Time Heals All Wounds

Once Alan was able to face his addiction and struggle through withdrawal, he eventually encountered his demons in counseling. It was suggested to both Alan and Monica during this time, that Monica should be involved in the counseling to help her deal with her pain as well. Alan confessed he started taking the pills to hide his pain and rejection he felt with his family. He believed he failed Edward as a son by going to medicine and not the family business, he believed he failed both AJ and Emily as a father by not being able to stop their own addiction, he felt as though Jason had truly died as a result of the car accident. He and Tracy
clearly never saw eye to eye on anything but fighting, while he harbored resentment at Ned for sleeping with his wife. The most hurt and pain though came from Monica. For Alan, he was always second best for her, it wasn't even that long after they first got married that she slept with Rick Weber, which catapulted them both into a string of affairs, resulting in years of hurt, betrayal, dishonesty and mistrust. One of those affairs ultimately causing the destruction of their marriage and resulting in Alan's brief and disastrous marriage to Lucy Coe. But through it all Alan and Monica have always managed to find their way back to each other, even in marriage. The drug addiction was the final straw, it wasn't that neither Alan or Monica didn't loved each other, but it was the counseling which brought forth old hurts, the fact they lacked common trust and never communicated. Alan for his part couldn't get pass Monica turning to Dorman after her breast cancer, he tried his best to stand by her and support her and for his effects, she had an affair with Pierce Dorman to prove her own sexuality. She didn't trust or believe Alan's desire for her. Monica for her part couldn't forgive Alan for his car accident with Emily during his addiction which resulted in his giving her hydocodone and a possible relapse into drugs.

After intensive soul searching the Doctors Quartermaine called it quits. They decided to end the years of pain and miscommunication and go their separate ways. Alan who had resigned his position as Chief of Staff at General Hospital wanted time off before deciding what his next step should be and Monica stayed on as Chief of Cardiology at GH. The divorce was mutual and "friendly" and Alan legally removed the condition of ownership of the mansion, it was all Monica's unconditionally. Alan moved into one of the Penthouse's at the PC hotel while Monica and the rest of the Quartermaine's remained at the mansion.

Alan and Monica kept a low profile socially after they separated and for the first six months neither one of them dated. The GH Board of Directors conducted a country wide extensive search to replace Alan as Chief of Staff. They ultimately picked Dr. Rick Webber the former Head of Cardiology at GH. Rick was anxious to come back to Port Charles because he found out that not only was Laura in town but his long believed deceased wife Lesley Webber was alive and recuperating from the drug treatment the Cassadine's had subjected her too for the last decade. Today is Rick's first official day at GH as Chief of Staff. He feels good to be back in town and at the hospital. It's about 10:30 am and he's standing at the second floor nurse's station reading some charts. Monica has heard her ex-brother in law and former lover starts work today and although she was looking forward to seeing him again, she did not actively seek him out. Monica steps out of the elevator and stops him, but he doesn't see her. She walks over to him.

Monica: Hello Stranger
Rick: (he recognizes her voice and turns around with a smile on his face): Hello yourself. How are you?
Monica: (returns his smile): Good and you?
Rick: Glad to be back.
Monica: How's Ginny?
Rick: She's in NY still, she decided she didn't want to come.
Monica: (surprised) Really?
Rick: Its complicated, how's Alan?
Monica: Its complicated.
Rick: I thought you and Alan were doing ok?
Monica: We were, we hit an immovable barrier................. (Monica is interrupted as Rick's beeper goes off)
Rick: That's me, I have to go, I'd like to catch up, do you think we could have dinner? I remember Alan's jealous streak, I wouldn't want to stir up trouble between you too.
Monica: Dinner would be fine, and Alan's jealous streak won't be a problem.
Rick: Good, I'm glad he's got it under control. How about dinner tonight? 8 o'clock?
Monica: Perfect.
Rick: The PC Grill ok?
Monica: That's fine.
Rick: Why don't you bring Alan?
Monica: He won't be able to make it.
Rick: (raises his eyebrows): Ok, I'll see you tonight then.
Rick walks away as Monica turns her attention to a patient's medical chart.

