Sorry if this took so long to update, and I'm hoping that people still want to read this.
I welcome all your reviews!
Ch. 7
Jason opens up the door to the balcony of his penthouse and looks out to take in the view of Port Charles. It had been a couple of days since the New Year, and he felt good about the recent decisions he had made. He was ready to live a different kind of life. It scared him a little; the unknown. But he was more than prepared for what was to come.
"Hello." Michael called out.
Jason walks back into the living room, "Hey. What's up?"
Michael stands nervously looking about the penthouse, "Are we alone?"
Jason nods his head, "Yeah. Spinelli is in LA for a case. What's going on?"
Michael blows out a breath trying to release the pent up anxiety he felt inside, "I think you probably should sit down for this."
Jason stares at the young man as he makes his way to the couch, "Why don't you start talking?"
Michael goes over and sits down across from him. He leans forward trying to figure out how to start the conversation.
Jason continues to watch, "Michael, whatever problem you have I'm here for you. You know that, right?"
Michael nods his head, "I know that. I mean you went to jail to protect me."
"I made a promise to protect you a long time ago, Michael. And I meant it. It's probably one of the few promises that I've kept." Jason confesses as he thinks about his past disappointments.
"There's something I need to tell you." Michael starts slowly avoiding eye contact with Jason.
"Go on." Jason orders.
Michael begins to explain, "I never told anyone but when I was in jail, Carter attacked me. I didn't want to tell anyone." He gets up and starts to pace the room as Jason quietly listens to his every word, "I was too ashamed, you know? I'm supposed to be Sonny Corinthos' son; I wasn't supposed to be afraid. And I was never afraid until I got in there. In the outside world, being Sonny's son made me fearless. But in there, I was so alone. Every prisoner taunted me before you arrived. And Carter wanted me to know he was in charge." Michael turns to look at Jason, "He raped me, Jason. Carter raped me."
Jason eyes widen at this revelation. He quickly goes over to Michael and gives the young man a hug. "It's going to be okay, Michael."
With tears in his eyes, Michael looks up at Jason and blurts out, "How am I going to be okay, Jason? I'm HIV+."
Jason tries to calm the young man down, "You don't know that Michael. Just because this happened to you doesn't mean…"
Michael tries to wipe the tears away as he interrupts, "I'm sure Jason. Robin tested me."
Jason is stunned by this news, which almost knocks his breath away, "How? When?"
Michael tries to calm himself as he goes over taking a seat, not sure if he had the strength to stand up, "We started talking about her virus, and she explained how it happened. It got me thinking. Then I got into that accident with Morgan, so I asked her."
Jason sits next to him and asks, "How long have you known?"
Michael looks to Jason and answers, "A few months now."
"And what did Robin say?"
"My T-cell count is high. I'm perfectly healthy at this point but I need to start taking precautions." He answers.
"Well Robin knows what she's talking about. She's a perfect example of someone who's lived with this disease for a very long time. " Jason answers.
"I know. She's been really helpful to me. She's been asking me to tell someone for quite some time. She said that I'd need the support. I was just so afraid to say anything to anyone really." Michael admits to Jason.
"Who else knows?" Jason questions.
"Only Kristina. And now you. I need to tell my dad." Michael mentions.
"What about your mom?" Jason asks.
Michael shakes his head, "I'm not ready to tell her just yet."
"You need to tell her Michael." Jason states.
Michael gets off the couch angered, "You didn't see her at the benefit, Jason. She's made it pretty clear what she thinks of people with the HIV virus. You've seen how she treats Robin. I'm not ready for that yet."
Jason sighs as he rubs his eyes tired from everything he's heard, "Okay. I understand." He gets up from the couch and puts a hand on Michael's shoulder, "Just know this. I love you and will do whatever I need to do to protect you. Whatever you need, you tell me. I'll be there, okay?"
Michael shakes his head, "Yeah." He smiles a bit, "You know Robin said you'd understand this. That you'd be supportive."
With a sad smile on his face, Jason responds, "It hurts me to know that Robin and now you have this disease. I wished I could take it away from her, the way I wish I could take it away from you now."
"So, can I ask you for a favor?" Michael asks.
"What?"
"Help me tell my dad?" Michael requests.
Jason shakes his head, "yeah Whatever you need."
Michael looks relieved by this, "Thank you. I need to take care of a few things but can you meet me at Dad's in a few hours."
"Sure." Jason says simply.
Michael smiles as he gives Jason a hug, "Thank you for everything."
With that Michael leaves as Jason watches the door close. He shakes his head just trying to fully comprehend what Michael is going through. His heart was filled with pain at the thought that not only one but two people he deeply loved was affected by this disease.
He pulls his cell phone and makes a call, "Hi. Yeah. This is Jason Morgan and I had an airline reservation for Paris. I need to cancel that. I don't know when I'll be going. Right now my stay in Port Charles is indefinite."
Maxie barges into the Scorpio-Drake home to find Robin and Emma playing in the living room. "Hi" she squealed, "Happy New Year!"
Robin looks at Maxie oddly, "Wow, aren't you in a chipper mood?"
Maxie places herself on the couch as she begins to make funny faces at Emma, "Why shouldn't I be in a good mood? I had a great time with Matt and I just have a feeling this year is going to be awesome."
Robin chuckles, "Wow, all this enthusiasm because you're dating Matt?"
Maxie shrugs, "He's a really nice guy."
"Don't get me wrong, but Spinelli was a nice guy as well. I just don't think I've ever seen you this enthusiastic." Robin admits.
"I thought you wanted me happy? So this is me… happy." Maxie says as she points to herself and laughs.
"Patrick, you here?" Matt bellowed as he entered the house.
Robin turns her attention towards the door as she sees her brother-in-law, "Come in. Come in. Patrick went to pick up some lunch, but look who stopped by."
