V runs a comb through her wet hair. She feels refreshed, whether
from
the workout, the shower, or her heart to heart with Brenda she
didn't
know, but she was calmer and surer of what she wanted to do.
First, she
had to go see Jason and tell him she was leaving.
A short time later V walks into Penthouse A. "Morning
Rinaldo, good to
see you up and around. How are you feeling?" she inquires.
"Good morning V. I'm feeling much better thanks. I still
have to take
it easy but I was getting bored so Jason is letting me work some
on a
limited basis."
"That's great! Hey, is he in? I need to have a word with him"
"Sure thing V, hold on a second", Rinaldo knocks on the
door.
"Yeah, what is it Rinaldo" V hears Jason ask.
Rinaldo enters the room shutting the door behind him, "V's
here to see
you, boss"
Jason looked up from the books that are giving him a headache,
"V? Any
idea what she wants?"
Rinaldo shakes his head, "No, she doesn't seem upset or
anything so I
don't think it's trouble"
"Okay, send her in"
Rinaldo opens the door and motions V to enter. He leaves, closing
the
door behind him.
Without looking up from his task Jason asks, "So? What was
it you wanted
to see me about, V?"
"Well, as you know, I came here to see that Robin was okay
and now that
I'm confident of her recovery well-- my job here is done. It's
time for
me to go."
Jason looks up her. After a few seconds he puts his pen down
leans back
In his chair and studies her, "You're getting out aren't
you? You're
leaving the Bureau." He says more as a statement than a
question. "You
know, V, you're welcome to stay on here. You could work with Dara
on the
WSB stuff. In fact, she'd love it."
V shakes her head, "Thank you. I really appreciate the offer
but, Dara
doesn't need my help. She'll have that area well under control in
no
time. I talked to Jerry. He filled me in on what took place and I
think
he's going to take the job. Dara and Jerry will work well
together.
Well, eventually anyway. They have some personal issues to work
out but
once they do it'll be great. Besides, I discovered that I have a
lot of
other options to choose from not to mention that I'm employed by
the
PCPD."
Jason smiles at her, "Face it, V, the PCPD is a waste of
your talents."
V gives Jason a look that says no uncertain terms "Don't go
there".
Relenting, Jason throws his up in mock surrender, "Okay, no
pressure.
Now, speaking of Jerry and Dara's personal problems, I think they
can
be worked out too. BUT, it's gonna take some time. Would you at
least
consider staying on through the transition, or at least until
things
are somewhat under control between them? I was sort of hoping
you'd keep
an eye on things and make sure they don't kill each other before
they
get the operation up and running."
V's jaw dropped.
Jason looks at the expression on her face, "What? WHAT!"
V starts to laugh, "I NEVER would have pegged you of all
people to be
sentimental and romantic! You think that they are in love don't
you?"
Disgruntled Jason rolls his eyes, "Carly's got this idea in
her head."
V raised an eyebrow, "Carly's idea? I should have known."
V laughed.
"Whatever you do, Jason, keep that one around. If you can
keep her from
acting on anger in situations, she'd be even more valuable to you
than
she already is."
"What goes on between Carly and me is none of your business."
Jason
snaps.
"Hmm, looks like I struck a nerve on that one. I wonder what
kind of an
effect Robin's presence is having over here?" V thinks.
"So will you stay on for a little longer?" Jason
inquires shaking V from
her thoughts.
She sighs, "I suppose so, yeah, why not? I told Jerry that
IF he took
over for Connery I'd help him clean house anyway so I may as
well, but
that's it. After that I'm out. Just one thing though, I want to
stay
off the premises. I miss my own place. I want to go home. We can
communicate by email, phone, what ever. Can you live with that?"
"I prefer that you stay here but if you feel strongly about
it then
yeah, I can live with it. Just make sure that Dara and Jerry can
work
together before you bow out totally.
"I'll do my best. Listen-- about Jerry, don't push him too
hard,
Jason. It'll backfire on you if you do. He's not Connery. He
won't be
controlled, bribed, and won't tolerate being threatened. I know
that
some may question his actions and his ethics but you won't be
able to
push him into making the WSB a front for ANY illegal activity. He
won't do it. If you threaten him expect to get as good as you
give."
"That is precisely why I chose Jerry to take over, V. And
you seem to
have things backward. The WSB is not a front for MY illegal
activities... I am a front for theirs."
"Fine, another reason for me to put some distance between me
and them."
V offers her hand which Jason takes. They shake on it.
"So, when do you plan on moving out?"
