Kiss from a Rose

Written 7/28/2003

Alexis stares at Coleman in disbelief. He wishes that Alexis would say something to him.

Coleman: "Listen. I need to go see Skye. I felt this was the right time to tell you. I know Stefan is going to want me ousted from the family which is cool cause I never wanted to be a Cassadine."

Alexis: "At least you had a choice. You say you're my twin brother correct?"

Coleman: "Yea. Kristen was my mother too."

Alexis: "You didn't have to watch her have her throat slit by your evil stepmother. You didn't live with years of guilt of losing your baby sister when you thought you were keeping her safe. So as far as I'm concerned, you're not a true Cassadine."

Coleman: "That's fine by me Alexis. I made a mistake by coming here. You Cassadines are cold-blooded animals. That's why I never wanted to deal any of you."

Coleman walks towards the door to leave, but he turns back to Alexis.

Coleman: "I see you changed your name too Natasha. Don't throw stones Babe."

Coleman leaves Wyndemere. Alexis lies down on the couch with her mind in disarray. She knows Stefan will not approve of Coleman and she'll be thrown in the middle of another Cassadine fight.

Jason walks onto the docks and makes a phone call. Anna and Felicia stay perched behind the building to hear Jason's conversation.

Jason: "HB. I need a favor."

Marcello: "You must be joking. You owe me Morgan."

Jason: "I need to find Luiz Alcazar."

Marcello: "What makes you think I can help you? Why don't we discuss my shipment Morgan?"

Jason: "I know Luiz runs in your circle."

Marcello: "You don't know anything about me Morgan. But you need to know that I'll kill you if you don't give me my diamonds."

Jason (yelling): "You'll get your diamonds if I get Luiz Alcazar!"

Marcello hangs up on Jason. Anna and Felicia look at each other in awe. Another piece of the puzzle has been added to the big picture. They agree to take the information back to the PCPD. Jason gets frustrated with himself for making such a careless move. For using his heart instead of his head. Marcello turns to Faison sitting on the other side of the round table. They both smile at each other.

Marcello: "He really thinks I'm HB. If he met the real deal, he'd be a dead man yesterday. He wants me to help him find Luiz."

Faison: "Where the hell is your brother?"

Marcello: "He said he had some business in Cuba."

Faison: "I don't believe it. He's flaky. Not someone I trust with this operation."

Marcello: "You're not running the show Faison and neither is Helena. I'm hip to the game now."

Faison: "You nor your brother has any ounce of discipline. You better get back on track or you're out."

Marcello: "Was that a threat?"

Faison: "Do with it what you want."

Faison leaves the room with Marcello deep in thought.

Zander walks into the PCPD and approaches Taggert at his desk.

Zander: "You needed to see me."

Taggert: "I stopped by Kelly's to find you, but you weren't around."

Zander: "What I do now Taggert?"

Taggert: "Where the hell is Luiz Alcazar? I left his mug shot at Kelly's in case anyone saw him."

Zander: "I don't know."

Hannah walks out next to Zander

Hannah: "Leave him alone Taggert. I'm serious. Don't start picking on Zander."

Taggert: "You heard Mac ask me to go see Zander did you not?"

Hannah: "He said he doesn't know so leave it alone."

Hannah leads Zander into her office and shuts the door. She forces him into a chair across from her desk

Hannah: "Ok kid. Where is Luiz?"

Zander: "I don't know Hannah. I wouldn't lie to you about this."

Hannah: "He brutally beat up Adam Chandler Jr."

Zander: "So. He killed Kristina and got off. This is a waste looking for him."

Hannah: "I know it is."

Zander: "I try not to think about him."

Hannah: "It's hard, because he can be soo sweet. And the next thing you know you find out he stole some kid's science fair project."

Zander can't help but bust out in laughter. Hannah shakes her head.

Zander: "Do you love Taggert?"

Hannah: "We're finished. Thank Luiz for that one."

Zander: "Want my help? (in a girly voice) Oh Uncle Marcus, my Mommy loves you. Can you get back together?

Hannah throws a file at Zander. He starts to laugh again. Outside Hannah's office, Dara walks in with a big bottle of champagne. Taggert takes notice of her entrance. She sits on his desk.

Dara: "Congratulate me."

Taggert: "Why? You sold out."

