Chapter 15

Carly kept a tight grip on Marcus' hand as they made their way out of the elevator with Adrienne, her heart beating with dread. The last time she returned to Salem- and to this hospital- after so many years of torture, she'd felt like a prisoner savouring the joy of being home at last. After five years of peace in Guam, she now felt like an alien in a new land. The familiar sterile surroundings seemed to close in on her, and she longed to turn tail and leave it all behind her, and fly back to safe Dededo where Ethan and Evangeline were waiting for her.

Before Carly knew what was happening, she was suddenly surrounded by nurses and other former colleagues, who shook her hand or hugged her, exclaiming how happy they were to see her again. Maxine enveloped her in her large arms and Carly held back tears as she hugged the motherly Head nurse back, exchanging greetings with everyone and introduced Marcus to them.

' We've really, really missed you.' Maxine said emotionally, still holding Carly's hands. 'Where've you been all this time?' she probed, one appreciative eye on Marcus before turning back to Carly. 'We heard what happened but Dr Carver then told us you weren't coming back. Did the board eventually force you to resign?'

'No... it was a personal decision.'

'And I can only imagine the reason.' Maxine said, her tone suddenly hard as she remembered Melanie and Daniel's shocking nastiness towards Carly when she was slammed with a query.

'If you don't mind Maxine, I really don't want to talk about it.' Carly said hastily. 'It's great seeing all of you again, really... but I'm here to...'

'Carly.' Daniel exclaimed, hurrying forward, unable to believe Carly was finally there. The crowd immediately dispersed, Maxine squeezing Carly's shoulder.

Daniel moved closer to hug her but Carly swiftly sidestepped him, refusing to let him touch her. 'How's Nicky? Is he awake now?'

He raised an eyebrow. 'Aren't you even going to say hello after five years at least?'

'Please drop the fake sentiment, I'm not here for a fucking reunion.' Carly snapped. 'Is my son awake or not?'

'Not just yet, he's still in critical condition.' Daniel said stiffly, finding it wiser to back off, for the moment. 'This way.'

Silently applauding her for the way she handled herself, Marcus took Carly's arm, he and Adrienne following. In ICU, Carly stared at the still form of her son on the bed, unconsciously clutching at her throat. He was in a coma but at least there was brain activity and his other vitals looked constant, according to the monitors.

'A bullet came close to his spine but we managed to get it out, we're positive he won't lose the use of his legs.' Daniel explained quietly. 'The shot in the head, no permanent damage... the bullet didn't penetrate. His chances of recovery are fairly high, Carly.'

Carly nodded. 'Thank you, I know you did all you could for him.' She moved closer to the bed and tentatively reached out to touch Nicholas' shoulder. Even in his condition, he felt like a stranger to her, mostly due to their long estrangement. But she wasn't angry and hurt right now, just sad. Maybe he'd come to Salem to look for her, but she didn't know what to expect from him when he wakes up and if there was actually anything to mend between them. As though reading her thoughts, Marcus slipped his arms around her from behind and she held on to them, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Daniel fidgeted, feeling like an outsider. The woman he shared a child with was now like a cold stranger, their past close friendship now seemed a lifetime ago. Still feeling sore at the way Carly spoke to him earlier, he realised she hasn't asked about their daughter. Any grudge Carly still held towards him, he could handle and work out with her eventually. But he hoped she held none for Melanie who waited five agonising years for a reconciliation, he needed to know Carly has at least forgiven their daughter.

'Look, why don't you go and grab something and come back later. You look tired.' He said gently.

Marcus agreed. Carly had taken nothing but coffee before they set off for the airport and only a glass of water on the plane. 'Yeah, let's go, Carly.' He said, firmly moving her out of the room, Adrienne following. Daniel followed as well, watching them silently. Carly looked like she was in a trance, leaning on Marcus Hunter who was still holding her around the waist in a possessive manner. Without amusement, Daniel wondered what Bo would make of it.

'We'll grab something from The Java,' Adrienne said, not liking the pallor on Carly's face. 'Come on.'

'Melanie's going to be so glad you're back Carly, as I am.' Daniel said, unable to stop himself, wanting to see her reaction.

What he got was an impassive expression on Carly's face but a noticeable tightening of her lips. Then to his dismay, she turned away, allowing herself be led towards the elevators.

It was now clear to Daniel. Carly was yet to forgive Melanie. And probably every single person who wronged her.

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She's here.

Bo had waited five years for this day. The only trouble was... what to say to her. What do you say to a woman you betrayed? He thought miserably, as he stared at the old picture of them he still carried in his wallet. For the first time in his life, Bo Brady was completely indecisive. What the hell was he going to tell her? How was he going to approach her?

If you want to hate me, Carly, you might as well keep hating me but it won't change the situation. Don't call me again.

He still couldn't believe he uttered those selfish, cruel words to her. He still couldn't believe he hung up on her, after refusing to hear what she had to say... that she was carrying their children. For a long time, it had haunted her how she was unable to tell Daniel about Melanie for so many years; even though she'd done it to save his life and Melanie's. He was the one who told her she did the right thing. But like the cruel bastard that he was, he robbed her of the chance of telling him she was carrying their son and daughter- the children they longed so much to have but never came- when they were together the first time around. Now Carly was back, and he was yet to decide what to say to her after what he allowed happen to her.

She had loved him. She had trusted him.

'It never entered my mind that you and Hope wouldn't be together. Or that you would take me in.'

'You needed someone; I needed someone... it kinda worked out that way.' He replied, his arm resting around Carly's shoulders, revelling being close to her.

