CARBO FAN FICTION: Return Journey Chapter 23

First of all, very sorry for the delay in posting new blog posts. Currently I am unemployed so I cannot afford regular internet service like I used to; I go to internet cafes when I can so please bear with me, thanks.

Chapter 23

Bo didn’t sleep that night at all; the bed was empty without Carly beside him and the house painfully lonely without the children. He wouldn’t be at home at all but Roman, John, Marlena and the others who came to visit Carly and Darcy had urged him to get some rest; he’d been with the two women all day. 


As he lay on his side of the bed, staring at the ceiling; his mind was filled with his princess. All those years leading separate lives, he never really forgot about her; he just wouldn’t let himself think about her. Not only because of Hope, he just couldn’t bear visualising her so happy with the man he hated so much. A few rare times, when he and Hope were in the middle of a fight, was when Carly would creep into mind and then the overwhelming, inevitable sadness following as memories of their happy times came one after the other. The one in particular were the nights on the Fancy Face. Carly nestled against him as they slept, her hand resting on the arm encircling her; his leg thrown over hers, inhaling the faint scent of soap and talc powder on her. Maybe it was because of the times he’d cruelly rejected her that made him feel so much closeness and comfort lying next her- a sign that she finally belonged to him. And the way they had pledged their love during the symbolic yet mystical Mayan ceremony which had entwined their souls as one until death; they felt the intense connection since then, even while simply sleeping against each other. No wonder they’d been so miserable apart- they were still spiritually connected the whole time; one soul incomplete without the other.

Bo needed no reminders what his life would be like without Carly Manning; he knew already. 

He then thought of Darcy. Darcy; a child they never thought they would have- or at least Carly had thought so- which was why she’d focused on being a good mother to Nicholas as well as Shawn Douglas. Darcy, who had led a sheltered life among nuns but at least safe from Larry. If only Carly had managed to send him a message about her, he would have brought her to Salem but he would’ve wanted to rescue Carly too. Their little girl suffering that terrible disease as well- just when she just got married. He couldn’t lose another child... not after the nightmare of losing Zack. What if the antidote didn’t work... what if she and Carly...

No, no! I mustn’t think like that! Bo told himself sternly, though the tears were already forming. They’re going to make it; Carly’s going to be my wife... Darcy’s going to have her own kids with Daniel. They will get through it, like I did!

He could her voice from a distance; soft and very tearful. The last thing he remembered was collapsing in her arms after pulling her away from danger.  His heart clenched at the sound of her crying... slowly pulling himself out of the void to speak to her, to comfort her.

‘Listen,’ she said, sniffling, ‘When you get better, we’ll go down to the river and go one on one.... what do you say? You say yes to this and I’ll bring the bait. I’ll let you pick your own names this time! You remember the last time?’ she was crying again. ‘We had a Fredrick, a Juanita and... and... I can’t remember the name of the one you caught... what did we name him? Why can’t I remember? ’

 ‘Tiny.’ He murmured at last.

‘Oh...’ the touch of her hand on his forehead. ‘Did you just say...?’

Slowly, he opened his eyes to peer at Carly. Her face was all blurry but he could make out her shape. Blinking his eyes, she slowly came to focus; his beautiful Carly, her cheeks wet with tears.

‘What’s wrong, Princess?’ he whispered.

‘Nothing’s wrong.’ She whispered back, more tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘I’m just so glad to see you’re going to make it, that’s all.’

‘Then... how come you look... so worried?’

‘I’ve just been going crazy for the last few days. I’ve been so afraid.’ She sniffled, her fingers running through his damp hair.

‘That explains it.’

‘Explains what?’

‘Your eyes are all... puffy.’ He smiled weakly. ‘you’re the most beautiful thing... I’ve ever seen.’

Carly smiled back.

 ‘Princess... I love you.’

‘I love you too.’ She took his hand, pressing it against her wet cheek. ‘so very much.’

Carly never gave up on him and he in return won’t give up on her, or Darcy.