Maxie and Matt stare at each other and appear annoyed and amused at the same time.
In unison both ask each other, "What are you doing here?"
Maxie quickly replies as Robin watches the interaction between the new couple, "I thought I'd check on Robin and Miss Emma here."
Matt asks, "You said you had to run an errand for Kate."
"Well you said you had to get your car fixed." Maxie accuses him.
Right then, Patrick enters the home with a bag of food surprised to see visitors, "Hey you guys, what are you doing here?"
Robin picks up Emma and goes over to give her husband a kiss, "My detective sensibilities seem to think that these two came to spy on us."
Patrick asks with curiosity, "Oh yeah."
Both Patrick and Robin look at Maxie and Matt who do appear to have been busted.
Maxie reluctantly answers, "Okay, okay so you got me. I just wanted to check on this new living arrangement, okay? Is that so wrong?"
Matt gestures defeat as he concedes, "Guilty as charged. I just wanted to make sure things were going well for all of you. I mean can't I be a concerned brother?"
Patrick stares at Matt and answers jokingly, "Hardly. If I remember correctly, you practically kicked me out of your place."
Maxie goes over to Matt and playfully chastises him, "Next time we need to get our story straight."
Matt laughs "Yeah, not so good on the teamwork are we?"
She snickers at him, "It's getting better though right?"
Robin smiles realizing how close Matt and Maxie had become. She leans to her husband, "You have to admit they're cute."
Patrick looks to his brother and his new girlfriend, "Listen." The two look up as he continues in a more serious tone, "I just want to thank you for being supportive." He looks at Robin and smiles as he continues to speak, "We put the two of you through a lot the past couple of months, and we really appreciate it."
Maxies smiles thoughtfully as she replies, "You're family. What can I say?"
Matt looks to Patrick and Robin as he goes over and grabs Emma, "Maxie is right. All that matters now is you two are back together. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
Robin decides to lighten the mood as she suggests, "Since you're both here, why don't you stay for lunch. I'm sure Patrick ordered enough to feed an army."
Matt goes over to his brother and grabs the bag of food from him, "You don't have to ask me twice."
Patrick gives his brother a look as they head off towards the kitchen
Robin laughs at the sight of both brothers bonding, "Can you believe those two?"
"Adorable, aren't they?" Maxie asked as she got comfy on the couch.
"You're really into Matt aren't you?" Robin asks as she observed the way Maxie acted around Matt.
She looks at Robin almost shyly, "Yeah. I really do. He's a good guy. Nothing like I imagined him to be."
Robin replies with a smile, "Hmmmm..sounds like someone else I know."
Matt and Patrick return with plates in hand and Emma respectively. The women help them as they divide the food evenly amongst themselves and begin to eat quietly.
"You know we should do this more often." Matt suggests.
"Do what?" Patrick asks.
"Go out and have fun." Matt states.
"Oh we could go on a double date." Maxie squealed. "We've never done that."
Matt looks at her and jokes, "We could have been doing that for oh about 2 years now, if you said yes to me in the first place."
Trying to maintain a straight face Patrick looks at Maxie as he says, "He does have a point there."
"Oh I see how it is, the brothers are ganging up." Robin snickers as she points to the two men, "I mean really. The way you two picked up on women, it's amazing you got dates. What woman in her right mind would be impressed with some of those cheesy lines you'd use. Granted, Matt you weren't nearly as bad as he was."
Maxie jumps into the conversation, "What are you talking about Robin? Do you not remember when I first met Matt? He ruined my PDA and didn't even apologize. I mean talk about rude."
Matt laughs, "See I knew I made an impression on you. You were already talking about me to Robin."
Patrick comments, "Well Maxie, if you thought Matt was rude. Then you should have seen Robin. She walked in…"
Robin cuts him off, "I walked in on you having sex. I mean that was gross."
Patrick smirks, "And rude on your part, but you know what?"
Robin looks at him, "What?"
He leans over and says, "I'm glad you did. I mean who knows where I'd be right now. "
Robin looks at her daughter, "Well we definitely wouldn't have Emma."
Patrick gives Robin a gentle kiss, "I love you."
"Um hello, people in the room." Matt says sarcastically as he looks at Maxie and smiles with brown eyes twinkling.
"You could always leave you know?" Patrick responds.
"Karaoke." Maxie says out loud.
The three look at her a bit confused.
"We should go on a double date to Jake's for karaoke. Wouldn't that be fun?" Maxie asks with a smile on her face.
"So when are we doing this dinner again? Sonny asks.
"I told Mike next Friday. Does that work?" Brenda responds as she peruses a magazine.
"Sounds good. I'll tell Dante and Lulu to join us." Sonny says as he sits next to her.
Just then Jason and Michael enter the living room of the Corinthos compound.
Sonny looks up and notices their faces are quite serious. "What's going on?"
Michael turns to Jason who gives him a nod as if to reassure him that everything was going to be all right. Michael swallows the knot in his throat as he turns to his dad, "I have to talk to you."
Brenda notices the seriousness of Michael's tone. She get's up, "I'll leave you guys alone."
Michael looks to Brenda, "Please stay."
Brenda is caught off by his request, "Oh. I thought you'd want me to go."
Michael shakes his head, "Please don't. I know we don't know each other very well, but you're really important to my dad. So please if you would, take a seat."
Brenda is touched by this young man's gesture. "I'm touched that you would even allow me to be apart of what appears to be something really important to you. You're right Michael, we don't know each other well and I hope we can remedy that."
Michael smiles softly as he replies nervously, "I hope the same thing to Brenda."
Brenda turns and looks at Sonny, who reaches out and grabs a hold of her hand as she sits next to him.
Sonny watches his son, "Son, sit down. What's got you so worried?"
Michael sits across from Sonny and Brenda as he turns to look at Jason.
