Diamonds and Pearls

Written 8/15/03

Alexis walks around the outside of Kelly's with her cell phone perched at her ear. She is soo nervous at the thought of him answering his phone. She hasn't spoken to him in a while, but she misses him.

Alexis (to the phone): "You answered. How are you? I'm ok. Sometimes I want to escape with Kristina never to return but I can't do that. Guess what? No. I'm not having another baby. Coleman is my brother. We're twins."

Alexis jerks the phone from her ear at the loud WHAT she's getting from the other end.

Alexis (to the phone): "Calm down Dear. It's ok. He's married to Skye. Ok. Don't get upset. She's happy. She's having twins. Very soon I think. Brace yourself. Brenda married Sonny in Puerto Rico. They told everyone at the Nurses' Ball. Edward was livid. I love his reaction to those things.

A long silence appears on the other end of the conversation. She can feel his unspoken sadness seeping through the phone. She allows him his moment.

Alexis (to the phone): "Listen you Stupid Blog, I'll marry you again. We can even consummate the marriage this time. Will you call me soon? Stop being a stranger. I'll send you pictures of Kristina. She's almost taller than Sonny. What? AJ will never grow. He's perpetually twelve. Stop getting your hopes up for that guy. I love you too Jax. I miss you. Bye Love."

Alexis hangs up her phone. She turns to leave the front of Kelly's and runs right into Luiz waiting for her to end her call. She's nervous again not knowing whether to scream for help or fight him herself. He's calm and waiting for her reaction to his presence. She looks around hoping someone will come, but Kelly's has yet to open for the day.

Luiz: "Ms. Davis. I won't take up too much of your time. I owe you an apology for your loss. It was not my intent to hurt your sister."

Alexis: "I can not believe you have the nerve to show your face to me. You stay away from Coleman and his family."

Luiz: "When he gives me my son, I'll budge. I owe him nothing.

Alexis stares at Luiz in disbelief not understanding what he means. He notes her confusion.

Luiz: "So Skye didn't tell you? I'm the father of her son. It's rare but it's plausible."

Alexis: "Stay away from Skye and leave Port Charles. You have no reason to be here. I know Zander doesn't want you around."

Luiz: "Enjoy your day Ms. Davis.

Luiz walks away leaving Alexis in shock. She takes a seat and reminds herself of the cold-hearted smirk on his face when he was released of murder charges months ago. Ned walks up and peeks into the locked door of Kelly's. He notices Alexis in a trance.

Ned: "Good morning Heartache."

Alexis looks up at Ned trying to remember if she really just spoke to Luiz. She stands up and gathers her bearings

Alexis: "Hi. Kelly's is yet to be opened. Would you walk me to my office? I have coffee there."

Ned (offers his arm): "I sure will.

Ned and Alexis leave the front of Kelly's and make their way to Alexis' office.

Monica sits in her office staring at Robin's file. David walks in. Monica motions for him to take a seat. He can tell from her expression that the news couldn't possibly be good.

Monica: "David you know the lengths I went through to control Robin's pneumonia."

David: "Monica, I'm a doctor. Just say it. What's happening to Robin?"

Monica: "Robin has cancer. She has developed lymphoma."

David rests his head on his hand in frustration. He tries to come up with a plan of action to tell Anna.

David: "Wait! This is a good thing Monica. This means we can do chemo and radiation and get rid of the cancer or at least put it in remission. We could also proliferate some healthy stem cells..."

Monica: "No David. Absolutely not. You're not thinking like a doctor. And GH will not stand behind experimental drugs or practices that have not been approved by our board."

David: "No Monica. I have to do everything I can for her even if it means treating her somewhere else."

Monica: "David, her CD4 T cell count has dropped below 200. Chemo may kill the cancer, but it will also kill her already weak immune system. You know this. Don't even talk to me about using stem cell research in this hospital. And furthermore, Robin is my patient. Her care is in my hands."

David jumps up to leave.

David: "But you're not her mother. Anna will always have the last word."

David leaves Monica's office. Robin stops by Karen's office a couple floors down in the children's unit. She peeks into the office to Karen typing away at her computer. Karen looks up at Robin.

