One Fine Day by pingster12

[JRK Archiver]

What you need to know: It begins in the past when Jason and Elizabeth were young and they are only about 2 years apart in age.


Chapter 1

The cool night summer breeze seemed to kiss every inch of her face. She inhaled a large breath as she looked up at the dark clouds. They were flying so low it seemed as if she would reach up her fingers would connect with one of the miracles of nature. She dug her bare feet deeper into the damp cool sand and sighed at the feeling of peace that was overwhelming her at that very moment in time. And every time she heard the beautiful sound of the waves crashing on the shore it reminded her that summer was finally here. No more test taking, no more studying, and more importantly no more homework. It was summer and the scent of the relaxing season was thick in the night air. She smelled it with every breath she took and she felt it on her skin with every breeze that kissed her soft white flesh.

The clouds above her seemed to thin and for one second letting the stars come out to play. She loved it when that occurred, as a matter of fact it was her favorite part. Those tiny diamonds in the sky would be covered by a large thick cloud, therefore their beauty and wonder would be blind to the human eye. And sometimes if you would look hard enough you would catch a shimmering light through the thick fog shining through. But when the clouds would decide to part and let the true wondrous attraction of the night’s beauty truly shine, it was overwhelming. She let her eyes scan the night diamonds quickly. Taking in and mesmerizing what she could before the clouds decided to take the spotlight once more.

She had been doing this night after night every Summer vacation she could remember. Her parents owned a beach house at Marco Beach, it was just an hour away from Port Charles. It was where the elite of the small town would spend the three months out of the year. They would pack up their families, their pets, and their dogs and live the good life out here in Marco beach. Where they would flaunt what latest outrageous item their money had bought them, where they would be nice to each others faces one moment and gossip behind each others backs the next and where they could flirt with each others spouses and possibly commit adultery with one another. She never really cared for the social scene of Marco Beach; she only cared about the scenery…..about the magnificent art work that God provided to the human eye everyday.

That was the exact reason she was laying on her back enjoy the beauties of the night by her lonesome while all the other 15 year olds her age were walking on the shoreline in search of their summer flings. In search for the perfect love story to tell their friends once they would return back to Port Charles. But not her, she preferred to be by herself and she didn’t want or need to have three months of hand holding or kissing. She didn’t want or have the need to tell the perfect Summer love story to her school friends over the cafeteria’s meatloaf surprise. Even if she ever did have a story to tell who would she say it too. She was pretty much a loner really didn’t have any friends, never had a boyfriend in her life and pretty much was only known to others as Sarah and Steve Webber’s younger sister. Sarah and Steve Webber’s quiet younger sister.

While Elizabeth Webber was invisible to the freshman class of Port Charles High, Sarah and Steve Webber where the stars of the school. Sarah was a sophomore going on her Junior year and was the most beautiful and popular girl in her class. Steven was a Junior going on to Senior year and was well on his way to becoming the class valedictorian and was the captain of the football team. They were the golden children of the family and she was……well the copper child of the family. But it didn’t bother her, she accepted a long time ago what she truly was and what she truly wanted for herself and none of that included being apart of the pretty people, as she referred to them, who would vacation at Marco Beach. She knew exactly who she was and always found comfort in that simple little fact.

“Are you wishing on a star” came a male voice from behind her. It startled her and she jumped up into a sitting position. Her dark blue eyes made contact with icy blues, “Jason” her voice was shaky from the fright. She burrowed her brows together causing a deep V to from on her forehead, “What are you doing here?” she questioned.

He chuckled, “Got here a couple of hours ago” he slumped his body next to hers on the moist sand, “I had to get away for a while” he informed.

She lifted her brows and nodded knowingly. She had known Jason and his family since she could remember. He and Steven had been best friends before she was born and many nights she heard the tales of just how the Quartermaine’s were from Jason. She completely sympathized with the young blond sitting next to her, “If your looking for Steven he’s probably out with all the other kids farther down the shore”

He pouted his lip’s and shook his head, “Nope” he began to rummage through the sand with one hand, “Don’t want to see any of them right now” he looked up toward the night sky, “Why aren’t you with them?”

She giggled at the ridiculous question, “Me” she poked her self in the chest and began to laugh, “Since when does anyone want me around?”

He scratched his chin, “That’s right. You’re a loner” he confirmed, “How did that happen Lizzi?”

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, “Doesn’t bother me really” she said honestly, “It’s better than having all that pressure to be perfect and to be the best like you and Steven have” she grinned at him, “Mr. Soon to be Homecoming King”

He let out a frustrated groan, “I don’t even want to think about that stuff right now” he turned his attention towards her and his eyes lit up, “guess what?” he said with enthusiasm, “I’m going to get a tattoo” he nodded his head in conformation.
She lifted a brow at him; the perfect Jason Quartermaine’s is going to get a tattoo? The thought alone boggled her mind and in all honestly impressed her, “Where?” she asked cheerfully.

He lifted up his cotton white tee-shirt to reveal his chiseled chest. He poked right above one of his muscular breasts, “Here” he informed. Elizabeth swallowed hard as here eyes raked over every enchanting inch of Jason’s chest. Had he always had such a delicious rock hard stomach? Had his chest always looked so manly? She blinked rapidly trying to concentrate on his face rather than his pecks, “What is it going to look like?”

He let out a chuckle, “It’ going to say JM” he poked at his chest once more.

“What’s JM?”

He lifted his chin up a notch and hiked his shirt higher, giving more access of his beautiful body to Elizabeth, “Jason Morgan” he said proudly.

Ok, now she knew something wasn’t 100% right with his mind but who the hell cared the kid had a gorgeous body and she didn’t want him to put his shirt down anytime soon. So if that meant she had to play along with his craziness, so be it, “whose Jason Morgan?”

He chuckled once more and involuntarily swayed from side to side, “Me”

She giggled, “Jason, are you drunk?”

He enthusiastically nodded his head, “And it’s about damn time too….It’s about time I started being the rebel of the family…..it’s about time I start acting a little more like AJ instead of being his keeper” he leaned closer to her and pointed at his naked chest one more time, “That’s what Jason Morgan is all about” he whispered to her, “he’s about doing what he wants…..about sending everyone to hell and not caring what his family thinks of him” he then disappointed her by putting the shirt down and concealing his body from her.

She frowned at the loss of the spectacular sight of him. After a second Elizabeth nodded her head and patted his jean clad knee, “Oh, I see. He’s your alter ego”

He nodded his head, “Yep, but it’s our secret Lizzi” he shook his head, “No one knows but you and me” his smiled grew wide, “And wouldn’t that tattoo really piss of my parents. Couldn’t you just see it now, there golden boy with a tattoo” he began to laugh.

She shrugged her shoulders, “Nah” his laughter stopped and he looked at her questionably, “If you really want to piss them off” she grinned at him, “Get a tattoo that says ‘Papa Loves Mambo’ now that would make them freak” both of them joined each other in laughter, “Lizzi, I don’t want to get beat up in the locker room” he humorously informed.

“I see your point” she then smiled at him and quietly resumed her attention toward the night sky, “Lizzi?” he called her back to him, “Tell me a secret…..something no one knows about you”

She inhaled a deep breath and slowly exhaled, “Jason, what do you want from me?” when he lifted a brow questioning her words she rolled her eyes, “You haven’t spoken to me since you were a freshman in high school and now……what? Do you all of a sudden want to be pals or something?” she asked sarcastically.

“I’ve talked to you before” he defended himself

She shook her head, “Maybe, you’ve said hi to me in the hallways once and a while but other than that” she shrugged her shoulders, “Nothing”

He squinted his eyes at her, “For real?” she turned her face to him and didn’t give a hint of any type of emotion she might have been feeling, “Well, that was Jason Quartermaine I’m Jason Morgan now” he said with a wide smile. He patted her on the back a little more roughly than he intended, “Lizzie is my friend” he announced as her tiny body was slightly thrusted forward, “So tell me a secret” he persisted.

She looked at him with a deep frown on her face, she reached behind her and tried to smooth her back with one of her hands, “I tell you if you never pat me on my back again”

He began to laugh, “Sorry” he drunkenly apologized for his roughness, “Ok, I’m waiting?”

She huffed, “I’m in love with Lucky Spencer,” his eyes shot open in surprise and then he began to shake from the laughter he was trying to stifle, but failed miserably, “It’s not funny” she protested, “That’s my goal this summer to get over him” In his fit of laughter he attempted to playfully slap her knee. When he swung forward he missed, his entire body rocked forward, and he landed face first in the sand.

Now that was funny, she began to laugh as she scooted backwards from him, “Serves you right” she said through laughter, “for making fun of me”

He sat up and began to spit out the little pieces of sand that hand entered his mouth, “Lucky Spencer!” he shouted then he blew raspberries, “You got to be joking me. He’s a freaking moron”

“Well, he’s a freaking moron who doesn’t want me” she informed him and couldn’t help the bitterness that was in her tone.

He shook his head in an attempt to get the sand out of it, “I don’t see why not…..you’re cute”

She blew out a deep breath, “Yeah really cute” she said sarcastically, “I’m 30 pounds over weight, I got a mouth full of medal, my glasses get thicker by the year and no matter how many times I comb my hair it always resembles a bird nest” she huffed, “Oh yeah, little Lizzi Webber is a freaking babe”

He frowned at his little friend, “That’s the problem right there” he pointed out, “Little Lizzi Webber”

Her head snapped towards him, “What are you talking about?”

“You’re stuck with Lizzi Webber as your title and everyone has an idea who Lizzi is and how she should behave. Just like Jason Quartermaine ” he jumped on his knees, “I hear by proclaim you Elizabeth Webber. No longer will you be referred to as Lizzi. You are Elizabeth, a cute, funny and intelligent woman” he nodded his head in conformation.

She looked up at him and smiled, “your crazy” she commented.

“Nope, just really drunk”

She shrugged her shoulders, “You must be really drunk if you think I’m cute”

He grabbed her hand and brought her up to a kneeling position right in front of him, “Elizabeth Webber and Jason Morgan. They are two of a kind”

She smirked at him, “She……doesn’t care what Lucky Spencer thinks”

His grin grew wide, “Jason Morgan……doesn’t care what his family thinks or does”

“She’s going to be a famous artist” she couldn’t hide the fact that she was beginning to get excited with the idea of who Elizabeth Webber could be.

“He’s going to work on Motorcycles and cars” Jason said excitedly

“She’s going to be beautiful”

He reached into his pocket and took out a cigarette, “Jason Morgan is a rebel and….he smokes” he said as he waved the cigarette in the air, “He doesn’t care if it’s bad for him”

“Don’t light that” Elizabeth tried to stop him but he did it anyway, “your going to puke” she warned.

He looked at her, “Jason Morgan doesn’t puke” he then took a drag and began to cough uncontrollably. Elizabeth watched as his complexion turned green and then she watched as he hurled, “Seems like Jason Morgan just hurled to me” she commented.

He clenched at his ailing stomach and looked at the cigarette in his hand, “Jason Morgan does not smoke” he threw the cigarette as far as he could. She covered her mouth as she began to laugh, “Think that’s funny?” she nodded.

“Do you feel better” she asked as sincerely as possible since she was laughing her butt off at him.

“Yep…..I’m only seeing one of you know”

She shook her head, “Ewwwww, two Lizzi Webbers is enough”

He waged his index finger at her, “Hey, no Lizzi Webber” he scolded, “its Elizabeth Webber and two of her is not enough”

She nodded at him, “And Jason Morgan looks cool at all times…… even if he is puking his guts out” she began to giggle.

He smirked at her, “No girl will want to marry him but all the girls will want to be with him…..He’s not marrying material you know?”

She bit on her bottom lip while she thought of her alter ego, “She will walk out of Port Charles the day after graduation and move to France” she said excitedly.

“Jason Morgan will not be a doctor…..he will not follow in the footsteps of his parents” her eyes widened at his admission, “And……and He will not marry Robin Scorpio”

She lifted both hands in front of her body, “Whoa….slow down” she changed her sitting position to Indian style, “You don’t want to be a doctor?” she asked in a stunned state, “Jason, that’s all you said you ever wanted” she shook her head, “And you don’t want to marry Robin, when the hell did that happen…..I mean you’ve been dating her for years”

He let out a deep breath and sat next to her, “Truth?” he looked at her from the side, “I don’t want to be a doctor….never did. I just say that to make my parents proud and I probably will become a doctor…..just to make them proud” he paused for a second, “And Robin…..well, I love her I do, but” he shrugged his shoulders and downcasted his eyes, “I just don’t know”

Silence surrounded them and she saw how troubled he was, how much his emotions conflicted with each other. She felt sorry for him, because he could never voice these types of feelings to anyone with out being judged. She decided that she wasn’t going to do that to him; she was going to be a friend and listen to him. She bumped him with her shoulder in a playful manor, “Jason Morgan, will travel the world” she smiled at him.

He smiled right back at her, “On his motorcycle” he informed her, “and he will travel Europe and see the world and then he will meet up with his famous artist friend Elizabeth Webber in Paris France”

She nodded her head, “I like that” a wet drop hit her hand and she looked up at he sky, “It’s going to start pouring” he looked up at the sky and when a drop hit his cheek he stood up, “I guess we better get going”

She stood up from the sand and dusted the back of her shorts with her hands, “Yep” she looked in the direction of her beach house and frowned, “See you later Jason” she began to walk away from him.

“Elizabeth” he called out to her and when their eyes met she smiled. He called her Elizabeth, and she liked it, “Do you do this a lot?”

“Come out here when everyone is messing around” she clarified, “Yep, all the time” she confirmed.

“Good” he smiled, “Do you mind if Jason Morgan joins you once and a while?” he asked hopefully.

She giggled, “Elizabeth Webber wouldn’t mind it one bit” she then said her good night and walked away toward her home.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Two

Night after night she would look up toward the night sky just like she did every summer night as far as she could remember but this time she wasn’t alone. Jason was by her side for every second, she could no longer hear the sound of the waives crashing upon the shore they were drowned out by their laughter. The nights it rained they found shelter on the Quartermaine porch and that was the only thing that would change. The laughter would still be present and the talking grew deeper and deeper as every night passed. Some nights they talked about nothing in particular and some nights they talked about everything. She told him all her dreams; about becoming a famous painter, how she wanted to live in Paris right after graduation. And in return he would tell her about how he would be happy owning a garage and working on cars and bikes for the rest of his life and how he dreamed of wondering around Europe. How he had no interest to go to college and how he was sick of his parents living their life through him.

These meetings were kept a secret no one knew about them, it was their secret and they liked it that way. During they day they were quiet Lizzi Webber and perfect Jason Quartermaine, but when the sun would set and the stars would shine Elizabeth Webber and Jason Morgan would rise and just enjoy each others company. They really were just two of a kind.

She brought her hands behind her head for some cushion and shifted her body around in search for comfort. She smiled when she realized that there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The true beauties of the night were shining with all their glory.

It was kind of funny how she always wanted to be alone, how she always thought she never needed anyone by her side. This summer alone proved her wrong. She found that she enjoyed having a friend, having someone to talk to, share intimate thoughts with and to laugh with. She realized that until she and Jason bonded she never use to laugh, but that all changed, just like she changed. She heard footsteps behind her and she didn’t need to look, she knew exactly who it was.

“Sorry I’m late” he slumped down next to her, “I found AJ passed out on the lawn chair outside by the pool. I had to put him to bed before my parents found out” She searched his face with her eyes and frowned at his sad expression, “Your sad” she simply stated.

“Yep” he looked up at the stars, “We leave back to Port Charles tomorrow” he turned his attention towards her, “You?” she nodded giving confirmation. She sighed, “In the morning”

He looked at the waves crashing on the shore, “Yeah, we leave in the morning too……The Summer flew by didn’t it?”

She frowned at the thought of summer ending, it was the best one she ever had experienced and now it was over, “Yes it did” she replied sadly.

He huffed as his eyes wondered the dark ocean shore, “It’s time to go back to being the good son all the time”

She frowned, “It’s time to go back to being invisible”

He blew out a deep breath full of disappointment, “Cleaning up after AJ’s messes”

“Being the cooper child”

“Being the golden child”

She frowned as she concentrated on one star that was shining brighter than the others, “Being lonely”

“Choosing a college that I don’t even want to go to”

She groaned, “Doing homework, writing papers and taking tests”

He downcasted his eyes at his bare feet that were wiggling in the cool damp sand, “Being Robin’s perfect boyfriend” She observed his profile and frowned when she saw how sad he looked. He hadn’t mentioned Robin since the first night they talked and he had the same expression now that he did back then. He looked trapped…..so sad, “Elizabeth?”

“Yeah”

She turned toward her, “We started the summer revealing secrets to each other. I think we should end it the same way”

She sat up to a sitting position, “Ok”

He locked eyes with her, “I’m not in love with Robin” if he would have told her this the first night they talked she would have been shocked, but as they had spent more and more time together she had suspected that Jason wasn’t in love with his long time girlfriend. She looked at him with sympathetic eyes, “I know” she simply stated and he didn’t even seemed shocked by her response. No one knew him….his real self better than she, “ Have you talked to her since you’ve been here?”