While Monica has turned all her attention to her work since her separation, Alan decided to take an extended vacation for some much needed rest and a break from the family. He decided to take the family yacht down to the Caribbean for the break. Today, after six weeks, a restful and tan Alan Quartermaine along with the Quartermaine yacht have safely docked in Port Charles harbor. Alan watches the city skyline as the big yacht is maneuvered into its berth. Now that he's back, and he has decided to put his drug addiction and ending marriage behind him and go forward. He's decided one way he can help himself is to continue in the capacity of a doctor and counselor. He's going to try and convince the GH board of directors to let him work
at the drug clinic which means he has to face his father, and Monica. As he's thinking of his next move, he sees a familiar face watching the ships move in and out of the harbor. He smiles at seeing her face and decides once the yacht is moored to say hello.

Monica: Hello Lila.
Lila: Hello dear, how's your day been?
Monica: Busy, our new chief of staff started today.
Lila: You mean Rick Webber?
Monica: (lets out a small laugh): I never could get anything past you.
Lila: Are you all right with his appointment?
Monica: Ah yes, I have far to many other things to worry about besides him.
Lila: Have you heard from Alan?
Monica: No, have you?
Lila: Just that he is expected back in Port Charles any day. I hope the trip helped him.
Monica: I hope so.
Lila: Are you sure this is what you and Alan really want?
Monica: It seems like this is the only way for each of us to stop hurting each other.
Lila: I still wish there was another way.
Monica: (with a touch of sadness): There isn't.
Lila: (instinctively changing the subject): Did Rick say how Ginny likes being back?
Monica: She didn't come. I might as well tell you, I'm having dinner with him tonight. Its nothing more than to catch up on lives.
Lila: (looks at her): I hope you have a good time dear.
Monica: Thank you Lila (realizing she no longer is hungry), I better go back to the hospital. I'll see you later.
Lila: bye my dear.

Alan: Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Rhonda: (oblivious to the voice): Ah, no, (looking up and realizing its Alan). Alan? Alan Quartermaine?
Alan: (smiles) Yes its me, may I sit down?
Rhonda: Yes, you look great? Where did you come from?
Alan (points to the yacht): From the family yacht, I spend 6 weeks in the Caribbean. I'm sure Karen told you I resigned from the hospital.
Rhonda: Yes I'm sorry. I hope everything will be all right for you?
Alan: Its taking time, but I think everything will turn out for the best.
Rhonda: I'm glad, where's Monica, didn't she go with you?
Alan: Ah no, we ah, we separated, we're in the process of getting a divorce.
Rhonda: I'm sorry.
Alan: Thank you.
Alan: So how are you? Everything all right with you?
Rhonda: Yeah, fine.
Alan: Maybe you'd like to go out for dinner tonight?
Rhonda: (her face brightens up): I'd like that.
Alan: Great, where do you want to go?
Rhonda: Why don't you let me make dinner for you?
Alan: (smiles) Sounds good, about 8?
Rhonda: That's fine
Alan: Good, well I better go and get moved back into the penthouse. I've spend too much time on the sea and I need to get my land legs again. I'll see you later.
Rhonda: See you later.
Alan gets up and leaves and Rhonda watches him go with a smile on her face.

