Alan's Recovery

Monica (totally speechless): He said that? Why? Where did he go?
Emily: I don't know, he just stormed out of here, saying he wasn't going to apologize anymore for his behavior. Do you know what's wrong? Do you think he'll be ok?
Monica: No........no I don't know what's wrong and I don't know if he's ok. I don't even know what would prompt him to get so angry.
Emily: Mom, lets face it, ever since my birthday I've been giving him a bad time and you're always taking things out on him.
Monica is totally taken back by her daughter's words.: That's not true Emily.
Emily: Its not? I've seen you how you talk to him, you never ask him if he's ok, if he needs anything, you always want him there for you and when he is, you take it all for granted.
Are you there for him?
Monica: My relationship with Alan is between him and me and since we're casting blame, you young lady totally shut him out for the last several months in favor of Ned. How do you think that makes him feel?
Emily: Probably not as bad as you sleeping with Ned.

Alan: Who's kidding? Call Tony Jones, he was there.
Monica: I just saw Tony Jones at the clinic last night and he never mentioned it. Where were you?
Alan (shaking his head): You never did listen to me very well. I was at the clinic, I od'ed. I've been addicted to hydrocodone for over a year. But you never saw it, you never picked up on any of the signs. You were too busy with Emily or the hospital or Michael or anything but me. The only time you had time for me was to find blame.
Monica is totally shocked by all this.: You've been addicted to hydrocodone for over a year?
Alan: You yourself told me, you can be addicted to this stuff for years before anyone notices. You didn't notice.

Emily: Is he ok? He looks terrible.
Monica: No, no he's not ok. I have to make a phone call. (Monica goes over to the phone and starts to dial). Hello, is Tony Jones still there? This is Dr. Monica Quartermaine, I liked to speak with him.
Emily is watching her: Why are you calling him?
Monica (takes a finger to motion she'll be with her in a minute): Hello Tony, this is Monica Quartermaine.
Tony: What do you want? Going to badger me about Michael again? I didn't take him.
Monica: Was Alan brought into the clinic last night as a drug overdose?
(Emily's jaw jumps open, she can't believe what she's hearing)
Tony: (a heavy sigh): how did you find out? Did he tell you?
Monica: Yes he did. I didn't believe him. Why didn't you tell me when I was at the clinic earlier?
Tony: You didn't ask, all you were interested in was did I kidnap Michael. Did you find him?
Monica: Ahh, yes sorry, Emily took him over to Bobbie's.
Tony: (chuckling): I guess even the Quartermaine's aren't fit to raise Michael.
Monica: Did Alan talk to you at all about why he overdosed? How come you let him leave the clinic without getting some help?
Tony: No Monica, Alan and I aren't friends anymore since I kidnapped Michael. He didn't confide in me and I told him he needed help, he told me he's going to get it. Maybe now is a good time for you to make sure he gets it.
Monica ( doesn't like what she's hearing): I will Tony, and thanks. Bye.
Tony: Yeah, whatever. Bye.
Monica (turns to Emily): Alan overdosed on hydrocodone last night in the park, I need to go upstairs and talk with him.
Emily: Wow, I knew he was acting weird. How come we didn't see it?
Monica: Because, I was just to busy with other things. You don't expect your husband, who's chief of staff of a major hospital to become a junkie.
Emily: What are you going to do?
Monica: I'm hoping I can get him to get some help. Will you be all right?
Emily: Yes, go ahead.
Monica goes upstairs to the master bedroom.

