Chapter 79

How do you feel?

"Surprisingly relieved. A bit like a heavy weight has been lifted. I can't remember the last time I felt this unencumbered."

"I'm not surprised. That was some pretty heavy stuff we just went through and I can imagine you are probably exhausted by now."

Alexis was reclining against the headboard of her bed while Joy sat comfortably at the foot of the bed. It was amazing to Joy that after what Alexis just put herself through; she wasn't half asleep from the stress of it all.

"I am a little tired, but I think I need to reassure Sonny that I'm alright and see if it's ok if we sit down and talk tomorrow. What do you think?"

"Well if you're clear on what all you've done tonight and you feel sure enough of yourself, then I don't see why not. Personally I think it's time you two put the past behind you and started fresh."

"You don't pull any punches do you? By the way, what time is it? Seems like it ought to be midnight or something."

"No it's only about 8:00. It's definitely been a full... "

Joy turned swiftly toward the door as both women heard a raised voice come from the other room. Joy didn't recognize the voice and turned back to Alexis who by the look on her face knew exactly who it was.

"Alexis, who is that and what in the blue blazes is he yelling about?"

Alexis rolled her eyes letting out a huge frustrated sigh.

"That is my ex-husband who obviously has a problem with Sonny being in my living room. Nothing new, Joy. Just two boys throwing their weight around trying to see whose chest can stick out the farthest. I didn't really want to handle anything else tonight, but it looks like I don't have much of a choice. Come on, friend. You know, you may regret taking on that particular job the more you get to know me."

Joy laughed as she followed Alexis to the door remarking, "Not on your life, I haven't had this much fun in years. You are definitely not boring, Alexis Davis. I'm in now and there's no turning back, friend. Ex-husband?"

Alexis threw a smile over her shoulder toward Joy and opened the door to find Jax and Sonny squared off with poor Johnny standing in the middle trying to separate them. Before she knew it, she and Joy were both laughing hilariously at the sight. Alexis calmed down some as the men turned to face the women. She lifted her arm and lay it across Joy's shoulder companionably.

"Joy, I would like you to meet Jasper Jax, my first and only ex-husband. As you can see he and Sonny have some major ego issues where I'm concerned." Turning her attention to Jax she continued, "and as this is not a bar room and there are people who need their rest here, just maybe I can get them both to calm down some. Hi, Jax."

As Jax turned his attention away from Sonny, she watched in resignation as Jax approached her knowing what was coming. Returning his kiss on the cheek she waited for the inevitable.

"Hey, Alexis. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing exceptionally well considering I've been living in an insane asylum for the past couple of months. And how are things with you lately?"

"Fine. What is 'he' doing here? I thought you were through with him."

Alexis patted him affectionately on the arm then turned toward Johnny sending him a smile of reassurance then moved toward the sofa to sit down.

"Well, given his presence here, and the fact that I don't seem too concerned about it... it would seem that that isn't exactly the case now, would it?"

"What's wrong with you? You know what happens to women around him. Do I have to remind you what happened to... "

Her insides froze. His total lack of sensitivity to her current predicament stunned her. Whirling around her mouth dropped open. She didn't have to look hard to see that Johnny and Sonny were both about to come unglued. Throwing her hands up in total annoyance hoping to hold Johnny and Sonny in place, she stopped Jax from going any further with his question.

"Alright that's enough. No, Jax you do not have to remind me of anything. If you haven't heard, which I'm sure you probably already have, I have my memory back. All of it! And I'm through being tossed back and forth between all of my well-meaning friends; all in the name of 'helping such a defenseless incompetent woman' as myself. I am capable of handling my life and the events of said life; now more than ever. I love you, Jax but it's time you learned that I am capable of knowing who and what I want in my life. If I choose to allow Sonny in my life, then that's just what it is, my choice, just as it is my choice to allow you in my life. If you want to continue to be in my life, which I hope with all my heart that you do, then you are going to have to accept the choices I make and keep your opinions to yourself unless I ask for them."

Jax advanced closer. He wasn't about to give up trying to convince her that Sonny Corinthos was too much of a danger to be around. As he took his second step he eyed Sonny moving toward him menacingly and lifted his hand pointing toward him.

"Back off, Corinthos. You've done enough. Isn't the fact that Alexis lost her sister to you enough to tell you that it's time for you to let go? What... are you trying to make sure Alexis gets taken out next? Is it going to take us having to bury her too for you to realize what kind of a danger you are to women?"

