Oil and Water…"Will you?"

Brenda watched Johnny walk out of her bedroom. She laid there for a minute, she couldn't believe what just happened. He couldn't be gone, he had to be in the other room, trying to cool off. She got of bed, and walked into the living room. But he wasn't there. (Maybe he just needs some time, he'll be back, he always comes back. And then, I'll make him understand.) Brenda walked over to the couch and laid down. She waited for Johnny to return, but he never did….

It was a couple of days later, and Brenda was feeling much better. She hadn't heard from Johnny at all. She decided to go and see him. She walked up to the door, and pressed the button. She pressed it again. She knew he was there, because his car was outside. She kept pressing it, until the door opened. A woman answered, wearing Johnny's robe. It looked like she had just gotten out of the shower. "May I help you?"

"Is Johnny here?"

"He's busy."

"Look, go get Johnny."

She looked Brenda up and down. "Just wait here."

She left the door open and walked to Johnny's bedroom.

Brenda walked in, closing the door behind her. At that moment he appeared.

"What do you want?"

"We need to talk."

"No, we don't. We have nothing to talk about."

The woman reappeared. "Johnny, how long are you going to be?"

"Not long Daphne, just go back in the bedroom." She turned and left.

"Damn, Johnny, didn't take you long."

Johnny sat down on the couch, and put his feet up on the table. "Sure didn't. How long did it take you to kill our child? What…thirty minutes, an hour? I would love to know."

Brenda stared at him. "Johnny, I know you are angry with me. But if you just hear me out, maybe you'll understand why I did what I did."

"Brenda, I will never understand, and I don't want to hear anything you have to say. You didn't even take my feelings into consideration."

"I did…..I honestly thought I was doing the right thing."

"Did you ever think about….maybe….I don't know….asking me?"

"Johnny, the only thing I can say….is I'm sorry. I had no idea you would feel this way."

"Why?! Because I own a couple of clubs? He couldn't possibly have time for a child, not Johnny! He won't care! I bet that pretty much covers it!"

Brenda stared at him, as the tears spilled over onto her face.

"You should cry, and I hope you cry everyday until the day you die!"

"Johnny, what is that girl doing here?"

"None of your business."

"Ok, so judging by how quickly you've moved on, we are pretty much history."

"No, argument from me. I don't know, baby killers disgust me."

"Ok, Johnny. I guess that's my cue to leave."

"No stay, I want to hear all about it. Did they suck it out or scrap it out? How does one kill their baby?"

"Ok, Johnny! That's enough!"

He jumped up and rushed over to her, grabbing her by the arms. "Listen to me when I say this, I want you to get out. I hate the sight of you. You disgust me."

Brenda jerked away from him. "Get your hands off me."

He glared at her. "Gladly. And you know the way out. I have to go, my date is waiting. Or would you rather stay out here and listen? I don't mind, sometimes having an audience makes me perform better."

Brenda rushed out of the door while Johnny shouted. "And Brenda, have a nice life….cause our baby won't!"

She couldn't get out of there fast enough.

After she left, Johnny took the vase off his mantle, and threw it against the door. Daphne ran into the living room. "Johnny, what was that?"

"The vase….it slipped out of my hand."

"How about, you come and work some of that aggression out on me? Are you ready for round two?"

"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute….."

Brenda closed the door to her apt. She couldn't believe the things Johnny had said to her. He had a right to be upset, but he did not have a right to talk to her like that. The things he said were horrible. How could he claim to love her, and talk to her like that? She sat down on the couch and sobbed. She would never speak to him again….

After the argument with Johnny, Brenda decided to leave Port Charles for awhile. She went to New York for a couple of months. About a month into her stay, she reconnected with Pierre, and Johnny was a distant memory…..at least she tried to pretend he was.

The limo pulled up to the building. The driver got out, and opened the door for her. She preceded to go in, as the driver followed. After depositing her bags into her apt, the driver left. Brenda looked around, it felt strange being back. There were so many memories there. It was after ten when she arrived, she decided to give Madison a call, to let her know she was back…

Madison grabbed the stick and leaned on the table. She took a shot, knocking the intended target into the hole. Ethan smiled. "Good shot, babe."

She smiled back. "I learned from the best."

Daphne looked at Johnny. "That was lucky, we'll make it up."

Madison was just about to take another shot, when her phone rung. "Just a minute. " She looked down at the number and quickly answered. "Brenda! Where are you? Back at home? Really? Let's…I'll see you around 10, bye." After hanging up, Madison looked at Ethan, but she was really talking to Johnny. "That was Brenda, she's back in town."

Johnny pretended not to care. He grabbed Daphne and planted a kiss on her. Since ending things with Brenda, Johnny and Daphne had been an item. She had practically moved into his apt. He enjoyed her company, and she seemed to be enjoying his too.

