Walking Wounded
Chapter Five
Her eyes swept nervously through the darkened room, her tiny hands tightening on the pink and purple comforter. She sniffed, her fingers rubbing against watery eyes. She had been crying all day. Ever since Richie had left. She turned to her side, facing the nightstand that held her favorite picture. It was one that Susanna had taken of her and Richie.
She missed Susanna almost as much as she missed Zoe. She hadn't even gotten to say goodbye to them. Richie had told her people who died never meant to leave. They couldn't control it. She was still mad though. He hadn't understood why and she couldn't tell him. He had told her that she was okay and had hugged her, kissing the top of her head softly. He always did that.
Now, Richie was gone and she was alone.
With him.
She sniffed again, fat teas rolling down her chubby cheeks. Muffled footsteps echoed outside her door and she froze, her eyes wide as they fell on the door.
The knob turned and she heard the soft tick of the door opening.
"Cassandra."
His voice was low, quiet like it always was when he talked to her. She shivered under her covers, scrunching her eyes shut, hoping it made him go away. It usually worked.
But she knew things were different now.
She was alone.
Her bed dipped from his weight as he sat, his hands rubbing against her face. Her lower lip began to tremble but her eyes remained closed.
Please. Please God. Please make him go away.
"I know you're awake, little one." His fingers wiped away her tears, and he leaned in, the sickly sweet scent of his breath on her face. "It's okay. Daddy's here."
She whimpered, shaking her head, digging her hands into the material under her fingers. "No. Stop." She fought this hands as they made their way up her small legs...
Kicking her feet, she drew hands into fists and swinging began to hit him, screaming at the top of her lungs. "Stop! No! NO!" He laughed as her weak blows fell on his shoulders.
"I'll tell Richie the truth. I'll tell him what you did! I'll tell him what you did to Susanna!"
He stilled and even in Cassandra's young seven year old mind, she realized that was a bad sign. The slap fell across her face, knocking her back against the bed, making stars appear behind closed lids, and bile rise in her throat. Another one followed and another and another until she was curled on her side in a small ball.
He came up behind her, and probed against her and she cried out into the silent night.
"You little whore. You're going to pay."
Cassie bolted upright, yelping out as she woke from her memories. Her chest ached from unshed tears and silent screams. She shivered, agony and distress warring inside her heart. She panted, wild unfocused eyes scanning around her, falling on the wafting curtains of the open French doors.
She frowned, her mind racing with a thousand possibilities as she studied her surroundings. The nightmare had begun to fade, leaving only remnants of pain, and she pushed them away along with the images that had plagued her only moments before. She had to concentrate on the now.
She remembered the docks...seeing Cate being dragged away by force...
There had been a struggle, and she thought it was all over. Then she'd seen him...
He'd saved her.
Her legs swung over the edge of the bed, feet falling on the plush carpeting, and she glanced down wondering where the hell her boots had gone to. The ache in her face and ribs assuring her that she hadn't been out for very long. She felt both tenderly, cringing at the sharp pain in her side. Sighing, she ran hands through her dark hair, glancing once more over the room, soaking in the details.
It felt familiar with its pale peach tones on the walls and carpet, the deeper peach silk bedding and large four-poster bed. Overstuffed chairs in red accented the corners of the room, brown chenille blankets thrown over their backs.
Cassie shut her eyes, the world tilting for a moment, and she reached for the nearest solid surface. Her hands felt the cold marble of the fireplace mantle, and leaning forward, she pressed her throbbing head on its coolness. She took deep breaths, exhaling slowly until she was certain the dizziness had passed. One hand rubbed on her forehead, and she opened her eyes, catching a glint of light at her side. Her gaze touched on it, and she stared directly at a pair of faces she knew well.
Cari...
...and Sonny.
"Fuck."
She suddenly realized where she was, and slapping her hand on her head, it dropped heavily on the surface of the mantle. "Good going Cassie. Fucking brilliant move." She shook her head, not raising it from its position. "How exactly are you supposed to explain this one to her?"
Her hands threaded through the soapy water slowly, and she took a deep breath. She rolled her head, trying to work away the kinks in her neck. Sighing, she eased her body into the tub. relaxing into the hot water.
Hell was working a double shift in ER. She was convinced of that. She cursed daily whatever or whoever it was that had possessed her to become a doctor, and at the same time she was grateful.
