Emily knocked Carly’s office door at Deception. She heard Carly yell for her to come in and she opened the door the rest of the way.

Laura Spencer, the other owner, was arguing with Carly. Between them stood a beautiful girl with mocha colored skin and braided hair—along with the snobbiest face Emily had ever seen. Gia Campbell was the new Face of Deception and Emily hadn’t liked her since the moment she’d met her.

“Hey, Em,” Laura greeted warmly. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. How is the family?” Emily asked, hoping Laura would drop some mention of Lucky and Luke. She hadn’t seen either for almost a year and she was beginning to miss her surrogate father and brother.

“Luke and Lucky are still overseas,” Laura said sadly. Her face brightened. “But Lulu’s headed for the second grade next year.”

“That’s great,” Emily said, grinning. “If you hear from Luke and Lucky, tell them to give me a call.

“Sure.” Laura turned back to Carly. “We’ll finish this later. Come on, Gia.” Laura and Gia left the office.

Carly wrinkled her nose. “God, I hate that girl.”

Emily sat down. “Well, she’s beautiful. That’s all that matters.”

Carly shrugged. “Whatever.” Her eyes brightened. “I talked to Jason last night.”

“I didn’t get a chance to check in with Beth.” Emily couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across her face. “But I did see her asleep in Jason’s room this morning. I think she finally opened up to him.”

Carly grinned. “They spent the night together?”

Emily nodded. “I think it was platonic, but that’s a far cry from where they were last week.”

Carly nodded. “But don’t worry, Jase has got it bad for Liz, no doubt.”

“I think Beth feels the same way,” Emily agreed. “I meant to talk to her, but my own love life set in. I’ve been ignoring Nik and I feel really bad. Of course, he understands but that’s just because he’s sweet.”

Carly nodded. “So what’s the plan for today?”

“Well, Nik’s coming over to watch Law and Order and then he’s leaving because I gotta order out and get the apartment set up. AJ and Jason are having dinner with me and Beth tonight. We’re going to catch up, reminisce and …. See exactly how close Jason and Beth really are,” Emily replied.

“Call me as soon as possible,” Carly ordered. “I want to know how it went.”

Emily nodded, “Will do. How’s the Deception launch party going?”

“Right on schedule. So, we’ve gotten the bike ride – which Jason tells me Liz absolutely adored. They’re friends enough to spend the night in same bed – which is saying quite a bi,t if you ask me,” Carly said. “And we all see the attraction. The thing is – do they?”

“I don’t know,” Emily said plainly. “But I’m going to try and find out tonight. If they’re attracted and they both know it, we might not want to do anything overt. We don’t want to do anything that will hurt our cause.”

Carly nodded, “Definitely. We don’t want to cause any miscommunications or problems. So, maybe once we know what’s going on, we can invite them out for dinner…make the reservations for two and not show up.”

“That’s a good idea. We can have roses or something waiting at the table. Ooh, and AJ and I have decided that Beth probably works for Sonny, so we can have flowers delivered there for her.”

Carly’s eyes were practically glowing with happiness. “I think this is one scheme that might actually.”

“There’s always a first time,” Emily replied. She checked her watch. “I’m going to head to the florist before going home. Beth likes lilies so I’ll have those delivered. With no card. Jason won’t take credit – but maybe he’ll just keep his mouth shut and let her give him credit.”

Carly shook her head. “No. Probably not. Maybe, we can convince him to deliver flowers to her.”

“Jason? Flowers?” Emily asked doubtfully. “I don’t know.”

“You never know,” Carly pointed out.

“That’s true. Last night, AJ and the family took over the apartment, so I went to Jason’s to crash. I hinted to Jason that Beth was working late and he was out the door. Flowers…might do the trick. Always made me feel good. One time, Nikolas had them delivered to me right before a final. Just made my whole day better – I passed the final, too,” Emily said, grinning. “All right. I’ll make a note to talk to Jason then. I’d better go.”

“See ya,” Carly said.

—-

Emily leaned against Nikolas on the couch and sighed with satisfaction. “I’ve missed this.”

Nikolas leaned over slightly to grab the bag of Doritos, “Me, too.”

She leaned her head back to give him a teasing glare. “I think you like coming over for the food,” she grumbled.

Nikolas crunched on a chip, “That, too.”

Emily shrugged, “S’okay. I like you because you’re cute, not because you’re smart.” She snuggled in deeper. “No talking, show’s on.”

They sat watching the show in silence until the first commercial – and then the arguing began. “He killed three people,” Emily said, shaking her head. “Throw the book at him.”

“You know McCoy’s gonna go nuts on him,” Nikolas said, reaching for a can of soda. “This was what…like a season after Claire was killed?”

Emily nodded. “He’s probably gonna cheat.” She frowned. “Haven’t I seen this episode before?”

Nikolas shrugged, “Probably. I think we had the same conversation last time.”

Emily grinned, “Yeah. But it’s still fun.” She leaned back to look at him adoringly. “No one else understands the obsession but you.”

“Hey, good to know I’m good for something,” Nikolas replied, trailing a finger down her cheek.

She closed her eyes and sighed happily. “You’re good for a lot of things.”

“Oh, really?” Nikolas asked, curiously. “Like what?”

“Oh, no. We’re not turning this into what Emily Loves about Nikolas.” Emily shook her head. “That would take too long.”

“Hey, just give me the top five,” Nikolas suggested. She propped herself up and giggled. “What? I’ll give you my top five.”

Emily considered this, “All right. Top five. Five,” Emily reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I like the way we fit together.”

“Five,” Nikolas said. “I love the way your eyes sparkle when you’re arguing with me.”

“Four,” Emily continued, “I love the fact we can sit around all afternoon and not have to do anything at all…and we’re still happy.”

“Four, I love waking up with you in my arms.”

Emily allowed herself to kiss him lightly, “Such a sweet guy. Four, I like the way you smile at me when I first open my eyes in the morning.”

“Three, I love the way your hair curls around your ears.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You’re insane. Three,” she took an arm from his neck and wrapped her hand in his. “I love that my hand fits so neatly in yours.”

“Two,” Nikolas said, his voice growing serious. “I love that even after two years of dating, you’re still the only girl I want to see when I wake up and when I sleep. I love that I can tell the second you enter or leave a room.”

“That’s two things,” Emily whispered. “Two, I love that my day isn’t complete until I hear your voice or see your face. I can’t sleep without that.”

Nikolas brushed her hair out of her eyes. “One,” he said, staring into her eyes, “I love that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Emily gasped. “Y-you w-what?” she asked, trembling.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” Nikolas repeated. Suddenly he felt a little nervous. Maybe their relationship wasn’t ready for that.

“One,” Emily said, her voice suddenly firm. “I love that there’s no one else I want to be with. I love that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Nikolas grinned and pulled her face towards his. “I love you,” he said.

“I love you, too,” she whispered just before their lips met.

—-

Elizabeth smiled as she watched Emily humming her way across the kitchen. Elizabeth continued to stir the sauce. “Someone had a good day today,” she said, grinning.

Emily started sprinkling garlic on the rolls. “Nikolas told me he wants to spend the rest of his life with me,” she reported happily.

Elizabeth dropped the spoon and spun around, “Oh my God!”

Emily twirled in a circle. “Nothing can bring me down. My life is finally making sense. I’ve got the world’s most amazing boyfriend, you and Jason are getting close again, AJ’s in town, its summer…” she stopped, her eyes gleaming. “Tell me, Beth. Can it get any more perfect than this?”

Elizabeth hugged her friend. “That’s amazing!”

Emily pulled away. “I need you something, and you have to promise that you’ll tell me the truth.”

Elizabeth frowned, “Of course.”

Emily took a deep breath. “I saw you and Jason this morning, in his penthouse, in his room.” She watched the flush cover Elizabeth’s face. “Now, I know you didn’t sleep with him. Did you tell him…?”

Elizabeth nodded and returned to stirring the sauce. “I told him everything – more than what I told you.”

Emily flinched. “You didn’t tell me everything?” she asked, hurt.

“It’s not that,” Elizabeth assured her. “There were just parts of the story that it didn’t feel right that anyone but me and Jason would know.”

Emily bit her lip, “All right. Will you tell me one day?” she asked hesitantly.

Elizabeth nodded, smiling, “Definitely.”

Emily started putting the rolls in the oven. “So…how do you feel about my brother?” she asked not looking up.

Elizabeth sighed. “I have no idea.”

Emily shut the oven and straightened. “How can you not have an idea?”

“It’s confusing,” Elizabeth murmured. She stared into the red sauce. “I was crazy about him before the accident. And now…” She looked up and turned her face towards Emily. “And now I think I’m falling for him all over again. But I don’t know who I think he is. Jason Quartermaine, Jason Morgan or something in between. And I can’t make any decision because I’m so wrapped up in these damn memories that I don’t know what’s going on in my mind.”

Emily got the iced tea mix out of the cabinet and started scooping it into a pitcher. “All right, quick test.” She put the pitcher underneath the faucet and started filling it. Once she was satisfied, she turned off the water and pulled the pitcher out. Stirring it, she continued, “What did you like best about Jason Quartermaine? Don’t think too long. Just answer it.”

“The way he protected me,” Elizabeth said instantly, “And not just from my father, from everything. When my grandmother died, when the kids at school picked on me…” she trailed off. “He made me feel safe when no one else could.”

Emily smiled. She adored her brother, but part of her still missed the boy he’d been. “What do you like best about Jason Morgan?”

“He doesn’t push me,” Elizabeth replied. “I honestly think he would have been satisfied with me not telling him. He wouldn’t be happy – but he wouldn’t push. He’d wait until I was ready to tell him.” She smiled. “He’s also a good kisser.”

Emily dropped the spoon into the pitcher. “Shit.” She dug it out and laid it on the counter. “Did you just say…?”

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked away. “You see what I mean, Em? The things I like best about them are…things they did for me. How selfish is that?” She shook her head. “I’m better off staying away from him.”

Emily sighed. “You said that Jason made you feel safe when no one else could. That’s not selfish at all, Beth. It was the way he made you feel, and that’s important.” She went to the refrigerator and opened the freezer. “And you basically said that Jason gives you space…time to deal what’s going on without him demanding answers. That’s important, too. You know?” She grabbed a tray of ice cubs and shut the freezer. “So, it’s not cut and dry. Part of Jason is still who he used to be, there’s this whole other person inside of him now that’s nothing like the boy we grew up with.”

“How I do I figure out who I want?” Elizabeth asked. She filled another pot with water and set it on the stove to boil. “I knew the old Jason inside and out. I knew the arrogant parts he showed to everyone else, and the way he’d hold me after a nightmare. I remember him at parties where he lorded his popularity and I remember playing games in the garden.” She opened a cabinet and took out some boxes of pasta. “This Jason…I’m getting to know him. I never really gave him a chance before. But again, I’m getting two sides. The way he is around Sonny when he’s working and the way he was last night. He sat with me while I explained my terrible life and do you know what? He apologized for not being there. He blames himself.”

Emily put the pitcher into the fridge and opened another cabinet to grab some plates. “I knew he would. And he probably will for a long time.” She headed to the small dining room and started setting the table.

Elizabeth sighed, frustrated. “Why is it so hard to let him go?” she asked. “It’s been five years. I should be over him.”

Emily reentered the kitchen and opened the silverware drawer. “Maybe you have.”

Elizabeth looked up. “What?”

“Maybe you got over Jason Quartermaine and the reason you think you didn’t is because you’re confusing the feelings you have for Jason now with the ones you had then.” Emily frowned. “Did that make any sense?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah, in a roundabout way.” She put the pasta in the water. “I care about Jason, I really do. But I’m scared to open up again like that. I lost him once – I don’t know that I could survive it again.”

Emily pulled some glasses out of the cabinet. “Jason Quartermaine was great,” she said. “And I’ll always miss him.” She eyed her friend. “But, Beth. Jason Quartermaine and Jason Morgan are two different people. Yeah, there are some similarities – that’s to be expected, but the sooner you realize that Jason Quartermaine is dead and that he’s never coming back, the happier you’ll be. Don’t use Jason as a substitute. He deserves more.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms. “Is that what you think I’m doing?” she asked, tightly.

Emily paused for a few minutes. Finally, she shook her head slowly. “No. I know you didn’t want to open up to him again. I know how hard it was for you to trust that Jason wanted to help. And I know what it must have cost you to tell him the truth, but I know my brother very well. He won’t leave you on purpose. He’s going to be around for a long time.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I know.”

“If it’s any consolation, Beth,” Emily said, taking the glasses to the table. “I saw the two of you this morning. You were wrapped in each other’s arms and quite frankly, I’ve never seen either of you look that at peace. There’s something between you two, I can feel it. Anyone who’s in the same room with you can. And I’ve always felt it – even when you two were at each other’s throats. You just have to decide if you’re ready to put your memories in the past and look to the future.” Emily opened the oven and took out the finished garlic rolls.

“But, you know what, Beth? Tonight, let’s forget romance and forget the pain. They’ll be here soon and for the first time since the accident, I finally think…” Emily paused, searching for the right way to say it. She saw Elizabeth smiling at her gratefully. “I think it’s going be okay. We’re all going to find our way in life. AJ found his first. I’m getting there … and I think you and Jason might find your way together. We’ve been friends since forever, Beth. And nothing has ever changed that. Not AJ’s drinking, our family problems or even Jason’s accident. We’re still all here. We’re still friends – hell, we’re still family.” She put the garlic rolls on the counter and swept her friend into a tight hug. “And no matter, what Beth-”

“-we’ll always be family,” Elizabeth replied, softly returning the hug. “We have been since the day we dared Lucky Spencer to eat glue in the first grade. Since I spilled that juice on Jason and since AJ tackled me to the ground and ruined my favorite dress.” She pulled away and wiped at her eyes. “You’re my best friend in the entire world, Em, and all the boyfriends, sisters, brothers in the world can’t change that. You were my sister first. You were the first person to look past my sister and like me for me. You didn’t become Sarah’s friend and then invite me along out of pity.” She smiled. “We invited Sarah because we pitied her.”

“You are my best friend, too,” Emily said, her eyes watery. “And nothing can come between us. All the secrets in the world will never change that.” She laughed. “AJ and Jason will think we’ve lost our minds.”

“Nah,” Elizabeth said, reaching for the Kleenex. “They’ve seen us cry over silly things before. Remember Forrest Gump?”

“And Willow?” Emily said. “They’re good sports, though aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” Elizabeth grinned widely passing the box to Emily. “Man, I lucked out the day they put me in your first grade class.”

“Me, too,” Emily pulled a Kleenex from the box and blew her nose. “Come on. Let’s get dinner ready so we can clean up.”

While Emily and Elizabeth were finishing up in the kitchen, AJ and Jason sat at the dining room table waiting. AJ leaned over to the table and said, “Do they look like they’ve been crying?”

“Yeah. But they’re smiling,” Jason said.

AJ shook his head. “Women. They cry over anything. Now, men, we save it for the important things, like when the Giants lose or the Yankees have a bad game.” He smirked, “Or when their wife finds their porno collection.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “Personal experience?”

“Nah, I got friends,” AJ said, shrugging.

Emily came out with the pot of sauce, and Elizabeth followed with the strainer of pasta. “We still have to get the iced tea and garlic bread,” Emily said, “so hold on before you dig in.”

AJ and Jason both started to rise. “We said we’d help,” Jason said.

Elizabeth pushed him down. “Our apartment, our dinner. Sit.” They returned to the kitchen.

AJ smiled in relief. “Good. For a minute, I thought they’d take us up on it. I’ve learned not to offer at home. Courtney always takes me up on it.”

Jason rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

AJ shrugged. “Hey, I work hard. ELQ sucks, but it pays for that nice brick home in the suburbs.”

“How in the world did you talk Edward into giving you a job at the New York headquarters?” Jason asked. “The last I heard, you broke ties when Emily did.”

“I’ve only been back a year, but it was actually easy,” AJ explained. “See, I took a page from his book. I blackmailed him.”

“Was it worth it?”

“Hell, yes,” AJ replied. “I never see the family there, the vacation time is great, so Court and I always have time to spend with the kids, and let’s face it, Jase, money is always nice.”

“Do I want to know what you blackmailed with?” Jason asked warily.

AJ grinned. “The usual, another illegitimate child.”

Emily and Elizabeth reentered again, each carrying something. They sat the iced tea and garlic bread down and took their seats. “Dig in.”

There was only the sound of clinking silverware and eating as they served themselves. Finally, Elizabeth cleared her throat. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

Jason and Emily looked at her oddly, but AJ rubbed his hands together. “Ooh, I hope its gossip.”

“Sometimes, I wonder if you were a woman in a past life,” Emily said, shaking her head.

“I think I’ll forget you said that,” AJ replied. “What is it, Liz?”

“Um, I’ve written three novels…” Elizabeth took a deep breath, “And submitted them to publishers. All three have been rejected by numerous places. The last one just being a few days ago.”

AJ frowned, “Stupid sons of bitches. Don’t they know talent when they see it?”

Emily rolled her eyes. “AJ, you’ve never read her stuff.” She looked at Elizabeth. “Not that I think it’s bad, it’s just-”

Elizabeth cut her off with a smile. “It’s fine. Thanks, AJ.”

“Good. Now, who can I beat up?” AJ asked honestly.

“I’m twenty, AJ. Not ten,” Elizabeth said. “I can handle myself now.”

AJ frowned. “But I saved you from Lucky.”

Emily and Elizabeth exchanged amused glances. “I guess AJ has forgotten,” Elizabeth said, giggling, “Considering he’s the one that ran away.”

Emily laughed, “While Jason saved the day.”

“Ran away?” AJ repeated. “I don’t remember that.”

“Well, it’s not like the situation called for both of you anyway,” Emily said. “It was just Lucky, after all. Scrawny little Lucky.”

Jason frowned. “What are you talking about?”

AJ groaned. “No, no. Don’t tell him. Not if I don’t look good.”

“Actually, if that’s true, I think I would like to hear it,” Jason said.

AJ threw a napkin at his brother, “Traitor.”

Emily rubbed her hands together. “It’s a great story. You want to tell it, Liz, or should I?”

“You’d better. I’m afraid I might be too harsh on Lucky,” Elizabeth replied.

Emily wrinkled his nose. “Come on, Liz. We were only ten. I think you can let it go.”

“Let it go?” Elizabeth echoed. “Are you nuts? He ripped my poster and pushed me on the ground. I still have a scar.”

“You know Lucky was only trying to be a bully. Jason nipped that in the bud,” Emily reminded her.

Elizabeth shifted, “Doesn’t matter.”

Emily rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Anyway, we were ten, right and I think we were in the park on the fourth of July. The family had the tent set up…”

“That sucks,” Lucky Spencer said. Elizabeth turned around and glared at the slightly taller brunette. He was pointing at the big poster she was coloring of the fireworks.

“You suck,” Elizabeth replied.

Lucky smirked and kicked some dirt onto the poster.

“Hey!” Elizabeth cried. She kicked him hard in the leg. He pushed her aside and stepped on the poster and twisted his foot so that the paper ripped. Elizabeth started kicking and pushing him, but Lucky shoved her to the ground – hard. Elizabeth rolled onto her back and pulled up her jeans to see the wound on her knee. She started to cry.

“You’re such a girl, Webber,” Lucky spat.

“Hey, Spencer!” AJ said, spinning the boy around. AJ hadn’t hit his growth spurt, so even at fourteen, Lucky still had a good two inches on him.

“What are you gonna do about it, Quartermaine?” Lucky said, smirking. He pushed the older boy, who went sprawling on the ground. AJ jumped to his feet and without another glance took off. “Don’t worry, Lizzie, I’ll get Jason!”

“Get up Webber,” Lucky said. “Don’t be such a baby.”

“What’s going on here?” Jason asked, entering the clearing. He crossed his arms. Even at twelve, he was taller than AJ. Taller than Lucky, too. “What are you doing, Spencer?”

“Get away, Quartermaine. Ain’t your affair. Get up, Webber. You want to hit me?”

Elizabeth climbed to her feet. “You’re a horrible mean little boy has no friends,” she said, clenching her fists. “I heard my mother say that even your own brother won’t talk to you!”

Lucky’s face turned purple. “I don’t talk to him. And he’s not my brother!” He gave Elizabeth another push, sending her face first into the dirt.

Jason grabbed Lucky’s collar. “Don’t touch her!” He threw Lucky to the ground – a bit harder than Elizabeth had gone. Lucky jumped back up, blood smeared on his face. He went straight for Jason, but someone pulled him away.

“Hey, Cowboy, knock it off,” Luke Spencer said, holding the back of Lucky’s shirt. “What’s going on here?”

“Lucky was picking on Lizzie,” Jason said. He held a hand to Elizabeth who pointedly ignored it and stood up.

“He ripped my poster,” Elizabeth said in a small voice. “And he pushed me?”

“What?” Luke shook Lucky. “You don’t hit girls, you get me Cowboy?

“Yeah, I get you,” Lucky muttered, shrugging out of Luke’s grasp. “But she ain’t no girl!”

Elizabeth gasped and went for him. Jason grabbed her by the waist to hold her back. “Remember the last time you tried that?” he said.

She whirled around. “You keep out of this!” she cried.

Luke smirked. “All right. That’s enough. Lucky, apologize to Elizabeth.”

“I ain’t apologizing to nothing!” Lucky yelped. Luke smacked him upside the head.

