Donely Penthouse, Port Charles 1:50PM
"What time did you tell Luke to get here, it's almost 2?" Sean asks Robert looking at his watch.
"Knowing him, I told him 1 o'clock so that he would get here by 1:30. Looks like I should have given him a two hour cushion." Robert replies exasperated.
"At the risk of sounding like a gossiping fish-wife, he closed the Outback last night after the party was over. I'm actually a little hung-over myself to be honest." Mac says holding his head.
"Really? That's interesting. Did Laura stay as well?" Tiffany asks.
"No. I think her and Lucky went home with Bobbi and Tony. It was just me and Luke. We spent the whole night talking about the people of Port Charles and a lot about you Robbie. I must say it was a rather enlightening conversation." Mac says laughing and looking at his brother.
"Definitely don't like the sound of that." Robert says with a concerned look.
"Neither do I." Adds Tiffany.
Anna descends the stairs and smiles at Robert as she sits next to him on the couch. "He's asleep. He should sleep for awhile." She says taking hold of his hand that rests on her thigh.
"You ok? You look a little tired." He asks quietly as the others in the room are preoccupied with their own conversation. He has noticed the fatigue on his wife's face, but knowing it's much more than that.
"I am a little tired. I didn't get much sleep last night as you recall." She whispers to him with a knowing smirk. He smiles at her knowingly.
"It will be okay Anna, this will all be over soon. I promise you." He says knowing that this is the root of her stress and fatigue. She can deny it or pretend it's not affecting her, but he knows the truth.
"I know, I'm fine Robert, really." She says rather unconvincingly but he lets it slide for now. He leans back against the couch next to her, grimacing slightly in pain he decides against it and leans forward again.
"Your back?" She asks alarmed. He nods with a slight laugh. She places her hand on his back and rubs very lightly. She was shocked at the scratches she saw on him this morning when he sat up in bed. "Sorry, I didn't realize …." She says close to his ear and blushing deeply remembering their passion the night before and how both tried desperately to mute their sounds of pleasure. Her efforts resulted in the marks she has left on him. She has a few of her own, that are not visible or as widespread. He laughs which causes her to laugh.
"Believe me I'm fine and believe me when I say it was well worth it." He leans over giving her a lingering kiss.
Luke and Laura arrived and the team proceeded to fill them in on the current situation. Frisco additionally questioned them on their history with the Cassadine and any contact they might have had in the past 10 years. Much to Robert's delight all involved in this case seem to have respect for each other as well as acceptance of each other's past. They have all been involved with one another on some level over the last decade and at times some parties were not on the same side of the fence. The only player in the room that seemed to be the most disconnected from the rest was Anna.
She had no history or experience with Luke or Laura. It doesn't seem to bother any one of the three of them in fact he is somewhat surprised how accepting they are of each other. He knows on some level Anna is a little insecure of that period in his life having been completely removed. Knowing that during this time she was raising their daughter alone, is something he will never forgive himself for, if he had only stayed and listened to her, they would have been together all these years. In fact, he thinks, he would never have known any of the people in this room except for Sean. However, if he had a choice between the two paths he would choose her and Robin without blinking.
Sean proceeds to review in detail Holly's history, her possible role in the events of the last decade and Anna's kidnapping and the evidence of her communication with Faison during this time. During this part of the briefing Luke appears positively sickened by what he is hearing. Laura appears equally disturbed as she gives sympathetic glances towards Anna.
As Frisco continues to fill them in, Sean notices with irritation that Robert and Anna are in their own little world whispering to each other, not paying attention to what is being discussed.
"So this brings us to the plan regarding Holly that we are to set in motion this week. Luke, Robert told me he filled you in on that as well." Frisco says hoping hearing his name Robert will refocus on the conversation at hand. Unfortunately it doesn't work.
"Robert, Anna. You still with us?" Sean asks with a slight edge.
"Yes of course." Anna responds as both of them notice suddenly everyone staring at them.
"Nice to know. Okay there is another reason why I asked everyone to come here today. Based on recent events, I think a more aggressive approach regarding Holly is needed."Sean states.
"What recent events?" Robert asks.
"I'll get into that in a minute but Robert I think it's necessary that you move out of your house for the time being to fully convince Holly and everyone else that your marriage is on the rocks."Sean says.
"What, why?" Anna asks.
"Because I believe and so does Frisco that if we are going to do this right, which means convincingly as to not send Holly running for the hills if she suspects she is being played, that you two being apart, far apart, is the only way." Sean says not wanting to say more as to embarrass anyone.
"Sean, that's not necessary. Convincing Holly won't be a problem." Robert states without emotion.
"Really? Well I beg to differ. So let's just leave it at that." Sean says.
"Why does he need to move out?" Anna asks.
"I think what Sean is trying to say delicately, is that you two can't seem to stop sexing on each other and there is no way if you are in a five mile radius of each other, will anyone be convinced that there is trouble in paradise." Luke says with a sarcastic smile as everyone who is drinking coffee chokes.