Every heart stilled at the storm that erupted from the one woman... the only woman who could instill such devotion in the hearts of two totally opposite men.

"JAX... STOP IT NOW OR GET OUT!"

Jax's mouth fell open at the strength and anger he saw in his best friend. He took a step back as she came toward him clearly just getting started with her tirade against him. Even with his concern for what she was about to come at him with he couldn't resist the smirk that fell on his face as she turned toward Sonny first.

"Sonny, don't say another word. In fact, right now I think it would be best if you were to go across the hall. I'll call you when I'm finished here."

Alexis refused to continue until she made her wishes absolutely clear to Sonny with a piercing glare. As he turned toward the door he shot a look of warning toward Jax.

"Sonny, please."

Sonny looked back at Alexis and felt his heart jump at the strength he was seeing in her. She looked well and in control, he remembered this woman. And he understood. This was again, her fight. What she needed from him was support. The kind of support that said 'I can back off so you can do what you need to', so that was what he was going to give her.

"I'll be across the hall if you need me."

Alexis smiled at him just as he turned to go and he heard her whispered words.

"Thank you, Sonny."

Alexis then faced Johnny and Joy.

"Guys, I need a little time alone with Jax. Do you mind?"

Johnny stepped forward first. He didn't want to leave Alexis, but it was time. It was time for her to start handling things on her own. He just hoped it wouldn't be too hard this first time around on her own. She was able to handle Carly and it didn't look like it hit her too hard, but they were all standing behind her supporting her during that confrontation. Jax should be easier since their history together was long.

"We'll be in the kitchen if you need us, partner. You need anything at all, you call us."

"Thanks, Johnny. Joy, could I ask you to fix up a pot of tea please, for later."

"No problem, Alexis. It'll be ready when you want it."

Alexis waited quietly as Johnny and Joy left the room then beckoned Jax to join her on the sofa.

Jax sat down and turned to face Alexis. Now that everyone was gone maybe he could finally get her to realize just how much she needed to throw Sonny Corinthos out of her life.

"Alexis, why do you insist on keeping such a dangerous man around you; especially now that he has cost you your sister, the sister that I brought back to you. Aren't you the least bit concerned about your baby?"

Alexis leaped back up. Rage filled her that Jax could be so insensitive.

"Just who in the hell do you think you are, Jasper Jax? I don't believe this. I simply don't believe this. Tell me something. Where have you been the last couple of months? How many times have you been here? How many times have you called to even check to see whether I was alive or dead? Where were you when I woke up not knowing where I was or where I had been? Where were you when I realized that my last memory was of Chloe still alive in a bed in General Hospital? Where were you when I was forced to face her death all over again? Where were you when I remembered that my sister finally found me and I was given a whole year with her before she was taken from me again. Where were you, Jax? I'll tell you where you weren't. You weren't here. But, I'll tell you who was here. Sonny was here. And Johnny was here. And Joy was here. You weren't. You have no right to barrel in here and start throwing insults and accusations like you own the place... or more to the point, like you own me. You don't. We're friends... at least that's what I thought we were. But, it seems that I have to learn just what a friend actually is since I've rejoined the land of the living. And let me tell you something, buddy. Friendship is a two-way street. And just for the record, you really haven't been that much of a friend lately, Jax."

Alexis was so angry she began pacing and her breathing was hard and heavy. How dare he come into the safety of her sanctuary like a bull in a china shop and start with his vendetta against Sonny again.

"I don't have the strength to fight with you tonight, Jax. It simply defies all reason for me that I should have to defend myself given what I have been through the past couple of months. Why you and Ned have this idea that you own me as if I were a piece of furniture or something is totally beyond me. You might want to remember from now on that I am not your property, I am not your 'damsel in distress'. I am quite capable of handling my life without constantly being told by well meaning friends that I am incapable or more to the point that I am not competent enough to do so. In fact, I think maybe you should go on home, Jax. I've had enough for one day."

As she finished her rant, Alexis turned to look at Jax and quickly suppressed the grin that threatened to reveal itself. His jaw was hanging wide open and he was looking at her as if she lost every marble she ever owned.

"Close your mouth, Jax before something disgusting finds its way inside that cavern you're flashing me. What's wrong? Didn't you think I had it in me to fight for myself? I've learned a lot while you were out there somewhere doing whatever."

Jax shook himself slightly to get rid of some of the lingering shock over Alexis' rant against him. He stepped closer and peered more intently at her to see if she was really ok.

"Alexis? What's got into you? What are they doing to you here?"

"They're teaching me how to deal with people who don't respect me."