After leaving the pool hall, Johnny and Daphne headed back to his place. Johnny pulled his black BMW into the parking lot. He parked the car and they exited. Johnny and Daphne are walking hand and hand to the building. He looked up. and his eyes are instantly drawn to Brenda's window. The light is on. He wondered if she was alone.

"Babe, where are you? Did you hear me?"

"I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"I think I should just lease out my apt, since I'm always staying at yours. What do you think?"

"Ahh…I don't know. I think it is too soon to be moving in together."

"But Johnny, I'm here almost every night."

"I know, but that's a big step." They entered the elevator.

She looked into his eyes. "Aren't you ready to take it to the next level?"

"Daphne, you know I care a lot about you. I just think we should wait awhile, before jumping into something like that. It has only been a couple of months. And I like the way things are now. You are free to do whatever, and so am I. Keep your place, because who knows how we will feel in six months."

"I already know how I feel. I love you, Johnny."

Johnny didn't know what to say. He just hugged her….

Brenda walked over to the table, with coffee in hand and sat down. Madison looked over at her and smiled. "I'm so happy you're back."

"Me too. But I had to go, I needed a break from all the drama, so I took one."

"Well, you look good. I like talking to you face to face, not over the phone or over the web."

"I missed you too, and I missed our talks."

Madison wanted to ask what happened with Johnny, because she had no idea. She knew whatever it was, it had to be big.

"So how is Pierre?"

"Great, everything is wonderful. I can't complain."

"I was actually shocked, when you told me you two were back on. So, are you two exclusive?"

Brenda smiled. "Yeah, he is my man. And a good one at that. He is so sure of himself, not cocky, just sure. And he doesn't own any strip clubs, or like trashy women."

They laugh.

"So, when am I going to meet him?"

"Soon, I promise." Madison looked up and saw Johnny walking into Kelly's with Ethan. She didn't know what to say. Brenda was looking down at her cell phone. They walked up to the table. Ethan looked down at Brenda.

"Brenda, glad to see you back."

Brenda looked up, and saw Ethan and Johnny standing there looking down her. "Thank….you." She avoided all contact with Johnny. Her mind goes back to the day in his apt. (you disgust me…..baby killer…..I hate the sight of you.) "Hey, Madison….I…have…to….go."

"Ok…call me."

"I will." She got up and left.

Johnny turned and walked to the counter, as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Madison looked up at Ethan. "Can someone please tell me what is going on?"

Ethan looked down at her. "Your guess is as good as mine. I don't even have a clue. Johnny just said, it didn't work out. But I have a sneaking suspicion that is much more than that."

She sighed. "You and me both….."

Brenda's heart was beating so fast. The words he said, just kept playing over and over in her head. Brenda was experiencing a lot of regret, after having the abortion. She had no idea it would be like that. It wasn't just what Johnny said, it was her own guilt. She headed over to GH to talk to Robin.

Robin closed the door to her office. "What's wrong Brenda? Is it the same problem?"

Brenda started to cry. "Robin, I feel like I'm losing it. I can't stop thinking about it. It is taking over my life. I try to pretend like I'm ok, but when I'm alone, all I do is cry. I can't stop thinking about….what my child would have looked like. Would it have been a girl or a boy? I never gave it a chance." Tears start to roll down her cheeks. "I made a stupid decision. You were right, I made the decision too fast. Some nights I just cry myself to sleep. I don't know what to do."

Robin wrapped her arms around her. "Oooooh, Brenda."

"I feel like I'm about to lose my mind." Brenda sobbed, as Robin comforted her. She looked up at Robin. "I saw Johnny, and all I could think about, is what he said to me. I am a baby killer."

"Brenda, you have to stop beating yourself up. You can't change what you did, you just have to learn and grow from it. I think you need to see a therapist. I'm going to use my connections, to get you an appointment as quickly as possible. You have to talk to someone. You are really scaring me. Are you willing?"

"Of course, I need help, this guilt is taking over my life….."

Part 2

It's a month later, and the therapy sessions have helped Brenda tremendously. She's seeing the therapist once a week, and she is coming to terms with what she did. It has also helped, that she has told Pierre, who has been her rock.

Pierre leaned down and planted a kiss on Brenda's forehead. She smiled and stretched.

"Good morning."

"It's always a good morning, when I wake up to you."

"Sweetheart, I feel the same way." They kiss.

Pierre got out of bed. "What would you like for breakfast?"

She smiled. "Surprise me." Pierre was actually an excellent cook. Brenda had to really watch herself, because she could easily pack on the pounds with him. Pierre slid on his boxers, opened the curtains, and went into the kitchen. Brenda turned to her right, and stared out of the window. The sky was so clear….it was gorgeous out.

Brenda was really in a good place. She was in a stable relationship. They didn't argue, if they did, it was nowhere near the level of her and Johnny's arguments. Pierre was so grounded. He had been married once, but his wife passed away years ago. He never had children, not because he never wanted them, he just didn't want to have any out of wedlock. Brenda got out of bed, and put on Pierre's shirt. She walked into the kitchen.

