Family Ties

Family Ties
By Candie

Part 7

Chapter One

Updated: 2/16/2000

- The Next Day

Setting: Robin's Room at Wildwind

(It's early in the morning. From the bed, Robin can hear the birds chirping outside her window and sees the small traces of sunlight touching all four corners of her room. It was a heavenly morning and Robin felt that way when she woke up. For the first time in over a year, she woke up with a smile. She just felt good: her body, her heart, even her mind. Everything just felt good. In bed, she snuggles more into the fluffy white sheets and sighs. She lazily closes her eyes and remembers last night on the balcony with Ryan. An immediate smile appears on her face as the night replays in her mind. She remembers Ryan staring at her mouth and knowing exactly what was coming. No matter how prepared she was, nothing prepared her for the kiss Ryan planted on her. It was mind blowing, earth shaking, body numbing. It was just plain explosive. A wider smile forms on Robin's face as she giggles a bit. She wishes she could tell someone about this mind-blowing kiss. She wishes she could just reach over for the phone and call Brenda. She would have appreciated Ryan - boy, would she have. Robin just wishes for so much. She looks up when she hears a slight knocking on the door. After a few seconds, Peggy appears holding a tray with breakfast on it. Robin sits up in the bed shaking her head.)

Robin: Peggy, you didn't have to do this.

Peggy: It's no bother, Robin. I knew you had some night last night and probably wouldn't want to start the new day.

(Robin smiles a bit as Peggy lays the tray over her legs. She notices Robin's smile and nods.)

Peggy: I'm right, aren't I?

Robin: It was a good night.

Peggy: With good company, I assume.

(Robin blushes slightly as Peggy pulls a newspaper out of her apron.)

Peggy: I brought this up for you. (Hands it to her) Seems like you made the society page.

Robin: You're joking.

Peggy: You're right next to the picture of Eddie and Alex. There's another one with you and Mr. Lavery on the next page too.

(Robin opens the paper and sees a picture of her and Ryan holding hands. She then turns the page and sees one of her gazing into Ryan's eyes as they dance.)

Robin: I didn't even remember cameras being there.

Peggy: Don't worry. You were both very photogenic. You make a cute couple, by the way.

(Robin looks up from the paper and smiles.)

Peggy: Oh, and don't think that's the only copy. Gillian bought a few dozen, not to mention Edmund. We collect things around here.

Robin (laughs): Thanks.

(Peggy leaves and Robin smiles again at the pictures of her and Ryan. They did make a good couple.)

Chapter Two

Setting: Luke's Club

(Luke is behind the bar reading the newspaper. His sighs annoyed when he turns the page and sees pictures from some big charity ball in Pennsylvania. "They always gave too much attention to these bigwigs," he thinks as he skims through it. All of a sudden, his eyes narrow when he sees a picture of Dr. Alex Devane.)

Luke: Well, well, well, what do we have here?

(Luke opens the paper wider and folds the page back. Simultaneously, Sonny walks into the club with Johnny closely behind him. Luke looks up and puts the paper back on the bar.)

Luke: So, what do I owe the honor?

(Sonny shakes his head angrily and throws his own copy of the newspaper on the bar.)

Sonny: Is this why you didn't want to tell me what's going on?

Luke: What are you talking about?

Sonny: She's with someone else. What did you think? I'd find Jason and tell him?

Luke: Have you been breathing in too much oregano? What are you talking about, man?

(Sonny angrily grabs the paper off of the bar and opens it to the middle. He picks it up and shoves it in Luke's face. His eyes widen at the sight of Robin in the arms of some unknown man.)

Luke (shocked): Who the ..... Let me see that!!

(Luke takes the paper and stares at the picture of Robin and Ryan Lavery dancing in the Marick Ballroom. He narrows his eyes and reads the caption underneath the photo.)

Luke (angrily): NO WAY!! THIS IS TOO MUCH!!

Sonny: What?

Luke (upset): What?? You see this real pretty guy hanging onto Ms. Scorpio for dear life? Well, his name is Ryan Lavery.

Sonny: And?

Luke: Just for a second, pretend you were once friends with Robin, just for a second.

Sonny (upset): Luke, I don't need this right now.

Luke: LAVERY, Sonny. How can that name not ring a bell?

Sonny (slowly): Lavery as in Duke?

Luke: Lavery as in the mobster. (Shakes his head) This is too much.

Sonny: There's more?

(Luke shakes his head angrily.)

Luke: Too much more.

Sonny: Luke, tell me what you know. We can work together.

Felicia: Over my dead body.

(Sonny turns around as Luke looks up from the bar. Felicia walks toward them with her eyes narrowed.)