"Today." she replies, "I've already spoken with
Brenda but I do want to
say goodbye to the others before I go."
Jason is quiet for a moment. "V, I really appreciate all
you've done for
me. If it weren't for you I could have lost my son." He
pulls open a
drawer, pulls an envelope out and hands it to V, "Please
accept this
with my thanks."
"Jason, I don't know what to say! Um Thank you, but I'm
afraid I can't
a accept this."
"Why not? It's not a bribe, I don't expect any special
treatment when
you're back to work at the PCPD although I'm sure gonna hate
having you
back on the job there. I like it better when you're on my side."
"I was just doing my job, Jason. I was here to find and
protect Robin
and I did that as a favor for Mac so, this really is unnecessary."
"V, take it. If you won't take it as my gift of gratitude
then at least
take it for services rendered. You did more than keep Robin safe.
You
didn't sign on for the whole Moreno deal and you worked every bit
as
hard as anyone on my security team. Harder! Now take it. I won't
take no
for an answer."
"Yes, you will take no for an answer. I can't take it, Jason.
It's
against my code, my ethics, my choice-- and forcing the money on
me is
against yours. By the way, I don't plan on being on the PCPD for
much
longer either."
Jason gives her a look of astonishment.
"Don't look at me like that! It's just that I've gotten to
know you now
and add to that the fact that Dara is working for you now, and
Jerry
will also have an involvement with you and well, I feel that
would be a
conflict of interest. Then there's the fact that Emily is
dependent on
you, Carly and Michael need you let's just say that you're not
the only
one that doesn't' want to be on opposite sides. This doesn't mean
that I
approve of everything you do, mind you. It's just that I know
another
side of you and what goes on here than Garcia does and I don't
want to
be in a position where I am forced to either betray my job and my
partner or betray friends."
"Understood. My offer stands. Anytime you want, there's a
position in my
organization for you" Jason replies.
"Again, thank you Jason, but working for you on a consistent
basis would
put me in the same position. It would be a conflict of interest.
However, if you ever need my services on an occasional basis, I'd
be
happy to work something out with you." she says as she gets
up to leave.
"So you'll be freelancing then?"
"No, not exactly. As I said before, I have a lot of options.
The one
that intrigues me most is to join Felicia in her detective agency."
"What about Mac?"
"I'm going to buy him out. " She replies with a smile
and a twinkle in
her eye. "Things might be tight for awhile but it will be
great to not
have to deal with some stubborn macho man... no offense."
"None Taken, Good luck V. When you get all settled and are
in business,
let me know. I often have need of a good PI. I can trust to be
discreet." At the warning look he sees on V's face he
quickly adds, "I
swear, it'll only be for legitimate ventures!"
Again V flashes one of her brilliant smiles, "I'll do that,
Jason, I'll
be in touch. Soon," she starts to back up toward the door,
"if there
isn't anything else I'm gonna go pack and say my good-byes."
"No, that's it. Remember no cutting out completely until
Dara and Jerry
are situated." Jason waves and picks up where he left off
with the
books.
V leaves the office, shutting the door behind her. She stops
short at
the vision of chaos going on around the living room. Emily and
Liz are
spilling through the door of the penthouse giggling and laughing
with a
very tired looking Gianni on their heels laden with bags and
packages
from what looks to be every department store and boutique in Port
Charles. At the same moment Carly storms in from the kitchen.
From the
look in her eye, Carly's NOT a happy camper.
"ARGH!" Carly screams, "I've had it! I can't take
it anymore! I need
some air!" And with that Carly was out the door slamming it
shut behind
her.
V and the girls look at each other for a minute and in unison
chime,
"Robin!"
V sighs "Well, I guess I better go see what THAT was all
about. I'll
come see you two later. I have something to tell you and I want
to see
all the gorgeous stuff you bought!"
"Sure V! So, are you going after Carly?" Liz asked,
"Or Robin?" asks
Emily.
"Tough call but I think maybe Carly first. Why don't you two
go put your
stuff away. I'm sure Gain would appreciate being able to put
those
packages down."
The girls turned and laughed at the sight of poor Gianni who was
standing there forgotten holding all their stuff, "I'm
sorry, Gianni!
C'mon, follow me" Emily motions to the bodyguard to follow
her. When
they leave the room V pops open the panel to the secret room.
Flipping
through all the different camera shots, V locates Carly on the
rooftop
taking out her frustrations on the body bag they'd put up.
****************************
A few minutes later, V comes through the door of the rooftop,
"Hey
Carly, what happened?"
