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Why Now

Monica has just changed into a nightgown and is ready to crawl into bed after being at the hospital for 15 hours, most of which was spent in surgery. As she moves the covers to get in she can’t help but notice how peaceful and sexy Alan looks sleeping holding onto her pillow. Carefully Monica slides into bed and grabs Alan’s pillow that he isn’t using and then pulls the covers up. Monica gently pulls Alan’s hand to her lips and kisses his fingers.

Monica whispering: Good night. I missed you.

Alan holding onto Monica’s hand: Not as much as I missed you.

Monica: Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.

Alan: I woke up when you came into the room.

Monica giggling: Oh really and you didn’t say anything.

Alan as he pulls Monica into a hug: I was just waiting for you to come to bed. How did the surgery go?

Monica as she runs her fingers across Alan’s cheek: The surgery went fine and my patient is in intensive care. (looking into Alan’s eyes) Enough about work. Now that I am here in bed what are you going to do with me?

Alan moving his lips to meet Monica’s: First, I knew the patient was in good hands with you as his surgeon and second, a kiss hello will do for starters.

Monica as they break their kiss: Well thank-you and after that hello kiss?

Alan: You are brilliant and I am sure you could come up with something to do.

Monica laughing: I don’t think my mind is what you are interested in right now.

Alan: I love your mind (pausing to kiss Monica’s cheek) and the rest of you isn’t so bad either.

Monica giggling: You’re not so bad either Mr. Quartermaine.

Alan pulls Monica closer as he kisses her neck and moves up to her ear while a quiet moan escapes from Monica and she runs her hand through Alan’s hair. Their lips meet while their hands roam and begin to remove unwanted apparel. They gently caress each other until they can’t contain their passion any longer and they make love slowly and gently. Afterward, Monica is barely awake lying on Alan’s chest snuggled tightly against him.

Alan pulls Monica’s fingers to his lips and gently kisses them: Good night my love.

Alan looks down and Monica has fallen asleep. He lays there a few minutes just admiring his wife before untangling himself from her tight embrace to get ready for work. A half-hour later Alan has showered and is ready to leave for the hospital but not before placing a gentle kiss on Monica’s cheek. Alan heads down the stairs and hears Edward’s bellowing and decides he isn’t hungry enough to listen to the tirade so he just heads out the front door, gets into his car, and heads for he hospital. The drive is peaceful the radio is playing "Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye" by Vince Gill. Suddenly, the truck in front on Alan stops dead. Alan has no chance of stopping he hits the back of the truck and the metal rods the truck is carrying come in through the windshield. One of the rods hits Alan’s arm another hits his chest.

Back at the house. Monica wakes up scared and in pain. Her arm his throbbing and her chest hurts like something hit her but quickly stops. Now that she is awake she decides she won’t be able to go back to sleep so she gets up out of bed and takes a quick shower and gets dressed. The phone rings as she is finishing her make-up.

Monica: Dr. Quartermaine.

Bobbie: Monica, this is Bobbie there was a car accident and the paramedics on the scene are saying the man involved has a metal rod impaled in his chest and the rod hit is heart.

Monica: I’m on my way. Can you call Dr. Lambert to assist me?

Bobbie: Sure. I will see you in a few minutes.

Monica as she is hanging up: Bye.

Monica grabs her keys and heads down the stairs and she hears Edward in his tirade as she heads out of the house. On the drive, she passes what she assumes is the accident but there are police cars and an ambulance all over and are blocking the road. Cars are passing off on the shoulder. Monica gets to the hospital and heads into ER where Bobbie is waiting for her at the desk. As she is getting to the desk the sirens from the ambulance are pulling into the hospital.

Monica: Bobbie did you get ahold of Dr. Lambert?

Bobbie: Eve was leaving her house when I talked to her so she should be here any minute.

Behind Bobbie and Monica a blonde lady walks up to Amy: Could you tell me where I could find Monica Quartermaine?

Amy pointing to Monica: Right there.

Lady turns to see Monica going to the ER doors to meet the patient coming in. She walks to the waiting area watching Monica as she sits down.

Monica heads over to the door where the paramedics are coming in with Alan. Monica looks at the patient and turns white as a ghost as she realizes it is Alan and suddenly doesn’t hear anything the paramedics are saying. Bobbie realizes something is wrong with Monica she glances down at Alan and sees exactly why Monica looks so horrified.

Bobbie: Monica, let me go find someone else in to work on Alan.

Monica jolted back to reality: No. No. I can take care of him.

Bobbie: Are you sure?

Monica: There is nobody else I want working on Alan. Besides, Alan would want me to do the surgery or I wouldn’t. Eve should be here any minute. I was going to have her assist me before I knew (trailing off)

Bobbie: Should I have someone call Tony and have him come down too?

Monica notices Eve approaching: Have Amy page Tony then have her call Edward and Lila. I want you in here with Eve and me.

Bobbie picks up the phone to give Amy instructions and Monica tells Eve what is going on.

Monica decides she wants to see where the rod is by ultrasound. As she is doing the ultrasound she can see the rod did hit the heart but the rod remaining in place is actually also plugging the hole it created. Within 10 minutes Monica, Eve, Bobbie, and two other nurses are scrubbed and ready to start surgery. The anesthesiologist is sitting above Alan’s head and watching the monitors.

Monica to Bobbie: Scalpel.

Bobbie puts the scalpel into Monica’s hand. Monica closes her hand around the scalpel and looks at Alan’s chest and the rod sticking right in it as she makes the cut to begin. The surgery is long and difficult as Monica works to repair the damage. As Eve and the nurses’ watch in amazement at the emotional control Monica has and are awed at Monica’s skill and precision as a surgeon. After 8 long hours in surgery Monica has just closed and asks Bobbie to stay with him while he is moved to ICU. Monica and Eve go out to find Lila and Edward.

Edward lets go of Lila’s hand as he notices Monica coming down the hall toward them, looking worn out and exhausted, and takes a few steps toward her: Come over here and sit down then tell us how Alan’s doing.

The same blonde lady from ER is watching Monica intently as she talks to Lila and Edward but nobody pays any attention to her.

Monica: Did they tell you about the accident?

Lila: Yes dear.

Edward impatient: We know how he got hurt. We just want to know you repaired the damage and he will be fine.

Monica smiling slightly at the simplicity of the statement, looking toward Eve: We did repair the damage to his heart and he is in ICU now and will be there for a while. Barring any complications he should be fine.

Lila: I am so glad dear. How are you?

Monica: I am fine just a little tired.

Edward: We will take you home with us.

Monica: No, I am staying here with Alan.

Edward with fatherly concern: Monica you need to take care of yourself dear.

Monica: Thank-you Edward but I am staying right here. I wouldn’t get any rest any place else anyway.

Lila taking Monica’s hand: I will have Reginald bring a bag for you.

Monica: Thank-you Lila.

Lila: Alan would be angry with us if we didn’t make sure you ate and took care of yourself.

Monica as she gets up to go to ICU: I promise to eat and get some sleep. You two need to go home and take care of yourselves. I will call you if anything changes.

Lila grabs Monica’s hand and Monica leans down to hug Lila as she quietly says: Go home and take care of yourself I promise I will call if anything happens.

Monica to Eve as they are walking to ICU: You should go home too it has been a long day.

Eve: I will go in a few minutes. First, I want to check Alan with you and after that I am going to the cafeteria to get you something to eat. You did promise them you would eat and I have a feeling you won’t leave Alan’s side to get food for yourself. So, no arguing I will go get you something from the cafeteria.

Monica: Thank-you.

Eve: For what?

Monica: For assisting me with Alan and for taking care of me right now.

Eve: I should be thanking you.

Monica: For what?

Eve: For trusting me enough to ask me to assist you with Alan.

Monica: You are a great doctor.

Eve: I don’t think I could do what you did today.

Monica: I couldn’t let anyone else do that surgery. Alan wouldn’t have wanted me to either.

Eve: He knows you are the best cardiologist and he couldn’t be in better hands.

Monica as they get into ICU: Thank-you.

The blonde lady has followed Monica and Eve to ICU and overhears part of what they are saying to each other. With a smile on her face the lady sits in the waiting room and wonders how long it will be before she gets to talk to Monica.

Eve and Monica check Alan’s vitals. Eve leaves as Monica sits down beside Alan and takes his hand in hers and brings his hand up to her cheek then turns her face to kiss his fingers. In the background "There’s No Way" by Alabama is playing. Monica lays Alan’s hand back on the bed leaving her hand holding onto his. Sitting in the chair beside Alan listening closely to the monitors she falls asleep with her face next to their entwined hands. Monica dreams back on their life together. Alan’s first marriage proposal, then the second, their respective affairs, several of their angry battles which led to passion, her battle with breast cancer, his addiction to pain medication, and then to their anniversary at the hotel. AJ opening the door wakes Monica from her memories. The food Eve dropped off while she was sleeping is by the door.

AJ: Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.

Monica stands: It’s ok. Come on in for a minute.

AJ as he walks to Monica and hugs her: How is dad doing?

Monica: He’s doing ok.

AJ: How are you?

Monica: I’m fine (as she yawns) ok maybe I am a little tired.

AJ: Why don’t you go home and get some sleep. I will stay with dad if you want me to.

Monica: Thanks but I am going to stay right here until your dad wakes up and kicks me out.

AJ: Do you need anything?

Monica: No. Lila is having Reginald bring over a bag for me.

AJ: Ok I guess I will go home and tell everyone dad is doing fine and is in good hands here.

Monica as she follows AJ to the door: Thank-you.

AJ: I will be back later if that’s ok.

Monica: It is more than ok. I want you to come back later. It shouldn’t be long before he wakes up.

AJ hugs Monica as he heads out the door: I hope so.

Monica walks to the chair and sits down taking Alan’s hand in hers. After a few minutes she decides she is not comfortable enough to fall back asleep in the chair so she crawls into bed beside Alan on the right side since his left arm was the injured arm. Monica carefully snuggles against Alan and falls asleep with her head on his shoulder.

The blonde lady is sitting in the lobby watching the door and just watched as AJ leaves the room. She then gets up and walks toward the nurses station.

Lady: Can you tell me where Dr Quartermaine’s office is?

Nurse: Both of their offices are on the 2^nd floor.

Lady as she walks away: Thank-you.

Up on the 2^nd floor the lady walks around looking for Monica’s office. She finds Alan’s first and tries the door but it is locked. She continues on her way to find Monica’s office, which she finds quickly. She tries the door and it is unlocked. She walks in the door and looks around. She heads over to the desk and looks at the picture of Monica with Alan. In the picture, Alan and Monica are looking more at each other than at the person taking the picture with bright smiles and intense love shining in their eyes. The lady looks at the picture and can see the love between Alan and Monica and smiles knowing she must be happy. She moves to the other picture on the desk, which is a picture of Alan, Monica, AJ, Jason, and Emily. She sees a happy family in the picture. She moves silently over to the bookcase and looks at the pictures of Alan and Monica there. When she looks at the pictures she sees a happy couple smiling back at her. She looks around the office and sees Monica’s staff ID on her desk and some clothes on the rack by the door. She decides to head back to the waiting room and see if Monica comes out.

Monica is sleeping with her head on Alan’s shoulder when she hears Alan stir and moan in pain. Jolted back to reality she looks up at Alan and sees his eyes barely open looking at her.

Monica: Alan, how do you feel?

Alan weakly: Ouch.

Monica smiling at him: Guess that means you will be fine. (As she gently runs her fingers through his hair) Go back to sleep now. You will feel better and stronger when you wake up.

Alan looks into Monica’s eyes as he drifts back off to sleep with Monica still beside him. Monica watches him for a few minutes then decides to go call Edward and Lila and let everyone know Alan woke up for a minute. Monica walks out of the room but not without a glance backward just to make sure Alan was still peaceful. The lady watches Monica walk for the nurse’s station and waits for her to return. Monica makes the call and lets everyone know Alan just woke up for a minute and quickly ends the call and heads back for Alan’s side. As she walks past the waiting area she notices the lady approaching her and pauses for a second to see what she wants.

Lady: Monica Quartermaine?

Monica irritate at not being able to get right back to Alan: Yes and you are?

Lady: My name is Melanie. Melanie Bard.

Monica confused: What can I do for you?

Melanie: Do you remember me?

Monica: No. How would I know you?

Melanie: I don’t know quite how to tell you what I need to tell you.

Monica: Could you just tell me I am in a hurry.

Melanie: I am your sister.

Monica walking toward the ICU door: I don’t believe you and I need to get back to my husband.

Melanie: Please don’t go. At least look at the papers I have here. (pausing for a second) God, I can’t believe this is really happening. I have been sitting here wondering if I was making a mistake since I caught sight of you in Emergency.

Monica rattled: Let me check on Alan and I will be back in a minute.

Melanie: Ok. Take your time.

Monica walks into Alan’s room looking upset and sees him still peacefully sleeping. Monica pauses for a moment and as she just watches Alan sleep she momentarily acknowledges just how close she was to loosing him and knowing how lucky she is that he is laying there recovering. Knowing Alan is doing ok; she turns to go back out to talk to Melanie.

Monica walks back out of the room and to Melanie waiting for her in the waiting area right outside the room: I’m back. He’s still sleeping.

Melanie: Guess I should explain quickly so you can get back to your husband.

Monica: Good idea.

Melanie: Do you remember when you first went to the orphanage?

Monica: I don’t think so. I just remember hating everyone and everything.

Melanie: Well you were very angry about being there.

Monica: How do you know that?

Melanie: I was taken to the orphanage with you that day. They let us stay together for a few weeks but then they separated us and I never saw you again.

Monica: Why do you think I am your sister?

