Chapter 21

It was the longest two weeks of his life and Zander was now waiting to see if Sonny would show up. He had no way of knowing if his friend was alive or dead and it was eating him up inside. The activity on the waterfront increased dramatically for awhile, but it eventually calmed down and Sonny conspicuously absent during it all. Zander kept his word to Sonny and Alexis knew nothing about the last night he saw Sonny. Now he was on his way home and eager to see her. As he walked along his thoughts turned to Alexis. Over the past couple of weeks something inside of her changed. She was more relaxed now. And if it were possible she looked more beautiful than ever. The haunted look was gone from her eyes and she laughed more than he could ever remember her laughing before. Felicia became a regular around the place and the three of them had taken to playing cards a couple of nights a week when his studies allowed. Sliding his key into the lock he opened the door to her apartment and looked around expectantly. Not seeing her immediately he called out.

"ALEXIS, you home?"

Just as the question filled the air she came into the room from the kitchen, coffee cup in hand.

"Yes, I am and don't yell so loud. How were your classes today?"

"Brutal. So much so that I think I need to take a walk. Care to join me and talk to me for a while?"

Zander spent every evening pouring over his books and he usually didn't quite until after midnight. Alexis worried that he wasn't getting enough rest and nagged him constantly about getting more rest, but he refused to listen and just kept right on burning the midnight oil. She knew he was trying to make good and she knew that he wanted both Sonny and her to be proud of him. Her constant assurances weren't enough. He wanted to prove to them both that he could succeed on his own; that he could make something of himself. It touched her deeply. So wanting to give him every opportunity to relax after his day, Alexis agreed instantly.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, I'll be right with you."

Zander nodded swiftly taking care not to seem overly anxious. Thirty minutes later the two of them were walking along the waterfront enjoying the sun and the warm breeze floating across the docks.

Alexis glanced over at Zander and noted his small smile.

"You have been quite busy lately, Zander. In fact, I haven't seen much of you at all outside of our regular card games. What have you been up to?"

"Really want to know?"

She laughed at the sudden child-like excitement that materialized instantly across his face.

"I'm dying to know. Tell me."

"I'd rather show you."

Watching the twinkle dance in his eyes, Alexis became more curious than ever. The boy was practically jumping up and down he was so excited.

"Ok, you're up to something. So show me."

Zander reached toward his back pocket to make sure his handkerchief was in place because he knew he was fixing to see waterworks like nobody's business. Before Sonny left, he gave him a job to do and it was only just finished the night before. Zander could hardly contain himself enough to get through his classes that day knowing he would be giving Alexis the surprise of her life.

"Come on."

Rounding the corner Alexis recognized that they were nearing Pier 52 and stopped instantly.

"Zander, what are you up to? Please, it's been such a beautiful afternoon. Don't ruin it for me."

Turning to face her he made her connect with him in the only way he knew how.

"Look at me, Alexis. Look at me. You once asked me to trust you. I did and I have never regretted it. Now I am asking you to trust me. Please, just trust me. You know I would never do anything to hurt you. Ok?"

Watching him plead with her to trust him, her curiosity got the better of her.

"All right, Zander. Go ahead."

Alexis' apprehension continued to grow as they made the last turn that would bring them face to face with Sonny's warehouse. The warehouse that claimed the life of her sister a few short weeks ago. Only it wasn't there. Feeling as if her heart would explode, Alexis sank to her knees and absently took the handkerchief Zander was pushing into her hand.

Rather than the pile of rubble she left that fateful day she was now standing in front of the most beautiful park she could ever remember seeing before. It was filled with various colored hydrangeas and a multitude of gardenia bushes. There were newly planted trees next to swing sets, slides and sandboxes. Comfortable wooden benches were placed throughout the park as well. And in the middle of the park there were two life-size statues. Upon closer investigation, Alexis realized the statues were replicas of herself and Kristina; turned slightly towards each other holding hands.

Reaching down Zander helped her to her feet and led her closer to the statues. At the base of the monument was a stone plaque.

"Welcome to the
Kristina Carter Cassadine
Memorial Park
Where dreams come alive
and love is cherished.

Fly high my little sister,

Fly high among the clouds
where sisters never die.