She walked up behind him, rubbing his back, and kissing his neck. "Oooh omelets…..I love your omelets. But I love everything you cook."

He smiled. "Go rest your pretty feet, I'll bring your food to you."

"Ok." Brenda walked into the dining room, and sat down at the table Pierre appeared a couple of minutes later, with their food. "That smells heavenly."

"I hope you like it."

"I'm not worried." Brenda took a bite. "Oh my goodness, Pierre….this is divine."

He smiled. "Glad you like it."

"I love it sweetheart." Brenda and Pierre are eating, when Brenda notices him staring at her. "What?"

"You're beautiful."

"And you're sexy."

"Come here." Pierre is sitting across from her. She walked over to him, and straddled him. He grabbed her and kissed her. Before she knew it, they were having a full blown makeout session. They were all over each other. Brenda moved down to his neck, and on down to his chest. He was really easy on the eyes. Yes, he was older, but he had a body that wouldn't quit. He stood up, with her wrapped around his waist, and walked quickly to her bedroom. He placed her in the bed, and ripped her shirt off. The buttons flew all over the room. Brenda grinned. "Ooooh, I love it when you get all rough." He smiled and joined her in the bed….

Johnny is driving through downtown Port Charles, he is waiting at a traffic light. He looks to his right, and sees Brenda's billboard. He hadn't seen her since the day at Kelly's, and even then he didn't really look at her. He was still angry. *horn* He pulls off.

A little while later, Johnny pulled up to the apt building. He sees Brenda and Pierre going in. He didn't know why, but it bothered him. By all accounts, things were going really good with Daphne. They got along, didn't fight all the time, she didn't kick him out of her apt, every other day. Life was good, but he felt like something was missing….

It's Sunday and Pierre has just left. He is headed to London, where he'll be for the next week. Brenda was really depressed. She really didn't want him to go, but he had to.

Brenda decided to eat her sadness away. She called and ordered lunch, from the restaurant across the street. About an half an hour later, she walked across the street to pick it up. She had just returned to the apt building. Before going back up to her apt, she checked her mailbox, then walked over to the elevator, pressed the button and waited. Brenda heard footsteps, but she didn't look up. She didn't feel like making pleasantries, so she pretended to be busy. The elevator bell goes off, and the doors open. Brenda got on. She pressed the button to her floor. "What floor?"

"I haven't moved."

She heard the familiar voice. She didn't look at him. She pressed the button to his floor, and looked up at the numbers. The tension was so thick, you could literally cut it with a knife. She just had to get off. She quickly pressed a button, and exited on the next floor. Johnny wondered where she was going. Did she get off because of him? Or, maybe she is friends with someone on that floor. He didn't know, but he was going to find out.

Brenda opened the stairwell door, and climbed the stairs. She just didn't want to be close to, or alone with him. She finally made it to her floor. She opened the door, and walked down the hall to her apt. She stuck the key in the lock, and turned it. "Why did you get off the elevator?"

Brenda jumped and turned. "What?"

"Why did you get off the elevator?"

They looked at each other for the first time in months. So much love still between them, but not a clue on how to get it back. "Because it is a free country. And let's see, I decided to do something nice, and remove myself from your presence. Being that you can't stand the sight of me."

Johnny frowned. "Some people will never change."

She glared back. "No, they won't." She opened her door, went in, and slammed it. He shook his head, and walked down the hall.

Brenda leaned up against the door. Her heart was beating so fast. A single tear trickled down her face. She quickly wiped it away. She didn't understand, why she was getting so emotional. Her and Johnny had been over for months. He had moved on, and so had she. But that didn't stop the tears from coming...

Johnny is just entering his apt. He walked straight to the bar, grabbed a glass, and poured a drink. He downed it. Daphne walked out of the bedroom. "Baby, I didn't know you were back."

"Just walked in."

She walked over to him. "Are you ok? You look upset."

"I'm cool."

"Are you sure? Because you look pissed."

"I'm...fine."

"Ok, I won't press the issue." She kissed his cheek, and went back into the room...

"She actually got off the elevator?"

"Yes."

Ethan looked over at Johnny. "She must really hate you."

"I guess."

"Johnny, what happened? Why did you two break up?"

"I wouldn't call it a break up. We had only been back together, for like two minutes. But, I really can't say why."

"Well, she's seeing a therapist."

"A therapist? Good for her she needs it."

Ethan laughed. "No, like seriously. Madison was worried about her. She used to cry a lot. She never told Madison what was wrong. She just told her, she felt guilty over a decision she'd made. Maybe breaking up with you?"

"Maybe..."

Brenda has just finished video chatting with Pierre. It was early in London, and he was getting ready for a day of meetings. Brenda decided to wear something sexy, to show him what he was missing. He was very grateful to say the least. She missed him so much. Four more days and he would be home. Just as she closed the computer, the doorbell rung. She looked at the time, it was after ten. She had no idea, who it could be. She looked out of the peephole. "Johnny?"