She had spent years trying to fix everything and everyone. Her brother, Michael, Cate, Jason, her father...Zander. It felt good to make a difference somewhere. It would never make up for her failure with her family or for the loss they all shared.
But at least there she felt useful. Like she knew where she belonged.
God knew she had no clarity in her personal life.
Her thoughts drifted to Zander, and she closed her eyes, recalling the last time they had been together. His hands on her skin...lips against her face...her mouth...
"Courtney!"
Her eyes popped opened at the sound of his muffled voice, and she glanced around the room. Rapid, persistent pounding echoed through her apartment, and she heard him once more.
"Matthews, open the fucking door or I'll break it in."
"Shit." She muttered, balancing her hands on the sides of the tub, and standing to her feet. She grabbed her robe, throwing it over her dripping form, almost slipping on the floor in her race across the loft to the door.
"I mean it Courtney!"
She jerked open the door mid-knock, and glared at Zander. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Do you realize I live here? I can't have my neighbors complaining about me."
Zander brushed past her, keeping his anger under control. He was here to talk. If that didn't work he'd kiss her until she admitted she was wrong. Either that or he'd throttle her into submission. Jury was still out.
His mind registered the slight changes in the woman before him. Her face was thinner than before he'd left, her eyes sadder, and he felt a deep pang at that. She was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.
He turned away for a moment glancing around the room. New pictures of the kids on her table, the chair she'd been eyeing sitting in the corner...
Courtney ignored the instant response from her traitorous body, that stirring of hungry that hummed inside her at his presence, chipping at the resolve she'd built. Her eyes drank him in, and allowing the luxury for a moment, she took note of the changes in his face. He seemed tired, older...his hair longer than normal fell across his forehead.
Zander turned, catching her expression, one he knew well, and watched as it disappeared, replaced by a mask of indifference Sonny would have been proud of. The fury he'd been suppressing bubbled over, and he invaded her space, his finger stabbing at the air."What the hell are you talking about? You can't see me anymore? We can't be friends? What kind of game is this?"
She stared coldly into his eyes, her jaw clenching she spoke through gritted teeth. "I suggest you get that finger out of my face before I bite it off and feed it to you." She shoved him aside, and turned toward her bedroom, needing to get to some clothes. She felt too vulnerable near him in her state. He followed close at her heels, and sighing, she rolled her eyes, facing him.
"What?"
"I want you to talk to me Courtney! You don't call off what we had on the basis on one damn night!"
"What we had?" She laughed bitterly, her head leaning to the side, her eyes meeting his. "What we had was a joke. You never wanted more from me than someone to listen to your pain."
"That's complete bullshit and you know it."
She did, but she wanted him gone. " Maybe for you."
Zander stared at her intently. "You know we're more than a convinance. I don't want to end this, whatever it is."
"Well I do. Read my lips Zander. I. Don't. Want. You. Around." She raised her eyebrow, adjusting her robe, and then pointing in the direction of the door. "You know where the exit is."
"I'm not going anywhere until we talk."
"Don't make me get the gun."
"You're bluffing."
"Try me."
He watched her eyes, closed off to him now, and he grew angrier. "You better go find it then cause I ain't leaving until we fix this."
Courtney growled at him. "Get the hint, Smith. Fuck off."
Zander flinched inwardly at her harshness, but returned her angry glare with his own. "Nice mouth you got there, Prom Queen. We should put it to better use." He caught her by the waist, tugging her body toward his, cutting off her protests the only way he knew.
Courtney fought him as his mouth swooped down on hers, licking, scraping, tasting...
Her furious blows fell on his body as she pounded against him, his mouth plundering her in response. He pulled away, and she halted her fight, her eyes meeting his. Her body reacted to his closeness, and her hands flexed on his shoulders, grasping his shirt in her grip. "I hate you."
He dipped into her mouth, gnawing softly on her lips, glancing at her as he spoke. "No you don't."
Courtney felt her back hit the wall, and she groaned when his mouth teased hers. Their breaths mingled, hands roaming over warm skin, lips and teeth nibbling anywhere they could reach.
"Tell me you don't want me and I'll leave."
