NOTE: The previous chapter was Chapter 38-Wicked Game.

Chapter 39, Contradictions

Sonny lies in bed deep in thought. He tries to break into a deep sleep but can't help but feel Kiya wrestling with his own little dreams under the covers. Sonny slides over to the edge of the bed to give Kiya some more room. Tossing and turning, Kiya kicks Sonny in the face with his tiny foot. Sonny grabs the baby under his belly and pushes him closer to Brenda's side. After pondering and trying to go back to sleep, Sonny pulls himself out of bed and walks downstairs. He peaks into the guestroom and the kitchen to find no Lois. Max comes into the penthouse.

Sonny (to Max): "Where is Lois?"

Max: "She's at the gatehouse. Ms. Davis is here to see you."

Sonny (looks at his watch): "It's late."

Alexis walks in looking as if she's run a marathon. Her athletic attire and ponytail coupled with getting caught in the beginning of a nightly rain throws Sonny off course. He always expects to see the suit and briefcase that makes him sometimes feel inferior to her. A feeling he never let her know he felt. But, he becomes more comfortable with this version of Alexis standing before him.

Alexis: "I know. I'm sorry."

Sonny: "What's the problem?"

Alexis: "There's no problem. I'm a little doped up on coffee. Can't really sleep."

Sonny: "So you remembered my bad sleeping habits."

Alexis: "I figured on a night like this you'd be awake. How is Lois?"

Sonny: "I really don't know. She's used to always getting her way. So I imagine she's pretty hurt right now. Having bad dreams?"

Alexis: "What is a bad dream? Does that make sense to you?"

Sonny: "It's like a uh double-negative?"

Alexis: "Actually it's a contradiction. Dream is a positive while bad is a negative."

Sonny (smiling): "You so smart."

Ned sits with his recliner facing the front door. In his heart, he knows his waiting isn't in vain. He hears a car door close. He never thought he would be so happy to hear that Benson Hurst accent. He squints to hear Lois speaking in Spanish. She walks into the gatehouse as she hangs up her cell phone. She's not surprised to see Ned waiting for her.

Lois: "How long have you been up?"

Ned: "The question is how long did I plan to stay up? For you, forever."

Lois: "You're like a dog. You're so loyal."

Ned: "You didn't know who he was. I get that. Reminded me of when Monica and I met under false names. (Lois' body shakes at the thought) I see you cringing so I'll let that visual go. Anyway, just tell me you're moving on."

Lois: "Of course Nedly. Actually I just got a call from Miguel. He got arrested tonight. Too many people at his party."

Ned: "The life of a manager for a big rock star. You're not leaving are you?"

Lois: "Just for a little while. You should be alone with Brooke Lynn. It's her first whole summer here with you. And then she's going to PC High next year. It's your turn. I'm taking a backseat."

Ned: "Great. You get the terrible twos and I get the hormones of a fourteen year-old."

Lois: "I'm sure you'll be fine."

Ned: "Why are you leaving? You promised you'd stay for Robin."

Lois: "Ned, I'm just going to Ricky Martin's island for a couple of days. It's not that deep. I can't keep the dumbass in jail forever. Besides he needs more discipline before he ruins his career."

Ned: "Will you come back for Brooke Lynn's recital?"

Lois: "Yes Ned. You know I would never miss a performance. I'm going to get some sleep."

Coleman sits on the edge of the bed and watches over Skye while she sleeps peacefully. There is a knock at the door. Coleman walks downstairs into the living room and opens the door to find JR perched at the door with a smirk on his face.

Coleman: "Didn't your dad leave a couple hours ago?"

JR (walking in past Coleman): "I'm here to stay. A son for a son. They get Skyler and you get me. I tend to think I might be cuter, but I'm known to be wrong."

Coleman: "Listen JR, Skye has had a long night. I'm sure the rest of her pregnancy will be stressful so your being here could complicate things."

JR: "Do I take it you don't want me around Coleman?"

Skye (walks into the living room): "Did I hear you say you're staying in Port Charles?"