'Well, that was the turning point for me. When Vivian got here I wanted to say to her... just do it, I'm so sick of fighting you! And then I think of you... what it was like to come home and find you there...' grinning she moved that lovely face closer, green eyes twinkling, 'and keep fighting you.'

'Well, that was Vivian's mistake, going after Melanie. It brought you two closer.'

Carly made a wry face, obviously remembering her chaotic journey with Melanie. He was glad to see how the headstrong girl now got along with Carly. But he was even gladder that his princess had the opportunity of being a mother to her daughter after the lost years. She nodded in agreement when he said so to her.

'Yes. I have you and I have Melanie.' She slipped her arms around his neck. 'Who would have thought that life could be so sweet?'

With shaking hands, Bo slipped the picture back into his wallet, tucking it back into his inner coat pocket. Indecisive or not, he knew what he wanted. First, he had to find out where she was at the moment. Pulling out his phone, he called Daniel.

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'You guys are going to stay with me while you're here. Luckily I have another spare room and I don't want to hear one word about you imposing.' Adrienne said as they sat at The Java. Between them, Carly was made to eat something, and a little colour was back on her cheeks. Once the shock of seeing Nicky looking so helpless on the hospital bed wore off, Carly was now anxious for his recovery.

Her eyes scanned the familiar coffee shop. It was more modern in decor compared to the Brady Pub, who leaned towards traditional country style and nothing much has changed, except the colour of the walls and a few more pictures. When they were still a couple Bo brought her here a few times, but mostly they had coffee and lunch at his family's Pub. Even with Caroline 's disapproval, she'd felt more at home there and Bo's protective presence more than made up for anything she had to endure. It was a different story when it was all over. But back when it was the Brady Fish Market, she'd loved that place and the people who owned it.

Who would have thought so many things would change? She thought bitterly, toying with her fork.

'More pie?' Marcus asked Carly.

'No, no more. Thanks.' Carly smiled faintly. 'If I eat another slice I probably won't be able to get up from this chair.'

Marcus and Adrienne chuckled.

'And how's my godson and goddaughter by the way?'

'They're great, Adrienne.' Carly's smile grew wider. 'They send their love.'

Adrienne grinned. 'They make me feel broody, you know. Almost wish I was a new mom again.'

'I'm so lucky to have them. And I miss them so.' Carly replied wistfully. 'When Nicky recovers, maybe he could fly back with me to recuperate and meet the twins.' She sobered, thinking of her son.

'Nicky's going to be okay, Carly.' Adrienne said, sensing what she was thinking.

'Why did he come to Salem in the first place?'

'He probably finally realised he needs you,' Marcus said gently.

'Needs me? Does that mean he knows and accepts why I did what I did?'

'You had no other choice, with everything you went through and what he was going to do to your daughter.' Marcus couldn't bring himself to mention Melanie by name. 'Maybe somehow Nicky decided to forget the past and come find you. Vivian could spread her poison all she wants, but whether she likes it or not... you are his mother.'

'If Nicky really came for that reason, then we can probably start afresh after all these years. I never thought he would come round but I hope he has, I really hope so.' Carly whispered.

Adrienne wondered if Carly was right and for her sake, she hoped so too. At least she will have her firstborn back. Melanie was a different matter. Every time Melanie came to her in tears, begging her to tell her where her mum was, Adrienne always saw Carly's own tears and near mental breakdown over Melanie and Daniel's abandonment. Carly should have gotten some emotional support from them after her very painful breakup from Bo but instead, got even more hurt, hence Adrienne 's refusal to say anything. It was up to Carly if she wanted to reconcile with her daughter, but Adrienne was definitely going to make sure that wilful girl did n't do anything to upset her.

'You want to head over to my place now, get some rest?' she asked, touching Carly's hand. 'You can go back to look in on Nicky tonight and besides, Daniel would call if there's any change. There's little you can do for him right now.'

'Adrienne's right.' Marcus agreed.

'No, I want to go back and sit with Nicky for a while. You can drop me off and I'll call a cab later.'

'No way you're going anywhere by yourself, not while I'm around.' Marcus said firmly. 'I'll go back and sit with you.'

'You won't be allowed to and besides, I'll be surrounded by people. I'll be fine. And I'm not a child.' She took the sting off her words with a small smile. 'Nothing's going to happen to me.'

Marcus knew Carly long enough to remember she really hated being treated like a damsel in distress or people making decisions for her. But his strange feelings towards her lately made him feel he had more say when it came to her wellbeing. 'It's not just that, I don't want you facing Hope or any of the Bradys by yourself.'

Carly scoffed, 'I'm not about to hide behind anyone because of Hope or her family. And I don't have any reason to explain myself to her if I do run into her. Let them all do their worst.'

Bo pulled up outside The Java, in time to see Carly walk out of the coffee shop, accompanied by Adrienne and-to his surprise- Marcus. Her hair was sun-bleached and a lot shorter; jeans tucked into brown leather boots and a camel shawl collar coat to ward off the February chill. No trace of that terrible ordeal on that lovely tanned face. Bo felt his heart fill again with painful yearning and regret as he sat watching her chatting with Adrienne.

Determinedly, he got out of the car and went up to them. He had to face her eventually. 'Princess.'

The three turned to look at him. Adrienne rolled her eyes while Marcus scowled at him. But Bo only had eyes for Carly who stared back at him, frozen. At first. Then she removed her hand from Marcus' arm and went up to him, not speaking. The green eyes that once looked at him with warmth and love were now two green chips of ice. She looked at him hard, as though trying to read his mind.

Then she slapped him soundly across the face.