Stuck by ILoveLiz17

[JRK Archiver]

Here's what you need to know:

This takes place back in September 03 when Liz was hit by the car. Faith is in jail for hitting her. Liz lost her memory, but is not blind. Carly is still pregnant and there is no Lorenzo Alkazar in this story and Courtney is bugging Jason about the business like she is now, but did not leave him. I think that's all you need to know, everything else should be explained later on.

[JRK Archiver]

Part 1


"Here you go, Carla. Grilled cheese and french toast." Elizabeth said as she placed the plate in front of the blonde.

The blonde looked up at the petite brunette. "It's Carly, actually."

Elizabeth snapped her fingers as if she had answer a wrong question on a game show. "So close."

Carly offered a smile. Usually she would have a smart remark ready, but now she almost felt sorry for Elizabeth. "It's no problem. Just take it easy."

"Okay, but next time I call you Carla again, breakfast is on me."

Amused, Carly let out a small laugh. "Okay, I'll hold you to that." Carly patted her stomach. "And I'm eating for two, so it's gonna cost ya."

"Okay, so the pressure is on now. Is there anything else I can get for you?"

Still amused, Carly took a sip of her orange juice, "No. I'm fine, Eliza."

Elizabeth gasped and put her hands on her hips mockingly, "Haha, very funny. Next time you make fun of me, you'll get more than you bargain for in your juice."

Jason watched the exchange between the two women. They were actually civil to each other. Elizabeth had a reason to be nice to Carly. She couldn't remember a damn thing about their history. But Carly is a different story. Carly was nice. That wasn't the shocking part. The shocking part was that she was being nice on purpose, as in voluntarily, as in on her own. Damn, he thought. What is the world coming to?

Elizabeth turned her attention away from Carly and eyed the man sitting next to her. "How about you, Mr. Morgan? Need a refill?"

Her voice brought Jason back from his thoughts. He looked up from his coffee to see her smiling at him. "No thanks. I'm good, but call me Jason."

"Think you can remember that? Two syllable. 5 letters." Carly joked playfully.

"I think I can handle it. Unlike you, Carla, some people are actually worth remembering." She teased back. It wasn't until she felt the stare of Jason Morgan and the grin from Carly that she realized what she had just said. She could feel herself starting to blush and she started to nibble her lip, unware that she was even doing it. She let out an embarrassed laugh. "Um, I didn't mean you were worth remembering. Not that you're not because you definitely are." Did I just say that? "Okay," she cleared her throat and shook her head slightly, "What I meant was that-" Elizabeth stopped midway and bit her bottom lip. What did I mean to say? Are they still staring at me? Oh @#%$, they are. Why? Oh yea, they're waiting for me to finish my sentence. Hurry up, Webber. Say why you thought he was worth remembering. Don't just stand here like an idiot. Speak!

Jason and Carly looked at each other with a confused look. Elizabeth had been standing in front of them looking up into space. Her body was still there but it was as if her mind had wandered off into another world. Jason cleared his throat and ELizabeth's body immediatley jumped out from her unmoving stance. "Are you alright?"

Elizabeth blushed. Did someone turn up the heat in here? She was burning. "Sorry. My thoughts seem to take over my body when I think." Way to go, Webber. He thinks you're a weirdo. A sweating weirdo. "Um, well, just call me if you need anything else."

Carly smiled, "Okay, we will. Thanks."

Noticing that ELizabeth had stepped into the kitchen, Carly turned to Jason, "She has the hots for you."

Jason turned his attention away from his coffee and sighed, "No she doesn't, Carly."

"Oh please. Did you see how nervous she was? I thought she was going to pass out right in front of us. Does she even know that-

Stopping her ramble, Jason put down his cup and made Carly look at him in the eye. "Carly, I'm going to say this once, okay? Listen carefully because I am not going to repeat it. Elizabeth Webber does not like me because number one, she dosn't know me. She called me Mr. Morgan for god's sake. Number two, I'm married. Number three, be quiet and eat your breakfast so we can go."

"Testy today, aren't we?" When Jason continued to drink his coffee without looking at Carly, she continued to speak. "Number one, even though she doesn't remember that you two had a history doesn't mean that she doesn't like you now. Number two, yes, I know you're married, but if Courtney doesn't get off your case about your business, then I'll- seeing the glare that Jason shot her, Carly moved on quickly. "Number three, I'll eat my breakfast as slow as I want." Carly picked up her grilled cheese in slow motion and held it up in the air as long as possible before taking a little bite into her mouth.

Jason shook his head at his best friend. God, how could Sonny live with her? Seeing that ELizabeth had come back out from the kitchen, he called out to her.

Walking over to their table, she held out the coffee pot,"Refill?"

"No. We just need our check. We're done."

Carly put down the grilled cheese and protested, "I'm not done eating yet."

"Yes. You. Are." Jason glared at the blonde.

"No. I'm. Not." Carly glared back.

Elizabeth smiled at their exhange. Apparently, two ten year olds are trapped inside of their bodies, she thought to herself and held back a laugh. "So, should I get the check or let the lady finish her breakfast?"

"Elizabeth."

Knowing immediately who it was without turning around, Elizabeth let out a small groan. Carly and Jason both looked up at Ric who had just entered Kelly's.

She turned around to Ric who had a bouquet of red roses in his hand, "No Ric, I haven't regained my memory or my undying love, as you put it, for you yet, so why don't you come back again tomorrow and ask me the same question you've been asking me since I woke up."

Ignoring Ric who was about to speak, she turned back around to Jason and Carly "As I was saying, do you still want your check?"

"Yea, thanks." Jason said while eyeing Ric who took a seat at the counter. He leaned closer to Elizabeth, "Is Ric still bothering you?"

"Yea, but I'm used to it. It's no big deal. He'll stop eventually. He just needs to realize that I don't know who he is anymore."

"Ric and realization doesn't go in the same sentence. His head is too filled with hatred to realize anything. You better be careful." Carly suggested.

Elizabeth smiled, "Thanks, I will. I'll go get your check."

"Thanks, Elizabeth."

"No problem, Carla."

[JRK Archiver]

Part 2


"Jason, for God's sake. Carly is almost due. There is too much danger surrounding us. Don't you care about the safety of the children." Courtney rambled and followed Jason to the kitchen.

Jason retrieved a beer from the fridge and turned around to face Courtney. His wife. His supposedly understanding wife. The woman who vowed to love him, not nag him till he died. "I love you, Courtney. I also love Carly and the children. If you believe that, then you need to trust that I will protect the people I love."

Courtney moved towards Jason and rested her forehead on his chest. "I love you and I know you're sick of hearing this, but I need to keep telling you until you're out of the business. This isn't a game. This is lives we're talking about."

Jason pulled away from her and shook his head in aggravation. He sat his beer down on the counter with a thud, "This is the problem. You don't think I know the danger of the business. I've been in this since my accident. It's you who don't understand. It's you who won't try to understand."

Trying to calm Jason down a little, Courtney took his hand and wrapped it around hers, "God, Jason. I hate fighting with you but you're making this harder than it really has to be."

Pulling away from her touch, he walked back into the living room and grabbed his jacket. Courtney followed closely behind him as he walked out the door. Walking into the elevator, he turned around to her, "You're right, Im tired of fighting too, so let's not."

Courtney crossed her arms in frustration, "Where are you going?"

Before he had a chance to answer, the elevator door closed, leaving her behind staring at the steel door.

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

Elizabeth shoved her cold numb hands in her coat pocket and walked quickly across the park. She could sense someone following her. She talked herself into believing that she was being paranoid when she felt a presence at Vista Pointe. But now that she had reached the park, she felt the same presence. She knew it couldn't just be paranoia. There was someone following her. She could hear light footsteps and it grew quicker as she picked up her speed. "Damn, of all the days I didn't bring my cell phone, it just had to be today," she muttered to herself. "Only a couple more blocks till you get to your studio. Just stay calm, Webber." She continued to pick up her pace until she felt herself slide across a patch of ice. Her chest met the hard cold floor and she let out a yelped. Panick and fear erupted her body and mind when she heard the footsteps running towards her. Ouch. Stupid idiot. Next time I decide to go for a midnight walk, bring a friend. Better yet, just don't go for a walk at all. She remained face down on the floor and eyed a sharp-edged rock next to her. When she felt a hand on her back, she picked up the rock, turned around, and slammed it against the man's forehead. When the man fell down and grabbed his head in pain, Elizabeth quickly got up from the floor and began to run.