“Apologize or I’ll tell your mother you hit a girl.”

“I’m sorry,” Lucky muttered. He glared at the two and stalked away. Luke followed him…

AJ glared at his sister. “You weren’t even there. You can’t trust Elizabeth’s version of what happened. She was being traumatized by that little…little…” AJ trailed off.

Elizabeth reached over and smacked him in the arm. “I resent that! I could have handled Lucky!”

“And I didn’t hear it from Beth,” Emily replied. She gestured towards Jason with her fork. “I got it from Jason.”

“And he made himself out to be a hero,” AJ grumbled. “I bet you anything I took Spencer down.”

Elizabeth laughed. “No. You were the one who was running. I definitely remember that.”

AJ shrugged. “Well, you didn’t want Jason’s help either.”

“That’s because I didn’t like Jason,” Elizabeth replied. She shot a glance at Jason who seemed amused by the whole situation. “It’s not my fault he was bigger than you.”

“Yeah, well, you always liked Jason better.” AJ sat back in his chair and sulked.

Emily giggled. “AJ, you’re twenty-four. Grow up. It was ten years ago.”

“Doesn’t matter,” AJ whined.

“Aww, it’s okay, AJ, you have a special place in my heart,” Elizabeth assured him. She kissed him on the cheek. Emily shot a look at Jason – his eyes did seem to narrow a bit and jaw clenched. But she might have been imagining that.

“So, did AJ ever do anything remotely heroic?” Jason asked, finally. “Or was that always me?”

AJ threw a small piece of garlic bread at him. “Traitor,” he said again.

“Well, there was that time he took blame for breaking that statue,” Emily said.

“Yeah, but that was only after Jason,” Elizabeth reminded her.

“True. Ooh, what about that time Sly Eckert was picking on me?”

“No. That was Nikolas.”

Emily frowned. “Did you do anything AJ?”

AJ glared at her. “You know,” he drawled, “my talents were not geared towards the white knight side. That was always the golden boy. I was entertaining.”

“Entertaining,” Emily snorted. “That’s way to put it.”

AJ clutched his heart. “I’m hurt, Em, really.”

“Oooh, I remember something. Remember when Foster was-” Elizabeth paused. “No. That wasn’t you either.”

AJ turned his glare towards her. “You know, it’s not my fault. Jason was taller than me until I was seventeen. People were more intimidated.” He turned to his brother. “Come on, Jase. Help me out.”

Jason shook his head and spread some spaghetti on a piece of garlic bread. “Hey, I don’t play the white knight anymore.”

AJ glared at him. “You’re all against me.”

“Oh, AJ. It’s just so much fun messing with you,” Emily laughed. She helped herself to some more pasta. “Besides, you had your good points. Remember my eleventh birthday party when you dumped that whole bowl of ice cream on Grandfather? I mean, how great was that?”

“I remember that!” Elizabeth said, laughing. “I thought Edward was going to kill you.”

“Well,” AJ scratched his ear. “He shouldn’t have said what he said.”

Jason leaned forward. “What’d he say?”

AJ shrugged, “Nothing important.”

Emily burst out hysterically laughing. “AJ was dating Keesha Ward at the time and Grandfather offered her a position at ELQ – if she’d break it off with AJ. Keesha responded by throwing her punch on him.”

“Which AJ followed up with the ice cream.” Elizabeth laughed. “And then there was your fifteenth birthday, AJ.”

“No need to share that,” AJ said firmly. “That was nine years ago. Water under the bridge.”

Emily wiggled her eyebrows. “What? Ashamed Ned found you in the stables with Keesha – and Brenda Barrett?”

“Brenda?” Jason said. “Wasn’t she like thirteen at the time?”

“We weren’t doing anything,” AJ said, lamely. “Keesha wanted to, er, see the new stallion. Brenda had a crush on me. She was following me around.”

“Poor girl ran screaming from the stables,” Emily said, tears starting to stream down her face.

“Good to know I kept you all happy,” AJ grumbled.

“You did say you were the entertainer,” Elizabeth reminded him.

“Traitor.”

—-

Later after dinner, they sat sprawled out in the living room. Emily and Elizabeth appropriated the couch, Jason stretched out in the armchair and AJ lounged on the floor.

“So, Em….” AJ drawled staring at the ceiling. “Is Nikky ever going to make an honest woman out of you?”

Emily propped herself up on the couch and glared at her brother. “We’re not living together,” she said, “So that statement is totally irrelevant.”

“Already talking like a lawyer,” Jason said.

“Hey, watch it or I won’t be your lawyer,” Emily warned.

“Oh, come on, Em.” AJ sat up and leaned on his elbows. “How do you feel about the kid?”

“Kid?” Emily raised an eyebrow. “He’s a year younger than you are.”

“Which makes it a scary prospect,” AJ replied. “You’re avoiding the question.”

“And doing it quite spectacularly, I might add,” Elizabeth said.

“Thank you,” Emily replied. “As for Nikolas, we’re in love and we’re content to stay that way. We’re not at the point in our lives where we need anything more. We’re both in college, we both have dysfunctional families, and neither one of us are pushing for a commitment.”
“Happy?”

AJ nodded, “As long as he treats you right.”

“Don’t worry,” Elizabeth said. “Nikolas treats Emily like a princess.”

AJ grinned. “And what about you, my lovely Liz, anyone special in your life?”

Without even intending to do so, Elizabeth glanced at Jason who seemed to be watching her intently. Emily and AJ both noted the glance and mentally filed it away for later use.

“Well, Beth?” Emily asked, evilly. Elizabeth glared at her.

“Yes,” Elizabeth said, glaring at both her friends. “And that’s all I’m saying about it.”

“Oh, come on, Elizabeth,” Jason said, a slight smile on his face.

Elizabeth eyed him. “What about you, Jase?” she asked suddenly. “You’re awfully quiet on the subject.”

AJ liked the way this conversation was going and he turned his head to face his brother. “Yeah, Jase, how about you?”

Jason glared at AJ much the way Elizabeth had glared at Emily earlier, “None of your business.”
“Oh, you get to question Beth, but we can’t do the same to you?” Emily asked crossing her arms. “Come on, Jase. Someone special…?”

There was no mistake about it this time – much to AJ and Emily’s delight. Jason stared straight at Elizabeth as he said, “Yes. There is.”

AJ grinned. “Want to tell us anything?” he asked.

Jason seemed to struggle with it for a second – but he finally spoke. “She’s the strongest person I know. She always wants to do things on her own – no matter how difficult that might be.”

Emily sneaked a look at Elizabeth who had a tiny smile on her face. Victory!

AJ cleared this throat. “That’s very romantic, Jase. So, Liz,” he said, turning his attention back to his other friend. “Want to tell us anything about your mystery man?”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. She had a feeling AJ knew exactly what he was doing. Gritting her teeth, “Not especially.”

“Come on, Beth,” Emily said quietly. “Jason found something to tell us.” She eyed her friend and smiled at her.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. “He respects the way I feel and gives me a chance to sort things out my own no matter how much he doesn’t agree. He understands that it’s important for me to handle my life on my terms, but I know that if I needed him, he’d be there.”

Anyone with half a brain would know that they were talking about each other, Emily thought happily. She had a feeling Elizabeth was on her way to making a solid decision about what she wanted. “He sounds wonderful, Beth,” Emily said. She knew he was wonderful – after all, he was her brother.

Elizabeth smiled. “He is wonderful, Em.” And again, there was no mistake. Elizabeth was looking straight at Jason when she said it. She wanted to high-five AJ but she thought that might be too much.

Elizabeth suddenly realized what she was doing and flushed. She grabbed her glass and stood quickly. “I’m going to get some more iced tea.” She headed for the kitchen. She had the pitcher out and was pouring it when she felt Jason enter.

“Hey,” he said coming to stand next to her. “I meant what I said out there.”

Elizabeth took a deep breath and looked up at him. “You never say things you don’t mean,” she said. “So I knew that. And I meant what I said out there, too.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I knew that, too.”

She put the pitcher on the counter. “I’ve been doing some thinking and Emily’s been helping. But I don’t want to talk about it tonight. Tonight’s about all of us, our friendship. I don’t want to think about bad memories, or the territory problems which will be more than likely waiting for us at work tomorrow. So,” she paused. She stepped back and looked up at him with a genuine smile. “Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow. There are some things we need to discuss.”

“All right,” Jason agreed. He reached past for her the pitcher. “Might as well fill my own glass so that I can stick to my cover story.”

Elizabeth grinned. “You know it’s almost full any way. And we’re not fooling the two of them you know? Because Emily knows what happened. She saw us this morning.”

Jason sighed. “Yeah. And I had a talk with AJ last night. So they’re both working at it.” Along with everyone else we know, he finished silently.

“I wish AJ lived closer,” Elizabeth said sadly. “I wish we could do this more often.”

Jason returned the pitcher to the fridge. “Even if I sometimes get lost with the conversation…” he trailed off, “I’m glad that we’re all still friends.”

She nodded. “I’ve missed this. That first year, we couldn’t be in the same room without fighting. I know it was hard for them. We’d been so close up until then.” She smiled. “I’m glad that’s changed.”

“Me, too,” He grinned. “Let’s get back before they think we’re up to something other than talking.

—-

Emily watched Jason leave the room. She leaned to talk to AJ. “They are so far gone.”

He grinned. “It’s a triumphant victory, isn’t it?”

“I wish you and Courtney lived closer,” Emily said. She sighed. “I miss seeing you whenever I felt like bugging you.”

“I know, Em. And believe me, I miss you, too. Port Charles has some bad memories.” AJ shrugged. “Maybe one day Court and I will come home – maybe we’ll mend the bridges with the family. But until I’m ready to face that, we’re better off where we are.”

Emily nodded. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

“I’m glad we’re all happy,” AJ replied. “I’m glad you and Nikolas are together. He’s a good kid, I’ve always felt that way. And Liz and Jase? They’re getting there all by themselves. A little push never hurt, though.”

Emily grinned. “Hey, you want to go see Grandmother tomorrow? She might be able to give us some pointers.”

AJ nodded. “Yep. Besides, I have pictures of the kids for her.”

Elizabeth and Jason returned then and they returned to their seats. “Hey,” Emily said, excitedly. “Let’s break out the album!”

“No!” Elizabeth begged. “Not the album.” But Emily was already up and dragging a photo album off the shelf. She plopped back on the couch, smiling widely.

“Em, I’m pleading,” AJ said. Emily stuck her tongue out at him.

“Remember this one?” she asked, opening it the middle and showing it to Elizabeth. “My eighth birthday party.”

Elizabeth giggled. “AJ, I forgot about the great shrimp incident of 1991.”

“The great what?” Jason asked. “I have to hear this one.”

Elizabeth traded looks with Emily. “I’ll tell this one. It was May, and for some reason, Monica had a great idea to have seafood at Emily’s party…”

Emily stared at the fish. “This sucks.”

Elizabeth smiled sympathetically at her friend. “Yeah, it does. But don’t worry. AJ and Jason already promised that we’re gonna ditch the party later and order pizza.”

“Why didn’t Mom just listen to me?” Emily asked miserably. “I just wanted some balloons, a cake and a barbecue.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Where are the rest of your friends?” she asked curiously. “Didn’t you invite the rest of the class?”

“Mom said they weren’t appropriate guests,” Emily said. She flopped down and sighed. “I hate fish.”

AJ came up and rubbed Emily’s head affectionately. “How’s my favorite sister?”

“She’s not happy,” Elizabeth reported.

AJ grinned. “Maybe I should cheer you up.” He reached forward and grabbed a crab leg off Emily’s plate. He started dangling it front of Emily.

“Ewww! Get ’em away from me!” Emily screeched. Elizabeth was giggling until AJ swung the leg in her direction. Elizabeth yelped and leaned back to get away and succeeded in falling off the chair.

“Smooth move, Lizzie,” Jason smirked. “I ordered the pizza. When it gets here, Reginald’s gonna come find me.”

Elizabeth looked up at Jason from her position on the ground. “You know what, Jason? Blow it out your ear,” she said.

Jason shook his head and held a hand out to help her up. “You’ve got to stop listening to Lois.”

Elizabeth ignored his hand and stood up. “What kind of pizza did you order?”

“Pepperoni and sausage,” Jason repeated. She grimaced.

“They suck. You shoulda gotten cheese.”

“If the two of you are done,” Emily said, “tell AJ to get the crab away from me.” She was leaning as far as she could without falling off the chair, but AJ was dangling the leg closer and closer.

“AJ, stop it,” Elizabeth ordered.

“Make me, Lizzie,” AJ replied, dangling it back her direction. Elizabeth took another step back and crashed into Jason.

“Knock it off,” Jason said. “Some people eat that stuff.”

Emily wrinkled her nose. “Why?”

Jason shrugged. “Some people are dumb.”

AJ opened his mouth to respond but a waiter knocked into him from behind and spilled his whole tray on him. AJ was covered in dipping sauces off all kinds, and shrimp was hanging from the pockets of his shirt.

Jason continued his statement without missing a beat. “And some people just look dumb.”

“Kids! Pictures!” Monica called.

“We must have snapped a dozen pictures before she realized AJ was a mess,” Elizabeth laughed.

“Served you right for scaring us,” Emily grumbled throwing her brother a dirty look. She turned a few pages. “Oh, hey…Beth, do you remember this Christmas…?”

Elizabeth took the album from her and looked at it. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I have a copy of it in my room. It’s the Christmas before the accident.” She bit her lip.

“That was my favorite Christmas,” Emily said fondly. She smiled at Elizabeth. “Remember? You spent Christmas Day with us. You were over really early and we opened our presents together.”

Elizabeth smiled, but the smile never quite reached her eyes. “That was a good Christmas.”

She’d been over early because she’d spent the night with Jason – and she’d spent the day because she’d been afraid to go home. It was the first Christmas she hadn’t woken up to her parents fighting and her siblings getting presents while Elizabeth was handed a few gift certificates. At the Quartermaines, Monica and Alan had bought her a few things, and so had Lila. Jason had gotten her a charm bracelet that she didn’t wear anymore.

She hadn’t gone home for three days, and by the time she did, her parents had been so busy with parties they hadn’t noticed she was gone.

“You okay, Liz?” AJ asked curiously having seen the sad look enter her eyes.

Elizabeth flashed another smile at him. “I’m fine. It’s just…I miss the family sometimes. Before everything…I was closer to them than to my own family.” She shifted uncomfortably. Pasting a smile on her face, she flipped past that page. But the pictures after that day were few and far between. There were no longer any pictures of the four of them…mostly just Emily and Elizabeth, or AJ and Emily, or Jason and Emily. There were a few of she and Jason, and maybe one of the she, Emily and Jason. As AJ’s drinking had gotten worse, they’d stopped spending time together. And towards the end of March, she’d stopped seeing AJ altogether. He was either drinking all the time or locked in his room with a hangover.

AJ seemed to understand where her thoughts had drifted. “I remember that last Christmas as the end of era,” he said quietly. “I’d give anything to go back and do it over again.” He took a deep breath. “But I know that’s highly unlikely. I’m sorry. I know I’ve said it a dozen times, but it won’t change any time soon. I’ll always be sorry.”

“AJ…” Emily sighed. “You made a bad judgment call. The family … they let all three of us walk away. And the only person who’s made any overtures is Grandmother. Everyone else is still too angry. This is not your fault. I made the decision to walk away. Jason made the decision. You didn’t influence our decision. I hated the way they treated you and the way Jason got treated. I didn’t want to ever give them the chance to do the same to me. You have nothing to apologize for.”

Jason nodded “Same here, AJ. I don’t blame you for my choices or theirs. Don’t worry about it.”

AJ swung his eyes to Elizabeth. “What about you, Liz?”

Elizabeth furrowed her brow in confusion. “What about me?”

“Do you forgive me?” AJ asked.

She raised her eyebrows. “For what?” she asked. “AJ, you didn’t do anything to me.”

AJ stared at her. “You’re kidding me.” He sat up more and leaned towards her. “I took Jason away, I ruined our childhood-”

“You didn’t do those things to me,” Elizabeth said quietly. “And you didn’t take Jason away, AJ. He’s right here. And believe me, AJ; you had nothing to do with ruining my childhood.”

AJ gave her a strange look and shrugged, “All right. Well…” he grinned. “As much as fun as this walk down memory lane was, I better head to the hotel. I want to tuck Mel and Kyle in before they’re too tired to remember.” He stood and stretched. “Can I help clean up or anything?”

Emily shook her head as she stood. “No. Beth and I got it.” She hugged her brother tightly.

“I’ll walk with you to the elevator,” Jason said standing. AJ hugged Elizabeth as Jason hugged Emily.

Both AJ and Emily watched closely as Jason and Elizabeth hugged each other. AJ noted that Jason practically swallowed her tiny body while Emily sighed happily at the fact that they held each other for almost a full minute.

They exchanged glances – it seemed that whatever mistakes had been made in the past … were finally being righted now.

Elizabeth was already waiting when Jason arrived at Kelly’s the next day. Truth be told he was a little anxious about the meeting – it didn’t seem likely she’d made up her mind in only one day. Last night’s dinner had given him some hope, but he wasn’t exactly a hopeful man.

He stood just outside the courtyard staring at her. She was sitting at one of the outside tables, sipping an iced tea waiting patiently for him. She looked a bit more rested than she had in the past few days – still a little pale for his liking, but maybe the nightmares would begin to fade again He was in no hurry to see her have another one. Her curly hair was tied back in a high pony tail and she wore a pair of flared jeans with a light blue tank top. He smirked. She looked more like a high school student than Sonny Corinthos’ silent partner.

Elizabeth seemed to sense his presence somehow and she looked up. She smiled and motioned for him to come over. He did so without hesitation and took the seat across from her.

“I didn’t order yet. I keep sending her back,” Elizabeth said smiling. “Have you been by the warehouse yet?”

Jason nodded. “Sonny wants me to bring you by this afternoon. It seems Chosky has taken a liking to you and will only talk to you.” He glanced around. “Carly give you the afternoon off?”

Elizabeth nodded. “I’m only going to work mornings at Deception until this problem is over. Carly doesn’t really need me there anyway.”

The waitress returned then and they gave her their orders. Once she was back inside, Elizabeth put her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “So I guess you want to hear why I asked you here.”

“I am a little curious,” Jason admitted.

She took a deep breath. “I’m not substituting Jason Quartermaine for you. I don’t pretend you’re him when I’m with you and I don’t want you to be him. I want to make that clear.”

Jason nodded, clearly relieved at her revelation. Before he could say anything, she continued.

“And I do care about you – a lot. But like I said the other night, a lot is happening in my life and I think that we need time before we start anything.” She paused, “If you want to start anything, that is. We’ve barely been talking civilly for a week – and I think any relationship we might have might be better served if we got to know each other better first.” She folded her hands and looked at him.

“You’re right. I’ve been back a week. And I’m not going anywhere…” Jason paused. “I’m back in Port Charles to stay. There’s a lot here for me. I see no reason to rush things.”

She smiled. “Good.”

“So, I’ve got a question for you.” Jason folded his arms on the table and leaned forward. “Just what do you know about Emily’s boyfriend?”

Elizabeth laughed. “Nikolas? He’s one of the best guys, I know. Seriously, I’ve known him since he moved to PC ten years ago. He moved here with his uncle, Stefan Cassadine. Shortly after moving here, Stefan revealed that Laura Spencer was his mother.”

“Now, she’s married to Luke Spencer, the owner of blues bar who’s never around, right?” Jason asked for confirmation.

She nodded. “Yeah, apparently, Laura was kidnapped by Nikolas’s family years ago and forced to marry Stefan’s older brother. Laura escaped and returned home. Anyway, Nikolas got along well enough with Laura and Luke even got used to him after a while. But he and Lucky were vicious enemies for at least two years.” Elizabeth smirked. “Lucky was going through the bully phase when we were ten because of that, at least that’s the theory. Emily’s right – Lucky’s not so bad. As long as he stays out of the country.”

“So, how did they become close enough for Lucky to introduce Nikolas and Emily?” Jason asked.

“Luke kidnapped them both and locked them in a cabin. He figured that when he went back to get them, they’d either be brothers or one would be dead. Simple. Luke would do anything for Laura – and Laura, more than anything, wanted the two of them to get along.”

“I guess it worked.”

“Yeah. Lucky and Emily were friends – but they never clicked as a couple. Nik was getting ready to graduate and we were sophomores. You and Nikolas were actually friends, too. You approved of him. They didn’t start dating until the summer after your accident, though.”

“And he treats her right?”

Elizabeth nodded firmly. “They’re perfect for each other, trust me.”

The waitress brought their food and they spent the next few minutes eating silently before Elizabeth spoke again.

“So, how did you manage to meet Carly? She’s only been in PC for three years, and she and Sonny have been married for only two.”

Jason took a sip of his iced tea. “Well, remember when he sent Carly to the island shortly after their marriage, because of Sorel?”

Elizabeth nodded. She smeared some ketchup on her burger. “Yeah. I remember. He wanted to send me, too.”

“Well, I was the guard that he sent with Carly. Told me there was no one he trusted more. I got to know Carly pretty well the two months she spent there.”

“She told me she told you about Florida,” Elizabeth said. “That’s part of the reason I knew I could trust you. She doesn’t tell a lot of people about that.”

Jason nodded. “Yeah, I know. She said as much then. She was having a few problems – because the island’s so close to Florida, I guess. She’d get really pale or really jumpy. I’m the one who convinced her to tell Sonny.”