JR: "That's not a look of welcome Skye."

Coleman: "JR Skye is in a delicate position right now. She doesn't need a teenager around."

JR: "That's fine. I can deal by myself. (pulls off his backpack and unzips it) I got what I call my Survivor pack here. (starts pulling out the contents of the bag) I have my flashlight. I have a frying pan for those camping trips. (looking in the bag) Let's see, I have matches. I have a cell phone. I have graham crackers but no chocolate and marshmallows. Thank god for 7-11. (pulls out a photo album) And I have my mother here. I put all this together in case Liza decided she owned the Chandler mansion and wanted to send me on my way."

Coleman (clapping): "What a performance."

Skye: "Coleman!"

JR: "It's not a performance. It's sincere. Skye, I'll do whatever you ask. I won't be a pain in the ass. I promise. If you say no, than I'll move on."

Skye looks at Coleman. He looks away.

Coleman: "It's your call."

Skye: "Ok. You can stay. But JR, first thing tomorrow, you will get up and find a job!"

JR: "I won't even sleep. I'll be on it. Thank you Skye. Thank you Coleman."

Sonny invites Alexis to have a seat. He sits next to her.

Alexis: "I need to explain to you why I won't allow you to be with Kristina. The nightmare is so vivid. I'm walking along the docks with Kristina skipping along beside me. We pass by the warehouse. All she can say is I want to see what Daddy does there. I don't understand my lack of control, but I allow Kristina to run into your warehouse…"

Sonny: "...and you can't move. Your feet are planted firmly on the ground. You think you're inside with her, but in fact you're outside watching her run into a trap. You're smiling at her as she turns…"

Alexis: "...that doorknob. And the next thing you know, there's a big explosion…"

Sonny: "…and you shield your eyes. You still can't move. It's too late to do anything. The heat is too much for her to handle."

Alexis: "You know she's gone, but you still can't move to even find out for sure."

Sonny (tearing up): "It's not fair."

Alexis: "It never is."

Sonny runs his hands up and down his face in frustration. Alexis sits back and observes him.

Sonny: "Why did you tell me this?"

Alexis: "You need to understand why I do what I do."

Sonny: "I don't believe you. This is about Stefan not you. I don't care what a big hypocrite I have to be. I will be with Chloe every step of the way."

Alexis stands up and looks Sonny in the eyes as he stares back at her from the couch. He can sense her inconsistent feelings on the situation. Alexis begins to figure out that Sonny is on to her thoughts. He stands up trying to maintain his superiority to her.

Alexis: "I spoke with Judge Farmer at the Nurses' Ball. She wants to meet with us for a hearing tomorrow."

Sonny becomes shocked and starts to feel small again. So many thoughts run through his head.

Sonny: "What? That can't be right. She said she would give me some time."

Alexis: "You wanted this to go quickly. I want it to be over too. I will see you in court tomorrow."

Alexis slides past Sonny and walks out of the penthouse. She looks across the hall at PH#2. She sneaks over across the way and opens the door. She walks into Justus' penthouse, dark and quiet. Justus walks downstairs. Alexis turns to sound of his footsteps.

Justus: "Long night huh?"

Alexis meanders over to Justus' couch and sits down with her arms crossed tightly across her body as if a gust of wind went through the living room. Justus sits next to Alexis and places his hand on her shoulder.

Justus: "Can I help in any way?"

Alexis: "Would it be odd of me to ask if I could just lie down for a moment? I honestly don't think I can make it home."

Justus: "Of course it wouldn't be odd. I'm sure you feel right at home here."

Alexis relaxes her body and buries her head in Justus' lap. He pulls the throw from the top of couch and places it over Alexis. Her mind starts to drift and fizzles to sleep. Justus remains quiet and still. He rests his head on the top of the couch and his hand on Alexis' back.

Luke sits on the bench on the docks with his tuxedo in disarray. He stares out onto the lake and becomes memorized by the rhythm of the minute waves. He can smell the rain brewing in the air. Jason walks over to Luke and sits on the bench. He too takes notice of the lake.

