Chapter 49

As darkness slowly fell around her Kyan stood looking out over the murky waters wondering what to do. After having heard nothing incriminating on the wiretaps placed in Gia’s cottage Kamar all but ordered to do whatever was necessary to get Sonny to confide in her. Sighing Kyan truly did not know what to do. Though she never told Kamar something was warning her away from Sonny and until she could figure out what the last place she wanted to be was anywhere near him. And then there was Lieutenant Marcus Taggert. Since the moment she met him she could not seem to get him out of her head regardless to the fact that in truth she did not want to. However more disturbing than the fact that she was having fantasies about someone who technically was her stepbrother was the feeling and emotions these fantasies brought to her. Feeling a warm flush washing across her face Kyan turned to walk away from the water only to stop in her tracks as she locked eyes with Marcus Taggert as he slowly descended the steps towards her.

Taggert- [a slow smile dancing across his face] No flying feet this time huh?
Kyan- [softly smiling] No…
Taggert- Well then that’s too bad…
Kyan- For you or me?
Taggert- Both…
Kyan- Huh?
Taggert- [smiling] Just joking…
Kyan- [slowly smiling] Sorta figured… how are you today Lieutenant…
Taggert- [smiling as he slowly raised an eyebrow] Marcus…
Kyan- [smiling] Marcus… how are you?
Taggert- [sighing as he turned to look out over the water] Tired…
Kyan- What’s wrong… if you don’t mind me asking…
Taggert- [slowly shaking his head] No I don’t mind…
Kyan- Then what is it?
Taggert- Family…
Kyan- I’m sorry to hear that…
Taggert- And I’m sorry to have to say it…
Kyan- It’ll work out eventually…
Taggert- From your mouth to God’s ears…
Kyan- Is it that bad?
Taggert- At times yes and other times…
Kyan- You can tolerate it…
Taggert- [nodding] Barely…
Kyan- [softly as she turned back to the water] I know the feeling…
Taggert- Do you have any siblings?
Kyan- [slightly frowning] Something like that…
Taggert- [glancing quickly at her] You don’t get along?
Kyan- [softly] No…
Taggert- [gently touching her hand] Maybe in time you will…
Kyan- [softly as she stared up at him] Hopefully…
Taggert- [slowly nodding as he stared back at her] Hopefully…
Kyan- [breaking their stare and his hold on her hand] Who… who’s causing the drama this time? You’re brother or…
Taggert- [slowly smiling] I have one sister…
Kyan- Well even with the drama she certainly makes you smile…
Taggert- Well yeah… [smiling] she’s a handful but I couldn’t imagine life without her.
Kyan- She sounds like a special person…
Taggert- [smiling] She is… I’ve never met another like her.
Kyan- [smiling] Is that good or bad?
Taggert- [laughing] I haven’t decided yet…
Kyan- [laughing] I see…
Taggert- [looking around] You know it’s not very safe down here at night…
Kyan- [nodding] I know… but these docks are the only place I seem to be able to relax… [seeing the smile that spread across his face] what?
Taggert- You’re not from around her are you?
Kyan- No… why do you ask?
Taggert- Just something different about you… if you don’t mind me asking where are you from?
Kyan- Philadelphia…
Taggert- The “City of Brotherly Love” huh?
Kyan- [smiling despite herself] Something like that…
Taggert- What brought you to Port Charles?
Kyan- [shrugging her shoulders] Something led me here…
Taggert- Something or someone?
Kyan- [slowly smiling] Well…

As she attempted to complete her answer Sonny came upon the scene of Kyan and Taggert with Jason and Johnny in tow. Sensing familiarity between the two Sonny quickly joined their conversation curious as to what they were discussing.

