A/N: I plan on posting the last chapter this Friday - 3/20/2015. For anyone interested I do music playlists to go with my stories and it will be posted in my profile. Forgive me for being a dialogue junkie. :D Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 14, 2003
"What am I going to do?" Jason asked himself.
The wind felt refreshing hitting his face while going 80 down the road. Though enjoyable, the ride on his motorcycle still couldn't numb his mind from his current dilemma. He loved Courtney but had to break up with her or Sonny would have fired him. Jason just wanted to be with her but his boss was playing protective big brother.
Seeing an opening in a passing field, Jason pulled in and turned off the engine. He swung his leg over the bike and hit the kick stand. Walking out about 30 feet, he found a good spot to sit down.
Looking towards the sky, he wondered if he was doing the right thing. He began to tug at the grass around him and casually threw some of it in the air.
"Heads up," A voice called from somewhere behind him. With a sudden thump, something landed in his lap. Jason looked down to see a gold coin with an odd looking face on it. The other side of the coin was just the back of a head. When he turned to see who threw it his eyes widened in shock.
Johnny O'Brien sat down next to him and gave one of his toothy grins.
"You're dead," Jason let out slowly.
"Yeah, and let me tell you, it sucks being dead," he said with a long face. "I miss cheap woman and booze... okay, mostly the woman."
Jason scoffed at him. "You're telling me there are no woman after you die?"
"Of course there are, they just have a different way of thinking. You can't imagine how hard it is to charm an angel out of her knickers. Not an easy task, my friend."
"Why are you here?" Jason asked.
Johnny smiled at him. "You are getting the luck of the Irish... Johnny style and you picked a nice little clover patch to receive it in," he replied while patting the ground. The Irishman took the gold coin from between his old boss's fingers. "Jason," he began while putting an arm around him. "You have come to a crossroads. You need to choose a path to take and I'm going to help you."
Jason laughed. "You," he pointed at him, "are going to help me with my Courtney situation?"
Johnny shook his head. "You're thinking too small, you have more options than Courtney."
Jason stared at him unsure before Johnny continued to explain. "Here's how it works... I am going to show you three paths that you can take with three different women. Each one is different. One leads to a life full of heartache and pain, another leads to true happiness, and the last one leads to an early death."
"Those aren't great odds, Johnny."
"Sorry, man, you get what you get." The Irishman shrugged.
Jason began to rub the back of his neck. "So, how do I know who to pick and where that path with lead."
"You don't know, you have to just make the best choice from what you observe and hope you have the happily-ever-after outcome." Johnny stood as he spoke, "Come on, let's get started."
He lowered his hand to help Jason up.
...
...
With the blink of an eye, the two were standing outside a large office building. Jason looked around and took in the cityscape. He watched Johnny walk into the building so he followed behind and tapped on his shoulder. "Where are we?" he asked.
"Gay Paree," he said and then kissed his fingertips, letting them separate with a 'muah' sound.
Jason arched an eyebrow at him. "We're in Paris?"
"Wee Wee."
Jason rolled his eyes at his old crew member as they entered through an office door. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Brenda sitting in a chair across from an older woman with glasses. She looked to be a shrink.
"Don't worry, they can't see or hear us," Johnny explained.
After shutting the door, the pair sat on the edge of a desk in the back of the room.
The older lady spoke first. "Brenda, at our last appointment you gave me all the details of the day you were to be married to Jax and how you were rejected at the alter. Why don't we start with that? How did it make you feel?
Brenda swallowed and clasped her hands. "When Jax said no," she started, "I would say the emotions that went through me were shock, hurt, anger, and relief."
The psychiatrist bent her head down to look over her glasses at Brenda. "Relief?"
"He was really pressuring her," Jason chimed in.
Brenda nodded. "Yes, I was a little relieved. It just didn't feel right."
"Probably because she was in love with Sonny," Jason spoke up again and scowled.
"And it wasn't because I had any feelings for the man I kissed. I put Sonny behind me a long time ago. It really was goodbye for me," she pointed out.
Johnny gave Jason smug look. "Shows how much you know."
"If I had followed through with what Jax wanted me to do in the Caribbean, we probably would have been married. When Jax flew me out there, I was a suspect in a murder trial, but I was also still married to Jason."