“Which was a good idea. They’ve never been closer. I think Sonny has finally found the right woman.”

“I’d hope so. They’re married and all,” Jason remarked.

“Like being married has ever stopped Sonny’s search,” Elizabeth cracked. She sobered. “I feel bad. You know, because Carly told me about her childhood and I know all about Sonny. I haven’t told them.”

“You shouldn’t feel bad. Their experiences were a little bit more behind them,” Jason said. “Doesn’t make them any worse – but they’ve had longer to deal with them. You’ve only been out of your house for two years. If you ever tell them — they won’t be angry.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I think Sonny’s upset that I haven’t trusted him yet. He knows something wrong – and he knows that I’ve trusted you with it. Being family, I know that’s difficult.” She nibbled on a French fry. “I’m just not ready to keep telling it. Every time I do, the nightmares come back and I’m just getting back to normal.”

Jason nodded. “Then wait until you’re ready.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Elizabeth sighed.

“Some things are,” Jason replied.

“I wish I could think like that. I have a tendency to overanalyze a situation or make it worse than it is.” Elizabeth smirked. “I think that’s why Carly and I get along so well.”

“I think I should warn you,” Jason began, “that Emily and AJ aren’t the only ones out to, um, help.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “You mean other than them and Carly, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Who else?” Elizabeth asked, resigned.

“Well, AJ figures Courtney. I know Emily recruited Nikolas and my grandmother and I had the strangest conversation with Sonny the other day.”

“Consider yourself lucky that you got approval,” Elizabeth replied. “The last guy I dated, well, let’s just say he left town shortly after our relationship ended. Sonny scared the shit out of him.” She smiled “It’s all right. Didn’t like him anyway.”

Jason smiled slowly. “Sonny’s got good instincts.”

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled. “You only say that because you got his approval.”

Jason shrugged. “So?”

—-

Reginald had Lila waiting in the garden when AJ and Emily arrived. She smiled widely at the sight of her two grandchildren. “It’s so wonderful to see you.”

AJ leaned over to kiss his grandmother and so did Emily. “It’s good to see you, too,” AJ said, taking a seat.

“I’m so glad to see you, darling. How are Courtney and the children?” Lila asked.

AJ pulled his wallet out. “I brought pictures.” He looked around. “The rest of the family isn’t around right?”

Lila shook her head. “No, your parents are at the hospital and Edward is at the office.” She accepted the wallets that AJ gave her. “Oh, AJ, they’re so adorable. You must bring them by.”

AJ nodded. “Not a problem.”

“Now, Emily, how goes your little plan?” Lila asked, setting the pictures aside. “Are you making any progress?”

Emily nodded, grinning. “Jason and Beth are much closer – they haven’t fought since that first day and I’ve got it on good authority that they’ve kissed.”

AJ looked at Emily. “What? Says who?”

“Beth!” Emily squealed. “Isn’t that great?”

Lila smiled gently. “It’s wonderful. I would love to see him happy – and Elizabeth as well. She’s like my own granddaughter.”

“We get our way and she will be,” AJ said. “We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve but we’re mainly leaving it up to them. They seem to be doing well on their own.”

Emily nodded, “Which means you know it’s meant to be. We’re just giving them…a slight push.”

Lila laughed. “A slight push never hurt anyone. After all, I did arrange for Courtney to work in New York City.”

AJ grinned. “And I couldn’t thank you enough. How did you know she was the right one?”

“When you’ve lived as long as I have, darling, it’s just something you can recognize. There’s certain energy in the air. I saw it between yourself and Courtney the night you brought her home and I knew I had to make sure it wouldn’t be lost. So, I called in a few favors and arranged it.” Lila smiled. “And I’m very glad it worked out.”

“Wait, when did you bring Courtney to PC?” Emily asked curiously.

“It was just after rehab,” AJ explained. “I came home to see if the family had forgiven me. I didn’t want to do it alone, so I asked a few other people who were getting out the same time I was. Courtney was the only one available.”

Emily nodded. “Grandmother…” she asked hesitantly. “Do you see that with Nikolas and me?”

Lila gently patted her granddaughter’s hand, “Yes, darling. I do. He loves you very much.”

Emily beamed. “He’s the best.”

AJ grinned. “We are just a bunch of hopeless romantics, aren’t we?”

Lila laughed. “There are worse things to be, darling.” She sighed. “I do wish you could come more often. I miss the four of you being around.”

Emily nodded. “We miss it, too, believe me. Especially lately. I miss how simple and innocent everything used to be. When we were really young…when the worst problems we had to face was whether or not Beth and Jason would have a fight that day.”

AJ put an arm around his sister’s shoulder. “Problems come with the territory. You can’t be twenty-one and not have a few problems.”

Emily still looked troubled. “I miss the happy times with the family. I wish I hadn’t been forced to walk away. If only they would have been more understanding…” she shook her head. “I guess it’s useless to think of that.”

Lila sighed. “I wish I could have talked some sense into Alan, Monica and Edward. Things aren’t much better. Your parents are having problems – especially since they’re estranged from all three of their children and Edward…he does miss having you all around. I know it.”

Emily exchanged a look with her brother. “Maybe one day, we can mend the bridges. After all, what can they still be angry about? AJ is sober, has been for over four years. I’m in college, and Jason’s back in town and he’s happy, too. Or he will be.”

“I could never claim to know they’re thinking,” Lila replied. “When you see Jason and Elizabeth, please tell them to stop by. I miss them both.”

Emily nodded. “I know Jason would like to talk to you.”

“I get tired so easily these days, darlings,” Lila said. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine,” Emily said. “Go inside and rest. AJ and I will just take a walk and let ourselves out.” She and AJ kissed their grandmother goodbye and Reginald took her back inside.

Once she was gone, AJ sighed. “She’s getting older, Em. One day, she’ll be gone. What happens then?”

Emily shrugged sadly. “I think maybe we should think about approaching at least Mom and Dad.”

AJ nodded. “Let’s take a walk down memory lane.” He held his arm and Emily took it.

They walked through the vast garden before coming to a statue that seemed to be decapitated. Frowning, AJ stared at it. “This can’t be the one Liz knocked over.”

Emily smiled. “It is. I wonder why they didn’t get a new one.” Her eyes darkened as she remembered the day it broke.

“Liz’s father was so mad at her,” AJ said quietly. He circled the statue. “She looked so scared – I can’t say I don’t blame Jason for jumping in. I only wished I’d thought of it.” He met her eyes. “And when Edward tried to calm Jeff down by saying it wasn’t Lila’s favorite statue – I’d never seen him do anything like that before.” AJ looked at the statue again. “I wonder what Jeff would have done if he’d gotten Liz home…” AJ trailed off as Emily became uncomfortable. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

“What’s it?” Emily asked. AJ was too close to the truth for her taste.

“I always thought Jeff was a bastard – he and Katherine. They treated Sarah and Steven like gold and Liz like crap. Do you remember how jealous Sarah always was? She once told me that she would be better suited to be a friend to the Quartermaines…” AJ shook his head. “Jeff hit her, didn’t he?”

Emily sucked in a breath. She’d forgotten how observant AJ could be when he wanted to be. He was better at putting pieces together than anyone else she knew – which was why he did so well at ELQ. “AJ-”

“Don’t. I know Liz has probably sworn you to secrecy. But…it makes sense now. Why she was always here – early in the morning to late at night. Why she wore heavy clothing even in summer.” AJ looked away. “Jason knew. He probably was the only one who did – probably why they seemed closer after a while. That’s why the accident destroyed Liz.” He looked at her. “You don’t have to say anything. I think I’ve got it.”

“Oh, AJ,” Emily sighed. “She kept it a secret for so long – I feel so guilty. How could I have missed it?”

AJ kept staring at the statue. “You weren’t the only one, Em. I missed it, too. Even when I was sober… I was her friend and I was so busy drinking away whatever insignificant problems I had…I totally missed my best friend’s pain.” He took a deep breath and looked at her with sad eyes. “The mistakes…some mistakes you never stop paying for, huh?”

Emily hugged herself. “Maybe I didn’t want to see it,” she whispered. “Things were bad enough at home … and even when they weren’t… I guess I wanted to believe that since we had the perfect family, that Beth must have the same thing too. I guess I just couldn’t see it – I couldn’t fathom someone wanting to hurt another person like that.” Her eyes became angry, “How could he do that to her? She trusted him, trusted him to love her, protect her and keep her safe. How could he be so cruel and make her pay for something that wasn’t her fault?” Emily raged.

AJ reached out to touch the statue, “Because some men are weak. It’s easier to hurt a small child than it is to face what your wife’s done. He’s lucky he’s not standing in front of me – I might strangle him.”

“AJ, she can’t know that you know,” Emily said desperately. “She’ll think I told you.”

AJ shook his head. “Don’t worry, Em. I won’t tell her. But you know what? Her comment last night makes sense now. When you compare what I did to her father…I guess I didn’t ruin her childhood after all.” His eyes darkened. “But I took Jason away – and I get the feeling she needed him those last three years she was at home.” He gave Emily a small smile. “But maybe if … maybe if we can get them together … I’ll feel like I’m not such a bastard anyway.”

Emily reached out and hugged her brother tightly. “Believe it or not, AJ, we were very lucky. Our parents might not have shown it, but at least we know we were loved.”

AJ sighed, “Yeah, Em. And maybe it’s time to let the past go.”

—-

Sonny looked up as his sister and Jason entered the office. He grinned a little, thinking that while Carly’s idea had seemed crazy at first … maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. “About time, you two.”

Elizabeth smirked and put her purse on her desk. “Sonny, its 12:30. We were at Kelly’s for like a half an hour, tops.”

Jason closed the door behind him and leaned against it. Sonny took the hint and stood up. “Don’t worry about it. Listen, we got a call from Chosky. He seems to like you – thinks you have a good voice and a good head on your shoulders. He told me that anything we needed, he’d be more than happy to help. I, of course, told him that it was returned.”

Elizabeth nodded, all business now. “Good. He’s a good ally to have.”

“I got information that seems a little disturbing,” Sonny said. “One of our informants reported he’s been seeing working girls around Courtland Street. So, Jason, I want you to go track down Jack Gregg and get any other information he might be keeping from us.”

Jason nodded. “I’ll go now.” He glanced at Elizabeth before leaving. “See you later.”

“See ya,” Elizabeth replied, not able to hide her smile. Once Jason was gone, she shook her head and turned to Sonny. “What do you need me to do?”

“I need you to be on your toes,” Sonny said. “You’ve proved yourself to me, Liz. And it would usually take someone more than two years of research to do so.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Good. I worked hard enough.”

“So, if you want, you can take a more active role, starting with Verruchio.”

Elizabeth’s smile fell a little. “What about Jason?”

Sonny grinned and leaned against his desk. “Oh, you’re worried if you take on more that we won’t need Jason anymore.”

“No,” Elizabeth said, crossing her arms, “Not at all. It’s just that he’s moved back here, expecting to be a partner… I’d hate to see him go…” she trailed off and looked away.

“Oh, Liz,” Sonny said, amused. “You don’t lie very well.”

“I do, too,” Elizabeth said, defensively.

“I’m sorry, I take it back. You’re an excellent liar,” Sonny replied. “Anyway, you know my reasons for wanting to keep Jason as a partner even after you graduate – it takes a long time for a woman to get respected in this business and should something happen to me, I don’t want to have to worry about you.” He grinned. “And there’s the added benefit that you and Jason will run the business together one day.”

“Together…” Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not suggesting…” she rolled her eyes. “Gosh, Sonny, not you, too.”

“What?” Sonny asked innocently. “I just happen to agree with the majority.” He sighed. “You know how much I love you right?”

“Yeah,” Elizabeth said, grudgingly.

“And all I want is for you to be happy. And seeing you with Jason … You’re happy with him. And the people around you can see that. He’s happy with you, too. And trust me, you couldn’t ask for someone better.”

Elizabeth smiled a little and looked down. “He is great, isn’t he?” she asked shyly.

“He’s the best person I know,” Sonny answered plainly. “And he’s the only person good enough for my baby sister.”

Elizabeth crossed the office and wrapped her arms around her brother. “You know I love you right?”

Sonny hugged her back, “Yeah.”

“And that I do trust you.” Elizabeth pulled away. “I know that you’re worried – but I’m okay. I really am. And I know you’re hurt that I’m keeping something from you.”

“Liz-”

“And I want to thank you for not pushing me,” Elizabeth said quietly. She pulled away and stepped away a little. “And I want you to believe me that I will tell you. It’s just … it hurts a lot to tell and I’ve already done it twice in the last week.” She took a deep breath. “But, I guess you could say … that you, me and Carly…we all have something in common. And it’s not that we’re related. It’s something that happened to us.”

Sonny stared at her. “Liz-”

“I know there are people in my life that I’ve kept this from for too long,” she said quietly. “It’s just … I only trusted one person in my life and he was taken from me. I didn’t want to chance that again.”

Sonny crossed the office and crouched before her. “Your father abused you, didn’t he?”

Elizabeth was taken aback by the bluntness of the question, but she finally nodded, “Yeah.”

Sonny took her hand—he was almost afraid to ask. “Physically or…” he swallowed hard. “Sexually.”

Elizabeth’s eyes welled up with tears as she watched her brother’s reaction. “Just physically,” she promised. “He never touched me any other way.”

Sonny stood and pulled her into a tight hug, “Oh, god, Liz. I never…I wish I’d known then—I wish I could have taken you away from him.”

“It’s okay,” she whispered, burying her face in his chest. “I had Jason and when I didn’t have him, I had a memory of him telling me to stay strong. I made it Sonny, I got through it and here I am.”

“But this never ends, Liz,” Sonny said, sadly. “It’s something you never really let go of. It stays with you. I know that’s a horrible thing to say, but I know. And Carly knows. You can get past it, you can move on. But part of you will always be that little child.”

Elizabeth brushed at her tears. “I know,” she said, brokenly. “I know part of me will always be screaming at him to stop. But I can’t let that rule my life, which is why I can’t hide from it anymore.”

“You come to me,” Sonny said forcefully, stroking her hair. “Nightmare, anything, you come to me and Carly and we’ll get you through it. No matter what, kid, you always have us. That will never change.”

Elizabeth started to cry harder. “Thank you,” she whispered through her tears. “You have no idea how much it means to me that I have a family that cares.”

“Yeah, I do, Liz. I do get it and believe me, no one will ever take that from you again,” Sonny promised. He kissed the top of her head. “I’ve had the luck to be blessed twice, first with my beautiful and incredible wife and now my beautiful and incredible sister. You two are the strongest people I know. And it’s people like you, me and Carly that take action to make sure we’re never hurt like that again.”

She wrapped her arms around him more tightly. “I just don’t understand, Sonny. I don’t know what I did to make him so angry all the time,” she whispered, broken.

“It’s not your fault. He didn’t need a reason to be angry,” Sonny said quietly. “Some people are weak. It’s easier for them to take their anger out on a defenseless child than the people they’re angry with.”

“But it wasn’t my fault that my mother had an affair,” Elizabeth whispered. “I’ll never understand why he just didn’t kill me. He could have. The day he told me he wasn’t my father, he nearly pushed me out a window. Sometimes…I wish he had.”

Sonny held Elizabeth while she cried and decided that Jeff Webber had to pay. No one hurt his family and got away with it.

Sonny sat in his office long after Elizabeth left – long after sun had gone down. He hadn’t turned on the lights. He preferred sitting in the dark – matched his mood.

Two years, his sister had suffered in silence. Battled the nightmares, the memories and the demons. His fists clenched as he remembered her tears. He should have known – should have seen it. Hadn’t he recognized it in Carly? How had he missed the signs? The circles under her eyes, the pale skin – the jumpiness. Elizabeth had been there for him every step of the way since she found out they were siblings and Sonny couldn’t even comfort her now.

His blood boiled as he thought of the son of a bitch who passed himself as off as her father. What kind of weak man preys on a young girl? A small child who couldn’t defend herself—didn’t have the courage to tell anyone, had no one to turn to. He may not have taken care of his own stepfather, but he could make Webber pay.

It was nearly midnight when Jason entered the office. Carly had been worried sick that Sonny hadn’t come home and that he hadn’t called. A quick call to Elizabeth saying she’d seen Sonny at the warehouse and that she’d told him truth told Jason what he needed to know.

Jason flipped the lights on. “You should have called Carly.”

Sonny didn’t look up. “She told me what happened, Jason.”

Jason sighed and closed the door. “You okay?”

“No. She was crying, saying sometimes she wished he had pushed her out the window.” Sonny stood up and drove his fingers through his hair. “Why didn’t I see it, Jason? How did I miss it?”

“Elizabeth is very good at hiding things,” Jason explained. “She hid from Emily and AJ as a kid and she would have probably hid it forever had I not come back.”

“It doesn’t matter. I should have known,” Sonny argued. “Christ, I went through it. Carly went through it. And now that I know … I realize I should have seen it.” Sonny slammed his fist into the wall. “It makes me angry. She is the last person that deserved this. She should have had a happy childhood – she shouldn’t have had to live in fear.”

“Yeah, I know that,” Jason said. “And the second I found out, I wanted to head right to the house and beat his face.”

Sonny headed for the door. “I’ll drive.”

“You can’t take care of this for her,” Jason called as Sonny opened the door.

“No. But I can make sure she never has to see his face on the streets,” Sonny replied.

“You think I didn’t want to do the same thing?” Jason asked. “Do you know horrible I felt when I realized that I’m the one that turned his back on her when she needed me? She told me that I was the only reason she got through it and when I think of how I treated her after the accident, I want to throw myself off a cliff. But this isn’t about me. This isn’t about my anger, and it’s not about you or your anger either. This is about Elizabeth and her feelings.”

Sonny shut the door. “You’re right.” He took a deep breath. “So how do I handle this?”

“I have no idea,” Jason said. “I’m still working that out for myself. She has a lot of bad memories that seem to keep coming back and the most I can do is comfort her when she wakes up from a nightmare—but I can’t do that like I did before the accident. She’s two floors down. I can take her for rides when she can’t sleep but when we come back, those memories are waiting for her. I don’t know how to help her.”

Sonny swore. “I still hate closets,” he muttered. “I’m thirty-three and I still can’t stand closets. It’s been years since it stopped and it still haunts me. She’s been out of that house for two years. There’s something inside of her that is still broken and still pleading with her father to stop. And I don’t know how to deal with this. Carly – her problems are like mine. A few nightmares here and there, a little bit of jumpiness. But her experience has faded. Elizabeth’s terror will continue. So how do I help her?”

“I guess just be there for her. Listen when she needs it, comfort her.” Jason shook his head. “I don’t know what else there is to do.”

“Thanks,” Sonny said. “For being there for her when I couldn’t. That night in the hospital – before the accident. I know you don’t remember it, but she does. And that’s all that matters.”

Jason shrugged uncomfortably. “Not much else I could do. She’s important to me and I want to help. But I guess she has to go through this on her own.”

“You think I could ask her if we could take care of Webber?” Sonny asked hopefully.

“She wouldn’t let you,” Jason replied. “She’d want to do it herself.”

Sonny studied Jason who shifted under the gaze. “You know her very well.”

“Well, she’s kind of like me,” Jason said. “She doesn’t like asking for help—especially if she thinks she doesn’t need it.”

Sonny sighed. “I just wish I’d known earlier that she was my sister. I would have taken her out of that house and treated her like a princess.”

“She got out by herself and somehow … I think that matters more,” Jason said. “She only depended on me and then I was gone. She made herself strong and she got out without anyone’s help. I think that’s better somehow.”

“I know. But that doesn’t change how guilty I feel,” Sonny muttered. He breathed deeply. “I’d better get home before Carly goes insane.”

Jason smiled weakly. “Too late. Who you do you think sent me?”

—-

Carly set some ground rules the second Sonny walked in the door that night. Any later than seven, he had to call her. And she demanded to know what was going on. Sonny agreed to the new rule and asked if he could beg off explanations until the morning.

By the time Carly woke up, Sonny had already left the apartment. Irritated, she knew he was avoiding her. It was Saturday – and he almost never went to the warehouse on Saturday. Well, when he got home, she was just going to lock him in the penthouse until he told her what the hell was up with everyone. Elizabeth was pulling away, Jason was spending a lot of time with her (not that Carly complained – that was the plan after all), but Emily wasn’t talking to her either. She could even sort of understand that – AJ was back in town. But hell, everyone was leaving her out!

And Caroline Benson Corinthos did not like being left out.

It was nearly lunch time when Johnny announced Elizabeth. Carly stood and crossed her arms, glaring at her sister-in-law. “Oh, have you got some explaining to do,” she snapped the second Johnny had closed the door. She was about to continue when she realized how pale she looked. “Are you okay? Are you hungry? Do you need to sit down?”

Elizabeth smiled weakly and lowered herself onto the couch. “I’m fine. We need to talk.”

Carly sat down. She knew this was going to be one of those conversations that you really didn’t want to have but couldn’t possibly avoid. “Lizzie, what’s wrong?” she asked quietly.

Elizabeth hugged herself. “I’m making the rounds today, telling the people that are left what’s going on. It’s basically just you and AJ,” she said. “I can’t hide the truth anymore. I’ve done nothing but try, but it quite apparent it’s not going to work anymore. I told Sonny yesterday, so if he’s acting weird, that might be it.”

