Chapter Two

There was a long pause, as Sonny seemed to consider her motivations for the first time. Then he shrugged. "You may think we have a lot in common, Ms. Chandler, but I disagree. And I really don't care. What I do care about is my sister. Dawson I can control, I'm not really worried about my business. But I don't have a lot of control over Courtney's heart, and I will do anything I can to see that she isn't hurt. Don't underestimate me, and don't cross me." Skye said softly, "Has it occurred to you that you may be the one hurting her in this instance?" Sonny smiled coldly. "Not for a minute. You and I both know that AJ is using her to get to me." Skye leaned on the courtyard wall. "I will admit that was his intention at first. When I found out his plans, I tried to stop him." Sonny laughed derisively. "Don't believe me, I don't care. Much as I wanted him to triumph over you in some way, I was horrified that he would trifle with a young girl's heart. Having been a young girl once myself, I know what it is like to be used in such a manner. He refused to listen to me, and went on with his plans. And then one day I saw that something had changed. Instead of influencing her, she was influencing him. Sonny, he fell in love with her. He's no longer using her to get to you. He really wants to be with her." Sonny laughed even harder. "You're a fool, Skye. Because you believe your brother is capable of such an emotion. And because you admitted to me his plans." She shrugged, bewildered. "What does telling you matter? You already knew." Sonny nodded. "Yes, and I told Courtney as much, which she refused to believe. But she'll believe me now."

Sonny pulled out a miniature tape recorder. Skye's eyes widened in disbelief. Then she narrowed them. "I suppose you will only keep the portions of that tape that matter to you?" Sonny shrugged. "Of course. The rest is just a lie anyway." He turned to walk away, but she grabbed his arm. "Damn it Sonny, AJ really does love her." He shook her off and glared at her. "Even if I thought for one moment that was true, it wouldn't matter. AJ is a loser. He would end up hurting Courtney anyway, whether he meant to or not. I will not let that happen." Skye glared back. "Once again you are a hypocrite. You knew that you were capable of hurting someone, and yet you still married Carly anyway. When she couldn't handle it, you tossed her away. And you wonder why she ran straight into Jax's arms." Sonny's eyes blazed and he grabbed Skye's arm to pull her close to him. "She certainly did. And he opened them for her, despite your best efforts. Too bad you didn't try harder, Skye. Then he would be destroying your life, instead of hers." Then he pushed her away and stalked off.

Skye was right behind Sonny when he strode into the ballroom. He stopped abruptly when he saw that AJ and Courtney were already on stage. They were dressed in early 60s costumes – he like a greaser, she like a bobby soxer. Also on the stage were Nik and Gia, Lucky and Liz, all dressed the same way. They began to sing:

Do You Believe In Magic? - Lovin' Spoonful

do you believe in magic

in a young girl's heart?

how the music can free her

whenever it starts?

and it's magic

if the music is groovin'

it makes you feel happy

like an old-time movie

i'll tell you about the magic

it can free your soul

but it's like trying to

tell a stranger bout

rock and roll

if you believe in magic

don't bother to choose

if it's jazz band music

or rhythm and blues

just go and listen

it'll start with smile

that grows wide on your face

no matter how hard you try

your feet start tappin

and you can't seem to find

how you got there

so just blow your mind

if you believe in magic

come along with me

we'll dance until morning

if it's just you and me

and maybe,

if the music is right,

i'll meet you tomorrow

so late at night

and when we'll go dancin

maybe then you will see

how the magic's in the music

and the music's in me, yeah

do you believe in magic?

yeah

believe in the magic of a young girl's soul

believe in the magic of rock and roll

believe in the magic that can set you free

oh, talkin bout magic

do you believe like i?

do you believe in magic?

When the music was over, the crowd roared their approval, and the couples on stage hugged. Courtney's face was shining with delight. AJ looked so happy, that Skye was struck by the joy on his face. Usually when she saw him smile, it was at someone else's expense. She glanced over at Sonny, who had stood there the entire time, not moving. His face was completely unreadable. Skye closed her eyes. How would she ever be able to tell AJ that Sonny had proof of his scheming, and that it was her fault? When she opened her eyes again, Sonny was gone. Skye's heart lurched, and she made a beeline for the backstage area. She arrived just in time to see Sonny hugging a flushed Courtney. AJ stood by, glaring at the two of them. Sonny ended the embrace and stroked her hair. "I'm so proud of you. You did a terrific job." Courtney beamed. "I'm so glad. I thought you would be angry with me for not telling you." Sonny glanced over at AJ. "Why would I be angry that you wanted to help out a cause so personally meaningful to me?" Courtney's smile widened and she hugged her brother. "Thanks, Sonny. That means so much to me." Sonny smiled indulgently, gave AJ and Skye a menacing glance, then strolled off.

Skye's relief was palpable, and so was her confusion. Why didn't Sonny play the tape for her? Then she realized that he had not had time to erase the parts he didn't want her to hear. He would probably play it for her tomorrow. Her relief quickly turned back to apprehension, as she tried to figure out how to get ahold of that tape.