Monica: Going someplace?
Alan: What do you think?
Monica: I just got off the phone with Tony Jones, he told me you od'ed.
Alan: I didn't hear the phone ring.
Monica: I called him.
Alan: (gives a weak smile): Didn't believe me? Or where you afraid to actually hear my words?
Monica: Alan, you're not being fair.........
Alan: Ya know, you always take an uncomfortable situation and make it so you're the victim. I've always been fair to you.
Monica: Look I don't want to get into a fight with you.
Alan: That's a first, look Monica I'm not in the right frame of mind to entertain one of our normal tit for tat debating sessions as to who is right or who is wrong. I tried to real hard to kill myself last night, (laughs) I can't even do that right.
Monica: Why? Why would you do that? You have everything a person could want. You have money, a family, community status, a great job.
Alan: (he looks at her): Who cares about community status, I'm chief of staff, I push papers, I wanted to be a surgeon, that's all I ever wanted to be. I can't do that, my father thinks I'm a loser because I didn't go into the family business. Jason, doesn't care if I exist, Emily prefers Ned, and you........... (he stops). For the first time I understand why AJ drinks.
Monica: What about me? Emily said he told her I can't refrain myself from sleeping around not even with your own family.
Alan just looks at her: I have to get out of here, I need help. I'm not going to get it here or from you.
Monica: Its not my fault you became addicted to prescription drugs.
Alan: Nothing is ever your fault is it. I'm sure I drove you to having all your affairs as well.
Monica: (getting angry): What is this with you? Why are you all of a sudden dredging up the past and all the affairs. You've had your share too pal.
Alan:(equally angry): I didn't start them, you did. You had to have Rick Weber and then tried to pawn off AJ as his. I never wanted this type of marriage or relationship. What is it, you just get tired of sleeping with one man? Or was I never good enough for you? That's it isn't it? I just wasn't up to your standards was I? Well you know what, you and I will are going to have a lot of time to thing about this and whether or not, we want a marriage. I 've made arrangements to go into a drug rehab clinic. If I don't go into detox, I'll die. To tell you the truth I'm not sure you or Emily are worth trying to kill myself for.
Monica: I would never ask that of you. You should have come to me, I would have helped you get through this.
Alan: Yeah, maybe you would have, after you made mince meat out of me. Called me all sorts of names and asked me where my brains were.
Monica: I would never have done that.......
Alan: Monica spare me ok, its a mood point right now. I take full responsibility for this mess, I need to go. I'm going to Albany to the Albany State Community Hospital, the program will be at least 6 weeks. I think we really need this time apart. You decide what and who it is you really want. Reginald is driving me there.
Monica: Can't I go with you?
Alan: No, its better this way. (He reluctantly hugs her) You have a lot of things to think about and so do I. I really need to get out of here. Call me when you find out about Jason.
Monica: Can I come to visit? Can I at least call?
Alan: For now its better this way. (He lets go of her and walks out the bedroom door).

AJ: Hey Mom, how are you feeling?
Monica: Oh AJ, I didn't hear you come in, I'm fine. Just deep in thought. Where have you been?
AJ: I went to Albany to see Dad.
Monica (her face turns soft): You did? How's he doing? Is he going to be coming home soon?
AJ: (smiles): He's doing really well, he should be coming out in about another 2 weeks or so. We had a really long talk. He says to tell you he misses you and he'll be in touch.
Monica: He'll be in touch? What does that mean? Should I call him? Can I go and see him?
AJ: Mom, I'm not sure that is a good idea, one of the issues that he is dealing with is you and his insecurities about your love for him.
Monica: Why would he think that? I love your father.......
AJ: Mom, I always blamed him for forcing you into affairs. But I'm not sure that he is always at fault. We talked, we really talked about everything for the first time in my life. He told me, the counselors told him it was important to be honest with himself and others. He told me he was glad that I came. We talked about you and Rick Weber and he was told that I was Rick's. He told me about why he had the affair with Susan Moore. He even told me about the time he left Port Charles dressed in dragged and framed you and Sean Donely for his supposed death. Even told me how scared he was when you got the breast cancer, and no matter how hard he tried, you turned away from him. He was jealous that you wanted to adopt Emily, but he was glad that you did. He's confused by her, he adopted her and gave her his name and everything was ok, until she started siding with Jason and Ned. We even talked about Rhonda Wexler and Bobbie Jones. He said Rhonda was a friend and she laughed with him, and you don't do that. He misses that. Bobbie was there because he became invisible to you. But he said he didn't sleep with either one of them. I believe him. He told me, he loved you but he has doubts about your love for him. He doesn't want to come home to this relationship. He told me the only think he ever really wanted was you. But he doesn't understand why he wasn't enough for you. Is he right? He is full of it? Talk to me?
Monica: Wow, I never knew that he felt this way. I guess I just assumed that since every time we got back together it would all work itself out.
AJ: I'm not sure it will this time. He really wants a monogamous relationship and he wants fun. But he's tired of you finding fault with him. He tries his best. He said Dorman was the straw that broke the camel's back. He said after that, everything started to go wrong. The hospital closed, Emily was on drugs, I was drinking, and when Dorman was murdered, you and Ned conspired to keep what you thought was Emily's involvement a secret from him. Jason couldn't be bothered with him.
Monica: (is very silent and lets out a deep sigh): I should have paid more attention to him. Things seemed to get so much better between us after I got back from Europe. I guess your father was an easy target to take advantage of.
AJ: It looks like he paid the price.
Monica: If you excuse me, I have to make a phone call.
AJ: Who are you going to call?
Monica: Gail Baldwin. I could use some help myself.
AJ: I hope you find the answers.
Monica: Me too AJ, me too.

