Sonny and Carly are having a fight before the Deception party at Luke's.
S: ENOUGH CARLY! You need to leave me alone.
Carly is tired; it is the same old song. Leave me alone Carly, mind your own business, Carly, you're not good enough for me to trust Carly. She turns and looks into his eyes...nothing, no love, certainly no trust, just his cold dark eyes staring blankly at her. She laughs, "you know what Sonny, finally something I CAN DO for you", with that she grabs her shawl and purse and heads out the door.
She was so sick of the same old thing, day after day. Tonight she was the one who was going to make this stop. She had the power to change this situation. The past few months had been hell, but tonight she was going to for once take control of her life. She told Johnny to take her to Luke's, for the Deception party. In the limo she called Jason. "Hey it's me, can you do an old friend a favor and meet me at the Penthouse later. I promise not to take up too much of your time, please Jason. Thanks I will see you later." Now to get her life back. She entered Luke's; she headed straight for Scotty Baldwin. "Scotty, can I speak with you alone for a moment?"
S: Well if it isn't the mobster's wife.
C: You want me out of Deception still?
S: All right, is this some kind of joke?
C: Are you willing to talk to me or what?
S: Fine let's go out back. (They head into Luke's office for privacy).
C: I know you want me out, so I am seeing if your offer to buy me out is still on the table?
S: Are you serious, what does your crime lord husband have to think about this?
C: He has nothing to do with this; do you want me out or what?
S: You betcha sweetheart, the sooner you and your mafia husband are away from Laura the better.
C: Great then have the papers drawn up and the money in CASH delivered to me tomorrow at the Penthouse. I will sign them, then. Do we have a deal?
S: You're on. See you tomorrow.
With that done, she heads out the door of the club and gets into the limo and tells Johnny to take her back to the penthouse.
When they get back to Harbor View Towers, Carly isn't surprised to see that Sonny is nowhere to be found when she enters the penthouse. She is relieved. She heads upstairs to check on Michael. She watches as he is sleeping peacefully. Leticia enters the room.
C: Hey how was he tonight.
L: He was a little upset; he asked why Mr. Corinthos was mean. I didn't know how to answer that.
C: I'm sorry that you were put in that situation, it won't happen again. I have something to ask you Ticia. I am going to leave Sonny. I am finally going to do what is best for Michael. I finally have the chance to make Michael happy. I would like for you to come with us. I know how much you love Reginald, and I want you to ask him to come along also. I will need help running the new household. You both have become friends to me, and Michael loves you both so much, I can't imagine you guys not being in his life. Well, what do you say?
L: I say YES, I will call Reggie and I am sure he would love to finally get away from the crazy Quatermaines. But Carly, are you sure about this?
C: Actually, yes. I am thinking clearly and Michael deserves to be happy.
L: You deserve that too ya know.
C: I know, and this will at least give me some peace, I am so tired of fighting so hard. This will be for the best.
L: Okay then, when are you planning to leave?
C: Hopefully by tomorrow night at the latest. So go see Reggie and get packing.
L: Okay, I will check in with you in the morning.
C: Thanks Ticia (she gives her a big hug).
Leticia leaves as Jason is coming in. She tells him that Carly is up in Michael's room. He heads upstairs to his room. He stops in the doorway, and smiles. Carly is curled up on the floor watching Michael sleep. He knew how much she loved Michael, he still loved to watch the two of them together. Carly always got this look of contentment and happiness on her face whenever she was around Michael. He glanced around the room and noticed Carly still had pictures of him and Michael around the room, he smiled remember the times they had all shared together as a family. Carly felt him there, she turned and looked over her shoulder and smiled. She quietly got up and took his hand and led him out of the room.
C: Thanks for coming over.
J: It sounded important, where is Sonny?
C: I don't expect him home for tonight, maybe late tomorrow.
J: What's wrong, did you have another fight?
C: Actually, Jase I'm fine. I have come to a decision and I need you help one last time.
J: Carly what have you done now?
