Chapter Nineteen: Happier With You

Carly came back home with Michael. He was happy to see her after she was away for so long. Leticia took him for his bath. As she was starting dinner, she had decided to ask Bobbie to teach her how to cook. As she was setting the table the doorbell rang. She thought it might be Sonny but it was Jason.

Carly: Hey you.

Jason: Hi. I don't have a lot of time.

Carly: Who's the other guy?

Jason: Carly this is Ric Lansing, Sonny's new lawyer.

Carly: Nice to meet you.

Ric: Nice to meet you as well Ms. Corinthos. I just wanted to meet you and let you know that if you need my services I have been instructed to help out.

Carly: Thank You. Ric could I have a minute with Jason?

Ric: I'll be in the car.

(Ric goes to the car and Carly looks at Jason seriously.)

Carly: Can he be trusted?

Jason: I was skeptical at first but I have checked him out in everyway I know how to. He's on the level.

Carly: Where did he come from?

Jason: Benny found him in LA. He was a lawyer for a couple families out there.

Carly: Ok, so why the rush?

Jason: Plane to catch.

Carly: You're leaving? Why?

Jason: It's Business. I'll only be gone for a little while. I just wanted to say goodbye this time.

Carly: I need you right now.

Jason: You need to go to Sonny, talk to him. Don't throw away what you could have over one night. He loves you.

Carly: I know he loves me. Jason, is he really capable of forgiveness?

Jason: I think he is.

Carly: We'll see. You promise you'll be back?

Jason: I promise. I have to go before I miss my plane. Bye Carly.

Carly: Bye Jason.

(They hug. After he left Carly finished and had dinner with Michael. They watched a movie together and then took him to bed. After she was sure he was asleep she went downstairs and sat on the steps outside looking at the stars. She was sad that Jason was leaving again but she thought about what he said she did need Sonny. After her shift at the hospital Bobbie went to go visit Sonny.)

Sonny: Hello Bobbie.

Bobbie: Sonny, how are you?

Sonny: I'm ok. I take it you heard what happened the night of the accident.

Bobbie: I did. I'm just surprised she left and didn't yell and scream. I'm not here to place blame or yell. I came to tell you that she's back in town and staying with me at the brownstone while the cottage is redone.

Sonny: When did she get back?

Bobbie: Yesterday, she doesn't say it but she misses you. I can see it. Go to her, talk it out.

Sonny: I never thought you would come here wanting me to be with Carly.

Bobbie: Things change; I just want her to be happy. Even if it means being in some danger.

(They talk for a few more minutes then Bobbie leaves. Sonny sits and thinks. He decides to give Carly one more day then he'll go for her. Later that night Sonny and Carly both sat in there separate homes. They begin to think about old times as the same song played on each of their radios.)

Lyrics: Love I get so lost, sometimes
Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
When I want to run away
I drive off in my car
But whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

(Carly thought about their first marriage. Things were so rocky. She thought about how happy she was when Sonny told her he wanted her to be his wife.)

Flashback: Sonny wants Carly front and center in his life

Sonny: If I were making the call, you would stay where you belong -- right here with me.

Carly: You're saying that I belong here with you now? A couple of days ago, you were pushing me for an annulment.

Sonny: Because I wanted you to be happy. I thought you wanted out, that, you know, the only reason you agreed to marry me was because you felt guilty and obligated and Jason wanted --

Carly: Jason what?

Sonny: I heard you with him the day we got married. You walked out, I went up to see about you, and I heard what you said to him -- that you were going to marry me but you were going to do it for him.

Carly: It wasn't how it sounded.

Sonny: Well, it doesn't matter now because I'm -- I'm asking you to stay if that's what you want.

Carly: It's not that simple, Sonny. I'm sorry.

Sonny: Why does it have to be so complicated?

Carly: Why? Because I'm human. I'm a real, live person, and I have needs. I need to be a clear choice that you make.

Sonny: Uh-huh.

Carly: I need to know that you want me. Not in -- not just in bed. Front and center in your life. Not because of Michael, not because you promised Jason, and not because of some legal loophole, but because of myself. You understand? I need you to look me in the face and say that you want me for myself. Can you do that?

Sonny: I thought you knew. I chose you, I mean, you know, the moment I decided to marry you.

Carly: You married me because charges were pending.