Felicia: I trusted you, Luke.

Sonny: He didn't tell me anything. I saw the paper.

Felicia: Well, so did Mac. He called me this morning.

Luke: And?

Felicia: He wants me to look into Ryan's past, but he thinks we're overreacting.

Sonny: There's no such thing where Robin's safety is concerned.

Felicia (turns toward him): Not now, Sonny. The last thing I need or Robin needs is for you to start getting all protective. She is not your concern and hasn't been for a long time.

Sonny (upset): So, you're still not accepting my help? Even now when I know what's going on?

Felicia: We could find out whatever you can.

Sonny (annoyed): Fine. You think so? Go ahead. We'll work separately, but I can guarantee you, if something is going down with Robin, I will be the one to find out.

Felicia: I have no doubt about that, Sonny. But what makes you think Robin would accept your help?

Sonny (yells): Robin was a like a sister to me, Felicia!!

Felicia: Nice of you to remember it now.

(Sonny angrily stares at Felicia, then looks away from her.)

Sonny: I'm doing this on my own. (Looks at her) Just one thing - don't complain if you don't like the tactics I use to find the truth.

Felicia (calmly): As long you can sleep at night, Sonny.

(With that, Sonny leaves and Felicia turns toward Luke. She breathes a loud sigh filled with nervousness. She leans on the bar and shakes her head.)

Luke: How was Mac?

Felicia: Not good. First, I didn't tell him about Alex. Secondly, I didn't tell him that she looked just like Anna. Thirdly, I didn't even tell him that Robin was in Pine Valley. He found this all out today in the newspaper.

Luke: This won't go well with the marriage counselor, will it?

Felicia: I don't think so. I didn't purposely not tell Mac. He wasn't here. He was on a case and said he needed space.

Luke: We both know that he didn't mean from Robin.

Felicia: And we both know that Mac doesn't need any more added stress.

Luke: By any chance, did you tell him that I was the one helping you in the cause to rescue Robin?

Felicia: Didn't get that far in the conversation.

(Luke raises his eyebrows and shakes his head. This isn't good.)

Chapter Three

Setting: Robin's Room in Wildwind

(Robin is happily picking out her clothes to wear today. She has the radio blaring and is dancing from the bed to the closet. She was happy. She can faintly hear the sound of a ringing phone and turns off the stereo. She breathlessly falls on her bed as she answers her phone.)

Robin (breathlessly): Hello?

Mac: Robin?

Robin (excited): UNCLE MAC!! Where are you??

Mac: ME?? Where are you?? All my letters are being forwarded to Pennsylvania. What's that about?

Robin: Didn't you get my letter about staying with Mom's cousin in Pine Valley?

Mac: Must have missed that one. I just found out this morning from Felicia.

Robin: Oh. Then, how did you find my phone number here?

Mac: A little investigating.

(Robin smiles embarrassed and shakes her head.)

Robin: I forget my Uncle is a P.I. at times.

Mac: So, do you want to tell me about this Alexandra Devane?

Robin: I would love to, but what I would really like is for you to meet her yourself. Where are you?

Mac: Right now? In Florida on a case, but I think I'll be free in a week or so. Maybe I'll stop by this Pine Valley before returning to Port Charles.

Robin (smiles): I cannot wait to see you. (Excited) I cannot wait until you meet Alex.

Mac: You're happy, aren't you?

Robin: You can tell?

Mac: I hear it in your voice. This newfound happiness wouldn't have anything to do with Ryan Lavery, would it?

Robin: You are good.

Mac (laughs): Comes with the territory. (Seriously) So, by any chance, do you know if he's related to Duke?

Robin: I asked and he said "no."

Mac: And you believe him?

Robin: Uncle Mac, I don't understand this third degree. You don't even know him yet and you already don't like him.

Mac: Robin .......

Robin: Anyway, what would be wrong if he was related to Duke?

Mac: I can name a few things, but namely, the organization. Robin, you shouldn't get wrapped up in that world again.

Robin: Then you can be rest assured. Ryan is NOT in the mob. That I can promise you.

Mac (warily): You trust him?

Robin: Why don't you come to Pine Valley, then you can meet him for yourself? But, to answer your question, yes, I trust Ryan Lavery.

Mac: Okay. That's good enough for now. I'm keeping in touch with you, okay?

Robin: Okay!! (Pauses) Uncle Mac, I love you.

Mac: Love you too. Be careful, please!!

Robin (smiles): I will.