Elizabeth didn't stop running until her face met a concrete wall. Gasping for air, she looked up and realized it wasn't a wall. She met the face of a surprised Jason Morgan and quickly wrapped her arms around him. A sigh of relief rushed over her and tears began to stream down her face. "Oh thank God. Please help me."

Not many things scared Jason, but the sound of her desperate and helpless voice frightened him. He tried to calm the petit brunette down by rubbing her back as he led her to the bench. Once they were seated, he finally spoke, "What happened?"

Elizabeth choked out, "Some..someone was following me. He tried to grab me. I..I grabbed a rock and I hit him with it. I was so scared, I didn't know what to do. I just ran. Oh my god, what if he's dead?" Elizabeth gulped, "I think I might have killed him. We...we should go check on him."

She was speaking so fast, Jason was having trouble keeping up. He noticed the deep cut on her bottom lip and the few scrapes on her hand. "Okay, okay, take a deep breath." Jason said slowly as he brushed away a strand of hair from her tear-stained face. "Everything's going to be alright. Just tell me where you left him?"

Before he got an answer from her, Johnny came running down the steps holding a rag soaked with blood on his head.

Elizabeth quickly jumped off the bench and pulled Jason up and clinged onto him tightly, "Oh my god, Jason. It's him."

He felt a pang of guilt when he realized it was Johnny she was running away from. @#%$. He had completely forgotten he had assigned Johnny to her since last week at the diner when he found out that Ric had been bothering her.

Elizabeth began to searched his pockets for his cell phone franticly, "Where's your phone? We have to call the police!"

"Elizabeth."

Ignoring Jason, she continued to search until he took both of her hands and held on to it. "Stop."

Elizabeth looked up at Jason, then to the mugger who was looking at Jason, then back to Jason again. Realizing that both had apologetic looks in their eyes, she backed away from Jason, "What's going on?"

Johnny walked closer to Elizabeth, "I'm sorry, Miss Webber. I didn't mean to frighten you."

She was no longer terrified, but she sure as hell was confused. "Who the hell are you? Why the hell were you following me?"

Jason noticed that her voice wasn't angry. It was just filled with confusion. "This is Johnny. My bodyguard. Well, actually, your bodyguard. I assigned him to follow you to keep you safe."

"What!?"

Okay, now her voice is angry.

Elizabeth stared at Jason in confusion. Walking over back to him, she looked him in the eye and began hitting him with her purse repeatedly. "Stupid jerk, you dumbass, stupid idiot, shared the @#%$ of out me, almost gave me a freaking heart attack."

Johnny couldn't believe his eyes. Jason Morgan, the enforcer, was getting a beatdown from a petite brunette with a purse. Not even realizing it, a small smile crept onto his lips, but it quickly disappeared when he came face to face with Elizabeth. A fuming mad Elizabeth. He was now at the receiving end of her purse tantrum.

"Did you know you scared the @#%$ out of me? I thought you were some killer. I could have killed you tonight, you stupid dumbass," Elizabeth muttered as she continued to hit Johnny with her purse. When she felt her arms getting tired, she stopped and glared at both Johnny and Jason one last time before walking away from them and stomped back to her studio. "And don't @#%$ follow me!"

**********************************************
Later that night

Jason and Courtney were woken up by the loud banging at their door. Putting on their robes, both went downstairs. Jason opened the door and blinked again to make sure he wasn't seeing things, "Elizabeth? Is everything alright?"

Without an invitation, Elizabeth pushed passed Jason and let herself in, "Why the hell are you having me followed?"

Courtney yawned and looked at Jason, "You what?"

Ignoring Courtney's question, she continued, "Who in the hell are you to assign me a bodyguard? She raised her voice, "Don't you think you should of ask me first? Don't you think you should have at least told me there's some man who I didn't know was following me?"

Jason took in the sight of Elizabeth. She was dressed in sweats, no makeup, and her hair was tied in a messy ponytail, yet she looked beautiful. "Look, Elizabeth." Jason rubbed his temple. "I know you don't remember me, but I still consider you as my friend. I know what Ric is capable of and from what I saw last time in the diner, he isn't going to give up."

Courtney asked again in confusion, "Could someone fill me in? What's going on?"

Ignoring the blonde, Elizabeth continued to grill Jason, "I don't need a bodyguard. I'm confused enough with everyone trying to make me remember. All I need is a little peace and quiet. Is that too much to ask? Next time I see Johnny again or any other bodyguard, I'm going to hurt him." With that, Elizabeth turned around and walked away.

"Are you okay?"

Elizabeth stopped at the doorway and paused before turning around to face Jason, whose face was filled with concern and sincerity. "What?"

"Your lip. It's swollen. Are you okay?"

Suddenly her anger seem to disappear. She tried to find it again by thinking about how he invaded her privavcy, but there was none. Damn, he looks good in boxers.

Courtney could feel the tension between her husband and his ex-girlfriend. They didn't seem to even notice that she was in the same room. Clearing her throat loudly, she was finally able to break their eye contact. "It's late, Elizabeth. I think you should go."

Elizabeth quickly snapped back into reality. "Right." She was about to turn around and leave, but the leather couch caught her attention. Taking a glimpse of the penthouse, she looked at Jason in confusion, "Jason?"

"Yea?"

"Is this how this place always looked?" Elizabeth asked in a low voice.

Jason's eye widen in surprise, "Why? Do you remember something?"

Elizabeth took another look at the penthouse, then back at Jason and shook her head, "I don't know. It just...it just doesn't feel right." With that, Elizabeth turned around and left.

[JRK Archiver]

Part 3


Corinthos Penthouse

"Courtney told me Elizabeth showed up at the penthouse last night." Carly said trying not to sound too nosy as she carved an eye out of her pumpkin.

Knowing that Carly was once again butting into his life, Jason stabbed his knife into his pumpkin that he was making for Michael and glared at the blonde, "I have a knife in my hand, Carly. Let's not get into it."

"Get into what?" Carly protested defensively.

Taking the knife out of the pumpkin, Jason answered with annoyance, "Into this."

"And what exactly is this?"

"Nothing," He responded stoically.

Carly put down her carving knife. Carly always knew Jason didn't talk much, but this was driving her crazy. "Well, this "nothing" is making Courtney all worried and paranoid. She told me that you wouldn't tell her why you assigned Johnny to guard her."

"Who?"

"You know who?"

"Do I?"

Carly tilted her head, rolled her eyes, and sighed, "Come on, Jason. I'm not playing."

"Is my right eye bigger than the left one?" Jason asked holding up his pumpkin to show the nosy blonde. He was only met by a frustrated glare. Ignoring her, he continued to work on Michael's pumpkin.

"Jason, would you put the damn knife down and just look at me. We still have a week until Halloween. We have plenty of time to finish these pumpkins. Tell me what's going on?" An aggravated Carly requested. "Why are you having Elizabeth guarded?"

Jason sighed and set down his knife and looked at her, "I told you it was nothing. I just assigned Johnny to Elizabeth in case Ric goes to far. Tell Courtney she has nothing to worry about. Johnny isn't guarding her anymore."

"Why not? It was a smart thing to put a guard on her. Ric's an ass and he's never been one to give up easily. Especially when it comes to Elizabeth."

Jason sighed, "She found out about Johnny and let's just say she was not happy about it."

Carly grinned, "Why? What happened?"