Sonny: Well, that -- that was the excuse, not the reason. All right, you know, you might as well get used to something. I know you want to hear a bunch of words all the time telling you how I feel, why, and I'm not good at that. But I'll try to be better because I know that -- because you seem to need it so much, all right? I'm going to try right now. I don't know how -- I don't know how it happened or when, but I want you front and center in my life. I need you, ok? And -- it's not easy for me to do this. I need you -- you with all your crazy things, you know, and how happy you make me. I want you to keep being my wife.

Carly: I can't believe you said that.

Sonny: Did I do ok?

Carly: Yeah, you did great.

Sonny: All right.

Carly: I want that, too,

Carly: I want to -- I want to -- I want to be your wife more than anything.

Sonny: Come here.

Sonny: Ah, boy.

Sonny: You still interested in going upstairs?

Carly: Only if you go with me.

(Sonny thought about when he was the happiest. It was when he was with her. He thought about the day they were in the park together.)

Lyrics: All my instincts, they return
And the grand facade, so soon will burn
Without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

Flashback: Family outing

Sonny: All I'm saying is you think Michael's school, you know, would want us nearby just in case something happened.

Carly: Give me a push.

Sonny: What?

Carly: Give me a push.

Sonny: That's for kids.

Carly: So what? Come on.

Sonny: All right.

Carly: Hurry. Push me.

Sonny: Hold on. Whoo!

Carly: Yeah!

Sonny: Hee-hee!

Carly: Look, mom, no hands.

Sonny: Yeah, no hands -- last person who did that, my buddy Angelo, had him so high, right? The thing swung back, hit a passing nun, Sister Eugenia, right in the head - bang!

Carly: Are you kidding?

Sonny: Yeah.

Carly: Did he run?

Sonny: No, she got a hold of us and -

Carly: Oh, I guess she wasn't hurt that bad, then, huh?

Sonny: Sister Eugenia doled out a penance, right?

Carly: What happened to you guys?

Sonny: Well, we had to do early mass for the next year.

Carly: You were an altar boy?

Sonny: Yeah, you'd be surprised at the things that I've done.

Carly: Uh-huh. I was in trouble all the time when I was in school.

Sonny: Oh, yeah?

Carly: Yeah.

Sonny: That's hard to believe.

Carly: Shut up. When I was in fourth grade once -

Sonny: Yeah?

Carly: I went fishing for a free candy bar, right? So I stuck my hand up inside of this vending machine in the school gym.

Lyrics: In your eyes
The light the heat
In your eyes
I am complete
In your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
In your eyes

(Carly thought about how good things were going. Sonny was so sweet to her and a loving father to Michael.)

Flashback: Sonny brings Carly flowers

Sonny: I come bearing gifts.

Carly: How sweet. You've never brought me flowers before.

Sonny: Yeah, well, you know, -we've only been married a couple months and I thought, you know, there's going to be lot of first times.

Carly: Wow. Any special occasion?

Sonny: Yeah, it's an apology for jumping down your throat, you know, because you brought up Mike. And -- you know, I know you were looking out for me.

Carly: That's not as romantic as I was hoping for.

Sonny: Oh, flowers aren't romantic?

Carly: No, I just mean you bought them out of guilt, but I'll take what I can get.

Sonny: Well, if you don't like them

Carly: I didn't say that.

Sonny: No, because I can give them to Johnny, you know, his mother's

Carly: They're beautiful. They're gorgeous. They're mine. You have great taste.

Sonny: Ok, then.

Carly: But I'm not putting them in one of your ugly black funeral vases.

Sonny: It's art deco. What are you talking about?

Carly: It's ugly and it's depressing.

Sonny: Alright. Pick any vase you like.

Carly: You see how good we're getting at this whole communication thing?

Sonny: Oh, yeah.

Carly: Let me tell you -- now that you've given me such a beautiful gift, I'd like to do the same thing for you

Sonny: That's not necessary.

Carly: Ok. how about if I just listen.

Sonny: Listen?

Carly: Mm-hmm.

Sonny: To what?

Carly: Well, you said that you bought me these flowers because you were thinking about our conversation the other day.

Sonny: Yeah --

Lyrics: The resolution of all the fruitless searches
In your eyes
I see the light and the heat
In your eyes
Oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
The heat I see in your eyes

(After Carly was attacked by Sorel's men Sonny was so worried about her. He wanted to keep her close so he would never lose her.)