She tried to form the words but they disappeared as he tugged open her robe, hands trailing down her chest, tracing the underside of each breast lovingly. His fingers found her pert nipples, rubbing with gentle pressure, Her head fell back, and her hands pulled at his shirt, finding the hot skin underneath. His mouth found the sensitive skin on her neck, and she shivered, warmth pooling between her legs. She shifted to bring him closer to her.
Zander moaned at the contact, and held back as she gyrated against him with slow precision. He pulled back, meeting her heavy lidded gaze, and seeing what he needed to, brought their joined hands over her head.
Her robe fell off, pooling at her feet, the cool air hitting her throbbing skin, and she whimpered in her need.
"Zander..."
"I know baby." His hands loosened their grip, and he kissed her once, twice, relishing her taste in his mouth. She opened to him, each touch heightening her pleasure, breaking away at the walls she'd made to hide her love.
"Now. Please."
He let her go, and smiled when her hands trailed to the edge of his jeans. She was impatient and nervous, and he covered them with his, halting her progress. She glanced up, and smiled shyly, and his heart skipped. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to feel for her like he did. To want what he couldn't have. He would only hurt her...
He cupped her face, and rested his head on hers. "Damn."
He hadn't wanted anything this much in his entire life.
"Don't. Please. Don't think about it. Don't regret it like before."
His eyes flew open, and he pulled away. "Regret it? I never-" The shrill sound of the phone cut through the air, and he sent it a deadly glare. He was starting to understand what had happened. He faced her, pleading silently to ignore it.
He watched her bite her lip, torn between her duty and her desire. She touched his face, kissing him once. "I have to get it." Quickly, she bent, grabbing her robe, slipping it on as she rushed to the phone, lifting the receiver to her ear as she tied it firmly.
"Hello?"
"It's me. I need your help."
Stefan Cassadine considered Nikolas and Gia over the rim of his cup. His eyes followed one and then the other. They seemed oblivious to the looks exchanged across the length of the table as they ate their meal. It was sickening in its sweetness, even if he was secretly glad for it. He made a derisive sound as Gia handed his nephew the sugar before he asked for it.
Their hands collided on the bowl, both flinching, hands immediately disappearing under the table. One would think the damn bowl was hotter than the flames of Hades. Looking away at the floor and ceiling, respectively, they ignored their reactions.
Stefan shook his head at them, and coughed to hide the laugh that escaped. Their blindness amused and annoyed him to no end.
Gia glanced at him. "Are you okay, Stefan?"
"Perfectly fine. Why do you ask?"
"Well that's like, what the fifth time you've either sighed or coughed since dinner began? Are you feeling sick?"
Stefan waved away the worried looks he received from both Nikolas and Gia. "I am quite well. I just seem to have an itch in my throat today that will not go away."
"Perhaps Gia is right, Uncle. You might be catching a virus."
Mrs. Landsbury had entered, carrying with her a tray, which she set on the table. Overhearing the last statement, she frowned, staring at Stefan. "Did I hear you're unwell, sir?"
"Unless denseness is contagious I believe I'll shall be just fine, Mrs. Landsbury." He patted her hand, and pointedly looked at the other two.
Mrs. Landsbury smiled, and nodded. "Yes. Although stubbornness is also running rampant."
"That is quite true." He saluted her as she departed, bringing his cup to his mouth as he hid his smile from Gia who was staring, the appropriate word would be glaring actually, at him.
"I always feel like I'm missing something with you, Stefan."
Gia's cell phone rang out interrupting the moment before Stefan could respond. She reached for it, sighing as she looked at the Caller ID, and then with a genuine smile, spoke into it. "Don't you think a two hour reminder is a bit much?" Her smile faded, her body stiffening as she listened.
Stefan glanced at his nephew, noticing the rapt attention he now gave his wife. He knew her, and could tell that something dire must have occurred. Shaking his head, Stefan hoped that Nikolas would not overreact. He understood his nephew's concern regarding Gia's involvement with Corinthos, though he did not fully agree.
Gia spoke in clipped words, comprehending Nikolas' glare. She hated that he saw her job working for Sonny as a threat. "I'll be right there." Closing her phone, she rose and addressed them. "I'm sorry. It's business."
Nikolas sighed, his tone aggravated, a sharp edge evident in his voice as he spoke. "Let me guess. Corinthos? Wait, no. Morgan. You never run this fast for Sonny."
"As a matter of fact it was Michael. He needs help so I'm sorry but I have to go."