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

Studio

Elizabeth trailed her fingers gently along the long stream of yellow paint. Of all the paintings she had in her studio, this one had caught her attention. There was something about this painting. Every time she touched it, she felt the need to know more about it. She had tried to put it away in the closet numerous times only to take it back out and stare at it for hours each time. Yet, it triggered back no memory. Since she woke up a month ago, she couldn't care less if she gained her memory back, but for some reason, she needed to remember why she painted this. Damn. You're going insane, Webber.

Frustrated, Elizabeth picked up her cell phone and dialed the number of someone she thought hopefully can help.

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

Carly dropped her carving knife and stared at Jason. "Elizabeth Webber smacked you around with her purse?"

Jason grinded his teeth. Why the hell did I tell her? "Carly, she didn't smack me around with a purse. She just sort of-

"Elizabeth Webber?" Carly interrupted. "Are you sure we're talking about the same Elizabeth? Thin? No more than about 5"3?" Getting a confirmation nod from Jason, she no longer possessed the power to hold it in. A nine month pregnant Carly Corinthos burst out in laughter.

Jason rolled his eyes and shouted over her laughter, "Carly!?"

Her laughter made it hard for her to speak. Wiping away the single tear that had fallen, she managed to say, "What?"

"Shut up!"

Carly covered her mouth and looked at Jason apologetically. Walking over to him, she wrapped her arms around him, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. It's just that Elizabeth is so...so tiny."

Jason pulled away from her in annoyance. Carly looked at him and grinned, "I'm sorry, did I hurt you? Did I hug you too hard?" With that, laughter erupted in the penthouse once again.

Jason crossed his arms in front of a hysterical Carly who was trying to regain her composure. He glared at her for a few minutes before shaking his head and walking out the door. He could hear Carly calling out to him, but he didn't care. What did I ever do to deserve such torture?

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

Kelly's

"Remember when I told you that I didn't want to know about my past since there's no point of knowing what I can't remember anyway?" Elizabeth said as she poured a cup of hot chocolate for Emily.

Emily looked up from her cup and eyed Elizabeth suspiciously. "Yea, I remember. Why?"

Taking a seat across from her supposed best friend, she nibbled her bottom lip and took a deep breath before she continued, "Well, I kind of changed my mind."

"Really?" Emily asked surprised. "You were so determined about starting a new life."

"And I still do, but-

"But what changed your mind?" Emily asked impatiently.

"You know that painting in my studio?"

Emily let out a small laugh, "You have dozens. You have to be more specific."

Elizabeth rubbed her forehead and hesitated before answering, "Well, I'm not really sure how to describe it. It sorta looks like...I don't know...like a blur. Well, I didn't mean it looks like a blur." Crossing her arms, she leaned foward onto the table, "Well, you know what? It kinda does. But a really pretty blue, black, yellow, and red blur."

"Oh." Emily sat her cup down and snapped her finger. "You mean The Wind. What about it?"

Elizabeth stared at her hands. How was she going to say this without sounding too crazy. "Well, I was kind of hoping you could tell me about it."

Emily frowned. "You want me to tell you about a painting you painted for Jason."

Immediately, Elizabeth head snapped up, "For Jason? But why would I -

"I'm sorry, Liz. I can't help you with this one. All I know is that you painted that for Jason. Every time I asked you about it, you would get all mushy and secretive and tell me it's only something you and Jason were able to see together."

Elizabeth had always refused to hear about the life she couldn't remember. The life that Ric so desperatley wanted her to remember. But for some reason, when it came to Jason, she had to know. She couldn't let this go, not without knowing what happened between them, "Jason told me last night we used to be friends. Were we ever more than that?"

Still confused by Elizabeth's sudden need to know about the past, Emily continued answering her best friend's questions, "You and Jason were always more than friends."

Elizabeth shooked her head in amazement. She didn't expect to find out that the painting had anything to do with Jason. She also didn't expect that she and Jason were more than just friends. She just couldn't believe. It was only last week she called him Mr. Morgan. Why didn't he say anything? The ringing of Emily's cell phone brought her back from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Liz. Family emergency. The Quartermaine's are at it again." Emily said getting up from the table. "I really hoped I helped you."

"Wait."

Emily turned around to face a still shocked Liz, "Yea?"

Her mouth was dry and she still had a million questions to ask Emily, but only one came out, "Was..was I in love with Jason?"

Emily smiled, "Yea, you were."

For some reason, that made her smile, she had no idea why. After all, she couldn't even remember him. Yet, she needed to know one more thing before she let Emily leave. "Was he in love with me?

"Well, he never told me, but I know he was." Emily thought she saw a small smile appear on her lips, but it disappeared quickly. "Well, call me if you need anything else, okay?" Seeing the nod she got from Liz, who seemed like she was lost in space, Emily turned around and walked out the door.

Elizabeth was still in disbelief. She wasn't sure if she was still sitting or if she was standing. She needed to lie down. She couldn't believe that the painting that she couldn't get out of her mind was for Jason. Jason. The man she had hit with her purse yesterday repeatedly until she got tired. The man whose house she had barged into last night. She still had so many questions. Questions that cannot be answered by Emily, but only by Jason. A million and one thoughts wandered in her mind. Why did she have the painting if it was Jason's? If she loved him, why did she marry Ric? And if he loved her, why the hell is he with Courtney?

[JRK Archiver]

Part 4


It was only seven, but Elizabeth was dead tired. She had been on her feet at Kelly's for ten straight hours and all she could think about now was sleep. She didn't even bother turning on the light when she entered the pitch black studio. She took off her jacket and shoes and went straight to the couch. Before having the chance to close her eyes, there was a knock on her door. "Damn," she muttered under her breath.

"Who is it?" Elizabeth shouted across the room.

"It's me, Ric."

Elizabeth groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Not this damn fool again. "Go away!"

"I just wanted to ask you out to dinner." Ric yelled through the door.

"I'm not hungry!"

"Well, would you let me in then? I need to talk to you. Please."

Elizabeth sighed and got off the couch. After turning on the lights, she pulled out a Maroon 5 cd and placed it into her stereo and cranked up the volume. Turning off the light, she laid back on the couch and shut her eyes. She could still hear Ric shouting her name through the door, but she could care less. All she needed right now is some sleep.

The next morning.

Elizabeth woke up to the blaring of loud music. She quickly jumped off the couch and turned the stereo off. She glanced at the clock, it was nine in the morning. Damn, had she really slept for fourteen hours? Now she won't be able to fall asleep tonight. Glancing around her studio, she noticed an envelope under her door. Picking it up, she ripped it opened.

Miss Webber,

Due to the numerous complaints from the residents of this building, I am sorry to inform you that you have been evicted. Tonight's disturbance was the fifth disturbance this month. This letter was delivered to you on October 25, 2003 at 8pm, which means you have to leave this premise on October 26, 2003 at 8pm. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Charles Harbison
Building Manager

Elizabeth re-read the letter three times to make sure she read it correctly before ripping it up in anger. Tonight at eight o'clock, she would be homeless. Ric, you @#%$ @#%$.

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

Courtney walked down to the living room holding on to a suitcase. Glancing up from the morning paper, Jason watched her as she made her way towards him.

"Jason, this is your last chance." Courtney lifted her chin. "It's me or the business."

Putting down the paper, he stood up from the couch. He studied her to see if this was just another test, but from the look in her eyes, he knew she was serious. "Courtney, stop this."

"Me or the business?" Courtney asked again in a shaky voice.

Jason ran his hand through his blonde hair and sighed, "Why are asking me this? You knew who I was and what I did before this relationship started." Jason put his hands on her shoulders. His eyes softened, "I love you."

Tears slid down Courtney's face. Her knees were weak and her hands were trembling, "Jason, I love you too. I don't want to see you hurt or dead. I couldn't take it if anything happened to you."

Jason's eyes went cold. Ignoring the tears that continued to stream down her face, he turned away from her and walked over to the balcony. "So you thought leaving me would be better instead?"

Courtney wanted to reached out to him, but quickly drew back knowing it would be too hard to walk away from him if she felt his touch, "Goodbye Jason." She walked slowly towards the door and rested her hand on the doorknob hoping that Jason would choose her over the business. Yet, all she heard was silence. He had made his choice. Jason was not going to ask her to stay.