Flashback: After Carly's attack

Carly: Ah. Oh, boy. Sonny?

Sonny: What are you doing?

Carly: I'm getting up.

Sonny: No, no, you're staying put.

Carly: No, I'm not. I'm just sore, that's all. It's no big deal.

Sonny: Look, Carly, you didn't just trip on a curb. A couple thugs roughed you up. What are you doing?

Carly: What am I supposed to be doing? You want me to lay here and stare at the ceiling while you're downstairs cooking and you ignore me?

Sonny: You like sleeping in.

Carly: Not today. Oh, man!

Sonny: Would you stop moving around?

Carly: I'll just shuffle along, like an inch per minute.

Sonny: No, no, you're going to stay right there and you're going to let me take care of you.

Carly: I have a little problem with that.

Carly: Look, this is our first Thanksgiving as a family. I don't want to spend it in bed.

Sonny: It's two hours till we eat. Humor me and take it easy.

Carly: I want a hot shower. I just -- I just need to stretch a little bit.

Sonny: Now will you listen to me, or are you going to just keep -- "ouch"?

Carly: I have to move around. Sonny, we're supposed to be at Bobbie's, like, now.

Sonny: I thought we weren't going.

Carly: She pushed me, you know. I pushed her back.

Sonny: Oh, you thought that if you said you weren't going, she would uninvite a few guests.

Carly: Something like that, yes. But it didn't work, and Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving, so I think we should go.

Sonny: You're sore. Bobbie's going to notice.

Carly: I'll tell her I tripped over one of Michael's toys.

Sonny: What about when she hugs you and you cringe?

Carly: I don't know. Ow. What do you think we should do?

Sonny: It's up to you.

Carly: What do you want to do?

Sonny: I want to sit across the table and be thankful for my beautiful wife.

Carly: A table for two or a table for 20?

Sonny: Doesn't matter as long as you're with me. You could have ended up in a hospital last night. I don't -- I don't want that to happen, you know, ever.

Carly: Think I'll be safe at Bobbie's?

Sonny: I'm serious. I need you.

Carly: Then we're even.

Sonny: I won't touch you.

Carly: You better not. My lips hurt.

Lyrics: Love, I don't like to see so much pain
So much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

(Carly thought about the shooting and how afraid she was that she would lose the love of her life. She was so happy when he recovered. When Sonny told her he loved her it lifted her heart. What she wasn't expecting was for Sonny to want to remarry her.)

Flashback: Sonny's marriage proposal

Carly: This is the sweetest gesture anyone's ever made to me.

Sonny: What gesture? I always wanted to remarry you. I've always known that you deserve more than that justice of the peace.

Carly: Well, it's not like we had a whole lot of time to plan the first one since you were facing a prison term because of me.

Sonny: Well, that was my excuse. The truth is I - I couldn't see my life without you in it.

Carly: Ha, I was afraid to marry you because I didn't - I didn't realize that you could love me the way that I love you. It's pretty screwed up, huh?

Sonny: Well, I guess we're meant to be, you know? We're going to spend the rest of our lives screwed up together.

Carly: Yeah. Yeah. I'm all for that. That works for me.

Lyrics: And all my instincts, they return
And the grand facade, so soon will burn
Without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

(Things went from bad to worse, after Carly betrayed him he left and was stabbed, all the time they lost, because of everything that happened with Sorel and Angel, then that Stavros guy trying to wiggle his way into Carly's life.)

Flashback: Sonny walks in on Stavros and Sonny in the arcade.

Sonny: How you doing, Michael? Did you win anything?

Michael: Yeah. You want to play?

Sonny: Not today. I'm going to take you and your mama home.

Michael: To live with you?

Sonny: We'll see. Come on, buddy.

Carly: Hey, hey, hey -- hang on there, Michael.

Stavros: If this is what you want, don't worry about me. But if it's not --

Carly: You know, I don't think that Michael and I are ready to go home.

Sonny: Yeah, the woman's my wife.

Carly: When it's convenient. Why are you playing the jealous husband routine? I didn't do anything wrong.

Sonny: I didn't say you did. I'm not here because I'm angry. I'm here because I want to see you and Michael. Can we do that? Can we save the rest of the discussion for later?

Stavros: I should go. Thank you very much for helping me so much with my son.