Chapter Four

Updated: 2/19/2000

Setting: Sonny's Penthouse

(Sonny angrily walks into his Penthouse. He hated this!! He hated being out of the loop. The whole limo ride home, he swore to protect Robin on his own. He played by Luke and Felicia's rules. He didn't ask questions, he didn't intrude, he didn't jump on the Concorde to Paris and investigate on his own. He simply had Benny ask some questions and now he had the answers. He tried to work with them. He tried to do things right and now there was only one way left to do it - his way. If Robin was involved with some guy named Lavery and he was in the organization or if she was in some sort of danger, he would stop it before it got out of hand. He angrily swore that he would show Felicia and Luke who had the connections and the power in this town. This was Sonny at his ugliest. With his ego bruised and tattered, he was ready to regain his respect. The whole drive home, he thought of ways to lure Robin back to Port Charles and get her out of that town. He couldn't think of any. He couldn't ask her - she wouldn't listen to him. She would listen to someone she trusted, someone she loved - not him. Frustrated and angry for unknown reasons, Sonny threw his head back on the car seat. He was going to show Luke and Felicia once and for all that he was still connected to Robin. And he was going to bring her home. He sat back and watched from the sidelines long enough. Cesar Faison came to Port Charles, ruined numerous lives and he sat back and watched. Jason donated money in Robin's name at the 1999 Nurses' Ball and he sat back and watched. NO MORE!! Sonny was a man of action and he was going to take it. First, he had to find out what he was dealing with. As soon as he opened the door to his Penthouse, he ran over to his phone and spouted off orders to run thorough background checks on Ryan Lavery and Alexandra Devane-Marick. If there was one unscrupulous act in either one of their pasts, Sonny was going to pounce on them like the warrior he once was. Tired of being alone, tired of being an outsider, Sonny angrily decided that he was going to be in charge again - just not of the streets, but of the lives surrounding him. This was the Sonny Corinthos people feared. This was the Sonny Corinthos people hated and this was the one that Robin would not appreciate intruding on her life and the lives of the people she grew to love.)

Chapter Five

Setting: Ryan's Office at WRCW

(Ryan is behind his desk watching tapes of Tad Martin and Erica Kane. Liza Colby-Chandler assigned him to develop a new marketing strategy for syndication of the "Cutting Edge." He didn't know how to tell Liza that the show just wasn't the cutting edge anymore. Honestly, his mind wasn't on work much this morning. His gaze kept leaving the screen and found some unknown spot to focus on. His mind would get fuzzy and immediately go back to the Marick Ballroom with Robin. He was truly happy last night. He felt a happiness that he never thought he'd find again after Gillian. He tried with Hayley and even briefly with Greenlee, but Robin brought a happiness that he never experienced. Kissing her last night was magical and if he could, he would have frozen time and captured it. To be able to relive that moment for eternity seemed like bliss for him at this moment. Ryan sighs as his mind drifts off again. He smiles absently, but then snaps out of it when he hears a knocking on the door. After a few seconds, Robin peaks her head in smiling carrying a small white bag. He immediately stands up and walks over to her.)

Ryan: This is a great surprise.

Robin (skeptically): Really? I know that you told me I could drop by, but I didn't want to intrude.

Ryan (smiles): You could never intrude.

(Ryan sits on top of his desk and Robin stands in front in him.)

Ryan: In fact, you've been distracting me this whole morning, so it's nice to finally be distracted by the real thing.

Robin (smiles): Really? How?

Ryan: I kept remembering the ball. I guess, I really should say the balcony is where my mind freezes.

(Robin looks down embarrassed and blushes. She nods her head.)

Robin: That was nice.

Ryan: That was more than nice, Robin.

(Robin looks up at Ryan smiling.)

Robin: Yeah, it was.

(Ryan and Robin stare at each other for a moment. He clears his throat and looks down at her hands. He sees a white bag in them.)

Ryan: What's that?

Robin (smiles): Lunch. I picked up two sandwiches from McKays.

Ryan: Mmm, sounds good.

(Ryan jumps off the desk as Robin opens the bag. She places two plates on the desk and slowly takes out the sandwiches.)

Robin: I hope you like what I got. (Looks at him) Pastrami on Rye?

Ryan: Perfect.

Robin: You're not just saying that, right?

(Ryan tilts his head and looks at Robin. He walks over to her and takes the sandwich out of her hand and places it on the plate. He then puts his hands on her shoulders and looks into her eyes.)

Ryan: You don't have to try so hard.

Robin: I'm not. (Looks away) Okay, maybe I am. I just ....... (looks down) I haven't felt like this in a long time and I don't want to mess it up.

Ryan: You can't. (Touches her cheek) Robin, getting me the wrong sandwich will not make me forget what happened between us. (Smiles) If that worked, I would have ordered dozens of bologna sandwiches, because if you haven't noticed, I got absolutely no work done today.