Over at the PC Grill, Rick and Monica are sitting down and catching up on their lives.
Rick: So is Alan all right with you having dinner with me?
Monica: Actually Rick, Alan and I have separated.
Rick: (not very surprised): To tell you the truth, I'm surprised you both lasted this long.
Monica: Alan and I did have a bumpy ride, we actually did divorce once before.
Rick: And you remarried? Now I find that hard to believe.
Monica (turning defensive): Alan and I did love each other, we still do.
Rick: Then why are you separated? Are you getting a divorce?
Monica: Yes we are, we realized that our staying together was just too destructive.......
Rick: Rumor has it, Alan got himself addicted to hydocodone. Is that true.
Monica: Yes he did, a part of it was because of me.
Rick: Why do you say that?
Monica: I had an affair after my breast cancer, I turned to someone else rather than him.
Rick: Was it because Alan didn't want you?
Monica: No, it was just the opposite, he wanted me very much, at the time I thought he was just trying to be nice. I didn't trust his feelings for me. I thought if I turned to someone else I could prove to myself that I was still desirable.
Rick: So Alan found out about the affair?
Monica: You mean you didn't hear about the famous sexually harassment trial in NYC?
Rick: We don't get too much Port Charles news done there.
Monica: (lets out a sigh): Yes I told him and he choose to stand by me. But the trial and public humiliation took its tool. AJ started drinking, Emily our adopted daughter got hooked on drugs, Jason was left brain damaged from a car accident and wants nothing to do with the family. I guess I criticized Alan's every other move, and he found it easier to find solace in hydocodone.
Rick: You've had it rough for the last several years.
Monica: Growing up in an orphanage you learn to survive, I'll make it through this as well.
Rick: I have no doubt. Do you and Alan still speak to each other?
Monica: Alan has been away for the past several weeks, but we've remained on friendly terms.
(Monica changes the subject) So tell me about you and Ginny, why are things so complicated for you?
Rick: Ginny loves the NYC lifestyle at least that is the excuse she gave. I don't think she wants to deal with Lesley being alive after all these years and I think there was a hint of jealousy about us.
Monica (ignoring the last part of the statement): Have you seen Lesley?
Rick: I have, she looks good.
Monica: Are you and Ginny separated?
Rick: For now.
Monica: I hope things work out for you, have you thought about your feelings for Lesley?
Rick: I'm still in shock that she's alive. I don't know where I stand with either Lesley or Ginny. Ginny and I have been married for a long time, but Lesley, she was my wife first and I thought she had died. I guess a lot hinges on whether or not Ginny comes to Port Charles.
Monica: Things always have a way of unexpectingly working out.
Rick: I know.

Rhonda: It was a nice surprise to see you at the docks today.
Alan: It was a nice surprise for me too.
Rhonda: Are you glad to be back in Port Charles?
Alan: Yes, I can face things now and its time to pick up the pieces of my life again. I can't let things get that far out of control again.
Rhonda: Karen's told me that she's misses seeing you at the hospital.
Alan: That's nice of her, but I might be back soon.
Rhonda: Are you going to practice medicine again?
Alan: While I was a way, I thought a lot about what I should do with the rest of my life, two of my children and myself have suffered addiction problems. I'd like to work in a drug rehab clinic and try to help addicts and their families.
Rhonda: That's a great idea, do you think you can really work back at GH and run it?
Alan (lets out a laugh): Its somebody else's headache now, I welcome the change of pace. Has Karen mentioned who my replacement is?
Rhonda: (thinking): Hmmmm, she did mention his name, I think she said he was a former doctor there, a heart surgeon, but I can't remember his name.
Alan : Does the name Rick Webber sound familiar?
Rhonda: That's it, do you know him?
Alan: Yes I know him, he's a brilliant surgeon. He'll do a fine job.
Rhonda: You're not bitter?
Alan: I can't be bitter about something I ruined.
Rhonda: Is that how you feel about Monica?
Alan: Monica and I didn't separate because we didn't love each other, we separated because we were slowly destroying each other. Its different this time, we each know what happened and we've chosen to stop hurting each other. I can't be bitter about that.
Rhonda: It sounds like your still in love with her.
Alan: I do love her, I just can't live with her.
Rhonda (decides to change the subject): Are you hungry? Dinner should be ready?
Alan: (thankful for the change of subject): Sounds good.
They sit down to eat.