"Unh!" Carly hit the bag with such force that she sent
it swaying. V
catches it and holds it still.
"Carly, what has you so upset?"
Carly, panting heavily from the intense activity put her hands on
her
hips and turned to face V, "Why couldn't things be like they
were?"
"Like they were when?" V prompts.
"Before." Carly replies tersely biting her tongue to
stop from saying
more.
V winces, "Carly, I am sorry. I know Robin's not your
favorite person."
"Ha! Now there's an understatement!" Carly again clamps
down on what
she might say.
"Look, you know how much Jason cares about you. Robin can't
change
that. You are Michael's mom right?"
Carly finally succumbs to her frustrations and a torrent of words
pour
from her. "That's just it V, I don't KNOW what he thinks
anymore! Ever
since little Miss Goody Two Shoes St. Robin showed up, he's
totally
focused on her and her needs and her feelings. I mean, she can
say and
do anything, ANYTHING! And it'd be okay with Jason, but I even
THINK
about standing up for myself well, he's all over me about not
disrespecting Robin."
"Give this some time, it'll pass."
Carly shakes her head, "I don't know, V-- I really have a
bad feeling
about this. I mean, there's never been any love lost between
Robin and
me."
"But Carly, she's never truly accepted his business, you on
the other
hand support him in it. I knows that and he knows that he can
count on
you. He takes the things you say to heart, for example, I was
just
talking to him about my leaving and he asked me to say on until
Dara and
Jerry are back on at least working terms if not back together. He
said
that my working with them and helping them find each other again
was
YOUR idea."
"God, can this day get any worse? You're leaving? V! Please
don't go!
I can't deal with Robin by myself! Without you who will take care
of
her? I can't do it anymore! I'll wind up killing her or back in
the
funny farm!"
"Carly, it'll be all right. Brenda and Emily will handle it.
I'll talk
to them both before I leave okay? Besides, I'll be around a
little while
longer, at least until Dara and Jerry are up to working together.
I'm
just not going to be staying here is all."
"I understand V, really. I'm just being selfish. So, are the
Keystone
Cop s happy to be getting you back?"
"They're not getting me back, Carly. I'm leaving the bureau
and the
PCPD. I've pretty much decided to throw in with Felicia in the PI
Agency."
"Really? That's great! I'm happy for you"
"Thanks"
"Hey, no problem. And, thank you V."
"For what?"
"For letting me vent. It wouldn't do me any good if Jason
saw how upset
I was about her. He would tell me I'm being unreasonable just
like he
always has where she's concerned."
V chucks Carly's shoulder, "Don't mention it. Look, I'm
going to go
pack now and then I'll have that talk with Emily and Brenda okay?
Don't
you worry about it. There's no need for you to be anywhere near
her.
Now then, why don't you go take a nice hot shower and I'll see
you
later."
Carly nods, "yeah, I guess I'm done here."
As V follows Carly out the door she thinks, "One down, one
to go. I
guess I better go talk to Robin"
*************************
A short time later, V knocks on Robin's door.
"Come in" Robin calls out.
When V enters the room Robin breaks into a smile, "Hey! Hi V!"
"Hi Robin, got a minute?"
"For you? Of course I do V!" Robin gives her one of
those "Don't be
silly" looks that she's so known for. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm moving back to my
apartment.
You're doing just fine now and you don't really need me here and
if you
would pick up the phone and call Mac once in awhile, he wouldn't
need me
here either!"
"I know. I'll call him. Just as soon as I have a few things
settled."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"V-- you know that I've decided to accept Jason's lifestyle
and every
thing right? I plan on moving in for good. I just need to move, I
mean
work, a couple things out that's all."
"I see. So when do you plan on moving Carly out?"
Robin looks closely at V trying to decide where her sympathies
lie,
"What are you talking about, V?"
"C'mon Robin, you've never liked Carly and constantly throw
it in her
face that you and Jason are in love and flaunt his attentiveness
in her
face well, I figured you to be above those games. She's not going
to
leave quite that easily, kiddo. She's Michael's mother, Robin and
nothing you can say or do is going to change that. Better to
accept it
now before you push people into corners. It's amazing what can
happen
when a person has their back up against it." V admonishes.
"Oh, so she complained to you?" Robin sneers.
"Actually, no she didn't. She didn't have to. You're being
manipulative,
Robin and it's not becoming."
"Listen! She and Jason are NOT an item and the sooner she
realizes that
t he better." Robin's body language screams unreasonable and
defensive
to V.