Dara: "Cry me a river. I needed to move on. You know how that is."

Taggert: "Seriously. I'm happy for you."

Dara smiles at Taggert. She hops off his desk and kisses him. She offers him her champagne. He declines with the wave of his hand. She can tell he's proud of her for moving on

Dara: "We should hang out. Like old times."

Taggert (blushing): "Go clean out your office."

Taggert watches Dara as she strolls upstairs to what used to be her office.

Brenda steps out of the elevator with Greg on her heels. She deviously stops short. Greg rams into her like a car following too close. Her face turns red and she turns to Greg flashing him the evil eye. He steps back to give her room. She continues up to Max at the door.

Max: "Hey Brenda. There's a surprise inside for you. Sonny's out right now."

Giddy, Brenda runs into the penthouse. Mike hops up from the couch. Brenda jumps into Mike's arms.

Brenda: "Oh my god this is awesome! Where have you been?"

Brenda jumps down. Mike grabs her hands to look at her. He twirls her around. She gets excited again to see his face.

Mike: "This is crazy. You're alive. I can't believe this."

Brenda: "Did you expect to see Carly? Did Sonny tell you?"

Mike: "He told me about his daughter and said he and Carly are divorced. He mentioned nothing about you living with him."

Brenda: "Sonny and I are married Mike. Are you disappointed it's not Carly?"

Mike: "Heck no! Hey, I love Carly and I love you too. I just want Sonny to be happy. He was always happy with you. I'm glad to hear about his daughter. I can't wait to meet her."

Brenda: "Oh yea Chloe. Well we call her Chloe and Alexis calls her Kristina. She's a trip and a half. Are you staying?"

Mike: "Yea I am. I was living in Vegas."

Brenda (concerned): "You're not gambling right? I'm sorry I had to ask."

Mike: "I'm over that phase now. Don't worry. I'm fine. I just missed my son."

Brenda (hugs him again): "I'm soo happy you're back. Where are you staying?"

Mike: "The Port Charles Hotel."

Sonny walks into the penthouse. He stops and smiles at Mike. He points at Brenda.

Sonny: "You happy to see her?"

Mike: "I'm am so happy to see her."

Brenda: "Sonny, where were you?"

Sonny: "JR got the beat down from Luiz. I went to see Skye. Don't worry about it Brenda."

Brenda: "Is he going to be ok?"

Sonny: "He's fine. Have you talked to Lois?"

Brenda: "Yea, she called me. She's somewhere in Puerto Rico with Miguel."

Sonny: "Good. All of you women here at one time drive me up the wall. I need a vacation. One brunette at a time. That's my limit."

Alexis, still lying on the couch, tries to fall asleep. The doorbell rings. She believes it to be Coleman again. This time she decides to apologize. She slowly pulls herself off the couch and answers the door to Jason standing there lost in space as usual. She lets him in. o:p/o:

Alexis: "What are you doing here so late? I could have used you earlier."

First, Jason looks at the ground. He then looks to the top of the stairs to see if the coast is clear. He inhales and exhales with intensity and decides to take another chance with his heart. Alexis has learned how to deal with Jason and his dramatic pauses so she's patient. He rubs his hands together, closes his eyes, and grabs Alexis around the waist. He kisses her on the lips and quickly pulls away. He throws up his hands trying to play innocent. Alexis stares at him again thrown into a trance. She snaps out of it and smacks Jason across the face. She immediately feels awful knowing he meant no harm. He becomes mortified again. She takes note of his scared expression. As consolation, Alexis opens her arms offering him an embrace. He refuses it still uncomfortable.o:p/o:

Alexis: "Can I at least get an explanation for that?"

Jason: "Remember Christmas Eve? You came to my apartment. I wanted to kiss you then, but I couldn't. I really like you Alexis."

Alexis: "Jason. I like you too, but just as a friend. I'm sorry I hit you. (she touches his face) Are you ok?"

Jason (tears form in his eyes): "Sure. I just feel like an idiot. I made a fool of myself today everywhere."

Alexis gestures him to have a sit with her. He sits down and she takes his hand so he won't feel so bad.o:p/o:

Alexis: "What happened?"

Jason: "I don't really have a relationship with anyone. All I know to do is hurt people except Robin. I always knew how to love her. I tried to sympathize with Skye tonight cause she is my sister, but I got nowhere. Everyone stared at me like I was crazy. So I wanted to open my heart some more. I decided I'd kiss you like I always wanted to. It didn't get me very far did it?"