Carly begin to feel a little more than worried. Something was off in Elizabeth’s tone of voice. There was an element that usually wasn’t there and the fact that she recognized it scared the shit out of her. Elizabeth Webber, one of the funniest, wittiest, intelligent, beautiful and strongest people she knew … sounded broken.

“Looking back, I should have trusted you a long time ago with this.” Elizabeth stared at her hands. Her voice was soft, “Because you trusted me. But I guess I wasn’t ready to let someone help me. And that’s what you would have done. You, my brother, Emily – you all would have wanted to help. And I wasn’t ready to accept that help. I did once and it worked out very badly.”

“Elizabeth, whatever it is … we can get through this together. You know you’re more than just Sonny’s sister. You are my sister, my best friend…please, sweetheart, just tell me.”

“Every time I’ve told it, I’ve done it differently. I have Em the bare backbones…I just told Sonny a few things and I told Jason almost everything. But I don’t know how to tell you.”

Carly reached out and pulled Elizabeth’s hands into her own. “Honey, you’re scaring me.”

“Do you remember when you told me what your father had done?” Elizabeth asked softly. “You just said it outright, didn’t try to sugarcoat it, didn’t try to spare my feelings. Do you remember how worried and upset I was?”

Carly’s stomach lurched. Oh, please, no. This was not happening. Not Elizabeth. Not her sweet friend. Jesus. “Oh, god, Lizzie-”

“My father was … he used to…” Elizabeth stopped. She raised her eyes to Carly. Her watery blue eyes said more than Carly ever wanted to know. “He beat me.”

Carly’s arms were around her in an instant. She did it to comfort Elizabeth, but more selfishly – she didn’t want Elizabeth to see her crying. She knew what it was like – and this was all the more reason why this shouldn’t be happening to her friend. Elizabeth had been raised in a family that had money, respectability. Every Port Charles resident knew the Webber name and respected it. Things like this shouldn’t happen to people like Elizabeth.

Carly pulled away and wiped her eyes. “Oh, Lizzie-”

“I keep thinking it should get easier as I tell it but it’s not,” Elizabeth whispered. “Telling Emily was difficult, telling Sonny and you was a terrifying prospect because you would know exactly what I went through, you’d understand. But … the only thing that was easy about this was telling Jason.”

“You finally let him in,” Carly smiled through her tears. “He wanted to help so badly but you were only giving him pieces. He loves you, you know.”

Elizabeth stared at her, the idea of Jason being in love with her shoved everything else out. “What?”

“Oh, I don’t think he’s realized it,” Carly said quietly. “And you’re in love with him, too. You don’t see it either. But it’s there. And its not wishful thinking. I’m glad you let him in.”

“Carly-”

“Don’t push him away either,” Carly warned. “It won’t work. I let Sonny in and then I tried to keep him out. Jason’s like Sonny. Once they’re in, they’re in.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah, I know.”

“I’m not going to ask for details because more than anyone, I know that giving those … it just drags up things you’d rather forget. And I’m not going to pry,” Carly said. “Because whatever you’re feeling, that’s your right. Unless you volunteer, I’ll never ask a single question.”

“I thought I was getting past it,” Elizabeth said softly. “I was starting to sleep at night, my life was going my way. But something happened this week … I don’t know what … something made me tell Emily. And then I had the nightmare. And I haven’t stopped having them. The only night I slept soundly was a few days ago when I spent the night at Jason’s.” She bit her lip. “I’m scared to sleep, Carly. I know he can’t touch me. I know that I’ve never been more protected in my life than living here – but I’ve never been so scared to sleep. I know that he’s waiting for me – in my dreams. He tells me that no one loves me – that everyone leaves.” Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her waist and closed her eyes. “He tells me that Jason only feels sorry for me, that he’ll leave me again. It’s never been like this, Carly.”

Carly swore under her breath and drew Elizabeth back in her arms. “Son of bitch. Just say the word and you know Sonny and Jason will take care of him.” She smiled a little. “I know. That doesn’t help. But it sure as hell would help the people who love you.”

Elizabeth started to cry. “Sometimes I wish I could be that vindictive.” She clung to her. “How do I make his voice stop?”

Carly stroked Elizabeth’s hair. “It’s not easy and it doesn’t always work. But the next time he’s telling you that Jason will leave you, try and let your faith in Jason win.” She pulled away. “And honey, the next time you wake up with a nightmare that you can’t deal with, call someone. Jason, me, Sonny, Emily-I don’t care. Please don’t do this on your own. Because it never works. You just … you have to accept help. I know something happened with Jason a long time ago – but you can’t let that rule your life. And you know what? He’s still here. A little late, but he’s here. And it’s not because he feels sorry for you.”

Elizabeth took a deep breath and pulled away. “The other night, I was at Jason’s penthouse. We were having a major conversation – I was telling him everything. Something happened between us…we made this connection or maybe the connection woke up, I don’t know. But I kissed him. Or he kissed me. It doesn’t matter.”

“You kissed?” Carly asked. Her plan was going better than they hoped. And they hadn’t done anything yet!

Elizabeth nodded. “And you know what, Carly? I wish my life weren’t so crazy right now. If things had been just a little more normal, I probably would have gone further. But Jason stopped it – said he didn’t know who I thought he was, Jason Quartermaine or Jason Morgan. I don’t blame him – I would wonder too. But even after all that … as I was leaving, he wanted to know if I was going to be all right sleeping and when I told him probably not – he asked me to stay.”

“Jason’s like that,” Carly agreed. “So what happened?”

Elizabeth tucked her hair behind her ears. “We slept in the same bed and I think I only had one nightmare. But I never woke up from it. And when I did wake up the next morning, I was curled up against him and Carly…I’d never felt better in my life. It’s the only night in the last week that I didn’t wake up, a scream ready to burst out.”

“Oh, Liz. As much I’d like to tell you to just move in with Jason, that’s not a solution.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah, I know. So how I do fix this, Carly? How do I make the voices stop without running to Jason?”

“The voices never stop,” Carly said gently. “They fade and it gets really hard to hear them and if you’re lucky, you become immune to them. But it’s always there waiting just on the edge.” She sighed. “I know I’m being depressing but I refuse to tell you what people told me. That time heals all wounds, that the pain will go away. There are some wounds that never close and being abused is one of them. Because we learned at a fundamental age that we couldn’t trust the people who were supposed to love us. And getting past that….there’s nothing more difficult. But you, me and Sonny, we’re the lucky ones. We had people who loved us enough to keep pushing.”

“Thanks.” Elizabeth gave a little smile. “You know…I tell it a different way every time – and each person gets a different part of the story. You all should get together sometime—you might get the whole story.”

“Do me a favor,” Carly said. “Tonight, if you should wake up again…call Jason. I know he offered to take you for a ride the next time you couldn’t sleep. And when he accepts, you’ll know he’s not just feeling sorry for you.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “I won’t be a burden,” she said.

Carly smiled weakly. “And he would never see you that way. He wants to help – and right now all he can do is listen and take you for rides. There’s nothing wrong with letting people help when they want to.”

Elizabeth bit her lip. “I think I’m falling in love with him,” she said quietly.

“I told you, Liz, I already knew that,” Carly replied. “Have you said anything to him regarding your feelings?”

She nodded. “We’ve agreed to take it slowly. Get to know each other again.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Carly agreed. “Are you okay with how you feel?”

“Sometimes. But I’m afraid I’ll let myself depend on him too much and that he’ll leave,” she said quietly.

“Jason isn’t leaving. He’s given Sonny’s his word, I know he’s promised you and he’s told me. The only way Jason leaving town is if Sonny sends him and he won’t if he knows what’s good for him,” Carly replied. “And some advice … if being around Jason helps, go to him. It’s never wrong to stick to what works.”

“And at the same time, your little plan succeeds,” Elizabeth remarked wryly.

“Yeah, ah, well,” Carly shrugged.

“You want to know a secret?” Elizabeth asked. “I hope it does.”

Carly hugged her gently, all the while thinking of the irony of Jason and Elizabeth both approving the scheme to get them together.

—-

Jason decided it wasn’t fair that his favorite person in the world lived in a house full of the only people in Port Charles he’d rather not see. He hated that their visits were always short and restricted to the rose garden.

He entered the estate from the back of the property and walked through the garden to meet Lila on the terrace. He stopped short when he saw a decapitated statue. Frowning, he wondered if it was the same one Elizabeth and Emily always referred to. Shrugging he continued to the terrace.

Lila’s face lit up at the sight of her youngest grandson. He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Oh, Jason, it’s so wonderful to see you!”

“It’s good to see you, too, Grandmother,” Jason said, taking a seat across from him. “How is everyone?”

Lila sighed. “Tense. Alan and Monica are fighting again and Edward isn’t joining in. You know that’s never a good sign if Edward isn’t butting into other people’s business.” Lila touched Jason’s hand. “We miss you all around here.”

“I’m not ready to reconcile,” Jason admitted. “I’m still angry with the way they treated AJ, and myself after the accident. I don’t know if that will go away.”

Lila nodded. “Well, how are you, my dear? I’ve heard some things about Elizabeth whenever AJ or Emily speaks of you.”

Jason smiled. “You don’t have to hide, Grandmother. I know you’re in on it, too.”

Lila returned the smile. “Well, how are things progressing?”

Jason looked away, “Slowly. And I think that’s for the best. She’s going through a difficult time and the last thing she needs is for me to push her.”

Lila studied him. “Has she told you anything about this difficult time?”

Jason looked up to meet Lila’s eyes. “You know, don’t you?”

Lila nodded. “You came to me when you were helping her before. You had promised not to tell AJ or Emily, but you needed someone to vent to.”

Jason slowly exhaled. “How did I help then?” he asked. “Because I can’t remember and all I want to do is help.”

“You always asked me how to help her. That all you wanted to do was make her smile and help her to sleep. You wanted to take all her demons away. But you were only one boy and you’re still only one man. You can’t rid her of the demons, but you can do what you did then.”

“What would that be?” Jason asked.

“You just listened,” Lila replied. “You’d let her in the room at night and listen to her. Held her when she had nightmares. Kept her company – you made her feel safe.”

“That’s it?” Jason asked doubtfully. “She makes it sound as though I saved her life.”

“To Elizabeth, you did. There was no one else who could help then. She only confided in you – she didn’t and still doesn’t know that I knew.” Lila looked troubled. “I often worried about her the last years she spent in the house. She spent more time here than ever. Always so withdrawn and pale. I tried to offer her an ear, hoping she’d confide but she wasn’t interested.”

“I wish I could be been there,” Jason said quietly. “I wish I could go and kill him. He’d better hope that I never see him face to face because I think might not be able to control myself.”

“Oh, darling, don’t worry. The Webber family spends most of the year in Europe and we no longer socialize with them. I doubt you’d see him,” Lila assured him. “And that’s a good thing, because Elizabeth needs you here. How is she?”

“The nightmares are back and they’re bad. I’m glad she told Emily – she’ll need someone with her when she wakes up. She told Sonny yesterday – and he’s just disgusted with himself. I don’t blame him. I don’t think very much of myself either.”

“Anyone who wasn’t looking would never know. Elizabeth is very good at hiding the way she feels,” Lila said. “You really do care about her.”

“Yeah,” Jason admitted. “I hope she doesn’t shut me out.”

“She won’t,” Lila said. “Oh, she’ll try of course, of that I have no doubt, but I don’t think she’ll be able to. You’ve always meant so much to her.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Jason said. “She told me that she’s not using me a substitute for Jason Quartermaine-”

“And she’s not. I’m talking about after the accident,” Lila said. “We used to have tea once a week and she’d ask about you. How you were doing, where you were. She tried so very hard to hate you, Jason, but it wasn’t possible. She knew you weren’t the same person and she knew you were going through a tough time afterwards. She’d wanted to be there for you – but the two of you kept butting heads.”

“She asked about me?” Jason said, surprised.

“I never had much to tell her but it didn’t stop her from asking. Jason, you must bring her by. She hasn’t been here to see me in almost two weeks and I’m worried about her. I need to see her for myself,” Lila said.

“I’ll bring her,” Jason promised.

—-

Elizabeth left Carly’s and headed for the elevator. She reached for the button but the doors opened before she could. She came face to face with Jason. A smile spread on her face.

“Well, this is a case of déjà vu,” she said.

Jason exited the elevator and held it open. “Hey, did you want to go down?”

Elizabeth hesitated. “Actually, can we talk?”

“Sure.” Jason let go of the elevator and dug his keys out of his pocket. He headed for the penthouse. “You okay? You look like you’ve been crying.”

She shrugged as he opened the door and let her in. When they were both inside, she sighed. “I told Carly.”

Jason tossed the keys on the desk. “How did she take it?”

Elizabeth looked down. “She was upset for me. I think it’s strange. Every time I tell someone, I tell them something different. Emily got the backbones, you got details…” she trailed off.

Jason leaned against the desk. “Sonny told me what you said about wishing he’d pushed you out the window.”

She hugged herself. “Sometimes that’s true,” she said quietly. “I don’t know why I told him that.”

“Is that true?” Jason asked quietly.

She hesitated but finally nodded, “Yeah. Sometimes when the nightmares are bad and I’m lying in the bed scared to sleep, I wish he had.” She looked at the ceiling trying not to cry. It seemed that she’d cried enough to fill the oceans seven times over.

Jason straightened and pulled her into a hug. “So what did you tell Carly?” he asked, rubbing her back in slow circles.

“That I couldn’t make his voice stop,” Elizabeth whispered, closing her eyes. “It’s always there, no matter what. Telling me that no one cares, that everyone leaves…that I’m a whore, that you’ll leave me-” she broke off. “I just want it to go away.”

“I’m not leaving you and neither is anyone else,” Jason promised. “And he’s a bastard for ever calling you a whore. You’re not and there’s no way that can be true. Ever.”

“Why is it whenever someone else tells me that, I don’t believe them, but the second you say it, I do?” Elizabeth asked quietly.

“I don’t know,” Jason replied, resting his chin on her head. “But as long as you believe it.”

Elizabeth flicked the light on in her room and stared at the bed. She hadn’t stayed much longer at Jason’s. She’d wanted to – but she was afraid she’d be depending on him too much and that was the very thing she was trying to avoid. She was telling Carly and AJ so that she wouldn’t just have Jason to run to. Unfortunately, even now that Carly knew, she still wanted Jason.

After leaving Jason’s apartment, she’d looked for AJ, but he’d taken Courtney and the kids to dinner. He seemed to be having a good day, so she’d just told she’d see him tomorrow. She’d taken her laptop and gone to Vista Point to start reediting her novel. After an hour of struggling, she’d given in to temptation and she’d started a new story. After three more hours, she’d had eight chapters written.

So, here she was. Late evening. When most people were either sleeping or getting ready to, Elizabeth was trying to come up with an excuse not to. She shook her head. The only way to get rid of these nightmares was to face them head on. She closed her door and headed to her dresser to get a tank top and shorts to sleep in. After changing, she slipped between the sheets and closed her eyes. She had every intention of sleeping through the night. The promise she’d made to Carly was still in the forefront of her mind and she didn’t want to have to fulfill it this soon.

She tossed and turned for an hour before finally succumbing to a restless sleep. And like always, the nightmares came.

“You’re no good, Lizzie. No one will ever love you.”

“I guess I’ll just have to remind you not to raise your voice.”

“You never learn, Lizzie.”

“You should let me end it. Because where you’re going? You’ll be dead anyway.”

“Stupid whore…”

“Your rich little boyfriend can’t help you.”

“He doesn’t even remember you.”

“Jeff Webber is coming home? Hasn’t he been living in Europe? Well, I suppose one can’t spend forever there.”

Elizabeth woke up, gasping. And for the first time since the nightmares had gotten worse, Elizabeth realized why.

She’d been walking back to the building when she’d stopped in Kelly’s for some coffee. Bobbie Spencer had been there and she’d been talking to her ex—husband, Tony Jones. Bobbie and Tony had been talking about Jeff. Elizabeth hadn’t really been listening – but she must have been. The nightmares had come back.

She lay back in the bed and stared at the ceiling. She willed herself to go back to sleep. She wouldn’t call Jason. He’d be sleeping. He wouldn’t want to be woken up.

“Tonight, if you should wake up again…call Jason. I know he offered to take you for a ride the next time you couldn’t sleep. And when he accepts, you’ll know he’s not just feeling sorry for you.”

Elizabeth sighed. She’d promised Carly. And truly, part of her wanted to know if he’d been serious. She rolled onto her side and stared at the clock on her nightstand. 3:45 a.m. She smiled sadly. Nearly four in the morning. Her eyes darted to the phone next to the clock. Maybe she should just call him—maybe he’d say no and then she’d have a reason to stop running to him.

She sat up and stared at the phone for another few minutes. “Suck it up, Webber.” She reached out for the phone and dialed his cell number. She’d had it memorized from the second he’d written down at the warehouse.

“Morgan.” His voice was alert and awake. He was probably expecting Sonny, Elizabeth thought bitterly.

“Jason? It’s Elizabeth,” she said softly.

“Hey. You okay?”

She bit her lip. “Not really. I wasn’t gonna call, but-”

“I’m glad you did. Another nightmare?”

“Yeah.”

“You want to go for a ride?”

She pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it. He had been serious. Moving it back to her ear, “It’s okay if you don’t want to. I just…I’m sorry if I woke you.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to. And you didn’t wake me. Someone called a few minutes ago – trying to sell me something…Do you want to go?”

“If it’s not too much trouble,” she said.

“Fifteen minutes, the parking garage?”

“Okay.” Elizabeth hung up. She sat few a few minutes more and then tossed the covers off. She changed into another shirt and a pair of jeans. She made sure to leave Emily a note in case she woke up before Elizabeth got back.

—-

She stepped off the elevator, her hands shoved in her back pockets and an apprehensive expression written across her features. Jason was leaning against the wall next to the motorcycle. He straightened as she approached. “Hey.”

“Hi,” she said softly. “I’m sorry for bothering you.”

“Do I look annoyed?” he asked, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

“No,” she said, her eyes surprised. “You don’t. Why?”

“I offered.” Jason shrugged.

She shook her head. How did he do that? How was everything so simple in his life?

“Do you want to talk about it?” Jason asked, mistaking her silence.

“Yeah. But not here.”

“Well, let’s go.” Jason handed her the helmet which she snapped on. He got on the bike, started and waited for her to get on. When he felt her arms wrap around him, he took off.

—-

She half thought he’d take her back to the bridge, but he drove towards Vista Point. It was more than likely her favorite place in all of Port Charles other than the Quartermaine’s rose garden. Vista Point was the highest point in the city and you could see the whole town from there, from General Hospital to Spoon Island, Nikolas Cassadine’s family estate.

Jason brought the bike to a stop and turned it off. She got off and put the helmet away herself. She wandered towards the edge of the bluff and looked at the view. It was just after four in the morning on a Saturday night, so there were a few clubs still open. She wished she could be like normal twenty-year-olds sometime—going out and partying every weekend, but she supposed having been a born a Webber, she hadn’t been normal her whole life.

“It’s nice up here,” Jason said, coming up behind her.

“I come here sometimes to write,” Elizabeth confessed. “It feels like you’re apart from the rest of the world, like no one can touch you. I like that feeling.” She put her hands in her pockets and turned around. “I know why the nightmares started again.”

“Why?” Jason asked, hoping she wouldn’t say it was his arrival in town.

“I guess it really didn’t register consciously at the time. That day we fought in the hallway, I was at Kelly’s. Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones were there and they said something about Jeff Webber coming home. I wasn’t really paying attention, but I guess I must have been because it was Bobbie’s voice I heard tonight in my dream.”

“He’s coming home?” Jason said, barely able to conceal the rage in his voice.

“Yeah. Kind of explains a lot,” Elizabeth replied. “I told myself that I was going to sleep through the night—that I wasn’t going to let him have this hold over me.” She chuckled bitterly. “It was only a few hours later that I woke up, just barely able to hold in a scream.” She looked at the ground. “It wasn’t even a normal one. Usually, it’s one specific incident, but tonight, it was just his words. The things he used to say over and over again. That I never learned, that no one would ever love me, that I wasn’t any good…” Elizabeth trailed off. “He had been telling me that since I was nine years old. I guess once it’s ingrained in your mind, it never leaves. Personally, I think the happiest day of his life was when he realized you had no memory of before. He knew you were the only one I’d told and now that you didn’t’ anymore, no one would know his secret. He hadn’t touched me since that day when you broke his nose. For almost a month—he seemed to be avoiding me. But when the accident happened, I guess he couldn’t restrain himself.” She sighed. “I wish I didn’t see his face when I closed my eyes at night. That I didn’t hear his voice all the time. When I first wake up after a nightmare, I can still feel the pain sometimes. Because…” Elizabeth stopped abruptly and turned to shield her falling tears. “Because sometimes the memory is too real and I feel like I’m back in that time, in that house, in that room and he’s hitting me. With the belt, his hands…anything he could find. It feels like I’ll never get out, that I’ll never let go.”

Jason pulled her to him, so that her back was against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her chin. “He will never touch you again. He’ll never get the chance to be in a hundred feet of you. I can’t promise you much else, but I can promise you that.”

“Port Charles is much too small for that to be reality,” Elizabeth said softly. “I can’t avoid him—it would be impossible.”

“We’ll make it clear to the men who guard you and Sonny—any one who sees Jeff Webber within fifty feet of you, he’s to be removed. It can be done without them knowing details. That’s their job, after all.”