:::::

Victor came again and this time, Maggie accompanied him; hanging on his arm. Daniel saw them at the lobby but pointedly ignored Maggie, still very bitter and angry with her for boycotting his wedding.

‘Bo, this isn’t the time to nurse malice; Maggie is trying to apologise.’ Victor said when he refused to acknowledge her greeting.

‘I’m not the one she hurt. And I never imagined Maggie of all people to behave the way she did; Hope’s aunt or not.’ Bo said flatly; sponging Carly’s head with a cold cloth; not looking at them. 

Maggie bowed her head; Bo’s words causing the shame she already felt to increase. ‘I’m aware of my behaviour Bo.’ She said softly. ‘I know how much I hurt Carly; Darcy as well. And...’ she glanced at Victor, not daring to tell Bo the real reason behind her own attitude; illogical jealousy towards Carly; believing Victor’s unexpected refusal to help Hope was because he had rekindled feelings for Carly. Bo may not speak to her ever again if he knew; he would be so disgusted and probably liken her to Hope. Encouraged by the squeeze Victor gave her hand she continued, ‘And I’m really sorry; I regret it terribly. And I’m sorry about what Carly and Darcy’s going through right now and what you and Daniel must be feeling.’ Walking to stand behind Bo, she touched his shoulder tentatively. ‘Please Bo... I’m sorry about the way I acted towards Carly... if she could hear me I would say so to her.’

As though she’d heard her words, Carly suddenly stirred and opened her eyes, turning her head slowly to look at Bo.

‘Hey, princess.’ Bo said tenderly; touching her cheek.

‘Carly, how are you feeling?’ Victor asked, his tone solicitous.

 Maggie moved forward to touch Carly’s arm. ‘Carly honey...’ she said softly. ‘Can you ever forgive me for what I did? You and Darcy didn’t deserve it and I’m so ashamed... and sorry.’

Carly swallowed then opened her mouth to speak but suddenly began jerking uncontrollably. Bo immediately pressed the button for help and Daniel dashed in, accompanied by Maxine and Melanie. Daniel barked orders at them and they hurried around, trying to calm the patient down.

‘What’s wrong with her?’ Bo demanded, his voice trembling. Victor and Maggie stared at the scene, speechless with fear.

‘Her temperature’s going up even higher, it’s causing her to have a seizure.’ Daniel snapped, drawing something from a vial with a syringe. ‘Talk to her... let her hear the sound of your voice; go on!’

Bo moved to Carly’s side, tears streaming down his cheeks at the sight of her in agony. ‘You listen to me, Carly Manning.’ He said, close to her ear. ‘I absolutely forbid you to die; understand? I need you... so do the kids; especially Byron. Don’t give up... don’t you dare give up on me!’

The ominous beeping of the monitor was still going on. ‘Keep talking to her, Bo!’ Daniel ordered; injecting her arm.

Bo swallowed, frantically racking his brain and then hit on a happy memory. ‘Remember that day... years ago at the old ball court at Chichén Itzá? That was the day I first asked you to marry me. You ran across the court to me and I held you in my arms then went down on my knee and I proposed...’ he wiped his tears with one hand, not noticing Maxine, Melanie and Maggie were keeping back their own tears with difficulty at his words, while Victor watched in silence. ‘I love you, princess; don’t leave me please! I swear... when you get better, we’ll have the wedding we never had. A real wedding with all the trimmings... everything you want! Just hang on, please hang on!’

Daniel checked her pulse, watching the monitor anxiously. The erratic beeping subsided. ‘She’s stable, all clear for now.’

Bo wiped his eyes again, bending down to kiss Carly’s forehead, pressing his face against her hot cheek and squeezing her shoulder. Melanie saw the look of love on his face; which deeply moved her. They’re so lucky to find each other again... I’ve never seen a man so in love, she thought. I just hope Carly pulls through this, Darcy too. She glanced at Daniel, remembering his wife-her very good friend- was going through the same thing. He looked as tired and worried as Bo was looking. Instinctively, she reached out to squeeze his hand and he smiled faintly at the gesture. But the smile was instantly wiped off when Nathan dashed in; Darcy was experiencing a seizure as well. Luckily, the two doctors were able to calm her down with the same medication given to Carly and she was soon sleeping peacefully. Bo and Daniel looked at each other meaningfully, no words needed at how scared they had been.