Melanie: I searched for you but our records were all confused and took a long time to straighten out. I hired an investigator to find you but the orphanage records were all sealed and for a long time I couldn’t get any information and once I finally got my file opened it had a bunch of stuff missing or wrong in it. My file said Sister Monica but there was no file for Monica Bard anywhere or who adopted you or anything. I gave up for a long time but then 2 years ago I hired another investigator to search for you again. He found your file. From there we had to get the record unsealed. Anyway, he found out that you stayed in that orphanage until you went to college from there he tracked you here. I only found out 3 days ago and wasn’t quite sure what to do. I was going to call but what could I say ‘hi sis remember me’? I decided to find you and tell you in person.

Monica skeptical: Why don’t I remember you?

Melanie: I don’t know. I don’t exactly have a lot of memories of you either. We were not that old when we were thrown into the orphanage.

Monica: What an awful place that was.

Melanie: That much I can say is true. A very uncaring place but I guess it is hard for workers to show kids who are angry and confused much love.

Monica: I hated that place and absolutely never felt loved there ever. (pausing for a moment) That isn’t the point how do I know you are who you say you are?

Melanie: I have copies of both our birth certificates and our files from the orphanage.

Monica: Can I see them.

Melanie reaches for the paperwork and hands it to Monica: Here it is.

Monica looks at the birth certificates and sees mother and father on both match. The orphanage files have the same entrance date and the paperwork is all messed up: I don’t know what to say. This is all very confusing. I would like to go through all this and have my attorney look into it also but I don’t have the time right now. I really need to get back to my husband.

Melanie: You can keep all that stuff I had copies made of everything for both of us. This wasn’t exactly the way I envisioned our meeting. I guess that doesn’t matter now. I hope your husband is doing better.

Monica remembering Melanie said she was in ER when Alan was brought in: He is actually. He woke up a little while ago and I want to be back before he wakes up again.

Melanie: Then you should go. I am staying at the Port Charles Hotel. I am glad I finally found you.

Monica confused: I will call you in a day or two ok?

Melanie: That’s fine.

Monica walks back to Alan’s room while Melanie watches her leave. Monica gets inside the room and walks to the phone and calls Lee.

Lee: Hello

Monica: Hi Lee it’s Monica.

Lee: Hi Monica. How is Alan?

Monica: Alan is doing ok. He woke up a little while ago but that isn’t why I am calling you. A lady claiming to be my sister is here at the hospital.

Lee: I didn’t know you had a sister.

Monica: Me neither. Can you check into the stuff she gave me and see if it looks legitimate to you?

Lee: I will be at the hospital in a little while so I will stop in and see what you have there and do some checking for you.

Monica: Thanks Lee.

Lee: Anytime Monica.

Monica looking over at Alan as he starts to wake up: I need to go Alan is waking up. Bye.

Lee: Bye.

Monica walks over to the bed as Alan opens his eyes: Hi there big guy.

Alan weakly: Hi yourself beautiful.

Monica taking Alan’s hand: How are you feeling?

Alan: I’m not sure.

Monica: That’s the pain medication I have you on. It can make your head a little cloudy.

Alan: Monica

Monica interrupting: The meds you are on aren’t a problem with the hydracodone.

Alan: Always taking care of me.

Monica: You don’t know the half of it.

Alan confused: What?

Monica: I’ll explain later.

Alan: Tell me now.

Monica: Well you always say your heart belongs to me. Now I can say holding your heart in my hands was never something I literally wanted to do.

Alan: Meaning what?

Monica: Do you remember the accident?

Alan: A truck stopped. (pausing) I couldn’t avoid it. (pausing) Remember something hitting me. That’s all nothing after that. Why, what happened?

Monica: I got a call from the hospital. Bobbie said there had been an accident and wanted me to come in and do the surgery.

Alan: You did the surgery?

Monica interrupting: You have told me countless times if you ever needed a cardiologist you wanted it to be me. So, I couldn’t let anyone else do that surgery.

Alan: You never fail to amaze me.

Monica teary: I couldn’t loose you! I would have never forgiven myself if you didn’t make it through surgery and I let someone else do the surgery.

Alan moving his hand to wipe the tear: And you are the best. Guess this means I owe you my life.

Monica smiling: Guess when you are feeling better we could discuss repayment.

Alan picking back up Monica’s hand and squeezing it: Count on it.

Monica: You look like you are getting tired. You should get some sleep now.

Alan: I would sleep better if you came here and cuddled up beside me.

Monica as she pulls the covers back and climbs carefully into bed: With pleasure!

Alan: I love you!

Monica as she kisses Alan’s shoulder: I love you too!

Monica lays beside Alan watching him as he drifts off to sleep. A little while later Lee opens the door. Monica motions she will be right out. Lee goes back out and waits while Monica carefully removes herself from Alan’s embrace trying not to wake him. Then she walks for the door and grabs the paperwork Melanie gave her on the way out into the hall.

Monica as she gets over to Lee: Thanks for coming.

Lee as he hugs Monica: How is Alan?

Monica smiling slightly: He is doing much better now.

Lee: I heard you did the surgery.

Monica: You know me. I couldn’t leave Alan’s life in someone else’s hands.

Lee laughs slightly: I guess I do know you well enough to say that’s true. But it must have been hard on you.

Monica: Not as hard as waiting while someone else did the surgery would have been. At least this way I felt like I was doing everything I could do.

Lee: I know it’s hard for you to let anyone else have control in your life.

Monica smiling slightly: You know me, I need to feel like I have some control.

Lee: I know. Now how can I help you with this sister thing?

Monica: I have everything that she gave me. I don’t know what to make of the whole thing.

Lee: Tell you what let me take care of this legal stuff for you and you just take care of yourself and Alan.

Monica: Thanks Lee. Will you tell Gail to come down when she has time.

Lee as he hugs Monica: I will and I will get right to work on this. (tapping on the envelope) I will let you know as soon as I find out anything.

Monica as she walks for Alan’s room: Thank-you.

Lee: Monica.

Monica: What?

Lee: Remember to eat and take care of yourself too, ok?

Monica: I will. I promise.

Lee: Monica.

Monica: What?

Lee: Can I tell Gail about this person claiming to be your sister?

Monica: No. Not right now. Not until I know something for sure.

Lee: Ok. You know I will do whatever you want but maybe Gail can help you. You don’t have to decide now. Just think about it.

Monica goes back into Alan’s room and checks his vitals, records everything on his chart, and then climbs back into bed and cuddles up to Alan. Lying there quietly she watches Alan sleep as she studies his face trying to memorize every detail. Her thoughts drift to those beautiful brown eyes and the love they have reflected over the years. Finally, after a few hours Monica falls asleep curled up next to Alan and they sleep peacefully until morning. Monica wakes up first still snuggled up next to Alan. Monica just lays there watching Alan sleeping while listening to his breathing and all the monitors beeping. A short time later Alan wakes up and sees Monica watching him.

Alan: Morning.

Monica: Good morning yourself.

Alan: How long were you just laying there watching me?

Monica: I don’t know. You looked so peaceful and sweet laying there sleeping I couldn’t wake you.

Alan: See now you know what I mean when I tell you I love to watch you sleep.

Monica smiling at Alan: Yeah I guess I understand.

Alan caressing Monica’s shoulder with his hand and Monica gently runs her hand up and down Alan’s chest both lost in their own thoughts for several moments.

Alan: Are you ok?

Monica: I’m fine. I should be asking how you are.

Alan: I am fine. I couldn’t be anything but fine with you taking care of me now could I?

Monica smiling: No you couldn’t. It would make me look like a lousy doctor.

Alan eyes sparkling: Well I wouldn’t want to be responsible for that.

Monica giggling: Well that is good to hear. Now I need to get you better so I can take you home. (As she tries to untangle herself from Alan) Let me get up. I need to check your vitals.

Alan holding onto Monica: Better idea check them from right here.

Monica warning: Behave yourself! You just had major surgery.

Alan: I’m feeling good enough to hold on tight to you lady.

Monica not moving from Alan’s side: I like the way that sounds.

Alan sensing something from Monica: I fully intend to stay right here beside you until we are old and gray.

Monica: I have no intention of getting old or gray.

Alan laughing: Ok have it your way. How about side by side forever then?

Monica smiling: Better. (as she moves to kiss his cheek) much better.

Alan pulls Monica’s hand to his lips and kisses her fingers: Do you know how much I love you?

Monica smiling: As much as I love you!

Alan returning the smile: Guess you are right.

Monica: Ok I have to get up now and you need to get some rest.

Alan yawning: I am pretty tired. You should go home and get some rest.

Monica: I got plenty of sleep right here with you and I am going to stay right here for a while longer.

Alan knowing he doesn’t have the strength to battle Monica sighs: Ok, I give up. I rather like waking up and finding you watching over me anyway.

Monica as she starts writing in his chart: Good thing because here is where you will find me until I can take you home with me. (Monica looks at Alan and he has fallen asleep. She leans down and kisses his lips gently. Then leaves the room after putting his chart down.)

A little while later Monica has just gone into Gail’s office.

Gail hugging Monica: How are you? You look tired. Have you gotten any sleep at all?

Monica: I actually got a little sleep with Alan.

Gail: How is Alan?

Monica: He is doing better.

Gail sensing something is bothering Monica more than just Alan: Is something wrong?

Monica: It’s nothing.

Gail skeptical: Just know I am right here if you need me.

Monica slightly smiling: I know. I should probably get back to Alan.

Gail: Ok. I will come down later.

Monica: Thanks. I would like that.

Monica leaves Gail’s office and goes to her own office. She sits down on the couch and falls asleep for several hours. When she wakes up she realizes she has been asleep for a while and rushes to Alan’s room. A few minutes later Monica comes into Alan’s room and finds Alan still sleeping. So, she sits down in the chair beside him and takes his hand and watches him sleep before she gets tired and climbs into bed beside him and falls asleep beside him.

The next morning Monica wakes to the sunshine coming in the window. She checks the monitors and records everything on Alan’s chart before he wakes up. The morning and afternoon sort of rush by and Alan is doing well enough that he is being moved to a regular room later that evening.

Later than night in Alan’s new room, as they are laying in his hospital bed ready to go to sleep.

Alan as he rubs his hand gently on Monica’s side: Is something wrong?

Monica startled by the question: No.

Alan not convinced: Would you tell me if something were going on?

Monica runs her hand across Alan’s chest trying to change the subject: Nothing is going on. (She kisses his cheek) Could we go to sleep now?

Alan sensing Monica is hiding something: I don’t want to go to sleep I want you to tell me what is on your mind.

Monica: You are what is on my mind. Now can we just get some sleep?

Alan knowing something is off with Monica: Please just tell me what’s wrong.

Monica: Nothing I am just tired.

Alan unconvinced kisses the top of Monica’s head: Ok goodnight.

Monica moves her head off Alan’s chest and moves up to kiss him goodnight. Then they both settle in and drift off to sleep.

The next morning just as Monica is finishing recording Alan’s vitals into his chart, Lee knocks on the door and comes in.

Lee: Morning.

Monica and Alan: Morning.

Lee: Just wanted to stop by and see how you were both doing and see if I could convince Monica to come get something to eat with me.

Alan: Well thanks for coming by and I would be most grateful if you could get Monica to go eat.

Monica leaning to kiss Alan’s cheek: I will be back in a little while.

Down in the cafeteria.

Lee: Did you tell Alan about Melanie?

Monica: No, he just had major surgery. Besides I don’t have anything to tell him except some person claims to be my sister (stopping and looking at Lee) or do you know something?

Lee: The information seems legitimate. I have requested some further information from the court and the orphanage until I get that it is just speculation.

Monica: Then there is nothing for me to tell him.

Lee: Are you sure?

Monica noticing Melanie enter the cafeteria: I’m sure.

Lee looks to where Monica is looking and spots Melanie: Is that her?

Monica: Yes. Can we finish this later?

Lee as he stands to leave: Sure. (he kisses Monica’s cheek and leaves)

Melanie approaches as Lee leaves: Hi, I was looking for you.

Monica slightly sarcastic: Sorry, I’ve been a little busy.

Melanie: I just wanted to see you and give you my number before I head back home.

Monica: Your leaving?

Melanie: I have to get back to work.

Monica: Sorry, I never asked what you do?

Melanie: It’s ok. I am actually a doctor, a perinatologist, and I am on call in the morning so I need to head home later.

Monica: Where’s home?

Melanie: New Jersey. About an hour from here. Maybe when things settle down here you can give me a call and we can get together.

Monica: Ok. I don’t know what to say.

Melanie: What do you want to say?

Monica: I don’t know. I don’t quite know what you are looking for. You showed up here proclaimed to be my sister now you are just going to leave. I don’t understand.

Melanie: Like I told you before I wanted to find you. But I have a husband and kids at home not to mention my patients.

Monica: So, you are just leaving?

Melanie: I have a little time before I go but I will come back when your life has settled down a bit.

Monica: My life never seems calm but right now it is more chaotic than usual.

Melanie smiling: Glad this chaos isn’t a daily ritual for you.

Monica laughing: A doctor’s life is never calm.

Melanie: True so true. Between Dan and I the phone seems to ring nearly every night and one or both of us sails off to the hospital.

Monica smiling: Sounds just like my house. Although the calls from the hospital are always for me in the middle of the night. Alan is Chief of Staff so his calls come at more reasonable hours.

Melanie: I hated those middle of the night calls from the hospital when my kids were living at home.

Monica: Where are your kids now?

Melanie: Kyle my oldest is just finishing up his residency at Cedars Sinai, Kevin is in his last year of law school, and Alyssa is a senior at Duke.