Sonny- [flashing a dimpled smile in Kyan’s direction] He’s not bothering you is he?
Kyan- [shaking her head] No…
Sonny- Are you sure because…
Taggert- [cautiously] Corinthos…
Sonny- [smiling] Taggert…
Taggert- Why are you out here?
Sonny- Same as you… just taking a stroll along the docks.
Taggert- With Morgan and Powell [made up Johnny’s last name since it has never been mentioned on the show]…
Sonny- [smirking] There’s no crime in that is there?
Taggert- I don’t have time for games tonight…
Sonny- I’m not playing games…
Taggert- [shaking his head as he looked at his watch] You better be glad I’m running late…
Sonny- [smiling] Tell Gia I said hello…
Taggert- Whatever… [turning towards Kyan] it was nice seeing you again.
Kyan- [softly smiling] Yeah… it was good to see you as well…
Taggert- I’ll be on the look out for those feet though…
Kyan- [softly laughing] Ok…

Without another glance at Sonny Taggert turned continuing on his way to Gia’s cottage. Watching him leave Sonny turned towards Kyan smiling as his gaze fell upon her. Locking eyes with him Kyan forced her smile to stay as he began to speak to her.

Sonny- I wasn’t interrupting anything was I?
Kyan- [shaking her head] No…
Sonny- What are you doing down here at night by yourself? It’s not…
Kyan- Very safe? Yeah I heard…
Sonny- [smiling] Exactly…
Kyan- How do you know Marcus’ sister?
Sonny- [shocked by her use of Taggert’s first name] Marcus? How well do you know Lieutenant Taggert?
Kyan- We just met… but you mentioned his sister…
Sonny- How do you know Gia is his sister?
Kyan- He said her name and was in the process of telling me about her.
Sonny- Why?
Kyan- I don’t know… we just started talking about family and…
Sonny- [nodding] That’s all?
Kyan- [nodding] Yes… are you two involved or…
Sonny- Nothing like that… she’s my sister as well.
Kyan- How… I mean…
Sonny- Do you know Gia?
Kyan- No… only what Marcus was telling me about her…
Sonny- [nodding] Oh… why are you down here?
Kyan- Just trying to clear my head before I headed home…
Jason- [interrupting their conversation] Sonny… I’m going to take off…
Sonny- [turning towards Kyan] Can you excuse me for a second?
Kyan- [nodding] Yeah…

Stepping away from Kyan Jason and Sonny quickly discussed all that Sonny needed him to do. Careful not to mention what Gia asked him to do Jason nodded to all the instructions given by Sonny before turning and leaving. Sighing Sonny returned to Kyan oblivious to that the fact that she strained to hear their entire conversation.

Sonny- Sorry about that…
Kyan- No problem… [pointing towards Jason’s departing form] is everything ok?
Sonny- Everything is fine… now answer my question why are you down here by yourself?
Kyan- Like I said I was just trying to clear my head before I headed home for the night.
Sonny- [looking quickly at his watch] This early?
Kyan- Well I didn’t really have any other plans so…
Sonny- We can change that…
Kyan- How so?
Sonny- Would you like to have dinner with me?
Kyan- Excuse me?
Sonny- Would you care to have dinner with me?
Kyan- I don’t know I mean…
Sonny- Taggert must’ve warned you away from me already huh?
Kyan- [shaking her head] No…
Sonny- Then you must’ve heard about me through your friends or…
Kyan- No…
Sonny- Then what is it?
Kyan- [looking quickly at her watch] I have to be in early tomorrow at work and…
Sonny- I won’t keep you out all night if that’s what you are worried about…
Kyan- It’s not but…
Sonny- Well will you at least join me for a drink at the PC Grille…
Kyan- [softly smiling] I’d like that…
Sonny- [smiling] So would I…
Kyan- Then lead the way…

Nodding Sonny slowly lead Kyan towards his limousine vowing to learn all about her the short time they had together.

Chapter 50

Checking her outfit in the mirror one time Gia turned making sure everything was as it should be. Everything had to go smoothly tonight and the last thing she wanted to worry about was how she was looking. Pulling her braids up into a high ponytail Gia struck a pose trying her best to lighten her mood. Sighing she released her hair praying silently for everything to go as it should. Spying her from the doorway Taggert smiled as he watched his sister primp and preen in the mirror. Watching as she fixed her hair and clothing in the mirror for like the tenth time Taggert again smiled as he slowly walked into Gia’s room as he softly spoke to her.

