Chapter 9

It had been a long night; she split her time between Sonny and Johnny's. She was tired, more than she could ever recall being before. Sonny was resting easy and Johnny was still hanging on.

She was sitting with Sonny the next morning when Dr. Jones came in to ask if they were ready to join Johnny down the hall. Sonny was proving to be a most impatient patient.

"What took you so long? Let's go."

"Mr. Corinthos, My name is Dr. Tony Jones. We needed to make sure of Johnny's condition before we took the chance of disturbing him unnecessarily. I'm sure you can understand and show a little more patience, can't you?"

Alexis stood quietly turning her back to Sonny and shot a cold meaningful look toward the doctor.

"I believe you and I have already discussed your attitude toward my client. If you can't hold your tongue, then find me a doctor who can."

She heard Sonny chuckle behind her but refused to look around until she made her point with Tony Jones.

"Yes, well. Let's see if we can get the show on the road then," replied Tony with a forced smile.

As Alexis turned back around Sonny saw the look she gave the doctor and his humor quickly left him. She was exhausted and in no mood for any kidding around. She needed sleep and he was worried about her.

"Alexis, honey, you need to find a bed and grab a few hours of sleep. The doc here can take care of me and I'll see to Johnny when I get in there. Go, get some rest."

"I'm not leaving Sonny. I'm staying right here. Don't try to change my mind."

"But, Alexis..." Sonny stopped mid-sentence when she looked him in the eye. He said no more to her.

"Let's go doc."

Half an hour later Sonny was moved into Johnny's room. When all orderlies and nurses left the room he turned to Alexis...

"Alexis, help me up."

"Sonny, you need to stay in bed."

"No, Alexis, ... help me up."

She wouldn't win this one and he was going to get up whether she helped him or not. So taking great care she placed her arm around his waist and helped him over to the side of Johnny's bed.

Sonny looked down at Johnny and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, partner. You in there?"

Johnny stirred and opened his eyes slowly. He waited until his eyes focused and slightly turned his head toward Sonny. He wanted to see for himself that Sonny was okay and once he was satisfied, tried to speak.

"Le..xie." His throat was so dry it hurt to speak.

They both heard him and Alexis moved closer so he could see her.

"Johnny? I'm right here." Alexis wasn't sure if he was asking for her or if he was still looking for his little sister.

"Po...ker later?"

Alexis gently laughed. He knew where he was and he knew her. "When you get well, big brother, I'll beat your butt again. But, right now, I want you to rest. The more you rest the faster we can get that game going. And my guy here won't lie back down until you go back to sleep. Help me out, would you? Sleep."

Johnny looked into her beautiful brown eyes, winked at her and went back to sleep.

Alexis helped Sonny back to bed and decided she could afford to get a little sleep now.

"Sonny, can you watch over Johnny for awhile? I need to get a little sleep. I want to be here when he wakes again."

"Honey, go, I'll take care of him. We'll be fine until you get back."

"Call me if anything happens, ok? If he wakes up or ... anything"

"Alexis, he'll be fine. It's my turn to protect him."

Alexis leaned over him and wrapped her arms around him. He felt so good in her arms. She couldn't imagine life without him now. Her heart was his and there wasn't a thing she could do about it and frankly she didn't want to. She leaned closer and kissed him. Tears slowly ran down her cheeks.

Sonny felt every tear she shed drop onto his face and pulled her closer. They had been through a lot already and they hadn't even known each other a month yet. He wanted to pull her inside himself, make her a part of him, the very air he breathed. His search was finally over. He searched all his life to find someone who would accept him, love him, and support him. He wanted someone who was content just being with him, without wanting him to change. To love him, just as he was! He finally found her. She was finally in his arms and he would never let her go.

Alexis lifted her head and looked into his eyes and welcomed the love he was sharing with her. The only love she could remember worth having in her life was her mother's love. But, here was love, looking her in the eyes and she was drowning in it. She laid her head down on his chest careful of the bandage and lay there for a while with her arms wrapped around him. Her heart ached for this man. She knew from this day on she would awaken each day with that ache and it would comfort her as long as he was in her life.