Monica: I definitely don’t have an empty house! Lots of times I wish I could just come home and sit on the couch with Alan without Edward bellowing about something, Ned showing up, or the staff refusing to serve dinner or get the phone. (laughing at the look on Melanie’s face) See I told you chaos is abundant in my house. Anyway, Emily my youngest is a senior in high school this year and dating a drug dealing, kidnapper. Jason is god knows where doing what I am not sure. AJ (pausing) well long story about AJ. See perpetual chaos.

Melanie: Ever thought of firing the staff?

Monica with a giggle: Oh I have fired them many, many times! Never seems to work they don’t leave and I end up eating pizza or take-out that much longer.

Melanie: Who are Edward and Ned?

Monica: Edward is my father-in-law. He is always going on about something and never quietly. Ned is my nephew and he owns a record company.

Melanie: That is way too much chaos. The hospital is enough chaos for me. When I go home I rather enjoy the quiet.

Monica: The hospital is quiet compared to my house!

Melanie: I don’t think I would like my in-laws living with me.

Monica: I love Lila being around she is usually the voice of reason in the middle of the chaos. Edward is something else. Although in his own way he loves us all (laughing) he is just very vocal. (smiling) Actually, Edward and Lila treat me like a daughter and I have Gail (stopping suddenly and looking at Melanie) How do you get me to do that?

Melanie: Do what?

Monica: Tell you things I don’t really mean to tell you.

Melanie: I am not sure how to take that comment.

Monica: (looking sort of confused) I just don’t open up to people very easily and even when I do I don’t usually share personal things.

Melanie: (looking sad) Sorry. I didn’t try to find you to turn your life upside down.

Monica: It isn’t your fault. I just have parts of myself I don’t share well with anyone. My need to keep parts of myself to myself as caused many battles in my marriage because Alan just doesn’t understand. He grew up with parents (stopping abruptly).

Melanie: (looking like she was hit) I don’t know how to help you.

Monica: (defensive) I don’t want your help.

Melanie: Guess this is one of your defenses strike first and hard.

Monica: (regretfully) Sorry, old habit.

Melanie: It’s ok. How about if I give you my number and when things settle down here give me a call.

Monica: Ok.

Melanie: I need to get going.

Two weeks later Alan is being discharged from the hospital. Monica has been extremely busy filling in for Alan, doing her own job, and taking care of Alan. There has been no contact with Melanie since she went back home.

In Monica and Alan’s room. Monica just brought Alan home. Dinner is ready for them by the fireplace.

Alan: What’s all this?

Monica: I thought it might be a little much to have a big family dinner so I had Cook serve our dinner up here.

Alan (pulls Monica into his arms): What a good idea.

Monica (sinking into Alan’s chest): I have missed having you home with me.

Alan: I’ve missed being here with you.

Monica (pulls back enough to look into Alan’s eyes): Behave yourself. You just got released from the hospital.

Alan (kissing Monica’s neck): I trust you not to wear me out.

Monica (responding to the kisses but reluctant because of his injury): I think we should sit down and have dinner.

Alan: I have a better idea. (he continues to kiss Monica’s neck as he starts undoing her blouse)

Monica (suddenly pulling away): I think that is enough excitement for you for one day. Now let’s go eat and then you need to get some rest.

Alan (sort of irritated): Don’t mother me Monica. I have a mother.

Monica (interrupting and now irritated too): Don’t act like a hormonal teenager and I won’t have to mother you. (as she walks into the bathroom to change)

Alan looking confused and angry walks over to dinner. They eat dinner both obviously irritated at the other and then head off to bed. In bed they both stay on their own sides and drift off to a restless sleep. Alan awakened several times because Monica was sleeping so fitfully.

A week goes by and Alan and Monica both irritable with each other. Alan and Monica have had several battles about nothing in particular. At the end of one of the battles.

Monica: Give me a break Alan.

Alan: I should be saying that to you Monica. You do nothing but shut me out and I am sick of it. I am out of here. (and he walks out the door and goes to the den to think)

He spends about 2 hours trying to figure out why they can’t seem to connect since he came home from the hospital. Finally, exhausted he goes up to their bedroom and finds Monica fitfully sleeping. Several times during the night Alan is awakened by Monica saying strange things like "No, don’t go", "Why can’t I come with you", and the worst "Mel don’t leave me". The question of "who is Mel?" Alan can’t seem to extricate from his mind and the longer it bounces around the angrier Alan gets. Alan has sensed something is going on with Monica but an affair doesn’t make any sense to him. When he tries to talk to her about it she pulls away and won’t tell him anything. Finally, after a week of walking on eggshells around each other and Alan watching Monica’s every move he is finds himself questioning her every move more and more. Meanwhile, his anger is building to levels they haven’t seen since Monica’s affair with Rick Webber. Alan awakens the next morning to find Monica not beside him so he heads down to the den where he hears Monica is talking on the phone to Melanie.

Monica (spotting Alan walk into the den): Ok, I’ll call you later. Bye. (then hangs up the phone)

Alan (mad): Oh please Monica don’t bother to get off the phone for me.

Monica (looking toward Alan): Having a bad day dear?

Alan: Don’t pull this crap with me Monica. What the hell are you doing?

Monica: What am I doing? Oh wait, obviously I am standing here listening to you rant and rave at this moment but you will have to continue this tirade alone because I’m leaving.

Alan: What? Where do you think you are going?

Monica: Excuse me. I don’t ask your permission to do anything but for the record I am going to consult on a patient in New Jersey. Now if you will excuse me I need to pack. (as she leaves the den and goes to their room to pack.)

Alan (He calls the hospital to check his schedule and Amy being her usual nosey self questions what Monica is doing with her 2 days off. After he settles down a bit he follows Monica to their room): Why are you going?

Monica: Well because I am consulting on a patient in the morning.

Alan: Are you going to tell me what is really going on?

Monica: Alan I have to go. (she walks over to him and kisses his cheek) I’ll be home late tomorrow.

Alan: Fine, just go then.

Monica (shakes her head and walks to pick up her luggage): I’ll be home before you have a chance to miss me.

Alan (as Monica leaves the room): You’ve already gone somewhere long before today and you’re wrong I miss you. Now I am going to find out just where you are going!

Monica loads her car and then pulls out of the drive and Alan follows her without being noticed. He follows her for about an hour and she turns off the freeway. He follows her at a distance but there is enough traffic that it isn’t likely she would have spotted him anyway. He follows her a couple miles before she turns into a driveway and gets out. Alan parks down the street a bit and watches to see what Monica is up to. Alan watches as Monica walks up to the door and knocks. He feels his temper surge as a tall man with dark hair answers the door and motions for Monica to come in. Alan sits in the car growing angrier by the second as he imagines Monica with the man who just let her in.

Alan: So your Mel. (Finally, he goes home barely able to control his anger.)

Inside the house. Melanie is just coming to meet Monica at the front door.

Melanie (smiling as she looks to Monica): Monica, this is my husband Dan. Dan, this is my sister Monica.

Monica (extending her hand to shake Dan hand): Nice to meet you.

Dan (shaking Monica’s hand): Nice to meet you too.

Melanie (to Monica): Want to come sit down?

Monica: Yeah that would be nice.

Dan: Don’t mind me I am going to make some calls. I’ll be in the study.

Monica: Nice to meet you.

Melanie (kisses Dan’s cheek): I love you.

Dan leaves and Monica and Melanie go sit on the couch.

Melanie: I was surprised when you called this afternoon.

Monica: Life is finally settling down a bit.

Melanie sensing something is wrong with Monica: Is something wrong?

Monica: No. I just….

Melanie: Are you ok?

Monica: I just started having these dreams.

Melanie: About what?

Monica: I think they are about you.

Melanie sort of shocked: Will you tell me about the dreams?

Monica clearly uneasy: Maybe this was a mistake. (she starts to stand)

Melanie: Wait don’t go. What is it that you want from me?

Monica defensive: I have no idea. I want to know why you are invading my dreams.

Melanie defensive: Hey I didn’t invade your dreams. Those dreams are you and your memories or hopes but they don’t have anything to do with me.

Monica taken back by the retaliation: Sorry. When I feel cornered or trapped I strike out.

Melanie: I’m sorry. I don’t usually jump on people like that.

Monica: Lucky you. I do it all the time (laughing)

Melanie: Shall we try this again?

Monica: Yeah I think so. I have been having these dreams. I see myself as a child and I am crying and you are crying. You are beside me but our mom is leaving us.

Melanie: Do you recognize where we are?

Monica: The orphanage.

Melanie: Did you have those dreams before?

Monica: No and that is not the only dream. (pausing) I see us trying to hold onto each other and people trying to pull us apart and they do. As they take you away I keep screaming for you not to leave me.

Melanie: I’ve had those dreams since the orphanage. Sometimes I can still feel them tearing us apart.

Monica: It gets worse?

Melanie: I can’t answer that. For me it has always been the same. I hear your screams as they drag me out the door.

Monica: So those dreams are not my imagination?

Melanie (quietly): No.

Monica: Why am I remembering now?

Melanie: I don’t know. Sometimes buried memories are brought to the surface by a phrase, or a voice, simply passing time, or when you feel safe. Sometimes you just don’t know what brings the memories to the surface.

Monica: It isn’t a place I want to go back and visit.

Melanie (quietly): I understand.

Monica (regaining some composure): Did I always call you Mel?

Melanie: Always.

Monica: I don’t want to talk about the orphanage any more right now.

Melanie: Ok. How about a tour of the house?

Monica: Yeah. That sounds good.

Melanie (standing): Let’s go.

Monica stands and follows Melanie through the house. The house has that lived in feel where at any moment kids could just come sailing around tossing a basketball or running through the house searching for homework. The very top floor is an attic and has lots of old kids toys like a playhouse and boxes stacked neatly against the wall.

Melanie: Well this is the attic and sort of the dumping ground for everything.

Monica: Doesn’t look like a dumping ground. Looks like a fun place to escape to.

Melanie: The kids always loved to play up here.

Monica: I can see why. It is a fun place to be. (Monica walks over to the window) Nice view of the garden too.

Melanie walking over to the window and sitting down on a chest: I love the garden. It is so peaceful. The garden is one of the things I will miss if we decide to move.

Monica: You have a beautiful home and a really nice husband. I can’t wait to meet your kids. Why are you thinking of moving?

Melanie: The kids sort of appear for a while when they need a break and as for the move maybe. Dan and I have always talked about moving after the kids all moved out.

Monica: I’m glad I came here. It is amazing how different our houses are. Yours is so quiet and inviting. My house is never quiet someone is always yelling about something and then there is the staff. If you can get Reginald to answer the door I am not sure anyone would want to come in past him.

Melanie: I think your house would scare me.

Monica: It isn’t a scary place it is just different that your house. I guess the truth is that a house is just a house it is the people who live in them that make it come alive. In truth, I love having the family around. No matter how much we battle with each other we are very protective of each other and supportive when we’re needed.

Melanie: Just about like any other family I would say. I think I tried hard to give my kids the things they wanted because I had so little growing up. Probably part of the reason I saved so much stuff from when the kids were little too I couldn’t bare to throw it away. You know I actually have a little trunk with stuff I had growing up.

Monica: Can I see?

Melanie: Yeah sure. The trunk is around here somewhere. (Melanie gets up and starts searching around. Finally finding the trunk over on the wall.) Here it is. I am not even sure what Gram saved. It has been stored away for so long.

Monica walks over as Melanie opens the trunk: (There are a couple outfits on top. A couple toys tucked down the side of a box. Melanie pulls out some clothes and then a doll beside a box): I remember her.

Melanie: You do?

Monica: You let me sleep with her when we were first left. (trailing off)

Melanie: (nearly whispering) Yes I did.

Monica: How did you get her here?

Melanie: When Gram brought me home she brought the doll.

Monica (shocked): Gram as in Grandma?

Melanie: Yes, Gram came and picked me up about a month after they separated us.

Monica angry: She brought you here and left me there. Why?

Melanie (hearing what Monica just said and shocked by the way it sounded): That isn’t what happened. Gram came to get us but they had separated us and they told her you were being adopted.

Monica (angry): That was a lie.

Melanie: We know that now but Gram was really sick then and she believed them. When Mom dropped us off at the orphanage Gram was in the hospital and when she finally was released she had to try to find us. She found me and fought to bring me home. They told her you had been placed and were in the process of being adopted. Gram was pretty sick and didn’t have much money so she let you stay where you were. It took a long time for Gram to actually finally adopt me because of her health and then the orphanage refused to give any information about you after Gram finally got healthy enough to try to start a battle with them. Gram never forgave our Mom for just leaving us and she did the best she could to get us back. (looking into Monica’s teary eyes) Gram did the best she could to find you but the orphanage’s files were a mess and I don’t think they ever really knew where you really were. Gram searched for you for several years but the orphanage had sealed your file and she couldn’t get any information even the lawyer she hired couldn’t get any information. After a couple years Gram finally gave up. I used to hear her praying you were safe and loved somewhere. That always made me cry when I heard her say that.

Monica: This is harder than I thought it was going to be.

Melanie: Monica, I wish Gram could have gotten you back. I always missed you and wondered where you were or what you were doing.

Monica: Why did our Mom leave us?

Melanie: Gram never wanted to talk about it and whenever I brought it up Gram just got upset so I avoided the topic completely. (Monica is looking through some pictures from the chest) I never wanted Gram to get upset so I tried never to talk about our Mom. So, honestly I don’t know why she left us.

Monica (staring at a picture): This is her.

Melanie (moving to see the picture): Yeah, our mom.

Monica (still looking at the picture): The antique necklace watch is one of the only memories I had of her, of my childhood really, before the dreams started that is.

Melanie (searching through the chest and pulling out the watch from the picture): I have the watch.

Monica (stunned): Exactly like I remember it.