Rest in Peace"

Zander caught Alexis as her knees buckled beneath her. He held her close while she cried.

Finally bringing her tears under a bit of control she looked up at Zander.

"He did it, didn't he?"

There was no reason to ask who she was referring to. Zander knew without giving it a moments thought.

"He left me the instructions on exactly what he wanted. I followed them to the letter. Everything is just the way he wanted it; for you and for her. Kristina was moved here yesterday."

Alexis was suddenly on alert. There was something wrong. Something Zander just said didn't sound right. Raising her eyes to his and taking hold of his lapel she asked...

"He left you instructions? Where is he, Zander?"

Watching Zander duck his head and turn his face away from her, she knew he was hiding something from her. Tightening her hold on him she jerked him toward her as fear of the unknown began to fill her.

"Please, Zander, tell me and don't you dare lie to me. Where's Sonny? Zander, where is Sonny?"

"Alexis, I honestly don't know. He left two weeks ago."

Not letting go of him she lowered her head to rest on Zander's shoulder. He did it again. Why couldn't she learn? Why couldn't she just accept that Sonny was not meant to be a part of her life? Regardless of how much it would hurt she voiced the questions that were racing through her mind.

"Why? Why Zander? Why did he leave me again?"

Putting an arm around her he cupped her chin with his other hand and lifted her face to meet his. With love and compassion he answered her as truthfully as he could.

"To protect you. Alexis, and please don't ask me any more questions. I gave him my word and as much as you mean to me, it is more important that he be able to trust that I will keep my word to him. I need to prove to him, he can trust me again?"

Her fear grew dramatically at his response. Something wasn't adding up. Remembering the past couple of weeks and the daily news reports, Alexis suddenly realized what Sonny must be trying to do. If she was right… then he probably wouldn't be able to come back. Looking into Zander's eyes she knew that if she pushed just the right buttons he would give up enough information for her to know if she was right or not.

"Can you at least tell me when he is coming back... if he is coming back?"

"He will come back when he can? Now come on, let's take a walk around Kristina's park."

She was right. And Sonny probably wouldn't be coming back to Port Charles. Alexis knew she would have to accept his final decisions and go on with her life. Their baby girl was now her highest priority and she owed it to Sonny to give her the best that she could. And maybe someday, when there was no longer a reason to stay away, Sonny would be able to come home and find a family waiting for him that he never expected. Tucking away her broken heart for a quieter more private time, Alexis allowed Zander to lead her around Port Charles newest memorial park and she savored every moment, every blossom, every child's excited cry. She basked in the last and best gift that Sonny would ever leave her.

Zander knew that his answer may have been giving Alexis false hope, but he had to give her something. He couldn't let her believe that Sonny walked out on her again. She deserved to know that he loved her enough to risk his life for her. And if he didn't hear from Sonny by the end of the day, then Zander would sit down with Alexis and give her Sonny's final message to her. He would tell Alexis that Sonny died loving her.

But for now, he just wanted her to enjoy Sonny's gift. Putting his arm around her they walked in silence around the park. He never let go of her and patiently waited each time she stopped to steady herself and regain control of her emotions. Making their final trip around the park they stopped in front of the statue once more. He watched as Alexis lay a kiss on her fingertips then pressed them to the cheek of the image of Kristina. He barely heard her whisper.

"See you tonight, Kristina."

He watched her smile to herself and turn, ready to return home. He didn't expect her next comment.

"Have I told you lately how much I adore you, Zander?"

He couldn't help the blush that spread across his face.

"Look, we're in public. Can you leave the mush at home?"

"Not this time. I want the world to know just how special you are. Come here."

Zander resigned himself to yet another hug and reached for his cell phone that began to ring just as her arms settled around him.

Turning to stand beside him while he finished his call Alexis once again took in the sight around her. Kristina would have loved this park. It was everything she would have wanted a park to be. How did Sonny know? Feeling Zander's arm stiffen around her she looked up at him and saw the anguish on his face.

"Zander?"

Ending his call, he closed his eyes and prayed that it wasn't true. Shifting slightly he faced Alexis.

"We have to go."

"It's Sonny."

"Yes."

"How bad is it?"

"Alexis, it's bad. We have to get to the hospital right now."