"Luke!" Laura says through laughter.
"Well it's the truth and everyone is this room knows it." He replies looking around and seeing everyone trying to contain their laughter except Robert and Anna who are shocked into silence.
Not knowing what to say, Robert says, "Don't be ridiculous. We can handle it. I think you are all overreacting here. Anna and I are professionals. We know what needs to be done." Robert finishes.
Anna is looking at Robert while he is talking not really hearing what he is saying. She is looking at his mouth and his hands remembering with vivid clarity where they were on her body only hours ago. Sean shakes his head in disbelief as he is watching Anna look at Robert. "She's gone again." He thinks to himself alternating between amusement and agitation.
"Yeah, like yesterday…. Or like right now?" Sean pauses hoping the silence will get someone's attention.
"Anna, Anna?" He says.
She looks at Sean "Hmm?"
Everyone in the room exchanges looks and chuckles. Sean shakes his head and smiles slightly.
"It's the only way Robert and you know it, you both do. So either we do it this way or we don't do this at all. It's up to you." Sean states regretfully noticing how Anna is completely embarrassed by the entire exchange.
"Anna, I'm sorry but I have to agree with Frisco and Sean and I think this whole thing will end a lot faster this way." Felicia says with an apologetic look on her face. Anna looks at Robert and they exchange their consent to each other without uttering a word.
"Okay, the sooner the better. Let's get this over with." Anna says while Robert grabs her hand.
"Mac, you will have to let Holly know that Robert has moved out, better yet, that Anna threw him out." Frisco says looking over at Robert who just shrugs a whatever. Frisco adds, "When you do tell her, you obviously have to appear genuinely upset for your brother and play up the fact that Robert and Anna are most likely headed for divorce." Anna cringes at hearing the word.
"What's the reason? It will have to be something pretty drastic to be convincing." Mac asks. Sean and Frisco look at each other and then Frisco continues. "Robert is in love with someone else, but you don't know who." Anna closes her eyes.
"Wait a minute, what about Robin?" Tiffany asks suddenly very concerned.
"We planned on having a conversation with Robin tonight to explain things including this plan on a very high level. We obviously now have to add a lot more, but its better her knowing everything upfront than finding out through other channels." Robert says sadly looking at Anna.
Scorpio House, Port Charles
"I think she took it rather well, don't you think." Robert asks as they are sitting on the couch.
"Yeah, I guess so. I wish like hell she didn't have to Robert. How much more are we going to ask her to have to deal with?" Anna says angrily standing. She doesn't know where to direct her anger anymore. Unfortunately, he is the only one available at the moment. She turns to him almost as if to dare him to answer her. He sighs looking down at his hands.
"I don't know. I wish I had the answers for you but I don't." He says honestly. He looks back up at her. "Maybe we should just be thankful that she is intelligent our daughter. Look Anna, this is not easy for anyone right now, but if we act like it's the end of the world, so will Robin." He says.
"I understand that Robert, you know that, but just understand I am tired of putting my daughter through this nonsense so just give me some slack here. I think I have a right to be angry." She says walking away and into the kitchen.
He sighs and puts his face in his hands. It's their last night together for the foreseeable future and it's not starting off well at all. He faintly hears clanging from the kitchen, knows she can't possibly be cooking anything and correctly assumes she is throwing a mini tantrum. He pushes the door open slightly and sees her leaning on the counter with her head hung.
"Anna." He says sadly.
"Robert, just…. just give me some space please." She says on a sigh and with a choked voice, without turning around. He does as she asks and releases the door so that it closes. Sadly, he decides he might as well pack and so he heads upstairs. He knocks on Robin's door.
"Come in." He opens her door and sees her sitting up in bed, reading a textbook. "Big history test tomorrow, right? You ready for it?" He asks sitting next to her.
"Yeah, I think so. I think I've studied all I can for it. You can only do so much." She says and he thinks wiser words were never spoken.
"I love you Robin. I thank God everyday that you are my daughter." He says as his eyes well up with unshed tears. Robin knows how hard it is for him to reveal his emotions, even to her. She can see how sad leaving them is making him and she wants to help ease his pain in any way.
"Dad, it will be okay. We'll be fine, it's not like you're leaving town right? We'll see you and we'll talk to each other every day. We'll all be together again very soon." He just stares at her and then places his hand on her face.
"You're growing up way too fast. What would I do without you?" He says. "How do you feel about everything we told you tonight?" He asks concerned.
"I'm okay with it Dad, really. I can't say I understand all of it, but you have to do this to keep us safe." He's relieved that she has accepted the abridged version of the story. They decided it was not necessary to reveal Holly's involvement in anything, just that he has to pretend to be in love with her to flush out some bad guys.
