A/N:Sorry for the delay. Have I mentioned how much I love writing this story?...Hope you
enjoy it, too...R&R!...

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Alexis stood in her bedroom, towel wrapped tightly around her. She had hoped a shower would clear her mind that morning. It didn't help much, but atleast she felt more relaxed.

Staring into the mirror, she saw her reflection. Her eyes seemed a little sunken, but other than that, everything seemed normal. She laughed. She didn't rememer what 'normal' was anymore. Looking through the drawer, she wanted to find something to wear.

She was going to leave the hotel today. Atleast for a little while. She could hear Sonny talking with one of the local policeman in the living room, insisting that everyone try and find them.

Laying on the bed, Alexis let out and exhausted sigh. She should get dressed, she knew that much.She just couldn't help wondering how Kristina and Micheal were. Getting up, Alexis went to get dressed. She knew what she had to do.

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"I don't care what you have to do.Just do it.My children are out there...they're out there missing.I need to find them fast.There's a madman on the loose, and I can't let him be anywhere near my kids.Do you understand?"Sonny asked.

"Yes sir, I understand. But the island is a big place-"

"I don't care...find them.Please."Sonny said, ushering the man out the door.

He knew Alexis had probably overheard most of the conversation. Right now, he didn't care. All that he knew at that moment was that he couldn't lose. He had gotten this far, he was finally starting to return to normal.

And he wasn't about to let anyone stop it.

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Micheal stood up to the man, knowing he should fear him and yet at the same time he knew he should try and get them out of where they were.

''You know, little man-I'm two times bigger than you are.And.."Manny said, bending down to Kristina's height.

"What are you doing with us?When dad finds..."

''Ah..see-there it is.What makes you think he'll come?" Manny said, a look of pity on his face.

"You're mean."Kristina said, inching closer to Micheal. "Daddy is gonna come and find us.Right Micheal?"

Micheal looked at the girl, small and afraid and simply nodded his head. Sonny was going to come. He'd save them, right?

"You two are awful brave for such little kids."

"We're not little."Micheal said.

"Oh...okay."Manny said, nodding. The bending down was starting to get to his legs, wincing a little, he stretched. "I brought this for you."Manny said, handing Kristina Lamby Pie.

Watching the expression on her face change, Manny felt a grin form on his face. He had her. Clinging tightly, like a lifeline to the stuffed toy, for the time being Kristina seemed content. Now-if he could convince Micheal that he was safe-Manny would win. He'd have Sonny in the palm of his hand.

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Alexis wandered out into the living room. Seeing Sonny standing by the sliding glass door, she walked towards him.

"Good shower?"He asked, smiling a little.

Her hair was still a little damp, and he could smell the Gardenia from the conditioner she used.

"It helped a little. Sonny?"

He looked up at her, curious about the tone of her voice. "Yeah?"

"I was thinking...I mean-you know, If Max or Francis go with me...I'm going out for a while today."

Sonny stifled back a laugh.It was more her telling him than asking him. But it was what Sonny was used to with Alexis. "Sure.But be careful. Is there...anything particular you're going for?"

"I just want to get out.That is...okay with you, right?"

"Sure.I don't see a problem with it.Just make sure that Max is with you."Sonny said. "The policeman that was here earlier-he said they haven't found anything yet. But that they're following every lead."

"Good.That's good.We'll find them."Alexis said, pulling her brown hair back into a loose ponytail. Her shirt was a light yellow color and the capris she wore were a blue jean material. She caught Sonny staring at her and blushed. "Well I should probably get going then. Were you planning on watching Morgan?"

''I could...but I was thinking of heading out to look myself.Which...is exactly what I fear you will be doing. You have to understand-you've gotta leave this things to-"

Alexis' cell phone rang. "Hold on.."She said, answering it. "Hello?...Nikolas-is everything alright?...John's fine then?...Oh...those do-Uh-huh...Um...Okay..."

She handed the phone to Sonny, somewhat puzzled. He and Nikolas spoke for several minutes before Sonny turned back towards Alexis. "He said he wants to lend his men to help find Kristina and Micheal.Why would..."

"Jason probably called Elizabeth...that's my guess anyway."Alexis said, pointing to her phone. "Could I-have that back?"

"Right.Right.Um..."Sonny said,laughing. "Could we meet?For lunch, I mean."

What he said surprised her a little, but she felt the need to relax. But her fake front didn't fool Sonny. She was scared. "I'd like that.I'll see you at the cafe' downstairs this afternoon say-twelve thirty?"

Sonny nodded. "Sure thing."

She then did something he hadn't expected-she kissed him on the cheek before walking towards the door. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world. And to Sonny-it was starting to feel that way.

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Alexis sat in the back of the limo, trying to come up with a decent place to go.

"Trying to come up with an excuse, huh, Ms.Davis?"Max asked, rolling down the divider.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because we've been sitting here for five minutes...you haven't told me where to go."

"You know the place...what would you reccomend?"Alexis asked.

"Well-are you looking to shop?To...what?"The guard asked, seeing the look on her face. She wasn't fooling anyone.

"To be honest Max-I don't really know.Just...I need to think without Sonny worrying over me."

Max smiled a little. "I know a place.Kinda Port Charleseque but...it's worth it, I guess."He said, shrugging.

So he took off-to where Alexis wasn't sure. But leaning her head against the back of the seat, she wished it would all go away. She needed to feel safe. The one person who made her feel safe-as crazy as it sounded was Sonny.

Max arrived shortly at a small park area. It outlooked at a small area of water. "I'll be at the car.If there's anything you need..."

"I'll let you know..."Alexis said, walking to a bench. She felt cold. She felt lonely-lost even. Until she felt a hand, touching her shoulder. "Max, I said I'd be-"

She spun around, staring at the woman behind her. "You...You're...Are you?''

The woman simply nodded. ''I can't explain...Alexis.I just need...need to-"

She fainted before her. Looking around frantically, Alexis saw Max running towards them.

"So much for a break, huh?"He asked jokingly. "Is she okay?"

"I don't understand..."Alexis said. "We have to get her to the hospital.Now.She's...

"Manny...no...no I-"

"That's-"

"I know."Alexis said to the guard. "Can you help me?...Should we move her?"

Alexis sighed, staring at the woman with wonder. How had she gotten there? "You're going to be okay.You have to be.''