Jason speaks, "Don't be afraid. You can do this."
Michael takes a deep breath as he bites his lower lip. He breathes out for a moment just watching Sonny and Brenda looking at him. He braces himself as he speaks, "I'm HIV+."
Sonny's eyes widen in disbelief. He is too stunned to say anything as is Brenda. He looks to Jason, and he knows that this is all too real. He felt like he had just been hit by a truck.
Brenda immediately reaches out and grabs a hold of Michael's hand, "It's going to be okay, you understand? We're here for you. Whatever you need. Don't you forget that, okay?"
Michael whispers hoarsely trying so hard to hold back the tears, "Dad?"
Sonny goes over to his son and holds him tight, "I love you Michael. No matter what remember that always."
Jason and Brenda exchange concerned looks as they watch father and son holding on to each other. Sonny closes his eyes as he takes in the information. He rubs his son's back to comfort him as he whispers softly, "It's going to be okay."
Michael pulls away as he looks to his father, seeing the love and acceptance from him. Michael smiles sadly as he tries to compose himself.
Sonny stands there trying to appear calm and in control when inside he felt his world shattering beneath him, "So how did you find out?"
Jason walks over to father and son and answers, "Robin was the one that diagnosed him."
Michael begins to speak, "I got tested when I got hurt helping Morgan."
Sonny looks to his son, "When you got the stitches?"
Michael nods, "Yeah."
Sonny stares off for a moment, "That's why you've been asking all those questions about my friend Stone?"
Brenda recalls the young man as she whispers his name softly, "Stone Cates. He was way too young to die. It wasn't fair you know?"
Sonny looks at his son a bit frustrated, "Michael, I thought I told you that you should always use protection. Was it someone from school? Are they aware they infected you."
Jason steps in, "It wasn't like that."
Sonny looks at him confused, "What do you mean?"
Michael looks at his father with fear in his eyes, "It happened when I was in jail."
The information suddenly registers in Sonny's mind. He looks to Jason and commands quietly but menacingly, "You need to take care of it."
Jason responds, "The person who did this no longer exists. All we can do now is focus on Michael and getting him through this."
"Dad, there's something else."
Sonny looks to his son and caresses his cheek as if he were still a child, "What is it son?"
"I'm not ready to tell mom especially what happened at the Haunted Star. I also want to move in here with you if that's okay?" he asks.
"Sure, son. Whatever you want. If you want to keep this private, I understand. But you're going to have to tell your mother eventually."
Carly busted through Jax's office and yelled, "Who the hell do you think you are?"
Jax calmly responded as he continues working on his computer, "Hello to you to, Carly."
She strode towards his desk and leaned over, "Where is Jocelyn?"
Jax turned his attention to Carly, "She's with my mother right now."
"Don't be silly, Jax. You know what I'm talking about. Half your clothes and Jocelyn's clothes are gone from the house."
Jax got up from the desk and moved towards her, "You thought that I was kidding last night didn't you?"
She looks at him shocked by his response as she rolls her eyes, "Are we talking about the scene at The Haunted Star? Seriously Jax, get over yourself."
He stares at her in disbelief that she wasn't taking him seriously, "What you did last night and every thing before then has disgusted me Carly. I do not want my daughter growing up around that type of hate. "
Carly throws her purse on the desk exasperated by the conversation that had started last night, "Fine, Jax. I'll be the caring compassionate person you want. I'll do all the volunteer work, etc. I mean will that make you happy? I just want you and Jocelyn to come back home."
He shakes his head, "Carly, it's not that easy. You want Jocelyn and me back home, then you're going to have to prove it."
"It sounds like an ultimatum Jax. And you know how well I do with ultimatums." She threatens.
"I'm tired of your games Carly. You running to Sonny every minute you can. And trying to scare off Brenda, and how you treated Robin last night, I don't want my daughter to treat people like that. I want my daughter to be kind and compassionate, and I'm afraid all she'd learn from you is hate. I can't risk that for Jocelyn learning to be that way."
"So you want me to be Pollyana? Will that make you happy Jax? Because the world doesn't run like that." She angrily retorts.
"I don't want you to be Pollyana, but I'd like for you to be a little bit more appreciative of what you have." He explains.
She rolls her eyes once again as she yells back, "If you want a divorce, Jax. Then let's just do this. But prepare yourself for a custody fight from hell because I'm going to get my daughter back."
"I never mentioned divorce, Carly. But if that's your solve then well then go ahead and walk away from what we have. " Jax stated as he returned to his desk and focused on the work at hand.
Carly stared at him for a moment stunned that he didn't come running to her like he usually did. "If it's a war that you want, then you'll get one Jax."
He looked up at her and replied, "Go ahead, Carly. I'm just warning you. You may lose your daughter if you move forward with this."
"You're not playing fair Jax." she retorted back.
"And when have you played fair Carly? All I want is the best for my daughter. Look what Michael has been through. First a shot to the head and then to jail? Jax states. "Despite what has happened to that boy he has managed to be a decent young man. He's compassionate and caring. It's quite amazing considering what I saw last night from you. I hate to admit it but maybe Sonny and Jason are to credit with how that young man behaves. "
"And why in the world would you say that? You hate those two?" Carly asks.
"I'm not their biggest fans. But I know that they learned a lot from Robin about tolerance and compassion."
Carly just shakes her head as she replies bitterly, "Wow. It all comes down to St. Robin, doesn't it? Everyone kneels at her feet. I'm sorry if I can't be her, Jax." She gets up from the chair, "If you love Robin so much why don't you go after her. Her marriage is still on shaky ground, you might just have a chance."
With that Carly walked off and slammed the door behind her.