The woman looked through her paperwork. "This would be Jason Morgan the man you were on trial with and married in Vegas?"
"Yes," Brenda confirmed before she continued. "You see, Jax feared that I would be arrested so he took me out of the country. When we were there, he had a magistrate come with papers for both of us. Divorce papers for him and annulment papers for myself. He wanted to be married there as soon as possible. I just couldn't sign them and leave Jason hanging like that."
"Hmm," the psychiatrist hummed without looking up.
"Jax was understanding, as usual. I am sure I could have lived happily with him there but when I called the station to see how the investigation was going, Taggart... the detective in charge, told me that they arrested Jason. I didn't tell Jax, I just packed my things and went back to Port Charles to turn myself in too.
"She's pretty loyal. Did you know about any of this?" Johnny asked Jason.
Jason shook his head surprised. "No."
"Hmm," The woman repeated before writing something in her book. "Was Jason prolonging your annulment as well?"
Brenda chuckled. "God no, as soon as that trial was over he rushed me right down to the Dominican Republic to get one," she replied, her mood quickly turning sullen. "I froze though, I couldn't sign the papers... everything just felt like it was going to fast."
"Hmm."
"What's with the hmm's?" Brenda asked, visibly annoyed.
"Brenda... why do you still sign your name as Brenda Barrett-Morgan?"
"I haven't had the chance to do a name change," she defended. "And don't say hmm."
The psychiatrist eyed her and pursed her lips. "Brenda are you in love with Jason?"
Jason laughed. "Yeah right, she despises me," he said shaking his head. "Go ahead, Brenda, tell the woman she's crazy."
Johnny twiddled his thumbs for a moment. "Ahh... she's not answering, buddy," he announced with a smirk.
Jason looked over to see Brenda biting her lip. He furrowed his brows at the time it was taking her to answer, as if she was actually thinking it over. The shock of his life came when he heard her answer.
"I think so," she admitted with her head down. "I don't know how it happened. All we ever did was argue. I hated him since the day he came to tell me Sonny wasn't showing up for the wedding." She stood and walked over to the window. "I know it was unjust to take out all my anger on him, but I felt betrayed."
"You know what they say about love and hate," the shrink stated while flipping her pen between her fingers.
"Yeah, yeah, thin line... I know." Brenda said and sighed. "It's just he's the only person I ever trusted. He's honest and loyal to a fault. But he's in a lifestyle I hate. He has so much potential that he doesn't see. I have watched him work, he's amazing with numbers and he's so smart. He can work with his hands... I know that if there is anything else out there he wanted to do, he would be great at it."
"Damn... why didn't girls ever build me up like that?" Johnny questioned thoughtfully as he watched Brenda.
"Was there an attraction between the two of you?" the older woman questioned on.
"Pfft... Jason would never find me attractive, I am not his type."
"Seriously dude?" Johnny asked while looking at Jason as if he was crazy.
"Hey, that's her saying that, not me. Trust me... I noticed when she was walking around in the short clothes at the penthouse. I am just surprised she felt this way."
The shrink looked at the clock before bringing her attention back to Brenda. "You say you don't know when it happened, but you must have some clue as to when these feelings started to develop."
Brenda blew out a breath. "The plane... the plane ride here. I remember being in the airport and hugging him goodbye. I told him to go after the girl he loved and I meant it. I wanted to see him get his happiness. After I shooed him off, I felt a bit of loss. It's when I got on the plane that I tried to understand my yearning to stay in Port Charles. I mean... there was nothing for me there." She threw her hands up before making her way back over to the chair and roughly throwing herself down. "I should have had no reason to want to stay, yet there I was, wishing the plane would turn around."
Johnny looked to Jason. "Did you feel something too?"
Jason kept a straight face. "I'm not discussing this with you."
"Anyway, none of this matters." Brenda crossed her arms and looked down towards her lap. Her voice suddenly took on a hushed tone. "He's only nice to me when he has to be and I don't want to lose what little respect he has for me by telling him. It will only make him hate me more and I am not up for that kind of rejection."
Jason frowned at her words.
"Man, are you blind?" Johnny said shaking his head. "How much of a dick have you been to her that she thinks pouring her heart out to you would make you hate her?"
Jason stayed quiet.
"We will work on your rejection issues in a different session. So tell me..." the woman insisted with a serious tone, "If you could steer your life in any direction, what would you want it to be like?"