She went into her bedroom and grabbed a robe. She had given Pierre's eyes a little treat, didn't want to give it to Johnny too. She walked back to the door, and opened it. "May I come in?"

Brenda was a little apprehensive. "I...guess."

She moved to the side, and allowed him entrance.

He looked her over. "Are you alone?"

"Yes." She tighten the belt on her robe. "I was just...never mind."

"Yeah, never mind."

"Johnny...I don't understand, what are you doing here?"

"I...heard you are seeing a therapist."

"Yeah, lots of people see them. Is that a crime?"

"Brenda, I didn't come here to argue."

"Let me guess, you're wondering what could possibly be wrong with me? Might as well make your night. Well after I had the procedure….I'm sorry, let me put it into your words. After I killed our child, about a week later...I...became depressed. And I started to feel guilty. As the weeks passed it got worse. I could hardly get out of bed. Robin was worried, so she recommended a therapist. So, this disgusting baby killer almost lost her mind. Should make you feel really good."

"I had no idea. And it doesn't make me feel good. I'm sorry."

"No, you're not. Just be honest, you think I deserved it. It's ok, I do too."

"Brenda, when I said those things...I was angry."

"I don't care if you were angry...it's still how you felt. And the truth is, I killed our baby. And I'll have to live with that." *silence* "You know...I use to have a lot of nightmares, because of it. In my dreams, I'm holding a baby, with no face.". Tears trickle down her cheeks. "My therapist said, it represents the baby, I'll never get a chance to see, and the guilt I feel because of it. Robin tried to tell me, to take a little more time, before making a decision that huge, but I didn't."

"Brenda, I had no idea you were going through all of this. I didn't even think you cared."

"At the time I didn't. Everything was a big blur. No period, positive pregnancy test, abortion. And really nothing in between." She looked up into his eyes. "I messed up."

"You did, but you can't change it."

He reached up and caressed her cheek. She pulled back. "Don't...I don't deserve to be comforted."

"Brenda, we all make mistakes."

"Yeah, but not as big and life changing as that one. And the thing is, there was no reason to do it. I'm old enough, I have plenty of money, the time, the capabilities. *silence* I don't care how many children I have, I'll always remember the one I killed."

Johnny didn't know what to say.

She looked down at the floor. "I'm really sorry, Johnny."

"I know."

She raised her head, and stared into his eyes. "Do you forgive me?"

"Brenda, I actually forgave you a long time ago. I'm not saying it is ok, and I agree with it, I'm just trying to move on."

"Do I still disgust you?"

"No."

Johnny looked down at her tear stained face. Before he could stop himself, he grabbed and kissed her. She tried to pull away, but he was not having it. He placed one hand on the back of her head, and held her there. With the other hand, he pulled her even closer. She felt his love grow and pressing up against her. The shock made her gasp, he took that opportunity, and entered her mouth. Their tongues moved up against each other's. Brenda threw her arms around his neck, as they continued kissing. Johnny picked her up, and took her to the couch. He started kissing and licking all over her neck. He grabbed the belt on her robe, and pulled it. He opened it, revealing her nightie. He pulled the straps down, and started taking her into his mouth. Brenda moaned. He moved back up to her mouth and kissed her passionately. His hands explored the rest of her. Her moans intensified, as his fingers disappeared inside of her. Johnny released her, and started to unbutton his shirt. He stared at her, as he took his shirt off. His hands were on his pants, when Brenda stopped him. "Johnny...we can't. I can't do this to Pierre. He's really good to me. We have a good relationship. And you and I never did. You have to leave." He stared at her, as she pulled the straps of her nightie up, and pulled the hem of it down.

"Do you love him?"

"He's good to me, and he's good for me."

"So, that's a no."

"Johnny, I think these questions are rude. And don't you have a girlfriend?"

"Yep."

"She wouldn't like it, if she knew you were here."

"We have an open relationship."

"Well, I don't. Pierre and I are exclusive."

"Good for you. Do you miss me?"

"Johnny, I'm not answering that."

"That's a yes."

Johnny is still hovering over her.

"Are you going to move?"

"I don't know yet."

Brenda sighed, and leaned back. "If we have sex-"

Johnny interrupts. "Make love."

"In order to make love, you have to be in love."

"So, are you saying you don't love me?"

"Johnny, please move."

"Answer the question." He stood up.

Brenda sat up. "I don't want to, because it won't change anything."

"It might."

"It won't." Brenda got off the sofa.. Johnny looked down at the revealing nightie. She closed her robe.

He smiled. "Are you trying to hide yourself from me? I know every inch of your body, by heart. And you know every inch of mine."

Johnny was still half dressed. He stared into her eyes. "I have to have you. I miss you." He unbuttoned his pants, kicked his shoes off and stepped out of them.

Brenda turned away. "Put that thing away."

"You don't like him anymore?"

"No."

"Yes, you do." He walked up to her. She turned to face him. He could tell she was turned on. She stared into his eyes, as he brushed his lips against hers. "Kiss me."