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

Kelly's

"Bobbie, is there any available room for rent upstairs?"

Bobbie stopped filling the salt shakers and looked up at Elizabeth surprisingly, "You need a room? What happened to your studio?"

Embarassed that she had been evicted, she didn't want to get into too many details, "Well, I just had some problems with some of the tenants there."

Bobbie looked at her apologetically, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I just rented the last room out this morning. Apparently, there's some conference in town this weekend."

Elizabeth sighed. "Oh."

"Well, you could always stay at the Brownstone until you find somewhere else."

Elizabeth was flattered by the redhead's generosity, but she knew that she wouldn't feel confortable staying with someone she hardly knew. "That's really nice, Bobbie, but I'll find somewhere else. Thanks anyway."

Offering her a smile and a shrug, Bobbie retreated to the kitchen. Elizabeth groaned and rested her head on the counter. Where the hell is she going to live? Her grandmother was out of town and she couldn't reach Emily. Ric came across her mind, and she chided herself for even thinking about it. She would rather live on the streets than to stay with that moron. Looking at her watch, she sighed. Only two more hours till eight. She better start packing. "Bobbie," Elizabeth shouted towards the kitchen, "My shift is over. I'll see you tomorrow."

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

Courtney had been waiting for a few hours at her brother's and sister in law's penthouse until she heard the door open. Her voice was shaky and low. "Hi."

Sonny looked at Courtney, then to Carly, and back to Courtney again. He studied his little sister. It was obvious that she had been crying. He also noticed the suitcase that was next to her. Walking over to her, he pulled her into a hug, "What's wrong?"

Pulling away from Sonny, she wrapped her arms around herself, "It's over."

Carly walked over to Courtney and rubbed her back, "Let's go talk upstairs, sweetie."

"No." She whispered. "I just need to go away for a while. I need to figure out what I really want. This isn't fair for me or Jason."

Sonny rubbed his chin, "Okay, I'll arranged for the jet to take you to the island. When do you want to leave?"

Picking up her suitcase from the floor, she wiped away another tear that fell from her eyes, "Now."

**********************************************
Docks

Jason stopped at the top of the stairs when he saw Elizabeth sitting indian style on one of the benches. He hesitated before making his way down the steps. His boots got heavier with each step, but yet, she made no movement. As he got closer to her, he noticed there was a duffle bag and a box on the floor. "The docks are dangerous at night."

Without glancing up, she knew who it was immediately. It was the guy she had once loved. At least that's what Emily told her. Slumping her shoulder, she crossed her arms, "Yea, well, I've been sitting here for over an hour and I'm still alive."

Raising a brow at her defeated tone, he took a seat next to her. He could feel her figet a little. It almost looked as if she was nervous around him. "Well," he glanced at his watch, "It's only nine thirty now, but the later it gets, the more dangerous." Even though she didn't look at him, she could feel her rolling her eyes. "You moving out of town of something?" Jason asked eyeing the bag and box.

She darted a quick look at him and then at her bags on the floor. She turned her attention back to the water, "No."

He looked at her to go on, but when she continued to stare at the water, it was obvious she was done. "So...what are you doing sitting here in the cold?"

She shrugged, "Nothing."

Jason shook his head and smiled to himself. Is this what it's like when people are trying to talk to me? "Do you need some help or something?"

Maybe if she ignored him, he'll go away. She didn't have time for him. The questions she wanted to ask him about their relationship was not important now. She needed to think about where she was going to stay tonight. Elizabeth began to drum her fingers on her knees continuously until she felt his hand on tops of her hand. She gasped lightly at the sudden contact, but kept her eyes on the water.

"Elizabeth, tell me what happened?"

She cleared her throat and looked at his hand over hers. Noticing her nervousness that had overcomed her eyes, Jason removed his hand and stuffed it in his pockets. He thought for a second that he had saw her frown. Elizabeth uncrossed her legs and raised her eyes to meet his blue ones. She hesitated and let out a shaky laugh before speaking. "I..uhh...sorta have nowhere to go."

He raised his brow, "What happened to your studio?"

Elizabeth quickly turned her head back to the water and dugged her fingernails in her palm and spat out, "Ric." She crossed her arms and her anger took over. "That idiot got me evicted. He's been coming to my studio everyday for weeks now. The other tenants finally had enough of the shouting, the banging, and the loud music and kicked me out. I just don't understand why that @#%$ won't get that I don't remember him."

Jason nodded, "So now you don't have a place to stay?"

"Yea, that's what I meant when I said I didn't I have anywhere to go, genius." Elizabeth muttered. Realizing that she had took her anger against Ric out on Jason, she turned to him and her eyes softened. "Sorry." She nibbled her bottom lip. "I'm just frustrated...and homeless."

Jason nodded his head, "It's okay." After a moment of silence, he asked, "Do you want me to get you a room at the Port Charles Hotel?"

She scoffed at shook her head, "That would be great but I doubt that they have any rooms available for twenty bucks."

"I'll pay for it." Seeing the stubborness in her eyes and her mouth opening to protest, he quickly added, "I'll lend you the money and you could pay me back." Jason smiled. "With interest, if that'll make you feel better."

Elizabeth returned his smile. "Thanks, but I'll be working till I'm ninety just so I could pay you back for one night at the PC Hotel. I heard they have rooms over at Jake's."

Jason frowned, "I don't think you want to stay there. Not since Coleman took over. At least with Jake, you'll have some protection. Coleman could care less if ten men went up tou your room and robbed you." Remembering that Elizabeth had no idea who Jake or Coleman was, he quickly moved on. "Why don't you come with me?"

Elizabeth stared at him with confusion. "Uhhh...come where with you?"

He knew what he was about to say next was going to cause problems with some people. Particularly Sonny, Carly, and especially Courtney, but he had no other option. Leaving her alone on the docks at night was a bad idea. He could assign Johnny to guard her, but his bruises were just healing. "You could stay at my penthouse until you find a more permanent place to live." The shock had already found her eyes and he could tell she was about to turn down his offer. "I have two extra guest rooms. It won't be a problem."

His offer sounded so tempting. Her mouth opened, ready to accept his offer until her mind caught up with her. She quickly snapped her mouth shut. There was no way she could stay with him, regardless of what happened between them in the past. It didn't matter what Emily said about him and how they used to be good friends. She still couldn't remember him. He was still a stranger. A married stranger. She had to tell him no. "Okay." Oh @#%$.

[JRK Archiver]

Part 5


Walking into the kitchen, Jason stopped suddenly in his tracks, confused at the sight before him. "Elizabeth?" When she didn't answer, he stepped closer to her, "Elizabeth? He tilted his head to the side and grinned. "Why is your head in the freezer?"

Elizabeth moaned. She stepped away from the refrigerator and shut the freezer door. She turned to him, "Jason, I...I don't feel so good."

His smile quickly disappeared from his face. Jason looked at the petit brunette with worried eyes. Her face was pale and her hands were trembling. Racing to her side, he gently put his hand on her forehead. "Elizabeth, you're burning up. Come on, let's get you over to the couch."

Jason wrapped his arm securely around Elizabeth's small waist, but before they were able to take a step, Jason felt her body go limb. "Whoa." He caught her before her knees touched the floor, "It's okay. I've got you." He quickly picked her up and carried her light body up to her room. Placing her on the bed, he hurried back downstairs to call the doctor.

In less than a minute, he was back by her side, rubbing her face with a cool towel. "The doctor should be here any minute."

Elizabeth moaned at the coolness of the towel. The way the towel touched her face was so gentle. It was as if Jason was afraid to her hurt her. She shut her eyes as the towel gently slid from her forehead to her cheek.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and smiled, "How do I look?"

Jason looked at her. His eyes concentrated on her lips. Her full pouty lips that was calling out his name. "Like you. Except your...your mouth." He lifted up his hand to her lips with the towel. His mouth was dry. "I...I didn't want to get soap in it."