Brenda smiled. "A quiet life... a happy marriage, a house with about 3 or 4 kids," she spoke in a dreamy tone before sobering. "I'd love nothing more than to just step out of the spotlight and stop being a model, but it's what I know and what I am good at. I don't see much chance of me doing anything else."
"Heh... didn't you say that same thing to Courtney about why you couldn't leave 'the business'?" Johnny asked his friend. "Guess you and Brenda have more in common than you thought." He smirked and stood. "Time to go see our next gal."
...
...
Johnny clapped his hands and Jason found himself in Sonny's penthouse. Johnny looked around. "It's so damn dreary in here, I thought they would have updated this funeral home motif by now."
The pair stood in the corner as they observed Carly and Courtney eating chips on the couch.
Carly grabbed the bag out of Courtney's hands. "Will you stop moping, I told you... I will think of something."
"I just miss him so much," Courtney said, sniffling.
"Trust me, I will get you both back together. Everything so far has gone perfectly. We got rid of Elizabeth, Brenda is out of the picture, and now... we need to complete our family with you and Jason."
"What a bitch," Johnny said, emphasizing the last word.
"Hey!" Jason pointed at him.
Johnny shook his head. "What? I never liked Carly. I swear you have blinders on to that woman, she's a horrible person, Jase. How do you not see that?"
Jason was about to reply when he heard Carly speak up.
"Tell him you're pregnant."
Courtney looked shocked. "What?" she asked the same time Jason did.
Jason looked over to Johnny to see him putting his hands out in front of himself with a 'she just proved my point' look.
"Oh, I know you're not." Carly waved off. "But if he thinks you are, he will step up. Jason loves kids. You can even borrow my test as proof."
Courtney looked unsure. "Yeah, and don't you think that would blow up in my face when he finds out I'm really not."
"Mmm... sounds like she is thinking this through," Johnny singsonged.
Jason shook his head. "Courtney wouldn't do that."
"No," Carly insisted, "when you get your period you can tell him it must have been a false positive. By then, he will be to invested to leave you again."
Johnny made a circle with his finger around the side of his head and crossed his eyes. "Carly is cray-cray, seriously... guard your condoms with your life."
"I can't do that, Carly, I won't lie to him," Courtney swore.
Jason gave Johnny a smug look. "See, told ya."
Carly continued to argue, "Psh... it's a little white lie. Besides, you listened to my advice before, or do you not recall my tips on getting Jason to notice you?"
Jason didn't like hearing that but kept on listening.
Courtney placed her hand over her heart. "Things are different now. We love each other. I know I can handle this life and just want him to reconsider that we would be good together. Carly, I see how you are with Sonny, you are bold with him. I know with Jason not to ask questions and just accept things as they are. I'll just patiently wait for him to come around," she ended with a nod of her head.
Johnny elbowed Jason."You were always looking for a girl to just go with the flow. Sounds like this one does."
Just then, Sonny walked into the room causing Johnny to sneer at him. With a quick movement, Johnny put his foot out causing Sonny to trip and smash right into the floor.
"Johnny!" Jason yelled.
"Oops," Johnny said, dramatically putting his hand over his mouth and shrugging. "Oh... don't give me the death glare, Jason, I am fish food because of him."
"Sonny, are you okay?" Carly asked running over to him.
Courtney jumped off the couch as well and both girls helped Sonny up.
"Yeah, yeah... I am fine," Sonny assured them as he stood with his pride more hurt than his body.
After the mob boss was settled on the couch, the girls stared at him. "Sonny," Carly began, "we want to discuss Jason and Courtney's relationship with you."
"There is nothing to discuss. They shouldn't be together, end of story," Sonny spoke forcefully. "You are my sister, I am keeping you safe, so that means you can't be with Jason."
Courtney looked hurt. "Why do you get to have a family and Jason doesn't?"
"Because Jason's job is different than mine. This is the life he chose and I need him. I'm sure if the situations were reversed he would see it my way. We are his family and he will always have us. But you are my sister," he addressed Courtney, "I will not make you more of a target than you already are."
Johnny looked disgusted. "Ugh... he is so condescending. That's your future..." He pointed at Jason. "You taking care of his family. He never expects you to have your own."
"Yes, he does, just not with his sister," Jason defended.