"Of course."
Gia bristled as her patience waned. "You knew the deal when we married Nik. I have a career and friends that I love. I'm not willing to give them up. Just like your not willing to give up your obsession with your dead ex-girlfriend." The words fell from her mouth out of their own volition.
Stefan shut his eyes at the barb, acutely sensing both Nikolas's pain and Gia's regret. His nephew stood, his napkin falling on the table softly. "Excuse me."
"Nikolas...I'm...damnit!" Gia swallowed down her tears, rubbing her head with trembling fingers. She remained standing, breathing deeply, attempting to reign in her emotions. She felt Stefan's hand on her shoulder, and glanced back. He kissed her head sweetly. "Give him time, Princess."
Gia shook her head. "I have Steffie. I just don't know how much more of this I can take." She looked back at her closest ally, at the only other person who loved Nikolas as much as she did. "I love him so much it hurts."
Stefan hugged her from behind, holding her for a few moments before releasing her, and stepping away. "You should go. Corinthos is waiting."
Kissing his cheek quickly, she walked silently from the room, closing the door softly behind her. Stefan counted the minutes, waiting for Nikolas to return, knowing he wouldn't. After a sufficient amount of time had passed, he went in search of his nephew. He found him, exactly where he thought he would, in the south parlor, staring at a picture of his and Gia's wedding. Hearing footsteps, Nikolas placed the frame back on the table, and turned to meet his uncle's gaze. "I don't know what to do anymore."
Stefan nodded. "I can see that." He stood next to Nikolas, looking up at the painting of the Cassadine home on the isle of Greece. "When I was a boy, we owned an island far removed from the hustle of Athens, somewhere in the Caribbean. It was lush with fruits and flowers, the land full of colors I've yet to see replicated. Our home sat on the highest hill overlooking so much beauty it would leave me breathless even as a child. It was called Isla del Sol...Island of the Sun." He paused, remembering the peace he'd found there. "Later we built a home on an island closer to Greece at Helena's request and that island was left vacant. We never returned."
Nikolas stared at his uncle, unsure what the story was supposed to tell him. Stefan glanced at him before speaking. "But I could never let it go. No matter that I had acquired a more beautiful home, that I had actually built a life somewhere else, I always believed that that island was the only place where I had and would ever find true happiness. I never allowed myself to let any other place become special." He smiled sadly at his nephew, his hand reaching behind Nikolas to clasp his neck. "I never wanted to let it go, but when I did, I found something even more special."
Nikolas' eyes sparked with understanding. "Wyndmere."
Stefan nodded, absorbing the home he'd built here. "Yes. It's beauty cannot compare to that of Isla del Sol but its infinitely more dear to me. Sol was a fantasy, a past I had to let go. Wyndmere was and still is my future. I can make of it what I want." His eyes held Nikolas' as he spoke. "Perhaps you should come to terms with your past and grab a hold of your future. It may not wait for you Nikolas."
Waiting a moment, he kissed the top of Nikolas' head and moved to exit the room.
"Uncle?"
Stefan paused, turning to look back. "Yes?"
"What happened to Isla del Sol?"
"I sold it some years back."
Nikolas' smiled. "So it became someone else's future then."
"It did."
"I wonder if it brought them the happiness it brought you. It would be nice to know if it had." Nikolas mused.
Stefan smiled slightly. "I'm sure if you ask, Corinthos would give you the answer you seek."
Sonia leaned heavily against the door frame, her eyes trailing Carly as she nervously paced the room, throwing heaps of clothing into her open suitcase. Grief hung between them, swirling around the room, taunting and torturing their minds and hearts. The morning had brought tragedy, and Sonia knew it would only be the beginning.
Matthew had sent her up after Carly. He was worried about her. Sonia smiled, thinking of the sweet little boy that always took the world's problems on his shoulders. Sighing, she entered the room, closing the door soundly.
Carly paused, sending a look back as she did, and returned to her task. "I need to go. Now."
"I know." Joining her by the bed, Sonia began to fold the clothes that were askew, placing them neatly inside the case. They worked quietly, with the ease of two who had done the same task on many an occasion. From time to time, Carly glanced at Sonia, trying to form words to explain why she had to leave. They weren't needed. Sonia never questioned Carly's decision whether or not she agreed with them. She never asked for answers or reasons. Carly owed her one this time. They'd gone through hell to keep those she loved safe.