She could tell he was nervous. She knew he wanted to kiss her. She wanted that too. Their mouths were so close. She could smell his scent and she shuddered lightly when she felt his breath on her. He leaned closer to her, they were only inches away. She was ready to feel the touch of his lips. Yet, she had backed away. "You know what?" She smiled nervously and grabbed the towel. "I'll do this."

Elizabeth opened her eyes immediately and felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of her. Her heartbeat raced. She ignored the look of confusion and worry on Jason's face and shut her eyes again. She had remembered something. Come on. Come on. She urged herself silently. She wanted to know more.

Jason looked at her intently. "Elizabeth? Are you in pain?" Her eyes remained closed, yet he could still somehow see the look of determination in them. Something wasn't right. "Forget the doctor, I'm taking you to the hospital."

Her eyes flew opened suddenly. "No." She touched her lips with her fingers and stared up at Jason, "You...you were about to..." Elizabeth trailed off and shook her head lightly. "I'm okay." She forced a smile. "I..I better call Bobbie to let her know that I'm not coming in today." She said trying to get up.

"Hey hey." Jason pushed her shoulders softly back on to the bed. "You rest. I'll call her."

Elizabeth leaned back into her pillow. "Thanks."

Elizabeth could hear Jason on the phone talking to Bobbie. She clutched on her blanket tightly. This was the first time she had remembered something since she had woke up. She could feel her heartbeat racing. It felt so real. Why was she not surprise it was of Jason. "Jason." She sighed and closed her eyes. He was about to kiss her and she had pushed him away. She could still see the look of disappointment and hurt in his eyes. That moment was awkward. Just like the time she had moved into the penthouse with Jason.

Jason sat Elizabeth's duffle bag down on the couch and turned his attention back to Elizabeth who was stood nervously by the doorway clutching the box in her hand. "You...want me to show you your room?"

Elizabeth had spent the whole walk over here from the docks scolding herself for accepting Jason's offer. She had no reason to be here. Looking around the penthouse, she saw a picture of him and Courtney on the mantle. Damn. She had completely forgotten about his wife. "Are you sure me staying here is okay with your wife? I mean, you didn't even consult with her yet. You asked me and I said yes so fast that I didn't even think about how she would feel about me staying here. Maybe you should-

"We're separated." Jason said emotionlessly. He shrugged and quickly added, "So you want to see your room or not?"

Elizabeth was definitely shocked, but tried her best not to show it. She tried to study him, to see what he was feeling, but was unable to read his eyes. If he didn't want to say anything more about Courtney, who was she to ask? She moved away from the door and placed her box next to her bag. She nodded, "Yea, I would love to see it."

For the first two weeks, they were strangers living under the same roof. They said their good mornings and their goodnights and that was basically their conversation. Jason was barely home and she had always been in her room painting or either at Kelly's working double shifts. The last two weeks, their relationship had definitely gotten better. The coffee business had slowed down and he was home more often. In addition, she was going through a dry spell with her art, so the good mornings and the goodnights turned into quick conversations and that turned into "staying up all night on the couch" conversations.

Jason smiled at Elizabeth. "You have ice-cream on your chin."

"Eat now. Wipe later." Elizabeth said with her mouth full of chocolate ice-cream.

Jason laughed and shook his head, "You know, if you're going to just eat the chocolate, why not just buy the chocolate flavor? You're wasting the vanilla and strawberry."

"Because." Elizabeth licked her spoon. "I have a deal with Carly."

Jason raised his brow. "Oh yea? What kind of deal?"

Elizabeth grinned cockingly and teased, "It's sort of our little secret."

Jason opened his mouth to speak, but shut it quickly. Instead he nodded and returned his attention back to his paper work.

Elizabeth frowned. She hated when he did that. He knew that she had wanted him to beg but he also knew that she would spill anyway so why bother. And she hated it when he was right. "Fine." Jason glanced up from his paper and smiled in victory. Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Well, you see, since Carly's favorite flavors are strawberry and vanilla and mine in chocolate, I buy the Neapolitan. I eat the chocolate and when Carly is able to sneak away from Sonny, she would finish the strawberry and vanilla."

Jason nodded, "Carly." He crossed his arms. "That explains it."

"Explains what?"

"How you could finish three carton of Neapolitan ice-cream in two weeks."

Elizabeth smiled at the memory. Her and Carly had become friends. Something she didn't think was that big of a deal, but according to Carly, the odds of them becoming friends were less likely than Sonny letting Carly into the kitchen.

Jason lifted Elizabeth bag and box from the couch and began to walk up the stairs, only to walk back down when he heard a knock on his door.

"Jason." Carly sighed. "Are you okay? We heard about Courtney."

Jason rubbed his forehead. He could see that both Sonny and Carly were worried. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Elizabeth coming down the stairs. "That room is bigger than my studio." Both Sonny and Carly looked past him and confusion set in their eyes when they saw Elizabeth behind him.

"Courtney just left and you have another woman in here already?" Sonny asked shoving past Jason and into the penthouse.

Elizabeth looked at Sonny, who seemed pissed, then back to Jason. "Umm...maybe I should go?"

Jason turned his attention from Sonny to Elizabeth "No. Stay."

Carly walked next to Sonny and looked at Jason, "What's going on?" She looked at Elizabeth. "Why is she here?"

When Jason didn't answer, Elizabeth spoke for him, "Well, you see, I sort of got evicted from my studio and I bumped into Jason at the docks and he was nice enough to let me stay here until I found a place."

Carly nodded but could still see the tension in Sonny's eyes. Carly tugged at Sonny's arms. "Well, Sonny, I guess we should go then."

Sonny unhooked himself from Carly's arm and walked foward to Jason and glared at him, "Don't you think you're betraying my sister?"

Carly's mouth opened in shock from Sonny's accusations. She walked up to him and glared at him in disbelief, "No, Sonny, I think you're wrong. Courtney is the one that betrayed Jason by walking out on him."

Sonny glared at his wife before walking out the door. Carly sighed and gave Jason a hug, "I'll deal with him."

And that she did. Elizabeth thought to herself. Sonny had respected Jason's choice and didn't seem to have a problem with them living together. Life is good. She had a job. She still loved to paint. Carly was her friend. And Jason was..what exactly was Jason? Was he just her friend or had he become something more? Emily had told her that she and Jason were always more than friends, but what about now? Why was she so afraid to confront him about the questions she had regarding their past relationship? Is it because she was falling for him? She covered her face with her hands and sighed. Was she realling falling for him or is it just an innocent crush? Would his answers on why they had ended their relationship and friendship going to affect the way she felt about him now?

The sound of Jason's voice interrupted her thoughts. "The doctor is here."

Later

The doctor had retreated from the room and Jason sat down next to her. "You shouldn't be working double shifts anymore if you're going to stay up all night and paint."

Elizabeth smiled weakly. "Gotcha dad."

Jason shook his head, "I'm serious, Elizabeth. You're exhausted everyday when you come home. What if you collapse one day and I'm not home? You could be-

Elizabeth lifted her fingers on Jason's lips. "Stop." When he had obeyed her, she slid her hand down from his lips and reached for his hand. "I remembered something."

Jason held her hand more tightly. He smiled. "That's great, Elizabeth. What did you remember?"

She closed her eyes and whispered, "I remembered you."

[JRK Archiver]

Part 6


"Hey Carly." Jason said as he walked through the door and shutting it behind him. "Do you have any hot chocolate mix?"

Carly glanced up from her magazine and looked up at Jason. Her brows lifted as she took her feet off the ottoman. "What are you talking about? I just saw Elizabeth buy like two box of that last week."

Jason shrugged. "Yea, well, it's all gone. She drinks like three packs a day." He shook his head. "Sometimes the whole box when she paints." He smiled at the thought of him refilling her mug when she painted. He would walk in and out of her room without being noticed or acknowledged. After a while, he discovered that he didn't even need to bother to be quiet because she wouldn't have seen him anyway. She would stay in her room for hours, yet her cup would never be empty. He was always amazed at her ability to put so much concentration on something she was so passionate about. Feeling Carly's eyes on him, he shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck. "So do you have any or not?"

