Chapter 33
Pine Valley
Skye and AJ were having a great time in Pine Valley, despite their continuing depression. They spent their entire first day with the Chandler family. AJ got along with Adam famously. Adam shared many of his escapades in his business and personal life. AJ was in awe of his ruthlessness, cunning and determination. AJ whispered to Skye at one point that he sorta wished that Adam had been his father. Skye whispered back that she was glad he wasn't – AJ would be even more impossible than he was now. Skye and AJ met Anna Devane and David Hayward for lunch on New Years Eve. AJ mentioned that his mother greatly admired David's work as a cardiologist. David in turn said that he had heard many rave reviews about Monica Quartermaine's own skills. David made Anna promise that they visit Port Charles some time so that he could take a tour of General Hospital. She looked at him sharply, wondering what his motive would be. She knew that he had been unhappy ever since Jake Martin was named chief of staff. David just smiled cryptically. AJ asked Anna how Robin was doing. Anna was pleased to hear that he had been friends with her daughter. AJ shrugged. "Not close friends. She spent a great deal of time with my brother Jason, who I don't get along with. But she was always very nice to me, and even jeopardized her relationship with Jason so that I would know the truth about something very important. A very courageous and honorable girl." Anna smiled wistfully. They promised to meet up at the Crystal Ball that night.
Skye was a little nervous about going to the ball. She knew that it was held by Edmund Grey in honor of his late wife. Considering her rather unpleasant past with Edmund, she was surprised that he would even let her through the doors of Wildwind. She was relieved when Edmund greeted her very graciously. Perhaps it was because he seemed very happy with Brooke. Skye and AJ ventured further into the ballroom, detaching from the Chandlers as Adam and Liza greeted people they knew. Skye spotted Erica and made a beeline towards her. The two women hugged enthusiastically. Erica raved about Skye's dress. "You look gorgeous in purple! Do my eyes deceive me or is did that come straight from Italy?" Skye nodded, schooling her features into a pleasant smile. "Yes, as a matter of fact. I bought this to attend the opera while I was in Rome." Erica smiled her approval, and then looked over at AJ. She raised one eyebrow. "Is this your fiance, Sonny?" AJ burst out laughing, the idea of someone mistaking him for Sonny was hysterical. He stopped when he saw the sad look on Skye's face. She shook her head. "No, this is my brother, AJ Quartermaine."
Erica blushed and held out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, AJ. Skye has told me so much about you." He took her hand and kissed it. "Charmed. Skye has told me about you as well." Erica coyly looked down. "Good things, I hope?" AJ grinned. "Of course." Chris Stamp came up to the group. "Making another conquest, Erica?" She gave him an exasperated look. "I guess I don't have to introduce you to Skye, since you've already met her under less than ideal circumstances." Chris made a slight bow to Skye. "You and Mr. Corinthos will be happy to know that Roger Whitaker is going away for a very long time. Is Sonny here this evening?" Skye shook her head morosely. "I'm afraid that we've called off our engagement." Erica looked crestfallen, and hugged her friend. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Well, I'm glad that we got the opportunity to meet your brother. Chris, this is Skye's brother, AJ Quartermaine." The two men shook hands. "I used to date an FBI agent. I don't know if you ever met her, her name is Hannah Scott." Chris thought a moment. "I've heard the name. She's Roy DiLucca's daughter, isn't she? I remember she was in Port Charles for a while. Last I heard she was in the LA office."
Erica waved her hand at someone across the room, and Skye turned to see Myrtle Fargate making her way slowly towards them. Skye smiled hesitantly at Myrtle. This was her maternal grandmother. She hadn't been able to see her the last time she was in Pine Valley, because Myrtle had been out of town. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act around her. Myrtle took the initiative. She spread her arms for a hug, and Skye accepted the gesture. "I'm so sorry, my dear, that I missed your last visit to town. My doctor wanted me to spend some time in a warmer climate. Don't know what he was thinking sending me to Florida in August. It was hot as blazes. I thought I would burst into flame." Everyone laughed. Myrtle was such a charming woman. Skye introduced her to AJ. He was very solicitious. "You remind me a lot of my own grandmother." Myrtle nodded. "Well, if she's as sharp as a tack and doesn't take crap off anyone, I would have to agree!"