Gail (opens the door): Monica. (She hugs Monica). Come in and close the door. Sit down.
Monica: Gail, thanks for making the time to see me. I thought I had a handle on what Alan was going through, but now I'm not so sure.
Gail: Why?
Monica: AJ spend the afternoon with Alan, and he came home with an earful.
Gail: What did he say?
Monica: AJ said they talked for the first time honestly about their relationship and why Alan got to where he got. He told AJ about Rick, Susan Moore and well you know the history Gail, the list is endless.
Gail: Did Alan say what he learned or what he wants now? He still won't talk with you.
Monica: No, he still won't talk with me. I guess from the way AJ is talking, Alan blames me, he's insecure about my love for him and why he wasn't enough for me.
Gail: Have you ever asked yourself those questions? Do you love him? You both have had numerous affairs, why do you still keep going back to each other?
Monica: Sometimes I even wonder that. I keep asking myself why I didn't see the signs. How come I didn't notice he was in trouble Gail?
Gail: Were you really looking?
Monica: I knew something wasn't right, I just never figured it'd be a pill addiction. When the plane crashed with Jason on it, I called him a zombie, wallowing in his own little world, I never even saw his own pain, I never asked him if he needed help. Did I just not care?
Gail: I'm sure you care, but maybe Alan is right, maybe this time apart is healthy. Do you miss him?
Monica: Yes, yes I do.
Gail: Then maybe you should tell him. When is he coming home?
Monica: AJ said in about 2 weeks.
Gail: You still have 2 weeks to sort through it all. I think Alan is right, you need to reassess why the things went wrong with the marriage. It obviously caused him enough pain to not only get addicted to drugs but to overdose as well.
Monica: (a little shocked): What are you saying?
Gail: I'm saying, is Alan enough for you, and if he comes home to you, how long will it be before one of you has an affair and the hurt starts all over.
Monica: I don't think is what I came to hear.
Gail: Maybe not but its what you need to hear. You have a lot to think about. If you need me, you know I'm here for you.
Monica: Thanks Gail.