Alexis: "Maybe you should ask first next time. It's the polite way. You pulled a caveman move there Son. Girls don't like that very much."

Jason: "Ok. I'll try to remember that. Girls like you to give them roses and then you can kiss them."

Alexis: "Exactly. (pats his head) Are you writing down all this advice I'm giving you Buddy Boy?"

Jason: "Yes I am. Robin, Luke, and you help me out a lot. I keep it all in here."

Jason pats his chest. Alexis lays her hand on his chest and flashes him a dimpled smile. He starts to feel better about his sudden move on Alexis knowing that she's one of the few that understands him.

Brenda lies on the couch downstairs trying to rest her mind from the stresses of being perfect for the camera. She nods off and envisions Kevin sitting across from her.

Brenda: "Luiz Alcazar is not that bad. He's actually pretty safe. I use him to rationalize my mother's rejection of me."

Kevin: "So Luiz didn't kill your mother like you say?"

Brenda: "No one has asked me about my mother. They assume she died in the crash. But to answer your question, Luiz didn't kill her. She killed herself. I wasn't good enough for her to even try to spare her own life. I couldn't fulfill her happiness. I never fit in with them."

Kevin: "With the Barrett Family?"

Brenda: "Being a model, everyone loves me. I'm perfect to everyone that buys a magazine with my face on it. That's a lot of people Kevin."

Kevin: "Did you ever think that maybe it's Harlan and Veronica that had the problem, not you? I'm going to get personal and tell you that Lucy and I adore you. You are so important to us."

Brenda: "A child is so precious. I look at Chloe and try to imagine putting a gun to my head and pulling the trigger in front of her if I were her mother. It's impossible. How could Veronica do that me? She gave me a big fuck you Brenda. You don't matter. Let some random guy catch you when you fall."

Kevin: "So you don't view Luiz Alcazar as a threat?"

Brenda: "He's just as much a threat as Sonny. But I can use Luiz. If I say he killed my mother, I can sleep at night. I can go to bed knowing my mother died, because he killed her, not me."

Kevin: "Brenda. What you're doing is called Displacement. You're angry with your mother, but you're taking it out on Luiz. You rationalize this blame because Luiz is already a criminal so to speak. Everyone believes this so of course they will believe you if you tell them that he killed your mother. Defense mechanisms, in general, are unhealthy and reverse your healing process. Deal with reality Brenda. Deal with reality."

Brenda tosses and turns. She almost rolls off the couch but Sonny catches her before she hits the ground. He helps her wake up. She looks around the room to see if she's really in Kevin's office. She looks at Sonny dreary-eyed.

Brenda: "I can't Kevin. It's better this way."

Sonny (whispering softly): "Are you ok? You had a bad dream."

Brenda nods and lies back down on the couch and dozes off again. Sonny stays nearby to catch her if she falls again.

The next morning arrives and Kelly's is buzzing with its early crowd. Lucky and Zander bust ass behind the counter. Jamal walks downstairs in a suit. Lucky and Zander stop what they're doing to whistle and hiss at Jamal as he floats on his ego up to the counter.

Jamal (to Lucky): "I got my interview with your mom, Laura."

Lucky drops the crate filled with dishes and stares at Jamal in awe.

Lucky: "My mom's name is Laura? Dude I had no clue."

Jamal reaches over the counter, grabs a spray bottle, and rinses Lucky with cleaning fluid as he slips and slides to the backroom with his dirty dishes. Bruce walks downstairs staring wildly at the local newspaper. He still has his bandage wrapped around his head. He runs over to Pete sipping a coffee in the corner. Bruce flashes the paper in Pete's face.

Bruce: "Do you see this? Look who's on the front! That dude that shot me.

Pete snatches the paper and reads it closely.

Pete: "Looks like a Detective Taggert is looking for information on the whereabouts of Luiz Roman Alcazar."

Bruce: " I say we hit the PCPD and file a report."

Pete: "Hey, if you want to let's go."

Pete and Bruce race out of Kelly's to the PCPD. Gia walks in and sneaks up behind Jamal sitting on the stool chatting with Zander. Nik walks up to the door and pauses to look at the activities taking place inside. Gia wraps her arms around Jamal's chest and kisses him on the cheek. Jealousy starts to brew inside of Nik at Gia hugging someone other than him. He decides not to go inside and leaves instead.