(Robin smiles and looks down, then back up at him.)

Robin (quietly): Maybe I shouldn't be here then.

Ryan: No, you are staying RIGHT here. I waited a long time for this and I am not letting you get away that easily.

Robin: I'm not going anywhere.

Ryan: Good. Can we eat now? Because all this daydreaming got me tired.

(Robin smiles as Ryan starts to move away from her. She pulls on his arm and smiles at him.)

Robin (smiles): You do like pastrami, though?

Ryan (laughs): I love it.

Chapter Six

- A Few Hours Later

Setting: Ryan's Office at WRCW

(The lights are off in Ryan's office. Robin asked to see some footage of the "Cutting Edge" and Ryan happily obliged. He was fresh out of ideas. He didn't have the faintest clue how to bring this show back to life. Everything was either done or planned to be done. The last tape slowly clicked off and Ryan turned on the lights. Robin sat up in her chair and looked at Ryan.)

Robin: It's not hopeless.

Ryan (sighs): Hopeless? Robin, I'm suppose to have dinner tonight with Tad to give him my ideas.

Robin: Well, I agree with you. It does need some new life breathed into it. Did you ever suggest to Tad having a co-host?

Ryan (interested): A co-host?

Robin: I mean, all the clips I saw were strictly either of Erica or Tad.

Ryan: That could work. But, where can we find a co-host for Tad? I mean, WRCW doesn't have a big budget and plus there's chemistry. We need to find someone Tad could connect with. Also, it wouldn't hurt if they had a journalistic background.

Robin (thinking): Well, I don't know a lot about Pine Valley and the people in it, but Alex sent me copies of Tempo when I was in Paris. This could be a long shot, but how about Brooke English?

(Ryan arches his eyebrow and nods.)

Ryan (thinking): Brooke English? She has the credibility of a renowned journalist and she has to have chemistry with Tad. I mean, they were married and have a son together. This could work.

Robin: Well, it's just an idea.

Ryan: NO!! It's a great idea. I just have to make it the perfect one. One that Tad can't turn down.

(Just then, Tad knocks on the door and walks in. He smiles toward Robin.)

Tad: Robin Scorpio, right? Becca was telling us about you.

(Robin smiles as Tad shakes her hand.)

Tad: Well, I don't mean to interrupt, but Ryan, I just wanted to make sure you got all the "Cutting Edge" tapes I sent you.

Ryan: I got them and Robin and I just watched them all.

Tad (surprised): Really? (Looks at Robin) What did you think?

Robin: I think it's a great show.

Tad (nods): It was. I've been doing it for so long that I'm afraid it might have worn out its welcome mat.

Robin: People don't ever get tired of watching quality television.

(Tad smiles and looks at Ryan.)

Tad: I like her. Dating her yet?

(Robin looks taken back as Ryan shakes his head.)

Ryan: Ignore him. Tad has a "unique" sense of humor.

Tad: That I do. You know what? We were suppose to meet tonight to discuss the "Cutting Edge," right?

Ryan: That's what the memo you sent me said.

Tad: You know what? Scratch that. Dixie has been after me for weeks for not taking her out. Why don't you and Robin join us at Cals tonight? We could discuss the show over dinner.

Ryan: Cal's Country Western Bar?

Tad (smiles): Got a problem with a little country? (Looks at Robin) Dixie is from West Virginia.

(Robin smiles and nods her head. Ryan looks at her.)

Ryan: Are you up for a little country western tonight?

Robin: I haven't line danced in ages. (Looks at Tad) I'd love to meet your wife.

Tad: Good. You are both life savers. See you tonight around 7?

Ryan: Robin?

Robin: That's fine with me.

Tad: Good. See you then.

(Tad leaves as Ryan looks at Robin laughing.)

Ryan: Are you sure about this?

Robin: About what?

(Ryan walks over to Robin and guides her to the chair in front of his desk, as he stands in front of her. He keeps her hand in his.)

Ryan: I don't want this all to be happening too fast for you.

Robin: It's not. I promise you. It's not, Ryan.

(Ryan kneels down in front of her and looks at her.)

Ryan: So, do you really know how to line dance?

(Robin starts laughing.)

Robin: I could teach you.

Ryan: I feel like I could spend a lifetime with you and still not learn everything there is to learn about you.

Robin (smiles): Isn't that the point of tonight? Little by little you learn more and more.

(Ryan smiles and nods his head.)

Ryan: That sounds good. I should work on this proposal for Brooke.

Robin (smiles): I should go then.

Ryan: In a second. I want to do something first.

(Robin smiles curiously and looks back at Ryan.)

