Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

June 1996

Elvis and Juana house

Jose Rafael's birthday 54th

They had been married for two years and she couldn't see her life any other way than with this man when she caught him staring at her, making her smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked with a smile, "you could not be more beautiful today then you were the day I met you" Koji says, reaching over and kissing her. "Umm your charm Nakamura what are you up too" Lissel questioned against his lips as he continued to kiss her "Psst me nothing" he replied.

As he slipped his tongue into her mouth "hmmm Koko what are you trying to do hmmm no ya" she says pulling away pointing her finger at him "what I do I can't wanna kiss my beautiful wife" he says. "We are just going to wish my dad a happy birthday and give him his presents. I promise okay I don't have time for Carmen's bullshit.

I mean what is she gonna do next try and get someone to get us divorced, it's ridiculous now drive" she tells him. Making him groan as he continues to drive to her brother's house then parking the car. With her getting out of the car first as Koji sat there"Vamos, Nakamura, será rápido" Lissel said, "Do I have to, I don't wanna" Koji said with a grin making her look at him when he started to laugh.

"Koko vamos pa ya" she says grabbing his hand trying to pull him out of the car "little people are determined Ten cuidado, chula please" he said turning the car off and getting out. When he bent over and kissed her "Muchas gracias, mi amor, haré que valga la pena hmmm ( Thank you very much my love I'll make it worth your while)" Lissel said, kissing him even more. "TITI" both Jose Carlos and Octavio shouted making her pull back "umm hola mis chamaquitos" she says as the both embraced them as they all walked to the house.

"Oh look the princess finally decided to show up" JR said snidely, making her roll her eyes ``umm yeahhh I've arrived to this sausage fest" she replied as Koji laughed. He had picked up Octavio '' what's up buddy you behaving yourself " he asked as the boy shook his head " yes Tio Koji can I get my bike now" Octavio asked.

As Koji makes a face pretending to think"ummm what do you think Vanessa does he deserves a bike" he says hugging the girl. Who shrugged "I want a bike too" she answered making Koji smile, "Mirame mi princesa" Jose Rafael said when he saw her. "Mira muchacha como estas Lissel" her uncle Francisco says as her father hugged her tight "Muy bien Tio y tu" she answered, "my goodness look at you Lissel you look absolutely glowing.

Wow you look good Koji como estas mijo" her father said with his arm around his daughter as he shook Koji's hand as her uncle gave her a hug and a kiss. "I'm good, happy birthday Senior" Koji says, still holding Octavio in his arms. " muchas gracias now look, your mother is in here, be nice," her father said. "Papi we are just here to give you your presents and this opens that one" Lissel says with a smile, "Lisse como estas muchacha. Oh my gosh you look good glowing verdad papi" Olivia says, coming over and hugging her hitting Koji on the arm.

As he bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek "yes she does" Jose Rafael says opening the envelope and closing it really fast making him stop and sit down.

With the tears coming to his eyes"hermano are you okay" Francisco questions as everyone else turns around and comes over. "Vas en serio" he asked as she shook her head as he pulled her and Koji and hugged them "Jose que paso Lissel" Carmen said stopping when she saw her youngest daughter.

"Yes Papi it is very true" she answered, "Papi what happened Lissel what's going on" Elvis asked as his father cried tears of joy. "Your sister would have been so happy for you so for your sake I pray it's a girl my baby is having a baby" Jose Rafael says hugging his daughter then shaking Koji's hand. As Carmen's face dropped "Tu embarazada" her mother asked, "YESS I told you I called just make sure it's a girl we can share.

See I told you Lisse '' Miguelito says with a big smile as JR watches his mothers face "I thought you said you wanted to wait" JR says. "Well that was the plan this just happened and we're excited about this so there it is I said I'm pregnant" Lissel says. Her mother shook her head in disbelief "What happens with medical school? Carmen asked, "Well Koji and I talked about it. I will continue with school.

I will take next semester off because the baby should be born in February. Then I'll go back in August and the baby will be with him while I'm in school so it works out" she replies. "So what you just knock her up and that's it? '' Jr said knowing his mother was upset, "First of all knocking her says that she isn't married. That's my wife, my partner's crime . She isn't alone. We will be just fine and why are you worried about our life. Didn't you just have baby number 5 what is it? ''Koji replies sarcastically, "It's four I have four boys " Jr responds.

As her other brothers chuckled "Congrats guys I'm happy for you but just like Miguelito said I knew it was gonna happen chao. You guys were gone, the whole Tarzan and Jane thing let us know verdad Koji '' Sandy says, making Koji laugh.