Melanie (hands it to Monica and Monica takes it): You can have it.

Monica (staring at the watch): I don’t think I want it.

Melanie: Take it anyway. Maybe you will change your mind.

Monica: You really are my sister aren’t you?

Melanie: I can’t believe it took me so long to find you but yes.

Monica: I can’t believe this is really happening.

Melanie: What?

Monica: I know you have to be who you say you are.

Melanie: You didn’t believe me before?

Monica: No. Yes. I don’t know. I guess I was waiting for Lee to give me a reason not to believe you.

Melanie: I see. (pausing) Is Lee the man I saw you talking to the day I left Port Charles?

Monica: Yes. He is married to Gail. She is like a mother to me. (looking to Melanie)

Melanie: I am glad you found Gail. Do you want to tell me about her?

Monica: Sure but I would like for you to meet her.

Melanie: I would love to. But for now I am starving. Are you hungry?

Monica: Yeah I guess so.

Melanie: Let’s go find something to eat.

They head back down the stairs and past the den. Dan looks up as they walk past toward the kitchen and decides to join them.

In the kitchen.

Melanie: What sounds good? We can start with a salad. Want chicken?

Monica: A salad is fine. Trust me you don’t want me cooking anything. There is more than one reason I have a cook.

Melanie (laughs): Oh yeah I forgot. Someone to cook for you. I rather like Dan and I cooking together in the kitchen.

Monica (laughs): Trust me Alan doesn’t cook any better than I do so without a cook we could starve!

Dan: Can I help?

Melanie: Sure.

Dan: Should I throw in some chicken?

Melanie: Yeah would you please.

Monica: Sort of strange being allowed in the kitchen.

Dan: Not allowed in the kitchen. You can’t cook that badly or can you?

Melanie (laughing): Monica has an evil cook and the other staff doesn’t sound so friendly either.

Monica (laughing): They take care of us. Well most of the time anyway.

Dan: Geez I am glad I don’t have to deal with evil staff after a long day at work.

Monica: Many days I wish the same thing.

They spend a nice dinner together and the evening flies by and all too quickly they head off to bed. Monica sleeps very fitfully until morning.

They sit in the kitchen and have breakfast and Dan heads off to work. Melanie and Monica spend the morning and early afternoon talking and getting to know each other. They talk about work, their marriages, their kids, and find themselves really liking each other. Dan and Melanie have a strong friendship and marriage and both remained faithful to the other quite unlike Alan and Monica’s volatile marriage but in the end both couples are quite happy and definitely in love. The kids also very different but beneath the differences the kids love their parents intensely. Melanie can’t wait to meet Monica’s family and they decide to do just that in a couple weeks which gives Monica the time she needs to tell Alan then the rest of the family about her sister.

Monica: I really want you to meet Gail.

Melanie: Tell me about her.

Monica: Gail is in every real sense the only mother I’ve ever had. She is sometimes brutally honest with me and makes me look at things like they really are. She helped me so many times deal with Alan and our problems and figure out how to get past them. But I probably needed her the most when I was battling breast cancer.

Melanie: You too!

Monica: What?

Melanie: Breast cancer was why Gram was in the hospital when we were left at the orphanage.

Monica: So, she beat it.

Melanie: Yes she did and so did I.

Monica: Oh god.

Melanie: Battling cancer was probably one of the times I have truly needed Dan the most and I leaned on him so much. Of course the kids were great and helped too but Dan was who I needed the most. He sat in the bathroom with me while I threw up, he cried with me when my hair fell out, and he held my hand when I went back in for my checkups. He was right there basically glued to me.

Monica: I battled for the first round at home but I couldn’t stand everyone hovering over me and wanting to help me. I don’t think I ever needed Alan more but I was so scared he was only beside me out of pity. Alan staying with me because he pitied me scared me almost as much as not surviving the cancer. I was so sure he couldn’t love me when I looked so horrible. Once I finally made it through the first round of chemo I thought I had made it but they found another mass. I couldn’t handle another round of chemo and radiation at home so I left and went to La Mesa alone. They really helped me there. I don’t think I would be here today if I hadn’t gone there. Actually, that was where I met Paige. I shared so many things with Paige, we had so many things we could talk about, laugh about, and cry about.

Melanie: Where is Paige now?

Monica: She lost her battle (trailing off)

Melanie: I’m sorry.

Monica: Actually, Paige taught me so many things and she asked Alan and I to raise her daughter Emily.

Melanie: You took in her daughter?

Monica: We adopted her.

Melanie: Wow! You must have really loved Paige.

Monica: Paige was probably as close to a sister as I ever imagined having.

Melanie: I wish I could have met her.

Monica: You would have liked her.

Monica notices it is getting late and tells Melanie she needs to be getting home. During the drive home Monica is both excited at her new found family and nervous about how Alan will react. Monica gets home and heads straight up stairs to the bedroom hoping to find Alan home. In the bedroom, Alan is out on the balcony.

Monica: Alan? (walking to the open balcony doors) Are you out here? It’s freezing why are you standing out in the cold?

Alan (turns toward Monica clearly angry): I’m here but not for long. Just tell me why you did it again? Why? Why am I never enough for you? (walking back inside) Cancel that I don’t want to hear it! I already moved my stuff to the Port Charles hotel so I have no idea why I waited here for you.

Monica (confused but also angry): What the hell are you talking about?

Alan: We both know exactly what is going on here and I refuse to allow you to walk all over me yet again. (yelling)It’s not worth it! You’re not worth it! I have no idea why I have stayed with you all these years but I am finished!

Monica yelling: Then just get the hell out of my house if that is really how you feel!

Alan walks out of the bedroom and Monica sits down on the bed tears flowing down her face. After an hour of free falling tears Monica calls Melanie and asks if she can come back but tells her she will explain when she gets there.

Monica grabs her purse and keys and heads down the stairs only to run into Emily.

Emily (sees Monica has been crying but mad because she knows Alan moved out): What did you do now that made Dad leave?

Monica: Em, I really don’t know and right now I can’t talk about it.

Emily (moving to the side to let Monica go to the door): I don’t know why I ever bothered to move back here. Jason had the right idea when he moved out of this mad house. (heads up the stairs)

Monica: Em, wait!

Emily: Go just go! I don’t need you! I was only trying to be nice to you. Just leave me alone!

Monica (following Emily): Emily, I love you!

Emily: Can I go?

Monica: Is that what you really want to do?

Emily: Is that a rhetorical question?

Monica (warning): You watch your tone.

Emily: Why? What are you going to do throw me out or send me to live with dad?

Monica (shaken by Emily’s anger at her): You don’t have to go anywhere.

Emily: Just go I don’t care enough to battle anyway. (she goes upstairs leaving Monica clearly shaken standing at the bottom of the stairs)

Monica slowly makes her way to the car and makes the trip to Melanie’s.

Lila overhears the fight between Monica and Emily from the top of stairs and stops Emily at the top of the stairs.

Lila: Emily that was a horrible way to treat Monica.

Emily: Grandmother you don’t understand.

Lila: I’m afraid I do my dear. You said some horrible things to you mother. What did she do that made you so angry?

Emily: Dad moved out again. She made him.

Lila: Emily, Alan and Monica have battled and made up more times than I can count. You placed yourself in the middle of a fight that you had no business being in.

Emily: Grandmother, dad left because of her.

Lila: So, because Alan moved out you tell Monica you don’t need her and that you don’t know why you ever moved back into the house. I am sorry my darling but they way you just treated Monica was horrible and I am ashamed of you. (as she turns and goes to leave Emily) Monica loves you and I am sure she will forgive you for those horrible things you said to her. As for Monica and Alan they will do what they always do. Realize that beyond anything else they love each other and can’t live without each other.

Monica driving along nearly at Melanie’s house the song "You Are Not Alone" by Michael Jackson comes on and breaks Monica from her thoughts. As she listens to the words she thinks just how wrong he is. She pulls into the driveway as the song is ending. With it quite evident she has been crying she makes her way to the door which Melanie is holding open for her.

Melanie (hugging Monica): Come on in. What’s wrong?

Monica: My whole life. I don’t even know what happened. He was waiting for me when I got home.

Melanie: Alan?

Monica (crying again): He moved out.

Melanie: I don’t understand you said you and Alan were doing well.

Monica: Obviously I was wrong. Something changed and I didn’t even see it coming.

Melanie: Maybe he just had a bad day.

Monica: No a bad day is one thing "your not worth it" is something else.

Melanie: He said that?

Monica: And he meant it.

Melanie: Maybe he didn’t mean it the way it sounded.

Monica: He meant it.

Melanie: What was this fight about?

Monica: There really was no fight is the scary part. And to make it worse Em said about the same thing.

Melanie: I don’t know how to help you. We don’t rage those sorts of battles in this house.

Monica (sadly): I don’t think there is any way to help this time. Obviously Alan is at the Port Charles hotel where he wants to be and I’ll just have to find a way to deal with it. Right now I don’t know quite how to do that. (Dan coming home interrupts them)

Dan: Hey gorgeous where are you?

Melanie: We’re in the living room.

Dan as he comes in: Hi. (seeing Monica has been crying) What’s wrong?

Monica: I’ll let Mel tell you. I’m going to call the hospital and tell them I won’t be in tomorrow.

Monica leaves and goes into the den to make her call. Dan and Melanie sit in the living room.

Dan: What’s wrong?

Melanie: Alan left her.

Dan: What?

Melanie: Sounds like a big mess to me.

Dan: Is she ok?

Melanie: I don’t think so.

Dan: What can we do?

Melanie: I don’t know if we can help. Unless you have some idea how to straighten this mess out for them.

Dan (half-joking): We could lock them in a room together and let them talk it out.

Melanie (joking back): What do we do call Alan tell him Monica needs him, give him directions, and when he gets here lock them in the attic until they make up?

Dan: Might work.

Melanie: Yeah and the kids might all come home tomorrow doesn’t mean it’ll happen.

Dan: Could if we make it.

Melanie: What if Monica just gets mad at me for getting involved?

Dan: She involved you when she came here.

Melanie: What if it doesn’t work?

Dan: Never know unless you try. Shall I call Alan?

Melanie: He’s at the Port Charles Hotel but he might not come.

Dan: Trust me he’ll come.

Melanie: What are you going to do? (Monica comes back into the room)

Monica: About what?

Dan: Oh nothing I have some calls to make. (and he hugs Monica as he leaves the room)

Monica (moving to sit beside Melanie and seemingly calmer): Well the hospital is taken care of. Now if only the solutions to rest of my life were as easy.

Melanie: Does Alan usually get mad and leave?

Monica: Not like that. He was mad but that isn’t new we have always battled and loved with intensity.

In the den. Dan is being connected to Alan’s room.

Alan picking up the phone: Hello

Dan: Alan Quartermaine?

Alan: Yes.

Dan: I’m a friend of Monica’s.

Alan: Huh, is that what they are calling it these days.

Dan: I don’t know what happened between you and Monica but she needs you now.

Alan suddenly scared something happened to Monica: What’s wrong?

Dan: Just come here and see if you can help. (Dan starts rattling off the directions to the house which Alan pays no attention to as he grabs his keys and hangs up the phone without saying another word. Dan hangs up the phone.) That was a heck of a reaction out of someone that just walked out on his wife and proclaimed not to care any more.

Alan went racing to his car and drove back to that house again. Every possible thing that might be wrong with Monica running through his mind and blaming himself maybe if he hadn’t battled with her she wouldn’t have come back to his house now. What the hell is wrong? Why didn’t I ask that jerk exactly what was wrong? All run through his mind as he makes the trip. Nearly an hour later Monica is still sitting with Melanie in the living room.

Monica: Why is it that everyone who I ever care about me ends up leaving me?

Melanie: You mean Mom?

Monica: I mean David, Rick, Dawn, Jason, AJ, Emily, and (quietly) Alan.

Melanie: Don’t you think you and Alan can straighten this out?

Monica: I don’t think he wants to this time and after what he said I don’t know if I can ever trust him with my heart again.

Melanie: Maybe you should try.

Monica: You just don’t understand! Alan blames me for some sin or other and finally he has just had enough and maybe I have too. (she starts crying again)

Melanie hugs Monica: Not everyone leaves. I’m here and you told me Gail is always there for you.

Just then Dan is walking into the living room with Alan, who looks upset.

Alan to Dan: What the hell is going on here? She isn’t hurt.

Dan: I didn’t say she was. I said she needed you.

Alan: Don’t you think it’s strange for my wife’s lover to call her husband because she gets upset. Learn to deal with it. She’s your problem now.

Dan, Melanie, and Monica: What are you talking about?

Alan now acknowledging Melanie’s presence: Who are you? And what are you doing here with them?

Melanie getting off the couch and moving toward Alan: I live here and for the record

Monica interrupting: Mel don’t! (now angry to Alan) Why are you here?

Alan looking confused and looking at Melanie: You’re Mel?

Melanie: How did you know my name?

Alan ignoring the question and looking at Dan: I though you were Mel. (looking at Monica) I don’t know what’s going on here but you lied you said you were going to consult on a patient. I know you came here I followed you and I don’t see any patient here.

Monica (gearing up for battle): What do you think you are doing following me?

Alan: I knew you were lying about the consult so I followed you.

Monica: You are an idiot!

Alan: Your defensive that means your hiding something.

Monica: Don’t try placing the blame on me. You didn’t trust in me, in us. You wanted to believe the worst about me you always do.

Alan: Hey that isn’t fair. You didn’t give me a reason to trust you.

Monica: Would you listen to yourself. I have to give you a reason to trust me. What kind of marriage is that? Forget it I already know the answer to that. A lousy one!

Alan: That’s not true and you know it.

