Time stands still - all I can feel is the time standing still.
As you put down the keys and say, 'don't call me please', while the radio plays,
"I Think I Need a New Heart", oh...
-I Think I Need a New Heart by The Magnetic Fields
The day of the Lamaze class started awkwardly for Diego, from Carly surprising him at his door to his conversation with Lucky, but the day ended amazingly. Kissing Maxie that day was added to his list of cherishing shared moments with Maxie. After the class, he dropped Maxie off back at her house, where they shared another kiss in his car. After she left, he sat in his car for a moment, overjoyed at the newest development of their relationship, and knew at some point words need to be shared. When that would happen, he was unsure.
On Wednesday, he was in classes all morning and then did a closing shift at Kelly's. On Thursday, Diego arrived a few minutes before the Jones family sat down for their dinner. He wanted to be early, but time got the best of him at the Quartermaines. Diego has not seen his baby sister in quite some time and found himself sticking around a little bit longer than expected. He was so engaged in holding and playing with his baby sister that he was not even bothered with Lulu's attitude of his presence.
Diego bought flowers upon his arrival to the Jones gathering, which made Maxie's family, especially her Godmother, Anna adore him even more.
"Happy Thanksgiving," Diego said with a wide smile and holding a boutique of wildflowers.
"These are beautiful, Diego, and so thoughtful," Anna said.
"Maxie said not to bring any food cause you guys had it all covered, but I felt I should bring something. Skye suggested flowers," Diego said nervously.
"Well, it was an excellent suggestion. These will go perfect on the dinner table," Anna said just as Maxie was exiting the kitchen.
"Diego, you're here," Maxie said with a nervous smile. She began to comb through her hair with her fingers. Maxie felt like a mess, wearing leggings with house slippers and an old sweater currently covered in flour and sugar from helping Georgie with baking desserts. However, while she felt like a mess, all Diego saw was her smile. His first thought of her like always – beautiful.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Maxie," he walked over to her, eloped her into a hug, and give her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Diego bought flowers," Anna said, holding up the flowers.
"There are beautiful," Maxie said while looking at Diego, still in his arms.
Anna smiled at them, knowing that a new dynamic in their relationship has taken place. Anna was quite happy to know that her niece was finding happiness after a year of heartache.
The flowers sat beautifully in a crystal vase in the center of the dining table, and the room was filled with laugher and conversations. The untraditional Pizza Thanksgiving at the Quartermaine was lovely. However, sitting at the table with the Jones for traditional Thanksgiving was something Diego hoped to part of for the upcoming years. That is if Maxie will have him. Spending time with his baby sister also made him think of Maxie's baby. He tried to imagine what the baby would look like and how much he would like to be part of the baby's life. Unbeknownst to Diego, Maxie was also having similar thoughts.
Having Diego at the table with her family was beautiful. Maxie began to imagine what it would be like to have Diego a part of future family dinners. She also imagines what it would be like when her baby arrived. Diego has been actively involved throughout her pregnancy. Maxie wonders how much he will be involved when the baby arrives. The conversation she had with Elizabeth and the kiss shared with Diego made Maxie realize her life and fully understand her feelings. Maxie enjoyed the kiss but knew that a conversation was necessary before they could move forward. When that would be, she did not know. It certainly not midway through Thanksgiving dinner with her family.
It was impossible to head over last night to his after his shift at Kelly's due to her promise of helping with Thanksgiving prep. It was not something she was thrilled over. Cooking was not her strength or favorite past-time of hers. However, seeing everyone enjoying the spread of fantastic food, from green bean casserole to stuffed turkey, Maxie decided it was worth helping to cook.
Even Mac found himself engage in conversation with Diego, asking Diego about college and his goals after graduation. While Maxie felt Mac was interrogating, Diego took it in stride. He joked that it is Mac's job as a father and police officer to ask questions naturally. Mac laughed and thanked Diego's willingness to answer all questions. Diego confessed that he was not one hundred percent sure what to do with his dual degree in business and communications, but that Mac will be the first to know when he does.
Georgie suggested restaurant management since he has experience in food and customer service with working at Kelly's. Robin and Anna agreed, but Robin recommended looking into different options before making a final decision. While Diego was appreciative of their interest in his future, he secretly felt guilty about meeting with Sonny Corinthos for a potential job. He hopes to get that job, which brings him to his current location with Maxie – in the Corinthos hallway, standing in front of Milo, one of Corinthos' employees.
They called Carly ahead of time, wanting to make sure it would not be too late if Maxie changed clothes first. Also, wanting to see if they could bring anything over, but Carly was adamant that all they needed to bring was themselves. The craziness of their connection is not lost on them. Some people in town may find it odd that Maxie is friends with Carly giving Maxie's issues with Lulu and Carly's issues with Robin. Not to mention Maxie's adoptive father being Police Commissioner. Yet, here they are, Diego and Maxie, in the home of a mobster, who is also the enemy of Diego's father. This was their life, though, and Carly has been a good friend to them both. Therefore, if Carly invites them over for dessert, they will be there just as she has been there for them regardless of the location.