Time it is often said is a great healer, in time all wounds are healed, as was the case for Alan and Monica. Time pasted. Life went on and they kept their word, the divorce went through uncontested. Monica continued on at General Hospital, and when Rick Webber decided he and Leslie had no future, he returned to Ginny in New York City. Monica graciously declined the offer as Chief of Staff. The position was filled by a top notch surgeon from San Francisco, Dr. Stephen Phillips. He was a neurosurgeon who headed his department. He was tall, handsome and single, he never married, instead he dedicated his life to building up his career. He and Monica hit it off immediately and they soon became an item. Alan who had remained sober and off the drugs, he declined a position at GH and went instead to work at a drug clinic at Mercy Hospital. He decided it would be good for him to work again and share his experience with others with the hopes he could reach them. He also continued to date Rhonda Wexler, they already had a deep friendship and now it was taking a turn to the romantic side. Alan and Monica rarely saw each other, except for family functions and to their credit, they remained on friendly terms. It was on these rare family gatherings, when they thought no one would notice, least of all each other, they would sneak longing looks at the other, remembering what once was, the passion they shared and the sad reality of a shattered future. The Drs. Quartermaine, whose
public displays of antagonistic behavior and fights were legendary finally called a truce. Life in Port Charles had become peaceful...................too peaceful.

Rhonda: Wow, did you know your ex-wife is getting married?
Alan (stops reading and slowly lowers the paper): What?
Rhonda: It says that Monica is engaged to Dr. Stephen Phillips, the Chief of Staff at GH. What happened to Rick Webber?
Alan: Really? Well, good I hope she'll be very happy. Rick Webber decided to go back to NYC.
Rhonda: That's it, that's all you're going to say?
Alan: Look, what do you want me to say? We went our separate ways, and we went on with our lives. If this guy can make her happy, then I'm happy for her. I couldn't.
Rhonda: You don't really believe that?
Alan: Believe what?
Rhonda: That you didn't make her happy?
Alan: Yes, I do, can we change the subject?
Rhonda: Why does it bother you?
Alan: NO, just the third degree about it, I truly hope they'll be happy together. Besides, I' m happy right here with you. ( he offers her a smile)
Rhonda: (returns the smile): I'm glad.

It was only a few months after the day Rhonda told Alan that Monica was engaged, that the wedding took place. Monica Bard Webber Quartermaine was now Mrs. Stephen Phillips. Although Monica had remarried, she and her new husband bought a new house on the north end of the Port Charles River, but she also did something very uncharacteristic, she kept the Quartermaine mansion, she told herself it was for her children, AJ and Emily. She knew she had more sentimental attachment to the house than she wanted to admit. She kept it and she went back on a regular basis to visit Lila and Edward who remained fixtures in the house but Monica always delighted in seeing her ex in laws.

Alan knew from the day the divorce became final there was no road back for him and Monica. He wasn't surprised that she remarried, only that it took longer than he expected. He and Rhonda were building a comfortable life together, Rhonda often reminded him of Susan Moore. Simple and always wanting to make him happy. It wasn't the roller coaster ride he and Monica shared, he knew he could make things work with Rhonda, but every now and again he missed those dips and sharp curves of that roller coaster. He waited several weeks after Monica's remarriage and then asked Rhonda to marry him, and he wasn't surprised at all when she immediately said yes.

Alan: Oh I'm terribly sorry, I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing............(he stops mid sentence when he realizes who he almost mowed down)
Monica: (never one to miss a chance to be snarky): You should be more careful.......(for once Monica herself becomes tongue tied, she looks at him and can only say). Alan?
Alan: Hello Monica, you look wonderful.
Monica: Thank you, so do you.
Alan looks at his ex wife and grins.
Monica: What are you doing here?
Alan: Ah, I was just here on some hospital business for Mercy.
Monica: How do you like it over there?
Alan: Its ok, and believe it or not, I enjoy running the clinic. (Shakes his head) I see these people and I then I get a really good look at how I used to be. I thank God I was able to recover. Enough about me, how's married life treating you?
Monica: (smiles slowly): Different.
Alan (laughs): I think I know what you mean, I sometimes miss the roller coaster ride with Rhonda.
Monica: I heard you were dating her.
Alan: In fact we just got engaged a few weeks ago.
Monica; Congratulations, have you set a date?
Alan: No, no date yet, I'm trying to not do things so impulsively.
Monica: What's that suppose to mean? Do you think I did?
Alan (quickly realizing his error in words): No, of course not, but for me, a recovering addict, I have to think a little more before I act.
Monica: Oh. Listen, its almost dinner time, Stephen is going to be home late tonight, and if you're not busy, why don't you join me for dinner?
Alan (thinks about it): Well I don't know, I guess we can't stand here all night in the middle of the lobby. (He grins)
Monica: No we can't, is the Grill all right?
Alan: Its perfect , I'll meet you over there.
Monica; Good, I'll see you there.
Alan watches his ex-wife as she walks to her car.