Gia (to Jamal): "Aren't you a hottie today. I'm sure you will blow Laura out of the water."

Jamal: "You like me all corporate?"

Gia: "I do. I love that look on you. All you need is a little makeup."

Zander (smacks Jamal's hand with a flip of the wrist): "I like you in blue eye shadow."

Jamal sneers at Gia and Zander. Jack walks downstairs and does a double take at Jamal's appearance.

Jack: "I thought we were going to test out the field today? We need it extra muddy for the race."

Jamal: "I have an interview with Mrs. Spencer, Jack. Maybe I can do it afterwards."

Michael: "Can I race too Jack?"

Liz walks in with Michael ready to start her shift. Michael hops up on a stool demanding Jack and Jamal's attention.

Jamal: "How about we make you a less dangerous track in the park."

Jack: "You need to practice a little before you do the hardcore stuff. (looking at his watch) Uh, I got something to do so I gotta go."

Jack bolts out of Kelly's. Jamal looks back wondering what Jack is up to.o:p/o:p

Brenda stretches her body to wake herself up. She decides to lounge on the couch a little longer. She cuddles back up into the warmth of the blanket. Greg opens the door and lets Carly into the penthouse. She stares at Brenda who stares back at her. Brenda hops up from the couch.

Brenda: "You should call first."

Sonny comes downstairs. He takes Brenda's hand and gives her a morning kiss. The scene repulses Carly.

Sonny: "What do you want? I'm about to take Brenda for ice cream." o:p/o:p

Brenda looks at Sonny surprised by his words. He winks back at her. She smiles back at him.

Carly: "I need to discuss something with you if you don't mind."

Sonny: "I said we would discuss any issues with Michael and alimony at another time. Like I said, you're wasting my time with Brenda."

Carly: "I need to ask you something about Gia. Why are you picking on her?"

Brenda: "What about Gia? When did you and Gia become friends?"

Carly: "She hangs out at Coleman's club so we chat it up. What do you have on her Sonny?"

Sonny: "None of your damn business. Get the hell out of my penthouse."

Brenda: "Hey Sonny. Chill out. (to Carly) I doubt Sonny knows anything about Gia. And anything I know about her was told to me in confidence. I don't get your concern."

Carly: "Whatever Brenda. I hope you two have a nice life."

Carly turns and leaves the penthouse. Brenda looks at Sonny.

Sonny: "I'm not going to let her ruin my good day. Mike is back. I got visitation of Chloe. Everything is going great."

Brenda: "You really have time for ice cream?"

Sonny: "Yea. You, me, and ice cream in the park. I'll push you in the swing."

Sonny smiles at Brenda. She gets excited and runs upstairs to change her clothes. Sonny walks over to his phone and makes a call.

Sonny (on the phone): "Hey Amigo. The Bitch has got to go. Soon."

Brenda stands at the top of the stairs and overhears the conversation. She tries to figure it all out. She refuses to listen anymore and tucks the vengeful words away in her already full unconscious. She goes back to preparing to go out.

Jason seats Kristina on the park bench. She licks her lips in anticipation of her snack. He smoothes out her pastel pink and green sundress and places her blanket across her lap. Kristina reaches out her tiny hands as Jason unwraps a red Popsicle. He hands her the Popsicle. She immediately drops the heavy red treat on her blanket. He holds it up for her as she takes small licks off the cold delicacy.

Jason: "This was a bad idea Chloe. I don't wanna get your dress all dirty."

Jason constantly wipes Kristina's mouth. He finally gives up on keeping her clean. He hands her what's left of the melting Popsicle and looks up at the sky.

Jason: "Look up Chloe. (he points up) That's the sky. Skies are usually blue. They can also be white, cobalt, and even black. Sky is a noun, because it's a thing. But I have a sister named Skye. Skye is a noun too, but she's a person. Nouns can be people, places, and things."

Kristina looks up at Jason listening to every word out of his mouth in spite of not understanding. She just loves to hear him talk in teaching tone. He continues to look up mesmerized by the clear blue sky.

Stefan walks into his office at Alexis flipping though Cassadine papers. He looks lost and observes Alexis' calm demeanor.