"She's alone and I sent her there. If something happens to her...I...she's my babygirl, Sonia. I should never have agreed to let her go."
Sonia shook her head. "You couldn't have stopped her. Besides, they're her family too. She wanted to help."
"But I'm her mother. The only one she's ever known. She's my responsibility and if anything...I could never...she's like one of my own, Sonia. You know that. More so because of who she is."
Sonia listened knowing that Carly needed to vent, and nothing she could possible say would stop her from worrying. "I know."
"They need me."
That simple statement echoed in Carly's head, and she meet her friends eyes. "They always have." Sonia sighed in relief, knowing that the end had finally come. That they could all return to where they belonged. "It's time to go home, Carly."
Carly smiled despite the seriousness of the situation. "You've never been there, Sonia."
"Hey sister, I've put in five years in this little crusade here. I think that allows me to lay claim to Port Charles and to all of you. I love all those people as much as you do." She caught Carly's look. "Okay not as much but at least close enough. And since I've never even met most of them I think it counts for extra."
"It does."
Sonia nodded. "That's right. I'm behind you whatever you do, Cari. I always have been."
Carly hugged her tightly, thanking heaven for having sent her Sonia when it had. "One thing though."
"What's that?"
Carly pulled away, and grinned. "You flirt with my husband, and I'll rip your eyes out."
Sonia laughed for the first time that day. "I think you're safe there. One, Sonny was always like the brother I never had and two, he's never even looked at another woman-"
"That we know of, and it would have been alright if he had. I mean I was dead. I can handle that."
Sonia guffawed. "Right. As I was saying, he's never even looked at another woman since your death, I have a feeling we will all cease to exist the minute you walk back into his life."
Carly rubbed her head. "That's if he can forgive me."
Sonia rolled her eyes and stated with sarcasm. "Yes. If he can forgive you." She knew there was a very real possibility that Sonny might never be able to get past all the pain Carly's death had caused him but she knew that he would never hold it against Carly. Not after the hell she'd been through to get back to him. But it was useless to try and convince Carly of that. "You need to have a little more faith in the man you married."
Carly gave her friends hand a squeeze, brushing away the tears that trailed down her cheeks. Sonia held up a finger, and walking past Carly went to the open closet, searching until she found what she wanted. Bending then rising once more, she turned, and presented Carly's old knee-high boots to her. "I think Carlybabes may need these."
Carly laughed, and took the boots, stuffing them inside her suitcase.
The door to the room opened and Matthew strolled in, his big black eyes falling on his mother then to the bed, noticing the open suitcase. He smiled sweetly. "You're leaving too."
It wasn't a question and his casual tone tore Carly's heart.
Matthew sighed. His mommy was always looking sad. Even when she didn't have to. He knew that she was going to find Cassie, and then when she did they could all go home. Then he would get to see his big sister and bother but most of all he wanted to see his Daddy.
He loved his Daddy very much. In all the dreams he had of him, his Daddy had always been the happiest to see him. Even more than Cate and Michael, especially Michael.
"Hey kiddo. Woke up from your nap, huh?"
"Yep."
"Where's Mrs. Kusper?"
"Making some tea for you." He turned to his mommy and smiled widely. "Do we get to go home now?
"Sweetie. Come here." Matthew ran into his mommy's arms and she held him close. "We won't be apart for long. I promise you as soon as I make sure everything is fixed, you and Sonia will join me and Cassie."
Matthew's round face dimpled as he grinned. "And Daddy and Michael and Cassie and Uncle Jason and Aunt Courtney and Uncle..."
Carly and Sonia laughed at his enthusiasm. "Yes baby, yes. We'll be with everyone we love."
He remembered why he had come up to see him mommy and Sonia. He'd had a bad dream...a very bad one. "Mama, tell Cassie to be careful."
Carly darted Sonia a look as she smoothed back Matthew's silky dark hair, amazed at how he resembled Sonny more and more everyday. "You been having more dreams, baby?"
Matthew scrunched his face in an effort to think, his chubby fingers playing with her slender ones. "Yeah."
Carly kissed his head softly, knowing that the dreams where just a part of Matthew. They'd never figured out what it was or why he sometimes saw things in his dreams. He just did.
