.  My name is Caroline, what's yours?"

Alexis drew another deep breath turning toward Kristina and mumbling, "I must have a sign on my forehead or something.  All idiots, welcome.'

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, nothing.  I was just talking to my daughter… oh look.  Mr. Redmond is here and we can finally be on our way.  Aren't we just the luckiest to have such a kind benefactor?"

Words heavily laced with sarcasm and thinly veiled irritation were followed by an irritating syrupy whine that grated on her nerves much like fingernails on a chalkboard.

"A 'bene' what?  Kale's just a good guy who likes to help people."

Alexis shook her head in unbelief.  Her sarcasm was totally lost on the girl. 'Can this day get any worse?'  A small cry from the seat next to her caught her full attention.  She could tell Kristina was almost done with being patient.  Leaning toward her, she began to talk to her as Kale finally joined them, first settling the blonde tornado and then finally starting the car.

"Just a little while longer, baby girl.  I know you're tired and hungry, but we'll be at the hotel soon.  Please hang on for just a few more minutes."

As the Rover left the protective eave of the airport it began to rock back and forth with the force of the wind and the sound of the rain against the vehicle windows sounded like hail.  Kristina began to whimper.  Alexis knew her daughter was becoming frightened and wondered what she could do to still her own fear enough to comfort her.  The problem was solved as the sound of an old familiar lullaby began to fill the confines of the vehicle.  Alexis felt her daughter begin to relax and her cries gradually subsided.  Her eyes met Kale's in the rear view mirror…

"Thank you."

He nodded once and continued to sing to her daughter.  Within minutes the Rover made a final turn into the parking lot of the tavern and Alexis breathed a sigh of relief.  She jumped slightly as Kale suddenly turned to look back at her.

"Why don't you just stay here for a second and let me go in and get you a key.  I'll tell Charlie you'll sign in first thing in the morning.  That way all you have to do is just get the kid settled for the night."

Alexis visibly relaxed and smiled the first real smile of the day and couldn't resist teasing him.

"Boy when you do remember those manners, they really kick in to high gear, don't they?"

A full-throated laugh met her ears and vibrated throughout the cabin of the car.

"Ok, Ok.  You got one on me.  And that smile of yours was well worth it.  Stay put and I'll be right back."

"What about me, Kale?  I want to go home.  Hurry up and let's get going.  Pleeeaase."

Alexis barely caught the frustrated grunt from Kale before he exited the vehicle leaving her with the whining hyena.

Ten minutes later, Alexis was standing in the middle of her hotel room holding her daughter and relishing the fact that it was over.  A journey that began in the bushes of the Quartermaine estate two days ago was finally over.  She and Kristina were finally together and nothing or no one would ever separate them again.  Tomorrow Alexis would begin putting together a whole new life for herself and her daughter.  There was only one person who knew where she was and her secret was safe with her brother, Stephan.