Over the next few weeks, Monica did take the advice of Gail, and she ponder the questions of why she and Alan remained in such a turbulent relationship. She also thought of why she always turned to other men instead of her husband. Monica has always been independent, which could be a by product of being an orphan. She was always afraid to getting to close to someone in fear that they would leave. She's always kept Alan at arm's length and she knows it. She loved David Langton but she thought he had died and she got on with her life. Then there was Rick Weber, Rick was a fantasy that almost became real, but she really thought they were going to make when she told him AJ was his, but he found out it was a lie and he stayed with Leslie. But nobody ever loved her like Alan. They would do hurtful things to each other but when things were really awful, they knew they'd be there for each other. Yes, they would leave each other and she was crushed when Alan married Lucy Coe but even then somehow they found their back to each other. With a smile, Monica remembered how she invented "Rod" to make Alan jealous. Of course, she only invented him, because she was jealous of Rhonda Wexler, she also remembered what AJ told her that day he came back from seeing Alan at the rehab clinic. Alan liked Rhonda because she made him laugh. How much did she make him laugh? Monica also remembered how much Alan was there for her when she was recovering from cancer and then she became so preoccupied with the cancer and adopting Emily she almost pushed Alan right into Bobbie Jones bed. Enter Dorman. Why did she have an affair with Dorman? What did it really prove anyway? All it did was hurt her family and Alan and apparently was the catalyst for his drug addiction. Alan didn't care that she lost a breast, he was only too glad that she was still alive. He even never blamed her for the Dorman affair and he because he punched Dorman in the face he re-injured his hand and once again he lost his chance of being a surgeon. Why didn't she see his was in trouble? She was a doctor, and Lord knows there has been enough substance abuse in the family with AJ's drinking and Emily's own drug problems, why didn't she see it. Instead, she thought he was feeling sorry for himself because of Jason. The nights she wanted Alan to comfort her and make things better, she blamed him, blamed him for not being there, but it was just as true, that she never thought to be there for him. Monica thought to herself if two people love each so much why can't they just trust in each other and try to communicate with each other. If anything else Alan over the past several years has shown his love for her. So the question is, does she love Alan? Does she want to live life without him? Monica thought over the past 25 years of her life with Alan, and it ran the gambit, love, hate, disappointment, exciting, even comfortable, but boring was never an adjective that could describe it. Alan was due to come home in the next few days, Monica was determined to show him, just how much she did miss him and how much she did love him.

Monica: (not looking up): Come in.
Alan: (walks in): Hello Monica.
Monica (recognizing the voice, she looks up and smiles): Alan! You're home. I'm so glad you're back. You look well. (She gets up from her sit and hugs him)
Alan (uncomfortable but returns the hug):I wasn't sure you'd be happy to see me, especially why I left.
Monica: I really missed, I wanted to see you, but you didn't want me to remember?
Alan: Look, I'm not here to start a fight, ok? I just wanted to let you know that I was out of the clinic and I'm going to be leaving town day after next. I'll be at the PC hotel until then.
Monica: What? You're leaving town? You just got here, where are you going?
Alan: A lot has happened over the last year, in particular the last 6 weeks, I want to take the family yacht and maybe go down to the Caribbean for a few weeks. I huh, I'm still need time to sort out why I wasn't strong enough to fight the pill addiction.
Monica: Don't you mean you still need time to find out whether or not you still want to be married to me?
Alan: (quietly answers): Yes
Monica (surprised by his quick honesty): Well that was truthful.
Alan: I can't lie anymore, not to you and especially not to myself. I've let my love for you over shadow everything. I loved you so much that I was willing to keep taking you back every time you had an affair or whenever you decided it was time to keep a secret from me. I can't do it anymore, it almost killed me. Too make it worse I did the same thing to you. I want more out of a relationship, out of a marriage. I want more for myself and for you.
Monica: (is totally taken back): Wow, they say the truth hurts, I guess they were right.
Alan: I didn't say any of this to hurt you, it was just time to be really honest for a change. We were always so good at communicating in bed, but we could never do outside the bedroom. How come we could never trust each other? We wouldn't have had half the problems.
Monica (looking down): I know. What time are you leaving on your trip?
Alan: I thought I'd leave around sunrise, leaving the harbor is beautiful that hour of the morning, I was even thinking of staying on the yacht tomorrow night. (He's staring at her).
Monica: (honestly replies): I wish things were better for us right now, I'd like to go on that trip with you. I think we really need to talk.
Alan: (gives a weak smile): I'd really like for you to come, but I also know us. Alone in the Caribbean on our private yacht. The only place we'd be communicating is in the bedroom and right now, I don't think that's a really good idea.
Monica (sees a glimmer of hope): Didn't you miss me?
Alan: Yes, but the problem is why we're so hurtful for each other, not how good we are in bed. (He realizes he better go). Listen I gotta go, give AJ and Emily and Mother my love will you?
Monica: You haven't seen the family?
Alan: No, I'm not ready, I'll do it when I get back. I've already have enough nightmares of the abuse I'm going to get. Take care of yourself. (He hesitates but leaves).
Monica (to herself): You too. (She quickly smiles to herself). Alone in the Caribbean huh? Hmm, this is one trip I can't afford to miss.