He nodded his head, “She calls me from Port Charles once a week” Elizabeth placed her hand on his knee in an attempt to provide comfort, “Maybe you should tell her you need a brake”

She shook his head, “No way….she will freak, my family would freak” he took in a deep breath, “They want us to marry as soon as I finish my four years of college”

Elizabeth dipped her head downward in order to see him better, “I don’t think you should marry her if your not in love with her”

He looked up at the stars and sadly whispered, “But I will Elizabeth…..I will marry her and all will be right in the world” She opened her mouth to try to talk some sense into him, to let him know he didn’t have to be afraid to live the life he wanted, but he quickly stopped her, “Your turn”

She sighed disappointingly, “Jason I th-“

“Your turn” he cut her off once more.

“Fine” she gave into his silence, “I’m not in love with Lucky Spencer anymore” she said emotionless.

He stuck out his tongue at her in a teasing manor, “Boring, I’ve known that for a good month now”

She rolled her eyes, “Then I don’t know…..you know everything else”

“There has to be something” he persisted, “Something no one knows”

She cocked her head to the side and took a moment to think. After a couple of seconds she grinned at him, “This is an embarrassing secret”

He grinned right back at her, “Spill” he ordered

She covered her face with her hand and groaned once more, “I’ve never been kissed” she admitted. He began to laugh and she swatted him on the arm playfully, “It’s not funny…..I’m going to be a sophomore in high school and I’ve never been kissed” she complained.

He brought up both of his hands in surrender as his laughter ceased, “Alright….alright, I’m sorry I laughed” he grinned at her, “But you have to admit that it is kind of pathetic” he began to laugh at her again. She narrowed her eyes at him, “Stop it!” she shouted, “Jason Morgan you suck”

“Poor Elizabeth’s never been kissed” he goaded her.

She bit down on her bottom lip, “That’s it” she warned him before she leaped on top of him and started to ambush him with her tickling fingers. He began to laugh uncontrollably, “Take it back” she ordered as she tickled the poor kid to death, “Never!” he shouted through his laughter. He lunged forward, turning the tables on her, and began to tickle her, “Stop” her sides were hurting from the nonstop laughter, “Jason, please stop” she jerked her head up and her lips slightly connected with his chin. The contact caused him to desist his ambush on her. She leaned her head back down on the sand and took in a much needed breath. When she opened her eyes she realized that Jason was lying on top of her. There bodies were pressed together and every time she would breath in her soft chest would become more compressed against his rock hard chest. She looked into his light blue eyes and noticed that there was something different about them. The color of them…..the way they were searching every inch of her face. He cupped the side of her cheek with his hand and traced her soft sweet full lips with the pad of his thumb.

“Jason” she whispered, she was intoxicated by his delicious manly smell that was reeking havoc on her senses. She could feel his comforting warmth in connection with her skin as it leaked through his clothes. She moistened her lips as his head began to slowly descend towards hers. When his lips came into connection with her sweet warm lips she heard a moan escape his mouth. He captured her mouth and teased her by letting his tongue gently trace her full bottom lip. Her tongue darted out of her mouth and connected with his, the contact caused him to grind his hips into hers. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and trusted her hip forward as he grinded into her. He tasted so sweet, she couldn’t remember ever tasting something this good before. As he pulled away his lips from her he captured her bottom lip and sucked on it hard, when he let go she heard him groan. He began to place kisses full of desire…..desire for her on the base of her neck. She could hear nothing but the beating of her heart and the sound of his wet lips against her flesh. She felt his member harden as he thrusted it against her pelvic. Her eyes opened at the sensation; she moaned as she felt his warm wonderful lips head down to the top of her chest, just a couple of inches lower and she would experience those magical lips on her breasts….on her nipples that seemed to be aching for his attention….for his touch, “Jason” she said on a whimper full of anticipation.

Suddenly she felt his fingers tighten around her shoulders and the kisses, that were making her feel things she didn’t even know existed, desisted. She heard him mutter a curse and rolled his body away from her. Her heart ached when she felt the loss of his body warmth.
“Shit” he cursed once more and brought his hand up to cover his face, “Elizabeth, I’m so sorry” his tone was full of sorrow, “I shouldn’t have done that” he was clearly disgusted with himself.

She cleared her throat and sat up, “It’s ok” she was trying her best to act as if nothing happened, but something did happen, “Look, there’s no need to get upset Jason” she tried to reassure him, “really it’s ok”

He sat up and propped up his knees, “It’s not ok, I took advantage of you” he picked up a near by shell and threw it into the ocean with all that he had. It was a way for him to release the anger he felt for himself.

She stood up, “Listen, if you want to be upset go right ahead. But I’m not angry” he looked up at her in surprise, “Not one bit” she smirked at him, “It wasn’t even that good” she lied…..she completely and utterly lied. That had to me the most remarkable sensation she had ever felt, “and at least now all the kisses that will follow will seem a lot better than that” she began to giggle, which caused some tension to break. He reached out his hand in the air for her, she placed her hand in hers and tugged him to a standing position, “you weren’t that great yourself” he teased.

She shrugged her shoulders, “Well, I have an accuse it was my first time”

He chuckled, “Well, I hope the next time is better”

She lifted her head up and smiled at him, “Nothing’s going to change right?”

He pulled her into an embrace, “Not a single thing Elizabeth” she wrapped her arms around him and sighed when she realized that his touch could become an addiction….it was becoming an addiction. She snuggled her face against his warm chest and felt her glasses shift on her face, “Crap” she whispered as she reluctantly pulled away from him, “I hate these things” she said putting the thick ugly things back into place. He reached up toward her face and carefully slipped the glasses off. She blindly looked up at him and squinted her eyes.

“You have beautiful eyes Elizabeth”

“Thanks, but….I can’t see anything right now”

He chuckled and placed them back on her face, “Ahhhh, much better” she proclaimed. A small piece of shell was in her hair and he gently picked it out and dropped it to the ground. Her eyes followed every movement. He let his hands linger in her locks…..let his finger tips swim in an ocean of silk, his eyes dipped down to her full lips. He just took in all of her beauty for a couple of seconds. He seemed to be lost in a daze, but when she licked her lips he snapped out of it. Blinking rapidly, he dropped his hands away from her hair and took a step back, “it’s late” he announced, “I guess I’ll see you back in Port Charles”

She smiled at him, “guess so”

He jammed his hands in his pockets and tipped his head at her, “Good night….Elizabeth”

She said her good night and stood there as she watched him walk away from her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

She hated math and what she hated even more was math in the morning. She looked down at her sophomore year scheduled and frowned; her schedule couldn’t suck more even if it tried. She leaned her chin against the palm of her hand as she watched the seconds on the clock pass by slowly. She closed her eyes and a memory of Jason’s lips on hers caused her lips to tingle. As the math teacher went on about equations, her mind went on about her summer. A small smile crept up on her lips; she couldn’t imagine a more perfect ending to a perfect summer. She heard a small giggle from behind her and it caused her to come back to the present moment. Two of her classmates were engaged in a hush conversation about Jason Quartermaine. How gorgeous he looked? How Robin was the luckiest girl in the school? She couldn’t help but smile; who would have ever thought that Jason would have been her first kiss and her first real friend. She scanned the room at all the pretty girls who would hope and pray for Jason to say just one word to them. She was overwhelmed by pride when she realized that she….the quiet one…..the chubby one, with braces and glasses, had kissed him…..had his hands on her body…..had his company for the entire Summer. And he chose to be with her…..chose her company over all others.

She propped up in her chair when she heard the bell ring. She gathered her belongings and exited the class room. The halls were swarming with students. All of them filled with summer stories and experiences they wanted to share. All of them were excited to be reunited with one another. She scanned the hallway looking for those familiar icy blue eyes. It had been 3 days exactly since she had talked too or seen Jason and she realized as each day passed that she missed him. She missed him more than she could explain or understand. When she heard a familiar laughter fill the hallway she propped up on her tiptoes to see if she could catch a glimpse of the owner of that laughter. When she saw the light shining off of his blond hair she felt excitement bursting through every inch of her body. She began to make her way towards him and when their eyes connected her smile grew wide. She felt the urge to run into his arms, to drag him away from the busy hallway and talk to him……just to have him to herself again. He began to walk toward her and she could hardly contain her excitement. She came to a stop in front of him, “Hi Jason” she said cheerfully. He patted her shoulder, “Hey Lizzi”

Lizzi………Lizzi? The one word sent her in to a tail spin. She frowned immediately looked up at his eyes and what she saw broke her heart. The way he use to look at her was gone….her friend was gone…….Jason Morgan was gone. He passed right by her, she turned her body to watch him go and saw as Robin ran into his arms and he lifted her up off the ground in an embrace. Just the way she wanted him to greet her, but he didn’t do it to her, he did it to Robin. Her eyes began to sting with the promise of tears. He placed Robin back on the floor and turned around. Their eyes connected for one second and she saw nothing. He showed her no regret, no hint that he was sorry for behaving the way he was…..just nothing. She downcasted her eyes and began to quickly make her way through the crowd. She needed to find a place to her self before the tears could be shed. She felt the tears building up in her eyes, she fought her self not to blink because the minuet she would the flood gates would open. She exited the building and ran out onto the courtyard of the school. She hid behind a large oak wood tree. She leaned her back against the massive bark and sided down to the floor. And there, alone like she always was, she cried…..she cried more than she ever thought possible. She cried for the loss of Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Webber and she cried for the full return of Jason Quartermaine and Lizzi Webber.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Three

She looked up at the night sky and didn’t see one star in sight, the clouds were obviously being selfish and hogging up the spotlight. She frowned as she strained her eyes in search for any shining star out there, but disappointment was inevitable. It was a horrible and terrible night. The sound of the wind was drowned out by excited giggles, the wonderful scent of nature was replaced by a mixture of various perfumes and colognes. The mixture was enough to make any one gag. About a half an hour or so ago she was in the thick of it all. Observing the girls extravagant dresses that must have cost a fortune, the hairdo’s that probably took hours to get just right and the pounds and pounds of make up that the girls faces were smothered in. She never really saw the point to packing on the layers of makeup no matter what the occasion, it just never interested her. Then of course the boy’s were all dressed up in their tuxedo’s looking like a bunch of excited penguins waiting to mate. With there shiny shoes and their little buttoners pinned to their tuxedo jackets. She wanted to throw up when she saw that the little flowers the men were wearing matched their dates dresses. There was nothing more ridiculous than seeing a man wearing a pink rose on his jacket or a purple one. It just didn’t seem right to her, but of course everything had to be perfect and matching to the pretty people. It just wouldn’t look right if colors didn’t go with one another. No it wouldn’t? It would be a damn travesty. When the parent’s arrived with the camcorders and cameras she had to get out of there. She couldn’t take one more freaking insane moment. So she ran up to her room, climbed out the window and sat the roof of the Webber home. For some peace and quiet.

She heard the slamming of a car door and she looked out on to her drive way, “And the last couple finally arrives” she whispered into the night air for no one other than herself. She watched as Jason held Robin’s hand in order to help her out of the passenger side of the car. Why the hell did Steven suggest all of them meet at her house before they went to prom? Was she not punished enough walking through the halls day after day and see the lovely and perfect Jason Quartermaine and Robin Scorpio. Did she make someone up in heaven very angry that she was being punished by this torture.

She frowned when she saw Robin wrap her arm around Jason’s as they made there way into her home, “He looks so gorgeous” and he did, he looked like he belonged on the cover of some magazine in his tux. Of course his buttoner matched Robin’s blue dress that did kind of but a damper on his outfit. It seemed like a Smurf was pinned to his jacket.

She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. It had been almost an entire year since her and Jason shared that kiss…..that wonderful kiss that changed her forever. Someone once told her that time would heal all, but in her case it was the opposite. As time went on she missed her friend more and more. He would still come over to spend some time with Steven or to play basket ball with her brother at her home, but he never really spoke to her. It was as if the best 3 months of her life never occurred. Sometimes she would lay a wake in bed wondering if she had dreamt it all, if she had imagined and it truly never occurred. But it had occurred and no matter how hard she tried to forget that it happened…..no matter how hard she tried to move on with her life she just couldn’t. No amount of wishing or hoping could take those memories away from her and the feelings that they ignited in her.

She couldn’t remember the exact time or day that she realized that she was in love with Jason. All she knew was that it hit her like a ton of bricks. The realization came after he hadn’t talked to her in a month. She hated him, she wouldn’t even look at him and then one day Sony Corinthos asked if he could buy one of her sketches. She ran all the way home in pure excitement and joy that someone other than herself enjoyed her artwork. And the one person she wanted to share this precious news with was Jason. It was funny, because the entire time she ran from the warehouse to her home she never thought about how Jason hadn’t talked to her for over a month. It was as if that period was erased and all that was left were those wonderful 3 months. She kept picturing his arms taking her in for an embrace once she told him the good news. That was when she realized that it wasn’t only the late night talks they shared that she missed but it was the hugs, his warmth, when he would playfully tap her shoulder, or grab her hand to lift her up from the sand. That was what she missed, him…..just being with him. But it was painfully obvious that he didn’t feel the same way about her.

“Well, thank God for small miracles,” she was trying to make herself feel better. After tonight they would graduate and he wouldn’t be spending the summer at Marco Beach. All the seniors decided to stay in Port Charles for one last summer together before they said there final goodbye’s for college. She on the other hand would be returning to Marco Beach with her family. It sadden her to return to the place that would forever remind her of Jason Morgan. But it was better than sitting at home and seeing Jason Quartermaine make an ass out of himself. She rolled her eyes and huffed, “I’m such a sucker” she declared out loud. Even though he was a huge jerk to her she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Everything he said he didn’t want for himself he was doing. He was going to go to an ivy league school with Robin, once that was over he was going to go to marry Robin and go to medical school. Sometimes when she would catch a glimmer of him she would see the sadness and the feeling of being trapped so clear in his eyes. But there was nothing she could do about it, this was his problem and he was the one who would have to deal with it…….or live with it.

“Lizzi” came a female voice from her open bedroom window.

“Yeah Sarah”

Sarah began her climb toward her baby sister, “I can’t believe you still do this” she sat next to Elizabeth, “I got you something” she said cheerfully, she pulled a chocolate bar out of her back pocket, “here, I sneaked it out for you” Elizabeth offered her sister a grateful smile as she took the sweet out of her hand, “I know mom’s been getting on your case about the weight. I thought maybe you needed a break”

Elizabeth took a bite out of the chocolate bar, “Thanks, I really needed this tonight” she shook her head as she swallowed, “I just don’t see why she can’t just accept that this is the way I am. I’m short and chubby, I accept it why can’t she” she complained to her older sister.

“She just wants the best for you” Sarah said defending her mother.

“I’m not like you. I’m not as pretty as you and I never will be” she shrugged her shoulders, “That’s just the way it’s going to be” there conversation was cut short when they heard the sound of various conversations taking place out in the drive way. Sarah bumped Liz’s shoulder with her own, “Next year that’s going to be me”

“Yep” Liz commented.

“Then you”

She huffed, “I doubt it” they sat in silence as she watched the seniors mount the limo one by one. Her eyes were concentrated on Jason alone. She watched as Robin stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek, before she entered the limo. Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel jealous, she wanted to be his date, she wanted to be the one to place her lips on his warm lovely face. Before Jason entered the limo he turned and looked at the house his eyes rose up to the roof and she gasped when their eyes connected. She looked deep into those icy blues that kept his secrets hidden so well. She saw sadness present and some regret, but as soon as it appeared it disappeared. He then smiled at her, tipped his head at her and entered the limo. Her heart was pounding, and her hands were shaking. She wanted to cry, but she couldn’t and wouldn’t. He didn’t deserve her tears, she had already given him too much as it was. Sarah placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder, “I’m going in” she announced and then proceeded to climb back into the house.

Elizabeth just sat there quietly as the limo drove out of sight. She was sick of letting him get to her……sick of letting him hurt her. Enough was Enough. She threw the half eaten candy bar as far as she could, stood up, squared her shoulders, and lifted her jaw up a notch. How dare he smile at her? He hadn’t acknowledge her existence for months now. That Bastard? She felt anger building up inside her and she welcomed it. She welcomed the strength and conviction it provided her. She narrowed her eyes to the night sky and placed her hands on her hips, “One fine day Jason” her tone was full of bitterness, “One fine day your going to want me for your girl” she swore to the moon and the stars. She lifted a brow and said in a cool and steady tone “And I’ll break your heart, just like you did mine” she nodded her head as she made her oath.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Four

2 years later

Pink. She hated the color pink, at this present moment, more than she hated her braces and that was a lot of hate.

“Oh, Lizzi you look wonderful” an excited voice came form her bedroom doorway.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes in annoyance and turned toward her sister, “I look like a giant pink marshmallow”

Her sister waved her off, “Don’t be silly, you look absolutely wonderful”

Elizabeth groaned and turned back to her reflection in the mirror. Wonderful? Maybe Sarah was the one that needed the binoculars that she wore as glasses instead of her. She looked ridiculous. The dress was hot pink, big and puffy all around. And if that wasn’t enough it had lace trimmings. She looked like crap and she new it. She ran her tongue over her braces and sighed in disappointment, “I wish I could have at least got my braces off before prom”

Her sister sat at the edge of Liz’s bed, “Well, maybe you should have tried to lose a little bit of weight before prom”

“I tried” Liz complained, “No diet works for me”

Sarah stood up from the bed, “Well, no use about worrying about it now” the doorbell rang and Sarah’s smile grew wide, “That must be Lucky here to pick you up” she announced, “I’ll go let him in” she left Liz alone with her mirror and her pink ugly dress on.

