Chapter 7:

Somebody Told Me… Life is a Series of Choices

When I was a child my father used to say we are having spaghetti for dinner. As usual, I used to whine so, my father gave me an option: spaghetti or a vegetable platter mainly of broccoli. Well, some choice, I didn't care much for broccoli. I hate when they do that: they give you a choice that's not really a choice. Alexis and Sonny's lives seemed to be marred with choices that weren't theirs to make or rather, were made for them. And then, there were times when they did have a choice: to choose a different life, to choose a better version of themselves, to choose their truer half and to simply choose a happier future . I hope they make the right choice…there's a lot riding on this.

Alexis had dressed in a pair of jeans and a light sweater and made her way to the hospital. She needed to be strong for her daughter and her family, now more than ever. She also needed to have a serious talk with Patrick and Robin about Kristina's condition and other options. She would need to call in a few other specialists. Patrick may be a good doctor, but she needed another opinion, several, in fact, if need be. Alexis was a woman on a mission.

And that was the woman Sonny was faced with as he made his way out of the hospital chapel, on his way to see Kristina. Alexis was just coming out of the elevator when their eyes met. Sonny had changed into a new suit, sporting a five o'clock shadow. He looked like he was nursing a hangover with the whole world on his shoulders.

In the last few hours, Sonny had stumbled out of the bar and headed for the apartment he kept in the city for times like this. It had been a while since he used the apartment. It held the barest of necessities a bed, change of clothes and some take out menus. He didn't want the boys to see him this way and he didn't want to face anyone or anything. But when he reached the apartment this morning, he was met by Max and Milo, who had looked visibly concerned. He waved them off, changed and made his way to the hospital.

Alexis was the first to speak, "You look tired." Sonny heard the unspoken question underneath her statement.

"So do you. And before you ask, I have not done anything to Keifer. We still can't find him," Sonny replied ending all further conversation.

They walked the rest of the way to Kristina's room in complete silence. The phrase "you could cut the tension with a knife" gained new meaning in those few minutes. But, it all dissipated when they looked into Kristina's room. It was indescribable. It was heartwarming. It was bittersweet. They stood in awe and watched their children, together in one room.

Dante Falconeri

Dante was the son he never knew he had.

Samantha McCall

Samantha was the daughter she thought she lost.

Michael Quartermaine Corinthos

Michael was the one that brought them together.

Kristina Adella Davis Corinthos

Kristina was the daughter that was born out of their love.

Morgan Stone Corinthos

Morgan was the son he had with the woman who had cost him the best thing in his life.

Molly Davis Lansing

Molly was the daughter she had with a man who promised her a life after Sonny.

Kristina had not woken up, but all her siblings were sitting around her. She had brought them together in one room. Epiphany must be having a fit having so many visitors in at one time. Molly and Morgan sat together, looking younger than they were. Samantha sat close to them. Michael held Kristina's hand. They were always close. Dante watched over them protectively from the corner in the room. This was the scene that greeted Alexis and Sonny who were trying to hold back the tears. For all the mistakes and disappointments, there were some blessings in their life.

"I am sorry."

"You were right."

Molly noticed them first, which was immediately followed by four pairs of eyes. Molly got up and rushed towards Alexis hugging her. She needed her mother now. Alexis noticed a subdued Morgan who was trying to hold it in and without a second thought, enveloped him in her arms. He didn't protest.

Sonny shared a weak smile with Michael, who hadn't moved from his place. Sam and Dante looked on warily. They didn't know what to do or say. Luckily, Alexis took control. After kissing Kristina's forehead, she finally looked towards Sam and Dante.

"Thank you both for staying with Kristina and looking after the three of them. I am sorry I wasn't here. I am fine now. And I think the two of you'll should go home and get some sleep. You look exhausted."

"I am fine. I'm staying," Dante automatically replied.

"It was nothing, mom, but are you okay?"

Alexis giving Sam a hug replied, "I am fine Sam. Now go. I'll call you if anything changes." Sam took that as a cue to leave, but she would ask her mother for more details about last night when they were alone. She kissed Kristina and left.

Next, Alexis spoke to Dante. "I know you are cop and you are used the long hours, but you still need rest. It has been a long night, so please humour me and go home. I'll call you, if anything changes."

Dante was about to protest, but Sonny rejoined, "I know you don't think much of my opinion right now, but Alexis is right, go home and get some rest. We will be here with Kristina."

It seems they had spoken. Dante left, leaving the younger ones behind with Alexis and Sonny.

"How long have you been here with Kristina?" Alexis asked noticing the weary expressions on the younger faces.

"A couple of hours," Molly answered.

"I think you should go get some lunch, while I wait with Kristina."

"No, we can't do that. We want to stay with Kristina." Morgan replied.

"Yeah," Molly added.

"Honey, you've been cooped up here for a while, you must be hungry. I'll be here with Kristina. Go get some shakes or something. We will be right here waiting."

Michael who was silent during the exchange picked up on what Alexis said and added, "Yeah, Alexis is right, let's go for a walk." Begrudgingly, Molly and Morgan got up to leave. Alexis realized that she and Sonny would have to talk to Morgan and Molly soon about Kristina's condition and what caused it all. Sonny realized the same thing and volunteered, "I'll go with them."

Alexis turned her attention to her daughter and apologized to her for not being there last night and asked her to fight for herself and for her family. They needed her.

Meanwhile, Sonny ushered Michael, Morgan and Molly to the hospital cafeteria. They had simply refused to leave the hospital to go to Kelly's. They talked sparingly. They asked questions about Kristina, how it happened, why it happened, about whether they would go to school tomorrow. Sonny tried his best to answer, but in the end, all they got was that Alexis and Sonny would decide and have a talk with them soon. Michael, containing his anger, tried to distract them with more pleasant topics like baseball, movies and books. Morgan and Molly tried to appear interested while Sonny was grateful for Micheal's efforts. But, he was also concerned for Michael because when he and Sonny were alone, he had asked Sonny about what he intended to do with Keifer. Michael hoped that Sonny had taken care of things.

In the midst of watching the kids deal with this version of hell and thinking about the events of the last 36 hours, Sonny had finally made a decision, a few years late perhaps, but if he didn't do it now, he never would. He whipped his cellphone and made a call.

"Bernie, we need to talk."