For the first time in almost two years, Alan and Monica shared a sit down dinner, and laughed. They enjoyed each other's company and before they knew it, the evening was over. It was time to go home to their new lives and leave the old ones behind. But something was about to happen that would again alter their lives forever. Stephen decided he would surprise Monica and meet her for dinner, but when he got to the Grill he saw her with Alan. He didn't go in, but watched them and he watched as Alan walked Monica to her car afterwards, he watched as they hugged each other good bye. He watched as Alan got in his car and drove off in the opposite direction. He walked out from beneath the shadows and he was full of rage. He couldn't believe what he saw, his new wife out having dinner with her ex husband, the former Chief of Staff of General Hospital. How could she do this to him? He was about to make sure Monica wouldn't do it again.

That night Monica found out just what kind of man her new husband was. He arrived home about an hour after her. While she was getting ready for bed, Stephen stayed on at the Grill and enjoyed a few drinks. When he came home he acted as though nothing was wrong, but when Monica said how glad she was when he finally got home, it was like a light switch went off inside of him and he became a person she'd never experienced before. He started to ramble about how he saw her with Alan and accused her of having an affair with him and if he ever caught her doing it, he'd make her regret it. Monica didn't sleep a wink that night, it brought back all sorts of memories about Alan and his jealous streak and she wondered what she had gotten herself into.

Things settled down a bit after that night for Monica and Stephen, and he even apologized and said it was that he loved her so much that he couldn't bear it if she returned to Alan. Monica didn't answer him but realized that she married yet another man who could be cold and calculating. Where she knew Alan so well and knew when not to push any further, she didn't know where that limit was with Stephen. She spend more time at the hospital and more time at the Quartermaine mansion claiming she missed her children. But people were beginning to see that something wasn't right.

Alan: (sitting down and having lunch, he sees Monica come in and grins): This is a nice surprise, what brings you to Kelly's?
Monica: (startled at first to see him, but returns his smile):Oh I decided I needed a change of scenery and I thought this would be a great place to come and hide for a while.
Alan (frowns): Are you ok?
Monica (regains herself and smiles) Fine, want some company?
Alan: I'd like that. (He pulls out a chair for her)
Monica: So have you set your wedding date yet?
Alan: No, not yet, I'm content to leave things as they are for now, when the time is right it will happen.
Monica: You've changed, you're more at peace.
Alan: Want to know the secret?
Monica: Sure
Alan: Well, it should also be working for you, its not living at the mansion anymore.
Monica: No, I don't think, that's all of it. Maybe its not being married to me.
Alan (looks at her seriously): That's not true, nor was it fair.
Monica (returns his look): Thank you.
Alan: For what?
Monica: For that. For just being you
Alan: (smiles): You're welcome.

Monica also made arrangements to be gone from the hospital for an extended period of time, she managed to duck Stephen at every turn. She finally felt much safer when she found out that Mac took him to Police headquarters for questioning. Gail drove her to the airport and she promised to call Gail when she was safely in the Dominican Republic. Monica knew that Stephen would be looking for her the minute Mac released him. Gail agreed they shouldn't waste anytime, they quickly drove to Monica's for her passport and some clothes. She was gone by the time Stephen was released.

Port Charles loves good gossip and that fact that the former Mrs. Alan Quartermaine alleged her new husband the new Chief of Staff of General Hospital attacked her was no exception to the rule. It made huge headlines and the hospital staff was shocked. According to the paper Monica could not be reached for comment. Alan read the newspaper's account and got worried. He called the family but they were as much in the dark as he was. He decided to go to the hospital to see if he could find out any more information. Rhonda witnessed his concern for his ex wife and was worried not only for Alan's sake but her's as well.