Karen: "Hey Sweetie. Come in and have a seat."

Robin sits across from Karen.

Robin: "I just got tackled by the cutest bunch of five-year olds."

Karen: "I love those kids. So when are you going to work down here? Tomorrow?"

Robin: "Are you serious Karen?"

Karen: "I am very serious. The kids love you. You're so gentle and patient with them."

Robin: "Do you hear from Jagger?"

Karen: "Sometimes. I feel so bad for Frank. My Dad jumped his ass at dinner the other night."

Robin: "What happened?"

Karen: "Scott's been so stressed out. Dara left to be partner with Alexis. He invites Frank and me over for dinner. Christina was there. She sees Frank and she calls him Daddy."

Robin: "Uh-oh."

Karen: "I'm like Dad, she calls everyone Daddy. She calls the dog Daddy. Stop freakin' out!"

Robin: "Poor Scott. She does have like four dads."

Karen: "Damn Julie!"

The room is dark. Christina lies on the bed with a blanket over her tired petite frame. Sonny sits next the bed with his hand on her tummy to comfort her in case she wakes up with more questions of why this why that. He surrounded her with stuffed animals, dolls, and picture books. She was up and down all night asking for her mother or father or Jack or Livvie or a glass of juice. He tried to appease her with cookies and milk at godforsaken hours of the night. After they arrived at the safe house the night before, she awoke from her shock wondering if she really saw a man killed or if bullets really hurt. Sonny told her it was a bad dream and she was just scared because she had strayed too far from Jack, but he would take care of her till her mom and dad came home.

He offered her the world from diamonds and pearls to unlimited cookies and ice cream to a new pony to a play date at Disney World with Chloe. He just sits in his desperation and watches her sleep not knowing how to fix this mess. In his head, he curses Jack for being so irresponsible with Christina. He thinks of his own little girl and what he would do to Jack if it were Chloe in this predicament. Marco walks in with Christina's dress on a hanger. He sent Marco to the cleaners at least twice to make sure her dress was cleaned to perfection. Sonny looks at Marco and takes the dress. He looks it over from the sleeves to the crochet of flowers at the bottom. Marco waits for his approval or lack there of. Sonny nods to Marco that it's finally to his satisfaction.

Sonny: "Call Johnny and tell him to contact Jack. We'll meet him at the penthouse."

Sonny lifts Christina up from her sleep. She allows him to put her dress back on. He slowly puts on her dress. He picks her up tucked tightly in her blanket and walks her out of the safe house to his limo with Marco waiting to drive.

Luiz walks into the PCPD and right up to Taggert's desk. The room is silent with all eyes are focused on Luiz.

Taggert: "You have some nerve."

Luiz: "I wish to file a report."

Scott comes out of Hannah's office not at all surprised to see Luiz.

Scott: "What's the problem Luiz? Looking for a new kid to knock the shit out of?"

Luiz: "Adam Chandler Jr. stabbed me first then I attacked him. I wanna file a report for attempted murder."

Taggert: "You are so full of shit Luiz!"

Luiz pulls up his sleeve and reveals his healing stab wound.

Luiz: "Look at this Taggert! Am I lying now? I say we call it even. I let the boy live if you people lay off me."

Taggert: "I don't negotiate with criminals. No charges have been filed, but when they are, we'll have a cell waiting for ya."

JR: "Actually, I'm not pressing charges. He's right. I stabbed him first."

Everyone looks at JR struggling to stand up straight by holding onto the wooden railing at the entrance. He and Luiz stare at each other with pure hatred in their eyes.

Luiz: "You feeling better Young Man?"

JR: "I don't trust law enforcement to handle you the way you should be handled. You'll get yours Luiz. It's coming."

Luiz (laughing): "Right Kid. Right. (to Scott) Where is Hannah?"

Scott: "In her office."

Luiz makes his way to Hannah's office leaving a bitter taste in Taggert's mouth. Taggert shakes his head at JR.

Taggert: "Where the hell is your sister? She should talk some sense into you JR."

JR (struggling to stand and talk): "It's not worth it Detective, but thanks for the effort."