Ryan: Thank you. Thank you for your ideas about Brooke.

Robin (disappointed a bit): Oh. You're welcome.

(Robin starts to get up, but Ryan pulls her back down on the chair.)

Ryan: I also want to thank you for coming into my life.

(Robin smiles and slowly raises her hand and caresses the side of Ryan's face.)

Robin: No thanks needed.

Ryan: Then how could I show my gratitude? Want me to give you a card? (Shakes her head "no") Write you a poem? (Shakes her head "no") Make you dinner?

(Robin laughs still shaking her head "no." She slowly leans in closer to Ryan and tilts her head.)

Robin: This is all you have to do.

(Robin slowly creeps her arms around Ryan's neck and gently and tenderly kisses him. He immediately responds and wraps his arms around her waist pulling her toward him. She smelled and tasted so good. He loved kissing her. She smiles as she pulls away from him.)

Robin: I'll see you tonight?

Ryan: Tonight. I'll pick you up at 6.

(Robin smiles and stands up. She waves toward him then leaves. Ryan watches her disappear from his office and smiles a bit. Tonight was going to be a good one.)

Chapter Seven

Updated: 2/23/2000

Setting: Luke's Office

(Luke is sitting behind his desk on the phone. Angrily, he slams it back down. Mike steps back a bit as he opens the door.)

Mike: Should I walk back out?

Luke (frustrated): No. (Points toward the chair) Sit down.

(Mike sits down and looks up at Luke.)

Mike: What's up?

Luke: Where's your son, Mike?

Mike: I am not Sonny's keeper. If anyone, you should know that, Luke.

(A frustrated Luke leans back on his chair and sighs.)

Luke: This is going to get filthy ugly before this mess gets cleaned up.

(Mike watches Luke confused as he takes out one of his cigars.)

Chapter Eight

Setting: The Living Room in Wildwind

(Robin walks down the stairs in a pair of jeans and a red T-shirt. Alex and Edmund look up from their books and smile at the sight of her.)

Edmund: I think she definitely goes out more than we do.

(Robin laughs as she walks into the living room.)

Robin: You two are more than welcomed to join us.

Edmund: Out of curiosity, who's us?

Robin: Ryan, Tad, and Dixie.

Edmund: Dining with the Martins. This is getting cozy, isn't it, Alex?

Alex: Very. Is this a double date?

Robin (thinks): I didn't think of that. I don't think so. This is more of a business dinner.

Edmund (smirks): Really? I'd love to hear this.

Robin: Ryan is pitching an idea to Tad for the "Cutting Edge."

Alex (interested): Oh. Really? That does sound interesting. (Looks at Edmund) Maybe we should join them.

(Edmund notices Robin's face slightly drop and the coloring escape from her cheeks. He looks at a joking Alex and smiles.)

Edmund: You know, I can't remember the last time I sat in on a power meal.

Robin (awkwardly): It's not all that "power."

(Alex turns toward Robin laughing.)

Alex: We're just joking with you. Have fun.

Robin: I knew that. (Looks at Edmund) I did.

Edmund: Whatever you say. Just have fun. Good night, Robin.

(Edmund kisses Robin's cheek then starts up the stairs. She watches him shaking her head then looks at Alex.)

Alex: You like him a lot, don't you?

Robin (smiles): Yeah, I do. I think he reminds me of my Uncle Mac a bit. Which reminds me, I spoke to him this morning.

Alex (happily): Finally!! How did you track him down?

Robin: I didn't. He found me. Anyway, he said he might drop by Pine Valley before heading back to Port Charles.

Alex: That's great. Ask if he'd like to stay here for a week or two. We have plenty of room and I know that you'll love spending time with him.

Robin: I would. Thank you. I'll be sure to ask him when I speak to him. (Looks at her watch) Well, I better get my cowboy boots on.

Alex (curiously): Cowboy boots?

Robin (smirks): Cal's country western bar.

Alex: Oh. You have cowboy boots?

Robin (smiles): Do you think they'd settle for my plain ol' black Steve Maddens?

Alex (laughs): I think so.

Chapter Nine

- Later that Night

Setting: Cal's Country Western Bar

(Robin and Dixie are sitting at their table while Ryan and Tad talk near the bar. So far, the dinner went over very well. Ryan suggested Robin's idea of having Brooke co-host the "Cutting Edge" and Tad loved it. Dixie watched as Robin's eyes lit up at Tad's excitement and knew it was her idea. Sure enough, Ryan a few seconds later confirmed her suspicions and told Tad that Robin thought of Brooke. He was immediately impressed and offered her a job, which she kindly declined. She didn't think Dr. Joe would appreciate it. Her stint at the research lab was still in the beginning stages and Joe was impressed with her knowledge. Thinking of Joe's praises of Robin, Dixie drinks the last gulp of her beer and looks over at her and smiles.)