"I respect you. I've always respected you."

"Then why is it so hard for you to hear me when I tell you to back off in every way possible except in a foreign language. You ignore my wishes, you pick fights with Sonny constantly at the drop of a hat when I ask you not to; sometimes you treat me as if I don't have a brain in my head. Do you know what I remembered first about you after my initial memory came back? I remembered you asking Sonny how he turned me into a naïve schoolgirl. Do you not know how much that hurt me? It wasn't so much the words that hurt as much as it was the fact that you didn't trust me to know what was best for my family. And you didn't trust me enough to know what I wanted... what I needed. It didn't coincide with what you wanted so you threw it out the window and kept right on dictating to me how you thought I should act. Why, Jax? Why do you treat me like your own personal property?"

Her words sent him backwards a couple of steps. She wasn't kidding... she was absolutely serious and it was throwing him. She had never said anything to him like this before. He couldn't remember her ever coming at him with the kind of stuff she was hitting him with. He didn't know what to say to her.

"I don't. I've never treated you like that."

"Jax, I don't want to fight with you. It's just time I started standing up for myself. I am a strong, independent, intelligent woman and it's time my friends started treating me as such. I love you... I have loved you for a long time and I don't want to lose you, but things are going to be different from now on. If you can handle that then you are welcome in my home any time day or night. If not then I'm sorry, but we're going to have to come to a parting of the ways. I have to be strong for my daughter, for myself... for the woman I want to be. Can you understand that, Jax? But, more importantly can you accept it?"

Jax reached for Alexis and pulled her into his arms. He hugged her tightly. It didn't matter how she allowed him in her life; all he knew in that moment was that he wanted... needed to have her in his life.

"I don't know what these people have done to my friend, but I'm not willing to lose you. If I cross a line, you just let me know. I'll back off. That's a promise."

"Thank you, Jax."

"Now, before I cause any more trouble, it's time I got out of your hair. Can I come see you again?"

"You can come visit me any time, but you might want to call first. I'm hoping to be released soon. I'm not sick and I'm not crazy... no matter how much you may think I am at this moment. I want to go home and get back to my life."

"Any idea when that might happen?"

"Not right now. But, I'm working on it."

Jax leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "You take care and I'll see you soon." With that, Jax turned and walked toward the front door. Just as he opened it to leave, he shot back over his shoulder... "You know, you're my favorite ex-wife."

And just as easily, Alexis shot back, "And you're my favorite ex-husband."

He grinned and winked. "I'm your only ex-husband."

Then he was gone leaving a smile on Alexis' face. Just as she started for the kitchen Johnny and Joy appeared in the doorway. Johnny leaned up against the wall with a grin as wide as the Grand Canyon. His arm went around Joy as she leaned against him. He was so excited he couldn't contain himself.

"Joy, if I didn't think my dignity would suffer a huge set back, I think I'd jump up and down. Did you hear her? Did you see her? That was absolutely magnificent. And the best thing is... he'll be back and he'll remember our little buddy's words and think twice next time he questions her about anything. Damn that was fine. I think we need to celebrate. How about you, Joy?"

Realizing her whole conversation with Jax was overheard; Alexis smiled self-consciously. But, watching the excitement and pride radiating off Johnny sent her into gales of laughter. The man could hardly stand still. She watched him approach her and by the look on his face, she knew he was up to something. Her eyes grew round as all of a sudden she was lifted into the air and swung around several times as Johnny cheered her. He was proud of her and he was letting her know it in no uncertain terms. As he set her down she looked toward Joy sheepishly who was walking toward her clapping her hands, also beaming with pride for a woman who was finally learning to stand up for herself.

"Alexis?"

Alexis, Joy and Johnny turned in unison to find Sonny standing in the door.

Alexis smiled at the confusion she saw on his face.

"Hi, Sonny. We were just... well Joy and Johnny were... " Alexis couldn't bring herself to tell him what occurred. She was proud of herself, but she just wasn't quite sure how to say it. It came without being prompted and Alexis smiled. You have the right to be proud of your accomplishments.

"Jax just left and I don't think he'll be giving you or I any more problems."

"Yeah, something was a bit strange about him. I was sitting outside when he left. He didn't say anything at all. Just kept right on walking. What did you say to him?"

Johnny couldn't resist. The man was beside himself.

"You should have heard her, Sonny. I've never been so proud of anyone in my life. She let him have it up one side and down the other and the man left here with his tail between his legs. You should have seen her. You would have been so proud of her. Hot dang, we're almost out of here. Hot dang, Hot dang, Hot dang."