Taggert- You look beautiful as usual…
Gia- [smiling] Thank you…
Taggert- You about ready?
Gia- Yeah almost…
Taggert- Are you sure about this?
Gia- [nodding as she smoothed her dress once again] Yes…
Taggert- We can order in a pizza or I can cook or…
Gia- That’s ok Boopie [pronounced Boo- Pee] … we agreed on the Grille so…
Taggert- Boopie? [smiling] didn’t I make you promise to never call me that again?
Gia- Yeah… but if I remember correctly it was more like a threat against my life…
Taggert- What else did you expect after calling me that in front of all my friends?
Gia- [shrugging] How was I to know it was a secret?
Taggert- Gia…
Gia- [smiling] You were hanging out on the stoop with all of your friends trying to be cool…
Taggert- [a small smile on his face] And you came outside and called me Boopie…
Gia- All of your friends fell over laughing…
Taggert- Yeah and I was never able to live it down after that.
Gia- [laughing] Aww…
Taggert- [smiling] It’s not funny I had to go through my entire senior year as Boopie. Every time it seemed to die down someone would start it up again.
Gia- [laughing] I know…
Taggert- You’re laughing but you have no idea how embarrassing it was to be addressed at graduation as Boopie…
Gia- [smiling] I’m sorry… it did at least get you to stop calling me Lil Bit…
Taggert- [shaking his head] Don’t tell anyone I said this but after a while I got used to it and it didn’t bother me as much as I let on.
Gia- [softly] But you still left right after graduation.
Taggert- I know… but it was either leave or end up dead or in jail like the rest of my friends. I mean Gerald and I weren’t exactly getting along and…
Gia- [softly] Why did you leave me? [quickly shaking her head] forget I said that…
Taggert- Gia…
Gia- [shaking her head] Where did you go? Mom told me all of these stories but…
Taggert- [sighing as he sat at the end of her bed again] Everywhere…
Gia- What do you mean?
Taggert- Even though I loved you and mom with everything that I had I wanted to know how it felt to have something of my own. So I would get on a bus or train and ride it until my money ran out. Work a few odd jobs until I saved enough to move again and repeat the cycle all over again.
Gia- [softly] Is that why you never came back?
Taggert- [softly] I wanted to…
Gia- [turning to look at him] But?
Taggert- I thought it was better if I stayed gone.
Gia- I don’t understand…
Taggert- Like I said Gerald and I was not getting along and he and mom would constantly fight and argue over our non-relationship so I thought my staying gone would stop the arguing and fighting…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] It didn’t… [after a moments silence] do you think I’m doing the right thing?
Taggert- Only you can answer that…
Gia- Well if the roles were reversed would you…
Taggert- No… but then again my heart is not as good as yours.
Gia- Well sometimes my heart is not as good as you think it is.
Taggert- [softly] What do you mean?
Gia- Sometimes I just want to end everything and tell him to live his life the best way he can.
Taggert- Then do that…
Gia- [softly as she shook her head] I can’t…
Taggert- Why not?
Gia- As bas as it is… [slowly shaking her head] don’t get me wrong… I love Sonny and Mike but…
Taggert- But?
Gia- But sometimes I wish I was still back in Brooklyn struggling under mom’s expectations waiting for my big brother the cop to come and spirit me away…
Taggert- [softly] Gia…
Gia- I mean I love Port Charles and some of the people I’ve met I can’t imagine my life without them but sometimes… sometimes I wish I could just g back to that graduation party and change everything that happened that night.
Taggert- I know…
Gia- Everything would be so different now…
Taggert- Something good came out of that party…
Gia- What?
Taggert- [wrapping her slowly in his arms] I got my sister with me again.
Gia- Marcus… [looking up at him] tell me everything will work out like it should…
Taggert- Everything will work out baby…
Gia- If it doesn’t can you promise me something…
Taggert- Anything…
Gia- [placing her head on his chest] Will you promise me that you’ll take me with you the next time…
Taggert- [slowly nodding as he enclosed her in his arms] Lil Bit I promise you I will…
Gia- [tightening her hold on him] Next time…
Taggert- [as he slowly rocked his sister] Yeah next time…

Thankful that Kyan was gone Kamar settled in as he closely listened to the conversation going on at Gia’s cottage.