"Robin, Carly is Michael's mother NOT you. Jason shares
Carly's bed not
yours-- the sooner YOU realize THAT the better. Now, I didn't
come here
to fight with you. I came to say goodbye. I'll be around a bit
during
the day but I'll be pretty busy. I'm going to ask Emily and
Brenda to
help you out during the rest of your recovery."
"Sounds good. Anyone but Carly sounds good to me" Robin
says
disgustedly. Changing the subject, "I bet Garcia will be
glad to have
you back on the job"
V give Robin a wry smile, "Maybe but I'm not going back. In
fact, I'm
buying Mac out of the agency and I'll be teaming up with Felicia
just as
soon as I get my P.I.'s license."
"You mean you're leaving PCPD? You're leaving Jason open to
those
vultures?"
"Alex isn't so bad, Robin. "
"Uh huh and pigs fly!"
The two laugh. V looks at her watch, "Ohmigosh! Look at the
time! I
really have to go Robin. Take care and please, think about what I
said
okay?"
"Yeah, right. No problem V. And I promise, I'll call Uncle
Mac tomorrow.
Say hi to Felicia for me okay?"
"Will do. Bye"
With that, V takes off. As she leaves Robins room she shakes her
head.
"This is not pretty. I hope Jason figures it out in time or
he may just
have more on his hands that he can handle."
V spends the rest of the afternoon talking to Liz, Emily and
Alexis,
telling them of her move. She makes plans with Emily and Liz to
join her
and Brenda in their training. Finally it was time to find Dara.
She
checks Dara's room but she wasn't there, nor was she on the
rooftop, V
headed for the secret room to see what the cameras would tell her.
As
she walks into the penthouse Dara's just coming out of Jason's
office.
"Oh! Dara! There you are. Listen, we need to talk. I need to
tell you "
Dara interrupts her, "That's okay V, I already know. Jason
filled me
in. Can't say I'm surprised you're leaving. I AM surprised that
you
support Jason's idea of Jerry in charge though. There's NO way I
can
work with him!"
"Dara, that's ridiculous! Face it, you and Jerry STILL have
feeling for
each other and the sooner you admit and deal with it the sooner
this
mess will be cleared up and the sooner I can move on!"
"V, it's not quite as simple as that and you know it!"
"Yeah, I know it. But Dara, avoiding the problem is not
going to make
it go away is it. Besides, you need to get that under control so
you
can be ready to tackle the next World War."
Dara looks at her quizzically, "what are you talking about?"
"You mean you haven't noticed?"
"Noticed what? If this is about Brenda and Rinaldo... "
"It's not, although I am curious about that. No, this is
about Carly and
Robin. Dara, get ready cuz it's not going to be real pleasant
around
here. The worst part is Jason is totally oblivious. When it comes
to
Jason's business, Robin's a liability and it'll be due to her and
her
machinations to get rid of Carly. Make no mistake, she wants
Carly gone
and with the hell that will be going on around here Jason can and
probably WILL be taken down. You need to get things settled with
Jerry
so you can devote your attention to keeping things from getting
too out
of hand here."
"Oh great. And of course YOU won't be here to help will you?"
V shrugs, "Nope, sorry. I don't have the same kind of
influence on Jason
that you have. Look, I have to go. Think about what I said huh?
Give
Jerry a call. He really feels terrible about what went on between
you
two. Talk to him."
Dara nods, "Okay, I'll think about it. So, you all packed?"
"Yeah, my bag is already in my car. Last night made me
realize that it's
time for me to go. I'm not really needed any longer. Well, not
here
anyway."
"I understand. Good luck V. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, and Dara, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'm
just a phone
call away."
The two women hug and V heads out the door. She couldn't wait to
get
home and move on with her life. First thing tomorrow she'll pick
up the
books she needs to prepare for the test for a Private
Investigator's
license.
"V. Jones Investigations here I come!" she says aloud
as she punched the
button for the garage level.
Carly glances over the club's books as the other women take their
places
at the breakfast table. Things had slowly gotten back to normal
in the
past week, since Moreno's demise and Jason clearing the air with
the
WSB. At least as close to normal as once could get with a house
full of
strong minded women. As Graciella begins setting out plates of
hot food,
Carly looks at her plate critically. "Graciella, I thought
we were
having french toast this morning?" Chewing on the end of her
pencil, she
silently recalls the conversation she had with Graciella the
previous
evening, it was Rinaldo's birthday, and his favorite breakfast
was
french toast. It wasn't like Graciella to forget something like
that.