Then stopped as Lissel looked up at him as he looked at Octavio who was comfortable with his head on Koji's shoulder. With Lissel covering her face "Cállate tú coño hablas demasiado" she said, shaking her head as he laughed. 'But… But I don't understand what's the rush to have kids" Carmen says in shock, "What rush like I said it just happened we didn't expect it and we are embracing it Verdad Koji" Lissel says kissing him.

When Sandy looked at her incredulously "Mami you had no problem with Belkis having kids right after the marriage you told him to get her pregnant right away. They've been married for what two years now they didn't rush" Sandy says kind of annoyed he hoped she was over the nonsense. "Why are you talking to Mami like that in front of all these people" JR said, "What is it not true everybody here knows this JR. It's not a secret manito, it's a question" he replies.

"Alright, Alright Yes we are but like she said she will continue you on with school like normal" Koji said looking down at her. It was as if she was the only person in the room making her father Sandy and Elvis smile "Just to let you know I'm calling dibs on a girl" Miguelito says with a grin. Lissel shook her head "I know Miguelito" she answered smiling at her brother.

All the while Lissel looked at her mother "Well for your sake I hope the baby looks like you" her Aunt Clara says. "Coño cállate hablas tanta mierda oyete, Lissel mi sobrina felicidades estoy muy feliz por ti y espero que este bebé te traiga tanta alegría como nos trajiste a tu padre y a mí" (shut up you talk so much shit oyete, Lissel my niece congratulations i'm so happy for you and I hope this baby brings you just as much joy as you brought your father and me) "Francisco says. Giving her a hug and kiss before shaking Koji's hand then hugging the younger man "Yeah Lisse what Tio said I'm so happy for you guys. I know that you guys will be fantastic parents and Ko thank you for making my sister happier than I've ever seen her. And taking care of her I've never seen someone shut her up but handle her with such great care at the same time.

You know how she is like a fucking pitbull" Sandy said with a big grin making her look at him as he hugged her. Before silence fell when Miguelito shook his head "Belkis would be so happy it's like I can see her calling dibs on Godmother" he said wiping the tears from his eyes. Thinking about their older sister "But most importantly she would say exactly what we said that this is our baby and we are happy for you Lisse" Elvis says.

As they all got a little emotional, so did Jr they still couldn't believe that Belkis was gone and so was Raul. And him being the one to kill her was still a hard pill because him and Jr were really close "Why would you bring this to your father's birthday. And make it about you" Clara says knowing her sister was hurt because she still was trying to get rid of Koji but a kid would tie them together.

Forever and she didn't want that so she had to bide her time and she would but before she could say anything. Her husband did "Aren't you going to congratulate YOUR ONLY LIVING DAUGHTER she's having her first child" Jose Rafael said. Staring directly at her "Ooh ooh " her sister says, making Francisco turn to her " Mira Cállate tú maldita estúpida" he said.

"Whatever don't kill yourself Papi I hope you enjoy your birthday Koji and I are gonna go mi amor take me home" Lissel says kissing her father and Uncle on the cheek . And left swiftly that her mother had to run after her "Mami don't run after that girl" Jr says going after her. "Lissel wait please I don't like this at all okay you're my baby, my daughter and I just want the best for you" Carmen said.

"No Mami you don't want what's best for me because if you did you would be happy for me because he loves and treats me with respect. And treasures me but you want what you want for me so pasty ass man who will disrespect me on a regular basis. Someone who I would have to share with other women you were comfortable with him disrespecting.

In front of other people to get a laugh and you know what Koji has always given me that respect. Publicly and privately so you don't have to worry about me and my child, we're gonna be just fine" she replies. When her mother stopped her "I am happy that you are happy and I'm happy it's just I'm still getting use to this to him.

You know my experience with his kind" the woman said, making Lissel look at her incredulously "His kind trust me you never dealt with his kind. Okay so please spare me the bullshit. We all know the truth, you and Titi Clara's father is darker than him. I know this because I met him. But your mother being afraid left her husband for someone lighter so please stop the lies okay" Lissel said.

Shocking everyone "Yo…Yoo… You… You.. you saw that man why" Carmen said in shock, "yes I did Mami he never left you Abuela took the two of you and left him. He never raped her I saw him in abuela's hospital room they were talking. And she was apologizing to him for being afraid before she died when she bared her soul to me" Lissel says. "You told me that you didn't get to see her" the woman says, "well I did and you know what she told me mami she told me and I quote.

That to never give up the man I love out of fear, learn to fight for it and to not be afraid just love and be loved. And you wanna know what I am loved and I will not give that up for you or anyone else Mami because I feel it when I'm with him, I feel it when I look. Into his soulful gray eyes , I see it when he watches me when he thinks I'm not looking the way he holds me the way he is with my nieces and nephews.