JR leaves the PCPD and is nearly blown away by Jack flying through the door. Jack immediately stops his haste at the sight of Scott.

Scott: "What you do now Jack? Hey. Where's Christina? I called Livvie and she said the baby was with you."

Jack: "Uh. Yea. She's back at Kelly's."

Scott: "Well bring her here. I miss her."

Jack is about to stutter an explanation but his phone saves his ass. He bolts out the door to answer. Scott stares at him outside the window knowing something is up.

Jack: "This is Uncle Jack! Christina?!"

Johnny: "Sonny will give you Christina at his penthouse. Come alone."

Johnny hangs up before Jack can say another word. Jack hauls ass onto his motorcycle and speeds off with Scott still peering out the window at his weird behavior.

Scott (to Taggert): "I swear to god that kid is on drugs. I don't want him watching my kid anymore."

Taggert: "Kids are losing it. They got no goddamn supervision. It's sad. And then we let mofos like Luiz and Sonny run around. I don't get this world Scott."

Luiz plops down in Hannah's chair. She peers at him from a file she's been staring at for what seems like ages.

Luiz: "I miss you. What you been up to?"

Hannah: "Did you actually make it into the PCPD alive? They are looking for you Luiz."

Luiz: "I'm here."

Hannah: "Since when did you start terrorizing children Luiz?"

Luiz shows Hannah his arm. She walks over to him and places her hand on his arm in disbelief.

Luiz: "JR did this. I beat the crap out of him because of it."

Hannah: "Why were you there in the first place?"

Luiz: "Skye is having my son."

Hannah: "You slept with Skye?"

Luiz: "I sure as hell did."

Hannah: "You are such a Ho. You get more bizarre everyday. I can't deal with you right now Luiz."

Luiz: "I want you to help me get my son. You and I are still legally married."

Hannah: "Luiz. I can't right now. Maybe later. You've been dismissed."

Hannah focuses back on her work. Luiz pulls himself out of her chair, walks over to her, and places a kiss on the top of her head. She continues to ignore him as he drags himself out of her office.

Christina stands before Sonny with her hands on her hips brewing into tantrum mode. Mike walks in.

Mike: "Sonny. We need to talk about Brenda."

Sonny looks back at Mike who does a double take at the sight of the little girl unrecognizable to him. Carly comes in behind Mike and too jerks at the sight of Christina. Sonny tries to come up with excuses for the child's presence in his penthouse.

Mike: "That's your daughter Sonny?"

Sonny (agitated): "No Mike. Carly, what do you want?"

Carly: "Why do you have Scott's daughter in your penthouse? Does he know?"

Mike: "Is that Christina Baldwin? She's growing."

Sonny refuses to answer the questions being thrown at him. He looks back down at Christina and continues their fight.

Sonny: "Christina, what did I tell you last night? Do you remember what we talked about?"

Christina: "No."

Sonny: "No?"

Christina: "No."

Sonny starts to laugh knowing he'll be having this argument again in about four years.

Sonny: "We discussed making deals. I made a deal with you. Now whose turn is it to make a deal?"

Christina: "Yours!"

Sonny: "I remember it's your turn. I want you to go upstairs and play Sponge Bob Saves the World. Go on. Keep up your end of the deal."

Christina: "No."

Sonny: "Now."

Christina: "No! I don't wanna!"

Carly: "You know Sonny. I always said you should avoid having daughters. Girls don't negotiate like the big bad mobsters you roll with."

Sonny: "I'm going to count to three Christina. Don't make me chase you."

Christina: "No No No!"

Christina crosses her arms and watches Sonny's next move. He reaches out for her. She turns out of his reach, runs towards the stairs, and flies to the top out of sight. Sonny focuses back on Mike and Carly entertained by Sonny and Christina's sideshow.

Sonny: "I'm glad you're back Mike, but in the future call a brotha. Carly, we got nothing to talk about."

Jack walks in. Sonny rubs his hands together. He motions Jack in and forces Mike and Carly out.

Sonny (to Mike and Carly): "Sunny Skies Daycare Center is closed. I got business. See ya later."

He slams the door in their faces and turns to Jack. He shakes his head at Jack and starts to chuckle. Jack looks around for signs of Christina being there.