"Yes ma'am, but Senorita Robin requested that we have
Strawberry
Crepes; she thought Mr. Morgan would enjoy them." Graciella
responds
before heading back into the kitchen.
Brenda cocks an eyebrow at Alexis, who merely shrugs her
shoulders.
Carly is silent as she stares at the plate of crepes in front of
her.
Breaking the silence, Liz smiles at Alexis. "Is it still
cool for me to
come to work with you today? I've only got a half day of classes
today."
"Sure, so you've decided to stay at the high school?"
Alexis inquires
before taking a bite of her breakfast.
"I guess, I mean I know I could pass the GED and all, but
school isn't
so bad right now. My grades are up, and I'm actually kinda
enjoying the
classes I have with Lucky and Em."
Emily smiles at her knowingly. "Right, and the fact that you
scored
higher than Sara on the English test has nothing to do with it
right?"
Carly interrupts the conversation by mumbling a shocked "What
the hell?"
as she stares open mouthed at the stair case. The other women
turn to
find Jason following Robin into the room.
Robin stares at them dumbfounded. "What?"
Jason appears uncomfortable as he picks anxiously at his tie.
Gone is
his usual casual, yet business like suits that Carly picked out,
and
instead a tailored Armani suit, light gray, with a designer tie,
drapes
over his chiseled body. He seems almost lost in the fancy
threads, as
Brenda begins to giggle uncontrollably.
Dara is the next to succumb to the laughter, followed closely by
Em,
Liz, Keesha and Alexis. Only Carly sits stone faced as she takes
in the
new look.
Jason folds his arms across his chest and glares at the giggling
girls.
He casts a withering look at Robin, who appears oblivious as she
takes
her seat next to Jason at the table. "Jason, wait until you
try these, I
gave Graciella a batch of Recipes that I picked up from my stay
at the
Sorbonne."
As Jason takes his seat, Carly rises from the table, tossing her
napkin
on her untouched plate before walking out of the room.
Jason stabs a fork full of crepes and looks around the table at
his
women. "What's with her?"
Now in control of her laughter, Brenda replies sarcastically.
"Probably
lost her appetite, Sonny."
Hours later
Carly eases into the couch with a steaming cup of tea , settling
in, she
begins flipping through a magazine lazily. Something catches her
eye
above the mantle as she looks up from the article she's
reading...something is different..
"Isn't it great? It's a Van Gogh." Robin replies as she
takes another
seat on the couch.
Carly studies the new painting and frowns. "Has Jason seen
it?"
"You know how Jason is, he doesn't see the point of art
anyway." Robin
says with a soft laugh. "The place seemed to, I don't know,
just too.."
Her voice trails off as she searches for the right word.
Carly supplies one for her. "Homey?" Tossing her
magazine down, she
rises from the couch. "Where did you put the painting that
was up
there?"
"It's in the other penthouse, why?"
"I was just curious, since it was a Benson..A Virginia
Benson original.
Excuse me." Carly turns on her heel and walks crisply out of
the room,
slamming the door behind her.
Robin shrugs her shoulders as she picks up the magazine that
Carly had
been reading.
Luke's club
Carly strides into the club and takes a stool at the bar, without
meeting Luke's questioning gaze, she hits the bar with her hand.
"Bourbon, line them up and don't waste my time with chasers."
"Bad day, cupcake?" Luke asks, in his usual charming
way. Placing the
shot before her, she downs it easily and motions for another.
"At this
rate, Uncle Luke is gonna have to carry you home."
"Don't count on it, I have Spencer genes, a bottle of
bourbon hasn't
been made that can outlast me. Keep them coming."
"OK, but only if you join me in the office, I think you need
a chat with
your older and wiser, Uncle." He offers as they make their
way to the
back room.
Carly laughs at him as she falls lazily into the plush leather
couch.
"Older, yeah, wiser? I haven't had THAT much to drink yet.
Save the
lectures, Unc, I just want to get sloshed."
Pouring her a big coffee cup of his finest bourbon, Luke settles
into
his captain's chair, his feet propped up on his desk, and sips at
his
own cup. "Have you ever known me to save the lectures?
What's the
problem? Moreno is dead, I figured life would be peachy for you
right
now."
"Ever have someone just come into your home and change
everything?"
"I'm married, aren't I?"
"Funny, but what if the person wasn't Laura. What if some
other guy just
came into your house and starting changing things..wait, let me
put this
into terms you can follow. What if I decided that doing the books
wasn't
good enough, so I asked Jase to give me his share of the club,..then
I
just came in one day and took down all the paintings and put up
warm,
fuzzy flowers. Maybe some lace, and candles, change the interior
from
retro into home and garden..." Carly looks him straight in
the eye as he
shudders at the imagery. "I change the menus and offer
Cappuccinos and
Muffins, I take out the pool table and..."