"No."

He ran his tongue across her lips, and then gently tugged on her bottom lip, while still staring into her eyes. He then started moving his lips against hers. He moved down to her neck, and used his tongue to wear her down. He knew he had her, when she let out a soft moan. He slid the robe down her arms, and it fell to the floor. She didn't have anything up under her nightie, so he picked her up, and wrapped her legs around his waist. He pushed himself inside of her and she let out the loudest of moans. Johnny knew, he was supposed to be with her, and she was supposed to be with him. And in spite of everything he still loved her. That night he kissed every inch of her. They made love in every room, until they were too exhausted to do anything but sleep…

Brenda felt someone kissing her neck. She turned and looked up into Johnny's face. He tries kissing her. "No, Johnny." She ran her fingers through her hair. "What did I do? I'm slut and a whore, and a cheater."

Johnny grinned. "You're not a slut or a whore, but you are a cheater."

"It's not funny! I asked you to leave. Why didn't you leave?"

"You didn't make me leave. If you wanted me gone, you could have made it happen. You wanted me, just as much as I wanted you. It's ok, you can't help who you love."

"Johnny, shut up. And I thought you hated me."

"I don't hate you, but I was really angry with you."

"You said some really mean things."

"And I apologized. I was angry, and you didn't deserve that."

"You had no right to talk to me like that. But if you can forgive me for what I did, I can forgive you."

He started kissing her neck again.

She pulled away. "Stop it! I feel like shit. Pierre has been so good to me, and I do the most unforgivable thing, I sleep with you."

"When is he coming back?"

"At the end of the week."

"Well, you shouldn't break up with him over the phone, wait until he comes back. I'll let Daphne know what's up tonight."

Brenda jumped out of the bed, and grabbed a sheet wrapping it around her. "I am not breaking up with him, are you crazy?! Look Johnny, no one can know about this. We don't work, Pierre and I do."

"But you don't love him."

"I loved you, and where did that get me?"

"Love not loved…..because you still do."

"Whatever." She sighed and sat down on the bed. "Pierre didn't deserve this." *cell phone rings*

Brenda grabbed the phone. "Oh my God, it's Pierre!" She looked over at Johnny. "Don't you say a word."

"I don't know, I might get the urge to cough."

Her brown eyes pleaded. "Please, Johnny. Please."

"Answer the phone, Brenda."

She answered. Johnny listened on, as she told Pierre, how much she missed him. And how she couldn't wait to see him. He didn't stay for the whole conversation, he went into the bathroom to shower.

Johnny is in the shower. Brenda walked into the bathroom and opened the shower curtain. "Why are you showering here? Go home!"

"Join me."

"No, we have already done too much joining as it is." She left. Johnny just shook his head and burst into laughter.

Johnny dressed and came out into the living room, and found Brenda sitting on the sofa. He sat down next to her. She was still wrapped in a sheet. "Do you have any idea how sexy you look?"

"Stop it Johnny." She turned and looked at him. " Look, I won't lie, I still love you, but we are not good together. We don't work. Pierre makes me happy. You only do, some of the time. I like being in a stable relationship. It's what I need, and so do you. We are bad for each other. We've been fighting since day one."

"Keep trying to convince yourself of that."

"I'm not trying to convince myself, I believe it."

"Whatever Brenda, I'll see you later." He left.

Part 3

It's Friday, and Brenda is video chatting with Pierre. He called her earlier in the week, and told her he wouldn't be in until Sunday. She was so disappointed. "Babe, you are supposed to be right here. Sitting next to me."

"I know, it just couldn't be helped. I promise to make it up to you."

"I'm going to hold you to it."

"Brenda, you have to start coming on these trips with me. I need you by my side."

"I think we are definitely going to have to work on that. I can't keep being apart from you."

"My sentiments exactly. Brenda, do you have any idea, how much you mean to me?"

"I think I do. And of course you know, you mean the world to me."

"I'm happy to hear that. I would love to make things a little more permanent."

"Permanent?"

"Permanent. Wait one minute. I'll be back."

"Ok.". Brenda sat there staring at the computer. It had been a couple of minutes, since Pierre excused himself. *doorbell* Brenda looked at the computer screen, then over at the door, then back at the computer screen. She decided to run to the door to see who it was. She looked out the peephole. "Oh my God!" She opened the door. "Pierre! What are you doing here? I thought you were in London." They hug.

"I decided to surprise you."

"Well, you did." He grabbed and kissed her. She jumped on him, wrapping her legs around his waist. He came in, shut the door, and walked quickly to the bedroom…

Brenda is just waking up. She sat up, and looked for Pierre, she didn't see him. She fell back onto the pillow. She pulled the sheet up, grabbed the remote, but suddenly stopped. There is a huge rock on her left ring finger. She sat up and stared at it. She called out for Pierre, but there was no answer. She got up, and walked into the living room. It was covered in flowers. They were all red, except one. Brenda walked over, picked up the card, and read it. "Will you?" Brenda heard a voice behind her. "Marry me."