“Senior prom” Liz said out loud to her own reflection, “never thought I would go…..and now I’d give anything not to go” she shook her head, “I look like a pink whale” she huffed and slipped her tiny foot into her matching pink high heels.

“I think you look cute”

Her head whipped toward her door frame, “Jason” she said surprisingly.

There he was leaning against the doorframe of her room. She frowned when she noticed he hadn’t changed a bit. She kind of hoped that time wouldn’t be so kind to him. She wanted to see a pot belly or maybe a thinning hair line, but what she saw was pure beauty, “What are you doing here?”

He shrugged his shoulders, “Your brother heard about you going to the prom. He asked if I would drive down here with him to see you before you left”

She nervously nibbled on her bottom lip. It had been two years exactly since she had seen him last. When she returned home from summer vacation he was already off to college. He had come back home on holidays once and a while but she made sure not to run into him, “So you guys came to see me look like a life size bottle of Pepto-Bismol?” she asked sarcastically.

He chuckled and took a couple of steps into her room, “So……who are you going with?”

She grabbed her lip gloss from her purse and began to apply it, “Lucky Spencer”

His eyes scanned her bedroom, “I guess you finally got your man” her eyes immediately narrowed at his reflection in the mirror. How dare he? How dare he come into her room as if nothing ever happened between them? How dare he bring up a secret she told him years ago when she thought he was her friend? And how dare he fill up the room with his damn delicious scent that she laid many nights in her bed trying to remember? Bastard.

“No” she said coldly. Her tone surprised him and he stared looked at the reflection of her face in the mirror, “I didn’t land my man. He only asked me because he hadn’t seen Sarah since she left to college and knew she would come down for the occasion. He just asked me so he could see her again”

He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw, “That little shi-“

“Hey” she cut him off. She turned around to face him, “At least he was upfront about it. At least he told me the truth and let me choose if I wanted to go through with it or not”

He nodded his head as if he was giving her a sign that he understood every single word she said and what they meant. She continued getting dressed and he stood their watching her silently. She tried her best to stop her hands from shaking, to stop her heart from pounding against her chest, to stop any reaction her body was having due to his closeness….his presence.

“So, what are you going to do after graduation?” his voice was shaky and full of uncertainty.

She went about her preparation without sparing him a glance, “I got into art school in Paris, France” she revealed emotionless.

His eyes opened in shock, “Wow” he was speechless.
“Yep, I’m leaving the day after graduation. I got nothing keeping me here”

He swallowed hard and studied her, “Aren’t…..aren’t you scared of being lonely?”

She stopped her movements and locked eyes with the icy blues that would haunt her dreams, “Lonely for what?” she asked sarcastically, “for friendship, for family” she shook her head, “No, Jason. How can I miss what I never really a had” she shrugged her shoulders, “They pared me up with a roommate, another American named Brenda. I’m hoping will become friends” she narrowed her eyes at him, “Maybe I’ll finally get to experience true friendship” she said bitterly.

He took in a deep breath and downcasted his eyes. She smiled at him victoriously, at cutting him deep with words he knew to be the truth. It was about time he felt the burden of the pain he caused her.

His eyes were fixated on the carpet beneath his feet, “So I guess you have accomplished everything you set out, Huh?”

She crossed her arms under her chest, “yep”

He chuckled, “I knew you would. You always had that spark in your eyes, that hunger” his eyes shot up toward hers, “That’s what drew me to you. You never cared what anyone thought of you or what people wanted from you. You always did your own thing”

She cocked her head to the side and let her eyes roam his body, she scrunched her lips showing her distaste for him, “How’s Robin, Jason?”

He immediately looked away from her. Another point for Lizzi; she smiled that victorious smile once more, “Fine” he said curtly, “She’s uh….doing good. Where going to uh……get uh….”

“Married” she finished the sentence for him.

“Yeah, in about two years if all goes well” there wasn’t a hint of excitement or joy in his tone. He sounded like he was talking about a dentist appointment rather than proposing to the woman he loved.

She shook her head and huffed, “Look, it has been really nice catching up with you but I got to go” She walked to her bed and picked up her lacy pink purse that matched her lacy pink dress and her lacy pink damn shoes. She walked up to him, looked him straight in the eyes and quickly patted his shoulder. She didn’t even want to feel his the warmth his body provided….the warmth she had craved for for so long….the warmth that was calling her name, “See ya around” she went to side step him but he stopped her with one single word. The one single word that he knew would get to her.

“Elizabeth”

She spun around and eyed him, “What?” she narrowed her eyes at him and clenched her teeth, “Don’t ever call me that again” she warned him. He turned to face her completely and attempted to talk but she cut him off when she poked him in the chest, “You don’t have the right to call me that” she was full of anger. She began to walk forward and with every step she took he would retreat back wards, “To you I’m Lizzi!” she poked him again and continued to walk forward, “ I’ve been Lizzi to you for awhile now. That’s exactly the way you have treated me for years” his back hit the wall of her bedroom wall and she resumed to poke him, “And now what? All of a sudden you want to be friends again…..you want to call me Elizabeth. Well guess what? I don’t want to be your friend. I don’t like you” he looked away from her and he pressed his lips together tightly, “I don’t like Jason Quartermaine. I liked Jason Morgan, he was my friend. He was Elizabeth’s friend. You” her eyes searched his face in disgust, “You’re an imposter, an actor and a bad one at that” he didn’t respond or try to defend himself, he took what she gave to him and would take a lot more. He knew what she was saying was the truth and damn it she felt sorry for him. She was such a sucker! But she couldn’t help it, he wasn’t a man…..he was a ghost, trapped in his own creation and couldn’t find his way out, “I miss him so much” she said full of emotion, “He was honest, truthful, and a beautiful person” he looked at her then. When she saw the depth of the sadness in his eyes her bottom lip began to quiver, “If you ever see him again” she took in a deep breath, “tell him his friend Elizabeth is waiting for him in Paris. Waiting for him to arrive on his motorcycle with exciting stories of all his travels” she felt her vision beginning to go blurry, the pools of emotion were forming and she did not want to cry in front of him. She wouldn’t.

She went to turn away from him when she suddenly felt him roughly capture her face with his hands. Before she knew it he captured her lips with his own. For a second she was in a state of shock, she had no clue as to what was going on but was quickly reminded when his tongue began to smooth hers. She relished in that sweet taste that only he could provide. She felt him snake one arm around her back and pull her closer to him. The action caused her to moan and he matched it with a deep throaty groan. She gently sucked on the tongue that was invading her mouth and his arm around her gripped her tighter.

“Lizzi!” came a shout from downstairs, “Lucky is here!”

The words brought her back to reality, and she quickly pushed away from him breaking the kiss. He just leaned against the wall breathing rapidly as he tried to regain composure. She gently shook her head trying to shake off the spell he casted on her.

“I’m sorry” he said breathlessly, “I shou-“

“Oh, be quiet Jason” she interrupted him, “Don’t start with your old sing and dance song of self loathing” she was clearly not in the mood for this crap. She narrowed her eyes at him and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as if the act could erase what had just occurred, but it couldn’t and it never would, “You can take your apologies and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine” she glanced at herself in the mirror making sure her physical appearance was in order before she headed down stairs to meet her family, “I don’t know what your deal is” she turned and looked at him, “But I don’t want or need any of it”

She quickly turned and began to exit her bedroom, before she passed the door way she stopped, “Have a nice life” she didn’t even turn spare him a glance. There wasn’t a need, this was over and done with. He didn’t say a single word, he just stood there and watched her go…..watch her leave him.

Before she began to walk down the stairs, she placed her hand on her heart and felt the rapid palpitations. She urged her body to regain control. She took in a deep breath, squared her shoulders and lifted up her head and was ready to go to her damn prom.

If she ever saw Jason Quartermaine again it would be way too soon

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Five

A year later in Paris

Paris. She just loved the way the word so simply and smoothly rolled off of her tongue. There was not one single thing not to love about the city. The scenery was just the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, the men were gorgeous, the food was delicious, the men were refined, the coffee was excellent, the men had manners, the clothes were always on the brink of fashion, the men had delicious accents that made her body heat rise with every word that left their precious mouths, the French fries were great, and the men…..hell in all honesty the men were the only reason she loved the place so much. Plain and simple they were hot.

When she first moved here a year ago she was a little worried about the transition and how she would adjust to living in a new country. But she was in luck, her roommate was an American just like her and she found that the young girl and her shared similar worries. They instantly became great friends and leaned on each other for everything. They both started a morning routine that they shared and this routine was never broken neither rain or shine. Every morning they would jog for three miles on the sidewalks of the city. Honestly, she only did it so the French men would see her in her tight work out clothes. She just loved to look over her shoulder during the jog and see several French men jogging right behind them, some were even in business suits. But her roommate did the 3 mile torture for other reasons, when the young girl first arrived to Paris she was plump and the exercise and watching what she ate caused the girl to lose 30 pounds. She admired her roommate’s dedication and success it just caused her to respect her more, and her respect was never easily won. The only thing that bothered her about her roommate was that the girl really wasn’t into her personal appearance. She didn’t really care about what she wore or how she looked and to Brenda Barret a woman’s looks and brains were her lifeline, her power over the opposite sex. It took some time to get her roommate to give up those huge ugly glasses and trade them in for contacts. But she finally convinced her to and the first time they went out without the binoculars men couldn’t stop complimenting the girl on her beautiful blue eyes. She also convinced her roommate to buy a new wardrobe of clothes that actually fit her and to her surprise she didn’t put up a fight. Unfortunately, she still hasn’t put on any of the clothes Brenda’s picked out for her. She had no clue why?

Brenda sighed and shook her head as she rummaged through her roommates closet, “Lizzi” she called out, “Why haven’t you warn this pink tang top” Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her nosy roommate, “Don’t roll your eyes at me this is cute” she proclaimed as she waived the pink shirt in the air.

Elizabeth scoffed, “It’s Pink” she made a gagging sound, “I hate pink”

“Then why did you buy it?”

She simply shrugged her shoulders, “Because you told me to”

Brenda sat at the edge of her bed, “So if I told you to go running naked around the park would you?” she smirked at the young girl in front of her.

Elizabeth walked up to her oak wood desk and began to search through the draws, “No. I wouldn’t want to scare all the women, men and children”

Brenda began to laugh, “your kidding me right?” when her roommate continued searching through her desk and not paying her any attention she huffed, “Do you really think men would mind if you ran through the streets of Paris naked?” she slowly shook her head, “Your nuts. You still feel like that girl who I met about 12 months ago don’t you? The one who was not as pretty as her sister and not as intelligent as her brother” she stood up from Elizabeth’s bed and walked back to her closet. She took the pink shirt off of the hanger, “Well, your not Lizzi. You have blossomed into a beautiful woman and the sooner you realize it the happier you’ll be.” She waived the shirt in the air once more, “And I’m stealing this from you. You’re not going to ware it anyway” Elizabeth blew her off by waiving her hand in the air dismissively.

“Aha!” Elizabeth proclaimed as her back faced Brenda, “I finally found it!” she shouted in relief. Brenda, being Brenda, walked up to Elizabeth’s desk and stood right next to her. She observed that Elizabeth discarded a stack of photos on the desk top and was holding one photo in her hand.

“What is that?”

Elizabeth gently traced the photo with the tip of her fingertips, “It’s Marco Beach” she informed as if she was lost in an abundant of memories, “I use to spend all my summers there since I was a child. I’ve been looking for this picture for days now. I want to transfer this picture onto a canvas”

“And I want to transfer this picture into a wet dream”

Elizabeth’s head shot up to her roommate, “What?” she asked surprised.

Brenda waived a picture she found in the pile in front of Elizabeth’s face, “Who the hell is this guy?”

Elizabeth snatched the picture from Brenda’s hand. She didn’t say a word as she walked to sit on the edge of her bed while analyzing the photo. It was of him, his eyes shining so blue, his golden hair dancing in the wind and his beautiful smile. She smirked when she realized that the smile was as fake as it could be, just like he was as fake as he could be. He was standing there with the ocean behind him, in the mist of sunset, with that ‘everything is perfect’ attitude. But she could tell…..she could always tell that he was dieing inside.

“Lizzie?” Brenda sat down next to her, “who is he?”

“Just a friend” the words sounded like such a lie to her own ears. A friend wouldn’t be how she would describe Jason Quartermain.

The phone began to ring and Brenda jumped up frantically from the bed, “Answer it!”

“You answer it, it’s probably for you anyway” Elizabeth reasoned.

Brenda shook her head with force, “I can’t, you answer it!”
Elizabeth smirked at her, “Who are you hiding from?”

Brenda looked up toward the ceiling of the apartment as she recalled the names who she was avoiding, “Hmmmm….Pablo, Martin, Roberto…….Antonio, Peter, Carl, Jho-“

“I’ll get it!” Elizabeth cut her off, “in other words, your hiding from all of France” she said through laughter. She picked up the phone and was surprised to hear her sister Sarah’s voice.

Brenda began to rummage through Elizabeth’s closet once more for the purpose of finding other clothes the tiny brunette wasn’t going to wear. If she wasn’t going to put it to use then who would. Her eye’s lit up when she eyed a blue little sundress, “I’m taking this too!” she shouted happily, “What else” she muttered under her breath. She found a yellow t-shirt with the imprint of a red heart on the front, “Hey do you wear this?” she turned around with the shirt in her hand and looked up at Elizabeth. Her eyes opened in surprise when she saw the young girl as pale as a blank sheet of paper and clutching the phone to her chest.

“Liz what’s wrong?” Brenda tone was full of concern. She rushed up to her, “Are you ok?”

Elizabeth said nothing, she just stood there processing the information that she had just learned. She barely felt when Brenda pried the phone away from her hands and hung it up. She did nothing but stare at a little black spot on her white bedroom wall as the words ‘car crash’ and ‘coma’ repeated itself over and over in her head.

Brenda’s fear rose in her body and she slightly grabbed Elizabeth’s shoulders and shook her in an attempt to snap her back to reality, “Lizzie, talk to me?” she desperately pleaded with her.

Elizabeth began to blink rapidly, “He’s in a coma” she whispered, “In an accident with his brother” Brenda led Elizabeth by the elbow and instructed her to sit down on the bed, “Brenda I can’t believe it…….he’s….he’s in a coma” she repeated once more as if she was there physically but not mentally.

“Who, Lizzi?”

“Jason” she took in a deep breath, “Jason” she repeated once more.

“The guy in the picture” Brenda clarified, “He was in an accident and now he’s in a coma” Elizabeth slowly nodded her head, “Oh, Lizzie I’m so sorry” she said sincerely, “He must be a really good friend huh?”

“No” the word came out before she even had time to ponder the question. She frowned and observed her clasped hands that laid on her lap, “No” she reaffirmed, “Not really”

Brenda burrowed her brows, “I don’t understand?” she asked full of uncertainty.

She blew out a deep breath and rubbed her eyes. She was surprised not to find the tears that usually came when she would think of Jason, “He was…….he is….I just can-“

“You loved him” Brenda interrupted her with the statement, “He was your first love wasn’t he?” she questioned full of sadness.

Elizabeth parted her lips to deny the statement her friend had made, but why should she? It was the truth, she did love him, she loved him for years and in all honesty a peace of her heart would always belong to him, “He was my first kiss” she admitted sadly, “I spent 3 months with him, we were inseparable, he kissed me” she paused for a second to sigh, “and then he ignored me”

“Question” Elizabeth met the soft warm brown eyes of her friend, “We are upset that he got into this accident, right?” she asked with uncertainty.

Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide, “Yes!” she shouted, “What the hell kind of question is that?!”

Brenda put both of her hands up showing surrender, “I was just checking” she defended her actions, “sorry” she whispered shamefully, “Is he going to be ok?”

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and buried her face in her hands, “They don’t know. He could have memory loss, brain damage,” she paused for a second as she felt the hot tears finally making their appearance, “Or he could die” her tiny body began to slightly shake as she sobbed from the thought of this world losing Jason…..of her losing Jason.

Brenda comforted her friend by smoothing Elizabeth’s back with her hand, “What are you going to do?”

She shook her head, “nothing just wait and see” she said through sniffles, “It’s the only thing I can do”

And that’s exactly what she did. Wait and see. The hours turned into days and the days turned into weeks. Jason invaded her dreams and thoughts once more just like he did so many years ago. She couldn’t work, eat or sleep. She was consumed with thoughts and worries of his well-being. She decided to paint the picture she found of him the day she had found out about the accident. Everything was the same, he was young, full of life, healthy, beautiful, the only thing she changed was the smile. She replaced the fake one with the real one, just the way she remembered it……well, she was the only one who really knew what it looked like.

Then the day came when she could breath easier and she could feel more relaxed. Her sister had called her 2 weeks later after the accident and informed her on Jason’s progress. He had finally woken up, there was no sign of brain damage, no memory loss and all motor functions were in tact. He was ok….he was going to be ok. Her sister said that he was out of intensive care and right back on track. She knew being out of the intensive care was a good thing it was the ‘right back on track’ that she wasn’t so sure about.