It may have been a cold January day but Kristina sat on the swings at the local park contemplating what had happened on New Years Eve. If things had been different, she knew she would have been thrilled by the fact that Ethan kissed her. But she had gone through so much in the last year, and the last thing she had expected was a kiss from Ethan. Granted the two had come a long way in rebuilding their friendship; but that's all it was. That's all it had to be Kristina thought to herself. She shook her head as if to erase the feeling of Ethan's lips on hers because if she was being honest she just was not ready to deal with what had happened. She took to the swing trying to remember a time when life wasn't so full of drama and found herself being lost in the trivial act of it.
Ethan trudged through the park and stopped upon seeing Kristina swinging halfway in the air. He noticed the smile on her face and how absolutely beautiful she looked despite the cold bitter winter. He groaned to himself trying to not look at Kristina in any way but a friend. He wasn't supposed to notice she was beautiful. She was a friend, a very young one at that he tried to remind himself.
Kristina felt a presence as she slowed down. She turned to find Ethan watching her, and she almost felt too embarrassed.
He approaches her cautiously, "I'm sorry if I scared you."
She sits in the swing and avoids his gaze as she mumbles back, "It's okay."
With hands in his pockets, Ethan looks out to the park, which was blanketed with patches of snow, "It's pretty cold to be out here, you know."
She looks up and takes in the view of the park as well, "I know but I really like swinging."
He laughs softly, "I can tell."
"It helps clear my mind." She says simply.
Ethan continues to feel the tension between them and he's uncomfortable with it. He missed just talking to his friend. He scratches the back of his head and nervously speaks up, "Look about what happened…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
She tries to force a smile on her face as she lies to him, "I wasn't."
He looks at her closely and can still see the fear in her brown eyes. He squats down to be at her eye level and whispers softly, "Kristina, you know you never have to lie to me. I'm not going to be mad at you. You know that right?"
She looks at him and smiles a bit more at ease by his presence. "I'm sorry if I ran away. I just didn't know what to do." She gets off the swing and walks about as Ethan stands and simply observes her, "I'm supposed to be 18, an adult. And what do I do? I simply run away like a little girl."
Ethan replies back, "You're not a little girl, Kristina. It was understandable what you did. You've been through a lot. And look, I was wrong to kiss you. I mean I guess I got caught up in the moment. You know fireworks, a pretty girl."
She smiles at him "I guess that's what happened right? We both got caught up in a moment? I mean it was a beautiful night and I was dancing with such a gentleman."
Ethan responded realizing deep down that he had more feeling for Kristina than he had ever imagined, "Yup. Let's chalk it up to a beautiful night and beautiful people."
Kristina giggles now feeling a bit more relieved at Ethan's answer. She looks up at him and whispers softly, "I'm glad I didn't lose you over this, Ethan. I mean I've messed up a lot, and I'm just fortunate to have you in my life again. You've been a wonderful friend to me.
Ethan smiles back at her, "I feel the same way as well. So how about it if this friend takes you to Kelly's for a burger?"
She smiles, "Sure I'd love that!"
Carly slammed the door of her home still furious at the conversation she had with Jax. Just as she walked into the living room, she saw Michael with suitcases in hand. She stops and asks, "Where are you going?"
Michael looks at her nervously, "I'm moving out."
She stares at him for a moment, "I gathered that from the suitcase. But where to and why?"
"I just want to live with dad right now, okay?" he replies.
"Why now, Michael? What's wrong with living here?" she asks trying to control her anger. "If your father is pressuring you to move there, then I will talk to him." She heads over to the phone about to call.
"Stop. Don't. Dad isn't doing anything. I think it's for the best okay? I need to be on my own and dad said he'd let me stay in the guest house."
Right then Jason enters the house, "Michael, you ready?"
Carly looks at Jason, "What is going on? You want to explain to me why my son all of a sudden wants to move out?"
Michael starts to walk towards the door, "I just need some space okay?"
"So you're telling me you need space from me, is that it?" Carly asks.
"Yeah, I do. I'm going to stay with dad." Michael states.
"For how long?" she asks.
He shrugs, "I don't know. Indefinitely, I guess."
Carly looks to Jason pleading with her eyes for his help. She felt abandoned at that very moment. "Jason, please talk to him. Tell him it's better that he stays here."
"I can't Carly. Michael wants this. And I think it's for the best." Jason explains as he takes one of the suitcases from Michael. "Is this all you have?"
"There's more but I can get it later on." Michael answers.
Jason responds, "Let's go."
Carly watches helplessly as Jason heads out. She looks to her son, "Please Michael stay here where you belong. I need you. Morgan needs you."
Michael looks at his mother one last time as he nears the front door. He stares at her for a moment as if to reconsider. He walks over to his mother as she begins to smile relieved that her son wasn't going to leave after all. He leans over and gives her a tight hug struggling to get it out, "I love you, Mom."
He steps away and takes his suitcase and closes the door behind him leaving Carly standing alone in the living room with tears in her eyes. She ran towards the door and yanked it open as she watched the car turn away from the drive up and leave the gate. Her baby boy was gone; and what it made it harder to accept was this was not from unforeseen circumstances this time. It was by choice.
Jake's Bar was abuzz with customers as Patrick, Robin, Maxie and Matt arrived on the scene.
"The place is packed tonight." Maxie commented as she notices Dante and Lucky at the pool table and greets them, "Hi. I didn't know you were going to be here tonight."
Dante gestures towards Lulu and Sioban who are consulting over a book of songs, "The girls wanted to come."
Matt and Patrick looked at the other two men as Matt spoke up, "It looks like the girls all had the same idea."
"Who knew karaoke was so popular?" Lucky asked as he took a drink of his beer. "You should join us. It should be fun. How about a game? Patrick, Matt you up for a challenge?"
Patrick looks at his brother, "What do you say?"
"Sure. I'm game." Matt responds then heads over to grab a pool stick.
Maxie looks towards Matt, "Don't think you're getting away from singing, you hear me Hunter?"