Carly stared at her best friend who had just wandered into space. She fought the urge to ask what he was thinking about because knowing him, his reply would be "none or your business" or "doesn't matter". And frankly, she was tired of people telling her to mind her own business. Yet, it didn't take a genius to figure out that he was thinking about Elizabeth. Who else would it be? Definitely not Courtney. Not one word had been spoken about Sonny's sister since she had walked out on him. "Umm..no, I don't think so."

"Okay." Jason began to turn around. "I better get some before she wakes up. I don't want her going out in her condition." Seeing the confused look on Carly's face, he continued. "She has a fever. She's been sleeping since yesterday morning."

"Jason." Carly patted gently on the couch and motioned him over. "Come sit here for a minute."

Jason sighed but obeyed. "What is it?"

Carly shrugged and rubbed her stomach. "You tell me." She looked up at him. "You seem tense, Jase. More than usual." Carly kept her eyes on her best friend. She hadn't question him or tried to comfort him on Courtney's departure because he had directly ask her not to and surprisingly, she had obeyed. Not only did that surprise Jason, she had surprised herself. But she had kept her mouth shut long enough. She had known him too long and she knew when he needed to talk. This was one of those time.

His gaze flickered at Carly before returning it back to his hands. "Did...did Elizabeth say anything to you about her remembering anything?"

The corners of Carly's mouth hitched upwards. "Are you telling me she regained her memory?"

Jason ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his face. "I don't know what I'm telling you. She sort of told me that she remembered me yesterday."

Interested, Carly shifted closer to Jason. "Then what happened?" She asked impatiently.

He shook his head. "She fell asleep."

Carly rested her elbows on her knees and her chin on her hands. "And she specifically said she remembered you? She didn't say anything at all about remembering anyone else?" Seeing the hesitant nod she got from Jason, she continued. "So it's what I've been thinking about all along." She pointed at him. "She likes you."

Jason's head shot up and stared at the blonde incredulously. "Or." He stressed. "She was delusional from her fever."

Carly shook her head and scoffed. "You trying to convince me or yourself?"

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

Elizabeth stared at the ceiling. She wasn't sure how long she had been staring. Minutes, hours, days. It didn't matter. What matter was that she had remembered something.

Jason.

She didn't get a chance to see the reaction she got from him when she told him that she had remembered him. Sleepiness from the medication that the doctor had given her caused her to black out, but now she was wide awake and feeling much better. Pulling the covers off her, she walked downstairs. Seeing that Jason wasn't there, she went back up. She stood outside his door and knocked gently. "Jason?" She knocked again and the door creaked opened. He wasn't there. Had she freaked him out that much that he didn't want to be around her? She was about to return back to her room when something had caught her attention. She twisted her fingers into her oversized sweatshirt. Walk away. And of course, her feet didn't listen to her mind. Nervously, she walked into his room and walked over the his desk. She picked up the picture frame that was laying face down on a pile of papers. It was him and Courtney on their wedding day. Not even married a month and separated. They looked so happy. Did he ever look this happy with me?

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

"I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything." Jason said blandly. "I'm just telling you that Elizabeth and I are just friends."

"Come on, Jason." She crossed her arms. "You two have a long history together. Are you telling me that living with her doesn't bring back those memories?"

He was aware that Carly was glaring at him and waiting for an answer. Yet, she wasn't going to get one. Not because it was none of her damn business, but because he really did not know. "Courtney's been gone a month. I am not having feelings for another woman."

Carly uncrossed her arms. "How long did it take for you to move on from Elizabeth to Courtney?" She challenged.

Jason was frustrated. Not at Carly. Well, actually at Carly, but also at his inability to answer her questions. "Doesn't matter."

Carly shook her head. "Doesn't matter doesn't cut it anymore, Jase. You might not have to answer me, but you have to know the answers for yourself." She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Elizabeth remembered you. You, Jason. Not Ric. Not Emily. Not Lucky. Not her grandmother. You."

"She fell asleep before she had a chance to finish. It doesn't mean that-"

Carly laughed and cut him off. "Come on. You've never been someone that went around in circles. Don't start now. What you need to do is talk to her."

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

Elizabeth stared at the wedding picture. She noticed Sonny and Carly in the background. She smiled as she thought of her friend. Carly had told her numerous times that they did not get along, that they hated each other. Would Carly hate her again if she regained her memory? Was she just a replacement until Courtney came back? Elizabeth wiped away the single tear that had shed from her eyes. Why did she have to remember anything? She was just getting use to her life. Now she had the feeling that everything was going to turn upside down.

"We need to talk."

Elizabeth gasped and turned around quickly to see Jason standing by the door. She quickly placed the frame back on his desk. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come in. I was just looking for you."

He didn't care about why she was in his room. All he wanted to was to finish what she had started yesterday. He took a few steps closer to her. "You remember?"

[JRK Archiver]

Part 7


Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but realized she had no idea what she was going to say. Her mouth snapped shut and she looked up at Jason who was patiently waiting for an answer. His eyes was focused on her. She could tell that he was trying to read her. She wanted to lie and said she didn't remember anything. She knew by saying that, it would make everything go back to normal. Yet, for some reason, she couldn't lie. Something told her that if she did, he would know. She took a step back and looked away from him. "I...I...don't know what to say."

Jason took two steps towards her. He looked down at the petite brunette drowning in an oversized sweatshirt. She looked so small. He almost felt guilty for making her feel so uncomfortable, but this was something he needed to know. "You told me that you remembered something yesterday." His voice was adamant yet gentle. He lifted her chin up to face him. "Me."

Elizabeth closed her eyes. He was touching her. His hand was rough compared to the smoothness of her skin, but it felt right. She opened her eyes and removed his hand from her chin and walked out of the room.

"Elizabeth." Jason sighed and followed her to her room. He watched as she kneeled next to her bed and reached under it. She dragged out a box and blew the dust away before opening it. She stood up and turned to him clutching the object tightly in her hand. The Wind.

She saw the look of surprise and amazement in his face. His blues eyes glistened as he concentrated on the painting she held. "Jason, what does this mean to you?"

Jason took a few steps closer to her until he could touch the painting. His fingers trailed the red streak. It had been over a year since he had last saw this. It was the only painting he could see clearly. The painting he thought about every time he was on his motorcycle. Going nowhere. He shook his head lightly and looked up at her. She took his breath away. He had almost forgotten how beautiful she truly was. "You still have it."

Elizabeth nodded. Even without remembering, it was obvious that this painting had meant a lot to him. From the look in his eyes, she could tell it still did. She smiled. "Emily told me that this was inspired from our rides on your motorcycle."

Jason returned her smile. It had been years since he had taken her out for a ride, yet it only seemed like yesterday that she was screaming for him to go faster and begging him to let her drive. She had been the only one to be on his bike. The only one that he could see the wind with. He reached his hand up again to touch the painting only to notice the tan line of his wedding ring on his finger. Then the realization struck him. He had taken Courtney out for a ride. Something he didn't think he could ever do. But he did.

Elizabeth's smile disappeared when she saw his smile fading from his lips. She gasped lightly when he jerked his hand away from the painting and turned away from her. She put down the painting gently on her bed and slowly walked closer to him. With hesitation, she put her hand on his shoulder, but felt him tensed to her touch. A stab of pain rushed through her and she instantly dropped her hand back down to her side. "Jason?"

Jason turned around to face her. His arms crossed. His eyes cold. "What did you remember?"

Elizabeth stiffened at the sound of his voice. A tone he had never used with her. It was harsh. "It was nothing." She shook her head and begged her tears not to fall. "Just a random memory of you and me together." She looked at him and forced a smile. "You were helping me wipe away my makeup."