Luke: "Count Vlad suck the blood out of you?"

Jason: "No, but Chloe drained me. (rubbing his eyes) She refused to sleep. I had to attempt counting leaping frogs in Spanish before she finally caved in."

Luke: "Persistent like her father. Looks like a storm might be coming along. Fitting for the end of this night."

Jason looks at Luke to measure his mood. He nervously runs his hand up down his lap.

Jason: "Luke? Is it possible to teach someone how to cry?"

Luke: "No. Who needs your tears?"

Jason: "Everyone around me tonight shed a tear or two at some point. Me, nothing."

Luke: "Jason, how many of those people are going to have the guts to hold Robin's hand when she breathes her last breath? Tears don't matter as much as you think."

Jason: "But, they're a reflection of an emotion right? If I can't cry, does that mean I don't feel anything? I wanna feel Luke. Robin tried to teach to me. She's too tired to teach me anything now."

Luke: "I don't know what to tell you Jason. Do you laugh? Laughing is a reflection of a moment too."

Jason: "I did tonight. Chloe makes me laugh. For that reason I love to spend time with her. Michael used to make me laugh. Hell, even Brenda when she does something stupid. But, I wanna cry Luke. Everyone says all you need is a good cry. It's like an apple a day."

Luke: "Go home. Lie down on your bed and stare at the ceiling and try to remember. I know you say you can't, but try. Memories will make you cry, because they've happened and you can't relive them. There was no dress rehearsal so if you got the moment wrong I'm sorry for your luck. So you will cry when you start to realize that time is gone and you can't get it back."

Jason: "I'll do that. Alexis told me memories are important. Thanks Luke."

Luke: "Let me know how it goes."

Coleman sits on his balcony soaking in the heavy wind. Skye comes out with a blanket wrapped around her for warmth. She sits in Coleman's lap and lays her head on his arm resting on the armrest of the chair. He rests his chin on her shoulder.

Coleman: "You're going to kill JR aren't you?"

Skye: "I'll try to keep my patience."

Coleman: "Are you afraid Luiz is going to eat your baby?"

Skye pulls up her body and turns to Coleman.

Skye: "As long as he doesn't know he's the father, I don't see a problem."

Coleman: "Then I think you and Lois need to have a talk."

Ned walks into the guestroom. Lois is settled in her slumber. The wind causes the door to the balcony to open and close. Ned hurries over to secure the doors trying to avoid waking Lois. He sits in the chair next to her bed. His mind wonders and his heart trembles uncontrollably. The faces of Lois, Alexis, and his last love Kristina fuse together in his mind. He looks over at Lois again and puts his hands together. He says a quiet prayer wishing Luiz away from their lives.

In the next room, Brooke Lynn sits up in her bed. She hears a rock on her windowsill, but ignores it believing it to be the wind. Minutes later, she hears it again and its precision causes her to jump on her nightstand and open the window. As she opens the window, JR, soaking wet with his backpack attached to his back, pulls himself into her room. He hops onto her floor and pulls off his backpack. He kicks off his wet flip-flops and shakes the rain out of his messy spiked hair. Brooke Lynn runs to the bedroom door to make sure her father can't hear the noise stirring in her room. She watches JR get himself settled. He tucks at his shirt to gain her approval to take it off. Brooke Lynn gives him a nod. He removes his only shirt leaving his bare chest open, still blossoming into a muscular nature. He lays it in her bathroom to dry. She looks at him anxious to hear what he has to say.

Brooke: "What did you get?"

JR walks over to his backpack and pulls out his tape recorder and attaches a pair of headphones. He searches one of the many pockets of his army green cargo shorts and finds a tape secured in a plastic case. He pops in the tape and sits on the floor next to Brooke Lynn's bed. He beckons her over. She sits next to him. He hands her the headphones.

JR: "She went to see Luiz. In the woods by the park there is this uh, I don't what you want to call it. I guess it's an open clubhouse."

The thunder blasts loudly. Brooke Lynn trembles from the rumble following the boisterous sound.