Luke cuts her off as he holds up his hand in protest. "I get
your point,
so the little woman has moved in and started marking her
territory
right? I warned Jason about that...Robin wasn't just going to sit
back
and let you run things."
"She won't just sit back and let him run his own life. She
put him in an
Armani suit..with a TIE." Carly spits out angrily. "How
can she claim to
know him, when she treats him like a child?"
"You know, the house hasn't been built that's big enough for
two wives."
Luke remarks as he takes a sip of his drink.
"I've never pretended to be Jason's wife. I have never asked
him to
forsake all others, but I also didn't ask to deal with Saint
Robin. I
don't know how long I can deal with this." Slamming half her
drink, she
grimaces as the hot liquor burns her insides. "I can't do
anything
though."
A knock comes at the back door as Luke yells for them to come in.
Bobbie
pops her head in and smiles at them both. "Is there a party
going on
that I wasn't invited too?"
Half drunk, Carly holds up her cup. "Please, have a seat and
join us."
Exchanging a puzzled glance with Luke, Bobbie takes a seat next
to her
daughter as Luke checks his watch, in a bad attempt to escape.
"As much fun as this has been, I gotta motor and pick up
some supplies
for the club, I'm sure you ladies will do fine without me."
Exiting
quickly, Luke leaves them alone.
"Gee, could he have been more obvious?" Carly asks,
with just a hint of
a smile.
"Probably not, obviously he wanted us to have a talk, so
anything you
need to chat about?" Taking a look at her daughter's cup she
sighs. "Or
is the bourbon already working it's magic on you?"
"I'm still coherent, I suppose. I was just bitching to Luke
about how
powerless I feel at the penthouse right now. Look, this isn't
your
problem..." Her voice trails off as she takes another swig
of her drink.
"No, but it's definitely yours. I'd like to help if I can."
Bobbie offers
kindly.
"I don't think it can be helped."
"Fine, then how about I listen while you rant and rave a
little. Seems
like that is something you could use right now."
"You mean speak my mind? Perish the thought! No, I am
supposed to bite
my tongue and not hurt poor little Robin's feelings. I hate that,
you
know. I can't stand having my hands tied behind my back. To keep
my
relationship with Jason, I have to follow these rules when it
comes to
Saint Robin. He treats her like this fragile little china doll.
Like
she'd break if someone said boo to her. She's not that way you
know."
Carly rises from the couch and begins pacing.
"NO, she is far from the weak damsel in distress that
everyone pegs her
as. I've seen first hand how well she handles herself. She can be
as
fierce, as ruthless as me and anyone else when it comes to
something
shebelieves in. But she comes across as this virtue of goodness,
to
have her blessing is like to have kissed the pope or something.
All hail,
poor little Robin. The orphaned, sick Robin. I'm so sick of it."
Flouncing
into Luke's chair she lets out a scream of frustration. "How
can I
expect you to understand this, you adore her too."
Bobbie is quiet for a moment as she absorbs Carly's words, flash
backs
of her own life come tumbling over her as she replies bitterly.
"How can
you compete with a image of perfection?"
Carly looks at her stunned. "Exactly."
"You can't, and to try to will drive you nuts. Laura
Spencer, I can't
believe I didn't see it before. Robin is Laura all over again.
Everyone
treats them like they are glass, no crystal, yes, crystal, like
they are
all knowing, yet breakable.." Bobbie Scoffs at the thought.
"But they
aren't...oh no they are tough as nails, and they are manipulative.
See,
they know how other's view them, and they twist it to their
advantage,
the real kicker is they'll stand over you, with their
disapproving eyes
and condemn you for the very things that make them who they are.
No, you
can't compete with that, because you're better than that. There
is no
competition."
Carly allows the words to sink in as she stares deep into her
mother's
eyes. "Thank you." She whispers before squeezing
Bobbie's outstretched
hand. "You've given me the perception that I needed."
The next day....
Carly descends down the stairs, diaper bag draped over her
shoulder. She
smiles down at Michael who is kicking happily in his play pen.
"Rinaldo,
make sure you grab plenty of bottles of juice and cereal, he's
been really hungry lately."
Rinaldo's voice carries over from the kitchen as he laughs.
"I know,
plenty of grub, I have that covered, do you have plenty of
diapers??"