After nibbling on a few hors d'oeuvres, they danced for awhile. Skye's partners included Adam, JR, Mateo, David, and Chris. AJ danced with Liza, Hayley, Anna, Erica, and even Myrtle for a short time. It was nearing midnight, and Skye and AJ were dancing a waltz. She looked at her brother, hopefully. "Are you having a good time?" He smiled ruefully, hesitating before answering. "Sure. It's been nice to see a little bit of your world and meet new people. Definitely beats sitting at home brooding and listening to the family bicker. The Chandlers bicker some, but not nearly as much as the Quartermaines." Skye laughed. "They're probably just restraining themselves for the sake of their guests." AJ laughed with her. He frowned suddenly and stopped in the middle of the dance floor. He was staring across the room in open-mouthed shock. Skye turned to look and froze when she saw what AJ had seen. Standing in the doorway to the ballroom were Sonny and Courtney.
The Corinthos siblings had driven down to Pine Valley that day. Sonny was still in the process of hiring a new pilot for his jet, and frankly didn't want to risk another hijacking in the company of his sister. When they found the Chandler mansion, they learned from the housekeeper that the Chandlers had already left for the Crystal Ball. After obtaining directions, they checked into a hotel and changed. Sonny had suggested they bring formal wear in case they didn't catch the Quartermaine sibs before they headed out to the ball. Sonny smiled in pleasure at his sister, who was wearing a blue silk sheath that matched her eyes. When they reached Wildwind, Sonny and Courtney were stopped by the security personnel. Sonny flashed some cash and requested an audience with the host. A few minutes later, Edmund came out. Sonny assured him that if they were let in, he would make a generous donation to the cause. He also promised Edmund that they would not cause a scene – that he was fairly certain that at least two of the guests would be very pleased to see them. After sizing Sonny up for a bit, Edmund agreed to let him and Courtney in.
As soon as Courtney saw AJ, she flew across the ballroom, leaving Sonny still standing in the entrance. She flung herself into AJ's waiting arms, and the couple reunited amidst tears, whispers and many kisses. They didn't even hear when the guests started counting down the last 10 seconds till midnight. They also didn't notice that Sonny continued to stand in the entrance, staring across the room at Skye, who was staring back at him. Neither moved. Sonny was afraid that Skye would reject him after he had walked out on her, choosing his sister over the woman he loved. He had taken a gamble once already when he asked her to marry him. He couldn't bring himself to bridge the gap yet again. Skye was afraid to approach Sonny because she wasn't sure exactly why he was here. Did he come solely because his sister obviously wanted to be reunited with her husband, and he would do anything for his sister? Or did he also come because he wanted to be reunited with Skye? She was terrified of coming to him and having him tell her that he still had no desire to marry her. That he could not forgive her for insisting on talking to Courtney against his wishes. If he wants me back, she thought, he will come over here and tell me. The clock counted down to midnight and the revelers sent up a cheer, hugging and kissing each other, and throwing confetti. Skye felt a hand on her shoulder, and broke her gaze with Sonny to see Adam standing there. He wished her a Happy New Year and hugged her. Sonny glanced over at AJ and Courtney, seeing that they were in a blissful state of happiness. Knowing that she was in relatively good hands, he turned around and walked out into the foyer. Skye broke her hug with Adam, and turned to look for Sonny. She saw that he had disappeared and tears filled her eyes. He was gone. She turned back to Adam and threw herself into his arms, crying on his shoulder. He enveloped her in a bear hug and told her it would be all right.