Flo- [angrily] Why are you here?
Gerald- It’s good to see you too Florence…
Flo- Why are you here?
Gerald- I’m here to make up for all the time I lost with our daughter.
Flo- My daughter…
Gerald- No our daughter…
Flo- Look I don’t want to go through this again. If you wanted her to be your daughter so bad you would not have walked out on her. You would not have…
Gerald- We all make mistakes Florence.
Flo- Excuse me?
Gerald- I never said I was perfect…
Flo- [folding her arms tightly in front of her] You got that right…
Gerald- For one night can you just drop the hostilities? Our daughter… [seeing the look on Florence’s face] Gia invited out to the PC Grille as a family…
Flo- That’s the last thing we’ll ever will be…
Gerald- [trying best to hold his anger in check] Look… I’m trying to make the best of this situation. I want to see Gia happy for once. The last thing I ever wanted my returning to bring her was pain.
Flo- Then why even come back? Once she learns everything how do you expect her not to be in pain.
Gerald- [softly] Florence…
Flo- Answer the question Gerald… do you really think she will look at you the same, even if that was possible, once she finds out everything?
Gerald- I’m hoping…
Flo- Hoping?
Gerald- I don’t know what you want me to say but…
Flo- You see that’s the difference between you and me…
Gerald- What are you talking about?
Flo- You were so quick to throw my mistakes in my face in front of Gia. But never once have I thought about telling her the truth about you. Never once…
Gerald- And I thank you for that…
Flo- Don’t thank me… promise me that you won’t hurt my daughter.
Gerald- I promise you with everything that I am and have that I will not purposefully hurt Gia. When the time is right I will tell her everything…
Flo- What about Marcus?
Gerald- I will tell him too regardless of the consequences.
Gia- [softly as she and Marcus came down the stairs] Who is him and what kind of consequences are you talking about?
Gerald- [quickly thinking of an excuse] Uhh we were talking about Marcus…
Taggert- What about me?
Gerald- That you might be looking for some pepto if we don’t get a move on…
Gia- Huh?
Gerald- [smiling] You know Marcus could never tolerate my cooking. If we wait around any longer he might be faced with eating it again…
Taggert- [shaking his head] Never that… I’d go hungry first if we were reduced to you cooking…
Gerald- [laughing] I see some things never change…
Taggert- Have you cooking skills improved?
Gerald- No…
Taggert- Then I think we better head for the Grille as soon as possible…
Flo- [grabbing her purse and jacket] Then let’s go…

As they milled out of the cottage Gia pulled her mother aside sensing her nervousness.

Gia- Mom is everything ok?
Flo- Everything is fine baby…
Gia- Are you sure?
Flo- Positive…
Gia- You seem nervous and…
Flo- [gently caressing her face] I just want everything to go right tonight.
Gia- It will…
Flo- I hope…
Gia- [smiling] Marc and Gerald are getting along… that in itself is a sign that everything will be ok.
Flo- [softly nodding] You’re right baby…
Gia- [smiling] Of course I am…

Locking the door behind them Gia and Florence quickly made their way to Marcus and Gerald waiting by Taggert’s SUV. Entering the car and slowly pulling off all said a silent prayer that this dinner would be like one of old and if even for one night everything appear as it once was. Smiling to himself Kamar wondered what Florence and Gerald were speaking about. Maybe if he played his cards correctly he could find out and use whatever it was as a way to finally get Gia as his own. Quickly locking up Kamar rushed to the PC Grille intent on watching the family during their dinner.

As one drink turned to two Kyan found herself loosening up around Sonny and enjoying his company more and more. As they gently sipped their latest drink Sonny turned to Kyan a smile covering his face as he began to speak with her.