Brooke: "I don't think my father can hear us over the thunder."

JR: "Anyway, I set down in some bushes and threw my microphone over by them. It was intimate and intense. He put his suit coat on the floor for her like a perfect gentleman…"

Brooke (frustrated): "Let me hear the tape."

Brooke Lynn throws on the headphones and JR pushes play. She takes a deep breath and listens to the conversation between Luiz and Lois. At first she is calm and optimistic just knowing her mother would nip the whole fiasco in the bud. Brooke Lynn's eyes widen when her name is discussed concerning the docks' incident. She presses her hands sweating from nervousness onto the headphones on her ears to make sure she hears every word. She becomes hopeful of her mother's sternness with Luiz. Her hopefulness turns to concern as she hears Luiz describe Brenda watching her own mother commit suicide. Her concern turns to anger as Luiz admits to using Brenda to try to kill the man she calls her Uncle Sonny.

Brooke: "There is no way, she's going to let him get away with hurting us. He has to pay."

JR: "Keep listening."

Brooke Lynn continues to listen. Her face begins to quiver. Her eyes fill with tears. As she continues to listen, the tears begin to fall. JR starts to stare at his feet taking an unwanted interest in the dirt he drudged up from running through the mud in flip-flops.

JR: "What do you hear?"

Brooke: "He's singing to her. He can't sing to her. Was she still there? I can't hear her. Wait!"

Brooke listens closely and hears traces of laughter coming from her mother. She rips off the headphones and throws them at JR. She jumps up and paces around the room wanting to release her anger, but holding back to avoid causing a loud scene. JR remains sitting against her bed watching her walk around the room threatening to boil over.

Brooke: "He can't do that! Only my dad can sing to her!"

JR (gets up to try to calm Brooke): "Parents get divorced all the time. Sometimes they're better apart."

Brooke (her face wet with tears): "You're missing the point. He hurt so many people my mother and I care about and she's laughing with him? What a selfish Bitch!"

JR looks at Brooke Lynn with both amazement and hurt for Lois' name being slandered by her own daughter.

JR: "I don't know Lois and I barely know you, but I have this all figured out. Get over yourself Brooke Lynn. Let your mom live her life. It's not about you anymore Princess. I was there. She cares about that guy."

Brooke: "It's always been about me. So why do things have to change now? I'm not letting her choose him over me."

JR: "I think it's time to go to bed. I'll sleep on the floor. Ned can yell at me tomorrow. I'm not leaving you alone."

JR pulls out his sleeping bag and rolls it out next to Brooke Lynn's bed. In disgust, he throws himself onto the ground and curls himself into warmth of his primitive resting place for the evening. Brooke Lynn, also disgusted, hops into her bed and silently cries herself to sleep.

The next morning, Zander wakes in Hannah's comfortable plush chair. He can hear her in the bathroom running water. There is a knock at the door and it immediately pops open with Taggert walking in to Zander throwing his shirt on. Taggert stares at Zander.

Taggert: "What are you doing here?"

Hannah walks out of the bathroom with a wet article of clothing in her hand. Flustered, she looks at Zander. He senses a tense moment and grabs the rest of his clothing to leave.

Zander (kissing Hannah on the cheek): "I'm going to go Hannah. I still love you."

Taggert puckers his brow in confusion as Zander walks out the door.

Hannah: "It's not what you think. Zander is my unofficial adopted son. Does that make sense?"

Taggert: "Is that the Alexander you were talking about? Luiz Alcazar's son."

Hannah: "No need to get upset Marcus. I'll file for divorce if I need to."

Taggert: "What? Luiz is the estranged husband? You put a good one over on me there Hannah."

Hannah: "Oh come on! Give me a break Marcus! Like I was going to tell the residents of Port Charles that I am married to Luiz Alcazar."

Taggert: "He's a lying murderer!"

Hannah: "Who was found not guilty."

Taggert: "You defending him when you know he called in a favor. Cause I know he's a former FBI agent. I bet you're making Roy DiLucca a real proud father."

Hannah: "It doesn't matter Marcus. I don't want to discuss this any longer."