Sonia walked slowly to their side, sitting on the bed. "What did you see, Mattie?"
Closing his eyes, he strained to remember. "There was a big church...rain...a lot of people...a woman wearing white..."
"A wedding." Sonia whispered.
"Daddy was there and so was Cassie...and..."
Carly touched his cheek softly. "And what?"
His eyes opened looking into hers. "I think someone got hurt."
Sonia and Carly's gaze held for a moment, both knowing what this could mean. Matthew's dreams were rarely wrong.
Carly pulled his head to rest under her chin, rocking him gently. "Everything will be fine, little man. I promise."
Cassie surveyed the balcony, staring with determination down. "It's not that high," she muttered, calculating the distance in her head. She craned her head, seeing another balcony just below, and knew it belonged to what she figured was the penthouse. She recalled Carly's detailed description, and was glad she'd actually paid attention to all the stories she'd been told. She knew that it lead directly into the family room, and the door to freedom was there.
She could make it.
Ignoring the warning voices in her head, ones that sounded distinctly like Carly and Sonia, she figured she was ten feet up, twelve at most. Easy enough, if she could find a rope, maybe something to lower over the side, she was sure she'd be fine.
"It's not like you haven't done this before. It can't be any worse than Caracas."
She remembered the peach sheets on the bed. They were silk which meant they were virtually unbreakable. Returning inside, she fingered them softly, praying Carly would forgive her. A girl had to do what a girl had to do. She pulled at them, grunting as she tugged with force. The damn sheets refused to budge. "What are they fused to the bed? This was probably that Garcella chick..."
She froze as the door opened behind her, knowing instantly who it was.
"Trying to steel my sheets?"
She closed her eyes briefly at the slightly amused if suspicious voice, and letting go of the sheets, she smoothed her hands over them, turning as she did with a smile. "They're very lovely. I was just studying them in case I wanted to buy some for myself."
Sonny stared at the brown eyes that peered over a shoulder at him, dark hair framing her bruised face. She was more beautiful awake, bruises and all. She was younger than he'd originally thought. No more than twenty. "Or just in case you wanted to climb over the balcony? How are you feeling?"
Cassie grinned, straight white teeth glinting in the light. "Oh just peachy. You?"
Sonny blinked, something in her tone jarring him. Michael brushed past Sonny coming to stand protectively in front of his father. Curiosity had won over caution, and he'd convinced his dad to let him meet the girl who had saved Cate. He wanted to distrust her because he knew few people did good things out of the kindness of their hearts. He glanced at her, and saw a flash of humor in her eyes.
Cassie knew Michael was trying to be strong, to be the one that made sure no one hurt his family. She was exactly the same way. She smiled kindly at him, waving hesitantly. "Hi."
"This is my son Michael. Michael, this is...the young woman who saved Cate."
"Hello Michael." She smiled widely and glanced at both of them. "I really didn't do much. Anyone else would have done the same." She could feel them watching her every move, and resisted the urge to run. She need a strategy out. Right now the best thing was to go with the flow.
"Not in this town they wouldn't. Ow Dad." He glared at his father, rubbing the his shoulder where Sonny had elbowed him. "It's true." He turned back to Cassie. "Most people don't mess with our family."
Cassie smiled at the subtle warning, wondering how Carly would react to having a mini mobster in the family.
"Mike." Sonny's clipped voice held a warning, and Michael stiffened at its tone. Sending his father a silent glance, they stared at each other engaged in a wordless battle of wills. Cassie had the same silent fights with Carly on occasion. Carly always won and apparently so did Sonny.
Michael turned to her, and lowered his head. "I'm sorry for my rudeness."
Cassie shook her head, shrugging. "It's cool. You don't know me from Harry, right? Understandable. I wouldn't trust me either." Michael's eye flew to her face. "Can't you see this is the face of an evil genius?"
Sonny watched as Michael fought to keep from smiling, and his gaze fell back on the girl, catching the slight panic in her eyes as they flew to the door when it opened. She hid it almost immediately but it had been there.
She was afraid of them.
Cassie held her breath, observing as Jason entered, followed by one of the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. They glanced at everyone in the room, the tension growing now that they had arrived.
"Everything okay in here?"
Sonny nodded, his eyes trained on Cassie. "Yes. We were just getting to know our guest.
