Chapter 9 Two Days Later Carly tightened her hold on Michael's hand and knocked on the Quartermaines' front door. She dreaded these visits. Even though all she did was stay a few minutes to see what AJ had planned for the day, she always ended up talking to Edward or worse Monica. Carly really hated leaving her child with these people. She took a deep breath as the door slowly opened to reveal Keesha standing on the other side. “Keesha.” Carly said coldly. “Carly.” Keesha said just as coldly. Keesha smiled down at Michael and said in a sickenly sweet voice, “And how is the big boy today? Ready for his big day with Daddy?” Michael frowned up at Keesha and clung to Carly's leg. “I don't like you.” Carly tried not to laugh. “Honey, you don't say things like that about people. At least not to their faces. Even if they deserve it.” Carly smiled at Keesha, who frowned as she stepped aside to let them in. “So what are you going to do today while AJ is spending the day with our son?” Carly asked. Part of the custody deal was that for the first few visits, it would just be only AJ and Michael. So that Michael would grow used to AJ. Lately though Carly has brought Michael over on her own to see Lila. “I am going to a spa in Canada that I've been meaning to try out.” Keesha told her. “It's supposed to be extremely relaxing though a bit expensive.” “You're enjoying spending all that delicious Quartermaine money, aren't you? Funny, I never had you pegged for a gold digger.” “AJ's in the living room. He needs to talk to you.” Keesha ignored her comment. “Okay, come on, Mikey.” “He told me to take Michael into the kitchen. Cook's in there giving Brook Lynn milk and cookies. For some reason she loves the kids.” Carly reluctantly let Keesha lead Michael away. She mentally braced herself for whatever AJ was going to rag on her about. Remembering two of the Spencer Rules, Uncle Luke had drilled into her head: “Always make an entrance.” and “Never let them see you sweat”, Carly marched into the living room. And hope that AJ was alone. She didn't feel like getting ambushed by Monica and Edward. He was. He stood up when she came in. “Carly, you're on time. Wow, I'm amazed.” “Cut the crap. What is it?” Carly went over to the bar. She dropped Michael's overnight bag on the couch as she went. “To plainly put it, I don't like the idea of Michael and Jason spending time together.” Carly whipped around. “How'd you…” Carly stopped herself. She'd almost forgotten one of Luke's rules, “Never let anything come as a surprise, even if it is one.” She already knew how he found out anyway. Robin had whispered into Keesha's ear who turned around and whispered into AJ's. Just gotta love that PC grapevine. “You were saying something?” AJ asked and moved closer to her. Carly stepped back. Lately AJ's been coming in too close and it made her uncomfortable. “I was just saying that *I* personally like the idea. I suggested it.” Carly finished pouring herself a drink. She took a sip. “I heard. Carly, I don't like that Jason is allowed at anytime to see a child that for months, he wouldn't let me, the father or any of the family see.” Carly put down her drink. “Jason was doing that for me. He knew that you all would have kept Michael away from me if you knew that you were the father. You even told me that to my face! I would have lost my son if I had to go up against the all-mighty Quartermaines.” “You have custody of Michael now.” AJ said from behind her. “That's because when Bobbie married Cassadine, Michael and I became part of the deal. I couldn't have won on my own and you know it.” AJ rubbed the back of his neck. “All right, what you say is true but I hate the thought of Jason with Michael. I get sick at the thought of Michael getting hurt because some Mobster decides to get back at Jason and Michael's caught in the crossfire.” Carly was getting angry. She hated this attitude AJ had. Lately everyone's been questioning her judgement. Just that morning Stefan has started, no doubt due to prompting by Bobbie, with the same concerns. If she wanted her son to see his uncle then that's what was going to happen. “Get over it, AJ. Right now you should be ecstatic. From what I've heard about Jason Q, you have all that used to be his. His status as the star Quartermaine, his ex-girlfriend as your wife, hell, even his ex-son. Be happy, AJ!” AJ ignored what she said. He'd come to understand a little about Carly and could tell she was just creating a diversion. He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Carly,” he began. “Get off me.” Carly shrugged his hands off of her. “What, you want Jason's ex- lover to complete the set? I don't think so, I stopped being that stupid months ago! Leticia will be here to get Michael in the morning.” Carly rushed out of the room and almost ran into Emily. “I'm sorry!” Emily jumped back. “My fault.” Carly rummaged in her purse. “Here.” she passed Emily an envelope and left. AJ came out. “She left?” He looked disappointed. “Yeah. What did you say to her? She shot right out of here.” “Nothing. I'm going to check on Michael.” Emily nodded and went into the living room. She sat down and began to read the letter. “Dear Emily, I'm sorry that I couldn't come by like I wanted. Although, I do have a good excuse. I tried to call but your grandfather answered and hung up on me. I guess he doesn't like me. So I've asked Carly to pass this on to you. I had promised to take my sister to the park but I forgot. Luckily, Laura reminded me. My number is at the bottom of this note so call me and we'll set up a time to get together again. Your friend, Nikolas” Emily smiled. He'd underlined the word “friend” three times. He had sent her a note and explained why he couldn't have come. Maybe this time their friendship wouldn't be one-sided. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A while Later Wyndemere Laura Spencer knocked on the massive door for the third time. No one seemed to be home. Laura tried the doorknob and the door opened. Of course, the door would be unlocked. They're the only ones on this island, she thought. Laura gingerly stepped in and called out, “Stefan? Nikolas? Bobbie? Anybody home?” Bobbie came out from around a corner. “I'm here. What are you doing here, Laura?” Laura touched the jacket she had slung over her arm. “Nikolas left his jacket and I wanted to return it.” “Laura don't lie to me. Why are you really here?”