‘I can’t wait for this to be over.’ Bo said wearily.

‘It will be soon.’ Daniel assured him. ‘Shane will be here soon. They’ll be cured and we’ll find out who’s behind this. Got any ideas, by the way?’

Bo stared daggers at Victor who was leaning over Darcy. ‘A few.’ He replied grimly.

::::::::::::::::

At noon, Shane Donovan arrived with vials of the antidote in a locked case and two CDC specialists at Roman’s request to check Bo’s car. ‘Thanks so much for this Shane.’ Bo hugged his brother-in-law tightly.

‘Like you have to thank me for anything; Darcy’s my niece and you know I’ve always been fond of Carly. Are you okay?’

Bo shrugged. ‘How do you think I feel?  Carly and I were supposed to take our vows in front of a judge today and then head off to Cancun. And Darcy just started her married life.’

Shane shook his head in sympathy. ‘Kimberly and the kids send her love by the way.’

‘Thanks, I’ll call her later.’

‘What about Carly’s family?’

 ‘I called Frankie and Nicholas last night. They’re very upset, to say the least. I promised to keep giving them news about them but they said they’ll come over if they manage to leave work. Hopefully by then, they’ll be much better. Marcus sent word he’s on his way.’

Shane nodded. ‘Meanwhile... there’s still the matter about how they got this disease in the first place.’

‘I still don’t think they’ll find anything in the car; Byron was there with them the whole time and he’s not sick.’ Bo insisted.

‘Be that as it may Bo; we still have to check what we’ve got for now. And if we do find something, it’s officially a police matter.’

‘If somebody’s actually after me, why the hell will they use a virus? Why not shot me instead or plant a bomb?’

Shane shrugged. ‘Maybe it’s their way of being dramatic about it. Whoever’s behind this wants you to suffer... or rather wants to make Carly suffer watching you die of it.’

‘But Carly’s cured me before...’ Bo stopped short, remembering Daniel’s words; It’s a harder strain... the antidote won’t work. If Shane was right and the virus was actually meant for him, the culprit was dead sure she wouldn’t find the cure for it! But Carly and Darcy’s chances were high since what Marcus has to do is alter Carly’s serum; the culprit couldn’t possibly know that or the fact that only Marcus knew about Carly’s work. They were steps ahead; Marcus was a brilliant doctor and he would definitely save them. Bo forced himself to relax.

‘Let the specialists find out something before we jump into conclusions, okay?’ he said.

Shane shrugged, glancing at his watch. Roman was going to meet with the CDC men and get back to him if anything was actually found and he felt sure there would be; even though, as Bo insisted, Byron was hale and hearty.

Marlena, John, Brady and Adrienne came a while later to visit Carly and Darcy; followed shortly by Sami and Rafe; Ciara and Byron with them- the sight of his daughter and little boy cheering Bo up a bit. He tapered the sketch Ciara had drawn for Carly; while Daniel put up Darcy’s; wanting them to see something cheery when they woke up again.

Roman called while he was talking to Shane.

‘We were right, Bo. It was in your car the whole time.’

‘How the hell is that possible, Byron’s not sick!’ Bo argued.

‘That’s because the virus isn’t airborne like I thought. The CDC guys found something on your cup holder, a half empty bottle of Evian. What’s left in it has traces of the virus. That’s how they got it; it was in the water- Carly and Darcy took a drink from it.’

‘Oh my God...’ Bo’s blood ran cold as he thought about what Shane said, that the virus probably was intended for him. Victor once tried to kill him after all and he was always was a very good liar; disgustingly good at covering his tricks. He was the real target but instead his fiancée and their daughter fell into the trap. He could visualise it... Carly and Darcy talking in the car, then Darcy unscrewing the water, taking a sip then passing it to her mother...