Sonny: "Jack Ramsey. You are officially my personal Bitch."

Alexis fumbles around with papers on her desk. Ned peers at her as he fixes two cups of coffee. He hands her a cup and takes a seat. She sits next to him.

Alexis: "I'm sorry I betrayed you."

Ned: "Actually, I'm glad I'm out. I would have missed out on my own daughter and that would not have been fair to her."

Alexis: "How is she?"

Ned: "How are you? You look nervous."

Alexis: "I found out that Coleman is my twin brother. I didn't even know I had a twin brother. Stefan hates him. He's so judgmental. He's been acting weird lately."

Ned (shocked): "Did you just say Coleman is your brother? Oh hell no."

Alexis: "Hell yes. And I told Jax. He sounds so lonely Ned."

Ned: "Did you tell him about Brenda?"

Alexis: "I wasn't going to, but he's my best friend. Sonny got visitation."

Ned: "Is that good?"

Alexis: "Since I've become a mother, I feel like confused. Nothing makes sense anymore."

Ned: "I felt that way yesterday after Brooke Lynn had a temper tantrum. She wanted to destroy her piano."

Alexis (in reflecting mode she utters): "Break it."

Ned: "Break what?"

Alexis: "Someone taught me that when I was angry and I saw something that I didn't like I should just break it."

Alexis stares past Ned and laughs to herself.

Jack: "Where is my niece Sonny?"

Sonny paces around the room high on his power trip. He just sent Marco upstairs to keep Christina entertained. Jack keeps his eyes on Sonny

Sonny: "I'm going to start from the beginning. I'm a criminal. I'm a lowlife, but I still have some principles. I have a daughter who loves to play in the sandbox in the park. Michael roller blades in the park. I saw Christina in the park a couple days ago having ice cream with Lucy. Brenda and Robin like to walk Kiya and Christopher-Robin to the park. (starting to elevate his voice) The park belongs to them! Leave it alone! It's sacred territory! So why the hell did I see you pushing E there?!"

Jack: "You don't know what you're talking about!"

Sonny: "Shut up while I'm talking! You don't bring little girls to the docks and leave them there alone! Even she knew she shouldn't have been there. She told me the docks were bad and scary. What would Scott say if he knew you brought his daughter to the most dangerous part of this town? I could have driven Christina to the PCPD, but we hit a snag. Christina saw something she shouldn't have seen. In my world…"

Sonny slides his finger across his neck to display him getting his throat slit.

Sonny: "Jack, I'm a fair man. I don't hurt little girls, but I have no problem breaking you. I hold you responsible for what Christina saw. Why are you dealing anyway?"

Jack: "I need the money. I owe Kevin."

Sonny: "Oh. I get it. Let me guess. You failed out of school. So all this is about an F on a report card? Don't get me wrong Jack. I was nearly murdered by my stepfather for not performing correctly in school, but Kevin's a nice guy. I don't see him locking your ass in a closet."

Jack: "He tried to help me and I failed him. So I just wanna pay him back."

Sonny: "Without him knowing that you failed. Right? You'd prove his point that you're not worth the breath Livvie wasted on you when she first saw you."

Jack: "You don't know shit about me."

Sonny: "Lucy talks to Brenda and Brenda talks to me. She doesn't think I'm listening, but I always listen to what she has to say. So yes, I know a lot about you. Ok here is the deal Jack. You will work for me to pay off your debt to Kevin. The key words are you will. If Christina tells anyone what she saw that night, you won't wake up the next morning. In addition to working for me, you will go to school and perform to best of your abilities. As of last night due to unfortunate circumstances, I'm short a bodyguard. Brenda likes you a lot so after I break you in, you'll be responsible for her. Do we have an understanding?"

Jack thinks of the consequences of telling Scott everything. He imagines running into the PCPD and throwing himself at Scott's mercy. He imagines never seeing Christina again. He imagines having a knife cut his throat while he's sleeping.

Jack: "I guess I have no choice."

Sonny (reaches out his hand to Jack): "Welcome to the family."