Even though she knew he was going to be ok she still couldn’t get him out of her mind. It was as if she needed to see it for herself. After weeks of driving Brenda crazy her friend had suggested for her to go back to Port Charles to check up on Jason. But that was out of the question. She couldn’t go back there, she wasn’t ready to and Jason…….well, he was surrounded by all of those who loved him. He didn’t need or want her there. But still she couldn’t rest or relax so Brenda suggested she write him a letter. Asking how he was doing and letting him know he was in her thoughts. She didn’t know what possessed her to follow the crazy girl’s idea but she did it. She wrote him a letter that was full of her worries and thoughts about him, her regrets concerning the way they parted the last time they saw each other and how, if he was interested, they could build a new friendship. Every day for the past four weeks since she mailed the letter she waited anxiously for a response and every day she was disappointed.

“Hey looks like you got something” Brenda entered the apartment with a stack of mail in her hand, “Looks like a personal letter” she informed.

Elizabeth jumped off the couch full of excitement thinking that this was the day Jason would respond to her. She rummaged through the stack of junk mail and her smile faltered when she saw the pink envelope addressed to her, “Is it him?” Brenda asked excitedly.

She shook her head, “No. It’s from my sister” she held up the pink envelope, “It’s her stationary” she revealed disappointingly. She ripped the letter open and read it as fast as she possibly could and if possible her frown deepened.

“Oh, crap” was all Brenda had to say.

Elizabeth crumbled up the pink letter and threw it into the trash, “He’s out of the hospital” she walked to the living room couch and threw herself on top of it, “and he’s engaged to Robin” she let out bitterly.

Brenda placed her hands on her hips, “That rat bastard!”

Elizabeth hurled one of the throw pillows on the couch across the room, “God, I’m so stupid!”

“That freaking rat bastard” Brenda reiterated for good measure.

Elizabeth shot up from the couch, “What else can I throw” she scanned the room frantically then all of a sudden ran toward her room.

“Question” Brenda called out loud enough for Liz to hear her, “Are we upset that he’s out of the hospital or that he’s engaged to Robin?” Elizabeth bolted from her room with the large canvas of Jason’s portrait in her arms.

“We’re mad because……because…..because” she set her eyes down on the painting she was cradling in arms, “I opened my heart to him once more, I offered my self and friendship to him once more and he did nothing. He craped on it” she looked up at Brenda with tears pooling in her eyes, “Because he’s still treating me like little Lizzie Webber. She’s not good enough to talk to or notice” Brenda nodded her head and retreated into the kitchen quietly, “What are you doing?”

Brenda opened the refrigerator and retrieved two bottles, “trying to figure out which liquor goes best with this occasion” she held the two bottles in front of her, “how about some beer?” she held the beer bottle high in the air and was answered when Elizabeth shook her head, “Wine?” she held the wine bottle high in the air, but Elizabeth didn’t want the wine either. Brenda cocked her head to the side while she rummaged through her brain for the perfect liquor. Her eyes lit up and she grinned at her sad friend, “Tequila?” she asked cheerfully.

Elizabeth placed the painting on the couch, “perfect”

With some assistance from her good friend Jose Cuervo Liz told Brenda every thing about her and Jason. The good with the bad and it felt great, it felt nice to share with someone the secret she had been holding in for so long.

She sat there on the couch and watched Brenda prance around the room wearing the painting of Jason. At some time in the night they both thought it was a good idea to cut Jason’s face out of the painting. Brenda had replaced his face with her own in the hole and hadn’t taken the damn thing off since.

Elizabeth whistled, “Nice body” she said through drunken laughter. Brenda batted her eyes, “Why thank you? I work out every day” Elizabeth raised the bottle of tequila in a solute to her drunken friend and then took a nice little chug. The strong liquid left a trail of fire from her throat to her stomach, “Why doesn’t the room stop spinning?” she asked Brenda worriedly.

“When did it not spin?” When none of them could find an answer they just shrugged their shoulders in union, “We got to get that fixed” Liz commented. Brenda walked up to Liz grabbed her hand and placed it against Jason’s chest on the painting, “Liz” she said in the deepest voice she possibly could, which caused Liz to start laughing uncontrollably, “Liz don’t laugh at me and forgive me for not having any balls. I’ve seemed to have lost them. Can you help me find them?” they both began to laugh at Brenda’s impression of Jason. Liz shot up to her feet on the couch and screamed, “Never! I’ll make you walk to hell and back before I’d ever forgive you”

“Damn straight!” Brenda encouraged her friend’s out burst.

“And…..and…..I hate you and” she smirked at her friend, “every time I scratch my nails down someone else’s back I hope you feel it” Brenda’s eyes shot open in recognition, “Alanis Morissette!” she giggled as she slipped her face free from the painting, “Now that woman knows how to express heart break” she declared. She threw the painting on the floor, “Mr. I need to be castrated, is retiring for the night. The side of my face is itchy” she said while scratching her cheek.

“Heart Break” Elizabeth said on a huff.

One fine day Jason….One fine day your going to want me for your girl….And I’ll break your heart, just like you did mine.

Elizabeth began to laugh uncontrollably at the memory of her oath that she had made so long ago. Brenda began to laugh with her even though she had no clue as to what was going on, “Oh, man Brenda” she said through tears of laughter, “I’m such a loser”

“What?” Brenda asked while wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes, “Are you going to tell me or what?”

“Remember that song, it’s really old. The one called ‘one fine day’” Brenda nodded her head and began to sing horribly off tune, “OHHHHH one fine day, OHHHH your going to want me for your girl” Elizabeth smiled at her drunken friend and decided to join in, “OHHHHH, one fine day you’ll look at me and then you’ll know are love was meant to be” Brenda began to laugh and continued to ambush the song, “The arms I long for will open wide……and then I’ll kick you in the balls and stomp on your face…….and shave your head bald” Elizabeth didn’t remember the song going like that but she liked Brenda’s remix, “Then I’ll steal your credit card and buy an entire new wardrobe, Ohhhhhhhhh” Brenda’s singing was cut short when the floor of their apartment began to tremble. It was obvious that the down stairs neighbor wasn’t too thrilled with Brenda’s version of the oldie but goodie song. Brenda started to stomp her foot against the floor, “Hey!” she shouted with all that she had, “Were freaking heart broken up here. Have a little bit of a heart!”

Elizabeth began to laugh and continued to explain to her roommate the reason why she brought up the song in the first place, “The night of his prom I stood on my roof and swore that one fine day he would want me and I’d brake his heart” she shook her head, “I had just eaten a chocolette bar and it was stuck in my braces. I was spitting everwhere” she laughed, “Thank God I got those things off” Elizabeth clutched her stomach as the laughter took over her body once more, “But I showed him huh? Yep I showed him” she repeated as she began to laugh even harder, “One fine day my ass!”

Brenda tilted her head to the side and cocked a brow, “Do you really want that?” she asked seriously. Elizabeth was surprised by her friend’s change of tone, “Because if you really want that I can make it happen. Well, I can at least try?”

Elizabeth scrunched her face at her friend, “I don’t get it”

“Liz, every man I ever wanted I got” she revealed simply, “they give me everything I ask for and do you know why? Because I know how to play them. I know how they think” she snorted, “and it’s not with their brains. I can teach you this, I can teach you how to have power over the opposite sex” she leaned closer toward her friend, “and if you ever cross paths with Jason again and decide to make him pay” she paused for a second and said in the most cool and confident voice, “I promise when your through with him. He’ll be begging for mercy”

Elizabeth felt a slight chill run through her body. Did she want to do this? Would this actually be good for her? Did she want Jason to pay for the heartache and the cold and uncaring way he treated her?

Hell Yeah!

She wanted the reversal of power, she wanted him to feel just as badly as he made her feel. She wanted him to regret the day he ever broke her heart and threw their beautiful friendship in the trash without a thought.

“Let’s do it”

Brenda nodded her head and began to stumble toward her bedroom.

“Ugh….Bren, where are you going?” Elizabeth wondered.

Brenda didn’t spare Liz a glance, “I’m going to go throw up” she simply informed. Before she entered her bedroom she came to a complete stop, looked over her shoulder at her friend, “Lizzi” Liz’s eyes shot up to meet hers, “say good bye to Lizzi and get ready to meet Elizabeth” she then left Elizabeth alone with her thoughts.

Elizabeth stood up from the couch and made her way to her bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and whispered, “Lizzi” she stuck out her tongue showing her disgust for the girl and then she whispered, “Elizabeth” with strength and assurance. She then had a grin from ear to ear and said, “Hello Elizabeth it’s nice to finally meet you”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Six

7 months later back in Port Charles

“Pass the popcorn” she waited a minute and noticed that the popcorn bowl still wasn’t in her hand, “Hey!” she said with a hint of annoyance, “Pass the popcorn, you hog” she turned to face the zombie like man sitting next to her and noticed that he was in one of his damn trances. The ones that he would just stare into space and get lost in thoughts of God knows what. She waved her arms in the air demanding his attention, “Hello! Jason” she rolled her eyes when she saw him blink rapidly, a sign that he was finally joining the living, “Pass the freaking popcorn” she ordered once more.

“Sorry” he mumbled under his breath while he passed the bowl full of the snack food. She rested the porcelain bowl on her lap and her eyes widened hungrily as she eyed the buttery treat. She reached in and grabbed a fistful of the snack and stuffed it in her mouth, “Why do you do that?” she asked while the loud sound of her crunchy away echoed off the walls.

“Do what?” he asked completely confused.

She through a piece of popcorn in the air and caught it in her mouth, “Go all weirded out all the time” she clarified, “Like stare into space” she reached to the coffee table in front of her and took a big gulp from the cold pink lemonade her glass contained, “What do you think of?” she asked curiously as she smacked her wet lips together.

He shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know” he answered dismissively, “nothing I guess”.

She rolled her eyes annoyingly at the answer she received. This strange behavior had been becoming a habit with him lately. Ever since a couple of months after the accident he began to stare off into space with a goofy looking expression on his face. Then a couple of weeks after that he started to go under sever mood changes. One moment he would be fine then the next he would flip out over any little thing. The doctors reassured their family that he was perfectly fine but Emily wasn’t quite sure, because the brother she use to have wasn’t the brother sitting next to her watching the television with her at this very moment.

“Change the channel” he ordered coldly.

Her eyes shot toward the screen and she smiled immediately, “No way” she protested, “I love these commercials. There so cool”

He angrily closed his hands into to two tight fights, “I said change it. I’m sick of them”

“So what” she turned to look at him, “I’m not” when she saw his light blue eyes darken with anger she became even more annoyed. She had had enough with his weird behavior, “Why the hell don’t you like the Air France commercials? It’s just an airline showing you all the beautiful places that France has to offer” she shrugged her shoulders, “What is so annoying about that?” He snagged the remote control away from her small hand with an over powering force and changed the channel.

“I hate France” he informed bitterly.

She looked at him with an incredulous expression on her face, “Who the hell hates France?” she asked completely shocked.

He jabbed his chest with his finger, “I do” he turned his body to face his younger sister, “The people their eat frog legs. That right there tells you something is wrong with that society. Their famous for inventing French fries and it’s just a …..a…..stupid place in general”

Her eyes slightly widened at the redness of anger that was taking over his once pale complexion, “I think fries are awesome” she whispered bewildered at the sudden anger that sprung up with every word he spoke.

He huffed at her comment, “What ever” he said dismissively once more, “And those stupid Air France commercials do nothing but make me want to not visit that place. Who the hell wants to go to France anyway? I don’t” he whipped his head towards her, “Do you?” he asked harshly. Before she had a chance to answer he spoke, “I didn’t think so. And do you know why? Because you have a freaking brain, your too smart to fall in the cracks of stupid tourism and I hope anyone who goes to France or wants to live in France has lose stools for a week from drinking the nasty ass water” he finished his rant with a huff.

“Jason” she whispered unsurely, “I think the water issue is with Mexico not France” she corrected cautiously.

He jumped off of the couch, “You think I don’t know that!” he shouted furiously, “You think I’m stupid just like Mom and Dad do, don’t you?” he accused on a rage, “Well I’m not. I’m in freaking medical school Emily and they don’t admit stupid people in medical school”

She shook her head rapidly in an attempt to let him know that she didn’t think he was dumb just a….a little crazy was all, “No Jason I didn’t mea-“

He threw his arms up in the air, “Oh poor Jason” he said mockingly, “He was in a coma and he hasn’t been right since. I think he has some type of brain damage even though the 10 cat scans say differently” his chest was rapidly rising and falling with each hard and stressful breath he took in and let out, “I’m not Emily” he narrowed his eyes at her, “I’m perfectly fine despite what you all may think” he sneered at her.

She slowly rose from the couch with her hands in front of her body, “Jason, you need to calm down” she instructed calmly.

“Why!” he shouted off the top of his lungs, “So I don’t embarrass this family. So every one thinks we are this perfect society family!” he shook his head rapidly, “Were not!” he narrowed his eyes at her once more, “And we never will be” he whispered with venom.

“Jason” Monica said while she walked into the living room completely unaware of the scene that was taking place between her two children.

He whipped his body around to face his mother, “What!” he shouted at her and didn’t even flinch when she stopped dead in her tracks in complete and utter shock, “What the hell do you want from me now”

Her eyes widened and she swallowed hard, “I just…. Just,” she fumbled with her words, “just wanted to show you some invitation samples for the wedding” she whispered innocently. He stalked up toward her and his rapid movements caused her to stumble a few steps back. A coldness took over his facial expression and he squared his jaw at her, “Why?” he asked through clenched teeth. Her jaw dropped open from the surprise of his tone toward her, “Why the hell does it matter what I think about this wedding” he chuckled bitterly, “this wedding has nothing to do with me. It’s about what you and Robin wants not me” he rushed passed her exiting the room. When he reached the staircase he shouted over his shoulder not sparing a glance at the two women in the living room, “Just leave me the hell alone” he instructed coldly.

Monica and Emily just stood there in silence for a couple of seconds. Not a word was spoken between the two, Jason had left them in utter shock. This wasn’t the first time he had had an outburst full of anger, rage and resentment, but this was the worst one yet, “I guess Mr. Hyde just made his daily début” Emily said in a hushed tone.

Monica responded to her daughters comment by clearing her throat and straightening up her appearance as if the act would erase what had just occurred, “Your overreacting as usual Emily” she said as nonchalantly as possible.

“Over reacting” Emily repeated, “Are you nuts. Mother do you know why he got so mad this time?” Monica ignored her daughters question and it caused Emily to place her hands on her hips displaying her resolve of addressing the issue, “It was a commercial for Air France” her mother once again didn’t flinch, “A freaking commercial Mother. He lost it over a commercial for an airline” she shook her head, “If that doesn’t prove to you that your son has a problem that needs to be dealt with than I don’t know what will”

Monica met her daughter’s eyes then and said in the most carefree voice she could muster, “Once he joins all his friends and Robin back at school he will be just fine” she forced a small smile on her lips, “You’ll see”

Emily rolled her eyes at her mothers obviously fake care free attitude, “That’s right, just ignore it that will make the problem go away” she shrugged her shoulders, “Just the way it did with AJ” her mother whipped her head towards her, “I mean we ignored the drinking problem. We pretended it didn’t exist that everything was ok and look where that got us” Her mother abruptly began to make her way out of the living room. She wanted to escape her daughter’s words that she knew to be true. Emily watched in silence as she exited the room, “Some one needs to do something!” she shouted so her mother could hear her. Listen to her was another issue but at least her words could be heard, “Before we have another disaster on our hands!” she shouted once more.

When she couldn’t hear Monica’s shoes hitting the marble floor anymore she looked up at the ceiling where she knew Jason was at that very moment. She could just see him in his room destroying things left and right. It had become an unspoken ritual these day’s, “Some one needs to do something” she repeated her words once more for no one but herself, “And I guess it’s me” she looked at the marble staircase and let out a slow deep breath before she made her way up the stairs.

When she reached his bedroom door she curled her tiny hand into a fist and lifted up to nock on the door but she couldn’t do it. She didn’t know why exactly but she just couldn’t bring herself to confront him, he had been acting so irrational lately. Maybe she should just leave him alone like he wanted. She turned to walk away from the front of his door when it suddenly shot open.

“Emily” Jason called to her breathlessly.

She whipped her body around to face her brother, “I don’t want to bother you” she jerked her thumb over her shoulder, “I’ll just go to my room”

“No” he shook his head shamefully, “I owe you an apology for the way I acted down stairs. I’m sorry Emily” he took in a deep breath, “I just don’t know what gets into me some times” when Emily heard the desperation in her brothers voice her heart ached for him.

She smiled at him sincerely, “Want to talk about it” he shamefully downcasted his eyes toward the floor beneath his feet and said nothing. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Let’s go into your room” she then walked passed him.

Her eyes scanned the bedroom furniture that was now scattered into pieces all around her. Even if she closes her eyes and tried her best she wouldn’t be able to recall the once perfect bedroom it use to be, to her that was long forgotten and all that stood there now was shattered pieces of the once perfect room, “Like what you’ve done with the place” her eyes took in every inch of the disaster that surrounded her. She turned around to face her brother who was leaning against his closed bedroom door. She noticed the embarrassed and shameful look that dominated his appearance, “Don’t worry about what happened downstairs” she attempted to reassure him, to put him at ease, “the Snapple commercials have the same exact affect on me” she let out a forced small laugh, “You don’t want to be 10 feet near me when I see those commercials”

He let out a tiny chuckle at her comment and then shifted from one foot to another, “I’m really Sorry Em” he apologized, with all his heart, once more.