She turned. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I want to spend my life, making you happy."

"Oh, Pierre." Brenda started to get nervous. "Oh, Pierre. Baby, there is something I need to tell you."

"No, you don't. I want to marry you, there isn't anything else to say but yes."

Brenda looked into his eyes. "But Pierre, there is something you need to know."

"There isn't anything, you need to tell me. Just say yes. Are you happy with me?"

She stared into his eyes. "You are so good to me. And I am so happy with you…"

"So say yes."

"But Pierre, I have-."

"Say yes."

"Ok."

"Ok, you'll marry me?"

"Yes." He picked her up and kissed her hard...

It's Monday, and Pierre is on his way to New York. He was supposed to return in a couple of days.

Brenda is hard at work, and hears Madison come in. "Good morning."

Brenda looked up. "Good morning."

"How was your weekend?"

"Just a regular old weekend, nothing special. Well, I got engaged!"

Madison screamed, rushed into her office, and grabbed her hand. "Oh, my goodness. That's gorgeous."

"It is isn't it? Pierre has great taste."

"Yes, he does."

"So, when is the wedding?"

"We are not having a big wedding. We are getting married on the beach."

Madison smiled. "So romantic."

"And it's in a month, and I'm moving to New York. So, we'll be having a lot of video meetings."

"Damn, Brenda, that's soon."

"I know. I don't want to wait. And we were going away anyway."

"Brenda, don't get offended, but do you love him?"

"Yes, I love Pierre."

"Like you loved Johnny?"

"More." She lied.

"If you are happy, then I am happy for you." Madison knew she was lying, but she just went along with it...…...

"Do you miss Daphne yet?"

"No, not really."

"She was a nice girl."

"She was."

Ethan wanted to tell Johnny about Brenda being engaged, but Madison told him not to. He decided to tell him indirectly, by throwing out a couple of hints. "Hey, have you seen Brenda lately?"

"No."

"You should."

"Right now, she is claiming to be head over hills for don perignon."

"Maybe she is."

"Naaah. She's trying to convince herself of it."

"He bought her a nice piece of jewelry."

"He has to do something to keep her interested."

"It fits perfectly on her left ring finger."

Johnny stared at the TV.

"Johnny, did you hear me?"

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"She's engaged."

"Really? Lots of people get engaged, she won't marry him."

"You sound confident."

"I am." Johnny tried to remain calm in front of Ethan, but he was fuming...

Brenda has just gotten home from work. She kicked her shoes off, and went into the kitchen, to get a glass of wine. *doorbell* She walked over, and looked out of the peephole. She opened the door.

"May I come in?"

"As long as you promise, to keep that 3rd leg in your pants."

"Scouts honor."

She turned and walked over to the sofa, and he followed. They both take a seat. Johnny looked at her. "So, what's knew?"

"Nothing really. Just still working on my line." She tried to hide her ring. Johnny looked down at her hand, and back at her. He got up and sat down next to her.

"Don't be shy, show it to me."

She held up her hand. Johnny looked at it. "Nice."

"Yeah, it is."

"So, you're engaged?"

"Yeah."

"Congratulations."

She looked at him. "Really? Do you mean it?"

"Yes, if it makes you happy, then I wish you all the best."

"Wow, that's so adult of you."

"Well, what can I say, I have seen the light." *silence*

"Well, I just stopped by." He stood up and walked over to the door.

She got up and followed him. "Leaving already?"

"Yep."

He turned. "I'll be seeing you."

"Ok." He left and she closed the door.

Brenda smiled. "Well, that went good."

Johnny pressed the button on the elevator.

He was not ok with it, but he really didn't believe she would marry him. (It'll be over in a month.)

Part 4

The next few weeks flew by, it was one week before she was set to leave for Hawaii, and Brenda was meeting Madison at the pool hall.

She walked in and looked around searching for Madison. She spotted her and walked over to the table. Ethan was sitting next to her. "Hello, lovebirds." They looked up at her.

Madison stood up. "Hey." They hug.

Brenda sat down. "It is so crowded in here tonight."

Ethan looked around. He was wondering where Johnny was, he was supposed to be coming. Ethan told him to bring a date but he had no idea, Brenda would be there too. He looked over at Brenda. "What are you drinking tonight?"

"A beer would be fine."

Ethan got up, and walked over to the bar.

Brenda noticed Madison staring at him. "Madison's in love."

Madison sighed. "I am. In fact, I would love to spend the rest of my days with him."

Brenda smiled. "Really?"

"Yes. All this wedding talk has got me to thinking. But I don't know how he feels about it. And I don't want to scare him off."

"Talk to him about it. Because I think he adores you."

"He does….that I know for sure."

Ethan returned with drinks in hand. "So, what are you ladies gossiping about?"

Madison looked at Brenda, then at him. "Oh nothing, women stuff."