Jack reluctantly shakes Sonny's hand. Christina sees Jack from the top of the stairs and runs down into his arms.

Christina: "I'm mad at you Uncle Jack."

Jack (kneels down to Christina and holds her tight): "I'm so sorry. We'll never be separated again."

Sonny: "Hey Little Bo Peep. Remember what we talked about?"

Christina: "No."

Sonny: "You don't remember when I called you my Fairy Princess?"

Sonny smiles at Christina. She smiles back and nods her head. She wraps her arms around Sonny's leg as her way of saying thank you. Jack pries Christina from Sonny and opens the door to leave.

Sonny: "I'll see ya tomorrow Jack."

Jack refuses to look back as he picks up Christina and leaves the penthouse.

David sits at a table outside of Kelly's. Robin walks up and spots David with a solemn look on his face. She walks over to him. He takes her hand and pats his lap gesturing for her to have a seat. She sits on his lap and lays her head on his shoulder

David: "I have something to tell you."

Robin: "How much longer?"

David: "Only you know that answer."

Robin (pulls up her head and looks at David): "I wish Robert were here."

David: "Big Daddy Scorpio?"

Robin: "He made dreams come true and nightmares disappear."

David: "Is it safe to say that he walked on water?"

Robin: "Every girl thinks her dad is amazing."

David: "Do you wanna know what Monica told me?"

Robin: "No. I don't care."

David: "Will you just trust me to do what's in your best interest? I'm not Robert, but I can swim to try to keep up when I fall through the water."

Robin: "I definitely trust you David."

David: "Well the first order of business is you and I having a nice warm breakfast. Let's go inside. You're definitely going to clean your plate."

David lifts Robin from his knee and walks her to the entrance of Kelly's

Robin: "Can the plate be really small?"

David: "Get in there you little con artist."

Ned stands up and prepares to leave Alexis

Ned: "Anything else I need to know?"

Alexis: "I saw Luiz Alcazar."

Ned can't believe his ears.

Ned: "Where is he?"

Alexis: "You and I both know that you can't fight him. He tried to apologize to me. What is this about Skye having his baby?"

Ned: "Maybe you should ask her. It's not my place to tell you."

Alexis: "I'll talk to her then."

Ned: Are you going to be ok here alone?"

Alexis: "Justus should be here soon. Don't worry."

Ned gives in and kisses Alexis. She responds with a smile. He leaves her alone with her back to the door. She stops and thinks about her encounter with Luiz. Marcello creeps up to her. She can feel his presence breathing down her neck. She turns losing her breath at the sight of him staring at her with hungry eyes. She moves to the other side of her desk to use it as a means to distance herself from him. He closes the door. She sits at her desk trying to remain calm. He looks at her differently then he has before. It concerns her.

Marcello: "We have a lot to discuss Ms. Davis. I want my son and you will get him for me."

Alexis stares at Marcello with a heightened sense of fear. He sits across from her. She watches his every move. She doesn't know why she's uncomfortable, but she is.

Luiz strolls into the room with Helena in the middle of a massage. She looks up from her table at Luiz.

Helena: "How are you Honey? Have you heard from Greg? He didn't check in."

Luiz: "Not going to ask me about my trip?"

Helena: "How was your trip Sweet Pea?"

Luiz: "I'm in love Helena. I found the woman of my dreams and I'm not apologizing for it. Not to you, not to Faison, and not to Marcello."

Helena: "As long as you do your job, I don't give a shit who you love. Now where the fuck is Greg?!"

Luiz: "Where is Marcello?"

An evil grin appears on Helena faces as her masseuse rubs his hands up and down her back. She looks at Luiz with an eerie smile.

Helena: "He went to see Alexis. We decided to kick it up a notch. Looks like Marcello is the evil brother. Not you."

Luiz thinks about Marcello. A thought pops into his head. He quickly leaves the yacht without another word to Helena.

Marcello makes sure the door to Alexis' office is locked. She remains calm.

Alexis: "I changed my mind about your case in light of my new firm. Since you are working with Helena, there is no need for me to get involved in questionable activities."

Marcello: "Are you backing out Alexis?"

Alexis: "Basically yes. I'm out. You better find yourself another attorney."