"Didn't he steal your family, to begin with?" Johnny pointed out then coughed out a word what sounded like 'Michael'.
Jason glared at the dead man.
"Sonny, I really love Jason," Courtney declared.
"Courtney, do you realize there would be nights upon nights you wouldn't know where he is or what he is doing? Times where he is out at all hours or not even coming home."
"It's okay, I can handle that," she protested.
"Why would you want to? What kind of life is that?" her brother asked with a disappointed look.
Carly thought it would be a good time to speak up. "Sonny, you are in the business and we work fine."
"It's different and you know it, Carly. Stop filling her head with the wrong ideas. I am home while Jason is out taking care of things."
Courtney was losing her cool. "It's my life and if I want to be there waiting for him when he comes back, then I should."
"Way to go, kid, you tell em'," Johnny cheered Courtney on while Jason continued to listen.
"YOU..." Sonny pointed at her, "won't be waiting for him while he's working for me."
"Well... maybe he won't always be working for you," Courtney said defiantly.
"No!" Carly stood, yelling, "Sonny and I need Jason, things don't work without him."
Johnny became amused. "Man, they are fighting over you like dogs with a bone."
Sonny stood up. "I am done talking about this." He grabbed his drink and went upstairs.
Carly turned to Courtney and narrowed her eyes. "You need to get pregnant. It's the only way to fix this situation."
Jason didn't like seeing this side of Carly. He had seen her desperate before, but to make a plan to trap him with a baby was going over his limit.
Courtney sighed. "If Jason wanted to have a baby, then we will have a baby. I'll always do whatever he wants, but I won't go behind his back."
"Interesting pick," Johnny said and started listing things off with his fingers. "Will do whatever you want her to do with no argument, laid back, and a yes girl." His guide pointed out to Jason who stayed silent and rubbed his head.
"Okay... it's time for our last stop." With a smile, Johnny snapped his fingers.
...
...
"Mmm," the Irishman purred out, "Kelly's food, oh... how I miss you."
Jason saw that he and Johnny were now seated at the counter of the familiar diner. There was a plate in front of him with a burger and fries on it. Since Johnny seemed to be enjoying himself with his own food, Jason dug in as well.
Elizabeth was pouring Ric a cup of coffee.
"So, no Courtney today, heh?" The lawyer asked while ripping open two sugar packs.
Elizabeth put the coffee pot down and rolled her eyes. "No, she called out... yet again."
Ric gave her a pointed look. "I take it you two still aren't getting along."
"Not since she went behind my back and went after Jason," Elizabeth replied.
"Rarr, catfight. You had two girls fighting for your attention. Fun," Johnny grunted out between bites.
"Just eat and keep your comments to a minimum," Jason said as he took a sip of water.
Ric sighed. "I still don't get what you both see in Morgan. The guy is a common street thug."
Upon hearing this, Jason tried to stick a fork through the asshole's hand, but nothing happened.
Johnny laughed. "Sorry, man, only works when I do it."
"There is more to Jason than that," Liz said wistfully. "He helped me get through some rough times after Lucky died and most people don't realize how many layers there are to him. He takes so much onto himself. He's straightforward, no bullshit. I like that."
Ric listened tentatively. "But his life..."
"Yeah..." Elizabeth paused and began to wipe the counter. "I thought I didn't have any issues with that, until I realized he could lie to me over and over again. I mean, I didn't need to know details but give me something. It's not like I didn't prove that I was trustworthy or loyal all that time. Things were going south though long before the whole 'Sonny's fake death' thing. He was always pushing me away for my own safety."
"Well, that should have given you a hint right there, Elizabeth. Even he was telling you his life wasn't safe," Ric argued.
Liz put her hands on her hips. "It should have been my choice. He should have tried harder."
"I guess she forgets that I chased her for years while she kept picking Lucky," Jason said, bitterly.
The waitress lingered on with her rant. "I am not saying I made things easy on Jason, but when I was really ready to commit to our relationship he didn't put in the effort. I just wanted him to fight for us. Instead, he let me leave, he threw in the towel before we even started."
Ric continued to pick her brain. "So tell me, why harbor so many feelings for a guy who would let you go. He doesn't sound very worthy if you ask me?" He commented and took a sip of his coffee. "Did you love him?"