Sonny retrieved his coat and stepped out into the cold night. He took a deep breath, fighting against the pricking at the back of his eyes. She had not come to him. It was over. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and for an instant hope flared. He turned around and saw Chris Stamp standing there. "I was hoping you would come, I wanted to speak with you." Closing his eyes for a moment to regain control of his emotions, Sonny asked, "What about?" Chris cleared his throat. "After you turned Whitaker over to the Feds, I did a little checking up on you. What I found was very interesting. Sonny Corinthos is not your typical mobster." Sonny's lips quirked into a slightly cynical smile. "Do tell." Chris nodded thoughtfully. "If you know anything about me, which I am sure you do since you wouldn't trust a thug like Whitaker with just anyone, you know that I have a notorious dislike for criminals. And for dispatching them in my own unique way. I have a particular disregard for the drug trade, of which most mobsters have a significant part. Not you, however. No drugs, no prostitution. You deal mostly with bribes, not intimidation. You certainly commit your fair share of crimes, but most of them are not a threat to the general public. The most interesting thing I learned is that you tried to go legit once. You changed your mind only because you knew that if you withdrew from the business, some other scumbag who was a lot worse than you would take over the streets, making Port Charles a much more dangerous place." Sonny laughed. "That was an excellent recap of my business dealings. What is your point?" Chris smiled. "My point is, I see most criminals as complete scumbags who I would like nothing more than to blow away for good. The whole concept of rehabilitation and making a new life is total bullshit to me. But with you, I can see it happen." Sonny shook his head. "You just got done reminding me of why I didn't go legit the first time. What makes you think I would ever contemplate it again?" A voice spoke up, and they turned to see Anna Devane standing there. "Because the first time you didn't have law enforcement on your side. They were more interested in putting you away than working with you. I think what Chris is trying to say is that if you tried it again, you would have his support. As former police commissioner of Port Charles, you would also have mine. I'm willing to bet that John Sykes would be more than amenable to the idea as well. Think about it, Corinthos." Sonny glanced over at Chris, and the older man nodded, smiling slightly.
Pine Valley
Skye and AJ were having a great time in Pine Valley, despite their continuing depression. They spent their entire first day with the Chandler family. AJ got along with Adam famously. Adam shared many of his escapades in his business and personal life. AJ was in awe of his ruthlessness, cunning and determination. AJ whispered to Skye at one point that he sorta wished that Adam had been his father. Skye whispered back that she was glad he wasn't – AJ would be even more impossible than he was now. Skye and AJ met Anna Devane and David Hayward for lunch on New Years Eve. AJ mentioned that his mother greatly admired David's work as a cardiologist. David in turn said that he had heard many rave reviews about Monica Quartermaine's own skills. David made Anna promise that they visit Port Charles some time so that he could take a tour of General Hospital. She looked at him sharply, wondering what his motive would be. She knew that he had been unhappy ever since Jake Martin was named chief of staff. David just smiled cryptically. AJ asked Anna how Robin was doing. Anna was pleased to hear that he had been friends with her daughter. AJ shrugged. "Not close friends. She spent a great deal of time with my brother Jason, who I don't get along with. But she was always very nice to me, and even jeopardized her relationship with Jason so that I would know the truth about something very important. A very courageous and honorable girl." Anna smiled wistfully. They promised to meet up at the Crystal Ball that night.
Skye was a little nervous about going to the ball. She knew that it was held by Edmund Grey in honor of his late wife. Considering her rather unpleasant past with Edmund, she was surprised that he would even let her through the doors of Wildwind. She was relieved when Edmund greeted her very graciously. Perhaps it was because he seemed very happy with Brooke. Skye and AJ ventured further into the ballroom, detaching from the Chandlers as Adam and Liza greeted people they knew. Skye spotted Erica and made a beeline towards her. The two women hugged enthusiastically. Erica raved about Skye's dress. "You look gorgeous in purple! Do my eyes deceive me or is did that come straight from Italy?" Skye nodded, schooling her features into a pleasant smile. "Yes, as a matter of fact. I bought this to attend the opera while I was in Rome." Erica smiled her approval, and then looked over at AJ. She raised one eyebrow. "Is this your fiance, Sonny?" AJ burst out laughing, the idea of someone mistaking him for Sonny was hysterical. He stopped when he saw the sad look on Skye's face. She shook her head. "No, this is my brother, AJ Quartermaine."
