Returning to a Friend
by Cowgirl

Part 22

Cameron looked at the two files that sat before him, one belonging to Alexis Davis, and the other belonging to Sonny Corinthos. He sighed and picked up both files, one in each hand and studied the names on them carefully as if that would give him some insight as to how in the world these two very different, yet very similar people ended up creating a child together. He put down both files and glanced at his watch. They were both due in his office in a few minutes and he gathered that it wouldn't be a pleasant experience for anyone.

Alexis sat in her car for several minutes, staring at the medical complex attached to General Hospital that housed Cameron's office. Even though she and Sonny managed to have an actual conversation the other day, fear still ran through her veins. She knew how volatile Sonny could be, and she knew that when engaged in a heated battle with him how volatile she could become. She closed her eyes and forced herself to remember that she was doing this for Kristina. It was right that her daughter grew up knowing her father.

Sonny leaned his back against the soft leather that adorned his limo. Normally a very short ride to the hospital, this time however, it felt like it was taking an eternity. He eyed the mini bar that sat across from him and once or twice was tempted to reach out and wrap his hand around the decanter that held the amber liquid that had helped him through situations in the past. He made a fist and willed his hand to stay at his side. He couldn't drink. He had finally decided that he should start the medicine that Dr. Lewis had prescribed. It had only been a few days, but he could feel the edginess that drove him before, slipping away and that alone gave him comfort. This is Alexis, he told himself. There's nothing to worry about. They were going to start working this out and things would get better between them. Nothing to worry about at all he told himself as his fingers drummed nervously on his lap.

Cameron took a deep breath as the first knock on his door sounded. "Come in," he called out.

The doorknob turned and in walked Alexis, a slight look of relief washing over her face as she observed Sonny had not arrived yet.

"Hi," she said timidly.

Cameron gestured with his hand. "Have a seat."

There was an awkward silence as Alexis sat down and took deliberate time to set down her briefcase and purse. Finally she crossed her legs and looked up at him.

"Nervous?" Cameron asked.

"Very," she sighed.

"Well, I'd say it's a good sign that the two of you were able to even discuss the possibility of working on your relationship.

Alexis gave a small nod and clasped her hands together in her lap. "Cameron, what if this doesn't go well?"

"We'll just have to cross that bridge when and if we come to it."

Alexis opened her mouth to reply when the second knock sounded. She tensed up immediately and began taking slow deep breaths.

Seconds later the door opened and Sonny took a timid step inside. "Uh ... Sorry I'm late," he said nervously as his eyes darted between Cameron and Alexis.

Cameron stood up and gestured to the other chair. "No problem, Alexis just got here. Have a seat."

Cameron waited until Sonny was seated before moving around to the front of his desk and leaning on it. "Okay. I would like to start this off by finding out exactly what the two of you, in your own words, hope to accomplish by having these joint sessions." He waited for one of them to begin. When it was clear neither would he tried to get the ball rolling. "All right," he said, rubbing his hands together. "Alexis, why don't you start."

Alexis' mouth fell open as if she was about to protest, but she sucked in a breath instead. "All right." She paused and collected her thoughts. "I ... Sonny and I, at one time, had a very special relationship. I realize that many things have happened since that deteriorated, but what we once shared was important to me ... important enough that I just don't want to forget about it." She stopped and nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "When Carly came to me to help Sonny ... at that point I honestly still believed that he and I had no hopes of ever having a civil conversation again." she lowered her eyes. "But once I went to him ... I realized that I still care for him and I think it's worth it to try and at least work out our differences. For our daughter's sake."

Cameron raised his chin and tapped a finger to it. "Good." He looked at Sonny. "How about you?"

Sonny shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I uh ... I was mad at Alexis for a long time. I think there were a lot of reasons why ... I could just never make sense of them." He subconsciously pulled at the hem of his pant leg. "I miss my friend. No matter how hard I tried to push Alexis out of my mind ... I couldn't. And when she came to my place and insisted on helping me ... even after everything that we went through ... everything we said and did to each other ... I knew I missed her more that I thought and I don't want her to walk out of my life again." He brought a hand up and tugged on his earlobe. "Then she told me about our daughter. I want to be part of her life ... and I'll do whatever it takes to make Alexis not regret telling me about her."

Cameron folded his arms across his chest. "So we have the why are you both here question answered, now let's see what you both hope to accomplish.

"I want my daughter to know her father." She cast a glance over at Sonny. "Everything said and done, I know you'll be a good father to her."

Sonny blew out a breath. "You know I will Alexis."