Captain Joe Reynolds: Good afternoon Dr. Quartermaine, welcome aboard. Its been a long time since you've been aboard the yacht.
Monica: Hello Joe, how are you? Yes, its been a very long time. I understand you're making a trip south tomorrow morning.
Joe: That's right. Dr. Quartermaine, wants to go to the Caribbean for a few weeks. Will you accompanying Mr. Quartermaine?
Monica: Ah, Joe, Mr. Quartermaine wants to take this trip solo, but I have better idea, but I'll need your help, and if all goes well, there will be a hefty bonus in it for you.
Joe: Thank you Dr. Quartermaine, I'll be happy to be of service. How can I help?
Monica (smiles): It's true, money does talk. This is a big yacht, I need you sneak me aboard and keep me out of Alan's way until we're well south of Port Charles.
Joe: That shouldn't be to difficult Dr. Quartermaine, Mr. Quartermaine is having the front cabins renovated and I'll just block it off for Mr. Quartermaine's safety.
Monica: Alan is having the yacht renovated?
Joe: No, Edward is.
Monica: That man loves to spend money, lucky for me, this time I'll get his money's worth. What time is Alan boarding the yacht tonight?
Joe: (chuckling): About 7 PM.
Monica: I'll arrive around midnight, why are you chuckling?
Joe: No disrespect Mrs. Quartermaine, but the Quartermaines are certainly different to work for.
Monica (smiling): So I've heard, see you tonight and not a word to Alan.
Joe: Yes ma'am.

Monica arrives back at the mansion and finds Lila in the living room.
Monica: Hello Lila, I'm glad I've found you.
Lila: Hello dear, is anything wrong with Alan?
Monica: Ahhh, no but I did see him yesterday and he sends his love to you.
Lila: Why isn't he home?
Monica: (lets out a sigh): Honestly Lila, I don't think he's ready to come home. I don't think he's strong enough to hear Edward or Ned criticize him, and I don't think he can face Emily or you.
Lila: Oh, I wish I could see him and tell him everything is all right, but at least he's faced you, that's a start.
Monica: Well not really, he only came by to tell me that he's out of the hospital and he's talking the family yacht to the Caribbean tomorrow for a few weeks. Alone.
Lila: Oh dear, that's not good. I thought you were going to tell him how much you missed him when you saw him.
Monica: I tried, but he's not ready to commit to this marriage again. Let's face it Lila, all the extra martial affairs was a major contributing factor why Alan got hooked on the pills.
Lila: But I know that he still loves you, I've never given up on you two and I'm not going to now.
Monica (smiles): Well I'm glad to hear you say that, because I have a plan and I need your help.
Lila (her face brightens):That's my girl, I was hoping you weren't going to give up so easily. How can I help?
Monica: I'm stowing away on the yacht, thankfully, Edward decided he was bored and is renovating the front cabins. Joe Reynolds is going to block them off from Alan. I should be able to hide somewhat comfortably until its too late for Alan to kick me off. I need to tell the family that I went a medical conference in Chicago. And could you please watch over Emily for me?
Lila: Alan will be very angry when he finds you aboard and leave the family and Emily too me.
Monica: Thank you, and hopefully I will be able to handle Alan.
Lila: I have no doubt you can, just let him think he's got the upper hand.
Monica: (laughs): Is it that easy?
Lila: But of course.
Monica: Why didn't you tell me this years ago?
Lila: You wouldn't have believed me.
Monica: Probably not.
Lila: Have a good trip dear and don't worry about a thing here. I just want you and Alan coming home together.
Monica: Its a deal. See you in a few weeks Lila.