Monica: What I know is I needed you and you walked out on me right after you told me I wasn’t worth it. I don’t think we have much to talk about here. You said what you felt and I can’t live with that so just go back to whatever hole you crawled out of and stay the hell out of my life!

Alan: You don’t mean that!

Monica: Oh but I do! Now get out of here before I make you sorry you ever met me.

Alan: I could never be sorry I met you.

Monica: Stick around and I’ll show you how wrong you are.

Alan: Monica, I made a mistake.

Monica (cutting him off): Yes you certainly did. Now do what you said you were doing and get the hell away from me!

Alan: Monica, whether you like it or not you need me.

Monica: You couldn’t be more wrong. I may have needed you but I don’t any more.

Alan: That’s not fair Monica. I forgave you when you made mistakes. Shall I name them Pierce Dorman, Ned, Sean Donnelly

Monica (cutting him off) Shut up right now! I don’t think we need a recap of ancient history or do we? Let’s see Lucy Coe, Rhonda Wexler, or worse yet my best friend Bobbie.

Alan: Monica you know I didn’t have an affair with Rhonda or Bobbie.

Monica: What’s the point. Just go. I don’t want you here.

Alan: No, I am not leaving. We need to talk about this.

Monica: Then I’ll go.

Alan reaching out and taking Monica’s arm: Wait.

Monica with total rage: Let go of me right now and don’t ever touch me again!

Alan pulling his hand back when he looks into Monica’s eyes and sees the anger mixed with so much pain: I’m sorry.

Monica pulling away from Alan and walking toward the door: Too little too late.

Alan: Monica, don’t go. I’ll go. (Monica stops and Alan walks around her and heads for the door as he passes her he says quietly) You’ll never know just how sorry I am.

Monica turns her back to him as he leaves the room and then you hear the front door open and close behind him. Melanie moves toward Monica as Monica turns around.

Monica: Why in the hell would you bring Alan here?

Melanie: We thought it would help if you two could talk.

Monica: Stay out of my life. First you show up proclaiming to be my sister then you interfere in my marriage. This I don’t need!

Melanie: Monica, I was only trying to help.

Monica: With friends like you who needs enemies?

Melanie: How was I supposed to know you would only continue the battle instead of trying to solve the problem?

Monica: A shrink I don’t need. I have Gail if I need counseling and you can trust me she would have never been stupid enough to try bringing Alan and I together like that (Monica picks up her keys and heads for the door)

Dan: Monica, I called Alan not Mel.

Monica: She had to tell you where to find him.

Dan: Just listen to yourself you are blaming Mel for caring about you and not wanting to see you in pain. Maybe you should leave and call a shrink.

Monica turning to Dan: No I am blaming myself for ever coming here, for ever caring.

Melanie: I’m sorry.

Monica looking at Melanie: Great your sorry. That is perfect you come back into my life and I loose my husband because of you.

Melanie: That isn’t fair Monica. I am not the one who lied to my husband.

Monica: If you had never shown up in my life I wouldn’t have had to lie.

Melanie: So it is my fault you lied to your husband?

Monica: Yes. No. I don’t know. I don’t want to do this right now. I want to go.

Melanie calmly: Then why aren’t you leaving?

Monica defeated: I don’t know. (as she walks out the door)

Melanie stands crying and Dan moves over to hug her. Monica walks out the door and goes to her car. She just drives around for what seems like forever before she realizes she is right in front of Gail’s. She pulls into the drive and is relieved to see the lights still on. She knocks on the door and waits for Gail to answer.

Gail opening the door and the happy look changes to shock as she looks at Monica: Monica, what’s wrong?

Monica as she moves into Gail’s arms for a hug: Everything.

Gail: Come on in, sit down, and tell me what’s wrong.

Monica: I have no idea where to even start.

Gail: The beginning.

Monica smiling slightly through the tears: Funny. (pausing for a second) It started after Alan’s accident when this person showed up claiming to be my sister.

Gail: What?

Monica: Lee checked her out while Alan was still in the hospital.

Gail: So that was what you were hiding that day in my office?

Monica: Yeah.

Gail: So, what’s the problem?

Monica: I started having dreams about her. I could hear myself screaming for her not to go.

Gail: Oh god Monica.

Monica: Anyway, I went to see her yesterday and came back home today. I found a picture of my Mother wearing that watch necklace at Melanie’s. (Gail reaches over and touches Monica’s hand as Monica continues) Mel gave me the watch.

Gail: And that is why you are so upset?

Monica: No it’s Alan.

Gail: Is something wrong with him?

Monica: Physically no. Beyond that everything!

Gail: Monica! You and Alan had a fight that isn’t new.

Monica: He followed me to Mel’s, assumed that Mel’s husband was my lover, went home packed his stuff and moved out, and waited for me to come home where he told me that I wasn’t worth it.

Gail: What? He said that you weren’t worth it.

Monica: We weren’t worth it. I wasn’t worth it.

Gail: What did you do?

Monica: Threw him out.

Gail: Where is he now?

Monica: He moved to the Port Charles Hotel but I don’t know where he went when he left Melanie’s.

Gail: I’m confused. I thought you had the fight with Alan at home.

Monica: I did. He walked out. I sat there for a while and then decided to go back to Melanie’s. Of course I ran into Emily who had quite an earful to give me before I left.

Gail: What was wrong with Emily?

Monica: I’m not sure. She was angry and really told me I wasn’t worth it and she didn’t know why she moved back home.

Gail: What did you say to her?

Monica: Not much. I tried but I was so upset and she was looking for a fight besides I didn’t think I could take one more nasty comment so I let her go upstairs and I left for Melanie’s.

Gail: What happened there?

Monica: I talked to Mel for a while and told her what happened. Obviously she didn’t understand somehow Alan got called and he showed up there.

Gail: That didn’t go well did it?

Monica: Not at all. Alan blamed me for lying about where I was going yesterday. It went all downhill from there.

Gail: I bet.

Monica: Anyway, Alan and I stood there yelling at each other digging up ancient history and hurling it at each other. It was pretty bad.

Gail: So he left.

Monica: He didn’t want to but he did so I wouldn’t leave.

Gail: And after he left what happened?

Monica: I blasted Melanie for getting involved.

Gail: Of course you did.

Monica laughing a little: Thanks.

Gail: What for?

Monica: Understand me. Always being here.

Gail: And I always will be!

Monica moves in to Gail’s arms for a hug: You know you are the only one who has never left me.

Gail smiling at Monica: You don’t always make it easy.

Monica with sadness again: Why are you the only one who loves me enough in spite of my shortcomings to stay?

Gail stroking Monica’s hair: I just do.

Monica: Can I stay here tonight?

Gail: You can stay here as long as you want but eventually you are going to have to talk to Alan.

Monica quietly: I can’t. I just can’t.

Gail: When the time is right you will.

Gail leads Monica up the stairs and to her room. Once Monica gets into bed she falls quickly asleep and Gail leaves the room. Gail calls Lee and tells him what is going on and he volunteers to come home from the conference he is at in Florida but Gail convinces him to stay and let her deal with Monica. Monica tosses and turns all night her dreams or nightmares keep replaying the last 2 days. In the morning, Gail talks a little more to Monica but they run out of time and Gail has to leave for the hospital and Monica gets ready to go back home. Monica gets home and finds Lila and Edward in the den waiting for her.

Lila searching Monica’s eyes: Are you ok?

Monica moving toward Lila: Why?

Edward: We know Alan moved out.

Monica: He did and he won’t be back!

Lila: What happened?

Monica on the verge of tears: My sister found me and my husband left me about sums it up. I’m sorry but I can’t do this again right now. I promise to explain it all soon. (gets up and heads for the door) I’m sorry.

Edward getting between Monica and the door and hugging Monica: Everything will be ok. I’ll make sure of it.

Monica returning the hug then breaking away: I don’t think there is any fixing this.

Lila from behind Monica: I spoke to Emily after you left yesterday.

Monica turning to face Lila: What do you mean?

Lila: I heard what Emily said to you.

Monica: Em was just angry.

Lila: And she took it out on you. She had no right to do that and I told her just that.

Monica: Thank you. (Monica turns and walks out heading straight up to her room)

Lila to Edward: Call Reginald and tell him I need to go to the hospital to speak to Alan.

At the hospital Lila goes to Alan’s office where he is sitting doing paperwork.

Alan responding to Lila’s knock: Come in.

Lila comes in being pushed by Reginald: Thank you Reginald. I’ll let you know when I am ready.

Reginald: I’ll be down in the car.

Lila to Alan as the door closes behind Reginald: What happened between you and Monica?

Alan: One huge misunderstanding. Made worse by me saying some terrible things.

Lila: I would say you are over simplifying dear.

Alan: Probably.

Lila: I don’t think I have ever seen Monica look that upset by any fight between the two of you.

Alan: I said something I never should have said to her and I made it worse the next time I saw her.

Lila: You need to know that Emily started a fight with Monica right after you left.

Alan: She did what? Why?

Lila: Emily said some pretty nasty things to Monica. I would have put a stop to it if I would have known what happened between you and Monica but I didn’t stop Emily. I talked to her after Monica left but I am not sure I got through to her.

Alan: I think I should go have a discussion with Emily.

Lila: I think you should talk to Emily but I believe Monica will forgive Emily and they will get past this. It is you and Monica I am concerned about right now. Monica was so hurt and angry she couldn’t even tell us what happened between the two of you. All she said was her sister found her and her husband left her. Why would you pick now to start a battle with Monica when her sister shows up?

Alan: I didn’t know. Monica didn’t tell me. She lied and I knew she was lying so I followed her. I watched her go into a house after a man opened the door to her.

Lila: You assumed she was having an affair.

Alan: Yes. I came home moved my stuff to the hotel and waited for Monica to come home.

Lila: And when she came home your temper got the best of you?

Alan: It always does. I said some rotten things trying to hurt her.

Lila: You succeeded.

Alan defeated: I guess I did.

Alan pushes Lila down the hall and they pass Gail.

Alan: Hi Gail.

Gail: Hi Alan. I need to talk to you later.

Alan sensing her anger: I will be back in a little while.

Lila: Gail do you have a few minutes?

Gail: I always have time for you Lila. (Alan let’s Gail take over pushing Lila’s wheelchair and Alan goes to the elevator)

Lila: I take it Monica came to you after what happened with Alan.

Gail and Lila talk about what happened between Alan and Monica but not in great depth even though Gail knows Monica said she was going to tell Edward and Lila. Gail gives Lila the sketchy details of what happened with Melanie, the misunderstanding over Dan, Alan and Monica’s first battle at the house, Emily’s words for Monica, and finally the battle at Melanie’s house between Alan and Monica. They then part ways and Lila has Reginald take her home. In the den, Alan has just found Emily and they are beginning to talk about the inappropriate comments Emily made to Monica.

Alan: Why did you talk to Monica the way you did last night?

Emily: Oh what is this a show of unity between you and Mom?

Alan: Don’t you ever talk to your mother that way again!

Emily: Or what you’ll ship me off to boarding school?

Alan: Emily, Monica and I have said we made a mistake when we did that but we were trying to protect you.

Emily: So you keep saying.

Alan (getting angry): Emily, this is ridiculous. You want Monica and I to treat you like an adult but you are acting like an immature child! So, I will lay this out for you, you will not disrespect your mother that way ever again.

Emily: Fine whatever.

Alan: I mean it Emily. Monica needs everybody’s love and support right now.

Emily: Why exactly are you here defending Mom if you packed up and moved out on her?

Alan: That is something Monica and I have to work out between ourselves. It doesn’t involve you.

Emily: Ok, I get it. I’ll watch my mouth. I am going to do my homework now if that’s ok.

Alan: That’s fine.

(As Emily goes up the stairs Alan stops for a moment and looks at a picture of Monica smiling at him and Monica walks in the den.)

Monica: Why are you here?

Alan: I want to talk to you Monica?

Monica looking at Alan: Well I don’t want to talk to you so get out!

Alan: Why didn’t you tell me about Melanie?

Monica looking away: Why couldn’t you trust me?

Alan: That’s not fair Monica. I trust you but I knew you were hiding something.

Monica: So you followed me.

Alan: Yes. I was right you were hiding something.

Monica: So, that makes it better that you didn’t trust me not to just jump into bed with the first guy I run across?

Alan: That isn’t what I said.

Monica: Yes. You thought Dan was my lover. That isn’t the point here anyway.

Alan: The point is I said you weren’t worth it and then I walked out.

Monica wandering over to the bar: The point is I don’t want to share my life with someone who always wants to believe the worst about me.

Alan walking up behind Monica: I don’t.

Monica refusing to make eye contact with Alan: Alan, we have nothing to talk about here. It’s over.

Alan touching Monica arm, which she pulls quickly away: We will never be over as long as we both are breathing.

Monica: You’re wrong again!

Alan: I made a mistake. I am asking you to forgive me.

Monica snarky: Fine I forgive you. Now will you leave?

Alan: Don’t push me away. Let me help.

Monica: You are the problem. You go and my problems are over.

Alan: Do you believe that?

Monica quietly: Yes.

Alan sadly: Then I will go but I won’t ever stop loving you.

Monica: That is your problem not mine!

Alan leaves Monica standing in the den. He barely makes it out before she starts crying. A short time later Monica is still sitting in the den crying and Emily walks in.

Emily (noticing Monica’s tear stained face): I didn’t know anyone was in here.

Monica: I was just going up stairs.

Emily: Can I come with you?

Monica: I’m not very good company today.

Emily: Me neither.

Monica: Ok then come on.

Emily stopping Monica and hugging her: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said. I was angry and I took it out on you.

Monica hugging Emily tightly: It’s ok. I forgive you.

Emily: Should I get some popcorn and a movie?

