An Elevator Ride
by Darlene

Alexis stepped inside the empty elevator at General Hospital. She was heading home after her latest doctor's appointment.

The elevator stopped at the next floor to let someone on. It was Sonny.

At first, neither said a word to the other. Finally, Sonny broke the silence. They both stared at the elevator door.

"Alexis."

"Sonny."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine." She paused. "I suppose you hate me now."

He sighed. "No, Alexis, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. Why would you think that?"

"I want you to, you know. I tried to hurt you in the worst way possible at Kristina's funeral - publicly saying things to you that were shared in private."

"Why?"

Alexis looked down at her very pregnant belly. "We're safer that way."

"That's probably true. I'm sorry."

"Me too." Suddenly, Alexis clutched her middle. She grimaced slightly. "Geez, Little One, not so hard! It doesn't take that much to get my attention!"

"The baby kicked?"

"Yeah." She looked at Sonny, seeing in his eyes what he couldn't, or wouldn't, say. She took a deep breath.

"Sonny …would you like to feel?"

Sonny looked at Alexis, tears forming in his eyes. "It's not - I shouldn't -"

"It's ok, Sonny. No one's here to see." She gently took his hand in hers and placed it on her belly. "Come on, Little One, give us a kick." Little One responded with a hard kick.

"Whoa!" Alexis laughed.

"You've got quite a kicker in there, Alexis. You're very lucky, you know."

Alexis fought back the tears in her eyes at what should have been. "I know," she whispered.

"Keep her safe. And … thank you."

"You're welcome." It's the least I owe you.

The elevator reached the ground floor. Sonny and Alexis each got off and went their separate ways.