“They can protect me while I’m awake,” she said, leaning her head against him. “I trust them. But they can’t keep me from hearing his voice or feeling…” she broke off and closed her eyes. “I hate this. I hate that I’m weak. That I can’t depend on myself for support—that it feels like I’m always running to someone.”

“These past five years…who did you count on to keep you going?” Jason asked.

She paused. “I guess…myself.”

“That’s right. No one kept you going but you. You stayed alive, you got out of that house and you’ve made a new start for yourself. You’ve done it all by yourself—even while you were dealing with the memories. Don’t ever feel weak because you go to someone else for comfort. That’s what friends are for—to help when they’re needed.” He turned her around and lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “And I promise, Elizabeth. I’ll be there whenever you needed me.”

She gave him a weak smile. “I know it’s not worth much, but I’ll be there whenever you need me.” She wrapped her arms around him and leaned into his embrace. “Thank you.”

“I haven’t done anything,” he replied.

“That’s not true. If it weren’t for you, I’d be sitting in my bed, staring at the ceiling. Afraid to sleep. Instead, I’m here, in my favorite place in Port Charles with one of my best friends. And I’m not thinking about what’ll happen when I go back and try to close my eyes.”

He pulled away to look at her face closely. “How much sleep have you gotten these past few days?”

“Truthfully? Since that first nightmare, the only night that I’ve gotten any real sleep was that night I spent at your place,” she said quietly. “I’ve grabbed an hour here, two there but having the nightmare always drains me of whatever energy I might have had.”

He pulled away further and grabbed her hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” she asked as he led her back to the bike.

“We’re going to my apartment, and you’re going to get some sleep. Tomorrow’s Sunday. Today, actually. You’re not due at Deception today and if Sonny needs either one of us, he’ll call. So, come on.”

“Jason, I can’t just curl up in a bed and sleep,” she argued, crossing her arms. “That’s not what made me sleep through the night.”

“Well, I still need some sleep,” Jason replied, smiling a little. “I suppose we could both catch up on sleep.” He straddled the bike and motioned with his head. “Come on.”

She flushed. Just the thought of spending the night with him again was enough to make her wide awake. How did she get lucky enough to have his support again? She smiled and got on behind him.

—-

Emily rolled over and fell off her bed. “This is becoming a nasty habit,” she muttered. Nikolas leaned over the edge of the bed to look at her.

“You okay?” he asked, trying to hide a smile.

“Yeah,” Emily grumbled, unwinding herself from the sheets. “Stupid bed. I’ve never fallen out of it before.”

“Why did you say it was becoming a habit?” Nikolas swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. He held out a hand for Emily to pull herself up, which she did.

“Because I spent the night on Jason’s couch when AJ and Courtney stayed that first night and I woke up that way,” Emily explained. “You make the bed, I’ll make the coffee,” she called over her shoulder as she headed for the bedroom door. She walked down the hallway and was about to pass through the living room to go to the kitchen when a white sheet of paper on the table behind the couch caught her eye.

Em-
Had trouble sleeping. Jason took me for a ride. Didn’t want you to worry. I’ll be back later.
-Beth

Emily squealed. It was too bad Elizabeth had trouble sleeping—but she’d called Jason…in the middle of the night and she was with Jason now. Emily flicked her eyes to the VCR clock. It was also ten-thirty. Which meant she’d had to have been with Jason for a few hours. This was good. Very good. Progress was being made.

Nikolas entered and smirked. “What has you so excited?”

Emily grinned. “Guess where Beth is?” she asked in a singsong voice.

“From the way you’re acting, with Jason, I assume.”

Emily nodded eagerly. “She had trouble sleeping and she called Jason who took her for a ride. I bet she spent the night at his place!”

Nikolas shook his head. “You’re nuts.”

She glared at him. “I didn’t mean in the biblical sense. Beth has trouble sleeping and the last time I saw her sleeping soundly was in Jason’s arms. I’ll bet you anything that they just slept in the same bed—which makes it better because he’s being so sweet.”

“You have a twisted logic,” Nikolas said. He shrugged. “Then again, my grandmother is Helena Cassadine so who’s arguing?”

“Not me,” Emily declared, happily. “Come on – let’s make something to eat. Suddenly I’m starving.”

—-

Carly was sitting at the breakfast table, sipping some coffee. Sonny sat across from her, pushing some eggs around the plate. They’d been sitting in silence since they’d sat down an hour ago and neither one of them had eaten a thing.

Finally, Carly set her cup down. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”

Sonny put the fork down and looked up at her. He was half-grateful she’d brought it up. He hadn’t wanted to broach the subject—it was still a touchy thing for both of them.

“I know what you mean,” Sonny said. “She’s always been pale and there has always been circles under her eyes—but I just assumed she was up late studying. She doesn’t go out in the sun much, so she wouldn’t have a lot of color. It never occurred to me…”

“Two years, I’ve been like family with her and I never saw it. What kind of friend does that make me?” Carly asked, the tears shining in her eyes. She shook her head. “I’ll tell you. A self-absorbed-”

“Beating ourselves up is not going to help,” Sonny cut in. “We didn’t see it because it didn’t occur to us. She seemed happy, she was from a good family and she never said a word. We didn’t know and neither did Emily. She kept it from everyone. When you keep something a secret that long…you get good at hiding it.” He looked away. “You and I know that better than anyone.”

“We of all people should have known,” Carly argued. “I feel so horrible. All this time…she’s been struggling. I could have helped, I could have been there and I wasn’t. But I’ll tell you something Sonny, I don’t care. He is not going to get away with it. He can’t. I wasn’t in the position to take care of my own father, but I can take care of Jeff. I can make it so that she never has to see him on the streets or at parties or see his face in the paper. She deserves better—and I want to make it happen.”

“I wanted to do the same thing, but Jason stopped me. He said this wasn’t about his anger or mine and it’s not about yours. This wasn’t done to us—it happened to Elizabeth. And she has to deal with it. We have to take our cues from her.” Sonny met her eyes. “We suffered similar experiences…but when it comes down to it, this is not the same thing. If she walks through that door and tells me she wants Jeff gone, it’ll be done, but not until then. I want her to trust me.”

Carly nodded. “I know. But can we rough him up or something?” She sighed. “I just want to help her.”

“Me, too, baby.”

—-

Elizabeth shifted and opened her eyes sleepily. She wasn’t in her room—that much was apparent. Flicking her eyes around, she realized exactly where she was.

Content with being in Jason’s arms, she closed her eyes again. She was too comfortable to move. She’d gotten more sleep in the last few hours than she had in nearly a week.

“I know you’re awake.”

She frowned and opened her eyes. She raised her head off his chest to glare at him. “How long have you been awake?”

Jason glanced at the clock on the nightstand, “About an hour.”

She sat up. “Why didn’t you wake me?” Elizabeth suddenly felt self-conscious and pulled the shirt she’d borrowed from Jason down so it reached her knees.

“You needed to sleep.” Jason propped himself up. “You didn’t even wake up once you’d fallen asleep.”

“Not even one nightmare?” Elizabeth asked surprised. “You’re sure?”

“Nothing I heard,” Jason replied. “Do you feel any better?”

“A lot more rested actually,” Elizabeth replied. She smiled at him. “Thanks. I know I’m annoying-”

“You’re not,” Jason interrupted. “I told you I’d take you the next time you couldn’t sleep. Did you think I didn’t mean it?”

She shifted uncomfortably on the bed. “I’d better go. Emily’s probably worried about me.” She swung her legs over the side.

Jason grabbed her arm. “I thought you trusted me.”

Elizabeth turned her body back the other way and tucked her legs underneath her. “It’s not that I don’t trust you,” she said softly. “I just wanted to prepare myself in case…”

“You couldn’t,” Jason finished with a sigh.

“I didn’t want to get my hopes up.” She chewed on her lip. “I’m sorry. It’s just…I guess I was looking for a reason to push you away. I told Carly and I’m going to tell AJ because I thought…if I had more people to support me…that I wouldn’t keep running to you. But it’s like I can’t stop. You’re becoming important to me—more than I’m comfortable with.” She looked away. “And the way I feel about you….” Elizabeth trailed off. “I’m sorry,” she repeated.

He shook his head. “Don’t be sorry.” He sat up more. “I knew I was pushing you but-”

“You’re not pushing me,” Elizabeth cut in forcefully. She scooted closer to him. “The way I feel…it’s my insecurities…my problems causing it. You’re just supporting me and you’re doing a good job because I just slept through the night without a single nightmare. I can’t remember a night that didn’t happen. Once I was asleep here, I didn’t even dream about him—at least not that I can remember.” She paused and searched his eyes. “You make feel safe, Jason. You make me feel like my father was wrong—that I’m better than what he told me I was. That someone does lo-” she stopped. “That someone does care about me. You’ve done more for me in the last week than I’ve done for myself in five years.”

He reached out and drew her hands into his. “You’re doing this yourself,” he said quietly. “Because you’re ready to believe that what he said wasn’t true. I’m just showing you how I feel; you’ve made the choice to believe me.” He locked eyes with her. “And that’s because you’re strong.”

“How do you always know what to say?” Elizabeth asked softly.

Jason shrugged. “I say what I think.”

She smiled. “Don’t ever stop, all right?” she asked.

“I won’t.” Jason glanced at the clock again. “What’re you doing today?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Why?”

“My grandmother wanted to see you –she’s worried about you and she made me promise I’d bring you by.”

“Okay.” Elizabeth nodded. “I’ll just go to my apartment and change.”

“Yeah. I need a shower.”

Neither one of them moved. Elizabeth stared at their hands and smiled a little. Her hands fit so neatly in his. She shook her head. “I have to go.” She raised her eyes to meet his.

“Yeah,” he said, staring at her, still not letting go of her hands. He leaned forward to give her a chaste kiss on the lips. Before he could pull away properly, one of Elizabeth hand’s darted up to the back of his head and deepened the kiss.

After a few moments, they separated, locking eyes. “I’d really better go,” she said. She removed her hand from his hair and pulled her other one out of his hand. “I’ll meet you back here in an hour?”

He nodded. “See ya then” She got off the bed and closed the door behind her. Jason let his head fall back to the pillow and sighed. Yeah, a shower was definitely in order.

A nice, long, cold shower.

When Jason and Elizabeth came into view, Lila was delighted to see them hand in hand. She was even more pleased when she realized that they were both smiling. It was wonderful to see her grandson and the girl she loved as family finding their way back to one another.

“Elizabeth, darling,” Lila greeted, a gentle smile gracing her face. Elizabeth leaned to kiss her cheek before taking a seat across from her. Jason did the same and took a seat next to Elizabeth. “How have you been? I’ve been worried.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been by,” Elizabeth apologized. “Carly’s taking on new accounts at Deception and I’m working on a research project with Sonny. But it’s no excuse, I should have been by.”

“Don’t worry, darling. I understand that you’re busy,” Lila smiled. “But how have you been?”

“I’ve been better,” Elizabeth admitted. “But I’ll be okay.”

“You know I’ve always considered you an honorary member of this family,” Lila said gently. “And that hasn’t changed because you’re not ten years old. You’re still welcome any time.”

“That means a lot to me, Lila,” Elizabeth replied, softly. “Have you heard anything about my family returning from Europe?” she asked hesitantly.

Lila studied the young woman carefully. Poor girl must be worried out of her mind that she was going to see her father. “No, darling. But I no longer keep in touch with them. After Jason’s accident, your father disapproved with the way we handled the situation and Edward broke all business ties. Within time, personal ties were broken as well.”

“How did he want you to handle the situation?” Elizabeth asked curiously.

“He wanted us to have AJ arrested and thrown in jail and recommended we send Jason away to an institution until he remembered his past,” Lila said bluntly. “We, of course, disagreed.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “I am so sorry he said that.”

“Don’t apologize, darling. You’re nothing like your father,” Lila said. “Why, I can remember a good many conversations with you and Emily right here where you said that the way it ended up was for the best. AJ in rehab and Jason being left to find his own way.”

Elizabeth could feel Jason’s stare. “Well, I still believe that.” She turned to Jason. “I just thought it was better if no one pushed you. If you were going to remember anything, it’d happen in its own time.”

Jason squeezed her hand. “There are some things I wish I did remember,” he said quietly meeting her eyes.

Lila suddenly felt like a third wheel as she watched them share the stare. She was thrilled that their connection had survived five years of neglect—and it seemed stronger than ever. She noticed the circles under Elizabeth’s eyes and the general paleness of her complexion. She frowned. There had to be some way to put her fears to rest. Perhaps she could talk to Edward about buying out Webber Industries in Port Charles so Jeff Webber would never need a reason to be here.

“So, Lila, how are your roses this season?” Elizabeth asked, finally. She smiled brightly.

Lila warmed up to her favorite subject. “They’re better than ever. This garden is so full of life—it’s better than it’s been in years. I told Edward I believed it was because all my grandchildren were in the same area and happy, but he just patted my hand and said of course.” Lila frowned. “I think he was patronizing me, but I couldn’t be sure.”

“I think sometimes Edward doesn’t quite know what to say,” Elizabeth said. “You seem to surprise him a lot.”

Lila smiled. “After so many years of marriage, that’s quite a blessing. I know many people don’t understand why we’re still together, but I see the good in Edward. And he is a good man. He makes bad decisions,” she said, turning in Jason’s direction. “But he does it out of love.”

Jason looked away, “Yeah. Well, maybe one day. He hasn’t bothered me yet since I’ve been back.”

“He wanted to see you, but he held himself back,” Lila admitted. “He doesn’t want to push you any further away.”

Elizabeth smiled. “You know, I always loved you two more than my own grandparents. I used to pretend I was your granddaughter.”

Lila reached out and touched Elizabeth’s free hand. “Don’t you know, darling? You’ll always be my granddaughter. Blood doesn’t make a family. Love makes one.”

Elizabeth blinked back the sudden tears that sprang to her eyes. Why was it so easy for everyone but her family to love her? What had been so bad about her that they couldn’t love her?

—-

They left a little while later. On their way out of the garden, Jason pulled her to a corner.

“I found this yesterday and I was wondering if this is the same one you always talk about with Emily.” Jason gestured towards the decapitated statue of an angel that sat next to a fountain.

Elizabeth stared at it. “I wonder why it’s still here,” she said softly. She circled it and reached out to the touch the wings. “I always thought it was beautiful—I couldn’t understand why Edward said Lila didn’t like it.”

Jason furrowed his brow in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“We were playing tag,” Elizabeth said softly. “You were chasing me and when you caught up, you tackled me and we crashed into the statue. It hit the fountain and the head cracked. I was so upset…” she trailed off and looked at him, her eyes sad. “That was the first time you saved me from my father.”

“What happened?” Jason asked.

“My father had a meeting with Edward and for some reason he came into the garden looking for me. He saw the statue and grabbed my arm. I cried out…and you stepped in and took the blame,” Elizabeth said quietly. “AJ backed you right up and said that you’d been wrestling and knocked it over. I guess my father didn’t look convinced so Edward said that Lila didn’t even like the statue so there was no harm done. He had no choice but to back off. He still tried to take me home, but Emily asked if I could stay the night.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “Looking back, I think Edward might have suspected. He was always kind to me—more than he was with any of your other friends. After the accident and the three of you had left home, Edward still stopped whenever he saw me. Asked me how I was. He’d ask how you all were. He never once said a bad word about Sonny—one of the few people who didn’t.” She met his eyes. “If he knew, Lila probably does, too, doesn’t she?”

Jason looked away. “She knows, but whether she heard it from Edward, I don’t know. I told her when I was younger.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth didn’t know how to take that. She’d trusted Jason Quartermaine not to tell anyone and he had anyway. For a moment, she wondered if he’d said anything to anyone else. “Do you know why?”

“Lila told me it was because I needed some to vent to. You’d only made me promise not to tell AJ or Emily.” Jason exhaled slowly. “I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t do anything,” Elizabeth said quietly. “Jason Quartermaine did and I guess I can’t blame him. I guess he needed someone to talk to …and I wasn’t much help.” She smiled at him. “I wonder if they kept the head.”

“What?” Jason said.

“The angel’s head,” Elizabeth clarified. “I wonder if they kept it.”

Jason stared at the angel. Somehow he thought it looked better this way. Otherwise it’d be perfect—and nothing was supposed to be perfect. He looked back at Elizabeth. “She reminds me of you.”

She frowned. “A decapitated angel?”

Jason met her eyes. “She’d be perfect with the head—and I don’t think anything’s supposed to be perfect.”

“And how is she supposed to remind you of me?” Elizabeth asked, bewildered.

“You see your past as…” Jason struggled for the right way to explain it. “As a flaw. Like it’s your fault. You think if it hadn’t happened, you’d be…well not perfect…but closer to it.”

“Yeah?” Elizabeth said, trying to follow his logic.

“But you’re like the angel. It’s not her fault she’s not perfect. She didn’t ask to be knocked over. It just happened.” Jason reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “Don’t you think she looks better without it?”

Elizabeth flicked her eyes back to the statue and tilted her head. The wings still sprouted from the back, clearly marking it as an angel. The angel held a harp in her hands. It was perfect in every way—except for the missing head. Weather and time had warped the top of the statue so that it looked like it had always been headless. She smiled softly. “Yeah.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be who you are if it wasn’t for what happened,” Jason continued. “It’s made you stronger. It’s made you wary of people you don’t know. You don’t trust easily, and when you do, it’s easily broken. You take care of yourself; you make your own rules in life. No one controls you—because you’ve had that before and you know it doesn’t work.”

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned to look at him. Good lord, it was too late. Carly had been right. She did love Jason. “I-” she stopped. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to say what she wanted to say. No one ever took the time to say things like that. She had her friends—Emily, Nikolas, Carly. They all loved her and looked out for her, like Sonny. But Jason…took the time to consider the things she did and why. How had he managed to walk into her life after five years, turn it upside down and make her thrilled that it had happened?

Footsteps broke the spell and they both turned to see Edward enter the clearing. He cleared this throat.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but Lila mentioned you might still be here.” He didn’t even look at Jason—was afraid Jason would leave if he did. “I wanted to see you, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth smiled and approached Edward. She gave him an impulsive hug—she was in a good mood. “It’s good to see you. It’s been far too long.”

Edward smiled. “You’re looking better than you have in a while. You getting more sleep?”

Elizabeth smiled. “I’m doing much better. How are you?”

Edward hesitated. “I could be better,” he admitted. “It’s been tense in the house lately.”

Jason took a deep breath and strode forward. He stuck his hand out. “Hello, Grandfather.”

Both Elizabeth and Edward turned startled eyes to him. Edward was the first to recover. “You’re looking good, Jason,” Edward said, shaking the hand quickly as if it would be retracted before he could. “Lila tells me you’ve moved back to Port Charles.”

Jason nodded. “Time to put some roots down,” he said.

Edward glanced over at Elizabeth and smiled. “Ah, I see. Well, I didn’t want to keep you. I just wanted to say hello to Elizabeth.” He turned back to her. “Will you tell Emily I said hello?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Sure thing.”

Edward hesitated again. “And AJ…he’s in town?”

Elizabeth and Jason traded glances. “Yes,” Elizabeth said warily.

Edward smiled. “It’s good to have the family in one town,” he said. “Tell him that I’ve forgiven him for blackmailing me,” he said, raising his chin.

Elizabeth laughed. “All right.”

“And that he’s welcome in the house any time,” Edward said. He seemed to be struggling with the words. He eyed Jason. “All of you, of course.”

Elizabeth softened. It seemed like the Quartermaine patriarch was finally ready to pull the fragmented family back together. “I will. See you later.”

She took Jason’s hand and led him out of the garden. Once they were off the Quartermaine property, she turned to him. “What was that about?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.

Jason shrugged. “I looked at him and suddenly the anger wasn’t there anymore.” He hesitated. “When you told me what he’d done…and how he’d treated you, and then I saw him talking with you…I don’t know. He doesn’t feel the same.”

“He had a heart attack two years ago,” Elizabeth said quietly. “It almost pulled the family back together, but AJ and Alan went at it again and things seemed worse. Edward nearly died and I guess the experience changed him.”

Jason nodded. “Makes sense.”

He led her to the spot where they’d left the bike. Just before they reached it, she stopped him. “I didn’t get a chance to say anything before Edward came.”

Jason turned. “You don’t have to.”

“Yeah, but I want to.” She took a deep breath. “I told you this morning that you were becoming important to me again and that it was uncomfortable.” She paused, searching for the right words. “That’s not true anymore. In the last hour, that stopped being true. I think that I’m okay with you being in my life again.” She rubbed her eyes and sighed. “And that’s a difficult thing to say, because not only do I trust you with my life…but I trust you not to leave. And I know that I can do that. Because you’ve proved that to me. You’re not just a friend, Jason.” She paused again, meeting his eyes. “You’ve held me while I’ve cried, comforted me during nightmares, listened when I talked…that’s more than a friend. I could try and tell you how I feel about you but I don’t know if I could find the right words.”

He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re more than a friend to me, too,” Jason said quietly.

She allowed herself a few moments of bliss in his arms before pulling away smiling. “Hey, how about teaching me to drive?” she asked, her eyes shining.

“You are not driving my bike…”

—-

A few hours later, Elizabeth had finally tracked AJ down at the hotel. He’d sent Courtney out shopping with the kids so that he and Elizabeth could have some time to talk. He’d wanted to tell her that he knew—but he didn’t know how to tell her without her thinking Emily had said something.