"Of course." She replies easily as she continues to
gather things to
take with her to the club. "Luke is gonna skin me, I am so
late."
Brenda emerges from the kitchen and replies sarcastically. "Yeah,
cause
Luke is known for his punctuality."
Rolling her eyes, Carly shrugs her shoulders. "Right, but
he's Luke,
he's allowed to be that way. Damn, I can't find his teething ring."
Liz and Emily join them in the living room as Brenda and Carly
search for
the ring. "Lose something?" Liz asks, despite it being
obvious.
"Michael's teething ring, I keep it with his rattle."
She replies.
"Robin moved it to the freezer, she said babies need to
teeth on frozen
things." Emily points out.
Placing her hands on her hips, Carly cocks an eyebrow. "Really?
And when
did she do this?"
Exchanging uneasy glances, the younger girls shrug their
shoulders
before Liz finally continues. "Well, she was cleaning up the
living room
yesterday.."
"Where was Graciella?" Carly interrupts.
"In the kitchen, cleaning out the cupboards. Robin didn't
like the way
they were organized." Liz replies softly, waiting for the
explosion to
occur.
"Yeah, and Graciella didn't jump for joy at Robin barking
orders at her.
She mumbled something about Jason and you leaving her alone to do
her
job." Emily shuffles her feet uncomfortably as she looks up
at Carly's
annoyed expression. "I thought she would have said something
to you and
Jason by now."
"I see, and what exactly was wrong with the cup boards?"
Practically
seething, Carly paces back and forth over the carpet. "Were
they not
alphabetized and nice and neat and hell, just all around
perfectly
organized?" Calming herself, she flashes a semi apologetic
smile to Liz
and Emily. "I'm sorry, I'm venting to you, and it's not your
fault. If
you'll excuse me, I need some air."
Striding out of the room, she exits to the roof.
Liz lets out a low groan. "It's gonna get ugly around here,
really soon.
Carly is about to explode." Looking from Brenda to Emily,
Liz smiles.
"Sorry, Robin is your friend, I shouldn't be saying anything."
Emily shrugs as she sinks into the couch. "Yeah, but Carly
is my friend
too, heck, she's practically been my older sister. This place was
running fine before Robin decided it needed a make over. I just
don't
get it."
"Nothing much to get, Em. Robin is treating Jason like she
always does,
but Carly isn't like the rest of the world, she can't stand to
see him
being condescended too. Where is Robin?" Brenda asks.
"Right here, and I really think you're out of line, Brenda.
I don't
condescend to Jason. I'm only trying to make things run smoother
around
here. There are so many of us here, that a little organization
wouldn't
hurt things." Robin enters the room and approaches the women.
"If Carly
is threatened by that, well it's her problem, not mine."
"Maybe Carly isn't the one who's threatened right now."
Brenda retorts,
before turning on her heel and walking out to the roof exit.
"What's with Brenda?" Robin asks.
"No clue, we're late." Liz replies as she and Emily
leave the penthouse.
On the way to school, Liz groans as she leans back in the car.
"I can't
stand this, Em. I know your brother loves Robin and all, but she
is
going to drive Carly out of the house with all her neat and
perfect
little suggestions and ideas." Rolling her eyes she replies
sarcastically.
"It's like living with perfect, plastic Sara again. Things
were going
really great here before she barged in and started taking over."
Emily nods her head in agreement. "Have you noticed how many
people are
taken in by her? Guys practically trip over themselves trying to
rush to
her rescue. She orders them around, treating them like little
children,
and bats her eyes when someone dares question her about it."
"Um, Em, let me know if I'm wrong and all, but this sudden
dislike for
Robin isn't so sudden, is it?" Liz asks.
"I've just seen her push her way into controlling other
people's lives.
Nikolas still rushes over to her whenever she summons him."
Fidgeting at the mention of Nikolas, Liz changes the subject.
"So, if
Carly leaves, will you stay?"
"What choice do I have? It's either stay with Jason or move
back home
with my family." Emily stares out the window sadly. "I'd
rather live
with a thousand Robins than under the Quartermaine roof."
Later that night
Carly returns from the club, exhausted, as she makes her way to
the
dinner table. She freezes as her eyes focus on her chair. Robin
takes a
bite of her steak as she meets Carly's gaze.
Alexis and Dara exchange glances as V turns to Brenda and
whispers. "I
told you this wouldn't be good."
Brenda replies loudly. "Show hasn't started yet. How was
your day,
Carly?"
"Fine, where's Jason?" She asks, through gritted teeth.