Monica attempting to be tough: Sure. I’m not sure I will make it through a whole movie tonight.

Emily: It’s ok. We can stop when we get tired and finish it later. I’ll sneak into the kitchen and steal the popcorn you pick the movie and I’ll meet you upstairs.

Monica: Ok. (they both go their separate ways and meet up in Monica’s room where they watch the movie for about an hour neither one really paying any attention to the TV. Emily keeps watching Monica quite aware something is very wrong but not sure how to help or if Monica even wants her help.)

Emily: I know I was a brat

Monica interrupting: Let’s not do this now ok?

Emily: I just want to help.

Monica: Em, I don’t think anyone can help right now.

Emily: Why did Dad leave?

Monica composing herself: After your Dad’s accident someone came to me and said she was my sister. I didn’t know if she was telling the truth so I didn’t tell Alan. I went to see her and Alan followed me. Mel’s husband let me into the house and Alan thought Dan was my new lover. Turns out Mel really is my sister. I came home and Alan had packed his stuff and moved it out but he waited here to give me an earful then he left. I sat here for a while and when I tried to go to Mel’s you stopped me.

Emily: And I was horrible to you.

Monica trying to remain composed: Just let me finish before I can’t. (pausing) Mel and Dan called Alan and got him to come to their house. Alan got there and we had another major battle. To make a long story short I threw Alan out, told Mel and Dan off, and went to Gail’s house.

Emily: A sister?

Monica: Yes, her and I were dropped off at the orphanage together. We were separated she ended up being taken back home.

Emily seeing Monica near tears: Want to just go take a shower and go to bed?

Monica relieved: I’d like that. It has been a horrible day.

Emily: One more question. Is dad coming back?

Monica tense: No.

Emily seeing Monica looks ready to cry: Go take a shower. I’ll come back and tuck you in.

Monica: You don’t need to tuck me in. I’m fine.

Emily: You sure?

Monica: Yeah.

An hour later Emily sneaks into Monica’s room and finds Monica fitfully sleeping. Emily goes to the bed and sits down beside Monica and watches her sleep thinking of just how she came to live here and how long it took for her to accept Monica as her Mom. Monica usually seems so tough and strong and appears as if she can take on the whole world and win but right now the sadness in Monica’s eyes is so hard deal with. Scarier yet is seeing Monica so fragile so lost without Alan. Emily settles in beside Monica not wanting to leave her and falls asleep. A few hours later Emily wakes up to Monica’s voice.

Monica: No, No wait. (pausing) Alan, don’t go. (pausing) Don’t leave me again.

Emily: It’s ok. Mom wake up.

Monica waking up with Emily’s arms around her: Em.

Emily: I’m here.

Monica waking up more: What are you doing here?

Emily: I want to be here.

Monica hugging Emily: I love you Em.

Emily: I love you too.

Monica: I really need to get some sleep now. I have surgery in the morning.

Emily staying sitting on the bed: Ok. Get some sleep.

Monica: I’m ok honest.

Emily: Do you want me to go?

Monica: Yeah. I want you to go get some sleep.

Emily: I can stay.

Monica: It’s ok. I’ll be fine.

Emily hugs Monica and then gets up and heads for the door as she steps out she turns back to look at Monica: I love you.

Monica: I love you too. Good night.

Monica drifts back to sleep waking several times to those dreams for the next 3 days. Emily continues to stick close to Monica concerned by the dreams and the sadness she has never really seen in Monica’s eyes before.

At the hospital. Alan spots Monica alone at the nurse’s station writing in a chart. He walks up to her.

Alan: Monica.

Monica looking up: What do you want?

Alan: I want to talk to you.

Monica: I’m busy.

Alan: Monica, don’t.

Monica: Don’t what?

Alan: Don’t do this.

Monica: Alan really I don’t have time for this. Just leave me alone.

Alan: Monica we need to talk about this.

Monica: Alan just leave me alone. We have nothing to talk about. Remember I am not worth it so leave me alone.

Alan: Monica, I didn’t mean that.

Monica: You did mean that or you wouldn’t have said it.

Alan: Monica, please listen to me.

Monica (walking away): I don’t want to hear anything you have to say.

Alan following Monica into her office: You have to talk to me at some point.

Monica turning toward Alan: You would be wrong about that too.

Alan: Monica, please just give me 5 minutes.

Monica: Fine then you leave me alone.

Alan sitting down on her couch: Come sit with me.

Monica sitting down: Time is wasting.

Alan: You know I get jealous. I knew you were hiding something so I followed you. I was wrong. I said some horrible things and I didn’t mean them. I was angry I thought you were having an affair. I struck out at you. I didn’t mean that you weren’t worth it like you took it. What I meant was I couldn’t stand back and let you break my heart again by having an affair. What I meant was you are the only person who could ever break my heart by not loving me any more. (looking at Monica)

Monica: You mean that now that you know you were wrong. After you ripped my heart out and threw it in the garbage. You proved to me that I couldn’t trust you with my heart. I trusted you with my heart I gave you all I could and it wasn’t enough. You broke my heart and I don’t know if it will ever heal. I don’t see how I can ever trust you again.

Alan looking like Monica punched him: I’m sorry.

Monica: Your time is up. Now go.

Alan looking into Monica’s eyes and seeing pure pain: I never meant to hurt you like that.

Monica: Go. (Alan reaches out to touch Monica’s arm but she pulls away before he can touch her) I said go.

Alan: I’ll give you some space but I can’t just let you go. You are the only person I know I can’t imagine life without.

Monica with her back to Alan: Finished?

Alan tears in his eyes: For now.

Monica quietly: No, forever.

Alan walks out with tears in his eyes and Monica sits down in her chair as tears flow down her cheeks. Gail sees Alan walking down the hall and follows him into his office. Gail follows Alan right into his office.

Gail: Alan.

Alan: Gail, sorry I didn’t see you in the hall.

Gail: Do you have any idea what you have done to Monica?

Alan: I just tried talking to her.

Gail: Why would you ever be stupid enough to tell her she isn’t worth it?

Alan: That isn’t what I meant.

Gail: But that’s what you said.

Alan: And I’m and idiot. I might have just ruined the best thing that ever happened in my life.

Gail seeing Alan doesn’t need her to tell him what he has done: You might be right.

Alan: I pray I’m wrong.

Gail: Me too for both your sakes. I have a patient waiting for me. I need to go.

Alan: Thanks for taking care of her.

Gail: I would do anything to protect Monica. (Gail walks out the door)

Alan sinks deeper into his chair looking sadly at the picture of Monica sitting on his desk. Alan spends several hours trying to decide what is the best way to win Monica back. He decides he should give Monica a little space and hope that time and patience will bring Monica back to him. Two weeks go by with Alan having only casual contact with Monica and even those encounters are difficult. The pain in Monica’s eyes tears at Alan’s heart not simply because it is there but because he caused it. Melanie decides she needs to try to talk to Monica and make peace. Monica has spent most of the morning and afternoon in surgery and when she finally gets done she heads out to the nurse’s station to check her messages. When she walks up to the desk Amy hands her all her messages and tells her someone has been waiting to see her in the waiting area. Monica turns around and sees Melanie with her back to the desk reading a magazine. Monica walks over to where Melanie is sitting.

Monica: Hi, I’m surprised to see you here.

Melanie: Surprised good or bad?

Monica smiling slightly: Good I guess.

Melanie: I picked up the phone to call you several times but I wasn’t sure what to say if you answered.

Monica: So, you decided to come here?

Melanie: I thought that maybe you would listen to me more in person than if I called you on the phone.

Monica: Probably.

Melanie: Should I ask what happened after you left?

Monica: Probably not.

Melanie: Can you forgive me for getting involved?

Monica: You didn’t know any better.

Melanie: Have you talked to Alan?

Monica: Oh we talked. He says he made a mistake and he did. Not much to say beyond that.

Melanie: What are you going to do?

Monica: For now I am going to get some dinner. Want to come with me?

Melanie: Sure. Where to?

Monica: Luke’s?

Melanie: What is at Luke’s?

Monica: Come on you’ll see.

They head over to Luke’s. They start to talk after they order their dinners.

Monica: Well what do you think?

Melanie: Nice place. I like blues.

Luke as he walks up to the table: I like them too.

Monica: Hi Luke.

Luke: Save me a dance?

Monica laughing: We’ll see.

Luke: Who’s your friend?

Monica: This is Melanie. Melanie this is Luke.

Melanie turning to see Luke: Nice to meet you Luke.

Luke: You new in town?

Melanie: Just visiting.

Luke: Well I’ll let you get back to visiting. (looking back at Monica and smiling) I’ll save a dance for you.

Monica laughing: I’m sure you will. (Luke walks to the bar and spars with Claude)

Melanie: Are you friends with him?

Monica: Guess you could say that.

Melanie: Just friends?

Monica: Mel!

Melanie: Just checking after that battle with Alan at my house.

Monica: Never considered having an affair with Luke and I’m not sure quite why either.

Melanie: That wasn’t a suggestion it was a question.

Monica looking at Luke who is smiling at her from the bar: I’ll keep that in mind.

The waitress brings their dinners and hurricanes to drink.

Monica: We didn’t order drinks.

Waitress: Luke said to enjoy.

Monica: Tell him thank you.

Waitress: I will (she leaves)

Monica: On second thought, will you excuse me for just a second.

Melanie: Where are you going?

Monica as she gets up: To thank Luke.

Melanie skeptical: Ok.

Monica leaves Melanie and walks up to Luke at the bar: Thank you.

Luke: No, thank you for gracing my humble bar with your presence.

Monica: My goodness. Either your drunk or

Luke interrupting: Well I’m not drunk. How about that dance later?

Monica: Maybe.

Luke: I’ll come find you.

Monica: I’m sure you will.

Luke smiles as he watches Monica walk back to the table.

Melanie: What are you doing?

Monica innocently: Thanking Luke for the drinks.

Melanie skeptical: Not what it looked like to me.

Monica: What?

Melanie: Be careful.

Monica: Trust me I can handle myself.

Melanie: I’m sure you can.

Melanie and Monica eat dinner and when they finish Luke comes over.

Luke to Monica: Time for that dance.

Monica smiling: Ok.

Luke and Monica dance while Melanie watches quite skeptical. Monica comes back to the table after dancing with Luke.

Melanie: Did you notice Alan came in a little while ago?

Monica looking irritated: No. Did he come over here?

Melanie: No, I don’t think he noticed me but he sure noticed you.

Monica: Great, here we go again.

Melanie: What do you mean?

Monica: Any second now he is going to come over here and start hurling accusations around.

Melanie: Well you and Luke were practically undressing each other out there.

Monica laughing: No, we were just two friends dancing.

Melanie: Didn’t look like any dancing I would do with a friend.

Monica: Give me a break. (Alan walks over)

Alan: Monica, we need to talk.

Monica: I’m busy.

Melanie: Monica, I am going to go I have to work in the morning. I’ll call you later.

Monica: Don’t go. Alan isn’t staying.

Melanie hugging Monica: It’s been fun. Wish we lived closer.

Monica: Me too. (Melanie heads for the door and Monica sits back down) Why did you have to run her off?

Alan sitting in Melanie’s chair: I didn’t run her off.

Monica: She wasn’t leaving until you came over here and said you needed to talk to me.

Alan: I didn’t mean for her to leave.

Monica: Yes, you did!

Alan: No, I didn’t want her to leave but I do want to talk to you alone.

Monica: Doesn’t matter now anyway. Mel is gone. What do you want?

Alan: You looked like you were having fun with Luke.

Monica: Here we go again.

Alan: What is that supposed to mean?

Monica: Forget it! So, I was having fun dancing with Luke. What does that mean to you?

Alan: You are still my wife.

Monica: Easy solution to that.

Alan: Your solution is always to run. Stop it!

Monica: Why should I? You want me to say and have you hurl more accusations at me?

Alan: Luke was all over you.

Monica: I was dancing with Luke. Dancing that is all nothing more. Accept it! Why can’t you trust me ever?

Alan: You’ve given me many good reasons not to trust you.

Monica: Always back to the past. We won’t ever get past it and I’m tired of fighting over something I can’t change. (standing to leave)

Alan standing and touching Monica’s arm: Wait. Please sit back down.

Monica looking into his eyes: Why? I am too tired to fight with you.

Alan returning the gaze: You’re never too tired for a battle.

Monica smiling: I am tired of the same battle over and over. You get jealous, you accuse me of cheating, I get angry, we wage a huge battle, and

Alan looking into Monica’s eyes: And we always find our way back to each other.

Monica looking away: That was before. I’m tired. I’m going home to bed alone!

Alan: Look Monica I don’t want to fight with you.

Monica: No, but you don’t trust me either. Without trust we have no marriage.

Alan: I trust you.

Monica: You just came over here because you didn’t like how I was dancing with Luke.

Alan: He was all over you and you were all over him.

Monica: I am not having an affair with him.

Alan: But you would.

Monica: We have nothing to talk about if you can’t trust me. That is why we are here now. You believed I was having an affair, you followed me to Mel’s house, moved out before you even talked to me, and then said some unforgivable things because you believed the worst.

Alan looking down: I get jealous.

Monica: No, you get crazy.

Alan: Your right but the thought of loosing you makes me nuts.

Monica as she walks away: I won’t live with someone who doesn’t trust me.

Monica goes home and Alan goes for a walk on the docks. He walks for a while and ends up at Kelly’s where he finds Emily with Liz.

Liz: Can I get you something Dr. Quartermaine?

Alan: A cup of coffee would be nice. Thanks Liz.

Liz: Be right back.

Emily: What are you doing down here?

Alan: Just walking around after running into Monica at Luke’s.

Emily looking alarmed: Why do you have constantly fight with her?