Just the way that giant man is with children period I can't wait to see how he is with ours so if you can't be happy for me. I'm not gonna beg you Mami, it will just be more of how it is now bye" she says walking to the car that Koji held open for her. All the while her mother watched with her father shaking his head "you had one chance Carmen to put your wants aside.

And just be happy that your daughter is loved and truly happy and you couldn't do it, could you Carmen. Because you still think It should be about what you want, don't you get it by now. That had you just let Belkis be with a man that she loved and loved her she would here. But she isn't raising her children and I can't and will not allow you to do that to Lissel. That's why I allowed her to marry that boy.

And if you don't get with the program soon you will lose your only living daughter, Vamos" Jose Rafael said going inside the house. When her sister looked at how hurt she was "Carmen don't listen to him you know what's best you always know what was best. And if you let this happen she will never be free of that man Belkis did what was right oyete" Clara said. "Did she Mami because she's dead and I'm sure that was the last thing she wanted? What I do know is she wanted to raise her kids. And she wanted to be loved not beaten because he was angry or frustrated because she caught him cheating on her.

That was right really she not being is right it's not, it's not" Soledad says leaving with her husband behind her. "¡Soledad vuelve aquí ahora mismo!" Clara shouted but her daughter got into her husband's car. As he put their daughter into the car as her mother tried to open the door "Sole open the door. How dare you speak to me like that huh what's a matter with you huh" her mother said. Shaking her head "Bye Mami enjoy Tio's party" she answered as Alonso drove off leaving her there in disbelief. Before she shook her head "Oh no I'm not doing this Carmen me voy I will not be doing that. She will never do that to me in front of people" the woman said furiously as she walked to her car.

Port Charles

13 months later

June 1997

"Look Carly why must we do this all the time huh just give me my son" AJ said pissed off as Sonny held a camera on him. "What's the matter AJ you been drinking huh" Carly said trying to antagonize him hoping to push him over the edge. "No, I'm not just giving my son will you, it's my week. It's some bullshit every time I come to get him. Give me my son" he says, "You heard the man give him his child Mrs. Corinthos" Taggart said from behind them. "You got the cops involved" she says angry as AJ smirks at her "Thanks Detective for coming" he said shaking Taggart's hand.

As Sonny gritted his teeth nodding "Go ahead and get Michael" he angrily glaring at AJ with Jason by his side. "You want to do what's best for Michael AJ, leave him be with his real family" Jason spat snidely with his brother shaking his head. " His real family are you kidding me Jace hell their not even your real family much less his have I made mistakes in the past yeah. But i'm NEVER GONNA TURN MY BACK ON MY SON" AJ says when Carly came out with Michael. "Okay baby remember that me and daddy love you and you'll be home soon and you can play with your brothers.

Alright If you ever don't want to do this anymore just say so and you don't have to ever go there okay"Carly said. Rubbing his face gently when he turned and saw AJ his face lit up then he ran to him with AJ picking him up and hugging him. "Miss you daddy is time yet" Michael said with a big smile throwing Sonny, Carly and Jason off "is it time for what AJ" Sonny says. "Hey buddy I missed you too. Are you ready to have fun at grandma and grandpa's house with me and Auntie Emily. And guess what Cook made you fresh baked cookies just for you how's that sound" he said not even answering Sonny.

"I'm talking to you AJ is it time for what" he spat, "you have Micahel keeping secrets from us" Carly said as AJ shook his head. "When Jason stood in front of him "Hey Michael it's okay you can tell me anything and you don't keep secrets from your parents" Jason said soothingly. "It's not a secret it's just not your business, say bye Mommy, Sonny and Uncle Jason" AJ said getting on the elevator. As Michael waved goodbye and Taggart got in after them as Carly fumed "Do you see that he has my little boy keeping secrets from me.

This is what I'm talking about. I can't do this anymore. I can't have MY SON GO BACK TO THAT HOUSE EVER AGAIN. Jason you have to do something you have to stop AJ" she says as he approaches her "Carly I promise I will do. Everything in my power so Michael will never have to deal with those people again alright. But right now I need you to just count to ten it's gonna be fine I'm gonna get to the bottom of this" Jason says nodding to Sonny and her before leaving.

Quartermaine Mansion

Him and Michael made it there in record time as Michael ran inside "GRANDMA, GRANDPA! The little boy said excitedly. With his parents in the foyer making Alan bend down and hug him "Hey my boy" he the man says. As Monica hugged him as well "AJ can we talk to you in the sitting room" his mother said making him look at her curiously. "Yeah sure hey Michael why don't you take your bag upstairs to your room for me and then you can. Grab one of those cookies from the kitchen" AJ says, "No it's fine AJ he can come with us he doesn't have to go away" Monica replies.