"Well, I definitely don't want to know about that."

They all laugh. "Hello, all." Brenda looked up and saw Johnny standing there, with a girl. Johnny started introducing everybody. "This is Ethan, and his girlfriend Madison. That's Brenda. And this is Katy." Everyone said hello, except Brenda. Johnny and Katy sit down.

Johnny is seated between Brenda and Katy. Johnny looked over at Brenda. "So where is the fiancé?"

"At home. He was tired, so I decided to come by myself, and plus this really isn't his scene."

"Figures."

Brenda ignored him. "Katy, what do you do?"

"I'm an exotic dancer."

"Shocking."

Katy frowned. "Excuse me?"

"Nothing, I said it must be rewarding. Do you work at Johnny's club?"

Katy smiled. "Oh nooo, I work for the competition."

Johnny looked at Brenda. "I don't date employees."

"How noble of you."

Madison changed the subject. "Who's ready for a game of pool?" Everybody left, except Brenda. She decided to sit it out. She looked over at them and saw Katy kissing Johnny's neck. She rolled her eyes. She sipped her beer and looked everywhere, but at them. Madison walked back over to the table. " I had no idea Johnny was going to here. Ethan must have told him."

"It's ok."

"It isn't bothering you is it?"

"Of course not, I'm getting married in a week."

"Ok."

Later, Ethan, Johnny, and Katy return. They all continue drinking and talking. Katy has taken about five shots, and now she is really toasted. She is all over Johnny. "Johnny, let's go back to your place."

"Later."

Brenda is feeling uncomfortable. "Well, I'm kind of tired. I'm going to head home."

Brenda got up.

Johnny looked up at her. "Wait, I'll walk you to your car."

"No thanks." She left. Johnny got up and followed.

Brenda is outside walking to her car. "Brenda!"

"Go back to your date, Johnny. I don't need you to walk me, I know the way."

"What's up with the attitude?"

"I don't have an attitude." Brenda opened her car door. She got in, but he stopped her from closing the door. "Move, Johnny."

"Why are you upset?"

"I'm not upset."

"Yes, you are. Brenda have you forgotten, you're the one who's engaged?"

"I haven't forgotten, and the day can't come fast enough."

"You are actually going through with it?"

She looked up at him. "Yeah, I am."

"Well Sweetheart, you don't get to be angry with me, because I've moved on." He slammed the door and walked off.

She stuck the key into the ignition, and seconds later she drove off. Brenda walked into her apt, and threw her keys on the sofa. She sighed. "You're home?"

She turned and saw Pierre. "Hey, babe." He walked over and kissed her.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…."

Later, Brenda is in bed with Pierre. He is asleep. She stared out into the night. This time next week, she would be a married woman. She loved him, but not like she loved Johnny. But her and Johnny fought all the time. Things between her and Pierre, had always been great. And he was sure to make a good husband, and provide her with the kind of life she had always dreamed of. She rested her head on his chest. She knew she was making the right decision. She had a good man before and messed up. She wasn't about to do it again…

It's Wednesday, two days before the wedding…..Brenda was in her office, when Madison came in.

"Shouldn't you be at home packing?"

"Yeah, but I had some things I had to finish."

"Well, hurry up, you're supposed to be leaving for New York tomorrow."

"I know."

Madison sat down. "So, when are you two leaving for Hawaii?"

"Friday morning."

"Are you nervous?"

"Not really. I'm actually looking forward to it."

"Well, I wish I could be there."

"We just wanted it to be us. But we are going to throw a huge party in New York. We don't have a date set, but it will be in the near future."

"I will definitely be there."

"You better be."

"Well, I'll let you finish." Madison leaves…...

Johnny sat down across from Ethan. He ordered a cup of coffee, and later the waitress brings it over. "You're doing surprisingly well."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know, I thought you would be in a foul mood, knowing Brenda is getting married this weekend."

A shocked Johnny looked at Ethan."Really?"

"What, you didn't know?"

"No, I didn't. So, I guess she's really going to do it."

"Looks like it. She leaves in the morning."

Johnny took a sip of his coffee.

"Look, Johnny, maybe it's for the best. You two have never gotten along."

"No, we haven't. Well here's to Brenda and don perignon." And he took another sip of his coffee…..

It's late, and Brenda is up packing. Her door bell rings. She walked over, and looked out the peephole. She opened the door. "Johnny?"

"May I come in?"

"I'm actually in the middle of something"

"Brenda, I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Just let me in."

She sighed. "Ok….come in."

Johnny walked in, and closed the door behind him. He looked around, and saw clothes stacked, and obviously being put into suitcases. "Going somewhere?"

"Yeah…..to…..Hawaii. But something tells me, you already know."

"No, I didn't know you were going to Hawaii."

"Oh….well, I am."

"Vacation?"

"Kind of."

"It is or it isn't."

"It is."

Johnny looked around. He spotted a dress. A white one. He walked up to it, and picked it up.