He and Elizabeth sat on the couch in the main room of the suite they were renting. She didn’t say anything at first—which made AJ suspect that she might know he knew.

Finally after a few minutes, Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I want you to know that after the accident, I was angry at you.”

AJ let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. “Oh.”

“I’m not now,” Elizabeth assured him. “But it took a while. And I want to tell you exactly why I was angry.”

“Because I took away Jason,” AJ said.

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah. AJ, there’s something I never told you…that I kept from everyone. The only person who knew was Jason-”

AJ shook his head. He didn’t want to put her through the explanation if he already knew. It would serve no purpose. “Liz, I already know.”

She stopped and stared at him. “What do you know?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know about your dad,” AJ said, softly.

Her lower lip trembled. Oh, god. Had Jason Quartermaine told AJ too? “How?” she demanded.

“No one told me,” he assured her quickly. “I was at the estate on Friday with Emily and we found the angel statue in the garden. We started talking about that day—and it hit me. I’m sorry.”

“You guessed?” Elizabeth said weakly. Oh, god. How many other people had?

“No one else knows,” AJ said quietly. “No one was around enough to even see the way he treated you. And Liz, I am so sorry. If I’d been a better friend, I would have seen it. I would have been there and I’ll never forgive myself-”

Elizabeth stood. “How did you figure it out?” she asked, hugging herself tightly.

“I was talking to Emily about that day. How scared you’d been. That I wished I’d thought of jumping in. I said I wondered what Jeff would have done if he’d gotten you home and suddenly the pieces fell together. The clothing, the time you spent with us, how close you and Jason were…” AJ trailed off. “Emily wasn’t going to say anything—she didn’t even want to confirm, but I knew it. And I just….I wish I’d seen it.”

Elizabeth turned to face him. “Do you know many times I’ve heard that over the past week?” she asked, quietly. “You didn’t see it because I didn’t want you to know. I wore long sleeved shirts to hide the bruises. You didn’t pay attention to what I wore—and by the time I was old enough to make a difference…”

“I’d already started drinking,” AJ finished quietly. “And Jason knew. Didn’t he?”

“Yeah,” Elizabeth said, weakly. “I used to sneak in his room when I couldn’t sleep.”

“And when he didn’t remember and couldn’t help…” AJ stood and looked at her. “You had nowhere to go.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No.”

AJ swore softly and drove his fingers through his hair. “I guess this is the one mistake I’ll be paying for a long time.”

Elizabeth touched his arm. “No. Look, I lost him. And I was angry. But in the end, it was for the best. I would have leaned on him—and I never would have gotten out of that house by myself. I had to learn to deal with it myself.” She smiled. “And Jason came back to me, anyway. And, you know what? I’ll tell you a secret.”

“What?” AJ asked.

“I think I’d rather have Jason Morgan over Jason Quartermaine any day,” Elizabeth said. “You and Emily and everyone knew exactly what you were doing—even if I figured it out by myself.”

AJ smiled weakly. “The plan took on a different purpose after Friday. I thought if I could help you and Jase get together…I could help ease my own guilt.”

“I am so glad you pulled your life together,” Elizabeth said softly. “We both had a difficult childhood and we’ve both come out of it—stronger. I’ll probably have nightmares for a long while yet and for you, the urge to drink will never disappear, but in the end, we’ve taken ourselves out of those situations. And neither one of us have anything to feel guilty about.”

For the first time since Jason woke up five years previous, AJ finally believed the words. He didn’t have to feel guilty. The only people that still blamed him were his family—and they blamed anyone and everybody as long as it didn’t have to be themselves. But the important people—Emily, Liz and Jason—had forgiven him. And that made all the difference.

He drew her in a hug. “Thank you,” he said gratefully.

She hugged him back. “You know, other than telling Jason, this was the easiest.” She pulled away and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re my best friend in the world, AJ. You’re the brother I wish Steven had been.”

“Steven was a fool,” AJ said forcefully. “And so was the rest of your family. But, hey, you lucked out. My family has adopted you and Sonny and his wife seem to adore you.” AJ wiggled his eyebrows. “And Jason is crazy about you.”

Elizabeth flushed and pulled away. “Well, the feeling is mutual,” she said softly.

AJ grinned dopily. “Good to hear, Lizzie, my dear, good to hear. All I want is for you to be happy.”

Elizabeth smiled. “I think I’m finally headed in that direction,” she said.

The next week and a half was relatively quiet—on all fronts. Elizabeth didn’t have any nightmares that woke up her in the night—but it didn’t stop her from spending a few nights with Jason. She and Jason spent virtually all their time together, growing closer.

AJ and the family returned to New York after a week. There was a crisis at the ELQ office he couldn’t ignore. They had another reunion dinner before going, but this one was more somber. They all knew the truth by that point and it was on their minds throughout the dinner. AJ promised to come for another visit in a few weeks as soon as things settled down and this time…he, Jason and Emily would pay a visit to the Quartermaine mansion. Dealing with one’s past didn’t seem to be limited to Elizabeth anymore.

Things were quiet on the territory front. A few dealers, a few prostitutes, all of which Sonny and Jason took care of while Elizabeth worked on tracking Verruchio’s movements. That, along with helping Carly plan the next Deception launch party was proving enough to exhaust Elizabeth into getting more sleep.

Elizabeth had asked Edward if he’d heard anything about the Webbers returning from Europe. Edward didn’t ask why, but he told her he hadn’t heard a thing. He told her he’d keep his ears open and let her know. Elizabeth wasn’t sure what she’d do if Jeff was returning to Port Charles, but she wanted to be prepared. Somehow, being blindsided by the news when he was already there didn’t sound conducive to keeping the nightmares at bay.

The night of the Deception launch party was upon them, and Emily and Elizabeth spent a few hours getting ready. Emily was going with Nikolas, Elizabeth with Jason. Emily was thrilled about going because Luke and Lucky Spencer had returned from their latest mission and were going to be there to support Laura. It’d been more than a year since she’d seen them. Elizabeth wasn’t as thrilled, she adored Luke but the incident when she was ten still hung in her mind where Lucky was concerned. Emily had convinced her to try and make a fresh start with him.

“Have you seen my emerald earrings, Beth?” Emily called from the entry way as she studied her reflection in the mirror. She smoothed the silk strapless emerald green dress over her hips.

“Didn’t you let Carly borrow them?” Elizabeth asked, emerging from the bathroom. She finished putting in her amethyst earrings. “She’s at the party by now.”

Emily wrinkled her nose. “Do you still have the emerald set you got from Lila?” she asked.

Elizabeth nodded, “Yeah. It’s in my room. I’ll get it.” Elizabeth disappeared back down the hall and reemerged a few minutes later with a velvet box. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Emily turned to look at her friend. “I was right—that dress looks great.”

Elizabeth looked down at the lavender velvet dress she wore. It was sleeveless with a high collar and low back. It clung tightly to her upper body, but was loose around her legs. “It’s not bad.”

Emily smirked as she fastened the emerald necklace around her neck and put the one she’d been wearing back in her own box. “Jason’s gonna forget his name.”

Elizabeth shrugged and worked on fastening a bracelet. “Jason isn’t interested in material things.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate them,” Emily teased. She watched Elizabeth struggle to clasp the bracelet. “Here, let me.”

Elizabeth held her wrist out and Emily clipped it shut quickly. “You look amazing. Nikolas will probably spend a few minutes drooling at the door.”

Emily met her eyes, the green eye shadow making her blue-green eyes look a deeper shade of green. “I’m counting on it.” She grinned.

Elizabeth laughed. She checked the clock on the VCR. “They’ll be here any minute. I’m going to get my purse.”

There was a knock at the door then and Emily leaned over to open it. “Hey, Nikolas.”

Nikolas stared at her for a beat or two. “Oh, hi,” he said finally. “You look…incredible.”

Emily grinned. “Quite a difference from sweats huh?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck. She gave him a light kiss. “You’re looking pretty good yourself,” she said, pulling away to drink in the sight of him in a tux. He almost never wore them—except at weddings or family events.

Nikolas grinned. “I clean up well.” He looked around. “Where’s Liz?”

“Right here,” Elizabeth said, appearing again. She was transferring her wallet, lipstick, keys and gum from her standard cloth purse to the lavender evening bag. “You look nice.”

“You’re beautiful as always,” Nikolas said. “Where’s Jason?”

Elizabeth flicked her eyes to the clock. “He’ll be here any minute. You guys go ahead without me. Jason’s never late and he only lives two floors up anyway.”

“All right.” Emily grabbed a purse and blew a kiss. “See ya there, Beth.” She and Nikolas left, the door closing behind them. Elizabeth gave her makeup and hair one last check at the mirror and looked at the clock again. Jason was supposed to pick her up at seven. It was a few minutes after seven. She frowned. Jason was usually early if not on time.

She started pacing. So what if he’s late? Maybe the elevator is out of order, or maybe his zipper got stuck. It’s only a few minutes. He’s not perfect after all. Elizabeth decided not to worry until 7:20.

Which came and went with no Jason. Elizabeth couldn’t hide the sinking feeling in her stomach anymore. Something was very wrong—Jason wouldn’t just stand her up. She’d accepted that he wasn’t leaving town. So where was he?

She sat on the couch and stared at the clock ticked the minutes. At 7:45, she stood up and headed for the phone. She dialed Jason’s number quickly. His voicemail came on and Elizabeth slammed the phone down. No good. His phone wasn’t even turned on—something else that never happened around Jason. She started cracking her knuckles, worried. Some was now incredibly wrong.

Just as the clock reached 8:00, the phone rang. Elizabeth practically leapt towards the phone and snatched it up. “Jason?” she demanded.

“Liz, it’s Sonny. Get to the warehouse now.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and tried to ignore the tears. “Where’s Jason? Is he okay? Damn it, Sonny, tell me!”

There was a pause on his end. “Come dressed sensibly. Something’s up and you can’t be wearing an evening gown.”

“I’ll be right there,” Elizabeth replied. She put the phone down and headed for her room, practically ripping the jewelry from her body.

Please let Jason be okay. Please.

—-

Elizabeth arrived at the warehouse fifteen minutes later. The lavender dress and amethyst jewelry replaced by black jeans and a black tank top. She hadn’t wasted any time by pulling her hair out of the French twist, and she stopped only long enough to grab her handgun and load it.

By the time she had arrived, she’d gotten her emotions under control. Whatever was happening wouldn’t be helped by her tears. She was calm and in control. And hoping like hell that both Jason and Sonny would be waiting on the other side of the door.

She closed her eyes and said one last silent prayer—and opened the door.

Sonny was standing at the window that faced the water. He turned when he saw her. Her eyes darted around the room—it was empty. “Where is he?” she demanded.

“You were right,” Sonny said quietly. “It’s Verruchio behind it all.”

Her blood ran cold. “Oh my God, he’s dead isn’t he?” She wanted to scream, cry—rage at the world, but she had to remain calm.

“Not yet.” Sonny reached onto his desk and pressed play on a tape recorder.

“Mr. Corinthos, I’m sorry we couldn’t meet under more pleasant circumstances. We haven’t been introduced—I am Frank Verruchio and I have someone you’d like back. Mr. Morgan was a rather difficult man to capture, but my men are resourceful. If you haven’t him in twenty-four hours, I suggest you stop looking.”

“When was the message left?” Elizabeth asked immediately.

“An hour and a half ago,” Sonny said. “I’ve got men combing the town—no one’s heard anything and no one’s talking.”

Elizabeth snatched the phone up and started dialing.

“Who are you calling?” Sonny asked.

“Albert Chosky. Verruchio was his right hand man and probably did a few kidnappings for him. If Verruchio has a pattern, he’ll know it.”

Sonny stared at his sister as she got in quick contact with South Floridian crime boss. He was more grateful than ever that he’d taken her into the business. She had a quick mind that came up with solution that he never would have thought of it.

“Uh, huh,” Elizabeth murmured. She grabbed a pen and a pad of paper and began jotting things down. “Docks, warehouses, silencers, uh huh…okay…three guards…sure thing, I’m sure my brother won’t have a problem. Okay, thanks. Bye.” She hung the phone up. “I was right. Verruchio did seven kidnappings for Chosky—all of them the same way. He was never caught by anyone so Chosky figures he’ll stick to the same pattern.” She headed for her computer and flicked the switch. “He always sticks to abandoned warehouses on the docks. He uses seven men. Three to guard the hostage and the other four to patrol. Verruchio never leaves the hostage alone.”

Sonny nodded. “I’ll call every man in. You getting a list of warehouses?”

Elizabeth’s hands flew over the keyboard. “It’ll be ready by the time they get here.” She glanced at him. “Chosky recommends every gun have a silencer. He also gave his recommendation. Separate into groups of three and split the warehouses among the men. The work will get done more quickly.”

Sonny began dialing. “Max, it’s me. Every man must be at the warehouse in ten minutes. We’ve got a lead and we need everyone.” He hung up. “Liz, you did some good thinking. I wouldn’t have thought of calling him right away.”

Elizabeth clicked print and turned to him. “I told you I’d be invaluable.” She stood and went to the printer in the middle of the room, waiting for the pages to feed out. “I have eighteen warehouses. We’ll need fifty-three men.”

“Fifty four,” Sonny corrected. “Eighteen groups of three is fifty-four.”

Elizabeth grabbed the lists that came out. “No. Fifty-three.” Her eyes flashed. “I’m going.”

“Like hell you are,” Sonny replied. “I’m not putting you in danger.”

She slapped the papers on his desk and glared at him. “You don’t get to make that choice. That is not just a partner he has. That’s Jason. That makes it different. I am not going to lose him. And I will not sit in this office waiting for him. I am not some helpless female. I am going and you are not stopping me.”

“You’re too emotionally involved,” Sonny snapped. “You’re in love with him and you’ll make mistakes.”

“Don’t you understand?” Elizabeth cried. “I won’t make mistakes. I won’t fail. I can’t. This is too important.” She took a deep breath. “If it were Carly, what would you do?”

“Elizabeth-” Sonny stopped. “I want to make this clear. I am not happy with this decision.”

“You’d let Jason search for me wouldn’t you?” Elizabeth demanded. “Then give me that same consideration.”

“Okay.” Sonny ran his hand through his hair. “Get these lists separated. You’re going with Francis and Johnny. They’re the best.”

Elizabeth nodded and immediately set to work.

—-

Eleven minutes later, the main room of the warehouse was filled with Sonny’s men. Elizabeth set to work quickly and divided them into eighteen groups. She gave a list to one person in every group.

When she was finished, she went to stand in her group. If Johnny and Francis or any of the other men were surprised to see the boss’s sister included, it didn’t show.

“Your orders are to search the address you’ve been given. Search it thoroughly—do not call in unless you are positive Verruchio or Morgan aren’t there,” Sonny directed. “Once you’ve been called in, you will be sent to a different warehouse.” He paused for a few seconds letting his eyes flick around the group. “If they are there, call me immediately. I will spread word to the other groups. Go in and secure the location—do not wait for the other men to arrive. I want Morgan back here as soon as possible.” He let his eyes rest on Elizabeth. Her facial expression was blank—her stance tense. He was still having reservations about sending her, but he couldn’t inflict a double standard on her. He would let Jason search for Elizabeth. “I want Verruchio alive if possible. I have a man from Florida who’s flying up personally to witness his demise. You will face seven guards if you get that warehouse. Three guarding Jason and four patrolling.” Sonny paused again. “I don’t think I need to stress how important it is that Jason comes back here alive. Go. We have less than twenty-two hours.”

—-

Elizabeth, Johnny and Francis got into the unmarked black car and began driving the fifteen necessary minutes to their assigned warehouse. Elizabeth sat in the back and stared out the window. She was trying to remain calm—but the prospect of losing Jason for good was terrifying.

“You okay, Ms. Webber?” Francis said, glancing over his shoulder.

Elizabeth didn’t even glance away from the window. “It’s Elizabeth, Francis. And I’m fine.”

—-

The car pulled up a hundred feet from the warehouse. Elizabeth got out of the back of the car and immediately felt her lower back to make sure her gun was still tucked in. She joined Johnny and Francis who were assessing the location.

“It’s remote,” Johnny said. “It’s the last warehouse within miles on the docks.”

Francis nodded. “Definitely the most likely.”

“Which is why I assigned it to us,” Elizabeth said quietly. She felt their eyes on her but she kept staring at the building. “I knew that it had the best chance.”

Francis and Johnny traded looks but didn’t say anything. Elizabeth finally glanced up. “Let’s circle the perimeter,” she suggested.

“Right,” Francis said. He decided not to comment on the fact that Elizabeth seemed to know exactly what she was doing. Pretty strange behavior for the boss’s sister.

—-

They were coming around the last side of the building when they heard voices. The three of them snapped to the wall and leaned in close.
Elizabeth’s heart was racing. Jason was here! She reached behind her and pulled her handgun out. Attached to the top was a silencer. Johnny and Francis pulled their own guns out.

“I’ll look and see what’s there,” Francis breathed. He moved a few centimeters and leaned his head slightly around the corner. “Two.”

Johnny nodded and looked to Elizabeth. “Me and Francis will get them. Stay here.”

Elizabeth nodded and watched as Johnny and Francis made their quick movements. It went fast. They jumped out, each shot once and moved right back, not even waiting to see if they’d hit. After a moment, Francis leaned around again and breathed a sigh of relief. “They’re down.”

They continued around the corner to reach the fallen guards. Johnny kneeled down next to them. “They’re dead,” he said simply. “That leaves two patrolling.” He straightened. “Liz, you and Francis go look for Jason. I got the other two.”

“You sure?” Francis said. Johnny nodded.

“Let’s make this quick. Liz, call Sonny.”

Elizabeth pulled the cell phone out of her back pocket and dialed her brother’s number. A few short words and she slipped back in her pocket. “He gave the go ahead. Let’s go.”

—-

The inside of the warehouse was divided into two floors with high ceilings. It was dark, damp and smelled like rotting fish. Elizabeth wrinkled her nose and made a silent vow to lay off seafood for a while. Johnny was going to stay down stairs while Francis and Elizabeth moved upstairs.

“If we see anyone,” Francis said as the two were inching their way up the stairs, “Shoot. Aim for the knees to knock them out. You’re good at making at the shot.”

Elizabeth gave him a humorless smile. “And you’re good at chest shots. I know.”

They reached the top of the stairs and stuck close to the wall. The hallway went into two directions. There were a few doors on either side. Elizabeth and Francis exchanged a quick glance. Without a word, they separated. Elizabeth to the left, Francis the right. Elizabeth felt the first knob turn easily. She slid the door open soundlessly. The room was empty. She crossed the hall and did the same. Another empty room. She was about to try the third door when she heard Francis.

“Liz. Here.”

She turned to see Francis motioning towards another door. He gestured for her to come closer. Elizabeth was careful to keep her footsteps light.

“Voices,” Francis mouthed. He leaned his mouth close to ear. “I’m going to kick the door open. Try to get as many down before they realize anything.”

Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded. She moved to the side and Francis backed up. He raised his foot and with one sweeping motion, the door flew open.

Elizabeth jumped into the doorway, her gun raised. There were five occupants. Three dark-haired men, a blonde and Jason tied to a chair. She squeezed off five quick shots towards the dark-haired men before Francis came to her side. He fired three shots.

When they paused for a split second to access the situation, all three were down. Two were still moving.

The last man standing was staring at them. His expression was torn between amusement and shock. “What the hell-”

Elizabeth raised her gun and aimed it straight at his face. “Shut up and don’t move,” she hissed. She was desperate for a glance of Jason but she had to take care of Verruchio first. “Verruchio, I presume.”

Frank Verruchio stared at the small brunette. “You’re Corinthos’ sister,” he managed to say. Francis entered the room and slipped past Elizabeth to finish off the three guards.

Elizabeth smirked. “Your point?” she asked coolly. She was amazed at how easy it had been—how calm and in control she felt. She would gladly shoot him if it meant Jason would come safely.

Francis mimicked her aim. “Untie Jason,” he said. “I got him.”

Elizabeth nodded and turned her eyes to Jason.

Who was looking at her like he’d never seen her before. He was gagged, his feet tied to the bottom of the chair and his hands behind him. She avoided his eyes as she kneeled to untie his feet.

As she moved behind him, Johnny entered the room. “Calvary’s arrived,” he announced. “The other four guards are dead and a cleaning crew’s on its way.” He eyed Francis. “Sonny wants him alive, remember that.”

Elizabeth stood up as did Jason. Jason removed the gag and turned to look at her. “What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded.

Verruchio who’d barely said a word since they’d entered the room. “That’s what I’d like to know.”

“Shut up,” Francis ordered. He turned to Johnny. “Let’s take him to the safe house. Call some reinforcements.”

Elizabeth decided she didn’t want to answer Jason’s questions turned to Verruchio instead. “You know, for someone who was trying to take over Sonny’s territory, you’re awfully stupid. Seven men?”

He glared at her. “It’s always worked before,” he bit out.

Elizabeth smiled. “I know. That’s why I’m glad Albert told me. Such a wonderful man—more than eager to help. He told us all about your little habits.” She crossed her arms. “He’ll be meeting you at the house.”

Verruchio’s eyes went black. “He’s coming here?”

“Yep,” Francis said. Johnny reentered the room with three other men. The men grabbed Verruchio and hauled him out of the room, Francis and Johnny following with their guns trained on him.