Taggert grabs the doorknob and jerks open the door. He slams the door behind him and punches the elevator buttons. The elevator opens and he gets inside. Once the doors close, Taggert punches the wall and bits his lip to contain his anger.

Nahyla sits in Faison's office staring at his desk. Faison walks in and kisses Nahyla's forehead. She remains quiet. He looks at her perplexed.

Faison: "What's the problem? Didn't like the gifts I sent you?"

Nahyla: "I don't want to do this anymore. I really like Zander."

Faison: "Speaking of Zander, there is a change in plans. I want you to play mommy to the little boy. Your absence is too obvious."

Nahyla breaks out of her trance and looks at Faison. Her body tenses up at what he has in store for her.

Nahyla: "Dad! Why? I want this to be over!"

Faison: "I will not hear any protests. I want you to go to Kelly's and co-parent the young Scorpio baby with Zander."

Tears well up in Nahyla's eyes. She pulls up from the chair and walks out of her father's office.

Sonny sits down at the dining room table with some warm tea and a newspaper. All the lines on the page become one big blur. Brenda walks downstairs and puts her arms around Sonny and gives him butterfly kisses along his face.

Sonny: "I'm nervous."

Brenda: "Do you want me to go?"

Sonny shakes his with a no. He gets up from the table and smoothes out his clothing. Brenda arranges his tie while Sonny plays with her curly locks.

Sonny (tugging at her hair): "Every curl is in perfect alignment."

Brenda: "You notice things like that?"

Sonny: "Yea, cause when you're stuck in a cave, it's the little things that matter."

Brenda pats his chest to signal to him that his tie is perfect. She steps back to look at him.

Brenda: "Are you stuck in a cave right now?"

Sonny: "Kind of. Can I admit to you that I'm afraid I may never see Chloe again?"

Brenda: "Be confident. Just remember that Chloe loves you."

Sonny: "Ok."

Brenda turns and starts to walk back upstairs. Sonny watches her longingly. Once at the top Brenda looks back down at him.

Brenda: "Get going."

Sonny: "I love you "I love you Mr. Corinthos."

Sonny laughs to himself and walks outside of his penthouse. Greg steps aside to give Sonny room to walk out.

Sonny: "Keep an eye on her Greg. Luiz is lurking around and she won't admit it, but she's scared."

Greg: "I will Mr. Corinthos."

Alexis remains with her head in Justus' lap cuddled up in the throw. Awake, Justus rubs her back. Sonny walks in and gets a jolt at the sight on Justus' couch. Justus notices Sonny's expression, but not wanting to disturb Alexis, he keeps his position.

Sonny: "I can come back Justus, but the hearing is soon."

Justus: "Hearing? What hearing?"

Sonny: "I left you a message."

Justus peaks over at his phone and sees the red light over messages blinking.

Justus: "I'm sorry Sonny. I had my ringer on silent."

Sonny watches Alexis on Justus' lap. At the sound of Sonny's name, she pulls up her head and sits up on the couch. She looks at her watch and starts to panic at the time. She looks over at Sonny staring at her.

Alexis: "Oh my god Justus! I have to get home and get dressed. Hi Sonny."

Sonny: "Hey. You all right?"

Alexis (to Justus): "Thank you for your shoulder or lap to cry on. I need to get going."

Alexis darts off of the couch and out the door. Sonny looks at Justus like what the hell was that all about.

Justus: "What do you need me for?"

Sonny: "I need you to represent me in getting full custody of Chloe. One of the hearings is today like now."

Justus: "You have to be joking Sonny. There is no way I can get you full custody today."

Sonny: "Let me explain something to you Justus. My heart is bleeding to bring Chloe home today."

Justus: "Listen Sonny, I'll go with you to the hearing, but you won't get custody today. I'll do my best."

Sonny: "That's all you can do."

Bruce and his friend Pete sit in Bruce's room drinking beers and playing video games.

Pete: "So your landlady is pretty cool?"