Sonny- Are you enjoying yourself?
Kyan- As a matter of fact I am…
Sonny- That’s good to hear. I mean I would hate for you to go back to work and tell your coworkers of what a horrible date I am.
Kyan- [softly smiling] Date?
Sonny- That’s right this isn’t a date…
Kyan- [nodding] Right… just two friends enjoying a few drinks.
Sonny- [smiling] So we are friends now?
Kyan- Yeah… [shrugging] I guess…
Sonny- Would you like to be my friend?
Kyan- I assumed I already was…
Sonny- How so?
Kyan- You remembered my name… at least I think you have…
Sonny- [slowly shaking his head] I never forget the name of a beautiful woman…
Kyan- Thank you…
Sonny- Would you like to turn these few drinks into something more?
Kyan- Excuse you?
Sonny- [softly smiling] I was just asking if you would like to have dinner…
Kyan- Oh for a second there I thought…
Sonny- [smiling] You thought what?
Kyan- [shaking her head] Never mind that… I would love to have dinner with you…
Sonny- Good…

Motioning a nearby waiter Sonny informed him of their desire for dinner and they were quickly shown to their table. As Kyan slowly went to sit she caught glimpse of the family that entered the Grille and she was instantly taken back to the Sunday following her mother’s death when she first witnessed all that Gia had taken away from her. Sensing a sudden change in her Sonny looked around hoping to see what caused her change.

Sonny- Is there something wrong?
Kyan- [looking down at her place setting] No…
Sonny- Are you sure?
Kyan- [nodding] Yes…
Sonny- If you would prefer not to eat…
Kyan- [gently touching his hand as it rested on the table] I’m ok really… just realized how long it had been since I sat down and had a regular meal.
Sonny- So your job keeps you busy?
Kyan- Yes… it seems I’m forever on the run…
Sonny- What do you do?
Kyan- I work at the hospital under the Drs. Quatermaine… hence my reasoning for being at the party.
Sonny- [nodding] I see…
Kyan- What about you? You said you were in the coffee business. What possible is your connection to the Quartermaines?
Sonny- I’m on the board of ELQ, which meant I received an invitation to the party.
Kyan- [softly] Oh…

Hearing Gerald’s faint laughter Kyan inwardly flinched knowing that if she did not make her escape from the table Sonny would soon find out all about her. Slowly standing Kyan softly spoke to Sonny as she attempted to leave the table.

Kyan- I’m sorry…
Sonny- What is it?
Kyan- I have… I need to go to the restroom and…
Sonny- [nodding] Our dinner should be arriving shortly…
Kyan- [nodding] I won’t be long…

Without giving further explanation to Sonny Kyan left the table hoping to caught a glimpse of what and who had Gerald in such a good mood. Finding a spot out of sight Kyan spied as the family sat around the table laughing and joking oblivious to those around them.

Gerald- [laughing] Do you remember the time Gia thought she was a princess and we all had to address her as one or she wouldn’t answer.
Gia- [smiling] I was in kindergarten… I didn’t know any better…
Flo- That may be true but we still had to address you as Princess Gia…
Taggert- [laughing] What about when she thought she was a super hero…
Gia- [playfully hitting at Taggert] I did not…
Flo- Huh?
Taggert- You don’t remember dressing up in you pink long johns and slipping on a pair of my underwear over them.
Gia- [laughing] Shut up…
Flo- [smiling] What is he talking about Gia?
Gia- [trying her best not to laugh] I have no idea…
Taggert- Didn’t you ever wonder how all those sheets got ripped up…
Flo- Yeah…
Gia- Marcus if you…
Taggert- Well Gia needed a cape so…
Flo- You did not…
Gerald- [smiling] Who do you think gave her the scissors?
Flo- But both you and Marcus said…
Gia- [laughing as she shook her head] Don’t believe a word they are saying mom…
Flo- [laughing] I don’t baby…
Gia- [smiling] Thank you…

As laughter went around the table Kyan’s anger and hatred increased and it took all of will power to keep from going to the table and wiping the smiles off all of their faces. Preparing to return to the table with determined now to do whatever was necessary to rid Gia from her life Kyan suddenly stopped as she saw Sonny approaching the table. A quick hug to Gia and a short but friendly hello to all at the table Sonny left going back to their table once again. Gathering her senses Kyan took a deep breath before going back to Sonny making it appear as if nothing was wrong. Keeping a steady eye on the family Kyan continued her dinner with Sonny hoping that she was closer to getting him to trust her enough to share the secrets needed with her. Watching with a huge grin covering his face Kamar watched both tables knowing soon that things would happen and change things forever.