Once they were gone, Elizabeth’s shoulders slumped. “That’s an evening I’d rather not repeat,” she said, dryly.

“And you’re not,” Jason said, his voice hard. “What the hell were you thinking? You could have been killed?”

She turned amazed eyes on him. “Are you insane?” she said. She shook her head. “No. We are not having this conversation here. Let’s go to the warehouse, Sonny’ll want to see you.”

—-

Less than two hours after Elizabeth had left, she entered the office again. Sonny immediately pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m glad you’re okay,” he said. He pulled away to look at Jason, “You, too.”

Jason nodded. His jaw was clenched. “What was she doing there?”

Elizabeth glared at him. “Excuse me?” she demanded. “Are we forgetting that I’m a partner here? That I get to make my own decisions? That I run my own life?”

“A silent partner,” Jason said. “You could have been killed.”

Elizabeth glared at him. Suddenly the fury that used to be present when she’d speak to Jason was back in full force. “You hypocritical jackass!” she sputtered. Sonny decided he was going to let them argue this out.

“I’m going to wait outside. When the two of you are done, we’ll go see Verruchio. Chosky will be here in a few hours.” He exited the office.

Jason ignored him. “What in the hell are you talking about?”

“If I were being held hostage, who’d be the first person trying to find me?” Elizabeth demanded, her eyes flashing.

Jason didn’t back down. “This is different-”

“The hell it is,” Elizabeth snapped. “Why? Because I’m not a man? Because I don’t have a dick I’m suddenly incapable of taking a gun and shooting someone? You know what, you son of a bitch, you’ve been gone for a long time. Just because you’ve been back less than a month, it does not mean you know everything about me!” She took a deep breath. “Ask any one of the guys I trained with. I am the third best shot, right under Francis and Zander. I know how to take care of myself. Just because I have trouble sleeping and I have nightmares, that does not remove my ability to take care of myself!”

Jason stopped. What the hell was he doing? “You’re right,” he finally.

Elizabeth stared at him. “What?”

“You’re right. I’m being a hypocrite.”

She blinked. “That was too easy.”

Jason took a deep breath and met her eyes. “When that door kicked open and I saw you—I…it hit me.”

“What hit you?” she asked, a little worried about the direction this conversation was taking. She licked her lips nervously.

His hand drifted up to her face. “How much I didn’t want to lose you.”

“I hate when you do that,” she muttered.

“What?”

“I was really pissed at you,” Elizabeth said, “and now I’m not. I wanted to be pissed for a while.”

He smirked. “Sorry. Next time I’m an ass, I promise I’ll try to let you stay mad.”

“Good,” Elizabeth replied. She looked away. “Listen, I think we need to talk. There are some things I need to tell you.” She sighed. “But it’ll have to wait. We’d better go meet Sonny.”

The safe house was on the outskirts of Port Charles. It was a one story, three bedroom house that Sonny normally used for injured men.

“What’s Chosky’s ETA?” Sonny asked as he, Jason and Elizabeth walked up to the house.

“An hour and a half,” Elizabeth replied. She smirked. “Think we can occupy him for that long?”

“We’ll think of something,” Sonny replied. He pulled the door open and let Elizabeth enter first. “Stay in the living room, Liz.”

Elizabeth glared at him. “I’m one of the people responsible for bringing him in,” she said tightly. “I think I have the right to be back there.”

Sonny looked at Jason, who held his hands up in mock surrender. “Don’t look at me to back you up. I already tried to tell her what to do tonight and you can see how well that turned out.”

Sonny glared at him. “Wussy.” He turned his attention back to Elizabeth. “Fine. Let’s go.”

—-

Verruchio was in the second bedroom, handcuffed and tied to a chair. He was gagged and blind folded. Johnny and Francis were standing guard.

Jason and Elizabeth entered first, followed by Sonny. Elizabeth walked over to a table and pulled herself onto it. Jason stood next to her and leaned against the table.

Sonny closed the door and flipped the lights on. He nodded to Johnny who removed the blindfold and gag.

“Hello,” Sonny said. “We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Sonny Corinthos.” He nodded his head in Elizabeth and Jason’s direction. “I think you already know my sister Elizabeth and my partner, Jason.”

Verruchio threw a hateful glance at Elizabeth. “Little bitch,” he muttered.

Elizabeth giggled which made all the men in the room throw her a strange look. “That’s pathetic,” she remarked, amused. “Little bitch?” she repeated. “That’s the best you can do?’

“Elizabeth,” Sonny warned.

“Oh, Sonny, he’s just mad because a woman showed him up,” Elizabeth said.

“I know where I made my mistake,” Verruchio remarked coldly. “It was taking Morgan instead of her. She’s obviously the Achilles’ heel.” He let his eyes drift up and down her body. “Probably could have had some more fun with her.”

Jason’s body tensed and he appeared ready to move, but Sonny got there first. He backhanded the man. “Never refer to my sister again.”

A cold smile spread on Verruchio’s thin lips. “She must be a tomcat in the sack, eh, Morgan?”

This time Jason did take a step forward, but Elizabeth jumped down from her position first. She stood next to Sonny and crossed her arms. “You’ll never know,” she replied, sweetly.

“Elizabeth,” Sonny repeated in the same tone.

“You think I don’t have ways to ensure you learn a lesson little girl?” Verruchio snapped. “You think my men wouldn’t be glad to-”

Elizabeth cut him off with short jab to the nose. When Verruchio’s head came forward again, she grabbed his chin with her hand and leaned in close, glaring at him. “No man lays a hand on me unless I say so,” she hissed. “Do you got that?” When he didn’t say anything, she let go abruptly and stepped back. She looked at her brother. “I’ll go wait in the living room,” she said. She threw another glare towards Verruchio and slammed the door behind her.

Sonny returned his attention to the man tied to the chair. “Consider yourself lucky we promised Chosky we’d wait until he arrived.” He looked at Jason. “Go check on her.”

—-

Elizabeth wasn’t in the living room—she was sitting on a chair on the porch staring at the surrounding woods. Jason opened the creaking screen door and stepped onto the porch.

“I’m fine,” Elizabeth said immediately. “I was just worried I might hurt him if I stayed in that room any longer.”

Jason leaned against the porch railing. “You did a good job tonight,” he said. She looked at him. “As much as I hate admit it…you’re good at this.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Yes. I am.”

“How’d you know where to find me?” he asked curiously.

Instead of answering, Elizabeth stood and leaned over the railing, clasping her hands. She took a deep breath. “Don’t you love the smell of the woods?” she asked. “I think the scent of the outdoors is the only thing I miss about living at the Webber Estate.”

“Elizabeth.”

She sighed. “I called Chosky. He said Verruchio keeps to the abandoned warehouses along the docks. We got men together, split the warehouses and started the search.”

“And you just happened to be in the group that found me?” Jason asked.

She smiled. “I made sure I searched the most likely warehouse. The most abandoned and remote one. I was right.”

He slowly exhaled. “I don’t like that you put yourself in that kind of danger.”

“Too bad,” Elizabeth replied.

“I don’t like it,” Jason continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “but I’m not going to say another word about it. It’s your life—and you’re right. I’d be the first person out the door to look for you.”

Elizabeth straightened and smiled at him. “Good. I’m glad you came to your senses.”

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Jason asked. “We have time before we have to do anything.”

She bit her lip and looked back out at the surrounding scenery. “I love the way the stars look in open spaces,” Elizabeth said quietly. “I think I want to live out here someday.” She leaned against one of the pillars that reached to the top of the porch. “You scared me tonight.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said quietly. He tried to read her expression—but all he could see was her profile.

“I did exactly what I swore I wouldn’t let myself do,” Elizabeth continued. “I let you become the most important person in my life again. And when I was faced the idea that I’d lose you, I realized that I didn’t care.”

“Didn’t care?” Jason repeated. “Wait.”

“I mean it didn’t bother me anymore,” Elizabeth clarified. “I was comfortable with you being that important.” She glanced at him. “Are you okay with that?”

“Yeah,” Jason said. “Yeah, I’m okay with that.”

She smiled. “Good.”

“Is there anything else?” he asked.

Elizabeth hesitated. “Actually-” She stopped as a black car pulled up. She frowned and checked her watch. “He’s early.”

Jason sighed, frustrated. He’d made her finish that statement later. “Probably anxious to be done with this.”

A driver emerged from the front seat and headed to the backseat to open the door. A young man emerged followed by an older, silver-haired man.

“Who’s the younger guy?” Jason asked.

“His son, Michael, probably,” Elizabeth replied. She smirked. “As soon as Chosky found out I was Sonny’s sister, he flew up and tried to arrange a marriage between us. Tried to link the territories, I guess.” She shook her head. “Sonny said it was up to me.”

“What did you do?” Jason asked curiously.

“Went on a few dates,” Elizabeth replied. She came forward. “Albert, Michael, so good to see you!” She gave Chosky a kiss on the cheek and shook Michael’s hand.

“Ah, Elizabeth, you’re looking as lovely as ever,” Chosky remarked. He grinned, his green eyes sparkled. “Have you given my offer any more thought?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. My answer is the same.” She turned to Jason. “Albert, this is Sonny’s new partner, Jason Morgan. Jason, this is Albert Chosky and his oldest son, Michael.”

Jason put his hand out. “Hello.”

Chosky shook it. “Good to meet you, Mr. Morgan.”

Michael Chosky was probably around AJ’s age, maybe older. He had dark brown hair and green eyes like his father. He was a little shorter than Jason, but just as built. He stuck his hand out. “Hello.”

Jason shook his hand. “Hello.”

Michael turned to Elizabeth. “Lizzie, it’s been too long.” He reached out and pulled her into a hug. Elizabeth politely hugged him and pulled away quickly.

“Yeah, well, I suppose you want to get in,” Elizabeth said. “Jason and I will show you the room.”

Elizabeth opened the screen door and let Michael and Chosky pass before her. She followed them in.

And Jason stood on the porch, wondering what the hell Michael and Elizabeth had done on those few dates.

—-

Within an hour, Frank Verruchio had been dealt with. The warehouse had been cleared, and Michael and Chosky had left for a hotel. Johnny and Francis had taken care of the safe house.

And Sonny, Jason and Elizabeth returned to the Harborview Towers.

“I should check in with Emily,” Elizabeth said as they headed to the elevators. “She and Nik were expecting us to be right behind them.”

Sonny pushed the button. “I called Carly and told her that there was a situation at the warehouse that you and Jason had to take care of. I made sure to tell her to tell Emily.”

“Thanks,” Elizabeth said gratefully. She looked at Jason. “Maybe we could finish that conversation.”

Sonny eyed them curiously. Conversation? Sounded like something Carly would be interested in.

“Sure.” Jason looked at Sonny. “You need me for anything?”

“No. Go. It’s late,” Sonny replied.

—-

Jason closed the penthouse door behind him. “So, you and Chosky’s kid.”

Elizabeth looked at him amused. She leaned against the desk. “Yeah?”

“What happened after those dates?” he said, bluntly.

She grinned. “Why? You jealous?”

“No,” Jason said shortly.

She shook her head. “Nothing. I decided he wasn’t my type.”

“Okay,” Jason replied, feeling relieved.

She started to laugh. “I can’t believe you were jealous.” Elizabeth moved away from the desk and sat on the couch.

“I was not jealous,” Jason said, crossing his arms. “I was curious.”

“Oh, okay,” Elizabeth replied, shaking her head.

“So what did you want to talk about?” Jason asked, changing the subject.

Elizabeth leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. “I think we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well these last few weeks.”

“Yeah.”

“I just wanted some clarification,” she said turning her head to face him. He sat down next to her.

“Clarification,” he echoed.

“Yeah.” Elizabeth sat up and curled her legs underneath her. “What are we?”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well, are we friends…are we more…are we less…” Elizabeth trailed off.

“We’re more than friends. I thought we agreed on that,” Jason replied.

“Yeah, I know,” Elizabeth said, wrinkling her nose. “But what does that mean?”

Jason stared at her. “What do you want to mean?”

“You’re not making this very easy on me,” Elizabeth said, frustrated. “Okay, we agreed we shouldn’t rush things.”

“Yeah.”

She glared at him. “You wanna jump in here any time and let me know if that’s changed or are you gonna let me babble?”

“Let you babble.”

Elizabeth punched him in the arm. “I’m suddenly beginning to remember why we fought in the first place,” she muttered.

“Elizabeth.”

“What?” she grumbled. She crossed her arms and pointedly didn’t look at him.

“I told you I was going to be around—that we didn’t need to jump into anything. Because you have a lot going on.”

“Yes. Well, now I don’t,” Elizabeth replied. “Verruchio is gone…the nightmares are fading again, I’m okay with the novel rejections. So…”

“The nightmares are fading,” Jason agreed. “But what about Jeff coming back?”

Elizabeth frowned. “I could let that bother me. And to tell the truth, I probably will when it happens. But we haven’t heard anything about it actually happening, so why I should I live my life in fear of something that might happen?” She picked at her nails. “I’ve lived in fear too long and tonight, if nothing else, showed me that I can take care of myself now. I’m not a scared little girl with no one to turn to. If he comes near me, I can back myself up. And I have people who know…who care. It’s not like before.” She looked at him. “If you don’t want to be with me, you can just say so.”

“That’s not it,” Jason said. He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I just want to be sure this is what you want.”

Elizabeth met his eyes. “This is what I want,” she said, firmly. “I want to be with you. I’m at a point in my life where I think I can handle it.”

“You think,” Jason repeated.

The corners of her mouth upturned into a smirk. “The question is…can you handle it?”

He grinned and leaned in to kiss her. She deepened the kiss almost immediately and it became intense in matter of seconds. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. He gripped her hips with his hands and pulled her into his lap.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth pulled away and smiled. “Hmm…I could get used to that.”

Jason looked at her. “Yeah, me too.”

She leaned her forehead against his. “Take me upstairs,” she whispered.

His eyes widened with surprise. “You sure?” he asked.

“Mmmm-hmmm…” Elizabeth murmured, kissing him again. “I want to be with you,” she said. “Make love to me, Jason,” she whispered.

“Well, since you ask so nicely.”

Elizabeth shifted sleepily and snuggled closer to Jason. She didn’t want to wake up and find out that last night had been a dream. She wanted to believe that she’d admitted she was ready to be with him and that she’d wanted to make love with him.

And if it was a dream…well, Elizabeth would rather have a dream like that rather than ones that usually occupied her time.

As she became more aware of her surroundings, she realized that she was, in fact, naked. Her face flushed as she realized that he was, too. She smiled. So it had been real.

She’d heard so often that the first time hurt that she’d come to expect it—but other than a few moments, she hadn’t felt it. Jason had been so gentle and sweet…she almost couldn’t believe it. They had to go slow—Jason’s ribs were a little sore from the previous night.

Elizabeth opened her eyes slightly. The sunlight was streaming through the window—it was Saturday morning. She smiled. She’d never been so thrilled for a morning before. But today…today she was starting a new chapter in her life. She was going to put her past behind her and concentrate on the life at hand. On her job at Deception and her partnership with Sonny and Jason, on her friendship with Emily, AJ and Jason, on her family, on her writing…and on her relationship with Jason.

She’d never fully forget about her childhood—she wasn’t naïve enough to think that. But she wanted to forget the hold it had on her. Last night, she’d proved to herself that Jeff Webber would never be able to hurt her again. If and when he ever came back, she wouldn’t be the terrified emotionally and physically abused girl he’d left. She’d be a strong woman who had had to fight and claw her way back to life.

She wasn’t alone anymore—he could never hide the truth again. He’d never be able to look at Emily or AJ again without their knowing exactly who he was. And he’d never able to tell her Jason was going to leave her.

Because she knew without a doubt, that Jason wouldn’t leave her. Maybe he wasn’t in love with her yet, but Elizabeth trusted him with her life. She knew he’d never hurt her and it was only a matter of time before everyone knew exactly how happy she was.

She knew that she’d done most of the work herself—she was finally able to accept that. But she couldn’t deny that she’d had to motivation this time. She’d had a reason to let go, to finally move past the terror her father had put her through. Jason was her reason—and she didn’t care that she depended on his very presence in her life so she could breathe. She was in love with him and that something her father could never touch.

“I love you,” she whispered. She jumped when she felt Jason’s hand in her hair.

“I love you, too,” he said quietly.

She raised her head to look at him. “Really?” she said, eagerly.

Jason nodded, “Yeah.” He used his hand tangled in her hair to pull her closer to him. He kissed her softly. “I love you.”

Elizabeth bit her lip, blinking back tears. “I love you,” she repeated. “I don’t think I ever get tired of telling you.”

His hand drifted across her cheekbone. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it.”

Elizabeth laid her head back down and pressed a quick kiss to his chest. “You are by far the most beautiful person I’ve ever known,” she whispered. “I’ve never known someone who thinks of other people before himself…who lets people be exactly who they are without holding them back.” She looked up to meet his eyes. “And I can’t believe how lucky I am to be someone who gets to see that side of you.”

“You’re beautiful,” he said, running his fingers down her bare back, sending shivers through Elizabeth’s body. “You’re strong and you take control of your life. You could have done this without me and you would have been fine. I’m just glad you let me in.”

She smiled, her eyes watery. “That makes two of us,” she whispered, leaning down to kiss him.

—-

Emily stretched and—rolled off the couch. Several moments she later, she sat up, cursing. “This is ridiculous.” She looked up at Nikolas who was still sleeping peacefully. “Get up.”

Nikolas groaned. “No.”

She poked him. “Up, Cassadine.”

He sleepily opened one eye. “Whatcha doin’ down there?” he asked groggily.

She glared at him. “I fell. If I have to be awake, so do you.”

Nikolas sat up. “I need some coffee.”

Emily stood. “I’m going to see if Beth came home. Make some coffee.”

Nikolas stood and headed for the kitchen. “I’m only doing what you told me to because I want coffee.”

“Yeah, you keep believing that,” Emily called, smirking. She knocked on Elizabeth’s door. “Beth? Beth?” She frowned and slid it open. Her eyebrows nearly shot through the roof as she saw Elizabeth’s lavender dress thrown carelessly over bottom of the iron bed frame. Her jewelry—which Emily knew was expensive—was haphazardly decorating her nightstand. One of Elizabeth’s dresser drawers was left open and it was out so far it had tilted and hit the ground.

Emily surveyed the scene and decided that Elizabeth had had to somewhere in a hurry—and where ever it was, it kept her from the Deception party. But it kept Sonny and Jason, too.

“Oh, God,” she whispered. She spun around and darted down the hall. Not caring that she was only dressed in Nikolas’s dress shirt or that her makeup was probably all over her face, she ran straight into the hall and headed for the elevators.

—-

At the same time, Carly shot up and groaned. “Oh, no.”

Sonny sat up in bed and stared at her. “What?”

“I didn’t tell Emily Elizabeth was okay.” Carly threw her legs over the side of the bed and grabbed her robe. “She’s going to be so worried. She’s gonna hurt me and so is Elizabeth.”

She hurriedly tied the robe and left the room.

Sonny slumped back into bed. Carly was a hurricane sometimes—you weren’t sure quite when it would hit and sometimes it would be nice and calm and you’d think you were in the clear—but when it came down to it, when a hurricane got going…you got out of its way.

—-

Carly made it to the elevator just as Emily dashed out it. “Whoa!” she said, as Emily crashed into her.

“Carly!” Emily focused. “Beth–Jason—”

“They’re fine,” Carly said. “Sonny called from the warehouse—I was supposed to tell you last night, but you and Nikolas left before I could find you and then I tried to call you—but Sonny came home and I was so glad to see him, we went upstairs—” Carly broke off. “I am so sorry!”

Emily took a deep breath. “Everyone’s okay.”

Carly nodded. “From what Sonny tells me, definitely.” She grinned. “They went to Jason’s to finish a conversation.”

“A conversation?” Emily’s face lit up. “Do you think…?”

Carly shrugged. “I don’t know. Let’s not get our hopes up.” She grinned. “Now, from the looks of you, you got yourself a fine young man down stairs.”

Emily looked down at the messily buttoned shirt and flushed. “He’s making coffee. I’d better go.”

“I’m glad I caught you before you went to the penthouse,” Carly said. “Don’t tell Liz I didn’t tell you.” She grimaced. “She’ll hurt me.”

Emily made a motion as if she was zipping her lips shut. “My lips are sealed.” She pushed the button for the elevator. “See ya.”

—-

Carly reentered the apartment, whistling. Sonny was making his way down the steps. “I take it everything’s fine.”

“Everything’s great,” Carly said happily. “Jason and Liz finished a conversation last night and she’s still not home. I caught Emily before she went to the penthouse and I’m also starving, so get cooking.”

Sonny just laughed and headed for the kitchen.

—-

Hours passed as Emily waited impatiently for Elizabeth to get home. After eating breakfast with Nikolas, she’d kicked him out and gotten showered. She was going to sit Elizabeth down and demanded to know everything that was going on. She even had a list of questions. Did she work for Sonny? And Emily meant work in the most liberal of terms. What conversation was Carly talking about? Were she and Jason together? Was Elizabeth in love with Jason? Had they done the nasty?

Emily sat on the couch, legs and arms crossed. She stared at the door, willing to open. By now she was used to Elizabeth not being here when she woke up—she’d spent a good many nights at Jason’s. But until now Emily had assumed they were strictly platonic—hadn’t wanted to think anything else. She was afraid she’d get her hopes up.