Matt playfully rolls his eyes towards her, "Sure sweetie, whatever you want."
Robin stares at the boys for a moment and then looks at the pool table.
Lucky looks at her, "What are you thinking Scorpio?"
Robin looks up at Lucky and chuckles, "When you're done playing with these boys, let me know when you're ready for a real challenge."
Dante almost spits up his beer as he chokes at Robin's response. "Ow. Wow, Drake you really going to let your woman say that about you?"
Patrick looks at Robin as his eyes twinkle, "Well she is a Scorpio, and you just don't mess with my girl." He goes over and leans in for a kiss.
Before she responds to his kiss, Robin whispers, "Hmmm…sounds like someone is going to get lucky tonight."
Lucky goes over to the pool table and gathers the balls, "Okay Drake, Hunter. Let's get this game started so I can play the real challenger."
Maxie giggles as she grabs Robin's hand, "We'll be over there with the girls. Let us know when you're ready to have a real game."
"Thanks Maxie. I really appreciate the support." Matt shot back sarcastically.
Maxie's blue eyes twinkle, "I love you too Hunter." With that she sticks her tongue out at him as she and Robin head towards Lulu and Sioban."
Forty-five minutes later, Patrick delivered the pitchers of beer at the table "Okay this round is on me."
Matt grabbed his mug as he began to speak, "Okay seriously where did you girls learn to play like that?"
Maxie and Robin stare at each other and giggle both responding in unison, "Mac."
Lucky shakes his head, "I thought I learned from the best hustler, but I have to say Mac's got talents."
Dante chimed in, "Seriously 3 games in a row? That just hurts."
Sioban chimes in, "All I can say is don't ever estimate a girl."
Lulu speaks up, "And a pretty girl at that." She gives Maxie and Robin a high five, "I'm glad you schooled them."
Dante shakes his head as he ponders another challenge, "Okay how about it? Darts?"
Patrick thinks about if for a moment, " I don't think you'll beat Robin in that. She's really good."
Dante looks at her surprised, "How is that possible? Pool, darts?"
"It's the benefits of having spies as parents. It was sort of ingrained in me. Shooting guns at a young age sort of came with the territory. I'm a pretty good marksman if I do say so myself." Robin says as she takes a drink of her beer.
Lulu giggles, "And I thought I was the one with crazy parents."
Robin's cell phone rings and she notices it's Sonny calling. She looks to the table and excuses herself as the gang continues chatting and laughing. "Hey, Sonny. What's up?"
"I'm sorry to bother you but I need to talk to you." Sonny states.
"What's going on? Everything okay?" she asks noticing the concern in his voice.
"Michael told me everything today."
Robin takes it all in as she stares back at the group having a good time. "I'm so sorry, Sonny. You know I would have told you sooner if I could."
"I know you would. Look, I'm so sorry but would you mind coming by? I'd really love to talk to you." he asks.
She nods her head, "Sure. I'll be there shortly."
"It sounds like you're busy. We can talk about this tomorrow." he states.
"I'm at Jakes. And don't be silly. I'll be there shortly." She answers.
"Okay, I'll have Max pick you up."
"It's faster if I just grab a cab. I'll be there shortly."
Patrick notices the look on Robin's face as he goes over to her, "Everything okay?"
She nods her head as she answers, "Sonny needs to talk. It's rather important." She looks past him watching Matt and Maxie singing their rendition of the Grease hit You're The One That I Want. " Sorry I'm going to miss out on the rest of the fun."
" I could take you." he offers.
She shakes her head, "Nonsense. I'm going to grab a taxi. You have fun, and I'll see you later tonight." She tiptoes and gives him a kiss.
"You sure?" he asks.
Robin nods her head, "Yeah. I'll see you at home."
Twenty minutes later, Robin found herself in Sonny's living room being greeted by Brenda and Sonny, "How's Michael doing?"
Robin and Brenda take a seat as Sonny goes and gets water for Robin. He turns to look at her, "He's doing good considering everything that has happened. He decided to move here for now. He doesn't want Carly to know."
Robin takes this information in, "Well I'm glad that he's shared the news with you. I wanted to tell you, but you know that I couldn't."
Sonny offers her the bottled water as he sits across from her, "I know. I'm just glad that it was you helping him through this."
"Sonny, I'm so sorry this even happened to him. He's so young." She states with concern on her face.
Brenda looks at her friend, "He's dealing with the news with grace and strength just like you did."
"You know it's not easy having to hear the news I gave him, but he's got time on his side Sonny." Robin states. "He's got you, Jason and Brenda supporting him."
"I know. If anything I look at you, and I know there is hope. This isn't the end for him. You're a doctor, a mother. Everything that Stone wanted for you. I know that Michael has a future. This is not the end for him." He says quietly.
Brenda reaches out and rubs his arm as she looks at Robin, "And there are so many advances in HIV research. Michael has a lot of years ahead of him."
Robin nods, "Sonny, there is nothing to be scared of."
He looks into her eyes and he knows she's telling the truth, "I know you're right. But what I fear is how people will treat him. I've seen how people have treated you and it's not right and it's not fair. I just don't want him to be treated that way. I couldn't protect you and I can't protect him from this."
"Sonny, there are always going to be ignorant people out there. We can only do so much to protect him." Robin says simply.
"How do you protect him from his own mother, Robin?" Sonny asks. "He's afraid to tell Carly. He told me that Carly had some really ugly things to say at the New Years event. That it sickened him. He's moved out of his home. How long can I hide this from her? I mean she needs to know. She's his mother but at the same time the thought of Carly looking at our son with disgust because of this disease? I couldn't do that to him."