"Yeah, I did," she said instantly. "That's why it still hurts, ya know. A part of me still does love Jason. I think if he were to walk through that door now and tell me that we should try again that... I would. Even as angry as I am about Courtney, I still would.
"Sounds like Liz hasn't given up hope on you yet. I always did like her. The kid's got spunk," Johnny bellowed out as Jason continued to stare at Elizabeth.
The lawyer prodded some more. "So, what is the deal with Courtney? How did that all go down? I mean, we know Sonny blew a gasket when he found out about the two of them, but how did they even get together?"
Jason looked angry. "She shouldn't be confiding in Ric, I don't trust this guy one bit."
Elizabeth leaned into the counter and began to whisper, "She had a stalker. I know, she legitimately had a real problem... but she played it up big time. The whole damsel in distress thing was maxed out. She pretends to be docile and meek, but personally, I think she would do just about anything to be near Jason. When she was married to AJ she kept relying on Jason. With the animosity between the two brothers, it was just wrong to do."
"Maybe she really loves him." Ric tried to play Mister Sensitive.
"Oh, I am sure she does, she will make a perfect Stepford Wife. But I gotta tell you, seeing as quick as she hopped out of her marriage with AJ, I'd be worried about her bailing when things get tough," Liz finished, nodded her head and backing away.
"Do you know what I think?" Ric started and pushed forward trying to make up for the missing space between them. "I think you need someone to help you move on and forget Jason Morgan forever."
Johnny chuckled and pointed his thumb in the lawyer's direction. "Listen to Slick Ric, here."
Jason shook his head. "This guy is no good for her."
"So, you plan to help me with this 'moving on'?" she asked with a sly smile.
Ric grinned at her. "Yep. I have to work this weekend but... how about you let me pick on up on Monday night. We will have a nice dinner out, perhaps stop at a museum, and then see what happens."
Before she could answer, Lucky came walking in and Liz's face lit up. She looked between the two men and it must have helped make her decision to try and move on. "Yes, I would love to go to dinner with you."
"Great. I look forward to it," he said before standing, "I need to go take care of some paperwork so I'll see you later." With that, Ric smiled and went upstairs.
Lucky took the empty seat at counter before giving Liz a knowing look. "What was that all about?"
"I have a date."
"With the lawyer? Moving up in the world aren't we," Lucky joked.
"Oh, ha-ha," Liz deadpanned. "He's really nice."
"Well, it is definitely a step up from Morgan," he stated, causing an eye roll from her and scowl from Jason. "So where are you going?"
Liz cleared Ric's cup and put the tip in her pocket. "He's taking me to the museum."
"Your art should be displayed there. I still have all the paintings you did for me hanging in my room." Lucky smiled in thought.
Jason felt a little guilty, he never did take 'the wind' back from her.
Elizabeth beamed at him. "I know, I love that you do. To think, it all started with me painting the boxcar. I miss those nights we spent there."
"Me too, with everything that was going on, I still don't remember ever being as happy as I was when I was there with you. We have so many good memories."
"We do..." Liz agreed, "it was you and me against the world."
"I think we are done here," Johnny said and took his finger, popping it on the inside of his cheek.
...
...
Noticing they were back in the field, Jason looked at Johnny. "Do you really need to do the sound effects?"
"Nah..." he shook his head. "But it's fun."
Jason looked down at his feet. "So... what now? I have to make a decision?"
"Well... almost, I am feeling generous so let's see how your luck is going. The Irishman pulled out his gold coin. Heads or tails?
"Tails," Jason called.
Johnny flipped it in the air, grabbed it, and placed it on top of his hand. He looked at it and smiled. "Looks like you're getting a sneak peek into the future," he said putting the coin back in his pocket. "Here's how it works... we are going into the future to look at those three lovely ladies lives. On each path, you are there, but you don't know which path it is...heartache, happiness, or death. Let's start with the hot model.
...
...
Jason opened his eyes to find himself standing in the front yard of a large house with a wrap around porch. In the background were open fields and mountains. "This is amazing... where are we?" he asked his guide.
Johnny answered as they went up the steps into the house. "We are in the gorgeous state of Montana."
They made their way into the dining room to see Brenda sitting at the table. She was squinting through an eyeglass looking at proofs. "Justin, stay out of my darkroom," she bellowed out.