Monica: Looks good, what are you drinking?
Alan: (at the sound of her voice, lowers his sun glasses down the bridge of his nose and shakes his head in disbelief): What are you doing here?
Monica: (offers him a sheepish grin): Don't be so snarky, tell you want, I won't bother you. I'll just get an ice tea and sun bath over there.
Alan: On no you don't. Not until you tell me how you got aboard this yacht and what do you think you're doing here?
Monica: It was very easy really. I've been aboard the yacht since it sailed and I'm here because I needed a vacation and the since this is the family yacht, I thought a trip to the Caribbean would be perfect.
Alan: Who are you kidding?
Monica: Me? I'm not kidding anyone. I needed a vacation and since this is the family yacht, I thought a trip to the Caribbean would be a great idea.
Alan: Its not a great idea, it stinks, and you're getting off at the next port.
Monica: You can't leave me stranded.
Alan: Wanna bet?
Monica: Ok, I know you're miffed I stowed aboard, but now that I'm here lets make the best of a bad situation.
Alan gives her a dirty look: No. As soon as we get into St. Thomas, I'm personally taking you to the airport and waiting until the plane takes off..
Monica: I thought you wanted fun and adventure?
Alan: Monica, I've had enough adventure with you. Right now I just want some peace and quiet and if you don't leave the yacht, I will.
Alan gets up and goes to his cabin. Joe comes outside.
Joe: Everything all right Mrs. Quartermaine?
Monica: Alan isn't to happy to see me at the moment. He wants one of us to get off the yacht as soon as we reach St. Thomas. When will that be?
Joe: Probably another day.
Monica: Wanna another cash bonus?
Joe (smiles): Yes ma'am.
Monica: Sometime tomorrow, stall the yacht out, I need to buy some extra time and come up with some excuse why it won't start.
Joe: No problem.
Monica: Thanks Joe.

Monica: Beautiful night.
Alan: Yes it is. Its so clear, the stars are twinkling.
Monica: Mind if I join you?
Alan: No.
Monica: Thanks, I expected a rejection.
Alan: Maybe we should talk, after all, you're options of getting mad and storming out of here are rather limited.
Monica: Why didn't you tell me about the addiction?
Alan (ashamed and doesn't look at her): How could I tell you? We're Quartermaines, weakness is not an adjective we use to describe ourselves, nor do we accept it as part of our make up. Look at how we crucified AJ for being an alcoholic. My father and Ned are going to have a field day with me when I return.
Monica: You've never been one to runaway from a fight.
Alan: You're right, but this was a fight, I didn't think I was going to win.
Monica: Beating the addiction?
Alan: Winning you.
Monica (surprised): What do you mean?
Alan: Winning your heart, its never belonged to me. Its always belong to someone else, but never to me, either it was Rick Weber or Sean Donely, David Langton, it was always somebody, but never me.
Monica: I can't argue that.
Alan: Why? Why wasn't I enough for you? After your breast cancer, when we finally made love I thought finally, we were going to make it, nothing could come between us. Except I never figured on Dorman. He was the last straw. I got shunned by the family for months for having a friend in Rhonda and Bobbie and I didn't even sleep with them. You have an affair and a sexual harassment trial where the affair with Ned came out, but the family, my family defends you. I get the blame. What is it, the bigger you are, the more you're expected to handle? Well I guess I ran out of hope.
Monica: Hope?
Alan: Hope, hope that someday my family might appreciate me, and hope that someday you would too. I can't go back to a relationship like we had. I want someone to just love me, not because I'm chief of staff, or wealthy, but for who I am. Was it only to make Rick jealous, was it the money?
Monica: I married you because I thought it could work.
Alan: But not because you loved me.
Monica: That's not true, I did love you and I love you even more now.
Alan: Then why all the affairs?
Monica: At the time, I always thought we were finished. I didn't want you to get too close, I grew up in an orphanage, there's no love in an orphanage. You were the first person who wanted me, just for me. I couldn't take the chance I'd love you too much in return. Suppose you left? Like when you married Lucy, I was crushed.
Alan: ( realizing he did hurt Monica big time on that): You never gave me the chance. You never trusted me enough to try.
Monica: I was afraid.
Alan: I loved you, there wasn't anything I wouldn't have done for you.
Monica: I know.
Alan: I don't think I can trust you with my heart again.
Monica: I love you.
Alan: I think you do, but on your terms. I'm not going back there.
Monica: What do you want from me?
Alan: I don't want anything, I just need time.
Monica: OK, I understand......See ya in the morning.