Stefan: "Why aren't you concerned?" o:p/o:p

Alexis pushes her glasses up on her face and gives Stefan confusing blinks of her eyes.

Alexis: "What are you talking about?"

Stefan: "Where is Kristina? She wasn't in her crib. She's missed her morning breakfast."

Alexis: "Kristina is with Jason…"

Stefan: "…Excuse me? You leave her in the hands of a hit man?"

Alexis: "Stefan. She's fine. I need to talk to you. I found the missing Cassadine. Actually he found me."

Stefan: "Who is it?"

Alexis: "Coleman."

Stefan steps back almost falling over his chair.

Stefan: "The sleezy strip club owner! That is crazy and very demoralizing!"

Alexis: "He came hoping we would use our Cassadine evil to get rid of Luiz Alcazar."

Stefan: "You believe him?"

Alexis: "I do."

Stefan: "Alexis…"

Alexis: "…I know Stefan! This family can't afford to have a man like Coleman. Well funny enough, he doesn't want to be a member of our family. It sucks."

Stefan: "Why? You don't need him. He stole funds."

Alexis (raising her voice): "He took what he was entitled too. Stefan, he is my brother, our brother. I'm going to be an aunt again. Kristina is going to have a little cousin. Why can't you look at this from a non-business, non-strategic point of view?"

Stefan: "Because I trust no one anymore. Do you know how long it took me to really trust you again and be able to call you my sister?"

Alexis: "Stefan. I am going to the hospital to check on Skye's brother. Did you read the paper about Adam Chandler Jr.? I honestly don't see Coleman as a threat to us. He just wants to fight the man that hurt all of us. We need to work together."

From Stefan's body language, Alexis can tell he is no longer listening. He turns away from her and sits at his desk. Alexis gives up and leaves.

Sonny and Brenda stroll through the park eating ice cream. Brenda takes interest in a clown twisting balloon animals for a group of children while Sonny focuses on Jack transferring a small pouch to a young boy for money. Jack quickly takes the cash and starts chatting with the boy. Sonny stares at Jack and comes back to earth with a kiss from Brenda. She notices Sonny focusing on Jack.

Brenda: "What are you looking at? Is that Jack?"

Sonny: "Yea. That's Jack."

Sonny turns away and spots Jason helping Kristina take her first steps. Jason grabs her arms and walks her around the bench. Without her suspecting, Jason picks her up under her arms and swings her around. Brenda spots Jason too. They both walk over. Jason picks up Kristina as Sonny and Brenda make their way over to him. He becomes nervous, but keeps in mind that Alexis asked him to watch her. Kristina hops up and down in Jason's arms excited to see her father. Sonny can't help but laugh at her and her little dance she does when he approaches her. It has become her ritual.

Brenda: "What are you two doing here?"

Jason (still nervous): "Alexis had some family issue come up. She desperately needed someone to watch Chloe."

Sonny, though resentful, remains calm knowing that he should behave in Kristina's presence. Just looking at her softens his heart. Kristina frowns at Sonny wondering why he hasn't held her yet. Jason notices Kristina's transformation from high energy to somber.

Jason: "Do you want to hold her Sonny?"

Sonny: "No."

Sonny can't believe what he just said. Brenda looks at him in shock, as does Jason. Sonny takes the easy way out and walks away. Brenda follows behind bombarding him with are you oks. He stops and sits on a bench

Sonny: "You think she's said her first words yet?"

Brenda: "I'm sure Alexis would call you."

Sonny: "What if she calls Jason Daddy?"

Brenda: "She won't. Look at the way she looks at you when she sees you."

Sonny: "There is no way she knows I'm her father."

Brenda punches Sonny. He tries to ignore her. He looks over and can still see Jason and Kristina in the distance playing in the sandbox

Brenda: "Go over there and play in the sandbox with Chloe. I know you hate Jason, but I'm sure he won't mind it if you just hang out."

Sonny: "She's like the girl you always wanted to kiss, but she has so many suitors that you have to want in line for your turn."

Brenda: "You got me didn't you? And apparently I was a Ho."

Sonny blushes at Brenda and the truth in her words. He holds her hand to make sure she's real. He can't help but stare and study all of her features to be sure she's really sitting there. She allows him to play with her hair. At that point, he realizes he's finally got her.