C: Jase, please I need my best friend tonight. I don't have it in me to defend myself to anyone else tonight, PLEASE!
Jason looks at her and really see's her. She looks exhausted and very thin. He looks into her eyes and doesn't see that spark that he used to always love to see. The spark that made her Carly. Now all he can see is defeat and sadness.
J: Okay, I'm listening.
C: I'm TIRED Jase, I am soo Tired. Tired of fighting so hard to keep a man with me who doesn't love me. Tired of walking on eggshells in my own home, tired of not ever feeling safe, or valued. I can't take it anymore I have had enough.
J: Sonny loves you Carly. This is just another one of your fights. You need to calm down and work things out.
C: Why Jase? Why do I need to work things out? You don't live in this house with us. You don't know what it is like, so don't tell me Sonny loves me. Is it love to not feel respected by your own husband? Is it love to be dismissed out of my own home, like I don't matter? Is it love to feel worthless? For so long I have been fighting for him to love me. It hit me the other day, you shouldn't have to fight so hard to make someone love you. Love should be given freely. You think I would have I learned that with you the first time around. Looks like I didn't. I can't make Sonny love me anymore than I can make myself settle for anything less than a perfect love. I won't do it anymore.
J: Have you talked to Sonny about this.
C: Have you tried talking to Sonny about anything lately Jason? He's snapped Jason. He is so angry all the time. He isn't happy.
J: What about Michael?
C: I can't keep Michael safe here anymore. Do you know what Michael asks me and Leticia? Do you? He asks why Uncle Sonny is so mean. What do I say to my little boy when he asks why I am so sad all the time? The other day, Sonny got so wrapped up in business that he turned away from Michael in the park. AJ snatched him. My god Jason, AJ is a monster and he could have taken Michael away. Michael sees Sonny and I together. He knows we are both not happy. He senses that, and he deserves to grow up happy, and not surrounded by fighting all the time.
J: So what are you going to do?
C: Michael and I are leaving, Leticia and Reginald are coming with us.
J: Carly, I think you need to rethink this.
C: Jase, I am TIRED of fighting for something that isn't there. Look at me. I don't sleep, I can't eat. I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop, for a new tragedy to happen. I can't do it anymore.
(She breaks down and falls to her knees sobbing.) Jason goes over and wraps his arms around her. He rocks her gently, rubbing her back.
J: Carly, you have to be sure about this.
C: Carly pulls away and looks up at him. "I am Jason, Michael and I need to be free of all this."
J: Okay, so where are you going to go?
C: I was hopping you could help with that. I would like you to find Michael and I a safe place to live. I want it to be far away, near or on a beach somewhere quite with good schools for Michael. I want him to have a great life Jason. Some place where Sonny won't find us for awhile. Can you do that for me?
J: Okay. I will start making some calls. You know this doesn't change things between us?
C: Jase, I know that. I know you have your own life now. I am not asking you to go with us. All I ask is that if you want to please stay a part of Michael's life. You are still the one he thinks of as daddy.
J: You know I love Michael, but it has been so long since I was a consistent part of his life.
C: Jason, you have no idea do you? He sees your pictures in his room, he knows you as daddy. He points to your picture all the time and calls for daddy. You are the one who distanced yourself from Michael. But Michael never forgot about you. He still loves you. Listen, I know you are falling for little Lizzie Webber, and even though I know she will break your heart.
J: Carly!!
C: Let me finish, sheezzzz. As I was saying, if she makes you happy and can give you the love that you deserve then as your best friend, I am happy for you. That's all I ever wanted Jase, is for you to be completely happy and loved. So if you choose to stay part of Michael's life that will make me happy, if not then I will understand. You will always be my best friend and I will ALWAYS love you. So it's your decision Jason. I sold Scotty Baldwin my shares of Deception, so I have enough money for Michael and I to live comfortably without any help from you or Sonny.
J: Okay, I have an idea. Let me go and make a few calls and I will be by in the morning. Go try to get some sleep. This will be all over with in a few days. I want two of the guards to go with you. At least for a few months while you get settled in. Is there anyone you would prefer, like I don't know who you will want to go with you...Johnny right?