Monica: You're up early.
Alan: Hmm, did you sleep well.
Monica: No as a matter of fact I didn't.
Alan: (surprised): Really, why?
Monica: (annoyed): I spend a lot of time thinking about our conversation last night and to tell you the truth I was willing to accept a lot of blame for your addiction.
Alan: (looking at her): But?
Monica: But, you were no saint in this marriage. You've had your fair share of affairs in this marriage too. And just for the record there were plenty of times that you hurt me too.
Alan: I didn't say I was blameless.
Monica: No your not.
Alan (getting annoyed): Look, just remember who started all the tit for tat affairs, and just for the record, you've had more.
Monica: That was low.
Alan: Low? You started it all with that affair with Rick Weber and then tried to pawn AJ off as his.
Monica: And what about you and Susan Moore?
Alan: Look, I'm not going there with you, but I didn't want to have that affair, I wanted us to work things out and you flatly out right told me no, you did the same thing with Lucy.
Monica: You know what? I don't know what ever made me think, we could work things out. You'll never change. You're also right, I don't think you will ever trust me again.
Alan: Now that is the first sensible thing you've said on this trip. But don't worry, we'll be St. Thomas tonight. You can get off.
Monica: Fine.
Alan: Fine.

Joe comes out on deck.
Monica: What's wrong Joe?
Joe: Its the engine, the oil pump is no good. Don't worry, we have spare parts. It might take most of the day to fix, we'll want to check everything.
Alan: Why the hell didn't you do this before we left Port Charles?
Joe: We did Dr. Quartermaine, it just happens.
Alan: Great, just great. Well since we're stuck here, I'm going for a swim.
Alan leaves Monica alone with Joe.
Monica: Thanks Joe, but you can get this charade over with as soon as possible. The sooner we get to St.Thomas the better.
Joe (embarrassed): I'm sorry Mrs. Quartermaine, its for real.
Monica: What?
Joe: We really do have engine trouble. We'll get it fixed as soon as possible and if we can't we'll notify the authorities. We're not that far from St.Thomas, they can send a boat out for us.
Monica: (lets out a sigh)
Joe: Sorry Mrs. Quartermaine.
Monica: Don't worry about Joe, just try and get it fixed.
Joe: Yes ma'am.

Alan (interrupts the silence): I spoke with Joe earlier and he said the engine should be fixed early in the morning.
Monica: Yes I know I spoke with him earlier myself. You know under different circumstances we would have normally loved an evening like this.
Alan: Under different circumstances. I'll be getting off the yacht tomorrow. I'm going to stay in St. Thomas through the weekend and then I'm flying back to Port Charles on Monday morning. I called ahead an made the arrangements.
Monica: (disappointed at hearing the news): Maybe its for the best, especially since we keep avoiding each other like the plague.
Alan: (is surprised feel disappointed as well): I better go and pack, I'll be getting off as soon as we hit port.
Monica: Where are you going to be staying?
Alan: The only place I could find a room, the Marriott.
Monica: (still disappointed): Maybe Edward should buy a hotel down here. Will I see you before you leave?
Alan: (shakes his head yes).
Monica:( decides she'll leave first): In that case, good night.
Alan watches as Monica disappears into the cabin. He turns around and stares up at the stars.