Marcello leans over the desk and focuses his eyes dead on her hers. After a couple minutes of staring, she can't bear to look at him anymore.

Marcello: "You obviously don't know who I am. The last woman that told me No didn't like the result. She got a very rude awakening. I don't take rejection lightly Ms. Davis."

Alexis: "I would like you to leave Marcello."

Marcello pushes himself up from the desk and starts to walks around towards Alexis. She jumps up from her chair and walks to the door. He beats her to it and places his hand over hers on the doorknob.

Marcello: "I always get away with it. I guess you can call me a serial sick bastard. I know no other way to get my way other than to take it."

Alexis backs away from Marcello fearing for her life. It's no use in screaming. She knows no one is there to hear her. Outside in his limo, Luiz can see the law firm in the short distance. He hopes out the car barely stopped and races down the street to the glass door locked to the public. He jerks on the knob screaming for Marcello to open the door. He looks at his hand and maneuvers his fingers up and down. He holds his breathe and plunges his hand through the glass. For a second or two he writhes in pain holding his hand to gather his bearings. He reaches inside and unlocks the door with his useful hand. He opens the door, runs inside, and comes to the door marked Alexis Davis.

Luiz: "Marcello!! Open the door!"

Marcello looks back at the door refusing to obey his brother's commands. Alexis becomes even more confused and scared. How in god's name can she handle both of them? Marcello grabs her, but she finds the strength that only Natasha possesses to fend him off. Luiz can hear the struggle. He slams himself into the door with no luck on budging the lock. Alexis frees herself from Marcello and unlocks the door. Luiz, already in the process of slamming his body against the door again, flies into Alexis' office and immediately serves his brother a blow with whatever power is left in his hands. They struggle slamming each other into walls, bookshelves, and anything around to hurt each other. They tear her office apart with their bodies. Alexis knows she should get help, but she can't understand why Luiz is even there and helping her. The thought cripples her body from making a move. The dueling twosome gives up on beating the living crap outta each other. Marcello, out of breath, falls to the ground. Luiz stands over him and focuses his attention on Alexis. She gazes at his bloodied hand. She can see the glass encased in the raw scares, the sign of his efforts.

Luiz: "I apologize for my brother Ms.Davis. I'll take care of him."

Alexis is still speechless while Luiz yanks up Marcello practically beaten half to death. He slams Marcello into the wall in the hall to add another blow. He pulls him by his collar out of the building. Alexis watches Luiz dump his brother into the limo, hop in, and ride off. Justus walks up from around the corner where he parked his car. He spots Alexis in the doorway beaming from shock. He runs his hand along the broken glass door. He takes Alexis by the hand and walks her to his office. She plays the scenes and what could have happened over and over in her head. He sits her down on the couch and kneels before her trying to get her to focus on him. He can feel her heartbeat from the palms of her hands cradled in his. He holds them tightly to comfort her. She finally comes back to Earth and looks at him.

Alexis: "I was almost raped."

Justus: "By who? Here?"

Alexis: "Marcello Dolce-Gabana is his name."

Justus' mouth drops. He can barely believe what's he's hearing. He refuses to let the denial set in. It's so easy to not want to believe.

Justus: "Tell me what happened Alexis! Why is he here? Did he mention Keesha? Marcel? Was he here to see me?"

Alexis: "What?"

Justus: "I bet he was here to see me, because of Keesha."

Alexis: "What does Keesha have to do with this?"

Justus: "You should have read the case Alexis. Marcello was Keesha's rapist. And the father of her son, Marcel."

Alexis looks around her hoping to find her blanket and the socks that Kristina always pulls off in her sleep. She always wakes up with a sock or two clinging to her pajamas. She blinks her eyes, but sees no bed. No blanket and no tiny socks. She grabs her sleeve to find she's wearing her black pinstripe suit not her pajamas. She looks at Justus and catches the concern in his eyes. She can't help but remember what that delusion amoral thug said to her that one day. She regrets not listening to him.

Sonny: "…Do me a favor."

Alexis: "Yes?"

Sonny: "Don't get involved with Marcello."

Alexis: "Reset your watch, you're late."