She waived her hand in the air; dismissing his apologies, “don’t worry about it” she offered him a sweet and sincere smile, “we all have our bad days”

He let out a deep sigh and rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, but my bad days seem to be every day”

She cocked her head to the side while pondering how she should respond. Should she sugar coat it or get right down to business?

“Yep” she decided that it was no good to make things seem if they weren’t really as bad as they were, “You’ve been acting kind of nuts lately”

His eyes slowly rose to meet hers. For a second he just stared into the brown soft eyes that were comforting and held nothing but good intentions for him, “I don’t know why” he whispered helplessly. Her heat shattered into a million pieces for him when she saw the depth of the confusion and sadness they held. She slowly walked up to him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Jason” she offered him a warm smile, “Please, lets sit down”. He silently obeyed her and sat at the edge of his bed with her right beside him. She scooted her body closer to him and stopped her movements when her hip bumped his. He just sat there with the weight of the world visibly on his shoulders. His once broad shoulders were humped forward, resembling an elderly frail man not a young healthy man full of life. He held his hands clamped together between his knees and his beautiful blue eyes, that were once filled with life and ambition were now empty and dull. He kept those empty eyes glued to his hands, as if he would look at her or his surroundings they would betray him and let out all the emotion he kept hidden so well.

Her eyes trailed the side of his face and a small frown appeared on her face, “you’re not happy are you?” He clamped his hands tighter causing them to turn even redder, “No”

She swallowed the lump that held a stifled cry in her throat, “You haven’t been for long time have you?”

He closed his eyes, “I’ve never really been happy” he sadly admitted.

She placed one of her hands on his, “The accident” she paused when she felt the hands beneath her own tighten, “Did…..didn’t it make you notice how precious and valuable life is” he slightly nodded his head in response, “It made you question the path you chose” it was a statement rather than a question, “then do something about it. Change your life to what you want and live it for yourself not for others”

“Changes?” he let out a bitter chuckle, “I would just love to see this family deal with the changes I want to make”

“Who cares with what they deal with?”

His breath hitched, “I do” his voice was thick with emotion, “They…..they wouldn’t love me anymore Em” he whispered like a frighten child. Emily dipped her head closer to his face and saw wetness in his eyes, “I feel so trapped” he sadly admitted, “I want to be the good son, I want to make them proud. They deserve that much” he brought his eyes up to look at her then. She wanted to sob when she saw tears pooling in his beautiful blue eyes, “But at what cost. Is their happiness more important than mine? Is their dreams and wants more important than mine”

Emily slightly shook her head, “No” she confirmed, “Jason, I believe that everything happens for a reason and I believe the accident was a gift in disguise” she cleared her throat in order to clear the emotion that was taking over her tone, she wanted her message to be heard loud and clear, “You almost died” she said plainly, “but you didn’t. Your life could have ended right there and then and something tells me that you haven’t been living the life you want. Your not who you want to be. Now…..Now is the time to do what you want to do, to make yourself happy because in a tiny second it’s over and when that day comes you want to be able to look back and be happy with what you’ve done and experienced” she shook her head and leaned in closer to him, “No regrets” she whispered.

“If I would do that……do what you say to do” he shook his head sadly, “I wouldn’t be excepted and I wouldn’t be able to make them happy” she began to protest with statement, “No Jas-“ he attempted to stand up from the bed but she quickly maneuvered her body in front of him. She kneeled before him and held him in place by clasping both of her hands around his, “When are you going to realize that the only happiness that you can control is yourself” she pleaded with all that she had, “If the real you, who has been hidden from the world for so long, makes you happy than do it. Become who you want to be” he pressed his lips tightly together and just stared at their clasped hands, “Jason” she called out to him as her tears began to trail down her cheek, “Is this person, the real you, so horrible that you believe no one would love him?” her eyes searched his sad and exhausted face desperately. His eyes trailed upward but he didn’t look at her, he looked past her, “No” he whispered in a slight daze, “I know someone would except him” he paused for a second as a slight and true smile appeared on his face, “Might even be able to love him”

She looked over her shoulder in an attempt to find what was captivating her brother. Her eyes fell upon a framed photo on his bedroom desk. It was a picture of Jason and Steven Webber making funny faces at the camera in Marco Beach. Her eyes widened when the realization hit her. Maybe Jason’s issues were a little more severe than she had originally anticipated. She captured her upper lip between her teeth as she willed herself to mentally calm down. Emily faced her brother and all thoughts were momentarily put on hold when she noticed that damn look he would get on his face when he would enter his trance state of mind. For those seconds he would be lost to the world around him. She wiped away the trail of tears on her cheeks and sniffled, “Jason” she called out to him but received no response and that didn’t surprise her. She shook his hands and called out is name once more.

He shook his head as he rejoined the world, “Sorry”

She cocked her head to the side, “What do you see when you get like that?” she asked once more but this time she was honestly interested. She wasn’t annoyed.

He shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know” he lied, she knew he did. She nodded her head and slowly rose to her feet, “Before I leave you. I just want to ask you one more thing” their eyes locked together, “You don’t love Robin do you?”

He opened his mouth to tell her that he did that he had always been in love with Robin but that’s not what occurred, “No” his eyes opened wide in shock by his truthful admittance.

“then do something about it before it gets too late” Emily bent down and kissed her older brother on the cheek she then made her way to his bedroom door before she opened it she turned to him once more, “Jason” she smiled at him, “No matter who you are, I’ll always love you” She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as if she was expelling all the stress that was currently in that room form her body, “So, go back to school, break off the engagement with Robin and ........profess your love to Steven Webber” Jason’s eyes opened in shock, she waved her hand in the air stopping him from speaking, “There is no need to lie to me” she nodded her head firmly, “I love you no matter what…..go and be with the one you love” she scrunched her nose, “Even though I think you can do a lot better than Steven” she shrugged her shoulders, “But if he does it for you so be it” Before Jason could say a word she was out the door. He shot up from the bed to correct the situation but when he opened his bedroom door she was no where to be found, “I’ll just fix that situation later” he said out loud.

He scrunched his face, “Steven” he wondered out loud, “where the hell did that come from” he walked up to his desk and picked up the framed photo that rested on it. He didn’t even look at him or Steven in the photo it wasn’t why he kept it in the first place. He kept it for what was in the background. It was a brunette with glasses and a mouth full of braces. She had no clue she came out in the photo, he could tell by her relaxed appearance. He chuckled to himself; she hated pictures, always had. She would never allow anyone to take them of her but in this one she was unaware. In the background quiet as always and just observing her surroundings. Her hair, a mass of tangled curls dancing in the wind and her smile was as beautiful and truthful as always. He set the photo back on the desk and walked up to his bed. He kneeled before it and stuck his hand underneath the mattress. He pulled out a white and simple envelope that was addressed to him.

How many times had he read this letter, how many times had he attempted to respond to it and how many times had he been at a complete loss for words? He traced his name with the tips of his finger tips, “What the hell am I suppose to say to this” he sighed, “I’m sorry for being such an ass, Oh and by the way, I’m still a big loser who hasn’t done anything special with his life” he shook his head in disgust. He stood up and laid down on his bed as he clutched her letter to his chest.

What do you see when you get like that?

His sister’s question from just moments ago rang in his head, “I see myself fifty years from now” he frowned as he opened his eyes, “married to Robin, being the father to her children and being a doctor” he clutched the letter in his hand even tighter as his heart beat quickened, “I see a nightmare” he whispered.

A low nock came from his bedroom door, “Yes” he said unsure that someone even in fact did knock.

A low muffled voice came from the opposite side of the door, “Beef or Chicken” the voice said unsurely.

He came to a sitting position, “What?”

“Beef or Chicken” Monica repeated once again in the same exact tone.

He stood up and opened the door, “What are you talking about?”

She shifted nervously from one foot to the other, “For the wedding” she offered him a lopsided smile, “Beef or Chicken”

They stood there in silence for what seemed like hours.

Do something about it before it gets too late

I believe the accident was a gift in disguise

Your not who you want to be

Now is the time to do what you want to do

No regrets

He lifted his head, squared his broad shoulders, drew in a deep breath that seemed to be filled with strength and resolution and said, “Neither”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Seven

Present day Back in Port Charles

He tugged at the bow tie that was presently choking all the life out of him. He hated dressing in tuxedos now. It was funny because a couple of years ago he would feel so at home in the expensive suite, it always felt like he was born to wear them. In reality he was born to wear them, born to experience the finer things that life had to offer. But now, after he had experienced all that he had he just didn’t quite understand the point of dressing up. Was it just so people could show off how much money they had? What they could buy? Or was it about how good they could look? He didn’t even care enough to come up with an answer.


When he looked in the mirror before he left his cottage he felt disgusted by what he saw. He didn't see the man who was currently fighting to find his true self, to live his own life. No. He didn't see that man, he saw the man that it took waking up from a 2 week coma to finally have enough courage to get rid of. He saw the ghost of the old Jason Quartermain. It was him who would wear these type of clothes, it was him who would attend these type of functions, not the new Jason. He swore to himself he would never be anyone's puppet again, but here he was doing what he didn't want to do and wearing what he didn't want to wear. He scanned the fancy restaurant full of people who reeked of wealth. The same type of people he grew up around and the same type of people he fought so hard to disassociate with. Who would come to these type of engagements that were labeled as good for society. A good way to raise money for the poor, but he new the underlying truth to it all. It was just so they could show off, so they could let people know that they had more than enough money to throw away. They didn't give a rat's ass about the poor. He knew it….he lived it.

When he first arrived at the social gathering he immediately felt uncomfortable. All eyes were on him. The disowned Quertermain, the one that lost his mind, the one who use to be one of them and had suddenly turned his back on everything he knew. In reality he had turned his back, but not on what his past had thought him, but he had turned his back on them and what they were associated with. He had been sitting at the bar keeping to himself. Even though he was behaving like their wondering eyes and hushed gossiping about him wasn't bothering him, it really was. His eyes scanned the restaurant once more and he felt a little bit of comfort when his eyes fell upon two very familiar faces. He smiled when he noticed they were heading his way.

"Sonny wants to talk to you" Johnny said as he reached Jason, with Francis trailing behind him.

Jason brought the cold beer bottle to his lips and took a chug of the cool liquid, "What for?"

Johnny shrugged his shoulder, "Don't know. He just said it was urgent that you see him now"

Jason took another drink from his beer and smacked his wet lips together while he nodded. Sonny always thought everything was a matter of life and death. It really did get on his nerves but he liked and respected the man.

When he finally got the courage to stand up to his family he was completely surprised. At first his family indulged him in his new mission to change his life. When he told him he was quitting medical school and that he wanted to call off the engagement to Robin he was surprised they didn't argue with him, but as time passed they began to notice that these changes he was undergoing were more permanent than they had originally thought. As a result of that realization they made him choose. They told him it was either return to medical school and marry Robin or he would be disowned. It was the moment he was waiting for all his life and he took it blindly. He never once thought they would actually disown him or cut him off from the family fortune. So there he was, a medical school dropout, no money, no job, no work experience, no place to live and no family. Robin, thank God for Robin. She stood by him even though he broke her heart by calling off the wedding. She took him in when his family wanted nothing to do with him. So Jason moved in with her, but he knew deep in her heart she thought his presence in her home would lead to a wedding. But as time passed the only thing that occurred was Robin realizing that the love they shared for one another was long gone. Robin was able to realize, what Jason had known all along, they really weren't meant to be together. That they were better friends then lovers. At first the realization of this was heart wrenching for Robin and for himself. They had been together for so long and they did honestly love each other but not the way two people in love should. And after some crying on both of their parts and gut wrenching conversations Robin realized that they were both together for the same reasons. Not to disappoint their parents and they wanted to do what was expected of them. So the hopes of marriage between the two was lost but the friendship flourished. Robin moved on and was happier and so was he. To Jason she would always be his best friend and he couldn't be happier about that.

When everything was said and done with Robin he still had the issue of not having money or a place to live. He couldn’t live with Robin forever. So he left and experienced the hardest times of his life. But after some time passed he was lucky, he caught a break. And that’s where Sonny Corinthos came in. He gave Jason a chance to prove himself, when no one else wanted anything to do with him. Sonny’s reasons for this chance wasn’t 100% in good nature but at the time Jason didn’t care. He needed a job and he needed money. Sonny gave him responsibilities, and he respected him as a man with a mind of his own. Jason hadn't been working with him for long but the two already built a friendly bond. His new job and association with the local mob caused more of a strain on his relationship with his parents. And in all honesty it really did hurt him that they would turn their back on him so quickly. With the exception of Emily, the Q’s would see their son on the street and keep on walking as if he was a stranger. They shunned on all contact he attempted to make with them. If the price for finding himself would cost him his family then so be it. It was time for him to start living for himself and only himself. The only problem was he just had to figure out what did that mean exactly and what he really wanted out of life.

He made his way through the elegant crowd in search for his boss. When Sonny saw Jason he motioned for him with his hand, "What's going on?" Jason asked calmly. Sonny walked to quiet corner of the restaurant, for some privacy, and began to fill in his newest employee, "Benny just called me. It seems that Luis Alcazar landed in Port Charles about five hours ago"

"Who's Luis Alcazar?"

Sonny let out a weary sigh, "A dangerous man Jason. He's the head of one of the five families, but he's sneaky and can't be trusted. Were going to have to keep an eye out for him. I want to know why he's here, I want to know his exact plans for coming here. In other words I want you to keep an eye out for him. If he is planning anything against us, I want to be a step ahead of him the entire time" the seriousness in Sonny's tone and in his eyes weren't lost on Jason.

Jason nodded his head, "I'll take care of it" he replied calmly once more.

Sonny barely new his newest addition to the family but what he did know he liked and he knew if Jason said he would take care of the situation he would, "We'll be prepared, Benny was able to find out that he purchased tickets for this event tonight. So, most probably he's planning on gracing us with his presence. I'll let you know when he arrives"

Jason once again assured Sonny that all would be handle and not to worry. Sonny went on to do what he did best. Which was to mingle with the rich and Jason did what he did best. This was to sit at the bar, with a cool beer in his hand, and keeping to himself. He found that he enjoyed parties so much better when you didn't have to be putting on an act for the guest.

"Jason" Johnny called to his friend as he approached the bar, "Do you know that these people are eating snails?" Johnny was clearly disgusted. He pointed at a waitress who walked by them with a tray full of appetizers in her hand, "That lady tried to get me to eat one of those slimy things" he looked at Jason and frowned, "What did I ever do to her?"

Jason chuckled as he drank his beer, "Johnny, it's called escargot. It's a delicacy," he tried to explain, "Some people pay a lot of money to eat those things"

Johnny laughed, "Some people are morons," he concluded. A couple of seconds later he excitingly began to elbow Jason's arm, "Oh, man I think Francis just put one of those nasty things in his mouth" he turned to Jason and grinned mischievously, "Hey Francis!" he shouted clear across the room, "Your eating a freaking snail!"

Jason turned around in his stool to face the crowd and he was just in time to see Frances complexion turn green. He than saw the large man spit the snail out of his mouth and clear across the room. He laughed as he saw the women dodging the runaway appetizer. Francis sheepishly apologized to those around him and quickly made his way toward his two friends who were laughing at his expense.

"Thanks for warning me, Jack asses" he chastised his two of them.

Johnny shrugged his shoulders, "Is it our fault you eat every damn thing you see?"
"HA HA" Francis retorted, "shut up Johnny and order me a beer" he was clearly annoyed. Johnny complied with his friend's demand and handed him the cool beverage. The three of them passed the time observing the crowd and making fun of the people who seemed to have large sticks up their butts. They found it helped past the time. All three of them really didn't want to attend this function but their boss did and where ever Sonny went so did the trio.

Francis leaned his back against the hard wood of the bar; he gave a sideways glance at this two friends who were presently arguing with the bartender on who was the greatest pitcher to ever live. He quickly searched the bar for his boss and when he saw Sonny engaged in a conversation with one of the other guests he let out a relaxed sigh. It seemed as if it was going to be a relaxing night. He checked his wrist watch and grinned. They had been there for three hours already and Alcazar hadn't shown up. Soon they were going to be leaving and he couldn't wait. He was going to go home, take a relaxing warm shower and pass the hell out. But for now he would pass the time checking out the pretty woman in the restaurant. He eyed a tall thin redhead in a black tight short dress. She was cute, he concluded, then she smiled and he winced. Ewwwww her teeth were green. How the hell can that happen in this day and age with modern dentistry? His eyes then rested on a blond woman. He tilted his head to the side as he checked out her goods. She was ok looking, but damn her arms were bigger than his. He shook his head in a disapproving manor. Now that just didn't look right. He always thought if they could take him in a match of arm wrestling it wasn't good. He eyed her once more and nodded his head when he came to the conclusion that this woman wouldn't only beat him in arm wrestling but she could beat the crap out of him and most probably it would be due to the fact that the Gladiator was probably on steroids, "Maybe she's really a man?" he wondered out loud.

