image courtesy of Maurice Benard Connection
image courtesy of Maurice
Benard Connection
a Sonny
& Brenda Story
by scullysboy
Chapter 23
"No wonder you hate him," Jason commented after Sonny had finished. "Yup." "And good thing Deke's dead, or I'd kill him for you." Sonny smiled, "I know you would. But believe me, if Joe hadn't done it, I would have eventually." "Does Mike know?" "What, about Deke?" "About what Deke did to you. Maybe he doesn't know." "So? You know the saying Jason, 'ignorance is no excuse for the law'?" Jason shook his head; he hadn't learned that one yet. "It means, just because you don't know something is wrong, it doesn't mean you can get away with doing it." Jason was confused, and Sonny tried to clarify. "OK, it doesn't quite apply, but you get my meaning." Jason thought about it, "you mean, even if Mike didn't know, he's still responsible." "Right. He was supposed to be there, to take care of us. Instead, we got Deke. I'll never forgive him for that, never." "OK. So...what about his debt? From what Freddie told me, I don't see how he's going to make the payments, even with the extra time. Do you really want him dead?" "Wouldn't you?" "Well, I hate my father...Alan, but no, I don't want him dead." "I'll think about it," Sonny said. Jason got up to leave. "Do me a favor Jase, look out for Brenda." "Sure, but you two are going to be OK." Sonny gave him a sad smile, "I really doubt it." Despite his words, he headed out to find her.
When Brenda left Sonny's office, she left the restaurant as well. Since she didn't have her car, she took a cab back to Kelly's. If Sonny wouldn't tell her what was going on, she would find out another way...from Sonny's father. That was, if she could find him. She didn't have to look far. He was sitting in Kelly's, holding an ice pack to his cheek. Brenda took a seat across the table from him. "We were never really introduced," she said. "I'm Brenda Barrett, Sonny's girlfriend...well, at least I was until you showed up and freaked him out. Now, Mike Corbin, suppose you tell me why Sonny would be so upset to see you that he would punch you in the face?" Mike smiled, although it hurt. He was happy his son had found such an obviously loyal and loving woman. "I'll be glad to tell you Brenda, everything I can."
Brenda listened intently as Mike told her how he'd abandoned his family. "Then, after a few years, Adella remarried; a cop, named Deke Woods." "A cop?" Brenda wondered if that had any influence on Sonny's career choice. "Yes. He seemed like a stand up guy; able to give her the security she wanted. And I figured he'd be a good father to Michael." "But that was your job," Brenda commented. "I know. And I know it's sounds lame now, but at the time, I just wasn't cut out for having a family." "So that's it? That's why Sonny hates you? Doesn't really make sense." Mike shrugged, "I don't know. I think it made him reluctant to trust people, because I let him down." Brenda shook her head, "no, that's not it. That doesn't explain the way he acts; the way his eyes go all dead. It's like he's got all this pain inside, like he's suffering." "Well, maybe you can help him deal with whatever it is," Mike said. "If he'll let me," Brenda mused.
When Sonny went back to Kelly's, Brenda had already gone upstairs for the night, having already missed most of her shift at work. Somehow, she didn't think Sonny would care about that. Mike was still there, eating dinner. Sonny sat down in the seat vacated earlier by her. Mike put down his fork and looked at his son. "This is not good...Mike," Sonny began; "it's not good for anyone. I don't want you here; I don't want you in my life. Whatever ideas you have about us bonding or having a relationship, just put them out of your head." Mike nodded his head, "I'm sorry you feel that way. It doesn't have to be like this." "Yes it does. I'm erasing your debt, provided you're out of Port Charles by the end of the week. If you're still here, you're on your own. And my men are thorough, so you've been warned." Mike swallowed hard; there was obviously no getting through to his son. Resigned, he replied, "I won't be here." Sonny started to get up, but Mike stopped him. "But, that beautiful young woman will be...maybe you should give her a break." Sonny glared at him, and walked towards the stairs. He had already decided to go to Brenda, to tell her everything, but he certainly didn't need any advice from his deadbeat father. He climbed the stairs slowly, holding his breath.