AJ had called after she’d sent Nikolas home. He’d cleared his schedule and was returning in a week. She desperately wanted some good news for him. Emily knew that his conversation with Elizabeth had helped to clear up quite a bit of guilt for him—but AJ would never forgive himself until he saw Jason happy. And Emily wanted Jason happy as well.

It was early afternoon when the door finally opened. Elizabeth entered, wearing a black tank top and black jeans. Her hair was messy, but her face was clean—of any makeup, Emily noted. She must have had time to wash her face. She looked tired—but…she looked…peaceful.

Emily shot to her feet. “You did it.”

Elizabeth closed the door behind her. “What?”

“You’re happy. You and Jason slept together!” Emily squealed.

“We always sleep together,” Elizabeth replied amused. She dropped her keys on the table. “I am so tired.”

“Tired…” Emily trailed off grinning. “You and my brother did the nasty, didn’t you?”

“Em-”

Emily’s smile fell from her face. “Elizabeth Imogene Webber. Sit,” she commanded pointing to the couch.

“You okay?” Elizabeth eyed her. “You’re not sick right?”

“You, my friend, are going to answer some questions for me. So sit.”

Elizabeth shrugged and sat. “Shoot.”

“We’ll start with the easy questions,” Emily said. She stood directly in front of her friend and crossed her arms. “What happened with you and Jason?”

Elizabeth smiled happily. “I love him.”

Emily blinked. “What?” She uncrossed her arms and sat next to her. “You love him? Did you tell him?”

“Yeah. This morning. I thought he was asleep so I let it slip.” Elizabeth sighed. “And he said he loved me, too.”

Emily considered jumping up and down in excitement. She considered calling Carly. She considered making the trek to New York just to high-five AJ. But she was twenty-one years old. She was a mature woman with manners and decorum.

She settled for squealing and hugging her friend for about five minutes. When she pulled away, “Anything else?”

“Emily, I’m not going to tell you everything about my relationship with your brother,” Elizabeth said exasperated. “He’s your brother.”

“Well, yes, and I’ll admit, hearing details might be painful.” Emily grinned. “But I’ll get used to it. Spill.”

Elizabeth bit her lip. “Em-”

“Did you do the nasty?” Emily demanded.

Elizabeth started laughing. “The nasty?” she echoed. “Do I want to know?”

Emily glared at her. “Don’t avoid the question.”

Elizabeth shook her head, amused. “Oh, Em.”

“Do not ‘Oh, Em’ me,” Emily said. “I’m your best friend. I told you when I made love with Nikolas.”

Elizabeth sighed. “You’re right—you did. And you deserve the same courtesy.” She took a deep breath. “Did you feel like…you finally got something right? Like it was the most natural thing in the world?”

Emily’s eyes softened. “Yeah. Being with Nikolas…being each other’s firsts…god, Beth, it felt incredible—like everything in my life had been leading up to that moment.”

“I know Jason’s been with other women,” Elizabeth said, her face flushed, “but you know I’ve never slept with anyone. He was so good to me, Em.”

Emily smiled. “I guess it wasn’t that bad.”

“That bad?” Elizabeth asked. Her jaw dropped. “My god, Em, I know he’s your brother but have you ever stopped to think that he’s the most gorgeous man on Earth?”

“Well…no,” Emily wrinkled her nose. “But he’s not bad.”

“It was incredible,” Elizabeth said. “He made me feel like the only woman on the planet—like there was no one else in the world but the two of us.”

Emily sighed happily. “Good. That’s exactly how you should feel when you’re with the man you love.” Her face sobered. “Do you think he’s it?”

Elizabeth hesitated. “Well…” she looked away. “Yeah.”

Emily frowned. “You don’t sound happy about the idea.”

Elizabeth turned back. “Well…what if he doesn’t feel that way? I mean, yeah, he said he loves me. But love doesn’t last forever—not for everyone.”

“Beth, when my brother loves…he loves with everything in him,” Emily said quietly. “There’s no way this is a temporary thing. You should see the way his face lights up when you enter a room. I don’t even know if he’s realized it, but he’s so happy when you’re around.”

Elizabeth gave a little smile. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Emily nodded. “And you know what? You’re the same way. You guys have something—something Carly and I saw before the truce. We both see something and we’ve never been wrong. Grandmother thinks you’re perfect for Jason and she got AJ and Court together.”

Elizabeth grinned. “I’ve got Lila’s approval? I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Emily nodded, knowingly. “She told me herself she saw it. Anyway, you’ve answered all questions except the last one.” She frowned. “Do you work for Sonny?”

Elizabeth tensed. “I do some research sometimes.”

Emily shook her head. “I’m not stupid, Beth. I know you have a gun. You didn’t show up at the party because something was happening—Jason and Sonny weren’t there either. And you’re almost always at the warehouse. You can trust me—I won’t tell a soul, honest.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “You promise you won’t get mad?” she asked.

Emily nodded. “Promise.”

“Okay.” Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I’m an equal silent partner in all of Sonny’s businesses. The hotel, the coffee warehouse…and the other thing.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Equal partner?” she asked, in a hushed tone. “My god. You, Sonny and Jason are equal partners.”

Elizabeth nodded solemnly. “And after graduation in two years, Sonny’s going to make the official announcement.”

Emily sat back and blinked. “I didn’t quite expect this,” she said.

Elizabeth sighed. “You’re mad.”

“No. Just surprised.” Emily frowned. “You can’t tell me what happened last night can you?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No.”

“I figured. Carly know?”

“No. Just me, Sonny, Jason and you. The men don’t even know.”

Emily clasped her hands together and studied her nails, “All right.”
“You’re okay with that?”

Emily sighed. “It’s your life, Beth. You make your own decisions—no one can tell you what to do.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Taking the classes…in self-defense, it’s helped, Em. I’ll never have to worry about my father again.”

Emily glanced sharply. “That’s why you’re doing this.”

“What?” Elizabeth asked, taken aback.

“You’re involved because you want to make sure Jeff Webber will never cross you again. So you’ll never have to be afraid.”

Elizabeth looked away. “I just hated feeling helpless.”

Emily sighed. “Well, now I really have to accept this because I don’t blame you. I even understand.”

“Really?” Elizabeth asked, hopefully.

“Yeah. Just…promise me you’ll take care of yourself,” Emily said.

Elizabeth nodded. “Not a problem.”

“You should have seen her,” Emily said, twirling her fork in her pasta. She sighed, “So happy.”

Carly grinned at her from the other side of the table in the penthouse. “I don’t even care that we didn’t even get to put our plan into action.”

Emily nodded. “I know. They fell in love all by themselves…makes it better.”

“Yup,” Carly agreed. She frowned and checked her watch. “I wonder what’s keeping Liz. She only went to Kelly’s to get dessert.”

Emily shrugged, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe she ran into Jason.”

Carly pouted. “But I wanted my triple chocolate chip ice cream sundae.”

—-

Elizabeth strode into Kelly’s, her cheeks flushed. She had run into Jason and he’d given her a ride to the diner. But they’d gotten slightly…distracted.

She was in such a hurry that she didn’t hear Bobbie Spencer calling her name until it was too late. She had paid Tammy for the three sundaes and was turning around when she froze.

Bobbie, Lucky’s aunt, was smiling at her from a table and waving her over. Normally, Elizabeth would have no problem stopping for a chat. Bobbie and her late grandmother, Audrey Hardy, had been close and Elizabeth liked talking with Bobbie.

But today, Elizabeth’s eyes were trained on the head of silver hair—the slight profile. Most people wouldn’t recognize a person just from the back of their head—and Elizabeth never would have realized who it was if she hadn’t seen his hands.

The hands that she would never forget. The long fingers and smooth skin, marred only by a scar on the back of his left hand. She remembered that scar. She’d bitten him when she was fifteen. The pinky on his right hand didn’t have a nail.

She’d always remember those hands. The hands that had pulled her hair, smacked her, punched her, scratched her…the hands that had beaten her.

She stared at those hands nonchalantly resting on the table. Her breath was caught in her throat—she felt like she’d never breathe again. Her hands began to shake and she dropped the bag.

It fell to the floor with a soft thud and Elizabeth could see Bobbie’s face change from smiling to concern.

And then he turned.

And Elizabeth Webber saw Jeff Webber for the first time since he’d nearly thrown her out a window two years ago.

Bobbie stood and approached her. “Liz, are you all right?”

Elizabeth was trembling all over but she closed her eyes and forced for control. She had promised herself just yesterday that Jeff couldn’t hurt her—that he didn’t control her life. That she’d never give him that power again.

She took a deep breath and when Elizabeth opened her eyes, Bobbie took a deep breath of her own—in relief.

Elizabeth pasted a bright smile on her face and leaned down to pick her bag up. “I’m fine, Bobbie. It was just a surprise to see you here with my father.”

Jeff Webber had gotten up and came to Bobbie’s side. “Lizzie, it’s good to see you,” he said cautiously.

Elizabeth turned her fake smile towards the man that had haunted her thoughts and dreams. “It’s good to you, too… Daddy…” she said, forcing a cheerful note in her voice. She felt disgusting inside. How quickly she’d fallen back into her routine—pretending that Jeff was the perfect father and she was the perfect daughter. It came so easily to her—it always had.

Whether what he did next was for Bobbie’s sake or he just wanted to prove that he still had power over her, Elizabeth would never know. But she’d never forget the powerful waves of self-loathing and disgust that crashed over as Jeff leaned over to give her a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. “You look as beautiful as always, Lizzie. Come by the house, I know your mother would love to see you.”

Elizabeth gripped the bag tightly—fearing what little control she had was about to snap. “I’ll do that,” she said, her voice still strong. “I have to go. Carly and Em are waiting. They must be worried. Good to see you, Bobbie… Daddy…” Elizabeth rushed out of the diner to where Jason was still waiting.

“Get me out of here,” she cried, throwing her leg over the back of the bike and clinging to him.

“Elizabeth-”

“Please!”

Worried about the note of terror in her voice, Jason turned the bike on, revved the engine and took off.

Inside the diner, Bobbie was shaking her head. “Elizabeth looks sick, doesn’t she Jeff?”

Jeff Webber looked at his old friend. “She didn’t look herself,” he agreed.

“I’ll bet she’s not eating right, living on her own with Emily,” Bobbie continued. “I don’t know why she insisted on moving out. Katherine would never say.”

“She’s living with Emily Quartermaine,” Jeff repeated. He tilted his head in curiosity. “How is Emily doing?”

Bobbie smiled. “Much better since Jason moved back home. She’s practically skipping her way through town.”

“Jason,” Jeff echoed. “And he still doesn’t remember anything?”

Bobbie frowned. “No. Why?”

Jeff tried not to look relieved as he smiled at Bobbie. “No reason. I just remember Lizzie was always close to him.”

—-

Jason didn’t take her back to the penthouse—he took her to Vista Point instead. Whatever had happened back at Kelly’s—he didn’t want to leave her alone until he knew she was okay.

Elizabeth off the bike almost before he’d pulled it to a complete stop. She let the bag of sundaes drop on the ground as she sank to her knees, hugging herself. She couldn’t stop shaking.

Jason was alarmed and crouched in front of her. “Elizabeth, what happened, what’s going on?”

“He touched me,” Elizabeth whispered. Her blue eyes were wide with terror—and glazed over. She wasn’t here with him—she was somewhere else. “I feel so dirty.”

“Who touched you?” Jason demanded.

“I hate him, I hate him, I hate him,” Elizabeth chanted, rocking back and forth. She was still shaking.

Jason pulled her against him and they were both sitting on the ground now. She started to cry hysterically—the sobs shaking her body even more. Her face was bright red and she was clinging to him as if he’d disappear if she let go. But what terrified him more than anything was her skin. It was only June and she felt like she’d taken a dip in an ice pond. She was freezing.

It was nearly ten minutes before Elizabeth’s tears slowed. “He was there,” she whispered, her voice hitching as if she’d break into a round of sobs at any given moment.

“Who?” Jason asked. But he knew. He knew the answer before she even said it. He’d never seen her like this—not even the night she’d woken up in the hospital. She was so terrified.

“My father.” She took a deep breath—she tried. But it got caught in her throat and she started crying again.

Jason closed his eyes. He didn’t always know what to say to her—but most of the time he managed to come up with something. But how could he reassure her that Jeff Webber couldn’t touch her?

He’d let her down. He’d never forgive himself. He’d promised her that Jeff wouldn’t get within a hundred feet of her and he’d never touch her again. And he’d broken that promise.

Jason tightened his arms around her. “I am so sorry,” he whispered, feeling the tears prick at his own eyes. This beautiful strong woman who’d faced Frank Verruchio down while laughing only a few nights ago was reduced to a terrified little girl just by the sight of her father.

“He touched me,” Elizabeth breathed, closing her eyes. “He hugged me and kissed my cheek like we were a normal family.” She took another deep breath and managed to do it this time. “And I let him! Oh, god, I let him touch me!” She tightened her grip on his shoulders and stared wildly in his eyes. “He touched me and I let him do it!”

He stared at her, helplessly. He could hold her after her nightmares and tell her she was okay. But how to do you convince someone that everything will be okay when you’re not even sure yourself?

In the end, Jason just closed his eyes and tightened his grip on her, feeling lost for the first time in his life.

—-

He’d taken Elizabeth back to the penthouse and put her in his bedroom. She’d cried herself to sleep nearly an hour later and Jason left then.

He went to Sonny’s apartment, knowing Emily and Carly were waiting for her. As soon as he walked in, Carly jumped up from her seat at the table.

“Have you seen Elizabeth?” Carly demanded. Emily stood and studied her brother’s face.

“Jason, what’s wrong?” she asked quietly. “You look…”

“What happened to Liz?” Carly cried. She grabbed his shoulders. “Something happened didn’t it? You’ve been crying—you never cry—”

Emily pulled Carly away gently. “Jason what’s going on?”

Jason looked away. “Elizabeth is asleep at my apartment. She, uh…” he looked up at the ceiling trying to keep himself in check. “She saw Jeff at Kelly’s.”

Emily gasped, her hand flying to cover her mouth. Carly stumbled back, her eyes wide. “Is she okay?”

Jason shook his head slowly. “No. She’s not.”

Emily started for the door. “I want to be there when she wakes up,” she said.

“Em, wait-” Jason said, holding the door shut. “You need to know—that I’ve never seen her like this. Not after any nightmares or even after the hospital.”

Emily turned back. “What?” Her eyes were wide and filled with tears. “What do you mean? What’s wrong with her?”

Carly took a deep breath. “She was shaking, her skin like ice to the touch.”

Emily and Jason’s eyes flew to Carly. “How-” Jason broke off.

“Because that’s the way I felt when my father showed up after he got out of jail,” Carly whispered. She looked away—towards the windows. “He’d been in jail for three years, I’d gotten my life back in order. I was even happy. My mother was doing better. I thought I’d put that behind me. But one day, he just showed up at the door. Out of the blue. No warning, nothing. And he hugged me.” Carly wiped her arm. “I’d never felt so disgusting in my life. I wanted to kick him, scream…”

Emily was staring at Carly. “Oh my God,” she breathed. “It happened to you, too.”

Carly met her eyes. “Yeah,” she said her voice cracking. “And my mother ignored it. For thirteen years, he beat me and she never wanted to see it. Sometimes it was so bad, it hurt to breathe. I wished that I would die. He started beating me before I could remember…my mother finally told me he’d hit me the first time the day I began to walk. I walked in front of the television…” Carly smiled through her tears. “I paused and fell…and he smacked me that day. And it never stopped until he went to jail when I was fourteen. For three years…I don’t even remember why he went. But when I was seventeen he came home and wanted to pretend that nothing had changed. And my mother…” Carly took a shuddering breath. “She wanted to pretend, too. But I couldn’t—I couldn’t do it. I ran away that day and I didn’t stop running until I came to Port Charles seven years later.”

Emily was crying silently, her hand still covering her mouth. Two of the people she loved in her life had suffered through so much—how was such cruelty possible?

Carly shook her head. “Don’t coddle her,” she said softly. “And don’t tell her it’s going to be okay. It won’t work. Because she believes right now that she’s weak. That she let him do this. Because no matter how much you think you’ve put it behind you, all it takes is one little reminder to bring you right back to reality—that it will never be over.”

Carly sat on the couch and curled up, clutching a pillow. Jason and Emily were still standing by the door. Neither knew what to do. Because comforting Carly wasn’t going to work and comforting Elizabeth didn’t seem to be an option. Because as Carly said, all the comfort in the world would never erase what had happened.

The scene was broken when Sonny entered. The door opened and bumped Jason in the back.

“Sorry, didn’t see-” Sonny’s words fell as he took in Jason’s pale face, Emily’s tears, and Carly curled up on the couch. “Carly…”

Carly looked up, her brown eyes drowning in tears. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Sometimes it’s just too vivid to forget.”

Sonny dropped his keys on the desk and rushed to the couch, crouching in front of it. “Baby, what happened?”

“Jeff Webber,” Jason stated. Sonny ripped his eyes from his wife long enough to look at Jason. “Elizabeth saw in Kelly’s. He hugged her,” Jason said, the disgust dripping from his voice. “She’s terrified, Sonny. I have to go back to her before she wakes up alone.”

“I’ll go with you,” Emily said quickly.

“I want to go too,” Carly said quietly. Sonny looked back to her. “I want to be there for her. We have to, Sonny.”

Sonny nodded. He stood and offered her a hand.

—-

Jason went to sit by Elizabeth’s side and so did Carly. Sonny wanted to help—so he did the only thing he could.

He started to cook. Emily helped. Sonny had taught her to cook over the past two years and it was something the two of them often did together. She had developed a love of cooking that rivaled Sonny’s and like Sonny, she often sought comfort in it.

Sonny and Emily worked quietly for a while. They started with a casserole, Sonny’s reason being it was something that could be heated up.

“I don’t know what to do,” Sonny said finally. Emily closed the oven door and looked up at him. He was leaning against the kitchen counter, hands gripping the edges. “My sister and my wife are still as tormented as I am and I can’t help.”

Emily took a deep breath. “I don’t what to do, either. Because I just want to hug her and tell her everything will be okay and I can’t promise her that.”

“I could get rid of him,” Sonny said. “But the only person that would help would be me. Or Carly, Jason or you. We’d feel better. But she’d still go to sleep every night, his voice echoing, and the memories just at the edge of her brain waiting to attack.”

Emily looked away. “She was so happy,” she whispered. “She hadn’t stopped smiling all day. Why did this have to happen now?” Emily asked, the tears beginning to burn her eyes. “Why? Why Beth? Why Carly? Why does this have to happen to the people I love? How can people be so cruel to children?”

Sonny’s throat began to thicken as he stared at the crying, angry woman. “I don’t know,” he said hoarsely. “I wish I had the answers. But there are none.”

Emily suddenly grabbed a chair and threw it against a wall. “Damn it, this isn’t fair!” she cried. “I can’t help my best friend! I failed her when we were younger and I’m failing her now! All I want to do is kill him! I want to wrap my hands around his neck and hear his bones pop!” She was shaking as she continued, “I want to see the terror in his eyes, I want to see him struggling to breathe…I want him to understand what it’s like to be so scared you’re going to die and not being to control it!”

Sonny wrapped Emily in his arms, as her body continued to shake with the angry sobs. He couldn’t help but agree with Emily—it would be satisfying to rid the world of Jeff Webber. It would be worth it to see the look in his eyes—but in the end, nothing would help Elizabeth.

She’d have to fight this battle herself. But Sonny was beginning to wonder how many battles his sister would have to fight before she lost the war.

—-

Carly was curled up in a chair, staring at Elizabeth’s sleeping form. Jason was lying next to Elizabeth, holding her. She’d already had two nightmares, but Jason had been able to calm her down before Elizabeth had awakened.

“I wish I knew what to do,” Jason whispered into the dark room.

“There’s nothing you can do,” Carly replied quietly. “Other than what you’re doing. We can be there for her, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t fight her demons for her.”

“She laughed,” Jason said. “She laughed in Verruchio’s face when he called her a bitch. She wasn’t even scared.”

Carly had no idea what Jason was talking about but didn’t let that faze her. “She’s strong,” Carly said. “She can beat this.”

“I know,” Jason said softly, unconsciously tightening his arms around Elizabeth. “But how many times does she have to beat it?”

Carly rubbed her arms absently. “She’ll have to fight it the rest of her life,” she said, her voice almost too low for Jason to hear. “Because the terror she lives in every day will be present whether that scum lives here or in Europe. Because she’ll always hear his voice and she’ll always remember the way she felt—because those memories are always waiting to attack.”

“When does it get easier?” Jason asked. “Can you tell me if it ever does?”

Carly shrugged. “It does for some people and for others, it never does. But it takes time, Jase.” She sighed. “It might be a long time before she’s ready to continue a normal existence—be a normal girlfriend for you—”

“That’s the last thing I’m concerned about,” Jason cut in.

Carly smiled weakly. “Good. You know, I’ve done a lot of reading…” she sighed. “And I’ve found that most of what the doctors say about survivors of child abuse is shit. I know the statistics…that people were abused are more than likely to be abusers and that’s just not true. Because if anything…we know more than anyone else what’s it like to go to sleep at night—and wish you wouldn’t wake up.” She looked down at her nails which she’d been chewing on all night. “Sonny and I have chosen to support each other—but she’s chosen you to support her.” She found his eyes in the darkness. “Don’t ever let her regret that decision.”