"Pretty."

Brenda didn't say anything, she just looked at him.

"Aren't you going to say thanks?"

"Thanks."

He laid the dress back down. "So, you are really going to do it?"

"Yeah…I am. He makes me happy."

"You don't love him."

"I do."

He stared into her eyes. "Not like you love me."

Brenda sighed. "Pierre wants to give me the kind of life, I've always dreamed of. And that includes a stable relationship, without all the drama."

"You won't be happy with him."

"Yes, I will."

"No, Brenda, you won't. You are going to be miserable."

"I was miserable with you."

"No, you were not. We argued…..So what! A lot of couples argue."

"All the time?"

"We didn't argue all the time."

"Well, most of the time. Look Johnny, go back to your wonderful life. You have all the money and women you can stand."

"I'd traded it all for you."

Brenda shook her head. "We don't work."

"Do you still love me?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me."

Brenda looked away. "No."

"Liar."

"So, what if I do?! Sometimes love just isn't enough. I've been in love before, and I've gotten hurt. This time, I'm thinking with my head."

"Thinking with your head, is going to get you a lifetime of misery, and regret."

"Who taught you that? The strippers at your club? I heard they make the best therapists." Johnny rolled his eyes. "Johnny, I really don't care what you think. I feel like it's the best decision for me. And, where is Katy, Sandie, Mandie….and who ever else you've screwed."

"That has nothing to do with anything."

"You would think so."

"We were not together, so I should think so. And they never mattered to me."

"Are you done? Because I have to finish packing."

"Are you still going to be living in Port Charles?"

"No, I'll be moving to New York in about a month."

Johnny stared into her eyes. "I just can't believe you are going to do this."

"Believe it, Johnny. Look, in spite of everything, I'll always care for you, and wish you the best."

"What a nice thing to say. I should be touched."

"This is the very reason, why we shouldn't be together. All we do is argue!"

"Brenda, you are marrying somebody else, you don't expect this to be pleasant do you?"

"Why don't you just leave?"

"Not before you kiss me goodbye."

"I'm not kissing you. I'm getting married in two days. Now, how would that look?"

He looked around. "No one is here but us."

"Johnny, again…..I'm not kissing you! And I'm not sleeping with you either."

"I didn't ask you to."

"You don't have to. I don't think you have ever, just kissed anybody."

Johnny's eyes are begging now. "Don't do this Brenda."

"What's the alternative? Be with you for a day?"

"Brenda, I think we have something special."

"Special and dysfunctional."

"At least it's interesting."

"I don't want interesting. I want stable."

"You keep saying stable. Stable equals boring."

"Well not to me."

Johnny sighed. "I can't make you want me. In fact, I shouldn't want to. You just should. I give up."

Her eyes followed him as he walked towards the door.

He reached for the door knob, but stopped, and stood there for a moment. He turned walked back over, grabbed and kissed her hard. He released her, she stumbled. "One day you are going to realize you made a mistake, but I won't be here waiting. You should have chose love." He opened the door and left, shutting the door behind him.…

It was Friday, and Johnny was trying his best not think about Brenda. She had to be in Hawaii by now. He sat in Kelly's staring at nothing in particular. He couldn't believe she was going to go through with it. Ethan walked in. He could tell Johnny was not in the greatest of moods. He sat down. "How long have you been here?"

"I don't know. About an hour, probably longer."

Ethan didn't know what to say. "Johnny….I…"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Ok. Hey, let's go to the strip club tonight. All you need is a couple of lap dances, and you'll be feeling like new."

Johnny laughed. "Sounds like a plan." He was laughing, but his eyes said something totally different. "Well, I'm going to head home, I'll call you later."

"Ok, take it easy."

"I'm trying." Johnny got up and headed back to his apt building.

After making it back to the building, Johnny checked his mail, and headed to the elevator. There was quite a few people waiting. It looked like they were all together. The doors open, and they all board. Johnny is the last one to get on. The elevator stopped at Brenda's floor, and the majority exited. The elevator continues, and then stops again. More people get off. Johnny stared up at the numbers.

"Now, how does it go…you must be hot…no, no, that's not right, it's you have to be sweating in that shirt, because you are hot." Johnny looked up, and stared into the mirrored doors. He saw her standing there.

He turned.

Her eyes filled with tears. "I couldn't do it. I choose love. I chose you. Johnny, forgive me."

Johnny smiled. "I'll have to think about it." He walked over to her. "I've thought about it." She jumped in his arms, as they held each other tightly…..

*in the security room* Two security guards look at the surveilance cameras and spot Brenda and Johnny on the elevator. "Jack, come and look at this."

He walked over. "Looks like they are back together."

"How long do you give it?"

"A week, and they'll be back to fighting. How many times did she kick him out?"

"Too many to count."

"Some people are like oil and water, they just don't mix."

"Yeah, but you can't help who you love."

"I guess." They watch as Brenda and Johnny exit, and walk to his apt…

To be continued…