Jason's blue eyes softened as they shifted to the young woman. She stood stiffly, her body tensing as he walked toward her. She was hiding inside her head. Her eyes shuttering, burying fear and closing him off. He'd managed to see the sadness that lay in them even if for only a brief second. He met Sonny's eyes briefly, and knew his friend had seen the same. He held his hand, waiting until she took it, and shook it gently. "Jason. Thank you for helping Cate."
Cassie looked away, knowing she had leave as quickly as she could. She had always assumed that out of everyone she would like Jason the least. In her mind she was aware that he was her mothers greatest ally, but his uncanny, or so Carly called it, ability to read a person should have put her on guard. She never allowed anyone to see her unless she wanted them too. Few people ever got to know her.
But his sudden and unexpected kindness touched her, and she felt the effect of the night catching up to her. She needed to get out of here, for her sake as well as theirs.
Keep it together Cassie. Don't' freak them out anymore than they already are.
Sonny watched the veil fall further over her face and he squelched the instinct to push for answers. The girl was scared enough. He exchanged glances with Jason and then Gia, who nodded in response.
Gia had observed the interaction between Cassie and Jason quietly. Carly noticed her, and she stepped forward, offering her hand.
Cassie stared at the woman in front of her, taking a step back when she moved forward. After a long moment, she took the hand offered hers and grasped it firmly. "Cassie"
"Gia Cassadine, Mr. Corinthos attorney."
"You don't look like a regular lawyer." Cassie said.
Gia blinked. "Why do you mean?"
"Too pretty. You look more like a model. Good way to throw people off though. Nobody expects any brains to come with a face like yours."
Gia raised an eyebrow, and smiled slowly, admiring the girl's bravado. "That's how I get them."
Cassie smiled in return and looked around the room at the others, her eyes staying on Michael for a moment, then turning back to Gia. "Um...am I in some sort of trouble?"
Gia shook her head. "No. Not at all. I'm just here to make sure everyone is okay. Just want to make sure the situation is taken care of the way it should be."
"Now you sound like a lawyer." Cassie met each pair of eyes as she spoke. "I don't plan on suing or anything." She looked directly at Michael. "And I'm not here to hurt anyone. I was just in the right place at the right time. Or the wrong place at the wrong time depending on your perspective."
Gia nodded in satisfaction, exchanging a silent agreement with Sonny as she did.
All their heads turned suddenly at the soft knock on the door. Cassie watched as Zander, if she remembered Carly's pictures correctly, poked his head around the door. He stared directly at her. "There's someone here to see you." He opened the door, and Cate appeared beside him, her small hand gripping his. Her eye scanned the room, stopping on her father and brother briefly, before finding Cassie. She released Zander's hand, walking quickly toward her, and Cassie bent, meeting her eye to eye. "Hey you."
Cate smiled. "Hey you."
Sonny froze, his mind screeching to a halt as he watched the exchange between his daughter and Cassie.
"How you doing babygirl?"
"Good." Cate touched Cassie's face gently. "Does that hurt?"
"Are you kidding? They call me Cassie the Warrior for nothing'. "
Jason's eyes widened, and his gaze clashed with Sonny, seeing the same shocked recognition in his eyes.
"I'm just happy you're okay, kiddo." Cassie poked at Cate's stomach as she made a face, and smiled when the little girl laughed. She rose, and froze catching the expressions on Sonny and Jason's faces. Something was wrong and the sooner she left the better it would be.
The door opened once more, and Courtney walked in, smiling at her. "You must be Cate's savior. I'm her aunt, Sonny's sister, Courtney." She caught her brother's face, and frowned.
Gia figured there was something more going on that she didn't quite understand. She spoke to Michael and Cate, motioning to them. "You know what? I think we should let Cassie rest and give Courtney a chance to examine her. Let's go downstairs for some cookies."
Michael nodded, holding his hand out to his sister, and turning to Cassie, waved quickly. Cassie waved in return, smiling as Cate sent her another grin. Zander followed the trio silently, holding Courtney's gaze with his as he closed the door.
Cassie screamed silently in her head. She couldn't handle these three all at once. She knew she couldn't. She had to get out of this. Her hand gripped the mantle, and she blinked rapidly, her breathing coming forth in short, painful gasps.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
The walls surrounding her seemed to pulsate in time with her racing heart. Her chest constricting, and she let loose a whimper. "Shit." Cool, steady hands guided her to the bed and a firm but kind voice commanded her to put her head between her legs and breath.