Robin simply stares at him for a moment as Brenda watches on. She saw the pain in her friend's face and it hurt her as well. She had put up with Carly for a long time now, and it was just part of what she did. "All you can do is love Michael and remind him every single day that you're there for him, Sonny. I don't know if Carly should know. From my experience I can say that she wouldn't know how to deal with this. But at the same time, Carly is a mother. And she's a good one and maybe this is what is needed to help change her mind about such things."
Sonny looks up at her with hooded eyes, "I can't take that chance right now. Michael is dealing with so much. He's had to endure a whole lot for a boy his age. Did he tell you how he got it?"
Robin takes a breath as she responds, "He said it was a one night stand. But having parents as spies, I could tell he was lying. I didn't push him on it."
Brenda looks to Sonny who still is in shock with what had happened. She tightens her grip on his hand; as he looks at her thankful for the reassurance. Sonny speaks quietly, "It happened while he was in jail."
He didn't have to say anything more as Robin immediately comprehended what fully happened. Tears rimmed her brown eyes as she got up and began to walk the room taking it all in. She looks to Sonny, "He's going to need therapy, Sonny. He can't live with all this. It's just too much."
Sonny licks his lips and responds, "I know. That's why I called you here. Michael is not ready for the world to know anything right now."
"I get it. He took a huge step in letting his family know. I could tell it was difficult for him." Robin mentions as she goes back and takes a seat.
"Michael and I have talked about therapy and he's open to it. We just want this done in private. No one needs to know. So I need your help. I need to find him a therapist who'd come and make house calls. And for now, I was hoping you would too? He's my son, so that makes him a high profile member in this city. People are going to start to wonder. And he doesn't need it right now. I want him to be able to talk about this to others openly when he's ready."
Robin nods her head, "I get it Sonny. Let me see what can be done. I know several therapists. After all I've gone to them myself with the post-partum. I didn't want to admit it then, but it was really helpful."
Sonny looks into Robin's eyes grateful for her help, "Thank you for everything you've done for him."
She reaches her hand out and holds his, "You know I'd do whatever I can to help your son." A moment passes as the three of them smile at each other recalling the strong bond they still had with one another despite the ups and downs of their relationship.
Sonny gets up and pulls Robin to him and just holds her, "Thank you for being here for not only me Robin but for my son." He pulls away from her and just stares at her brown eyes. "I still miss him you know. Stone. He has no idea how thankful I am that he brought you into my life. I may have lost my brother but I gained a sister."
Robin eyes water as she whispers, "Well I gained a brother as well." She looks to Brenda, "We've always been a family haven't we? In some form or another we've always been there for each other."
Brenda reaches out and holds Robin's hand, "You got that right."
Sonny turns to Brenda and caresses her face lovingly, "And Stone finally gets his wish. You're going to be my wife."
Robin smiles, "Took you two long enough."
Brenda laughs, "Well you know us. We're both so stubborn."
Sonny wraps his arm around Brenda tightly, "But we've grown. We've matured."
Robin cut's in as she laughs, "You mean we're getting old."
Sonny tries to speak through the light laughter, "Call it as you like. All I know is that I know what's important now. I have both of you in my life and I have my kids. No matter what happens, we'll figure it out."
Brenda nods her head in agreement, "Yup. We've lived enough life and learned what's important."
Robin looks at her two friends realizing that they had finally found peace and a lasting love with each other, "Aw...you two are so sweet."
Sonny yawns, "Well it's been a long day. I'll have Max take you home."
Brenda looks to her fiancée, "Why don't you head up to bed? I'll walk Robin to the car."
He grins at the two women, "Oh just admit you want to have some girl time."
Brenda giggles, "Well, yes."
Sonny goes over to Robin gives her a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you sweetheart. Thank you for everything." With that he heads up the stairs to bed.
Brenda watches as he leaves and looks to Robin, "How are you doing? You okay?"
Robin responds, "I'm good. And you? Things good with you?"
Brenda nods, "Things couldn't be better you know. Michael is an amazing young man. First to even admit that he's HIV+ but to even want to share this with me. You know what he said? He realized I was important to Sonny. It meant the world to me Robin, and I barely know him. "
"He's a great kid no doubt about that. Does Jason know about Michael?" Robin asked with concern.
"Yeah. Michael actually told Jason first before telling us."
"How's Jason doing?" Robin asks with concern.
"You know Jason. He doesn't talk a lot. But it's obvious that he's also in shock." Brenda responds.
"I should talk to him." Robin states.
"Sonny doesn't even know where he is. He's not answering his phone." Brenda states.
Robin prepares to leave, "I have a feeling I know where to find him." With an anxious look on her face, Robin asks, "Can you do me a favor?"
Brenda pulls her hair behind her hair with a look of concern on her face, "Sure. "
"If Patrick calls here looking for me, just tell him I'm still talking to Sonny?" Robin requests.
Brenda replies, "Of course." She looks at Robin closer hoping to get a reason for the request but her best friend doesn't offer any. So she decides to inquire, "Is everything okay with you two?"
Robin replies evenly, "It is, things are good. It's just I don't know if I can talk to him about this and have him understand. I feel like any talk about HIV goes back to Stone. I just don't want to rock the boat right now. Things have been going really well for us."
"But Robin, HIV is a part of who you are. It's not like you can hide it from him. You deal with this every day." Brenda responds.
"He knows I deal with it, and he's supportive in making sure I'm as healthy as I can be. But I think there are things that Patrick will never understand about that time and what it means to me." She explains.
Brenda sighs, "I guess you have a point. There are only certain people that will fully understand what we went through with losing Stone. Ironic isn't it?"
Robin looks to Brenda, "What is?"
Brenda explains, "Jason. To most he's devoid of all emotions. I mean I accuse him of it all the time but I know deep down he cares. He found a way to understand what Stone's loss meant to you. He never held it against you or worried that it meant that you loved him less. And here's Patrick this great neurosurgeon who should be able to understand what that loss meant to you. He was so insecure that he did some ridiculous things that put your life in danger. It's just funny that Jason is supposed to be the brain damaged one, but he has always understood you."