His eyes softened immediately at the thought of that night at Jake's. The night he had desperately wanted to feel her lips against his. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be-"

"No." Elizabeth smiled again. "You don't need to apologize. It was really no big deal." She assured him. "Really."

Guilt rushed over him as he saw the fake smile plastered on her face. She was pretending with him. Something she never had to do. Not with him.

He was staring at her and it was making her nervous. She didn't know how to react. One minute he seemed angry with her and the next, he seemed sincere. It almost seem liked he wanted to reach out and touch her. Elizabeth drew in a slow deep breath and nibbled her lips. "You...you never told me what The Wind meant to you."

He turned his gaze away from her and onto her bed, where the painting laid. He raked his hand through his hair and returned his attention back to her. She was waiting for an answer and his heart screamed "everything." The painting had meant everything to him. It was always a reminder for him to come back. For the painting. For her. He always knew that each time he came back, it was because of her. Yet, each time, she would turn away from him and into the arms of another man. That feeling of pain was indescribable and it was something he never wanted to feel again. "Whatever the painting meant, it doesn't matter now." He ignored the single drop of tear that fell from her eyes. He shrugged and walked to the door. Without turning around, he continued. "It's all in the past." With that, he walked out.

Elizabeth watched him go, feeling as if she had just lost a friend. She was angry. Not at him, but at herself. Why the hell did she tell him that she had remembered something? Now nothing could be the same between them. It was obvious whatever he felt for her was in the past. She lifted the painting off her bed and slid it under roughly. She needed to think. She needed to get out of here.

Jason took another sip of his beer then pounded it on to the table. He had hurt her. He had caused that look of sadness in her eyes he never wanted to see. He heard her coming down the stairs and turned around. She had changed into her jogging suit and her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail.

"I'm going out for a run."

He stood up from the couch. "It's getting late. I'll ask Johnny to go with you."

"I want to be alone." She offered him a weak smile. "Besides, I don't think Johnny would be able to catch up in a suit."

Jason returned the same forced smile she had. "Okay." He nodded. "Be careful."

**********************************************
Park

Elizabeth never ran so fast in her life. She was so tired. Her legs ache. The cold wind was hitting her face hard. But she didn't want to stop. She couldn't. If she did, she would break down and cry. She picked up her speed and continued to run until she felt her chest crash into something. Someone. She felt herself being enveloped in a hug. For a second, she wished it was Jason that had his arms wrapped around her. Looking up, her eyes met that of Ric's.

"Elizabeth. Are you okay?" He released and steadied her. He waited of a response but could see that she was still breathing heavily. He rubbed her back and gently pushed back a strand of hair from her face. "It's good to see you. It's been a while." He stopped rubbing her back and his voice became stern. "I heard that you moved into Jason's penthouse."

Elizabeth immediately snapped her head up to look at him at the mention of Jason's name. "Just...just shut up." She whispered quietly, without a single emotion in her voice. Without a second thought, she rested her forehead against his chest and she felt his arms go around her again. She told herself to pull away, but she couldn't. She needed someone to hold her. It didn't matter who it was. She just needed to feel wanted.

Jason felt a sinking feeling in his gut and a stabbing pain in his heart as he watched the scene unfold before him. He rubbed his hand over his face and looked away. It had took almost everything in him not to tell her that her presence in his life still affected him. He had convinced himself that he did the right thing not to lead her on, but seeing her in the arms of another man was proof that his feelings for her was still strong. He was jealous and it didn't matter whose arms she was in. It didn't matter if it was Ric's, Lucky's Nikolas's, or even Emily's. He wanted his arms around her.

[JRK Archiver]

Part 8


Without taking off his leather jacket and boots, Jason slumped down to the couch and rested his feet up on the coffee table.

Jealousy.

Something he hadn't felt in a long time. Not since the whole mess with Zander. He shook his head at the thought of the heartbreaking situation two summers ago. He hated being jealous. He didn't know he posses that trait until one tiny brunette with the name of Elizabeth Webber came into his life. Did he ever feel jealous when he and Courtney were together? No. Never. That stabbing pain in his heart that haunted him every night in his sleep was only experienced with Elizabeth. Yet, there wasn't a reason to be jealous when he was with Courtney. She never turned to another man. She never professed her love for anyone else except him. And most importantly, he knew that she gave him his whole heart. There was only one problem. That problem may be why he didn't try to persuade his wife to come home or why he was not more upset when she packed up and left. He didn't want to admit it, but the reason was obvious. He didn't give her his whole heart. How could he? When Elizabeth never returned it.

But who cares?

It didn't change the fact that both women walked out the door and never looked back. He laughed bitterly to himself. Well, Elizabeth did come back. All it took was for her to lose her memory.

Park

Elizabeth buried her face closer into his chest. She moaned at his touch and took in his scent. It was heavy cologne. Immediately, she backed away realizing that it was Ric that had his arms wrapped around her. "I'm...I'm sorry."

Ric looked at her with worried eyes and approached closer to her trying to embrace her. "Elizabeth. Don't be sorry."

Elizabeth held up both her hands and backed up even further. "I need to go."

He kicked a nearby bench. "Back to him?" His voice full of spite and anger. "What is he to you?"

She was surprised at his sudden anger and knew that she had made a mistake when she allowed him to comfort her.

"What is he to you?" Ric repeated, a little more demanding.

She shot him a fuck off glare. She wasn't going to answer him, but even if she did, she wouldn't know the answer. What exactly is he to her? Feeling Ric's hand on her face snapped her out of her daze. She quickly slapped his hand away and walked away. Before she had a chance to take another step, she heard the ripping of her sweatshirt and was jerked back around to face him.

"Are you sleeping with him?" Ric yelled as his hand gripped tighter on her arm.

"You're hurting me." Elizabeth tried to maneuver out of his grip. "Let go."

"You're living with a mobster, Elizabeth. People are talking. Do you know how that makes me look? Not even divorced a month and you moved into another man's home."

"My life doesn't concern you." She raised her voice. "Now let go."

Ric's eyes soften and loosened his grip. "We made vows to each other." He pleaded. "I just need one more chance." His hands cupped her face as he leaned in for a kiss, whispering in her ear, "I love you."

Elizabeth did not have a chance to back away before she felt his strong lips on hers. She struggled to get free, but his arms were now wrapped tightly around her while his lips moved down to her neck. "Stop it!" Her voice grew frantic. "Stop!"

Hearing the terror in her voice, he released her. The strong impact caused her to fall to the ground. "Elizabeth." Ric pleaded trying to help her up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

Elizabeth did not even bother to let him finish. She got up and ran, ignoring the shouting of her name.

Penthouse

Jason took another sip of his beer and crumbled the can when it was empty. He threw the can on the table and it landed on the floor with the rest of his crumpled cans. She still wasn't home yet. It was one in the morning and he was getting worried. He cursed silently to himself for leaving her at the park with Ric. Another pang of jealousy sank in when the thought of Elizabeth being with Ric at this current moment occurred to him why she wasn't home. The pang of jealousy immediately turned to concern when he heard the door fly opened and seeing Elizabeth rush into the penthouse. He rubbed his tired eyes to get a better look at her disheveled figure.

Elizabeth was out of breath. She had ran all the way from the park to the penthouse. She saw Jason on the couch with about half a dozen beer cans of the floor. She hardly gave him a quick glance before making her way up the stairs, but before she was able to take the first step, she stopped in her tracks when she felt his strong and steady and wrapped around her arm. She turned to him and glared. "Are all men in Port Charles this grabby?" She flung her arms and he released his grip on her.

Jason flinched at her accusatory tone. His eyes wander to her ripped shirt. "What happened?" His voice filled with concern.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I fell." She mumbled.

He studied her with his eyes. She was lying. "Did Ric do something to you? What happened in the -"

"How did you know Ric was-" He was cut off abruptly. "You know what? Nevermind."

"Elizabeth. Are you hurt?" He reached up to touch the small bruise he noticed on her jaw.

She turned away and backed up a step. "Nothing happened." She tucked her hair behind her ears roughly. "Can I go to bed now?" She remarked absently.