"You'll be fine. Let me check your pulse." Cassie let Courtney take a hold of her arm. After a moment, she nodded with satisfaction. "Lift your head so I can take a look at your eyes."
Cassie allowed Courtney to examine her, hiding a cringe as she touched her tender ribs. The sooner she did this, the faster she could leave before she ended up blowing everyone's cover.
"You'll be fine. I think you should definitely think of stopping by the hospital for a full check up but for the time being you'll survive. Just don't play hero again."
"If you insist then I promise not to Doc. But I'll sure miss having my head banged against the floor a few dozen times."
Courtney stared at her as she spoke, her fingers halting their inspection of Cassie's head suddenly understanding her brother's reaction to the girl.
Flipping her hair from her eyes, Cassie glanced around the room, her arm ceremoniously cutting through the air. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I enjoy a nice rumble just like the next girl but usually the other guy is worse." She paused and looked at Sonny. "Oh wait, yeah, you took him out. Never mind."
Sonny, Jason and Courtney continued to stare as Cassie rose from the bed. She knew why they were staring at her. She had emulated everything about Carly since the day she'd been rescued by her. Carly was who she strived to be and it would cost her at this moment. But if she changed the way she was they would get suspicious.
Jason was the first to break the silence. "Cassie, is there anyone we should call? Someone that could be looking for you."
Cassie shook her head. "I have an uncle but I don't think we need to bother him I'll explain when I get home."
Jason nodded, and smiled at her, motioning to Courtney and then the door. "We'll let you rest some, and when you're ready we can take you wherever you want."
Cassie nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
Courtney gathered her bag, and pausing, turned to her and leaned over, placing a small kiss on her cheek. "Thank you Cassie for what you did."
Cassie nodded, speechless as she watched them walk out of door, leaving her alone with Sonny. She found now that there was only one, she could breath easier. Her shoulders relaxed, and she found herself following his every move. He walked with confidence and grace, every stride powerful and commanding. Carly had told her that about him. "I like the room."
Sonny smiled at her, glancing around. "Yeah me too. It's my favorite."
"You don't strike me as the silk and chenille type to be perfectly honest but it is quite lovely."
"It was my wife's favorite room."
Cassie swallowed past the lump in her throat. "She has wonderful taste."
"She did yes." He glanced around the room. "I was lucky to have her."
"She made everything better, huh?"
Sonny smiled sadly. "She made everything beautiful."
She felt his anguish wash over him, knowing from his haunted eyes that she reminded him of Carly. That she was causing him pain. She wished she could tell him the truth. That the wife he loved and mourned so deeply was trying to come back to him. But she couldn't.
"I can't begin to thank you enough."
Cassie shrugged. "Anyone else would have done the same."
"No. Not everyone is like that. It was fearless what you did for someone you didn't even know." He closed the distance between them, his hands pushing back the strands of hair that covered her face. He took her hands and gave it a fatherly squeeze. "What you did I can never repay."
Cassie sighed, touching his hand with her own and lightly gripping it. "Trust me. It's the least I could do." Backing away, she grinned at him, easing the tension. They were headed to territory that could be bad. "But you know if you insist, cash is always good."
Sonny blinked, then laughed, dimples flaring her way.
Cassie shook her head. Wow those things were powerful. God help them all when Mattie got older. She laughed with him and threw her hands in front of her. "I was just kidding."
"Are you sure?" He began to reach in his pocket and Cassie shook her head fervently, feeling tears well up in her eyes. She glanced at the fading light and then back at Sonny. "I should go. My uncle might worry."
He would have if he knew she was there.
Sonny nodded. "Of course. Your boots are in the closet." He watched as she retrieved them and zipped them up. Everything about the girl reminded him of Carly. Her voice, her expressions, the way she stood, the way she spoke. He felt Carly's presence so strongly that he ached to let Cassie go.
But she wasn't his wife.
And so he helped with her jacket, and walked her silently to the door, scanning her face as she turned to face him. She smiled at him as she did. "I think she was lucky to have you, too."
Sonny smiled, touching her chin with his fingers. "Take care kid."
Cassie smiled in return, closing the door behind her firmly, leaning her head back against the wood. "You too Dad."