Dixie: You have definitely made an impression on the Martin men.

Robin (laughs): Really?

Dixie: Yeah, first we had Jake tell us about Gillian's new WONDERFUL friend, then all we heard was Joe's praises of his WONDERFUL new protégé, and now you have Tad offering you a job. Keep this up and you'll be an honorary Martin by Christmas.

(Robin and Dixie start laughing.)

Dixie: I think that was a great idea with Brooke.

Robin: Thank you. Like I told Tad, I just thought she would be a great addition.

Dixie: Oh, she would be!! Believe me, it's better than what Tad was thinking. (Leans in) You've never seen Tad in a chicken suit.

(Robin looks back at Dixie confused as she just shakes her head laughing.)

Dixie: Whole other story.

(Just then, Tad and Ryan come back to the table holding two glasses of soda. Ryan hands one to Robin as she smiles while Tad places both in front of himself. Dixie hits him playfully and takes her glass. Robin watches them and smiles. It was nice to see a couple in love. Dixie notices Robin's gaze and looks at Ryan.)

Dixie: You know, Ryan, I think you owe Ms. Scorpio something for saving your job.

Ryan: I didn't know my job was at risk.

Tad (ambivalent): It wasn't. (Dixie hits him) Oh, it was. Yeah, you were on the cutting room floor.

(Robin laughs as Dixie looks at them both.)

Dixie: So, I think you should pay up, Ryan.

(Ryan smiles and takes Robin's hand in his from across the table.)

Ryan: Robin, how can I possibly repay you for saving my job?

Robin (thinking): Hmmm. How about a dance?

Ryan (nods): That I can do.

(Ryan stands up and extends his hand out to Robin.)

Ryan: Ms. Scorpio?

(Robin takes Ryan's hand and moves out to the center of the floor with him. Tad looks up from his coke and looks at his wife.)

Tad: When did you become a matchmaker?

Dixie: I'm not. They're just cute.

Tad (smirks): You're cute.

(Dixie smiles as Tad leans in and kisses his wife. Meanwhile on the dance floor, Robin glances over at them and smiles toward Ryan.)

Robin: Are we being set up by the whole town?

Ryan: Just by the romantics. (Rubs her cheek) Do you mind?

(Robin creeps her arms around Ryan's neck and looks at him.)

Robin (smiles): Not at all. (Looks around) So, where is achy-breaky heart?

Ryan (laughing): What?

Robin: Oh come on!! (Singing) Don't tell my heart, my achy breaky heart. I just don't think it'll understand. 'Cause if you tell my heart, my achy breaky heart .........

(Ryan stops Robin by pulling her closer to him laughing. She starts laughing herself as he shakes his head.)

Ryan: You are just too much.

Chapter Ten

Setting: The Jukebox at Cal's Country Western Bar

(Robin is standing over the jukebox. From the table, Ryan, Dixie, and Tad watch her. Tad looks over at Ryan.)

Tad: You know, young Lavery, you will soon know how tonight turned out.

Ryan (confused): How?

Dixie: Yeah, how?

Tad: By the song Robin picks. (Thinks) If it's a lovey-dovey one, then thumbs up. But, if it's an angry, jilted lover, normal country one, then well, Ryan, you still have your good looks.

Dixie: Oh Tad!!

(Ryan and Dixie shake their heads as Robin walks back over to the table. She unexpectantly looks down at Ryan smiling.)

Robin: Can I have this dance?

(Tad glances at Dixie, as Ryan looks back up at Robin nervously.)

Ryan: With me?

Tad: No, with me. Of course, with you. Go ahead.

(Dixie hits Tad again as Ryan nervously stands up and takes Robin hand.)

Cowboy Take Me Away

Performed By: The Dixie Chicks

(Robin and Ryan walk back out to the dance floor and listen as the chord begins. He awkwardly and nervously pulls her toward him.)

I said I wanna touch the earth

I wanna break it in my hands

I wanna grow something wild and unruly

I wanna sleep on the hard ground

In the comfort of your arms

On a pillow of blue bonnets

In a blanket made of stars

Oh it sounds good to me I said

(Robin rests her head on Ryan's chest as he holds her closer to him. Dixie nods knowingly at Robin's selection and smiles. Tad looks back at her confused until the next verse begins.)

Cowboy take me away

Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue

Set me free - oh I pray

Closer to heaven above and

Closer to you closer to you

(Ryan smiles relieved and looks at Tad over Robin's shoulder. He got him nervous over nothing. He looks back down at Robin and smiles. He'll just enjoy the song and enjoy dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room.)