‘Thanks Roman. I’ll meet you at the house in a few minutes.’ Bo hung up.

‘I take it old friend that you’re convinced this is a matter of foul play and not an accident?’ Shane asked, watching the look on Bo’s face.

‘The virus was in a bottle of water in my car, that’s how they got it and not Byron. And she was too tired to feed him that night, I heated some formula for him... finally everything makes sense!’

‘The few people know about this the better.’ Shane warned him. ‘Except Daniel and Marcus of course.’

‘Yeah, of course.’ Bo found Daniel and informed him.

‘Who the hell would try to kill you with a virus?’ Daniel demanded.

Bo’s grim look made him guess. ‘Are you kidding, he’s your father!’

‘Daniel, you don’t know the many unspeakable things that bloke’s done to Bo and Carly in the past.’ Shane said. ‘He’s capable of anything; all good actors wear masks so don’t be fooled.’

‘But Victor... Victor?’ Daniel couldn’t believe it.

‘It may not be him.’

The men turned to see Melanie behind them, looking pale and uneasy. ‘I overhead what you just said, sorry.’

‘You can’t say anything to anyone.’

‘No, of course not.’

Shane looked at the young woman suspiciously. ‘Why do you think it’s not Victor.’

‘I know Victor’s a creep but there’s someone else who might have had a motive. Not to hurt you but hurt Carly and Darcy through you. Chloe.’

Daniel stared at her. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘Look, Carly made me swear not to tell anybody; especially you, Bo and Darcy. It was a conversation I accidently overhead.’ Melanie rubbed the side of her neck, agitated. ‘Remember the time the elevator here crashed with Chloe in it? It was Carly who meant to be in it.’

‘What?’ Bo shouted.

‘Chloe had someone rig the elevator but at the last minute, she couldn’t go through with it. So she pulled Carly away before she could get into it but in the struggle Carly pushed her into it.’  

‘Why didn’t she tell me? How could she let Chloe get away with it?’ Bo demanded, unable to believe Carly would keep such a thing to herself.

‘That’s what I said, I begged her to tell you but she said it was an error of judgment on Chloe’s part and with her being pregnant at the time...’ she shrugged.

‘If that woman’s behind this, I’ll kill her with my bare hands.’ Daniel swore.

‘Wait in line, doc.’ Bo spat, bringing out his cell phone.

::::

‘I didn’t put anything in your car, I swear it!’ Chloe Lane insisted.

‘But you’re willing to admit that you tried to kill Carly. We know about the elevator, Chloe.’

‘She said she was never going to tell you about that.’ Chloe mumbled.

‘You’re in big trouble, lady.’ Bo said ominously.

‘It was a mistake...’ Chloe pleaded. ‘Bo, listen to me; I pulled her away from there because I’m not a killer. Carly knew I cheated on Daniel. She didn’t know who it was at the time. But she said I was to come clean with Daniel or she’ll tell him herself. I was scared and angry; I didn’t know what to do. Then... then... I found myself talking to Vivian about how Carly was a thorn on my side and Vivian came up with the idea...’

‘My God!’ Bo thundered. Chloe shrank against her seat, her vivid blue eyes frightened.

‘Carly forgave me; she said Vivian was good at manipulating people.’

‘So that’s why you got so chummy with her.’ Roman said. ‘Because she didn’t press charges against you.’

Chloe swallowed and nodded. ‘That was when I made a deal with her; that if the baby turned out to be Daniel’s, she won’t say a word to him. I came back here to see if there was a chance I could get Daniel back... that’s all. Whatever it is that Carly and Darcy took to make them so sick, I didn’t plant it, I swear.’

Bo glared at her, filled with disgust. His cell rang in his back pocket and he answered it. ‘Brady.’

‘Hi, Bo.’ Came the familiar voice. Bo felt his heart lift. Marcus was in town at last.