"Happy thanksgiving," Milo says kindly and professionally, "everyone is in the living room. Follow me."
Milo leads them down the hallway, turns to the right, and opens the door to a large living room. Diego and Maxie look around the living area, seeing holiday décor set up – twinkle lights around the fireplace, little expensive glass bowls filled with various nuts and candy. Various deserts on a nearby food cart tray. Carly is sitting on the couch with the boys sitting on the floor, playing with a pack of cards.
"You finally arrive," Carly exclaimed happily.
"Hey Carly, Happy Thanksgiving," Maxie says while Diego helps take off her coat before taking off his own. Milo politely takes the coats from them to hang up in the nearby hallway closet. Just as they settled on the couch, the voice of Sonny can be heard.
"Happy Thanksgiving! Carly said she'd invited you guys, wasn't sure if you'll come or not," Sonny says.
Diego and Maxie looked at Sonny, greeting him in return with a polite smile. Jason stood by Sonny's side, quiet but observant like always.
"Maxie, how are you feeling," Sonny asked sincerely.
"I am doing well, can't wait to have this baby. I am telling you this baby can kick," Maxie said with a laugh while rubbing her belly.
"Well, I am sure the kicks will all be worth it once you see your baby for the first time," Sonny says warmly.
Maxie and Diego both smile at each other, quietly agreeing with Sonny's sentiment.
"I give great thanks to you and your baby. We have been trying to get Carly and Robin to be civil towards each other for years. From my understanding, they are planning the baby shower together. Though, I suppose the arrival of a new life always brings people together. Please, if there is anything you need, let me know," Sonny said with a confident smile that he always carries.
"Well, you're welcome," Maxie said, not sure what she could ever possibly need from Sonny Corinthos.
"Can I get you anything to drink, Diego, bourbon or a glass of wine," Sonny asked.
"I have one more year to twenty-one, sir," Diego joked.
Milo chuckled lowly, while Jason just smirked.
"You can vote and go to war at eighteen. I think at twenty you can have one drink. Join me in the kitchen while Carly and Maxie catch up. Hot chocolate okay for you, Maxie?"
"Hot chocolate is perfect, thank you," Maxie said.
And with that, the men – Sonny, Jason, and Diego, left the room, leaving Carly and Maxie with the boys. Milo, the ever-faithful guard, stood behind. Carly and Maxie eat their desserts – Carly had an apple pie while Maxie had pecan pie. They caught up with each other while the boys played a game of goldfish. Maxie filled Carly on the Lamaze class with Diego and her conversation with Elizabeth.
"Wait, I tell you for how long that's it's okay to move on, and one conversation with Elizabeth, and now you become acceptive of it," Carly asked.
"Well, you're my friend. Of course, you're going to be supportive of me moving on. Hearing things from Elizabeth, whom I wronged, made me realize that's it's okay to forgive myself," Maxie said honestly.
"Well, I am happy to hear that you realize how much you deserve to be happy, not thrilled it had to come from Saint Elizabeth, but I'll take it," Carly jokingly stated.
"I wouldn't joke about the Saint, she really is a beyond kind person. Her ability to forgive is something amazing," Maxie said, eating the last bit of her pie. "How long does it take to pour a powder of chocolate into a cup of hot milk," she asked.
"Powder? Sonny does not use instant products in his kitchen. Everything is fresh, and from scratch, he's most likely melting a chocolate bar for you," Carly said seriously.
"Well, I hate to miss fresh hot chocolate, but Georgie and I made plans for Black Friday shopping," Maxie said.
On cue, Diego returns with a traveling mug in hand. Sonny is right behind him, holding to small mugs.
"Sorry to keep you guys waiting," Sonny said.
"No worries. I am excited to try fresh homemade hot chocolate," Maxie says sincerely.
"Diego says you have late-night plans, so I give you one of my traveling cups," Sonny said while putting the two small mugs in front of Michael and Morgan.
"Thank you," Maxie said.
"Diego, it was nice talking to you, don't be a stranger now," Sonny said, putting his hand out for a handshake, which Diego firmly accepted. Milo retrieved their coats. Diego quickly and easily puts his coat on and still holds the mug while Milo helps Maxie with hers.
Saying their goodbyes, Maxie and Carly made plans for a future spa day and lunch in the city. Diego ruffles the boys' hair. Morgan laughs while Michael says he's too big. However not too big to get a hug and kiss on the head from Maxie. Diego thinks the young boy may have a crush. They walk out, holding hands.
Evidently, Georgie is still not one hundred percent over from the flu cause on the drive back home, Maxie receives a text – "Sorry, too tired. Let us go shopping tomorrow morning instead of midnight."