Carly: I meant everything that I said. Never give up on someone you love, no matter how rough and uneven the road gets.

Stavros: I'll take that to heart. Hopefully I'll be able to change his mind about me. Michael, I had a lot of fun today. Thank you for allowing me to come along.

Stavros: Thank you, again.

Carly: Thanks. Bye.

Sonny: Ok. Hey. Come here, buddy. Guess what. Want some ice cream?

Michael: Yeah!

Sonny: Yeah. All right. Leticia -- she should -- hey, hey.

Leticia: Hi. Hey, Michael.

Sonny: He wants -- he's in the mood for ice cream. Can you tell max to drive the two of you to Dawson's, ok? Get him a double scoop or a milkshake, whatever he decides. You and max get whatever you want. Get me a soda. What would you like?

Carly: Nothing.

Sonny: Ok. Can you get Carly a chocolate sundae? All right? Because if not, she'll go ahead and steal bites from ours. What do you think about that, huh, Michael?

Michael: Yeah.

Sonny: Right?

Michael: Right.

Sonny: Ok, you're going to pay, right? Because you're a big boy. Here you go. You just make sure Leticia, you know, helps you out with the change, ok?

Michael: Ok.

Sonny: And then when you get back with your ice cream, your mommy and I will be ready to go. Ok?

Michael: Ok.

Sonny: Ok.

Leticia: All right. Let's go find out what kind of ice cream max wants. Bye.

Sonny: Bye.

Carly: Ok, what was that? Are you trying to stake your claim or something? Lucien Cain he happens to be a business associate who is going through a rough time with his family and you dismiss him like he's nothing.

Lyrics: In your eyes
The light the heat
In your eyes
I am complete
In your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
In your eyes

(Sonny always surprised her. He wanted to adopt Michael, but he always tried to save her, when she wanted to go into business with Jax. She was able to stand up for herself. She was so happy when Sonny said he respected her.)

Flashback: Sonny tells Carly his respect for her grows everyday

Carly: Look, I trust you, Sonny. I know who you are. Okay, I - that's why I want you to be Michael's father. I couldn't hope for a better father for him. And Michael - he deserves to grow up happy and be loved, and I know that you will give him that. I wouldn't have signed those papers if I had any doubt about what kind of father you are.

Sonny: Thanks.

Carly: Thank you for loving Michael so much. (Doorbell rings)

Sonny: It's late. Are you expecting someone?

Carly: No. Hi.

Jax: Hi. I didn't realize you had company.

Jax: Is this bad timing?

Sonny: No, no, actually, you're right on time. First you get in my face at the Quartermaines', and now you follow me here.

Jax: I don't know if you're paranoid or just unbelievably narcissistic, but your comings and goings don't remotely interest me. And we need a couple of hours, either now or tomorrow morning at five.

Carly: About what?

Jax: We have a meeting at eight that we need to prep.

Sonny: Well, prep this, mate: you can get in my face at the Quartermaines' and vote me out of ELQ if it makes you feel important. But you mess with Carly, you wreck her dreams, squash her spirits, spoil her day, and I will promise you - are you listening? - I will grind you into dust.

Jax: Do you have any idea how twisted you are? You're not protecting Carly; you're trying to control her. You want to keep her dependent on you just like you've done with every

Carly: Okay, you know what? This conversation - it stops right now. All right, this is my house. I have something to say, so the two of you, you're going to shut up and you're going to listen.

Carly: You don't like Sonny. Okay, I get that, but Sonny is my son's father, and we are making that legal, so he is -

Jax: You're kidding.

Carly: A fixture in my life, like it or not. Okay, you don't want to see him? Don't come by. Okay, we can meet at the office. But I will tell you, if you make any plans to hurt Sonny, don't let me find out about it because I will get in your way. Don't say anything negative about him in front of me. Okay, you know what? Better yet, just don't bring up his name. You're business, Jax. Sonny is personal, and business and personal, they just don't mix - for either of you. Okay, I know that you hate that I am a partner with Jax, but get over it, okay? I am not working with him to annoy you. It's not personal, Sonny, its business. How many times have you said that to me? I didn't quite get it before, but I do now, okay? So stay out of my business, all right? Look, I know that you're trying to protect me, and I think it's very, very much who you are. But I don't need to be looked after, okay? I'm doing okay, and I need to know that I'm doing it by myself. So when you run into Jax - which you will - just don't say anything, all right? I know how you feel, and I will respect it, but I need you to respect me, too.