"What?" Johnny turned to him confused. Francis just shook his head and looked away from his friend. He didn't need Johnny teasing him about talking to himself. He once again began to scan the restaurant and suddenly his eyes, involuntarily, opened wide when they landed on a certain female. Just the sight of her caused him to suck in his gut and square his shoulders. She was standing at the main entrance of the restaurant. She was standing there all alone, looking like an angle that had just arrived from heaven, as her eyes searched the crowd before her, "Man" he whispered, "She is absolutely beautiful" he proclaimed in a daze.

Once again Johnny's head whipped towards his friend, "Don't try to deny it" he said with humor, "I know your talking to your self, you weirdo." he began to laugh harder but quickly stopped when his friend showed no reaction to his teasing. He turned his stool to face Francis, "Is something wrong?" he asked worriedly. Francis didn't reply he just stood their with his eyes wide open and his jaw hanging to the floor. In fear that something was happening to Sonny, Johnny quickly turned his stool to face the crowd. When he saw Sonny was ok, he narrowed his eyes and turned to Francis once more, "What the hell is your problem?" But Francis still didn't respond. He followed Francis's eyes and shot out of his stool when he finally saw what had casted a spell on his friend. He ran his fingers through his hair and straightened the noose of his tie, "Wow" he proclaimed as he desperately tried to straighten up his appearance.

Jason was so into his conversation about the Babe and Jumping Joe with the bartender that he didn't notice the peculiar behavior from his two friends, "Johnny" he called out, "This guy says there is no such thing as the Curse of the Bambino" he said pointing to the bartender who was cleaning glasses. When he didn't hear his friend respond his eyes left the bartender and landed on the empty stool next to him. He frowned and looked to his side to find his two friends just standing next to each other with blank stares on their faces.

"What the hell?" he wondered out loud. He turned his stool around to face the crowd in hopes he could figure out what had gotten into the two fools next to him.

And he found it.

It was a female, but not just any female it was a drop dead gorgeous female. Class and elegance radiated off of the mysterious brunette. He took a moment and let his eyes take in the beauty that was before him. She was wearing a simple dark blue dress. It wasn't too tight or too lose. It just gave a teasing hint at the beauty that laid beneath that fabric. Her skin had a particular glow to it, he just knew if his fingertips would connect with her soft flesh it would leave a trace of powder at the tips. Her hair was picked up in a messy bun and lose curls framed her beautiful face. He unconsciously licked his lips when his eyes rested on the most inviting and teasing red full lips he had ever seen. But when his eyes connected with hers he took in a sharp breath.

For a second he was lost in a beautiful ocean and then she looked away. His heart suddenly began to quicken and a knot formed in the pit of his stomach. There was something about her eyes. It was if he knew them…..as if he knew her. But how could that be? He would have remembered meeting a woman like her, he definitely would have remembered her. He slowly rose from his chair and mentally urged her to look at him once more, "Those eyes" he said out loud in a bewilderment.

"I saw her first" Francis declared to the other three men, "Back off" he warned.

Johnny huffed, "You may have seen her first but you don't have the balls to approach a woman like that"

Francis narrowed his eyes at his friend, "She's mine" he was not going to back down from this one, "Why don't you go for a blond I saw earlier. She's more your type"

While the two men were arguing over the hand of a woman they had never spoken to before Jason was just observing her. His mind and heart were running wild and that warned his inner instincts that something was up. Something wasn't right here. He frowned when he saw a large hand…..very male large hand snake around the small woman's stomach. He looked up and saw a tall, very elegant man, dressed in a black suite standing behind the woman whispering something in her ear. A small smile crept upon those beautiful luscious lips.

"Awwww, Crap!" Johnny exclaimed, "She's already taken" he said disappointedly.

Francis sighed, "Looks that way"

"Jason"

Jason reluctantly took his eyes away from the couple at the entrance of the restaurant and looked at Johnny, "Sonny's motioning for us" he pointed out. Jason nodded his head and began to make his way toward his boss. Which was a little difficult to do since he couldn't take his eyes off the young woman. He kept on bumping into people and he wasn't sure but he thought he spilled a man's drink, who had really long blond hair and oddly enough was in a dress.

"Look alive boys" Sonny ordered as the trio approached him, "There is our man" he began to make his way toward the couple whom had just arrived. Jason was following behind him, "That's Luis Alcazar?" he asked in a hushed voice and when Sonny nodded he got his answer.

"Mr. Alcazar" Sonny said cheerfully as he approached the man, "What brings you here to Port Charles?"

Luis stepped next to his date and she immediately wrapped her tiny arm around his, "Pleasure Mr. Corinthos. I'm here for Pleasure" Sonny and Luis then proceeded to shake hands in greeting.

Jason sneaked his way next to Sonny and stood in silence a foot away from the enchanting woman. She felt his eyes on her and in a deifying manor took her attention away from her companion and locked eyes with him. He searched her face for any type of emotion, or something that would inform him why his hands were slightly trembling and why those eyes seemed so damn familiar to him. But she showed him nothing….she revealed nothing.

"Sonny" Luis said cheerfully, "Let me introduce you to Elizabeth" She didn't flinch at the sound of her name, she just stood there quiet staring right back at Jason in an emotionless state.

Sonny cleared his throat in an attempt to capture her attention, "Nice to meet you Elizabeth" She smirked at Jason and slowly turned her attention toward Sonny, "Is that how you great an old friend?"

Jason thought his heart would leap right out of his chest at the sound of her voice. Suddenly all he could hear was the echoing of his heart pounding against his chest, "Excuse me?" Sonny said in pure confusion. Elizabeth returned her attention toward the blond man in front of her and smirked at him. The shocked expression displayed on his face was the best thing she had ever seen.

Jason blinked rapidly as the recognition hit him…and hit him hard, "Lizzi" he whispered in amazement.

She let out a small laugh that slightly hinted at the bitterness she felt, "Elizabeth" she corrected with a tight smile; she cocked one brow, "I go by Elizabeth now" she was nothing but cool and confident.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Eight

I go by Elizabeth now

Couldn’t move, couldn’t think and couldn’t even freaking breath. At that one moment in time it felt like if all that was around him disappeared except for the young lady standing right in front of him. The young woman who sounded like Lizzi but clearly didn’t look like her. Lizzi wore thick glasses…… this woman didn’t ware any glasses, Lizzi had a mouth full of braces….this woman’s smile was perfect in every way. Lizzi’s hair was always a mess….this woman’s chocolate locks were a perfection. And Lizzi was never physical appearance was never one that he would describe as delicate. But then again, she said her name was Elizabeth….no Lizzi.

He wasn’t sure how long the starring match went on, well for her it was a starring match for him it was a moment of shock. She didn’t blink didn’t flinch. She just held his eyes with her own and she sure as hell wasn’t going to be the first to look away.

He wasn’t sure if anyone was speaking or not because at that moment he couldn’t hear those around him. He was under a trance…..a spell, a spell that she casted upon him.

Francis couldn’t take it one more moment, he had no clue why but he was just itching to meet this woman. He was itching to hear his name escape those beautiful enchanting lips of hers. He took a step forward and stood in front of her, coming between her and Jason, “Hello.. Beauti-” he shook his head rapidly, “I mean Elizabeth” he corrected quickly and then offered her a sheepish smile, “Hello Elizabeth” he offered her his hand and wanted to melt into her touch when her tiny soft hand connected with his, “My name is Francis, it’s a pleasure to meet you”

“Like wise Francis”

That damn voice. That damn voice sent a shiver through his spine, it sent shivers all over his body. Francis was blocking his view of her but when he heard her speak the image of the Lizzi he knew popped into his head not the woman that was currently intoxicating him with her sweet elegant scent. Jason took a small step to the side of Francis so he could see her. His eyes just couldn’t get enough of her. He watched her as she offered Francis a warm and loving smile with a certain glow in her eyes. She may have changed physically but that glow, that fire…..the one that always drew him to her didn’t change it was still as clear as ever.

“Elizabeth My dear” Alcazar stepped behind her and snaked his arm around her stomach. It was a gesture to let every man in that room know just exactly who she was there with, whom she belonged too, “Why didn’t you tell me that you knew Mr. Corinthos” Elizabeth took her attention away from Francis and let her eyes fall on Sonny.

“Sonny and I are old friends” she smiled at the elegant man, “aren’t we?” she asked with a tiny hint of laughter.

Sonny slightly pushed Francis, who was gapping at Elizabeth, away from her. He stood in front of her and held out his arms. She laughed as she excitedly accepted his embrace. When she pulled away he held both of her hands in his, “Many afternoons I watched our Elizabeth here from my office window at the warehouse. She would spend hours on the docks sketching all her surroundings”

She playfully cocked an eyebrow at him, “Do you still have the sketch I did for you?”

He nodded gently, “Of course, it hangs on the wall of my office at the warehouse”

She looked at Sonny so lovingly. It was clear that she was happy to see her old friend, “Do you remember what you called it when I gave it to you?” she asked softly with a hint of emotion in her eyes.

He laughed out loud and gripped her hands tighter, “I called it a Webber original”

“That’s when I knew. When you called it that. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an artist no matter what” She leaned in and gave him a soft sweet peck on the cheek, “I’ve missed you Sonny” She reached up toward Sonny’s check and with her thumb cleared the evidence that her lipstick left behind.

“Well, I hope you kept that sketch” Alcazar said out loud interrupting the emotional reunion of the two friends. He stepped beside Elizabeth and put his arm around her, “Because this young lady has made quite a name for herself in the art world of France” he informed proudly.

“You’re an artist” Jason spoke softly but not to softly that it wasn’t heard. They all turned to look at him. He had been quiet for so long that all of them had forgotten his presence for a moment. Well, all of them except one. She knew he was there, no matter how quiet he was she always knew he was there. Watching….watching her.

Alcazar proudly lifted his chin up a notch, “She’s not just an Artist” he squinted his eyes at him, “Mr….”

“Mr. Jason Quartermain” Elizabeth informed with a hint of coldness. She said it with a smile and with a nonchalant appearance but he could sense the underlying tension.

“No” he corrected, “I’m not a Q anymore” he cleared his throat and nervously shifted from foot to foot, “They….uh….disowned me” he was clearly ashamed. Watched her, he watched to see if her stone face would reveal any type of emotion toward the information he had just provided her, but she showed none. It was as if had just gave her the weather forecast. She was good, he had to give her that. She was real good.

Alcazar waived his hand in the air in a dismissive manner, “Well Jason, what ever your last name is, she is thee artist in France” he looked at the beautiful woman next to him and smiled proudly, “all her shows are booked months in advance. And at the end of the night it is always a sold out show” He looked at Sonny, “So if I was you Mr. Corinthos I would keep that Webber original in tiptop shape”

Elizabeth gently placed her hand on Luis’s shoulder, “Luis” his eyes connected with hers, “You know I don’t like it when you tell every one about my work” she leaned in closer to him and whispered, “It’s a little bit embarrassing”

“I’m sorry sweetie” he placed a kiss on her cheek, “How about I get you something to drink”

“That’s ok” she patted his shoulder. The music from the band hit the air loudly, it was a sweet instrumental song and it attracted her attention, “What I would really like is a dance?” she looked at Jason for just a moment, but it was long enough for him to notice that her eyes didn’t glow when they connected with his. Not the way it did with the others, “Francis” Francis slightly jumped when she said his name, “Would you please dance with me” she reached her hand toward him and he stood up straight and squared his shoulders proudly before he led her to the crowded dance floor.

Jason watched in silence as Francis gently took her into his arms and swayed her in synch with the beat of the song.

“Alcazar” Sonny spoke causing Jason to reluctantly take his eyes away from Elizabeth, “Let’s talk shall we” Sonny led Luis to a near by table. Him, Jason and their new guest sat down on the round table with Johnny standing not far behind them.

Alcazar raised his hands, “Don’t worry Mr. Corinthos. I have no intention of disrupting your business here. Like I mentioned before” he paused for a second as his eyes fell on Elizabeth dancing with the guard, “I’m here on pleasure”

Jason followed the mans eyes and slightly maneuvered his chair so he could get a better view of the beauty. He couldn’t keep his damn eyes off of her. Off of that body that was all woman, that was all curves and that was shouting for him to wrap his arms around it. To caress it, like he had so many years ago.

“I’m only here because Elizabeth desired to come back to her home town for a short while. And as you can see a woman like her should never travel alone”

Jason watched in silence as the beautifully round perfect butt gently swayed side to side. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably as he noticed Francis’s hand on the small of her back and when he heard her laughter fill the air his heart began to beat a little too fast.

Alcazar cleared his throat, “But I must say that I am very protective of my…” he cocked his head to the side as he locked eyes with Sonny, “Things” the serious emphasis that he latched on to the word wasn’t over looked by anyone at the table, “And I don’t like it when people mess with my things…….my passion” he smirked at Sonny, “As long as that doesn’t occur while I’m here” he shrugged, “Then everything will be just fine”

“Luis” Sonny placed his hand on his chest, “I assure you that while you are in Port Charles my men and I will have nothing but respect for your wishes” He leaned closer to Mr. Alcazar, “You don’t have to worry. Lizzi, will receive nothing but respect from us and if you need an extra protection for her please consider the serves that I can provide”

“Elizabeth” Jason corrected on a whisper as he watched Alcazar’s passion being dipped by Francis. His interruption caused both of the men on the tables head’s to whip toward him. He felt their piercing eyes on him and shifted uncomfortably, “She…uh… goes by Elizabeth now” he whispered unsurely.

Sonny chose to ignore his employ’s slight outburst, “Please, let me know if you need anything.....anything at all”

Alcazar smiled at the man and firmly shook his hand, “I will Sonny” he stood up from the table, “But know I must join my date. I can never leave her in the arms of another man for too long” he chuckled, “they never seem to want to give her back to me” Alcazar began to turn away from the table when he heard a question being asked of him.

“How did you meet her?” When Jason felt the death glare Sonny was shooting at him he shot up from his chair and asked his question frantically one more time, “How did you two meet?”

Alcazar turned toward him and the corner of his mouth slightly lifted, “I went to one of her galleries in Paris” he chuckled, “I saw her work and new I had to meet the artist. When I did” he slowly turned his body toward the dance floor and when his eyes fell on Elizabeth it seemed as if he was trapped in a daze. A daze that he had no want or intention of shaking off, “I found something more enchanting….more spectacular and more beautiful then her art work” he reluctantly took his eyes away from Elizabeth and locked eyes with Jason, “I found her” he simply stated.

Jason didn’t respond in any way. He didn’t frown, he didn’t smile, nor nod, nor blink, nor twitch. He just stood their as if no soul was living inside of him and watched in silence as Mr. Luis Alcazar straightened up his suite jacket and walked toward Elizabeth on the dance floor, for a dance of his own.

But even though he showed no emotion, it didn’t mean he wasn’t feeling any. As he watched Alcazar take Elizabeth in his arms he felt his stomach turn. His skin felt like it wasn’t meant for him, as if he was a foreigner in his own body. He wanted to leap right over the table, throw Alcazar to the floor and shake Elizabeth until she told him what exactly she thought she was doing with a man like Luis. Until she got it in her head that he was dangerous and she never wanted to see him again. He sighed out loud; Did she know how dangerous he was? Was she in love with him? Was the relationship serious? He didn’t know but he was going to find out. He needed to find out.

Sonny reached up toward Jason’s arm and forcibly pulled him downward for the purpose of making him sit. He plastered a big fake enthusiastic smile on his face as he scanned the crowd, “Jason” he said through his smile, “What the hell was that about?” even though he was trying his best to give the impression to onlookers that everything couldn’t be better his word were dripping with anger, “Why the hell did you ask Alcazar that personal….private question” he waved his hand happily in the air to a woman in the crowd, “You know what? I don’t even want to know” He rubbed the back of his neck and stretched the fake smile even wider, “Just do me one favor. Could you please take your eyes off of Alcazar’s passion’s ass for a couple of seconds” the words were drenched in sarcasm.

“Sonny I wasn-“

“Don’t want to hear it” Sonny immediately interpreted Jason’s obviously untruthful denials, “I don’t want to know anything” He turned to face his employee, “I don’t care if you have a history with her I don’t care if you just want to sit back and shoot the breeze with her and I don’t care if you just want to catch up on what’s new with her. You stay away” he leaned in closer to him, “Do you hear me? You stay away from her” Jason didn’t say a single word. Why should he, It would be a lie and he respected Sonny too much to tell him he wouldn’t try to talk to her when he knew he would. He was itching to talk to her the moment he realized who she was. If he could never stay away from her when he thought she was dangerous to him, what would stop him form trying to have some type of contact with her now. Now that nothing was standing in his way to be with her….to have a friendship with her. Well, something was standing in his way and that something just placed a kiss on Elizabeth’s cheek.

“I don’t want or need a Mob war on my hands because my men could not follow simple orders” Jason just nodded in response, “Besides, this could be good. If all goes well here I could find myself with a very strong ally” Sonny looked at the couple dancing so lovingly, “But even I have to admit she turned out to be quite the beauty” Sonny smiled as he watched Elizabeth’s eyes light up as Luis whispered something in her ear, “ Who would have thought the little girl outside my office window would ever look like that”

“She was always beautiful” Jason simply pointed out.