"Johnny, ssshhhhh... ssshhhhh... you've got to settle down. You're going to have the whole wing in an uproar."

Joy was trying to calm Johnny down, but wasn't having much luck. Especially since he was not about to take her very seriously with her laughing as hard as he was. She finally took him by the hand and started leading him toward the kitchen. She looked back at Alexis, nodded her head toward Sonny and winked at her.

The smile on Alexis' face disappeared. She knew what Joy was doing. She was leaving her alone with Sonny. Alone, with a mountain of unresolved issues between them.

Sonny took a couple of steps closer to Alexis. He was searching her eyes trying to figure out where her head was. Something about her was changed. He couldn't put his finger on it though. She seemed stronger, more settled. But, more than that... Sonny stepped closer. Even with the change in her, there was something different. Something was missing. He decided to jump in with both feet. All she could do was ask him to leave.

"I guess it's my turn now."

He stood there uncertain. Alexis let her eyes soak in the sight of him. For as long as she had known him, there was always something about him that simply drew her in. His eyes, eyes that reached out and grabbed hold of her, daring her to try and escape the simple dynamic power of him. She let her gaze fall to his jaw line. Strong; steady and sure. Just one touch. Alexis moved slowly toward him, closing the distance between them. She let his gaze pull her forward. Slowly, deliberately she raised her hand and let her fingertips slide down his cheek, then let her hand fall gently to his shoulder. Her eyes followed the trail of her hand as it drew a path across his shoulder, down his arm until she finally took his hand in hers. Once she held his hand in hers she looked back up and smiled shyly whispering.

"Maybe it's finally our turn, Sonny."

He didn't understand. Was she playing him? Earlier this afternoon she could barely look at him and tonight she was... It didn't make sense.

"Our turn? Alexis, you're going to have to help me. I don't understand."

Alexis let go of Sonny's hand and stepped away.

"I've done a lot of thinking today, Sonny. A lot of things are suddenly making sense for me. But, before you and I sit down for a long over due talk, I have to make sure that everything is where it should be in my head and that there is no anger left. Can you give me tonight? Can you wait until tomorrow? If you can, then you and I will sit down together and try to work things out."

Sonny smiled and reached for her. He took her hand in his and raised it slowly. Laying it against his heart he covered it with his own.

"That's fine, Alexis. Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting."

He raised her hand to his lips and lay a tender kiss on the inside of her wrist then turned to go.

"Sonny?"

"Alexis."

"You made your point with the chair. I'm okay now. You don't have to sit out in the hall anymore. Go to your room and get some rest. Please."

"Are you sure, Alexis?"

Sonny studied her intently not willing to leave unless he was sure she was okay and Alexis watched him study her. He was waiting for her to reassure him.

"Sonny, I'm fine. Really."

Not yet satisfied, he looked closer trying to assure himself she wasn't just telling him what he wanted to hear.

Alexis flashed back to another moment in time and smiled. "Sonny, I'm fine. You can stand down now soldier... I think I've said that to you before at one time, haven't I?"

Sonny smiled. "Yeah. But, unlike now, you weren't fine then. Okay, you've convinced me. I'll leave you to what you need to finish and I'll call you in the morning. But, just so you don't start looking for me and I'm not around... I'm going to try to sit down and talk with Kevin first thing in the morning. There's something I need to talk to him about. That ok with you?"

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I guess we both need to make sure our heads are in the right place before we do this. I'll call you when I'm done. You have any idea when you want to do this thing?"

"Wouldn't you agree the sooner the better?"

"Yeah. Well, I guess I'll go try to get some rest. Anything you need before I go?"

"No. I'm good. I think I'll have a cup of tea with Joy and Johnny then head back to my room for a little more evaluation. Do you remember asking me once if I had to 'like analyze everything'?"

Sonny smiled gently. He remembered. The memory brought him both enjoyment and heartache. If only...

"Yeah. I remember. Why?"

Alexis returned his smile shyly as a wave of warmth flowed through her at the feelings the memory evoked within her. Her smiled deepened as she recognized that Sonny was remembering the occasion just as fondly as she did.

"I'm beginning to think that analyzing a situation to death can in some circumstances prove to be more detrimental than advantageous."

Sonny chuckled and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek as he replied before turning to go, "You just might be right there, counselor."

Alexis lifted her hand and waved once as he left the room. Turning back toward the window Alexis drew a heavy breath and let it out slowly. Tomorrow. One way or another, things would be settled between them.