I wanna walk and not run

I wanna skip and not fall

I wanna look at the horizon and not see a building standing tall

I wanna be the only one for miles and miles

Except for maybe you and your simple smile

Oh it sounds good to me

I said, "it sounds so good to me."

(Ryan leans down and kisses the top of Robin's head. She can feel him above her and smiles. This felt right. For the first time, moving on felt right. She sighed deeply and let herself melt in Ryan's arms as they swayed to the music.)

Cowboy take me away

Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue

Set me free - oh I pray

Closer to heaven above and

Closer to you closer to you

(Robin pulls back slightly and tearfully looks up at Ryan. She smiles toward him and snuggles closer to him. Ryan likes this. He likes this closeness.)

I said I wanna touch the earth

I wanna break it in my hands

I wanna grow something wild and unruly

I wanna sleep on the hard ground

In the comfort of your arms

On a pillow of blue bonnets

In a blanket made of stars

Oh it sounds good to me I said

Cowboy take me away

Fly this girl as high as you can

Into the wild blue

Set me free oh I pray

Closer to heaven above and

Closer to you closer to you.

(Dixie and Tad watch from their seats and clap as Ryan slowly pulls away from Robin. He looks down at her and smiles.)

Ryan (smirks): So, could I be your cowboy?

Robin (laughs): You wanna take me away?

(Ryan holds Robin closer to him gripping onto her waist.)

Ryan: I want to take you wherever you want to go.

(Robin blushes and looks down. Ryan steps back a bit when Tad and Dixie walk over to them.)

Dixie: That was great, guys.

Robin (blushes): Thank you.

Dixie: Well, Tad and I have to head out. We have to pick up Junior and Jamie from Brookes. Do you want a ride home?

Ryan: We could call a cab. Uh, Tad, are you going to tell Brooke about Robin's idea?

Tad: Yes, I will. Don't worry so much. Look, enjoy the evening. The song was good, your date looks happy, and (smiles) you still got a job. Enjoy!!

Dixie (to Robin): It was great meeting you. See you guys later.

(Robin and Ryan watch Tad and Dixie leave, then look at each other.)

Robin (sighs): Now what?

Ryan: Wanna walk home? It's great out.

Robin (smiles): I'd like that.

(Ryan takes Robin's hand and leads out the bar. He opens the door as she turns around and looks at the dance floor.)

Robin: Something happened there tonight.

Ryan: I became your cowboy.

(Robin smiles and follows Ryan out the door.)

Chapter Eleven

Updated: 2/26/2000

Setting: Pine Valley Hotel

(Sonny Corinthos walks into the Pine Valley hotel with Johnny following behind him. In an attempt to keep a low profile, he walks toward the main desk with his head down. This is new to Sonny - not wanting to make an entrance. He causally leans on the desk and catches the attention of the young girl behind the desk. She smiles immediately at the sight of this dark, mysterious man. Sonny could never not make an entrance. She clears her throat and slowly walks over to him smiling.)

Clerk: Can I help you?

Sonny: Yeah, I would like a room.

Clerk: One?

(The clerk starts typing into the computer as Sonny attempts to blend in. He looks around and sees that things seem to be quieter in Pine Valley. People reading newspapers, children with their mothers, couples laughing. Sonny shakes his head and looks back at the clerk.)

Sonny: Will that be a problem?

Clerk (smiles): Not at all. Your name?

Sonny: Mike. Mike Corbin.

Clerk (smiles): Okay. (Hands him a key) Mike Corbin, your room is ready for you.

Sonny: Thank you.

(Sonny turns around and starts toward the elevators. He waits patiently as Johnny checks in himself. Standing there, he debated again bringing Johnny, but Johnny was good. He blends in more. He doesn't wear the Italian suits and doesn't have the dark smoldering eyes. Sonny looks up and sees the clerk hand Johnny his keys. She didn't give Johnny the same eye-contact that she had given him earlier. He couldn't help it. Sonny made a presence, he made people take notice. That is why he had to keep a low profile and take Mike's name. He got a slight chuckle out of that. Sonny Corinthos is going to parade around Pine Valley as Mike Corbin. This should be interesting. He's snapped out of his thoughts when Johnny walks behind him and nods his head. In unison, the men walk into the waiting elevator. They had a long journey in this new town.)

Chapter Twelve

Setting: Ryan & Scott's Apartment

(Ryan slowly opens his apartment door and looks around for any sign of Scott. He shrugs his shoulders and clears a path for Robin to walk in behind him.)

Ryan: Looks like it's just us.