Alan: Gail wait up.
Gail: Alan? (Acting innocent)
Alan: Gail, where is she?
Gail (enters her office.) : Where's who?
Alan: You know who, Monica.
Gail: You know you should put some ice on your right eye, he clocked you pretty good.
Alan: Forget my eye, where is she.
Gail: what makes you think I know, or would even tell you.
Alan: Because.............(he hesitates).......because I love her.
Gail: I know.
Alan: Gail?
Gail: I can't tell you, I promised. (She sees how much Alan cares). Listen I have to run out of the office for a minute. Make yourself comfortable and I'll be back shortly. Don't go looking through anything while I'm gone.
Alan smiles and watches her leave the office, he got the hint. He walks over to her desk and gets out her schedule book and looks through it. He found what he wanted to know, where Monica is hiding.

Alan got on the first flight possible to the Dominican Republic. He didn't bother to tell anyone where he was going. He didn't want a confrontation with Rhonda, and he knew when he read Monica's husband attacked her he was only deluding himself by thinking he wasn't still in love with her. He was willing to marry Rhonda, once he knew Monica was married, but still he hesitated and now he was glad he did. He also didn't tell anyone where he was going in fear that Stephen would find out and follow. He finally arrived in the Dominican Republic and got a cab to take him to Monica's hotel. Once at the hotel he realized how nervous he was. He took the elevator up to her room.

Alan knocks on the door.
Monica:(she looks through the peep hole and is shocked to see her ex husband, she opens the door): Alan?
Alan (smiles): Yeah its me
Monica (eyes fill with tears): I don't think I've ever been so glad to see you.
She hugs him, and he returns the hug.
Alan: Thanks. You're not mad I came?
Monica: No, but how did you know where I was?
Alan: I have my ways.
Monica: Did Gail tell you?
Alan: No, I just snooped around her office.
Monica smiles and then realizes he's wearing sunglasses, she reaches up to take them off and he lets her. She sees his right eye is black and almost swollen shut. " Wow, what happened to you?"
Alan: It's nothing, just a little fist fight with your husband.
Alan walks over to the mirror and laughs: This kind of reminds of when Susan Moore hit me.
Monica laughs: How do we get ourselves into these problems?
Alan: I don't know, but the important thing is we're always together to get ourselves out of it.
Monica: I can't believe you're here, I'm so glad. Come sit down.

Alan: (shakes his head): this whole thing could have been avoided if we didn't get divorced.
Monica: we can't blame ourselves, we got the divorce so we wouldn't hurt each other anymore.
Alan: So you got hurt by someone else instead. (He shakes his head in disbelief). I don't believe this. The hurt and disappointment was suppose to end. Come on lets put this aside for one night and go out and some dinner or go for a walk.
Monica: Wait a minute, before we go, what about you, why are you here?
Alan: (he looks at her and weighs his words): I was worried for you. When I read that Stephen hurt you I realized even if you didn't love me, I loved you, and I wanted to make sure you were all right. I went to the hospital and wanted to see you, but nobody, not even the family knew where you were. Then Stephen and I exchanged words and the fist went flying. Hence the black eye. I saw Gail, she refuse to tell me where you were. I told her that I still loved you and she was nice enough to point me in the right direction.
Monica: What about Rhonda?
Alan: She doesn't know I'm here, the only ones that do know are you and Gail. I can't go through with the marriage, knowing I still love you.
Monica: Really, you really still love me?
Alan shakes his head yes.
Monica : I only married Stephen because when we divorced I really thought it was over between us. I hadn't seen you or anything. But I never stopped loving you either.
Alan is shocked, he had hoped he'd hear those words from Monica but somehow he didn't expect too. Monica leans over to him and kisses him gently on the lips. She then gently kisses his black eye, she stops and looks into his eyes. Alan sees the look of a woman in love, in love with him.
Monica whispers: I love you Alan.
Alan takes her head in his hands and kisses her on the lips. He follows her chin down to her neck and nibbles on her neck below her left ear lope. He returns to her lips and kisses her passionately and she returns the kiss. As their kisses intensifies so does their desire. They strip away their clothes, and they forget about going out to dinner, all they care about is loving each other. It was the first time in almost three years that they made love and they made everyone moment count.