Sonny scoffed, “Jason” he laughed, “Come on….yes she was always beautiful within but physically……she was a late bloomer” he let his eyes linger on the young woman once more, “Now her physical beauty matches her inner beauty” he sighed sadly, “Alcazar is one lucky man” he stood up from the table, “I’m going to go get a drink” he announced.

Jason just nodded as Sonny left him all alone. Left him alone with a perfect view to just sit and watch Elizabeth. And that’s what he did, he watched her dance after dance. He watched her laugh, he watched her smile, he watched her giggle. Jason, couldn’t get over how much she had changed. She was no longer the quiet, awkward, little chubby girl with braces. She was now slim, elegant, and absolutely breath taking. She had curves that could tempt an angle to give up his wings for just one touch. She had lips that he was sure could cure a dieing man with just one kiss. She was physically flawless in everyway possible. He just wondered if her heat was still flawless in everyway possible.

He sat up straight in his chair when he saw Luis joined Sonny at the bar. Leaving Elizabeth alone for the first time that night. She was in the corner of the room leaning her body against the wall. All alone, but not for long, this was his chance. He could feel the blood pumping through his veins when the realization hit him that he finally could actually get the chance to speak to her. He could speak to her alone. Jason wanted to know all about her life, all about her artwork. He wanted to tell her about his life, about all the changes that had occurred over the years, and about all the changes he wanted to occur. He wanted to find out if she was the least bit curious as to why his family disowned him. As to why he was associated with Sonny Corinthos. If he still new her as well as he thought he did, she would be burning up inside with the desire to know. He quickly stood up and started walking toward her. The beating of his heart grew louder with each step closer he took towards her.

“Elizabeth” he called to her as he reached her.

She smiled at him, “Hello, Jason”

Those eyes. Those mesmerizing blue eyes. He could get lost in them forever, he always could get lost in them forever, “I…uh…I”

She giggled, “Cat got your tongue” she teased him.

His mind was shouting for him to speak and he knew he had so many things to tell her. To ask her but he was at a lost for words, “Uh….” He smiled at her, “want to dance with an old friend?” he asked tenderly.

She smirked at him, “Ohhh, Jason I’m so sorry but my feet are just killing me” she was acting apologetic but something else was there he could sense it, “You know, new shoes and all”

He downcasted his eyes in a disappointing manner, “I understand,” he looked up at her and tried his best to overlook her brush off, “Well, how is Fran-“

“Excuse me” she cut him off as she walked right by him. She didn’t even spare him a glance. He followed her movements with his icy blue eyes, “No problem” he whispered to himself. He leaned his body against the wall and watched as she spoke to an elderly man. Suddenly he saw Johnny approach her and offer him his hand, she placed her hand in it happily and they both walked onto the dance floor.

Jason angrily pushed himself off the wall as he watched Johnny embrace her for a dance. He huffed, “Your feet hurt huh?” he wondered bitterly. He went to the bar and ordered himself a drink and moped the entire way back to his table. And he sat there alone with his alcohol and watched her from afar once more. Watched her not only dance with Johnny but then with Sonny and Of course with her companion for the night.

As every second past his anger grew worse and worse. Yeah, he knew that he deserved this treatment from her, he knew he hurt her in the past, but what he didn’t know was that it would bother him this much.

The song ended and the crowd clapped in show of their appreciation for the band and the night’s entertainment. The main singer in the band proudly took a bow and then proceeded to inform the crowd that the last song of the night was about to be sung.

Elizabeth scanned the fancy restaurant in search of something….of someone. When her blue eyes connected with two icy blue’s she smiled.

Jason took in a deep sharp breath when she began to slowly make her way towards him. It took all the strength he had to not let his eyes wander lower and watch the sway of her hips move toward him. He wanted to keep his eyes in contact with her, he wanted her to know that he wasn’t going to be the first to blink or look away.

As she neared he let his ankle rest on his knee. He wanted to give the impression that he was carefree and cool. Not bothered by anyone or anything. But his insides felt like they were twisting and his heart was pounding against his chest. He nervously began to tap his foot against wooden floor beneath him. He slightly pushed against the floor and the front two legs of his chair slightly lifted off of the floor. When she was just a foot away from him his foot unconsciously jerked and it sent his chair toppling backwards.

His fall from grace occurred in slow motion in his mind. One moment he was looking at Elizabeth’s captivating eyes and the next he was on his back staring at the ceiling. When he heard gasps from the other patrons at the benefit he let out a small curse but when he heard the band halt to complete silence he shut his eyes hard and prayed that what had just occurred was a dream. A horrible dream. But it wasn’t and he came to that embarrassing conclusion when he heard a very familiar laughter.

He opened his eyes to find her standing over him with her face red from laughter and her eyes glowing with humor, “Oh my God” she covered her mouth in an unsuccessful attempt to muffle the laughter that was raking through her body, “Jason are you aright?” She held out her hand to him in assistance. He sighed as he slipped his large hand in hers. The minuet the contact was made he just wanted to melt into her touch, her fingers griped his hand tightly and a shiver ran through him. She jerked him up to a standing position, “I’m fine” he was so embarrassed.

She began to dust off the particles from the floor that were clinging to his suite, “To much to drink?” she asked with a hint of laughter. She was trying her best to keep it under control but she just couldn’t.

“I guess” he looked down at his pants and began to dust them off, “Is everyone looking at me?” he asked in her a hush tone. She turned and looked at all the numerous eyes that were fixed on the man in front of her, “Uh…..Not that many of them” she didn’t tell the whole truth but she knew that the truth would just make him feel more mortified. The band began to play a soft melody and the crowd resumed dancing and talking.

Jason looked up into the dark blue eyes that seemed to always intoxicate him with the urge to live, with the urge to experience all that life had to offer. The sides of her lips tuned upwards, “want to dance?”

He frowned and downcasted his eyes, “I thought your feet hurt” he was acting like a child he knew it, didn’t want to do it but he just couldn’t help himself.

She arched a brow at him, “They did” her smile grew wider, “But not anymore” He looked up at her and once again lost the ability to speak. This was becoming an annoying habit. She shrugged her shoulders, “Well, I guess I’ll just ask someone else” she quickly turned away from her. Jason leapt forward and placed his hand on her arm, “I….I” she turned to face him and he smiled at her as he expelled a deep breath, “I would love to dance with you”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Nine

I would love to dance with you

She slipped her arm out of his grasp and turned to face him. She stood boldly and proudly an inch away from his body. Elizabeth slowly let the tip of her pink tongue slip through her lips and moistened her bottom puffy lip. Her eyes lit up with mischief when she saw Jason respond to her movements by nervously capturing his own lips between his teeth.

“Then follow me” she instructed seductively.

Elizabeth slipped her tiny hand into one of his large strong hands and began to walk toward the crowded dance floor. With every sway of her hips she knew his eyes followed.

He knew he was going to get in trouble for this, knew that Sonny was going to lay into him, but he just didn’t care. He would gladly take the ramifications that would follow his actions.

They reached the middle of the dance floor and she turned to him. She took the initiative and stepped in close to him. He inhaled a sharp breath when her breasts pressed against his hard chest. She let her eyes search every inch of his face as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder. Goose bumps took over his body when he felt her tiny fingers fiddle the sensitive spot at the back of his neck.

The volume of the instruments playing became louder and the singer in the band curled the microphone in his hand as if it were a luscious woman. He sucked in a deep breath and began to let the lyrics that accompanied the sweet melody fill the night air.

At Last

Elizabeth smiled at him as she began to sway her hips in union with the beat of the song.

My love has come along

Jason placed both of his large hands on the small of her back.

My lonely days are over

She pressed the side face against his chest and couldn’t help but smile when she heard and felt the thunders beat of his heart.

And life is like a song

Jason could feel the warmth of her body seeking through the thin fabric of her dress. His thumb began to caress what it could in a slow back and forth motion.

At last

He let his chin rest on the top of her head. He smiled at how they just fit so right together. She may have changed but she still was the only woman who fit him just right……like the missing piece to his puzzle. He took in a deep breath and relished in that delicious smell that radiated off of her.

The sky’s above are blue

He could feel the softness of her silky hair against his chin. He was dieing to run his fingers through it. Dieing to feel his fingertips get lost in the sea of silk.

My heart was wrapped up in clovers

He gave in to the temptation and brought one of his hands up and wrapped a silken lock that fell against her cheek around his finger.

The night I looked at you

He pressed her body closer to his and when her hip bumped the top of his leg he closed his eyes and took in a slow deep breath.

I found a dream that I could speak too

He felt the side of her face rise from his chest and when he opened his eyes he found her beautiful orbs looking at him.

I found a thrill to press my cheek too

once again he found himself giving into the temptation to feel her under his fingertips. He cupped her face with both of his hands and stroked both cheeks with the pad of his thumbs.

A dream that I can call my own

He swallowed hard as gently traced her jaw line with the back of his knuckles. When she leaned into his touch and offered him a small sexy smile he had to fight the urge to let out a groan full of sexual anticipation.

A thrill that I have never known

His eyes left those mesmerizing blue jewels and dipped to her inviting luscious red lips. He slowly began to dip his head down toward lips. He just needed to taste her, to see if she still tasted as sweet as she always did. To see if those lips were still as addicting as they were years ago.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Johnny’s eyes opened in surprise when he saw his new friend exploring the flawless face of Alcazar’s date with his hands, “Ohhhh” he began to feel nervous as every second past, “Don’t do it Jason, Don’t do it Jason” he repeated the mantra over and over again as if it could do some good.

He slapped his hand over his face in an attempt to cover his eyes when he saw Jason lick his lips and get that look in his face. The look of passion and of lust, “Crap, he’s going to do it” he muttered under his breath as he peaked through his large fingers.

“Do what”

Johnny immediately jumped out off of the bar stool at the sound of his boss’s voice. He quickly looked over his shoulder at the dancing duo and quickly maneuvered his body in front of his boss, “Nothing” his voice was shaky. He hated lying to Sonny and he hiding things from him even more.

Sonny eyed Johnny suspiciously, “why are you do jumpy?”

“I’m not” he squeaked

Sonny had known Johnny for a long time, he knew him better than anyone else and right now he knew with out a doubt the man was hiding something. Sonny shifted his stance to the side and noticed that Johnny matched his movements immediately. Sonny cocked a brow up; yep he was hiding something. He tried to sidestep the large man but there he was again matching Sonny’s moves and standing like a brick wall in front of him. When Sonny attempted to move once again and saw that Johnny matched him nervously once more he got annoyed, “what’s wrong with you”

Johnny stood silent for a second and then began to rapidly move his body side to side and then started to jerk his arms up in the air, “I’m dancing” he said breathlessly.

Dancing? It looked like he was expelling a demon from his body, “Your dancing?” Sonny asked suspiciously, “to this song” to a slow love song, all alone.

Johnny curled his hand into a fist and thruster it upwards, “This song freaking rocks!”
Sonny shook his head and shoved Johnny to the side. When he finally saw what his employee was trying to miserably hide his eyes opened in shock, “I’m going to kill him”. There was Jason, right smack in the middle of the dance floor about to kiss Elizabeth. About to kiss Elizabeth where everyone in the damn place could see. His head whipped toward Alcazar who was sitting at the bar in complete ignorance to what his passion and Sonny’s enforcer were doing, “I’m going to shoot him my self” He narrowed his eyes at Johnny who was shamefully standing in silence and staring at his feet.

Sonny than decided that the best thing to do was to keep Alcazar in complete ignorance to what was happening. He made his way toward the man in an attempt to do so.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Then you smiled and then the spell was cast and here we are in heaven

But his lips didn’t taste the sweetness that it anticipated. It tasted the nothingness of the air. He opened his eyes when her cheek slightly grazed his. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear, “Thanks for dancing with an old friend” She planted a sweet soft kiss on his cheek.

For you are mine at last

And as the song and the night came to an end she pulled away from his grasp. He stood their alone and motionless on the dance floor as she took a couple of steps back. She offered nothing but a wink before she turned her back on him and began walking toward her date.

He never new how fast one’s body heat could be so high one moment and then the next be so low. Jason was positive that he had never felt so cold in his life before. He took his eyes away from her retreating form for just a moment and frowned when he realized that she had left him alone, amongst a dance floor full of lovers.

His eyes fell upon her one last time for the night. He watched her tap Alcazar on the shoulder, the man turned away from the bar and stood up. He watched as she and her date said their goodbyes to everyone but him and then he watched her walk out of the restaurant. And she never spared him a single glance.

“What the hell was that” he whispered to himself after his brain and body began to slowly come back to life. After the aftermath of Elizabeth Webber.

He felt a large hand slap him on the shoulder, “What a freaking woman”

Jason tore his eyes away from the doors as to which she had moments ago passed and looked at Francis, “They just don’t make him like her anymore” Francis smiled at his confused friend, “I mean when I was dancing with her I had to fight the urge not plant a big wet sloppy one on her” he laughed out loud and completely missed the change in his friends body language, “I would have welcomed death gratefully for just one kiss from that woman” Jason jerked his shoulder free from Francis’s hand. Francis smiled and closed his eye’s reminiscing his time with Elizabeth, “Jason, when she said my name…..I swear I got the biggest bon-“ His words were cut off when Jason forcibly grabbed a fist fool of the front of Francis suit.

“Shut. The. Hell. Up” he grounded out as he jerked his friend toward his body. Francis’s eyes opened in shock, “Jas-“

“Shut up!” Jason shouted full of rage.

“What’s going on here!” Sonny boomed as he approached the two, “Jason let go of him right now” he ordered forcibly. Jason narrowed his eyes at his boss before he shoved Francis backwards and let go of his hold on the man.

When Francis regained his balance he ran a hand over the front of his suit in an attempt to regain his compositor, “What the hell is your problem!” he shouted at Jason.

But Jason didn’t say a single word he just stood their unmoved and full of rage.

“Francis go get the car” Sonny ordered calmly. Francis nodded and did what he was told. Jason’s piercing blue eyes followed his every move until he was out of the restaurant.

Sonny sighed disappointedly as he walked up to his newest employee, “I guess you don’t follow orders too good huh?” he shook his head, “I told you to stay away from her and what do you do” he looked into Jason’s emotionless eyes, “You take her for a spin on the dance floor and if that wasn’t enough” he narrowed his eyes at the young blond man in front of her, “you try to kiss her” he took a threatening step forward, “Your lucky he didn’t notice” he grouted out through clenched teeth, “Your lucky I had him occupied with talks of business. Because guess what?” he jabbed Jason in the chest with his finger, “if he would have noticed and wanted to shoot you right here I would have let him” An unwavering silence surrounded the both of them. It was full of anger and tension. Jason raised his head high and squared his shoulder. He was letting his boss know that he wasn’t going to apologize for his actions. They were careless but they weren’t wrong.

Sonny stepped back and rubbed his forehead, “Don’t disobey me again” he ordered wearily, “I will be doing business with Luis and he has made it clear to me. Where ever he goes Elizabeth is right beside him” he looked up at his enforcer and for the first time since Jason began working for him he had to question his ability to do his job, “Can you handle this? Can you do your job?”

Jason only responded to Sonny’s question with a firm nod.

Sonny sighed, “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow same time as always” He then motioned for Johnny, who was sitting quietly at the bar the entire time, and he began to make his way toward the exit of the restaurant.

Johnny smirked at Jason and quickly walked up to him before he followed his boss out of the place, “Damn Jason.” He flashed him a bright smile, “Way to mess up” Johnny turned his head and noticed that Sonny was waiting for him at the door of the restaurant, “Was it worth it? Was dancing with her worth all this crap?” he asked in a hurry.

Jason quietly nodded his head, “I’d do it again in a heart beat” he admitted shamelessly.

Johnny laughed out loud and shook his head humorously, “your nut’s Jason” he than walked quickly toward his pissed off boss.

Jason jammed hid hands into his pocket and scanned the empty dance floor. The memory of Elizabeth in his arms popped into his head and he couldn’t help but smile. He slowly exited the empty restaurant and wondered when was the next time he would run into Elizabeth Webber again?


The song is “At Last” by Etta James

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Ten

When was the next time he would run into Elizabeth Webber again?

Jason looked at his wrist watch for the 20th time that night as he anxiously anticipated for the hour of 8:00. At that time Elizabeth Webber would stroll into Sonny’s penthouse for dinner. Of course she would be accompanied by Luis Alcazar and that didn’t make him feel too great, but at that moment he was concentrating on the good rather than the bad.

He stood up from Sonny’s couch and began to make his way up the stairs, “Jason” he stopped his movements and looked at Johnny. Who had a grin from ear to ear, “Where are you going?”

“Bathroom”

Johnny’s grin grew wider, “Again”

Jason pinched his lips together and narrowed his eyes at his friend. He resumed his movements up the stairs.

He entered the bathroom and looked at his wristwatch again, “5 minuets” he whispered to himself as he checked his physical appearance. He wanted to look just right, he didn’t want one hair out of place. Catching her attention was his main goal. He wanted her to want him, to want him just as bad as he wanted her. And he wanted her bad….real bad.

When Sonny told him about his dinner invitation for Alcazar he almost leapt out of his chair right in front of his boss. It had been 3 days since the function at the restaurant and he had been wandering around town every chance he got in hopes that he would run into Elizabeth. But where ever he went, she was never to be found. It surprised and annoyed him that in such a small town where you run into the same people over and over again, he couldn’t run into the one he wanted. But, thanks to Sonny he would see her again, smell her again, hear her laughter again, and hopefully touch that soft, warm, addicting skin again.