Sonny: My respect grows for you every day.

Lyrics: The resolution of all the fruitless searches
In your eyes
I see the light and the heat
In your eyes
Oh, I want to be that complete

(Sonny was so proud of her when she opened her club. She was so beautiful the night of the opening. He wanted to be with her so bad that night but he didn't think she wanted that anymore.)

Flashback: Club 101 opening

Carly: Welcome to club 101.

Sonny: Thanks for the invitation.

Carly: I was beginning to think that you might not show.

Sonny: I owe you this. I mean, you know, you -- you did it, Carly. You -- you made your dream come true. And I wish I would've been there to help you out, but I understand you needed to do it alone, and congratulations.

Carly: Thanks. So, what do you think of the place?

Sonny: Didn't I just say --

Carly: No, not really. Tell me -- tell me more.

Sonny: Well, I like the place. It's got style, attitude. It's not quite as in-your-face as I thought.

Carly: Oh, well, you know, not everybody appreciates that.

Sonny: Yeah. Well, sometimes you -- you get used to it, you know? You start to like it.

Carly: Unless it drives you crazy.

Sonny: Yes. Well, crazy can be good, you know? Look what people thought of you when you thought up this place. Now look at it and --

Carly: Yeah.

Sonny: Look at you.

Carly: I'm pretty proud of myself.

Sonny: I'm proud of you, too. You did a good job, Caroline.

Carly: Well, thank you, Mr. Corinthos. Oh.

(Man bumps into Carly and she falls into Sonny's arms)

Man: Whoa. Sorry.

Carly: It's all right.

Sonny: All right?

Carly: Yes.

Sonny: I got you.

Carly: Well, thanks.

Sonny: All right.

Carly: You know, a crowded dance floor is a pretty good sign, isn't it?

Sonny: Yeah.

Carly: So, did you come alone? I thought I saw Alexis here.

Sonny: Yeah, yeah, I came with Alexis. She's -- I don't know. I guess she's with Kristina somewhere, I guess.

Carly: Ok, cool. You yoow what? I got you a table --

Sonny: Yeah?

Carly: Table for two in the corner, and everything's on the house.

Sonny: You didn't have to do that.

Carly: Oh, yes, I did.

Sonny: Come on.

Carly: Yes, I did. It's my club, my rules, and I want you to have a good time, all right? But you're going to have to excuse me because I have to work the room.

Sonny: It's a hell of a room. You did a hell of a job. Have fun.

Carly: You, too.

Lyrics: I want to touch the light,
The heat I see in your eyes
In your eyes in your eyes
In your eyes in your eyes
In your eyes in your eyes

(They both thought about the accident and afterwards. They were so close to getting back what they had. Sonny even forgave her and wanted her back.)

Taken from Story

Flashback: Night Carly remembered everything.

Carly: I just want you to hear me with no interruptions.

Sonny: Ok.

Carly: I remember most of our life together. I remember up to December of last year. I love you so much. With the good memories I also remembered the bad ones. I betrayed you and I knew how you felt about betrayal. I was afraid and you wouldn't let me in. I know what I did was wrong. You said you forgave me. What I need to know is when you look at me do you see me or do you see the betrayal. Can you unconditionally forgive?

Sonny: Carly, when I found out it was your car that went over the cliff. I was horrified. I thought about the life we could never have because I wouldn't forgive you. The truth is I forgave you a long time ago. I just couldn't say it. When I look at you I see the strongest women I know. You fought for us when I gave up. When I look at you I see the love of my life and the women I want to be with for the rest of my life.

(Carly had tears in her eyes that dripping down her face.)

Carly: Can you trust me? I don't expect free reign to do stupid things. I can't live if you shut me out again.

Sonny: I can't let you in my business completely for your safety. I do trust you and I will never shut you out again.

(The song ended and Carly still sat thinking. She finally decided to go to Sonny and talk things out. She told Leticia that she was going out for a while and then she called the cab. When she got to the penthouse she almost turned around to leave. She decided this was where she needed to be. Sonny was snapped out of his thoughts by the knock on the door. He wondered who it could be at this hour. He was surprised and happy to see that it was Carly.)