"But, Mommy, it's the best place for my glow-in-the-dark stickers," a child's voice yelled back.
"Well, I have photos developing in there... we can play with your stickers later."
A little boy came walking into the room. He had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.
Johnny looked at the child with a large smile. "Wow, cute kid."
Jason looked confused. "Did she actually end up marrying Jax?" he questioned.
Johnny just smiled and shrugged.
"So, let me get this straight..." Jason looked from the child to his mother. "If I picked Brenda... this could be my life?"
"It could be, but there is no guarantee you are the one married to her. Like I said, you could have picked her and she's married to you or some other guy. You could be off in heartache somewhere or dead."
Justin looked to his mom. "Can you bake some cookies?"
"I just made cookies the other night," she pointed out.
Justin crossed his arms. "Yeah... but Jimmy's mommy makes cookies all the time."
"Sweetheart, Jimmy's mommy is a pastry chef, she has to make cookies all the time... it's her job."
"Well, can't you be a chef instead? I rather eat cookies then pose for pictures," he stated, scrunching up his little nose.
"Sorry, your mom likes being a photographer." Brenda shrugged her shoulders, relaying to the child that this is just how things are.
"When's daddy getting home from work?"
"Same time he always does. What's wrong... I'm no fun today?" Brenda asked with a pout.
Justin shook his head. "You are, I liked the story you read. You do good voices. But he promised when he got home we could put the train together."
When Brenda stood from the table you could see her protruding belly.
"Woah... the model put on a few," Johnny said dumbfounded.
"Shut up, she looks beautiful," Jason confirmed.
"Hmph..." Brenda rubbed her belly. "Your sister gave me a good kick there."
"Can't we trade her in for a boy. I want a brother," the kid said causing the other two men to chuckle.
"Sorry, kiddo, there is enough testosterone in this house, I am already outnumbered... this evens the score," his mom stated.
Justin narrowed his eyes. "Tester what?"
"Nevermind." Brenda waved off. "How about some juice?" she asked with a smile and he nodded. When she stood in front of the refrigerator she doubled over for a minute. "Oh... okay." She stood and looked at her son. "Justin, do you remember how we taught you to use the phone and Daddy's speed dial number?" she asked and he nodded again. "Can you please call him and tell him the baby is coming."
"Cool," he spoke excitedly before running over to the phone. He dialed the number. "Hey, Daddy, guess what... Code Pink!" he yelled into the receiver causing Brenda to smile.
"He wants to talk to you." Justin handed her the phone.
"Hi," she giggled out, "He has been so looking forward to saying that." She paused. "Relax, they have been coming and going all day but they are closer together now and getting stronger. It's time to go to the hospital." Brenda let out a breath. "Okay, see you in five. I love you too."
When she hung up she doubled over again but grinned through the pain since her son was watching her.
"Times up... we need to move along," Johnny said looking at his watch.
"No," Jason belted out in a panicky voice. "Look at her, we have to make sure this works out and her husband gets here in time." Jason went to stand next to Brenda as she continued to breathe and rub her stomach. She watched on while her son played with his toys at the table.
"Sorry Jase... we have to go."
...
...
Just like that, they were at the Quartermaine mansion.
Johnny could tell that Jason was pissed off at him but he chose to ignore it. "So... this is what happens with Liz if you pick her." He stated as he sat on the couch in the living room and watched Emily read a book. Elizabeth came through the door holding a toddler with brown hair and blue eyes. "Gotta say, these girls produce some adorable offspring," Johnny declared as he waved to the baby.
"There's my nephew," Emily squealed, picked the little boy up and hugged him.
Liz looked directly at her son. "Elliot, say hi to Aunt Emily."
Jason smiled as the little boy let out a shy 'hi' before putting his head back down on Emily's shoulder.
"I think I have everything packed in there. Diapers, snacks, toys," Liz mumbled out as she went through the diaper bag.
"He'll be fine, Liz, I know Cook will have a ball making up some kid-friendly foods."
Elizabeth sat down next to Emily. "I am so excited for dinner."
Emily beamed at her. "You think that tonight's... the night."
"I do... he's going all out. I already had flowers delivered to me this morning. I'm thinking that after this evening you will see a shiny ring on this finger," she said wiggling the fingers on her left hand.
"I am so thrilled for you, Liz, I always knew this day would come."