(Robin smiles slightly as Ryan helps her with her light jacket. She can feel his hands take their time removing the garment and it makes her blush slightly. Finally, Ryan places the jacket on the back of a chair as Robin sits down on his couch.)

Ryan: Can I get you anything?

Robin: Water would be good.

(Ryan quickly walks into the small kitchen and opens the refrigerator. Meanwhile, Robin looks around the apartment smiling. This is a homey place. It's nice to see someone's home. It's almost like they're giving a clue to their heart. Robin's caught in her thoughts when Ryan appears above her with a glass of water.)

Ryan: Deep thoughts?

(Robin laughs slightly and looks up at him.)

Robin (laughs): No. (Takes the water) Thank you.

(Ryan watches as Robin reaches over to her purse and nonchalantly takes out a small bag of pills. From volunteering at the Cindy Chandler foundation, he knew that eventually he'd see her take her protocol, but nothing prepared him for seeing the amount of pills in her hands. Her hands seemed so small in that moment and as he watched her take the pills and raise them to her mouth, he felt like she was holding the world in them. Ryan sat there in silence and watched as Robin easily swallowed fifteen pills. Not until she took her last gulp of water did Robin realize that this was the first time Ryan saw her taking her pills. As she set the glass down, she slowly looked up at Ryan.)

Robin: Are you okay?

Ryan (surprised): Me? I'm fine. How about you?

Robin (smiles): I'm fine, Ryan. I've been taking these pills for a while now.

Ryan: I know. That was stupid to ask.

(Robin gently takes Ryan's hand and looks at him.)

Robin: No, it wasn't. (Looks down) I know that this is all new to you.

Ryan: It's not. I mean, yeah, it is. I've never seen someone with so much courage and strength. You take those pills every day probably five or six times a day. I just find it amazing.

Robin (smiles): There's nothing amazing about me doing this. I'm just one of many that are trying to save their lives. The amazing thing is that the pills are here. Ten years ago, there weren't any pills. For many, there wasn't any hope.

Ryan: And now there is. I see what you're saying, Robin, but I still think taking that initiative is amazing in itself.

Robin: You'd be surprised what you'll do when you're life is at risk. (Looks down) I never thought I would be able to do this - take tons of pills systematically for the rest of my life, but I can and will if it means I can live.

Ryan: That's a good attitude. (She looks up at him) Scott always says that a good attitude can make all the difference.

Robin: I believe that. (Robin looks down at Ryan's hand in hers.) I didn't even realize that I was taking the pills. I just feel so comfortable around you. I don't know. (Looks at him) I guess, when I'm around you, I don't hold back.

Ryan: That's good!! I don't want you to. Robin, seeing you take those pills just made me realize how lucky we all are. Maybe this sounds weird, but I am grateful for those pills. Those pills made your viral load undetectable, it made you have hope in life again. Don't ever think twice about sharing something with me.

(Robin smiles tearfully and looks down.)

Robin: Thank you. That means a lot to me.

Ryan (tenderly): Good. Because you mean a lot to me.

(Robin looks back up at Ryan and stares into his eyes.)

Ryan: What we have is good and I don't want to lose it. It's something that doesn't need explaining and it feels so natural.

Robin (tearfully): Yeah, it does. You've been really good for me, Ryan. (Looks down) I came here to find my cousin and I found a great friend too.

Ryan (smirks): Just a friend? (She blushes a bit) Robin, I think it's safe to say that we are way past the friendship mark.

Robin (nods): We are. And I'm happy. (Smiles) Ryan, I am so happy.

Ryan: That's all that matters.

(With that, Ryan slowly leans in and looks at Robin. She smiles tearfully and creeps her arms around his neck. She takes a deep breath and finally releases it when Ryan's mouth merges with hers. He tenderly kisses her and smiles slightly as Robin pulls away.)

Ryan: Now, how am I suppose to take you home?

(Robin laughs as Ryan shakes his head. This did feel right. Ryan walks over to the chair and picks up Robin's jacket. She smiles as he helps her with it, then extends his hand to hers.)

Ryan: This is under protest, I hope you know.

Robin: You'll see me tomorrow.

Ryan: That's right!! Gillian's outing. This should be fun. Me, you, Dr. Jake, Gillian, Becca, and Scott. For some reason, I don't think I'll have as much fun as I just did.

(Robin laughs again as Ryan guides her out of the apartment.)

Close window to return home

The characters of Robin Scorpio, and the other residents of Port Charles/Pine Valley belong to ABC Television and no copyright infringement is intended. This is merely for the enjoyment and wish fulfillment of this character's fans!
The story itself belongs to the author who wrote it.