Monica stubbornness will not give up. Its late that night and everyone has gone to bed. She walks down to Alan's cabin and turns the knob. Another stroke of luck, he didn't lock the door. She quietly opens and closes the door. She tip toes over to the bed and gently sits down on the edge of the bed. As her eyes adjust to the darkness, she can see the outline of Alan's face. He looks peaceful, she leans down and softly kisses his lips. Alan is in too deep of a sleep. She kisses harder and she can feel Alan start to respond. Monica thinks she's finally going to get a break. Alan wakes up enough to realize that Monica is trying to seduce him, he stops the kiss and turns on the light.

Alan: What are you doing?
Monica: What does it look like I'm doing?
Alan: I know what you're doing ............ (she interrupts him)
Monica: I want to make love to you, I know you want me too.
Alan: Its not that simple anymore.
Monica (is getting confused): What? Why not?
Alan: Look, its not you, its me. I came on this trip because I wasn't ready to face my family or you for the pill addiction. Do you have any idea how ashamed of myself I am?
Monica: I'll stand by you.
Alan: (his face softens): Do you know that is the first time you've ever said that. That is the first time you've thought of my feelings.
Monica: I mean it, I want us to work.
Alan: I'm not ready, even if I was ready, I'm still to ashamed to face you about the pill addiction. Please just go to your room.
Monica: I'll go this time, but this isn't finished, not by a long shot.
Monica leaves the cabin, Alan turns off the lights and lays back down with a small smile on his face.

Thirty minutes later, Monica knocks on Room 508.
Alan: (opens the door): Yes? (He is totally floored to see Monica). His jaw drops open.
Monica: That's a much better greeting than I had hoped for. (She pushes right past him) Thanks don't mind if I do come in.
Alan: (is very surprised but closes the door) What are you doing here?
Monica: We didn't finish our conversation from last night.
Alan: Yes we did.
Monica: Nope, if I recall, I said it wasn't over by a long shot.
Alan: And I said I wasn't ready.
Monica: Hmm, you did say that didn't you?
Alan: Finally, you've listened.
Monica: You know one of the reasons you married me was because I was strong willed and I always got what I wanted. I want you.
Alan: I don't think............... (she interrupts him)
Monica: You know one of your biggest problems is that you think to much.

Monica: Should I ask?
Alan: Ask what?
Monica: If you enjoyed last night?
Alan:(smiles): I don't think that is a question either one of us has to ask.
Monica (laughs): No I don't think so. You're were great.
Alan: You inspired me.
Monica: (getting serious): What happens now?
Alan: (also serious): Maybe it would be a good idea, if we saw Gail Baldwin, or if that makes you uncomfortable, someone else. We really need to work through all the hurt, pain and disappointments we've caused each other. We've got to learn to trust each other, just you and me.
Monica: You're right. We need to be there for each other. I'm willing to see Gail. It will be good for us.
Alan: Really?
Monica; Absolutely. And the family better not give you a bad time about being in the rehab clinic or else they'll have to answer to me.
Alan (is totally touched by Monica's love and support): I like that, I'd also like to see it.
Monica: Stick around you just might get your chance.
Alan: I think I will.
Monica: Good, are you still taking the plane back?
Alan: Is the yacht still in the harbor?
Monica: (giving her seductive look): Yes.
Alan: Good, we'll take a long, (he kisses her) a very long boat ride home. We'll have plenty of time to talk and enjoy romantic evenings.
Monica: Sounds wonderful.
Alan: But we'll go a board later, right now we have more important matters to attend to. (He kisses her again).
Monica (laughs): You're so right.