Robin cocks an eyebrow at her. "Out, do you need something?"
"Yeah, I need you to get your bony butt out of my..."
Clamping down
hard on her lip, she stops herself from finishing her statement.
Smiling
at her son, she carries him up the stairs and into his room,
where she
stops dead in her tracks.
His bed has been moved to the opposite of the room, his furniture
completely rearranged. Placing him in his crib, she closes the
door
before rushing down the stairs angrily. "Who changed his
room around?"
She asks bitterly, already knowing the answer.
"It's better for him to sleep closer to the side of the wall
that faces
the sunlight. I was reading a baby book.." Carly turns on
her heel and
begins climbing the stairs, two at a time. Reaching her room, she
tosses
her suitcase on the bed and begins tossing clothes into it
angrily.
Quickly gathering her things, she doesn't look up until she hears
Jason's puzzled voice.
"What's going on?"
Trying to control her temper, she throws up her hands in disgust.
"I
won't do this anymore. I won't live someplace that I have to
constantly
watch what I say in fear that I will step on someone's toes. I
did that
once with Tony, and look how that turned out. You yourself
pointed out
that Tony didn't treat me right by trying to make me into someone
I
wasn't. How is it so easy for you to see that when it comes to
someone
else, but in your own life, you're blind? I am taking Michael and
getting
out of here, while I still have some sense of sanity left. You
can call
me on the cell phone at any time, and I'll let you know when we
get
settled." Taking her bag, she calls out for Graciella.
"Please have Rinaldo come up for my bag and have him meet me
in the
car." Without a word from Jason, she carefully picks up her
son and his
diaper bag. "I will send for the rest of his things later."
Turning to walk out the door, Jason wheels her around by her
elbow.
Confusion clouds his face as she jerks away from him. "You
expect to
just tell me that you're leaving and taking Michael away from his
home,
and just walk away without an explanation?"
"His home? No, Jase, it's her home and we're all unwanted
guests here.
You honestly don't get why I have to leave, do you?"
Dropping her bag,
she folds her arms across her chest. "I have tried to play
by your
rules, no, make that her rules. You constantly take her side over
mine."
Interrupting, Jason throws up his hands in frustration. "What
sides? I
don't see what the problem is, Carly. Everything seemed fine this
morning."
"God Jason, you have the perception of a frog. You haven't
noticed that
I've had to walk around our home, constantly biting my lip, just
so I
wouldn't hurt your precious Robin's feelings?" Raising her
voice louder,
she lets loose some of her anger. "I turned the other cheek
when she
started rearranging the menus. I bit my lip when she put you in
that
ridiculous suit, and hell, I even walked away when she removed my
mother's painting from over the fireplace."
"She moved your painting?" He asks.
"Jason, it's not about the painting, hell it's not even
about her moving
Michael's things around. It boils down to I can't speak my mind
whenever
she is around. I have to sit with my hands on my lap and smile
politely
while she edges her way further into the life I have created for
us. No
more, I won't go down this road again. I won't keep Michael away
from
you, but I won't subject him or myself to this anymore."
"Where are you going?" He asks, still not totally
understanding the why
or her leaving, but realizing it's for her own self preservation
that she
do so.
"I don't know, maybe to Bobbie's. I'll find something."
Picking up the
bag, she looks at him firmly. "I can make it on my own,
Jason. You don't
have to worry about that."
"You aren't on your own though, Carly. Michael needs to be
someplace
that both of you can be happy. I have a farm house that no one
goes to
anymore. It's yours, no questions asked. Take Johnny with you."
"OK, that will be fine, but Jason, I have always tried to do
everything
in my power that you've asked me too, so I need something in
return from
you. Keep her away from me."
"Done." He replies as she walks out the door. "Call
me when you get there."
"Wait, I'm going with you." Liz replies, suitcase
already in her hand.
"Before you say anything, just hear me out. I can't live
with perfect,
plastic Robin. Sara part deux, will drive me batty. Carly, you've
always
said I was great with Michael, and I think I can be a big help to
ya."
Carly smiles as she nods her head. "OK, can you take my bag
so I can
pick up Michael."
Jason follows her into the nursery and picks up his son, smiling
sadly
at him. "Carly and you are going on a trip, Michael, but I
will be in
touch very soon." Handing him over to her, he lets out a
sigh. "Call me,
tonight."
Fighting back a tear, Carly nods. "You don't even have to
ask. I'll talk
to you soon." Lifting him up, she helps him wave his little
fist at his
father. "Say bye-bye Daddy, see ya soon."