Maxie is not that tired and not ready to go home for the night. And despite the fall night, they decided to take a brisk walk along the pier. They stop by a nearby bench located right at the docks. They hear music playing out loud. A radio that was probably belonging to one of the occupants of the boats on the dock.
Diego, being silly, offers his hand in dance motion. Maxie laughs and takes his hand. They slowly began to sway to the music.
As they move along to the music, Diego asks, "How was Sonny's hot chocolate? Was it worth the wait?"
"Definitely, I don't think I can ever have just plain instant powder again," Maxie said with a small laugh. Diego laughed as well.
"Well, I was there when he made it, so I'll give you the recipe," he said.
"The recipe! Can't you make it for me," Maxie says jokily.
"For you, sure," Diego lovingly says while giving her a peck kiss on her forehead. They continued dancing to the music. As they dance, Diego thought about their initial kiss at the Lamaze class. He became curious to know the words exchange between Maxie and Elizabeth. The conversation must have gone exceptionally well in his mind considering it lends Maxie to embracing this newest affectionate in their relationship.
"So what did Sonny and you talk about," Maxie asks with curiosity.
"He just wanted to know how I been doing since leaving my father's business," Diego replied.
"Oh, well that's nice of him," Maxie said with a smile.
Good evening, Port Charles, this 107.9 PCU radio. Hope everyone in town had a Thanksgiving filled with joy and spent with family or friends.
"Maxie, I was wondering about your conversation with Elizabeth," Diego nervously asked.
Maxie looked at Diego and took a deep breath.
The next song on our love songs of the 90s hour is the classic Los Lobos' Try Me
"You don't have to share if you don't want to," Diego began to say, realizing her uneasiness.
"No, it's okay. I want to, Diego. I want to share everything with you. It's one of the things Elizabeth, and I talked about," Maxie said with a nervous smile.
Try me (try me)
Try me (try me)
"I don't understand. What do you mean about sharing?"
Try me (try me)
Darlin' tell me
I need You
"When we started our friendship again, it was nice. It felt familiar. It helped with me grieving over Jesse and my guilt over the affair with Lucky. But when I realized our friendship was leading to more, I got scared," Maxie said honestly.
"Scared of what," he asked, worried of her answer. He was worried that she was scared of trusting him or not seeing past his own mistakes in life.
"Scared that you may regret me down the line. I thought I didn't deserve you," Maxie confessed.
Try me (try me)
And your love will always be true
Oh, I need you (I need you)
"You don't deserve me. It is the other way around. Maxie, you deserve nothing but love and happiness," Diego said.
"You deserve love and happiness too, Diego. Everyone told me that you had feelings for me, and I knew I was falling for you. But I fought it. How can I deserve to be happy – what I did to Elizabeth and you. I mean, when Jesse came along, I forget about you. Now Jesse is gone, here I am, just moving on from him like nothing," Maxie started to cry.
Hold me (hold me)
I want you right behind my side
Diego gently wiped her tears with his thumbs.
"Maxie, what did Elizabeth said to you," Diego asked.
"She said that I shouldn't let my past dedicate my future. That becoming a mother is life alternating experience, and if I found someone to share a future with, I should go for it," Maxie said, looking into Diego's eyes.
And you love won't hide
Oh I need you (I need you)
"She's right. Maxie, I am not perfect. I have a past that I am ashamed of, but you allowed me back into your life. You did not forget me with Jesse. At the time, I was going through things, and I knew you deserved love, so I stood to the aside," Diego confessed.
"Why did you reach out for me when you heard about my pregnancy? I was so angry at you in the beginning. I even tried to blame you for Jesse's death," Maxie asked.
"Cause, before Jesse, I had feelings for you. And after Jesse, I wanted to help you in any way I could cause I blamed myself too. I wanted to be there for you to ease the guilt, but along the way, my past teenage crush turned into more," Diego said.
He gently bought one of her hands to his lips, affectionately kissing her palm. He then took a breather, "I love you, Maxie," he finally said.
Maxie shed more tears. Diego wiped her tears with his thumb once again.
Oh, walk with me (walk with me)
Talk with me (talk with me)
I want you to stop my heart from cryin'
"You can have any girl you want, Diego, a girl –" Maxie begin to say while looking down.
They stopped dancing, and Diego quickly but gently grabbed her face to look back at him. He cupped her face in his hands.
Walk with me (walk with me)
Talk with me (talk with me)
"I don't want any girl. I want you. All of you. And I want you to have me too. In your heart. In your life. I love you, Maxie," Diego said, staring straight into Maxie's eyes.
And your love stops my heart from dying'
Oh, I need you (I need you, hoo hoo)
Maxie places her hands over his, kissing the palm of one of his hands as well. She takes a breath of her own.
"I don't know what the future will hold. But I know when I am with you, I don't hurt. When I am with you, I feel safe and loved. I love you, Diego. And you have me," Maxie said.