He gave a cocky smile at his reflection in the mirror; obviously happy with what he saw starring right back at himself. He cheerfully made his way back to Sonny’s living room. Jason sat down on the couch and tried to give the impression that he was as relaxed and carefree as possible.

“You seem pretty jumpy tonight” Johnny commented once more. He just loved teasing the man sitting in front of him.

Jason glared at Johnny and shook his head, “I’m not. Far from it as a matter of fact”

Francis scoffed, “is that why you keep going to the bathroom every ten minuets and look at your watch every 2 minuets”

Jason snapped is head toward the man sitting at the opposite side of the couch from him, “ I have no idea what your talking about” he was as cold as could be. Jason was still holding a grudge against Francis for the way he was spoke about Elizabeth the other night. He showed no respect for the woman. And Elizabeth Webber deserved nothing but the utmost respect.

“Yeah right” he mumbled under his breath.

The door opened and all three men stood up. The guard outside announced the dinner guests and allowed them to walk into Sonny’s home.

A lump formed in Jason’s throat when she walked into the penthouse. She was dressed so plainly compared to the last time they had seen each other, but she still managed to take his breath away. She was nothing but perfection in her knee length black skirt and her navy blue blouse. He was only standing a few feet away from her, but her sweet scent surrounded him. It intoxicated him and he welcomed it with open arms.

Sonny cheerfully emerged from the kitchen to greet his guest. He shook Alcazar’s hand and welcomed him into his home. Sonny wrapped Elizabeth into his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek in greeting. She greeted him with the same amount of warmth and tenderness as he did her.

Johnny and Francis were next in the greeting process and once again Elizabeth was her charming self with them. She inquired on how they had been since the last time they had seen each other. She didn’t treat them as strangers but rather as old dear friends.

Jason’s heart beat was pounding furiously in his chest and his stomach was in knots as he approached her, for his long awaited greeting from the woman who seemed to have captured his every waking moment since her return to Port Charles. But he didn’t receive the same greeting as the others. He didn’t get a charming smile from her, or inquiry on how he had been since the night he held her in his arms and danced with her. He got nothing more but a tight smile and a simple ‘ hello’. No, hug….no kiss on the cheek……not even a damn hand shake. Just a ‘hello’ and not even a warm ‘hello’ and she didn’t even add his name after the damn, cold, no good for nothing ‘hello’. He wanted to throw up.

Any hopes that maybe she would warm up to him once dinner started was lost after an hour into it. She had lovely conversations with Johnny, Francis, Sonny and of course Luis Alcazar. Who could ever forget about the great, wonderful, charming, damn Luis freaking Alcazar. She was attentive with them and was obviously interested in them. But Jason didn’t reactive the same treatment. Not one single bit. Every time he would try to strike up a conversation with her she would either nod her head and quickly turn the subject to another male at the table or answer his questions that were aimed at her in yes or no answers. At first he thought maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe she wasn’t interested in what he wanted to talk about. But he quickly came to the conclusion that it wasn’t any of those reasons. No it wasn’t. The reason he was being treated as if he had the plague was plain and simple. Elizabeth I. Webber, the artist from Paris did not like him. She didn’t like him one bit.

By the time desert came into the picture Jason had not spoken a single word for a good hour. And as far as he could tell it seemed that everyone present pretty much forgot that he was even there. He just sat quietly, pushing around his Dulce de Leche crepe around with his fork. He was acting like a spoiled child he knew it but he just couldn’t help himself. Honestly, he couldn’t even blame Elizabeth for treating him the way that she was. He was never really a good friend to her. But she didn’t know how much he had changed, why he behaved that way toward her, how much things had happened over the years and if she could just see that and understand it, then he was sure she would like him again. He was just sure of it.

“Sonny this meal was fantastic from start to finish” Elizabeth beamed at her friend.

“Thank you” Sonny said proudly.

“I mean, I remember you bragging all the time about your cooking skills but I never imagined it being this good”

Sonny placed his hand over his chest, “Me bragging?” he shook his head and laughed, “Never”

Elizabeth joined him in laughter and playfully threw her napkin at the mob boss.

“So” Sonny said through his laughter, “Luis, what are you planning to do while vacationing here in Port Charles”

“No offense” Luis said while taking up his coffee cup toward his mouth and blowing on the hot liquid, “But there really isn’t much to do here” he shrugged his shoulders as he brought the coffee cup to his lips and swallowed, “So I called one of my men and he’s bringing me my yacht that’s presently docked in Miami. It should be arriving in a couple of days”

“Ahhhh, you love the ocean huh”

Luis nodded, “I would have loved to have gotten my speed boat broughten to me but” he chuckled and looked at Elizabeth, “She hates it. It’s too small and goes too fast, it frightens her. The yacht is the only type of boat I can get her on”

Johnny looked at Elizabeth, “Why are you afraid of boats?” he inquired.

“She doesn’t know how to swim” Luis answered for her. Elizabeth just smiled and shrugged her shoulders in confirmation.

A loud snort was heard at the end of the table. Everyone turned to look at the source of the sound. He had been quiet for so long that his outburst surprised the small dinner party.

Jason shifted in his chair uncomfortably as he looked up to all the questioning looks he was receiving. He cleared his throat, “Elizabeth knows how to swim” he informed in a low tone.

Luis shook his head, “No she doesn’t”

Jason locked eyes with dark blue shining orbs and when he noticed her full luscious lips tighten a small smirked appeared on his lips, “Yes she does” he stated firmly.

Alcazar looked at Elizabeth questionably, “Elizabeth?”

Elizabeth responded by closing her eyes and shaking her head, “No, Alcazar I do n-“

“You see” Jason’s voice was loud, full of confidence and demanding every ones attention, “Since Elizabeth was a child she would spend her summers at Marco Beach” he smiled at her brightly and pretended not to notice her eyes narrowing at him in a dangerous fashion, “Her older brother and sister were taught how to swim at the age of 3, but Elizabeth never really called for attention from others and her parents. I can only assume this is why her parents didn’t do the same things for Elizabeth as they did for the others” he couldn’t help the large smile that took over his face when he saw a dumbfounded look on Luis’s face, “So, she didn’t know how to swim. But one night when she was about 9 years old” he turned his attention toward her, “It was 9 right?” she sat in silence as her death grip around her coffee mug grew tighter.
“Any way, one night when she was nine years old she went into the pool in her beach home and stayed in the shallow end. Night after night she would do this and little by little she taught herself how to swim” he looked at her once more and those eyes that were just moments ago shooting daggers at him were clouded in confusion and surprise. And those lips that were just moments ago pressed together so tightly were slightly parted in bewilderment. He cleared his throat and suddenly all the inquisitive eyes that surrounded him made him feel uncomfortable, “All that time she just thought no one was watching or….no one was paying attention, why would she no one really ever did, But, she was wrong” he shrugged his shoulders and looked down at his crepe, “someone was” he spoke in a low tone.

“Is that true?”

She reluctantly tore her eyes away from Jason and offered Alcazar a lopsided smile, “pretty much”

“Why would you lie?”

She huffed, “Because I dog paddle” she revealed clearly embarrassed, “And that is just ridiculous. Plus, you always want to go to the beaches in Europe and in those beaches everyone is nude”

Johnny shot up in his char, “For real!?!” he asked excitedly.

Elizabeth slowly shook her head, “It’s not what you think. There’s old people playing volleyball” she wrinkled her nose and lips in disgust, “With all their business hanging out. It’s a freaking nightmare”

“So, what else Jason?” Alcazar’s was clearly not happy, “What else can you tell me because I obviously don’t know her as well as you do?” Jason saw anger and a displeased look on Luis’s face and was happy that he put it there. He was overjoyed that in a sly and slick way he showed this powerful man that he knew Elizabeth better. That he knew more about Alcazar’s passion than the man himself did.

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything”

Jason smugly took a forkful of the crêpe in his mouth and let out a ‘Mmmmm’. He offered Mr. Alcazar a large and cheer full smile, “Well, when she wa-“

“Excuse me” Elizabeth abruptly stood up from her chair and shot a glare at Jason that was dripping with coldness. It told him just what she thought of his presently smug attitude at the moment and how disgusted she was from his obvious enjoyment of the situation. “I need some fresh air” she left the table and headed out to the penthouse balcony.

Her emotions were running so wild that her face felt like it was on fire. The minuet the cool night breeze came in contact with her fiery red cheeks she took in a deep breath of relief.

She needed to calm down and get her emotions under control. She gripped the cool steel of the balcony bars, closed her eyes and took in slow, large breaths.

Who the hell did he think he was talking about her like that? Like if she wasn’t even present at the damn table. She let out a bitter laugh; just like the old days, he still treated her like she was freaking invisible. She opened her eyes and wearily rubbed the back of her neck, “How the hell did he know that?” she whispered into the night air. No one, not even Brenda, knew that she could swim. To say that she was surprised about his little story was an understatement. Especially that at that time in her life she would have been lucky to receive one word of acknowledgment from the great Jason Q. The summer she learned to swim was four years prior to the summer when she met Jason Morgan, they were practically strangers then.

She pressed her small waist against the medal railing and tilted her head back to look up at the stars. Elizabeth knew her actions the night at the restaurant weren’t exactly the most kindest or mature thing to do. But damn it, she had been dreaming of that moment for years know. The moment she strolled into a room and made him want her. Made him regret ever ignoring her or playing cruel mind games with her. And she did, she pulled it off with out a single flaw. She left him in the middle of the dance floor in pure confusion. It was one of the best moments of her life. It was inspired by revenge and that was exactly what she got. Her revenge. And it was sweeter than anything she had ever known. But with her actions she opened up a can of worms. A can of warms she was positive she wanted to return but unfortunately all sales were final. Not only did Jason now think the lines of communication were open but after she experienced that tender dance with him, Elizabeth knew that she had to be careful. She wasn’t strong enough to tease him….to make him want her, then shut him down and walk away. She got a taste of what she wanted and that had to satisfy her. Elizabeth believed by ignoring him tonight he would realize they weren’t. He would realize she didn’t want a single thing to do with him, but it seemed that Jason was a little slow.

“Are you wishing on a star?”

She closed her eyes, bit down on her bottom lip and gathered all the inner strength she possessed not to turn around and deck the crap out of Jason. Those were the first words he spoke to her that night on the beach. That damn night that all this crap started between them. That damn night that she dreamt of over and over again, that damn night that she wished she could erase and relive all in one. And he knew it, he knew what the memories and feelings those words possessed and he used it. Once again Jason was playing his stupid little mind games. Yep, not a single thing had changed.

He let out a sigh and observed her from behind. How she was so still, how she didn’t give him one clue as to what was going through her mind, “Elizabeth, I came out here to apologize” he jammed his hands into his jean pockets, “I shouldn’t have done that” he was remorseful and he tried his best to make her realize that he was, “If it makes you feel any better the moment you left we stopped talking about it. As a matter of fact, there all in the living room right now talking about boats” he chuckled, “they forgot I was even there. They didn’t even notice me slip out here.”

Still she didn’t speak or acknowledge his presence. She just stood there, as the night breeze played with the strands of her silky hair while she looked up at the night stars. He shook his head shamefully, “Look, I’m really so-“

“For some reason the stars in Port Charles shine more than they do in Paris” she simply shrugged her shoulders, “I have no idea why”

He walked up behind her and a lone strand of her hair shot up in a gust of wind and slightly grazed his chin. The simple connection sent shivers running rampant through his body, “Maybe that’s do the memories this place holds for you”

The closeness of his voice startled her, but long ago she learned very well how to keep her emotions hidden, “Could be”

He couldn’t stand being that close to her and not actually touch her. It was becoming physically painful for him. He took out one hand from his pocket and reluctantly brought it up in the air. His fingers visibly shook as they neared her shoulder.

“You know what I use to love about being Lizzi?”

When she spoke her words broke through the overwhelming desire to touch her. He knew better. She wouldn’t welcome it. He curled his fingers into a fist and let it fall to his side.

“At least when I was Lizzi I knew who really liked me for me” he frowned when he heard the sadness in her voice, “At first, when I changed I loved all the attention” she snorted, “Who wouldn’t. But then I started thinking” she turned to face him, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t bring herself to look into those eyes, “Do they like me for me or for the way I look?” She ran her fingers through her hair, “I guess I’ll never know huh?”

Jason downcasted his eyes, “I liked you”

Now she looked at him, she couldn’t keep her eyes away from him if she tried. If he thought that omission would make her feel all warm and cozy inside than he was dead wrong, “Excuse me?” she spat out bitterly.

His eyes opened in shock when he heard the tone of her voice. Oh crap. “Well, I just mea-“

“Spare me Jason” she crossed her hands under her chest, “I’m not in the mood to hear your little lies”

His head snapped up, “I don’t lie” he sated calmly.

She took a step closer to him and arched a brow, “Oh really?” She searched his face and wasn’t trying at all to hide the disgust she so clearly felt for him, “Because if I recall correctly your nothing but a lie. Everything about you is a lie”

He shook his head, “Not anymore Elizabeth” he went to place a hand on her arm but she quickly jerked her body away from the impending contact. He frowned and placed his hand in his pocket, “I’ve changed” he looked down at the ground under him.

“Really?” she let out a bitter laugh, “I don’t think so”

He sadly hung his head low and shrugged his shoulders, “I have. I mean…..I work for Sonny now. Jason Q would never do that and he would never be disowned from his family” he slowly raised his head up and looked deep into her eyes and for the first time since she had arrived in Port Charles he saw sadness in them. It was clear, painfully clear, “I’ve changed a lot. I really want to sit down with you and tell you about it all” he downcasted his eyes once more he couldn’t stand the sadness in her eyes any longer, “I think we really need to talk”

“Why? What is the purpose for you and I to talk” he didn’t answer. He stood silent, “Don’t tell me you want to be friends?” she asked incredulous. Elizabeth covered her mouth with both of her small hands and began to laugh.

The action alone caused his heart to break into a million pieces. Never once did Jason ever imagine that her sweet laugh could bring him so much pain.

“Oh Jason” she said through laughter, “Why would I want to be your friend. You were never a real good one” she placed her hands on her hips, “If I recall correctly you pretty much sucked at it”

He couldn’t say a single thing, he couldn’t even open his mouth to attempt to say a simple thing. How was he suppose to respond to that, how was he suppose to try to defend himself. He couldn’t. She was a 100% right. He was never a good friend to her, nor did he ever deserve her friendship. She was too good for him back then and she was too good for him now.

She looked away from him and blew out a deep breath, “I got to go back inside” she went to side step him but he quickly grabbed her arm. She looked at the large hand as if she had never seen anything like it before. She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his icy blues.

“Elizabeth, I’ve changed” She quickly attempted to jerk her arm away from his hold but he held her tighter, “Just give me a second chance” he pleaded, “I swea-“ She quickly reached up with her free hand grabbed the back of his neck, she forcibly pulled him toward her and planted her sweet lips on his.

She kissed him hard….she kissed him real hard. Unconsciously his hold on her arm gripped her tighter when she forcibly trusted her tongue through his lips. He let go of her arm and with both hands cupped the side of her face as their tongues battled with one another. He let a deep groan as he tasted her sweetness in his mouth. That certain taste that was always hers, that certain taste that no matter how many times he told himself he had to stay away from he couldn’t. He let go of the side of her face and placed his arm on the small of her back. He pressed her small body up against his and when she thrusted her pelvis up against his groin he though he would combust. The thought he would explode from the overwhelming desire to feel her naked skin on his, the overwhelming desire to be inside of her. He didn’t care that they were on the balcony of his bosses home or that Luis was right in the next room. He just didn’t care all he cared about was her and him. She proceeded to capture his bottom lip between her own and sucked on it with a strong force. His grip on her back grew tighter, he was overwhelmed with anticipation, but of what he didn’t now. He had lost all control of himself and his body the moment she stepped foot back into Port Charles. He understood know that he was and always would be her loyal servant. Before she withdrew herself from his mouth she bit down hard on that bottom lip that she took hostage. But it didn’t hurt him, it didn’t hurt him one bit.

She took a step back away from him and looked into his eyes that were swimming in desire for her. His chest was rising and falling rapidly. He took a step toward her with every intention of kissing her again. He didn’t want or need for her abuse on his mouth to stop. But she quickly retreated away from him.

She cleared her throat, “Luis must be wondering about me by now” She began to slowly walk backwards toward the balcony door. She feared to turn her back on him, he was looking at her as if he was an animal and she was his prey. He was waiting to make his move….waiting to catch her off guard. When she felt the metal handle connect with her hand she quickly turned it, stepped into the penthouse and shut the door behind her.

Elizabeth turned around and took a couple of steps forward. She brought her hand up to her mouth with every intention of whipping away the kiss, “Let’s see how you like it”. Let’s see how he would feel being on the other end of the childish mind games he use to pull on her. But before her fingers could make contact with her lips she had second thoughts. Her lips were still moistened from the kiss, his presence was still fully on them. She curled up her small hand into a fist and let it drop helplessly to her side. She knew better but she did it anyways. She let her tongue dart out of her mouth and she licked her lips. Licked his presence on them clear off and then took him inside of her. Inside of her mouth…..he was a part of her now, but then again he always was.