Alan: Good morning, did you sleep well?
Monica: (laughs): For the little sleep I did get yes. How about you?
Alan: I didn't get any sleep, I was too interested in watching you sleep in my arms.
Monica: hmm, it felt good.
Alan (walks over to her): Yes it did. (He kisses her).
Monica: What do you have in the bag?
Alan: (hands her a cup of coffee): In the bag? (Smiles) Your favorite........(gives her a sly look), strawberries.
Monica: Strawberries?? You're kidding?
Alan: Nope, see? (Shows the strawberries)
Monica: (its her turn to give him a sheepish grin): I guess I know what you've planned for the day.
Alan: Are you objecting?
Monica: No, but I think we need to talk first.
Alan: About last night?
Monica: Alan, last night was wonderful, I thought we'd never make love again after we divorced.
But what does this mean? Where do we go from here?
Alan: I know where it can't go from here, it can't become the same relationship we had. Monica fighting and bickering are fine, and for us it usually turned passionate. But there was also too many broken hearts involved. The pain inflicted at the expense of the other's feelings was at times, cold, cruel and calculating. It was only a matter of time before one of us didn't bounce back.
Monica: You're referring to your drug addiction?
Alan: Yes, our marriage is not the only thing to blame for that, I am a doctor, I knew better. Everything came crashing down at once, you're affair with Dorman, the law suit, AJ drinking, Em on drugs, Jason lost forever. Ned thinking he's the best of the lot and can do no wrong. My father never missing an opportunity to find a weakness. And it always seemed I could do no right in your eyes.
Monica: Whoa, I knew I was to blame...........
Alan: Look, Monica, I didn't tell you this to start an endless argument, you asked, I'm just for once in our lives am trying to be honest. Your affairs and endless judgment of me hurt. Hey I wasn't a saint in the marriage, but I always tried to let you know that I loved you. Loved you more than anyone or anything.
Monica: You're right. You weren't a saint, and you did hurt me.
Alan: Are we going to step right back into our old ways?
Monica: I hope not. But we still need to find out where we go from here.
Alan: Where do you want to go from here?
Monica: I want to be with you...........but maybe we should take this slowly.
Alan: I think that is a good idea. Maybe I should return to Port Charles.
Monica: ok, that might be wise (She walks over to him and wraps her arms around his neck).But before you do, I don't want you to forget me. (She kisses him and they fall onto the bed).

Alan returned to Port Charles and took with him the memories of making love with his ex-wife. Monica had to stay on in the Dominican Republic for a few more weeks in order to get her divorce. He promised her he wouldn't tell anyone that he knew where she was, except for the family. They'd be worried and they had a right to know. He told Rhonda that he had taken a drive up to the country because he needed some time alone. As for their engagement, he told her it wouldn't be fair to marry her. Rhonda was crushed but she secretly knew that sooner or later it would end. She knew since no wedding date was set and the way Alan went to the hospital to check on Monica the day the newspapers reported she was attacked by her husband it would always be a battle to fight for his attention. She did believe that his feelings for her were real but his feelings for Monica were deeper. They did after all have a 25 year history together.

But Alan didn't know where he stood with Monica. They had agreed not to be in contact with each other until after her divorce became final. They both were afraid that Stephen would find out where she was. Alan wanted to make sure that Stephen wouldn't find her, so he went to see Jason and he explained the situation to him about Monica. Jason and Monica had become closer over the past year and he promised Alan he would have men watching her so Stephen couldn't get near her. That made Alan feel better. As for Stephen his scandal and the fact that Monica disappeared from sight prompted the hospital board to ask for his resignation. He promised to sue the hospital and Monica for deformation of character and ruining his career. After Alan asked for Jason's help, he paid a visit to Dr. Phillips and promised him if anything happened to Monica he would be the first person he'd come to see. Jason's threat scared him enough that he did the wise thing and left town.