Alan shocked: I didn’t mean to fight with her. It just happens.

Emily: I don’t understand you. You blast me for what I said to Mom and you hurt her far more than I did.

Alan: What do you mean?

Emily: It isn’t me she is having nightmares about. I need to go make sure she is ok.

Alan: Emily, wait. What are you talking about?

Emily: Forget it.

Alan: No, I won’t just forget it. I want to know what nightmares?

Emily: Mom has been having nightmares. Calling out for you. Asking you not to leave.

Alan stunned: I didn’t know.

Emily: I need to go make sure she’s ok. (Emily leaves)

A week later. Alan knocks on Monica’s office.

Monica doing paperwork: Come in.

Alan walking to the desk and standing beside Monica: Do you have a minute?

Monica looking irritated: No, do you need something?

Alan taking Monica’s hand: Come sit with me.

Monica: Alan, I really don’t want to do this.

Alan: I’m sure you don’t but we need to talk. I am trying to give you some space but I can’t just let you disappear from my life without a fight.

Monica: I don’t want to fight any more.

Alan: I don’t either. (they head over to the couch) Listen to me. We have done some horrible things to each other and we always regret them later. We need to figure out how to stop hurting each other in the first place.

Monica: This goes back to simple trust.

Alan: No, I think we are both afraid of being abandoned. So, we strike out before we can be left.

Monica looking shocked: I suppose that might be true.

Alan: I don’t want us to continue hurting because we are afraid of being hurt.

Monica: What are you saying here?

Alan: What I am saying is I think we both have some issues from our childhood to deal with. We both felt unloved and alone.

Monica: You had a family and always have. You didn’t watch other kids being chosen and taken home while you stayed in a rotten place where nobody cared a bit about you.

Alan: No, you are right. I had mother but I also had father. I could never measure up. I was never good enough. I couldn’t do anything right in his eyes.

Monica: So, are you really comparing being abandoned and left alone to fend for myself in a orphanage to living with Edward?

Alan: No, what I am saying is we both are afraid of not measuring up and feeling alone.

Monica: You have a family who loves you even if they are not perfect they are always there. You have no idea what it feels like to have your mom drop you off with total strangers and have your sister ripped away while you screamed for her.

Alan looking sad: No, I don’t know what that feels like and I wish you didn’t either. But I can’t change it for you. (quietly) I wish I could change it for you. I wish I could take all your pain away.

Monica: I didn’t ask you to fix my life. I need you to trust me and believe in me. Trust me when I tell you something. Don’t believe the worst. Until you can honestly tell me that you trust me and believe I mean you well we are stuck here or we walk away and wish each other well. Hope to find happiness with someone else.

Alan: I don’t want to spend my life with someone else. I want you. I want us back.

Monica: I know I won’t go back and live with the jealously and distrust again. (the phone ringing interrupts them and Monica gets up and answers the phone) Monica Quartermaine.

Amy: Tony needs you to come to ER.

Monica: What’s going on?

Amy: Gun shot wound. Hit his heart.

Monica: I’m on my way.(hanging up the phone) Alan, I have to go.

Alan: I’ll talk to you later. (Monica heads out the door and down to ER)

Nearly 24 hours later, Sorel’s man is in intensive care and Monica is tired but doesn’t want to go home. She decides to go to Luke’s and have a drink or two before going home. A couple drinks later at Luke’s.

Luke: Dance with me?

Monica little drunk: Sure.

Monica and Luke dance as Alan walks in the door. Watching Monica dance with Luke drives him crazy but he knows if he says anything Monica will say that he doesn’t trust her. He sits at the bar watching the dance floor feeling himself grow more and more jealous. He knows he should probably just leave but he feels glued to the chair. As the dance ends.

Luke: Thank you.

Monica: Your welcome.

Luke: How about I buy you a drink?

Monica: Ok.

Luke looking over at the bar and seeing Alan glare at him and Claude behind the bar: Well we could go up there and let Claude slop drinks at us while Alan glares at us or we could go to my office and avoid both of them.

Monica: Well, I say avoid away.

Luke leads Monica to his office while Alan glares after them.

Luke lets Monica into his office. He walks over and pours them both a scotch.

Luke as he hands Monica a glass: Well scotch is all I have in the office.

Monica taking the glass: Better than dealing with Alan.

Luke sits down on his desk next to Monica: Here is to a quiet dance and a beautiful woman.

Monica smiling: Thank you.

Luke: Nothing to thank me for (as he runs his hand across Monica’s cheek then gently kisses her. Monica moves closer to Luke as the kiss deepens. Monica breaks the kiss.)

Monica: I don’t think this is a very good idea.

Luke: It’s a great idea but not good timing.

Monica laughing: Why because my husband is right outside your office door probably ready to kill us both?

Luke: Well that too but your married and I’ve learned my lesson there.

Monica laughing: Have you now?

Luke: Well pretty much. For you I would make an exception.

Monica: I’m flattered.

Luke hugs Monica: You are amazing.

Monica: I could say the same thing about you.

Luke: But it would ruin my reputation so let’s not.

Monica: Our secret.

Luke: Thanks.

Monica: I should probably go home. I’ve been in surgery most of the day and I have to be back at the hospital early.

Luke: I’ll call you a cab and walk you out.

Monica: Thanks.

Luke walks Monica out to the bar and Claude starts sparing with Luke about some booking. Monica sits down and sees Alan staring at her. She calls a cab while watching Alan walk over to her. As she hangs up she braces herself for Alan’s tirade.

Alan notices that Monica is drunk: Did you call a cab to take you home?

Monica notices that Alan is drunk: I just called one. Looks like you need one too.

Alan: Probably true. You could share yours with me.

Monica looking at Alan: And why would I do that?

Alan: Because you want to.

Monica playfully: Do I?

Alan looking into Monica’s eyes: I don’t know do you?

Monica returning Alan’s gaze: Maybe.

Alan: Come on.

They get up and walk for the door. They walk out and the cab is waiting. Alan opens the door for Monica, she slides in, and Alan gets in beside her. They share an intense ride home with few words and a lot of glances passing between them. They get home and head into the den walking side by side. Monica sits on the couch and Alan gets them another drink.

Monica: I’ll take scotch.

Alan: Really scotch?

Monica: No sense in switching mid-stream. It will only end in a hangover in the morning if I do.

Alan: Why were you drinking scotch? You don’t even like scotch.

Monica watching Alan’s reaction: It was all Luke had in his office.

Alan tenses slightly as he hands Monica her drink: Oh. I see.

Monica slightly surprised: I was rather expecting you to start in about Luke.

Alan: Trust me it took everything I had not to follow you when you went into Luke’s office.

Monica: And why didn’t you?

Alan: You told me I had to trust you.

Monica: Do you? Trust me that is?

Alan: Monica, I have a jealous streak where you are concerned. I’m trying. I’m afraid someone will realize just how wonderful you are and they will take you away.

Monica smiling and looking into Alan’s eyes: Haven’t you realized yet that I make my own choices? Nobody takes me anywhere I don’t want to go.

Alan putting his drink on the table and putting his hand on Monica’s cheek: Were you trying to torture me tonight?

Monica giggling slightly: No, that was just and added bonus.

Alan pulling Monica toward him and gently kissing her lips and finally breaking the kiss and gently trailing kisses over toward Monica’s neck and kissing his way to her ear where he whispers: I could show you torture.

Monica: Really?

Alan laughing slightly: You already know I can.

Monica reaching to put her drink on the table misses the table and spills it all over Alan and down her arm: Oh shit!

Alan surveying the mess: It’s ok. I can change. (looking at Monica and half jokingly) Do I still have clothes upstairs?

Monica smiling: Yes, you still have clothes upstairs. Come on before Edward bursts in and wants to know what brewery we knocked over.

Alan follows Monica up the stairs and into their bedroom. As they get into the bedroom Monica goes into her closet for something to wear.

Alan starting to remove his shirt: Are my clothes still in my closet?

Monica peeks around the corner with her shirt undone and half off and catches Alan’s gaze: Where else would they be?

Alan staring at Monica: Just checking.

Monica goes back inside and turns away from the clothes and grabs a black silk mid calf nightgown and puts it on. As she heads for the door she grabs the matching robe putting it on as she heads back into the bedroom. At the door she grabs a towel from the stack and walks into the bedroom. She finds Alan in his black silk boxers searching through the closet. She walks up behind him.

Monica: I brought you a towel.

Alan turning around and finding Monica less than a foot away holding the towel out to him: Thanks. I (pausing and looking at Monica) I didn’t hear you come back in.

Monica starting to run the towel across Alan’s chest: I thought you might have scotch all over you.

Alan reaching out to touch Monica’s arm, which is holding the towel: Probably.

Monica moving in closer their gaze never breaking: You still make my heart beat faster.

Alan putting his other hand on the back of Monica’s head and pulling her lips to his: You look incredible. (They kiss for a while before Alan breaks the kiss and moves to kissing Monica’s neck and down her shoulder)

Monica enjoying Alan’s slightly rough face rubbing against her neck and his tender kisses exploring down her neck: God I missed you.

Alan moving his lips back to join hers before he picks her up and carries her to the bed where he gently places her down without ever breaking their kiss. As Alan places her on the bed, Monica keeps her arms around his neck and pulls him down onto the bed with her. Alan runs his hands down Monica’s sides then down onto her legs until he finds the bottom of the nightgown which he grabs, pulls back up over her head, and tosses to the floor. Alan’s boxers fall quickly beside the discarded nightgown and sighs and moans of pleasure escape both of them as they hold on tightly to each other as they find their way back to each other body, mind, and soul.

The next morning, as the sun begins streaming in through the French doors, Alan awakens and finds Monica tightly wrapped in his right arm and his left hand rusting on her side, her body snuggled tightly against him. Her head resting just below his shoulder, her right arm draped across his chest, and her right leg flopped across his right thigh. He looks at her sleeping and smiles thinking how beautiful she looks and feels draped across him. Her golden hair flowing across his bare chest and her gentle breathing against his skin. Monica awakens to Alan’s hand slowly and tenderly moving across her side.

Alan watching as Monica opens her eyes: I didn’t mean to wake you.

Monica not moving anything but her right hand which she is playfully caressing Alan’s chest with her fingers: What will you do with me now that you woke me up?

Alan moving his left hand up from her side his fingers slowly moving to her shoulder, then her neck, and then her face: Have I ever told you how much I love waking up with you in my arms?

Monica moving herself around just enough to start playfully kissing Alan’s neck while rubbing her leg up and back down his thigh: Why don’t you show me instead?

Alan directing Monica’s lips to his by moving his hand from her cheek to the back of her head and pulling her face back down to him. The kisses begin slowly but intensely and quickly gain furor. They come together with incredible intensity the passion they feel for each other overwhelming.

An hour later, Monica is on the opposite side of Alan they are entwined together both looking happily at each other.

Monica: You know this time I didn’t know if we would make it back here.

Alan: I don’t think I’ve ever seen that intense sadness in your eyes before. I wasn’t sure you would ever let me get anywhere near you again.

Monica: I wasn’t sure either.

Alan running his hand gently along Monica’s arm: Can I ask a question?

Monica raising her head off Alan’s chest to look into his eyes: I guess so.

Alan: Why didn’t you tell me about Melanie?

Monica: I don’t know. (pausing) Well I would have but I didn’t want to upset you.

Alan: When did she find you?

Monica: Right after your accident.

Alan: And you were afraid of upsetting me?

Monica: At first I thought it couldn’t be true. Then I found out she probably was but I really didn’t know for sure until I went to her house. I was going to tell you when I came home that night.

Alan: What happened there?

Monica: I found proof. Mel has a picture of Mom and the watch.

Alan: So, how did Melanie get the watch?

Monica: Grandma gave it to her.

Alan confused: What? What do you mean?

Monica interrupting: Grandma came searching for us but only found Mel. They told her I was being adopted.

Alan: But that wasn’t true.

Monica: They had such a mess in our files I am surprised Mel ever found me.

Alan: What are you going to do now?

Monica: I guess get to know my sister and her family.

Alan: How strange is it to know you have a sister?

Monica: I wish our Grandma would have taken us both back.

Alan: I wish I could change how you grew up.

Monica: Me too.

Alan gently running his hands along Monica’s side: You know if you had grown up with your Grandma then we may have never found each other. You do realize that how you grew up made you strong, independent, and driven.

Monica: I suppose that is true but it also made me insecure.

Alan: You’re not insecure. You’re high maintenance.

Monica laughing: Am I now?

Alan: Yes you are and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monica looking into Alan’s eyes: Glad to hear it.

Alan: You know you probably never would have found Gail if you hadn’t grown up in the orphanage.

Monica: I can’t imagine my life without you or Gail.

Alan: I know growing up in the orphanage was less than ideal.

Monica: You have no idea how it feels to have literally hundreds of other kids come and go to homes with parents while you stay in that place alone. I always wanted to know what was wrong with me that made nobody want me.

Alan kissing the top of Monica’s head and hugging her tightly: There is absolutely nothing wrong with you and just for the record I want you! I always have and I always will.

Monica: What a nice thing to say.

Alan: I mean it!

Monica: You’re sweet (and Monica gently kisses Alan’s chest)

Alan: One of these days you are going to just trust me and I won’t know what to do.

Monica seriously: I do trust you.

Alan hugging Monica tightly: What did I ever do to deserve you?

Monica: I think we both got very lucky when we found each other.

Alan: You’re right about that!

Monica: Sorry to do this but I have to get to the hospital.

Alan: It’s ok I was supposed to be in a meeting an hour ago.

Monica: Why didn’t you tell me?

Alan: It just wasn’t as important as lying here holding you.