Erica blushed and held out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, AJ. Skye has told me so much about you." He took her hand and kissed it. "Charmed. Skye has told me about you as well." Erica coyly looked down. "Good things, I hope?" AJ grinned. "Of course." Chris Stamp came up to the group. "Making another conquest, Erica?" She gave him an exasperated look. "I guess I don't have to introduce you to Skye, since you've already met her under less than ideal circumstances." Chris made a slight bow to Skye. "You and Mr. Corinthos will be happy to know that Roger Whitaker is going away for a very long time. Is Sonny here this evening?" Skye shook her head morosely. "I'm afraid that we've called off our engagement." Erica looked crestfallen, and hugged her friend. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Well, I'm glad that we got the opportunity to meet your brother. Chris, this is Skye's brother, AJ Quartermaine." The two men shook hands. "I used to date an FBI agent. I don't know if you ever met her, her name is Hannah Scott." Chris thought a moment. "I've heard the name. She's Roy DiLucca's daughter, isn't she? I remember she was in Port Charles for a while. Last I heard she was in the LA office."
Erica waved her hand at someone across the room, and Skye turned to see Myrtle Fargate making her way slowly towards them. Skye smiled hesitantly at Myrtle. This was her maternal grandmother. She hadn't been able to see her the last time she was in Pine Valley, because Myrtle had been out of town. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act around her. Myrtle took the initiative. She spread her arms for a hug, and Skye accepted the gesture. "I'm so sorry, my dear, that I missed your last visit to town. My doctor wanted me to spend some time in a warmer climate. Don't know what he was thinking sending me to Florida in August. It was hot as blazes. I thought I would burst into flame." Everyone laughed. Myrtle was such a charming woman. Skye introduced her to AJ. He was very solicitious. "You remind me a lot of my own grandmother." Myrtle nodded. "Well, if she's as sharp as a tack and doesn't take crap off anyone, I would have to agree!"
After nibbling on a few hors d'oeuvres, they danced for awhile. Skye's partners included Adam, JR, Mateo, David, and Chris. AJ danced with Liza, Hayley, Anna, Erica, and even Myrtle for a short time. It was nearing midnight, and Skye and AJ were dancing a waltz. She looked at her brother, hopefully. "Are you having a good time?" He smiled ruefully, hesitating before answering. "Sure. It's been nice to see a little bit of your world and meet new people. Definitely beats sitting at home brooding and listening to the family bicker. The Chandlers bicker some, but not nearly as much as the Quartermaines." Skye laughed. "They're probably just restraining themselves for the sake of their guests." AJ laughed with her. He frowned suddenly and stopped in the middle of the dance floor. He was staring across the room in open-mouthed shock. Skye turned to look and froze when she saw what AJ had seen. Standing in the doorway to the ballroom were Sonny and Courtney.
The Corinthos siblings had driven down to Pine Valley that day. Sonny was still in the process of hiring a new pilot for his jet, and frankly didn't want to risk another hijacking in the company of his sister. When they found the Chandler mansion, they learned from the housekeeper that the Chandlers had already left for the Crystal Ball. After obtaining directions, they checked into a hotel and changed. Sonny had suggested they bring formal wear in case they didn't catch the Quartermaine sibs before they headed out to the ball. Sonny smiled in pleasure at his sister, who was wearing a blue silk sheath that matched her eyes. When they reached Wildwind, Sonny and Courtney were stopped by the security personnel. Sonny flashed some cash and requested an audience with the host. A few minutes later, Edmund came out. Sonny assured him that if they were let in, he would make a generous donation to the cause. He also promised Edmund that they would not cause a scene – that he was fairly certain that at least two of the guests would be very pleased to see them. After sizing Sonny up for a bit, Edmund agreed to let him and Courtney in.