He flinched again and dropped his hand back to his side. She immediately felt guilty. Her expression soften and she offered him a small smile. "Look, Jason. It's late. Let's talk about this tomorrow." Without waiting for a reply, she began to head up the stairs again only to feel his rough hand grabbing her smooth one. She turned around to him ready to argue that she didn't want to talk about what happened tonight. Yet, no words came out when her eyes met his. She was lost in a sea of blue. Suddenly, all the anger she felt towards Ric was gone and the butterflies in her stomach returned. She could feel his thumb rubbing the back of her hand smoothly. She gulped. "Yea?"

"I don't care what you remember or don't remember." He stepped closer until he could see himself in her beautiful green eyes. His voice softened. "As long as you're clear that you really matter to me."

Elizabeth smiled. "Ditto."

[JRK Archiver]

Part 9


Spotting Ric outside of Kelly's on his cell phone, Jason placed his coffee down and walked outside. "Get off the phone." His tone cold and emotionless.

Turning around, Ric met the face of Jason Morgan. An angry Jason Morgan. "I'll have to call you back." Putting his phone in his pocket, he crossed his arms. "What do you want?"

"You six feet under." He took a step closer and grounded his teeth together. "First tell me what you did to Elizabeth."

A sly smile appeared on his lips and he shook his head in amusement. "Whatever happens between my wife-"

Before Ric had a chance to complete the sentence, Jason had him pinned against the wall and his hand on Ric's neck. He could feel his eyes burning with anger and hatred. "Elizabeth is not your wife."

Knowing Jason wouldn't kill him in a public, Ric took a chance and continued to speak, "I always knew you were hung up on Elizabeth, even after you married Courtney." A smile escaping from his lips again. "Too bad for you because Elizabeth was all over me last night. She was-"

Jason's hand wrapped tighter around his neck. "Don't say another word."

Ric could barely breathe, but he wasn't about to back down from a challenge, especially not one that has to do with his wife. "Or what?" He coughed out.

Feeling the pleasure of seeing Ric gasping for air, his anger lessened. He couldn't believe someone could be this pathetic. "You don't want to know." Jason said as he shoved Ric against the wall one more time before walking back into Kelly's.

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

"How's Courtney doing?" Carly asked taking another spoon full of ice-cream and shoving it in her mouth.

Sonny looked up from his newspaper and fought the urge to tell his wife to eat an apple instead. The baby was a week late and she was cranky. He was not about to cause another fight. Two in one day is enough for him. "I haven't spoken to her since she left. She isn't taking any calls in her room."

Even though she hated her sister in law for walking out on Jason, she still considered her a friend. "You think she's going to come back?"

He turned his paper to the business section. "Not as long as Jason is here. Especially not when Elizabeth is living with him."

Carly walked over to the couch from the table with her ice-cream and sat down next to her husband. "Yea, I wouldn't want Courtney to see them together. It's going to break her heart."

Sonny lifted his eyes from the paper and looked at his very pregnant wife, "So they are together?"

"Well, they're living together."

"But are they together?"

Carly shrugged. "Not yet."

Although he was no longer angry at Jason for living with another woman so soon after his sister left, he still felt bad for her. He knew that she still loved him, but he also knew it would have never work out. Not when she refused to accept the life Jason would never give up. Not for Courtney anyway. "So you think they will get together?"

Carly rested her feet on the table and placed another spoon full of ice-cream in her mouth. She shrugged again and looked at her husband. "Just don't fake your death again and we'll see."

Crossing his arms, Sonny shot her a sarcastic grin. "Funny." He uncrossed his arms and wiped the ice-cream that was dripping from her mouth. "Would you at least use a bowl. You're eating like a pig."

Carly dropped the spoon from her hand and glared up at Sonny. She would have got up from the couch and kicked him out of the house but it would have taken a forklift just to get her up. "Shut up. It taste better from the carton."

"And how is that?"

"Because, "Carly shot him a threatening glare and picked up her spoon again," I. Said. So."

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

"One. Two. Three. Four." Elizabeth sighed and stopped moving her horse.

Michael's eye widened in anticipation. He got up from the floor and began to jump up and down. "You rolled a five!" He moved her horse one more step. "Boardwalk."

Elizabeth picked up the dice. "I think I should roll again."

"Quickly, Michael grabbed the dice from her. "Nuh uh. Let's see...two house and one hotel. I might not know how to count how much you owe me, but you only have five dollars in your hand. So that means....I win!!!"

"You win what?"

Both Michael and Elizabeth turned around to the door to find Jason standing there with his arms crossed and an amused grin on his face.

"Uncle Jason," Michael ran to him. "I just beat Elizabeth at Monopoly!"

Jason smiled at Elizabeth before looking down at Michael. "That's great, buddy."

Elizabeth stood up from the couch and walked over to the both of them. "Wait wait wait. You didn't win yet. I'll sell my properties."

"I already bought them all." Michael argued back.

She crossed her arms and grinned. "But you didn't let me borrow five thousand dollars yet?"

"What five thousand dollars?"

"You mean you haven't heard of the..um...five thousand dollar rule?" When Michael shook his head, she continued. "When a player goes bankrupt, they are allowed to borrow five thousand dollars from the bank."

Michael looked suspiciously at Elizabeth, then at Jason. "Is that true, Uncle Jason?"

Jason rubbed the back of his neck. He shook his head and smiled. He could see Elizabeth winking at him and that made his smile even wider. She was unbelievable. He gave her an apologetic look and kneeled down in front of Michael. "Congratulations. You won."

Immediately, Michael turned back to face Elizabeth and stuck his tongue out at her playfully. "I'm going to tell mommy I beat you at Monopoly." Michael said running out the door.

Jason shut the door and turned back around to a frowning Elizabeth. He shook his head and punched her in the shoulder lightly. "Come on. Don't be mad." When she ignored him, he continued. "You shouldn't be lying to kids, you know?"

"I was so close to winning. If I could just borrow some money form the bank, then-"

She was abruptly cut off when Jason stepped closer to her and put his hands on her shoulders "Face it." He shook his head. "You were beaten by a seven year old. Sad but true."

"Hey." Elizabeth said defensively with a smile tugging at her lips. "For your information, Michael is seven and a half."

Jason leaned in closer to her and lifted her chin, his eyes focused on her. "You are amazing, you know?"

Suddenly losing didn't seem so important anymore. He was only inches apart from her and her stomach was filled with butterflies. She could feel his breath on her face and the smell of his scent devoured her. She cleared her throat. "So...what did you do today?"

He dropped his hand from her cheek and was slightly happy when he saw the disappointment in her face. "I saw Ric." He continued when her eyes urged him to go on. "I asked him what happened between the two of you last night."

Elizabeth sighed and looked away, "Jason-"

He ran his hand through his hair. "I know you didn't want to tell me and I should respect that, but I had to find out why you came home upset last night."

"It doesn't matter anymore, Jason. Last night turned out to be pretty great." Elizabeth smiled at him and bit her bottom lip. "When you told me how much I meant to you."

Jason returned her smile. "So you're not mad that I confronted Ric?"

She crossed her arms and locked eyes with him. "I don't give a rat's ass about Ric. I don't care that he expects me to be in love with him. For God sake's, I don't even remember him."

"You don't remember me either, but you give a rat's ass about me."

Elizabeth laughed at his choice of words. "Yea, but with you, it's different."

He lifted his brow. "Different?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know. You...you just give me this funny feeling." She reached her hand up and placed it on his heart. "In here." She inched closer to him. "The first time I saw you, even if I didn't know your name, I knew I was somehow connected to you."

Jason covered her tiny hand with his. "That feeling you feel, I feel it too. And it never left." He squeezed her hand tighter. "Not even after all these years."

Elizabeth could feel herself grinning and blushing like an idiot, but she didn't care. They were actually getting somewhere. He was opening up to her. "Why do you suppose after all these years, even though I don't remember most of them, that we could still somehow find our way back in each other arms?"

He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Because I only saw the wind with you."