Robin takes it all in silently acknowledging her best friends comment, "I know what Patrick did was wrong. I've had many hours of therapy. I don't know if I'll fully understand why Patrick did what he did, but I do know I wanted to forgive him. I still love him Bren. He's not perfect, but either am I."
Brenda smiles sadly, "Look, I'm not judging. I'm just making an observation. We don't choose the people we love. They choose us. I mean I'm for sure a good example of that. I shouldn't love Sonny for everything he's done but I do. I can't ignore it. And I know you're being true to who you are. I just don't want you to ever feel that you need to hide something from Patrick, especially something that is so important to you."
"Well it's not always going to be like this. I just feel that we're still struggling a bit right now. I'm not ready to rattle the cages. I need this relationship to be strong again and we're slowly finding our way there. And when we get there, I know I'll be able to talk to him about it more. But in the meantime, I want to just check in with Jason. I'm sure he's going through a lot and doesn't really have anyone to talk to about it." Robin explains.
Brenda looks at her best friend and gives her a tight embrace, "All I care about is that you're happy. So yes, you can count on me to cover for you." She pulls away from Robin and giggles, "Wow, don't I feel like a teenager again. Remember how I used to get you out of Mac's watchful eye just to see Sonny and Stone?"
Robin giggles as she reminisces, "Yes, and in many ways I still feel under Uncle Mac's watchful eye. He's not too happy about Patrick and me getting back together but he's dealing. But lets just say Patrick is at his utmost best behavior when Uncle Mac is around."
Brenda giggles, "Well good for him. It's getting late so you better go. And don't worry I'll cover for you."
Robin smiles back, "Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"I had a really great time tonight." Matt remarks as he drops Maxie off at her doorstep.
"Who knew that you could sing so well?" she asked.
He gave her a quick wink and a wide smile as he leans into her with a kiss, "That's just one of the many hidden talents I have."
The two enjoy a serious session of kissing before pulling away for some much needed air.
Maxie's blue eyes twinkle, "I'm sure that I'll discover those other talents soon enough Mr. Hunter."
Matt lovingly caresses her cheek, "Did I tell you how beautiful you are?"
Maxie smiles back as she replies, "Almost every hour. Not that I'm complaining." She opens the door to the apartment, "You want to come in? Lulu is staying at Dante's tonight. I'll go make us some coffee."
Matt follows Maxie into the apartment and takes a seat on the couch. A few minutes later Maxiere returns with two mugs and offers one to Matt. He takes a sip before he speaks up, "I have to admit, Lucky is not such a bad guy."
Maxies gets comfortable on the couch as she kicks her shoes off and tucks her legs. She reached out and runs her hand through Matt's hair, "You jealous?"
Matt replies "Actually, no. You said you two are friends, and I believe that. Anyway you're with me now, so really why would I have to worry?" He says with a teasing smile.
She rolls her eyes at him, "Wow you and Drake and the egos."
Matt laughs, "All kidding aside, Lucky is a cool dude. And maybe I was jealous before I really got to know you. Maybe I felt that we were competing for you."
Maxie leans in and whispers, "It was never a competition, Matt. Lucky will always be my friend. But it's you that I love." With that she gives him a kiss.
Jason had been busy working on his bike for some time now when he heard some noises outside the building. He gets up from the bike and opens the door to find Robin. "What are you doing here?" he asks with surprise.
She steps back a bit surprised, "Geez Jas, you scared me."
He gives her a small smile, "Sorry. It's not like I was expecting company."
She looks at him and replies, "I just came from Sonny's. He told me everything and I just wanted to check in on you."
Jason is a bit quiet as he lets her into the space and he returns to fixing the motorcycle. "This is all my fault you know."
Robin is confused by his statement and goes over to him, "What are you talking about?"
He puts the tool down and turns to look at Robin, "I should have never claimed to be Michael's father. I should have told AJ the truth from the beginning. I know I said that AJ was awful but this would have never happened to his son had I just told the truth then."
Robin shakes her head angrily, "This is not your fault Jason. You cannot blame yourself for this. AJ was Michael's father and yes he should have had the opportunity to raise his son. But by no means did it mean he'd avoid contracting this disease. You can protect Michael all you want, but there was no way you could protect him from this."
Jason's pent up anger begins to flare, "Really, Robin? Who are we kidding? I might as well had injected him with HIV myself. I did this to him. I'm the one that said I could protect him, that I could do a better job than any Quartermaine. And look what happened to him? He got shot in the head; then he went to jail trying to protect his mother from a mad woman. And now he has to live with this disease forever."
Robin begins to reason with him, "Listen to me Jason. You did the best you could with Michael. You helped raise him to be a wonderful young man. So yes he has this awful disease. But you know there is medicine for him to take and that he'll be okay. Remember you convinced me once to go on the protocol. Look at me I'm fine. I'm healthy. Michael can have that as well. We know so much more about this disease than we did ten years ago. We may even in this lifetime find a cure. "
Jason looks Robin in the eye as he replies, "He lives with the stigma of this disease now just the way you do. I've seen how it pains you Robin. And now Michael is going to have to experience that pain." He continues as his blue eyes begin to tear, " Can't you see I'm responsible for that? I'm the one that did this Robin, and there is no way I can ever take it away from him."
Robin takes a deep breath as she realizes the guilt that Jason held. She grabs a hold of his hand and leads him towards the bench where they both take a seat. She looks into his eyes and gently wipes the tear away, "Michael loves you Jason. That's all that matters. I know you're going to continue to beat yourself up, but it's just wasted energy. He doesn't blame you. If anything that young man loves you. Who was the first person he talked to Jason?"