Alexis turned her body sideways so that she was facing Sonny. "I miss my friend too, but I don't want Kristina to be in danger ... and she will be."

"I'll protect her."

"How Sonny?"

"I just will ... I've always protected Michael."

"By sending him to an island every time there was any sign of trouble."

Sonny leaned his head to one side. He couldn't argue with that.

"I don't want that kind of life for Kristina. I grew up surrounded by walls, cut off from the wonders of the world until I went to boarding school. I want Kristina to be able to run, play, and experience everything she possibly can. She can't do that if she's surrounded by bullet proof glass and body guards."

Sonny gripped the arm of the chair to fight the urge to yell. "You want me to protect her, that's how I know to protect her."

Alexis squeezed her eyes shut. "And what happens when your next enemy shows their face?"

"I'll do whatever it takes."

"And what would that be Sonny?"

"I'll protect my daughter!" Sonny shouted, standing up.

Alexis stood up as well and held out her hands to Cameron. "See? This is just what I expected."

Cameron stood. "All right, let's calm down. Can we all have a seat again?"

Sonny and Alexis looked at one another and then granted Cameron's request.

"Look, I think we're getting off track here. Kristina's safety is of course of utmost importance, but for now let's focus on normal parenting stuff. Pretend neither of you has the personal life of a bad B movie and let's discuss how you two plan to be parents."

Alexis swung her head to Cameron with a look of disdain. "Bad B movie?"

"First thing that popped into my head. Now, about custody." He looked at the two. "Alexis?"

Alexis sighed and rolled her eyes. "I want her with me."

Sonny sat up straight. "I want reasonable visitation."

Cameron cleared his throat. "And what is reasonable visitation to you?"

"I want to see her like a father should see his daughter. I don't want to be some stranger that visits her from time to time."

Alexis turned to him. "I never said that it would be like that. I never said you couldn't see her when ever you wanted."

"Good," Cameron interjected. "So we all agree that Alexis should have custodial care and Sonny be allowed to see her at his will."

Sonny and Alexis both nodded in unison.

"Look at that, we appear to be making progress."

Alexis sighed and turned to Sonny again. "I know you're going to be angry with me ... "

"I'm already angry with you," Sonny stated before she could finish.

Alexis sat back in her chair and rolled her eyes. "I'm getting a headache," she said, massaging her temples.

"All right, let's continue here. Alexis, what were you going to say?" Cameron encouraged.

Alexis sat up straight. "Sonny, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I think, for now anyway ... it would be best if not too many people know you're Kristina's father."

Sonny chuckled and rubbed his chin. "How am I not supposed to take that the wrong way?"

"I just mean ... Sonny you and I both know you have enemies who would take full advantage of this."

Sonny leaned forward onto his knees. "So ... what? You would like me to wear dark glasses and a trench coat when I visit her?"

"Could you?" Alexis shot out without thinking.

Sonny glared at her.

"Oh, I'm kidding," she stated. "I just want to be careful."

Sonny waved his hands. "Fine."

Cameron stood up and looked at his watch. "I'm afraid our time is up." He looked at the two brooding figures sitting in front of him and smiled. "I really think we made a little bit of headway here. I'll tell you what. Let's meet again next week."

"Fine by me," Alexis said.

"Yeah, whatever," Sonny complied.

"Good. Next session I'd like to explore a touchy subject."

"Which would be?" Alexis inquired.

Cameron raised an eyebrow. "I'd like to talk about the two of you ... I would like to explore what feelings, emotions and actions brought you from lawyer and client to where you are today." He glanced at the two grimacing faces and tilted his head. "That is if you two can do it without killing one another."

Alexis stood up and gathered her things. "I can do that."

Sonny stood up as well. "Me too."

Cameron smiled. "Good, we'll focus on that then."

With a final nod Sonny and Alexis made their way to the door. Sonny opened it and let Alexis step out into the hall ahead of him. "Hey, um ... you need a ride or something?" he asked nervously.

Alexis shook her head. "No, I drove."

Sonny nodded and shuffled his feet. "You hungry?"

Alexis tilted her head and shrugged one shoulder. "A little."

"We could ... you know ... maybe go and grab lunch. We don't have to talk about anything serious ... just lunch."

Alexis thought for a moment if that would be a good idea. "All right ... why not?"

"Oh, isn't that sweet ... lunch." Carly's voice came out of nowhere. She stood before them with her hands on her hips, her gaze fixed on Sonny. "I'm glad the two of you are working out your differences," she said snidely. "Maybe then you could see about your wife and son."

part 23