As soon as Courtney saw AJ, she flew across the ballroom, leaving Sonny still standing in the entrance. She flung herself into AJ's waiting arms, and the couple reunited amidst tears, whispers and many kisses. They didn't even hear when the guests started counting down the last 10 seconds till midnight. They also didn't notice that Sonny continued to stand in the entrance, staring across the room at Skye, who was staring back at him. Neither moved. Sonny was afraid that Skye would reject him after he had walked out on her, choosing his sister over the woman he loved. He had taken a gamble once already when he asked her to marry him. He couldn't bring himself to bridge the gap yet again. Skye was afraid to approach Sonny because she wasn't sure exactly why he was here. Did he come solely because his sister obviously wanted to be reunited with her husband, and he would do anything for his sister? Or did he also come because he wanted to be reunited with Skye? She was terrified of coming to him and having him tell her that he still had no desire to marry her. That he could not forgive her for insisting on talking to Courtney against his wishes. If he wants me back, she thought, he will come over here and tell me. The clock counted down to midnight and the revelers sent up a cheer, hugging and kissing each other, and throwing confetti. Skye felt a hand on her shoulder, and broke her gaze with Sonny to see Adam standing there. He wished her a Happy New Year and hugged her. Sonny glanced over at AJ and Courtney, seeing that they were in a blissful state of happiness. Knowing that she was in relatively good hands, he turned around and walked out into the foyer. Skye broke her hug with Adam, and turned to look for Sonny. She saw that he had disappeared and tears filled her eyes. He was gone. She turned back to Adam and threw herself into his arms, crying on his shoulder. He enveloped her in a bear hug and told her it would be all right.
Sonny retrieved his coat and stepped out into the cold night. He took a deep breath, fighting against the pricking at the back of his eyes. She had not come to him. It was over. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and for an instant hope flared. He turned around and saw Chris Stamp standing there. "I was hoping you would come, I wanted to speak with you." Closing his eyes for a moment to regain control of his emotions, Sonny asked, "What about?" Chris cleared his throat. "After you turned Whitaker over to the Feds, I did a little checking up on you. What I found was very interesting. Sonny Corinthos is not your typical mobster." Sonny's lips quirked into a slightly cynical smile. "Do tell." Chris nodded thoughtfully. "If you know anything about me, which I am sure you do since you wouldn't trust a thug like Whitaker with just anyone, you know that I have a notorious dislike for criminals. And for dispatching them in my own unique way. I have a particular disregard for the drug trade, of which most mobsters have a significant part. Not you, however. No drugs, no prostitution. You deal mostly with bribes, not intimidation. You certainly commit your fair share of crimes, but most of them are not a threat to the general public. The most interesting thing I learned is that you tried to go legit once. You changed your mind only because you knew that if you withdrew from the business, some other scumbag who was a lot worse than you would take over the streets, making Port Charles a much more dangerous place." Sonny laughed. "That was an excellent recap of my business dealings. What is your point?" Chris smiled. "My point is, I see most criminals as complete scumbags who I would like nothing more than to blow away for good. The whole concept of rehabilitation and making a new life is total bullshit to me. But with you, I can see it happen." Sonny shook his head. "You just got done reminding me of why I didn't go legit the first time. What makes you think I would ever contemplate it again?" A voice spoke up, and they turned to see Anna Devane standing there. "Because the first time you didn't have law enforcement on your side. They were more interested in putting you away than working with you. I think what Chris is trying to say is that if you tried it again, you would have his support. As former police commissioner of Port Charles, you would also have mine. I'm willing to bet that John Sykes would be more than amenable to the idea as well. Think about it, Corinthos." Sonny glanced over at Chris, and the older man nodded, smiling slightly.