Jason replies, "you."
Robin rolls her eyes, "Besides me, Jason. Who did he tell?"
Jason takes a breath and replies calmly, "He told me."
"Exactly. He told you before he told Sonny, his father. And apparently he hasn't even told Carly. But he told you the entire story of how he contracted it. He has always and still does trust you. He has no anger in him. He doesn't blame this on you at all. Because he knows this isn't your fault. Michael doesn't play the victim. He never has. He has found the strength within him to deal with it. He's a brave young man, Jason. And that's because of you."
Jason speaks up, "Thank you for saying what you just said. It means a lot to me."
"I'm just speaking the truth Jason. You need to stop beating yourself up about this."
He smiles at her, "I know what you're saying but it's a bit hard not to. I'm just glad you were around to inform him about this disease. I keep wondering what would have happened had you not been living with me."
Robin smiles, "Well I do know it gave me a sense of peace. I felt protected from Lisa. It allowed me the space I needed to clear my head."
"It's funny how life works you know. I mean if you never stayed there, Michael may have never asked you questions. Or even consider that there could be something wrong. This disease could have been more aggressive."
"Exactly Jason. But we caught it early. He's got a high T cell count, and he'll likely go on the protocol and be as healthy as can be. All of this because you still cared and offered to protect me. Maybe that's why I was back in your life." She reasons.
"We've been in each other's life Robin." He states.
"You're right. But not living under the same roof." She replies.
"It's been a long time since it was like that, hasn't it?" Jason asks. He stares at her for a moment as he gets back and begins to fix the bike, "How are things now? You happy?"
She stands up from the bench and watches him, "I am. Things are good. But what about you Jas? You keeping your new years resolutions? New Year, new beginnings?"
He replies, "Actually I have."
Her interest is piqued as she goes over to him, "Well, you care to share?"
He laughs, "Maybe."
Robin rolls her eyes playfully, "You know I hate being kept in suspense."
"I know." He laughs.
She pulls the bench closer to his workspace and takes a seat, "Well I'm all ears right now. What's going on?"
His eyes gleam as he looks at Robin, "Well first, the bike. It's done."
She looks at him curiously, "What do you mean done?"
"As in it's working. I took it out earlier today and it's running. I need to take it on a longer drive, but so far so good. How about it? You want to go on a ride with me?" he asks.
Her eyes widen in surprise, "Like right now? It's after midnight Jas."
He replies back, "I don't ever remember that being a problem before Robin."
She gets up from the bench and gets closer to him trying to control her enthusiasm, "Are you serious? We could go out right now?"
He grabs a helmet and hands it to her, "Yup, I just need for you to put this on. So what do you say?"
"I say yes." She exclaims excitedly.
"Then get on." Jason orders.
Robin puts the helmet on and Jason offers his hand to help get her on the bike. He grabs his jacket and puts it on looking at her get comfortable on the bike. He gets on himself turning back to look at her, "You ready?"
Robin nods her head, "Yup. Let's head out."
It had been a long day and Brenda was ready to settle in for the night. Sonny had already gone to bed. He had enough of this day and was ready for it to be over. As Brenda left the kitchen, and heads towards the stairs just as Michael enters the eerily quiet house.
He is startled by her appearance. "Sorry, I thought my dad and you would be in bed by now."
Brenda pulls away a wisp of hair from her face, "Your dad went to bed about an hour ago. I stayed up a bit to chat with Robin."
Michael seems a bit relieved, "Oh."
"Your dad talked to her about everything and she's going to suggest a few therapists." Brenda informs him.
Michael nods his head. "Thanks."
Brenda asks, "Is your room comfortable? Is there anything else you need? If your dad doesn't have it, we could go out tomorrow and get it."
"No it's fine. Really. I don't need a lot. Just a room and bed is good enough for me." He states simply.
Brenda laughs a bit, "You sound a lot like Jason. A very simple man."
"So you and Robin were best friends?" he asks.
"Still are. Granted we haven't been in communication for quiet some time. But that's the thing about best friends. Time doesn't mean a thing. You just start where you left off." She states.
"And did you knew Stone?" he inquires.
"Oh yes. He was a really good friend to me. He always believed that your father and I should have been together from the start." She states.
"Were you there, when you know he died?" Michael asked tentatively.
Brenda recalls the memory as she answers, "Yeah. It was really hard on all of us. But we had each other's strength and support. It's what got us through it all."
Michael is quiet for a moment just taking all this in.
Brenda looks closely at Michael. "Hey. It's not going to happen to you, okay?"
Michael looks at her and smiles nervously, "I know everyone says that but they don't really know."
"Robin felt the same way. When I heard she was HIV+, I was so devastated. We didn't know anything about this disease then. But look Robin is healthy and strong. She's a good example of that. You just do what Robin tells you to do and I'm sure you're going to be alright. Maybe you have to be more careful than others but it doesn't mean you can't live your life."
Michael seems a bit more relieved. "You know this thing has made me an emotional wreck. Sometimes I feel like no problem I can deal with all of this. But then there are times I'm just afraid that I'm not going to make it the next day. Is that weird?"
"No. Not at all. I think it's just natural to feel that way considering you have this virus. You're trying to be realistic about it. That's a good thing. I remember in the beginning Robin was the same way. But soon after, she started to believe in her future." Brenda explains.
"What made her change her mind?" he asks.
"Jason actually. He helped her believe that anything was possible." Brenda states.
Michael smiles, "He does a lot for people doesn't he?"
Brenda smiles back, "He does. He really does. But don't you dare tell him I admitted that to you." She warns him.
Michael laughs as well, "I promise, I won't.
Sorry if this chapter was a bit boring. I hope you enjoyed it, and promise the next one will have a bit more excitement.
I just needed to establish Michael's HIV s/l and get that out in the open. I will start working on the other couplings.