"Thank you. You're too smart for your own good." He says with a smile. "It's getting late what do you say you get some sleep for this test tomorrow, okay?" He says taking the book from her and placing it on her nightstand."
He gives her a kiss on the forehead and they hug. He gets up and heads for her doorway.
"Dad?" Robin says.
"Yeah Love." He turns.
"Wake me to say good-bye before you leave tomorrow, okay?" She says. He chokes down the huge lump in his throat.
"Definitely. Goodnight Robin." He says shutting the light and closing her door. He leans heavily on the other side of it as he struggles to rein in his emotions. He heads for William's room and opens the door as quietly as he can.
He can hear his son's breathing and he sees him sleeping heavily. The dim Winnie the Pooh nightlight casts the room in a soft yellowish glow. He savors coming in this room at night while his son is sleeping. To him it's like a sanctuary with the ethereal glow of the nightlight and the smell of baby powder and innocence. William still looks so tiny even at two months old and at times it still seems unreal to him that he has a son. He sits in the rocking chair and watches him through the bars of the crib. He sighs heavily as he begins to think about all the obstacles that have been thrown in their path to happiness as a family. When will this ever end? Anna is right he thinks. How much more will Robin have to endure because of them and their past? I can't allow this to continue, this has to be the end. I can't subject Robin and now William to bear any more pain because of our mistakes. Our children deserve to grow up with safety and security, the love of their parents, the right to innocence and happiness, every child deserves that. He stands and leans over the crib placing his hand lightly on William's head, he closes his eyes.
He is zipping up both his suitcases on the bed when she comes in. She sees the packed suitcases and closes her eyes briefly, desperately trying to stop the tears from coming. He doesn't say anything as she walks past him to her dresser, takes out her nightgown and heads into the bathroom without looking at him. She comes out twenty minutes later and sees both he and the suitcases are gone. She stands silently looking at the empty bed and trying to process the possibility that he left tonight without saying goodbye. She listens for any sounds coming from the rest of the house that might indicate he is still home. There is nothing. She becomes fearful that she pushed him away and angry that he allowed her to so easily.
She grabs her robe shrugging it on and walks out the bedroom door. She comes down the stairs and still does not see any sign of him or the suitcases. Then she hears the low murmur of voices coming from the office and sees the soft light of the desk lamp through the bottom of the closed door. She closes her eyes and sighs in relief and heads for the office door. She pauses outside the door and decides at the last second as her hand is on the knob to not face him. She asked for space and here she is hunting him down. She backs away from the door and heads back upstairs. Walking down the hallway to the bedroom she quietly opens William's door and hears his soft breathing. She goes to Robin's door and quietly opens it as the light from the hallway settles on Robin's face she opens her eyes.
"Mom?.
"Sorry Robin, did I wake you?" Anna asks.
"No, I wasn't sleeping yet. Mom, are you okay?" Robin asks hearing the slight strain in her mother's voice.
"Everything's fine Robin. Its late you should get some sleep." Anna says, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"Mom? Did you and Dad tell me the truth before?" Robin asks with some hesitation.
Anna is surprised by the question. She pauses and then walks into the room turning on the light next to Robin's bed.
"Robin, your father and I told you everything you needed to know about what is going on. The details about why and who are not important for you to know. So yes, we told you the truth." She tells her daughter.
"Is something bothering you? You can tell me. I know it was not easy to hear, but just know that your Dad will be home with us again before we know it and this will all be over. Just look at it as a local business trip." Anna says smiling at her. Robin does not return the smile which Anna notices. "What is it Robin?"
Robin hesitates and looks down before speaking again. "I don't know, when Dad was saying goodnight to me he seemed really upset and it almost seemed like he was saying goodbye for good. I don't know, It's just I'm not used to seeing him like that. It reminds me of when he left to go find you."
This time Anna is shocked into silence momentarily, not knowing what to think or say. Immediately thoughts and conclusions race through her mind as to what this could mean. Robert is such an emotionally closed person on his best day. For him to hang his feelings on his sleeve especially to their daughter knowing how perceptive she can be is completely out of character for him. He has changed somewhat over the last two years since they've been together becoming more open but that by no means indicates he is turning into Phil Donohue. He must be up to something, Anna concludes. He's planning something dangerous and as per usual has left her out of it. He's either going off on his own or this somehow involves the other frat boys. She composes herself before answering.
"Robin, your Dad is fine. He's just sad that he has to be away from us for even one night. He's going to miss us as much as we are going to miss him. That's all it is. There's nothing for you to worry about. Like we said this is just part of his job and is something he has to do. Okay, so don't worry. Everything is fine, I promise you." Anna says and this time does get a smile back.
"Okay, just make sure he says goodbye before he leaves tomorrow, he promised he would." Robin says lying back down on her pillow. Anna chokes back the tears that instantly come to the surface. "He will. Goodnight Robin." Anna says shutting the light. "Goodnight Mom."