The day finally arrived when Monica did return to Port Charles. She was very happy to be home and she stopped by the hospital first. Amy caught her up on all the gossip. She even told her that the rumor was Jason ran Stephen out of town and Monica secretly smiled. Amy also couldn't wait to let Monica know that Alan's engagement to Rhonda was broken off. Monica raised an eyebrow and said, 'Really?" The stage was now set for Monica's plan to be into action. After Alan had left the Dominican Republic, Monica realized how much she missed him. She was so shocked that he cared enough to come and the passion they shared remained with her. The time away also gave her a lot of time to think. She thought about all her extramarital
affairs as well as Alan's. She thought of how easy it was to blame him for things that went wrong or how easy it was criticize him. She also remembered how much they enjoyed sex together or how much they could withhold it against each other. Alan was right about one thing, if they were going to have any future together, it would be have to be different. This time it would have to be built on trust, communication and love. They always seem to get the love part down, but it was the trust and communication part that would be hard. But she was determined to try.

Monica didn't know where to find Alan, she called his Penthouse but there was no answer and he wasn't at Mercy either. She decided to go to the mansion and let everyone know that she was back and that she would be moving back in. When she got there she was pleasantly surprised to see the whole family assembled, even Alan. Everyone was glad to see her. For the first since any member of the family could remember they did something unimaginable, they enjoyed a peaceful evening together. But eventually all good things must come to an end. It was time for Alan to leave but he and Monica didn't get a chance to talk with each other.

AJ: Did anyone notice anything different about Mom and Dad?
Emily: They weren't fighting.
Lila: No they weren't dear, but its more than that. Alan and Monica are fighting a different kind of battle. Its use to be one of their best kind.
AJ: What do you mean Grandmother?
Lila: (Smiles): They're still in love with each other, either they just won't admit it, or neither one of them wants to make the first move. Trust me it will work out in the end.
Emily: I don't think I could handle their relationship.
AJ: I guess I'm just use to it. But even for them it paid its price.
Lila: That's true dear, but maybe things will be different this time.
AJ: How come you never give up on them?
Lila: Because I do know they do love each other, they just need to learn to understand each other.
Emily: That might take the fun out of it for them.
Lila: Maybe, but you'll see, they'll get back together.
Emily: How can you be so sure?
Lila: Experience.
All three of the laugh and decide to go their separate ways for the evening. Meanwhile Monica is laying down on the bed and trying to figure out her next move. She once again reminiscences about the time she and Alan shared in the Dominican Republic, she also realizes she needs to see him and tell him how much he means to her. She gets dressed and goes over to his Penthouse.

They walk over and sit on the couch.
Monica: Alan, after you left the Dominican Republic, I did a lot of thinking about what happened. I thought a lot about our marriage, and you were right. We did a lot to hurt each other. I could have been a better wife and not so judgmental. When you were there for me during the time I had with cancer, I pushed you away, so far away in fact you almost slept with Bobbie...
Alan: I didn't want to, you just became so distant.
Monica: I know. And then I thought you only wanted me out of pity so I turned to Dorman. I guess I just didn't trust your love for me. I now realize that you always did love me. You loved me for who I was, not for what you wanted me to be. I guess I was so judgmental because I wanted you to be someone different. But now I know that was wrong. Because you are who you are, and you're a good man. And I want to love you for all the right reasons, not for my reasons.

Alan: I don't think I've ever heard you say anything with such love. Its going to take time to put everything behind us. I just don't want either of us to have any more regrets.
Monica: Did you regret making love to me in the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago? I know I didn't.
Alan: Monica, no of course not, I just don't want us to fall back into the old ways.
Monica: Neither do I. Look, I came and said my peace. I can understand you need time to think about it. I'll leave. (Alan looks at her, he realizes this was a big step for her to come to him, but he still needs her to make one last move.) Alan, I won't give up on us. I want you back, and I intend on getting you back. (She leans in and gently kisses him).
Alan: Do you really mean that? You won't give up on us?
Monica: No I won't. I better go. I'll talk with you soon.
Alan: (decides to let her go): Night.