Bruce: "Oh yea. She's never around. Unfortunately, I'm stuck living with the Rainbow Coalition. I wish I could get some of you guys in here."

A shoe comes flying through Bruce's window. Bruce and Pete run to the window to find a group of their buddies below in the alley.

Bruce (holding up his beer and yelling): "What up?!"

Ryan (down below): "Hey Bitch! Come on downstairs!"

Pete: "We'll be down!"

Bruce shuts his window. He and Pete continue their game. Downstairs Nahyla walks past the crowd of boys standing in the alley wanting for Bruce and Pete to come down. They sneer at Nahyla as she passes by them pretending they're not even there. She walks into Kelly's in its ghost town state. She looks at her watch and notices it has yet to be opened to patrons. She continues upstairs en route to Zander's room as Bruce and Pete come out of his. Bruce locks his door and approaches Nahyla.

Bruce: "How you doing Honey?"

Nahyla ignores Bruce and walks past him. Pete stands in her path in front of Zander's door.

Pete: "How dare you disrespect him?! I think you need to say Good Morning Mr. Bruce Stevens."

Bruce and Pete laugh as Nahyla finally looks Pete in the eye. She grabs Pete around the neck and Bruce grabs her around the waist. She struggles with Bruce's stronghold. Pete pushes himself into Nahyla as Bruce holds her tight. Hearing the commotion, Michael runs out of Zander's room. He jumps on Pete's back. Bruce frees Nahyla and goes for Michael. Michael breaks out of his hold and runs downstairs closely behind Nahyla. She makes her way outside to the group of boys congregated around her outside of Kelly's. She tries not to show her fear and draw from the craftiness of her father. Michael stands next to her as she reverses herself back towards the inside of Kelly's. She bumps into Bruce and Pete acting as barriers to her escape into the building.

Bruce: "You're stuck Honey. Even the Red Menace can't save you."

Michael (turns to Bruce on the brink of crying): "Leave her alone! She didn't do anything to you Bruce! She's Kiya's mommy!"

Bruce: "I don't give a flying fig who she is. She disrespected my boy Pete."

Nahyla shakes her head to show the boys that she's given up. They pull back thinking they've won. She darts from the boys. Bruce picks up Michael and dumps him in Bobbie's flowerbed.

Bruce (to Michael): "You say a word, I swear to god I'm going to kick your red ass." o:p /o:p

The crowd runs after Nahyla with Bruce and Pete leading the pack. Nahyla runs for her life at first believing the troublemakers would stop, but they keep up with her strong.

Marcello and Luiz approach each other on the docks about to engage in a meeting. They turn to hear the pounding of feet in their direction. Nahyla continues to run towards the docks. She runs right into Marcello and Luiz out of breath. The chasers stop as Nahyla gets behind Marcello and Luiz standing like bodyguards expressionless.

Bruce: "Uh, we'll take her off your hands sir. She belongs to us."

Luiz (pulls his gun from his waist and points it at Bruce): "You obviously don't know who she is. If you did, you wouldn't think of crossing her the wrong way."

Bruce: "I don't give a damn who she is."

Pete (punches Bruce in the arm): "Dude shut up."

Luiz (still aiming his gun at Bruce): "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?"

Bruce: "What?"

Luiz pulls the trigger. Bruce pulls his head to the right as the bullet strays past his ear across the docks. Bruce holds his hand to his ear bleeding. The boys hit the ground.

Luiz (pointing the gun again): "That one was a test, but this one is real."

Luiz aims his gun again right at Bruce. The boys hustle their bodies to the nearest barrier. They bolt from the docks leaving Marcello, Luiz, and Nahyla standing alone. Luiz refrains from shooting and puts his gun away.

Nahyla: "Thank you so much Luiz and Marcello. I was not in the mood to deal with them."

Luiz: "You should tell your father. He'll take care of them."

Nahyla: "No. He's too busy scheming."

Marcello: "Ah Luiz, she's a big girl. (to Nahyla) The experience will only make you stronger. Go home and get some rest. We'll follow you."

Luiz and Marcello follow Nahyla back to the yacht.