C: I do trust Johnny, and Michael loves his Uncle Johnny.
J: Okay, I will talk with Johnny. Now come on let's get you tucked into bed. Jason takes her hand and helps her up. He wraps his arm around her waist and they walk upstairs.
Jason starts to head for Sonny's room and Carly stops him and steers him toward her room. Jason begins to realize that maybe he was wrong about Sonny and Carly.
C: Jase, I've been sleeping in here lately.
J: Oh, okay, sorry. He leads Carly into the room and turns back the covers on her bed.
J: Okay, you- in ya go. Try to get some rest, and leave the arrangements to me. I will be by in the morning.
C: Jase, thank you, I can't tell you how much this means to me. I love you always. Jason smiles and bends down and kisses her forehead. "Get some sleep."
He heads for the door and turns the lights off. He slowly closes the door and takes another look back at Carly. She looked so angelic. He smiles and closes the door behind him. He stands for a moment outside her room. The Carly he has seen tonight isn't the Carly he knew and loved. She had lost her spirit. Carly had always been hell in heels and now he barely recognized the shell of the women that was behind this door sleeping. He knew he had to get her out of this situation and give her some peace. He headed downstairs to make some calls and talk with Johnny.
The Next Morning:
Jason's Penthouse:
Jason is on the phone. "Just do it. I want the house ready to go. That means I want the security system working and men stationed on the premises. Johnny will be head of security; he will be accompanying Ms. Spencer and her son. I want them protected at all costs."
Jason hangs up and calls Johnny into the penthouse.
Jason: Johnny, Carly and Michael are leaving Sonny. I want you go with them to protect them and get them settled. Carly trusts you, and Michael loves you. I expect them to be well protected.
Johnny: Where are we going and for how long?
Jason: An island off of Puerto Rico. I purchased it awhile ago, and built a house on the beach there. It is small but populated. It has great schools there for Michael and lots of shopping for Carly. I think they will be able to make a good life there.
Johnny: So I take it Carly doesn't plan on coming back?
Jason: Not for awhile if ever. She's a wreck Johnny and she needs to get some peace. I haven't seen what she has been going through lately, but I saw last night. She looks terrible, she has lost a lot of weight, and hasn't been sleeping, and she can't keep taking the stress she is under.
Johnny: Does Sonny know?
Jason: Not yet, and I would like to keep it that way. From now on you will report to me only. It is Carly's choice to leave and she doesn't want Sonny to know yet where she is.
Johnny: Well I am glad she is getting out of that situation. I have seen and heard all the fighting between the two of them and it isn't healthy for her or Michael. I promise Jason, I will make sure they are safe. Will I be staying there long with them?
Jason: Yes, for awhile Johnny. It will take some time for them to get settled. I do plan on visiting so they will need protection. Is that a problem?
Johnny: No sir, I will close up my apartment here. I am honored you trust me with them, I would give my life to keep them safe. I will start getting things ready. When are we leaving?
Jason: You, Carly, and Michael will be leaving later this afternoon. I want her out of here as soon as possible. Renaldo will meet you on the island and show you the house. I have my jet preparing for the trip. Just be back here at 1:00. Again, thanks Johnny.
With that done, Jason heads over to see Carly. He walks across the hallway hoping that Sonny hasn't come home. He opens the door, things look quite. Leticia and Michael are playing on the floor.
J: Hey Leticia, how are things this morning?
L: Good Mr. Morgan, Reginald and I are all packed. I packed Michael's things this morning. Carly is upstairs packing. She said to send you up when you arrived.
J: Thanks. He turns and heads up the stairs. He starts toward her room. He can hear music coming from her room, he stops and watches her as she is holding a picture and crying, the picture is one of the three of them. They took it at the park one day. He, Carly,and Michael it was when they were still a family. He listens to the words of the music, and is hit with their meaning.
He, shakes out of his thought.
