Now What?
by Darlene

Part 3

Alexis wasn’t in the mood to go on a date with Charles. She thought about canceling but decided against it. Maybe Sonny will see me leave with him and get jealous. Yeah, right. He doesn’t think about you like that, Alexis. Stop dreaming. Don’t let thoughts of Sonny ruin your only night out in over a week.

Alexis sat down in front of her mirror in the bedroom. She had on a robe and her hair was pulled back in a clip, not yet fixed. Look at yourself, Alexis. No wonder Sonny doesn’t want you. You’re not exactly Miss America. How can you even begin to compare to the women Sonny finds attractive? Lily, Brenda, Hannah, Carly, Angel, Carly, Carly, Carly. What does he see in that woman? I wish she would just disappear.But you can’t really blame her, can you, Alexis? Once you are loved by that man, who would ever be able to give him up? You’re not having much success and Sonny doesn’t even love you. Never has. Never will.

A single tear rolled down her cheek. Stop it, Alexis. Don’t bother crying over it, it won’t do any good. Fix your mascara, do your hair, and get dressed. Charles will be here in 20 minutes.

She took the hair clip out, grabbed a brush, and began to fix her hair.

***

Sonny kept looking at his watch. He wanted to be sure to get a good look at this creep Charles. He kept his apartment door ajar and just stood there, listening for any movement outside to indicate that Alexis’ date had arrived. He planned on going into the hall to talk to Johnny when they were leaving as an excuse. Yes, he wanted to see Charles, but even more than that, he wanted to see Alexis. Too many days had passed without seeing her; he was starved for the sight of her. He wondered what she would be wearing and how she would be wearing her hair. Oh, I hope it’s down. She looks so beautiful when she wears it that way. Sonny smiled, thinking about Puerto Rico and the way she had looked that unforgettable evening. Then he frowned. But, if she looks like that, Charles might get ideas that he better not get! I’ll kill him if he touches Alexis! Just then, Sonny heard the elevator open and someone walk over to Alexis’door. A knock. Alexis opened the door and he heard it shut. Damn, I was hoping he might stand her up. Just a few more minutes, Sonny, and you’ll get to see them. Relax.

***

Alexis started down the stairs when she heard the knock on the door. She was wearing a black, flowing dress that landed just above her knees. She had on fish net stocking and black heels. Her hair was down and she had on some small dangling earrings. She secretly hoped that the person at the door was Sonny but she couldn’t even admit that to herself. She looked through the peephole to make sure it was Charles. It was. She opened the door and let him in.

“You look fantastic, Alexis! I had no idea you could look like that after seeing you in nothing but lawyer attire.”

“Why, thank you, Charles. Thank you for picking me up. Shall we be going?”

“Absolutely. Where are we off to?”

“The Port Charles Grill, if you don’t mind.”

“Sounds great!”

Alexis opened the door and she and Charles entered the hallway. Just as she pushed the elevator button, Sonny came out of his apartment to talk to Johnny. It was the first time she had seen him since he had been to see her last week. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw his gorgeous face. Oh, god, I wish I were going out with you instead of what’s-his-name here.

Sonny had entered the hallway at the right time. The first thing he did was to look at Alexis. He had never seen a more beautiful sight, even in Puerto Rico. Why can’t I be the man going out with you, Alexis? I need you here, with me. Don’t go on this date!

Of course, Sonny said none of this aloud. Instead, he said, “Alexis. Long time, no see. Who’s this?”

Like you care. “This is Charles Birmingham. Charles, this is Sonny Corinthos, one of my clients and landlord.” More like, this is the man I love, who doesn’t love me back.

“Pleased to meet you.” He held out his hand to shake Sonny’s.

Sonny held back the urge to punch him in the nose. He shook his hand instead.
One of my clients. My landlord. Aren’t I even considered a friend anymore?

“We’re going to be late. I made reservations for 7:30. See you around, Sonny.”

Charles and Alexis stepped into the elevator and the doors shut.

“Johnny, do you have any idea where Alexis is going with that man?”

"No, I’m sorry, I don’t. You know, Sonny, I don’t like betraying Alexis’ confidence, but I feel I need to tell you something.”

“What, Johnny?”

“You know Alexis asked me not to tell you about her comings and goings and I haven’t. But I feel the need to tell you the truth because frankly I’m worried about her. Alexis has only gone out once since the last time you saw her. I think I remember her saying it was to go see Nikolas.”

“Thank you, Johnny.” Sonny went back into his apartment and shut the door. He sat down on the couch and thought about what Johnny had said. Alexis hasn’t been out except to see Nikolas once! Why has she been having Kristina lie for her, saying she wasn’t home? Why has she been lying to me on my answering machine? I have got to see her when she comes home. I don’t care how late it is.