Monica: I’m not saying your not important (Alan interrupting Monica with a kiss which goes on for several minutes before they reluctantly break apart) Take a shower with me?

Alan: Love to.

Later that afternoon at the hospital. Monica is just getting off the elevator and she walks to the nurse’s station.

Monica to Bobbie: Any messages?

Bobbie grabbing a couple messages: Couple calls. (Monica starts flipping through them.) These are for you. (Bobbie points to a big bunch of roses)

Monica smiling and grabbing the card: Thanks.

Bobbie: From Alan?

Monica smiling as she reads the card. Monica, I love you. Always have and always will. Alan: Yeah.

Bobbie: You two make up?

Monica: Yeah. (Alan walks up)

Alan: Hi.

Monica: Aren’t you sweet and thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful

Alan kissing Monica’s cheek: Not nearly as beautiful as you.

Monica taking Alan’s hand: I do love you.

Alan: I love you too. Are you about ready to go home?

Monica: As soon as I check my messages. (she looks through them) Mel called. I should call her back then I am ready to go.

Alan: I didn’t get off on my best foot with her.

Monica laughing: True. I am going to invite her and Dan to come here one weekend soon.

Alan: I will try to be on better behavior.

Monica: I think that would be good.

Alan: Ok make your call and I’ll meet you in the car in 20 minutes.

Monica: Ok.

Two weeks later, Melanie and Dan are following Reginald into the den where Edward, Lila, Emily, Alan, and Monica are waiting for them.

Reginald: Your guests have arrived.

Monica walking over to Melanie and hugging her: Hi. I am so glad you came. Let me introduce you to everyone. (All the introductions are made and they have a drink. A short time later, Gail and Lee show up and join everyone for a drink. After their drink, Gail, Lee, Edward and Lila excuse themselves and head to the Grille for dinner. Emily stays until and dinner is announced and she goes off to meet Liz.)

Melanie to Monica: Obviously you and Alan have made up.

Monica: We have.

Melanie: He makes you happy.

Monica looking at Alan: He does.

Melanie: I’m happy for you.

Monica: Alan makes me feel complete. No matter how hard we fight it at times we aren’t happy without each other.

Melanie: It shows.

During the dinner the conversation moves to work.

Alan: We are pretty short staffed right now.

Dan to Melanie joking: Hey, when we finally decide to move we could see if Alan could find us jobs.

Monica: I bet I could convince him to hire you.

Melanie: I think we should talk about this later.

Alan: Why we could use a couple of good doctors added to the staff at GH.

Dan: We have said for a long time we were going to move as soon as the kids moved out.

Monica: It would be nice if you lived here.

Melanie: I agree with you there. It would make us spending time together easier.

Monica: I would like that.

Melanie: Me too.

Dan to Alan: So do you play golf?

Alan: That settles it. You’re hired.

Dan laughing: So, I get a new job and a golfing buddy.

Melanie to Monica: I think we have created a monster.

Monica looking toward Alan: I think we can handle them.

Melanie laughing: Maybe.

Later that night in the den. Emily has just come home.

Monica: Hi Em. Come on in. What did you and Liz do?

Emily: We went to a movie. What’s going on here?

Monica: Alan and I were just talking Dan and Melanie into moving to Port Charles.

Emily: Well I’ll let you get back to it. I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.

Monica and Alan hug Emily and then Emily goes to bed. Shortly after that everyone decides to go off to bed. In the morning after breakfast, Alan takes Dan off to show him the hospital. Monica excuses herself to go make a couple phone calls. Emily is standing by the French doors and Melanie is sitting on the couch.

Emily: Are you really going to move here?

Melanie: Sounds like it is pretty likely.

Emily: Oh. Well I guess that is good for you.

Melanie: I can’t wait to spend some time with Monica. Well really get to know the whole family actually.

Emily: Well first thing you should know is never to get in the middle of a fight between Mom and Dad.

Melanie: I figured that out after the battle at my house.

Emily: If you had just stayed out of it they probably would have made up in a couple days.

Melanie: Well I know better now.

Emily: Gail and I had to see Mom really upset after you made the fight between her and dad worse.

Melanie: Emily, I didn’t mean to make it worse. I was trying help.

Emily: Next time don’t! (Emily leaves and Monica comes in a minute later)

Monica: Well I’m finally done.

Melanie: I’m glad but I think I really need to find Dan and get headed home.

Monica: I thought you were going to stay and look around at some houses.

Melanie: I think maybe house searching is a bit premature since Dan and I really haven’t decided if we want to move here. There is no point to wasting time looking for a house before we really decide.

Monica surprised: I thought you had after last night. What made you change your mind?

Melanie: Nothing. I am just not sure Port Charles is the right place for us to move.

Monica upset but trying to hide it: Well let me know when you decide.

Melanie heading out of the den: I really should go pack so Dan and I can head home when Alan and Dan make it back from the hospital.

Monica: Ok. (Monica walks over and sits down on the couch. A couple minutes later Gail comes in.)

Gail: Hi. What are you doing sitting all alone in here?

Monica: Pondering. Come on in.

Gail: Sounds ominous. (Emily stops outside the den when she hears Gail and Monica talking)

Monica: I was really looking forward to Mel moving here and I really thought she was planning to.

Gail: What happened?

Monica: I’m not sure. Last night Dan and Melanie were excited about moving her. Alan took Dan to the hospital today to show him around but I think Melanie doesn’t want to move here now.

Gail: And she didn’t say why?

Monica: No, she just said maybe Port Charles wasn’t the place for them. Maybe she decided she didn’t want to be that close to me.

Gail: I don’t think that is the reason.

Monica: It doesn’t matter. Mel doesn’t want to come here.

Gail: I’m sorry. Obviously you wanted your sister to move here.

Monica: I was really looking forward to being able to spend time with her. I was really going to have my family all right here. (Emily walks away and goes to Melanie’s room and knocks on her door.)

Melanie: Come in.

Emily: Can I talk to you for a minute?

Melanie: Sure. What’s up?

Emily: I wasn’t very nice before. I’m sorry. I just don’t like to see Mom hurt.

Melanie: It’s ok. I don’t like to see Monica hurt either.

Emily: I didn’t really want you to not move here. I want what Mom wants. She is pretty upset that you aren’t going to move here.

Melanie surprised: She is?

Emily: I overheard her talking to Gail.

Melanie: She didn’t seem upset when I told her.

Emily: You have a lot to learn about Monica. She hides her feelings pretty well.

Melanie: Obviously.

Emily: Are you sure that you don’t want to move here?

Melanie: Actually I was really looking forward to moving here but I thought, after our talk, it might not be such a good idea right now.

Emily: What I want is to see Mom happy and I know she wants you to be here.

Melanie: I would love to be near her.

Emily: Then tell her you changed your mind.

Melanie: I don’t know if that is the best idea right now. How about we go downstairs so I can spend a little time with Monica before I have to go.

Emily and Melanie head back downstairs to the den. Gail is sitting on the couch.

Emily: Where is Mom?

Gail: She had to take a call from the hospital. (to Melanie) How are you?

Melanie: All packed.

Gail: Monica said you were leaving pretty soon. She likes having you around.

Melanie: I like being around her. She’s lucky you found her.

Gail: I am glad I found her. She’s important to me.

Melanie: And you are to her.

Gail: Probably true. You are important to her too.

Melanie: I can see why she turns to you.

Gail: Because I am the voice of reason?

Melanie: Probably, but you care about her and understand her.

Gail: She doesn’t always make it easy.

Melanie laughing: I’ve seen that.

Gail: It would be nice if you lived closer.

Melanie looking toward Emily: Funny someone else just said something almost like that just a few minutes ago.

Gail as Monica comes back in: Think about it.

Monica: Think about what?

Melanie: Moving here.

Monica confused: I thought you hadn’t decided anything yet.

Melanie: Well

Emily interrupting: Well actually it was my fault she changed her mind in the first place.

Monica: What?

Melanie: That isn’t how it happened.

Monica: What’s going on?

Emily: I was a little jealous and I said some things to Melanie that made her reconsider moving here. I’m sorry.

Monica: Emily, why were you jealous?

Emily: I was a little afraid that if Melanie moved here you wouldn’t have time to spend with me. So, I said some not so nice things.

Monica: I always have time for you.

Emily: I know and I’m sorry.

Monica: I love you and I will love you no matter what else happens. My sister can move here, you could go to college in Switzerland, or your Aunt could come find you it doesn’t change how we feel about each other.

Emily: I know. I was having a momentary Quartermaine moment.

Monica: You mean neurotic and selfish?

Emily: Yeah.

Monica: You’re entitled. You are a Quartermaine!

Emily as Monica hugs her: Thanks to you I am.

Alan and Dan come in: Hi

Monica: Hi. How was your day?

Alan: Fine. I think General Hospital has two great new doctors on staff.

Dan: As soon as we get moved.

Melanie: Well we didn’t see the realtor to look for a place.

Monica: You can always move into the east wing at least until you find a house here.

Melanie: I don’t know.

Monica: I’ll get Lila to keep the staff in line.

Dan: Let’s call the realtor and see if we can see houses now.

Alan: Are you afraid to move in here?

Monica laughing: I’d say they are pretty smart!

Alan: Why? We don’t bite.

Monica giggling: You do too!

Melanie laughing: Ok, enough you two. I think Dan and I will see what the realtor says and see how long it will be before we can get into a house. If we don’t find the house we want or it will be a long time before we can get into it we may just take you up on that offer.

Monica: Ok. That sounds like a good idea.

Dan calls the realtor and he can show them some houses in about an hour. So, Melanie and Dan leave to meet the realtor. Gail says she needs to be heading home and leaves right after Dan and Melanie.

Emily: Could I go to Kelly’s?

Monica: First I think we should talk about Melanie.

Emily: I was being selfish before. I didn’t want to share you. I was wrong.

Monica: Are you sure you are ok with Mel moving here?

Emily: I understand that you want to have your sister around and I want what makes you happy.

Monica hugging Emily: I want you to be happy too.

Emily: I am.

Monica: If you want to go to Kelly’s you can.

Emily: Thanks. I won’t be late.

Monica: Ok.

Emily as she is heading out of the den: Bye Dad.

Alan as he is walking to the couch to sit down beside Monica: Bye Em.

Monica as she leans into Alan’s chest: What a day.

Alan: Want to tell me?

Monica: I will but first can I just sit here with you?

Alan wrapping his arms around Monica and pulling her into him tightly: I love you here in my arms.

Monica: And there is no place I’d rather be.

Alan sits holding Monica tightly against him both marveling at the security they find with each other. After several minutes just sitting together Alan moves away just slightly and tips her face toward his until their eyes meet and their lips move and meet. They share a tender kiss and break away reluctantly.

Alan: So, it looks like your sister will be moving to Port Charles and two very good doctors will be joining the staff of General Hospital.

Monica eyeing Alan: And?

Alan: Kind of nice to be in the middle of all this calmness and tranquility.

Monica: Afraid of a coming storm?

Alan: Not as long as you’re by my side.

Monica: There is no place I would rather be.

Alan: You know we have lots of good things to be grateful for.

Monica smiling at Alan: Like what?

Alan: I’m serious. Your sister is moving to Port Charles, Emily is back home, and we are together.

Monica: So, how long do you think peace and tranquility will reign here?

Alan standing and taking Monica’s hand: Stop that think positive! (grabbing Monica’s hand) Come with me.

Monica standing: Ok. Where to?

Alan: Just come on.

They leave the den and head up to their bedroom. They get inside the door and Alan locks the rest of the world out. As he turns away from the door Monica’s arms slip around him and she tenderly kisses him. Alan returns the kiss and then breaks it.

Alan: Why don’t you go slip into something comfortable and I will get a fire going.

Monica: I’ll hurry if you will.

Alan kissing her cheek: Go and hurry back. I’ll be waiting.

Monica as she walks away: Promise?

Alan: Yes.

He starts a fire, turns off the lights, turns on the radio, and makes a bed in front of the fireplace. He then grabs green silk boxers and a robe and quickly changes before grabbing a black velvet box from his coat pocket and puts it inside his robe pocket. Alan looks up as Monica comes through the doorway walking toward Alan in an off white silk negligee and matching robe.

Alan as he takes a couple steps toward Monica: Wow, you look incredible.

Monica stepping into Alan’s outstretched arms in the background "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton is playing: So do you.

Alan quietly: Dance with me?

Monica as she gently kisses his neck: I’d love to.

They dance together until the song ends and "Have I told you Lately" by Rob Steward comes on and Alan whispers into Monica’s ear: I have a surprise for you.

Monica giggling: Really?

Alan: No, really I have a surprise (he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the velvet box and hands it to Monica) Open it.

Monica holding the box but looking into Alan’s eyes: What’s this for?

Alan: Because I love you. Open it.

Monica looks down at the box and opens it revealing a heart shaped locket with "Together Forever" in a circle around a heart shaped diamond in the center of the locket: It’s beautiful.

Alan flipping the locket over revealing the words "My heart belongs to you": Not as beautiful as it’s owner.

Monica: Will you put it on me?

Alan picking up the locket and opening it revealing pictures of them taken not long ago looking extremely happy: I took the liberty of putting pictures inside. It’s my way of keeping myself close to your heart.

Monica looking at the pictures and smiling: You really are wonderful and you have a special place in my heart.

In the background "Never gunna let you go" by Peblo Bryson has begun playing and Monica turns around and moves her hair out of the way so Alan can put the necklace on her. He fastens the necklace and gently kisses her neck as she leans back against his chest and enjoys his tender kisses on her neck before turning around in his arms and gently kissing him. The gentle, tender kiss turns quickly passionate and they make their way to the bed in front of the fire as the song changes to "Now and Forever" by Air Supply and they melt together in front of the fire.