J: "Hey"
C: she jumps and quickly puts the picture into a box. "Hey" So what's the word?
J: All the arrangements are made. I spoke with Johnny and he is happy to accompany you and Michael. I have the perfect place for you. Actually, it is an island off of Puerto Rico, I bought it awhile ago and built a house on the beach, it is close to our operations in Puerto Rico. I think you will like it. Sonny doesn't know about it, so you will be safe.
C: Wow. (she turns away from him and starts putting clothes into her suitcase.)
J: That's it....wow? No interrogation, no questions?
C: I trust you Jase, just tell me what time the plane is leaving.
J: Has Sonny been home yet?
C: No.
J: The plane will be ready to go at 2:00. Johnny will be here at 1:00. Just bring your essentials, I will get everything else to you later. Have you spoken with Bobbie?
C: No, I will call or write her once we are settled in. I just don't have it in me right now. She looks up at him with a look of exhaustion and defeat. Jason goes to her and wraps her in a hug.
J: It is going to be okay. You and Michael are gonna love the island, you will be able to have a great life there. And when Sonny calms down, you can come back here, or stay and have your family visit. Things will be better in just a few days.
C: Are you coming with us? I mean just to show us around?
J: I will join you guys in a few days, I will have to deal with Sonny first. I promise to come down as soon as I can. Plus Sonny will never know that I am not going on business, with the island being so close to our operations in Puerto Rico. Everything will work out fine, you will see!
C: Thank you Jase, she reaches up and gives him a soft kiss on the cheek.
He feel a spark run through him. That spark, the one that he used to feel whenever Carly touched him. He quickly pushed that thought out of his head. He was interested in Liz and he and Carly were only friends.
J: Do you need any help packing?
C: No - I am almost done here. Why don't you take Michael to the park one last time. He would love to spend some time with you. He is gonna miss you.
J: That's a great idea. But remember I will see you both in a few days, once things settle down here with Sonny. I still plan on being a part of your lives.
C: Okay Jase, don't forget his coat, and have fun. See you both in awhile.
Carly watched as he turned and went to get Michael. God she still loved him. How could she have messed up her life so badly. She thought she could marry Sonny and put her life with Jason behind her. But more and more she found herself dreaming of the three of them being a family again. But she knew she needed to get her life together and make a good home for Michael. Besides Jason wanted to be with little Lizzie Webber. Thank god she was leaving Port Charles because she couldn't stand to see the two of them together. Jason was giving her and Michael an opportunity for a fresh start and she wasn't going to blow it by waiting around for a life with Jason that wasn't going to happen.
Later in the day:
Jason, Carly, Michael, Leticia, Reginald and Johnny are all at the airport. Everyone is on the plane except Carly, Michael and Jason. They are saying their goodbyes.
C: It always seems like I am saying goodbye to you. I hate that.
J: It's not goodbye, I will see you soon. Let Johnny do his job, listen to him. He kisses Michael on the forehead. "Be good for your mama, I will see you soon buddy - I love you."
Michael hugs Jason and says "love you daddy." Jason can feel the tears start to well up in his eye's. He couldn't believe Michael called him "daddy". Carly notices Jason's reaction.
C: I told you, you are his daddy.
She smiles at him as a tear runs down her cheek. She doesn't care anymore and pulls Jason into a kiss. She tenderly kisses his lips and whispers "bye Jase" she rests her head against his forehead for a moment and says " I will love you forever." Before he can get a word out she quickly turns and boards the plane. He is in shock. Not at the fact that Carly kissed him or said she loved him, cause she never stopped saying that, but shocked at the way he felt. He felt like his heart was breaking. He just wanted to go after her and kiss her again. He hadn't felt that kind of want or desire in along time. He thought he had put all those feelings away when Carly married Sonny and when he met Liz. He was more confused now than ever. All he knew was he needed to get back to the Penthouse and wait for Sonny. This was something he wasn't looking forward to, but he needed to hear from Sonny what the hell had happened between him and Carly.