Jason stood in back of the couch to look at the boy. "So this might be my son and I might be asking her to marry me tonight."
Johnny nodded his head.
"She looks so happy," Jason said, gazing at Elizabeth.
"Thanks Em... in my heart I think I knew it too." Liz had a twinkle in her eye and gave her friend a devilish smile. "You should see the dress I have picked out for tonight."
"With that look, I might come back later just to see that dress," Johnny said and smirked, causing Jason to scoff at him.
"I bet you will look amazing," Emily insisted and handed Elliot to Liz. "I am going to go check with cook now about getting lunch started."
Elizabeth bounced the baby on her lap. "Your father is such a good man Elliot. I know he will always do everything in his power to make sure we have the best life." She stood to pick up a toy from the bag and handed it to the boy. "I know we had a rocky start, but everything worked itself out. It is just how it was meant to be," she said, smiling and kissed her son on the cheek.
"Let's keep going," Johnny said with a snap.
...
...
They found themselves at an apartment loft. Courtney was pacing back and forth. She was in her nightgown and the shower could be heard running in the bathroom.
She stopped a moment to look out the window. "Stop being a coward, Courtney, you can do this," she coached herself.
The blonde heard her phone ring and picked it up.
"Hello... Oh, hey Carly." Courtney sighed. "No, I didn't tell him yet." She paused. "I will, I will, he's in the shower," she said and then rolled her eyes. "Yes, I promise I will call you later and give you all the details."
After she hung up she sat on the bed. "Just say the words out loud. I'm pregnant," she said and repeated it again more slowly, "I'm pregnant." Then she smiled. "I'm gonna be a mom."
Though she couldn't see it, Jason stood directly in front of her and looked into her eyes. He smiled back at her.
A knock at the door startled all of the room's occupants.
Courtney put on a robe and opened the door to find Sonny on the other side. "Sonny, what are you doing here?"
"Can I come in?" he asked.
She nodded and let him through. "I thought you told me you didn't want anything more to do with me," she said crossing her arms.
Jason was taken back at that comment. He looked to Johnny. "He disowned her?"
Once again, Johnny didn't let him know either way.
Sonny looked around the room. "We need to talk, where is he?"
"The shower," she replied.
Sonny nodded and then focused on Courtney. "I am very upset with the two of you."
"And I think he is very upset about your blooming friendship with Emily," she retorted.
"Woah... what?" Jason asked in disbelief, getting closer to Sonny.
"I'm not discussing that with you," Sonny defended.
Courtney gave her brother an accusing look. "Well, the both of you sure are together a lot, so I don't see how you have any room to talk."
Jason began to shake with anger. "I'll kill him, Emily is too young, and it's not right. What happened to him and Carly? What about Micheal?"
Johnny tried to calm his friend. "Chill out, Jason. These are just little tidbits of your possible future paths. You can't have details, that would be cheating."
"Hit him!" Jason demanded.
The Irishman laughed. "You WANT me to hit him?"
"Yeah, hit him!"
"Done." Johnny instantly punched Sonny right in the face and the mob boss fell down with a hard thump.
"Wooo... that felt good," Johnny yelled, shaking out his hand.
"Oh my God, Sonny!" Courtney knelt down to the floor to see if he was okay.
"Courtney, did you punch me?" her brother asked, dazed.
"No... I just saw you go down. What the heck was that?" she asked, still looking over him.
Jason got low next to Sonny's ear. "Stay away from my sister."
"I'm not sure what it was but my face is hurting, badly," Sonny grumbled out.
"Let me get you some ice," Courtney offered, standing and running to the kitchen.
Both men heard the shower go off.
"Whelp, not that I am complaining, but since you decided to be a hothead, our visit has to be cut short."
...
...
Suddenly, Jason was back in the field.
Johnny put a hand on his back. "That's it, buddy. Those are your choices. You have three days to make your decision. By the end of St. Patty's day you have to kiss one of the girls and that will be who you choose. I'll see ya at the end of that night to let you know how you made out. Once you pick, Jase, you can't choose again. Make sure you save that kiss for when you are absolutely sure of your choice."
Johnny gave Jason a pat on his shoulder before disappearing into the field.
A/n: Go ahead and see if you can guess what girl is for each path. Happiness, Heartache, and Early Death.