Making AJ uneasy "well Mom it sounds serious you know and I don't want him around the adult stuff you know" he replies. When his mother grabbed his arm "Sweetheart it's okay" she said, leading him into the sitting room. His father opened the door "Mom , dad what's going on…." AJ said when he stopped seeing Koji and Lissel there. "Surprise" Lissel says as Michaels mouth dropped as he ran forward all AJ could do was stand there in shock. "What you just gonna stand there Quartermaine" Koji said as he shook his head "Is that the baby" he says.

Walking further into the sitting room as Michael paired over looking at the baby when AJ got closer. Looking down at the baby tears forming in his eyes "AJ and Michael I would like you to meet Reya your god daughter" he said. As AJ looked over to him and Lissel "Really" AJ says as they put her in his arms bringing Michael closer to see. " Daddy I knew it was time hi Reya I'm Michael " Michael says looking down at her wiping his eyes as AJ started to tear up"wow I see Michael I didn't know buddy ,guys I would be honored to be her godfather hola Reya I'm your godfather AJ" he said looking down at her.

Tears streamed down his face as Michael bent down kissing her when she looked at him and smiled. "Daddy she smiled at me" the boy said excitedly all the while his parents stood by watching nobody knew Emily came in and was watching. She had came after Jason called her telling her that AJ has Michael keeping secrets from his parents. "Hi Reya you, me and Michael are gonna have a lot of fun huh and I'm gonna make sure you learn English and I'm gonna love you so much" AJ says. "Oh come on brother stop getting your tears all over my baby" Koji says with Lissel hitting his arm as he laughed.

As both AJ and Michael stared down at her in awe Monica looked at Alan "He's gonna be alright" she whispered. The man shook her head when he saw Emily out of the corner of his eye. "Hey Emily sweetheart, why don't you come in and meet some very important people to your brother," Alan says. Making AJ look up he knew why she was there but he didn't care "Mom, Dad hi hey Michael, AJ"Emily says waving as she walked further into the room seeing the baby in his arms. "Aunt Emily look at the baby she finally came" Michael said excitedly, " I see wow she's adorable" she replied. "Emily is these are my friends Koji and his wife Lisse and their baby daughter Reya" AJ spoke.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you. How do you guys know AJ" she says, not buying that he actually had friends. "Oh me, my brother Federico, AJ and Jason went to boarding school a few years ago. That's how he and I met. But we stayed in contact " Koji answered, "You guys left man" AJ said jokingly making Koji shake his head "No man Federico left first then you left then Jason then me and I went to the City" he replies. "Yeah, Yeah your daddy left Reya right sweetheart" he said looking down at the baby in his arms. "Wow she's adorable" Emily said getting a closer look, "Daddy can I hold her pleaseeee" Michael said. Making both Koji and AJ look at each other then the boy "You think he's ready Ko" AJ questions with a grin.

"I don't know ,do you think you're ready Mike" Koji says as he shakes his head "Yes I'm ready" the boy says. "He has little brothers at home I'm sure Michael's ready" Emily says, when Koji looks at her " there's a difference. She's a baby that you have to be gentle with, okay you have to keep her safe and don't let anyone hurt okay buddy" he said. "Yes Uncle Koko" Michael said excitedly in his seat, "you gotta sit back okay open your arms there you go buddy hold her head yeah just like that" AJ says. Putting baby Reya in his arms making the 5 year old start to tear up "Hi Reya I love her already daddy" the boy says starting to cry.

With AJ hugging him "It's okay Michael look I already love her too and I don't want to let her go either and we're gonna promise. That were gonna take really good care of her you me right" his father says making Michael shake his head. Lissel smiled, running her hand over Michael's head "Do you wanna feed her" she asked with him shaking his head. As she sat next to him and gave him the bottle as she put the bib on the baby when he gave Reya her bottle. "Wow Ko she's adorable man" AJ says watching as Michael fed her "she's drinking a lot" the boy said with the adults smiling at him.

"Where is everyone?" Edward said coming into the stop when he saw Koji sitting there "What's going on you old blow hard" Koji says with a grin. Making AJ chuckle "What are you doing here" the man asked, "Edward they brought the baby to see us" Monica says as the older man's tone softened "Well let's see what we got here" Edward said. Coming closer as he did he looked down at her in awe ruffling Michaels hair as he sat beside Lissel. Giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek Emily was shocked everyone seemed to know them but her. Which made her suspicious when Lila came into the room "Ahh i see your still here is the angel awake yet" she says. "Yeah Grandmother she's awake and Michael gets to feed her" AJ says as his grandmother kisses him on the cheek.