No One Leaves …..."He said no."

Brenda leaned back in the seat. Her eyes swollen from crying. She put on a pair of glasses, in order to hide the swelling. Everything was supposed to work out this time. This time she was supposed to have it all. Her white knight was supposed to finally rescue her, and give her the life she always wanted. But he didn't. He said, no. And with that word, he broke her heart. Yes, she had kissed Sonny, but it was not because she wanted or loved him. That ship had sailed a long time ago. The pain that she felt was unbearable, but the anger she felt was surpassing that. He treated her like a common prostitute, something she'd never thought he would do. Her eyes darkened. She might be hurting now, but he'd hurt later...

*Eight years later*

Brenda stretched and looked over at the clock. She was so tired, it had been a busy week, and she was so happy that the weekend was finally here. And to top it off, she didn't have anything to do, well work related anyway. She didn't work as much as she use to. She was only modeling part time now, and the couple of contracts she had, provided more than enough income. The majority of her time, was spent working with a charity called ASEC. It was a charity that was near and dear to her heart. It helped give aide, to needy children around the world. And it was a cause, that she was extremely passionate about.

Brenda finally managed to pull herself out of bed, and head to the kitchen. She put on a pot of coffee. She placed a couple of pieces of bacon in the oven. She sat down, and opened her laptop. She pulled up her homepage. She read through the various news articles. She clicked on the business section, and saw a picture of Jax looking back at her. It had been years since she'd seen him. She looked at the words, successful businessman Jasper Jax, recently divorced, has lost his only child, a girl, who died of pneumonia. Brenda closed the computer. (He must be devastated. Robin called, but she forgot to call her back. She is almost positive that's what she wanted.) She sat there for a moment, and then she smelled the bacon burning. She jumped up, and went over to the stove. After she finished cooking, she walked over to the second bedroom in her apt. She opened the door, and went inside. She picked up a couple of things, and placed them on the back of a chair. She walked over to the bed and looked down.

"Ok sleepy head, time for breakfast." Blue eyes look up at her, then quickly duck up under the covers.

Brenda reached down and started tickling her. She heard giggles, coming from underneath. She pulled the covers back, bent down, and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Good morning, go wash your face, your breakfast is getting cold."

Brenda watched as she jumped out of bed, and ran into the bathroom. Brenda headed back into the kitchen, and sat down at the table. A couple of minutes later, she looked up and saw her entering.

"Oooh pancakes, my favorite."

"I know."

"Thanks mamma."

"You're welcome sweetheart." Brenda looked across the table, at her beautiful daughter. She was seven years old, and spoke with a thick Italian accent. She had the most beautiful ocean blue eyes. Eyes she inherited from her father. The one thing that was really different about her, was her auburn hair. Brenda had no idea where that came from. Her father had blonde hair, and she had dark hair. Nevertheless, it worked to her advantage. Everyone thought she was adopted, but she was her natural born child. A child she named Lola, after one of her best friends Lois. She gave birth to her in South Africa. It's around that time, that she learned about ASEC. She didn't tell anyone that she was pregnant, not a soul. She was adamant that her father never found out. He broke her heart, and then stumped on it. And she figured, that she was just returning the favor. She did feel sorry that he lost his child, but she wouldn't under no circumstances contact him. It was just too risky. There were moments, when she wanted to call and tell him, but as the years rolled by, she knew he would resent her. And knowing Jax, he would try and take her, and she'd never let that happen.

Brenda picked up her coffee cup, and walked into the living room. She stood in front of the wall size window, and looked down at the street below. She started thinking about, the time she found out she was pregnant, she was so happy. She found out a couple of weeks before the wedding. She knew Jax would be the perfect father. She decided to wait until their wedding night to tell him. It was supposed to be her wedding gift to him, but she never got the chance. And now he has lost his child, her heart went out to him. She would send flowers to the service. It was the right thing to do. She couldn't imagine what he must be going through. Lola meant everything to her, and she would be devastated if anything ever happened to her.

"Ok Mamma, I'm done. I have to get ready for my violin lesson. Mamma!"

Brenda jumped and turned to see Lola standing there. "I have my…violin lesson…..remember?"

"Yes, sweetheart, I'm sorry. Let's get dressed…."

A couple of months later

Jax signed his name, and pushed the papers across the table. Carly smiled. "Thanks."

"I didn't do it for you. I want to sever any and all ties to Port Charles, that's why I sold you my half of the Metrocourt. That's the only reason."

"Well, whatever the reason, thanks for not selling it to someone else."

Jax closed his briefcase, shook hands with both lawyers, and headed out of the door. Carly got up and followed him.

"Jax!"

He turned.

"What am I going to tell Morgan?"

Jax shrugged. "Honestly, I doubt if he'll even care. He never got over me, trying to get custody of Josslyn. Our relationship was never the same after that.' Jax looked down, then back up. "Look, he'll be fine." He turned and headed toward the elevator, with Carly still following.

"I wish...you would stay."

Jax turned and looked at her. "Why? There is nothing here for me. All that left with Josslyn."

"I'm...still here."

"And so is Sonny...and Jason."

"I still love you." She grabbed his hand. "We could try...again. If you want?"

Jax pulled his hand away, shook his head, and pressed the elevator button. "I don't think so. Look Carly, I'll always care for you, but I don't love you anymore. Josslyn was the only reason, I stayed as long as I did." Josslyn's death had turned him cold.

The elevator door opened. He got on. "Take care." And the doors closed...

Jax leaned back in the seat of his private jet. He had left Port Charles for good. It was time, there was nothing left for him there. He pulled out his phone, and looked through the various pictures of Josslyn. She was his world. He loved her more than anything. He was devastated when she passed away. He was still grieving for her, he would always grieve for her. He put his phone in his pocket, and sighed.

After Josslyn's death, he decided, the best thing for him, was to just throw himself into his work. He was actually on his way to France. He had a couple of business propositions there. He was also going to be attending a charity benefit. It was a benefit for needy kids. He had heard about an organization, that was doing wonderful things, for children all around the world. He decided that while he was in France, he would attend one of their events. He felt that in honor of his daughter, he needed to devote more time to charity. He spent most all of his life, making money, and spending it lavishly. He wanted and needed to give back, in honor of her memory. And not just with his money, because he had always given to charity, but with his time too…...

Brenda looked out of the car window. She always loved coming to Paris. It was one of the most beautiful cities, she'd ever had the pleasure of visiting. It seemed like every time she visited, she was working. This time, she would be attending a huge charity event, but she was determined, to see at least a couple of landmarks, before she left.

She looked over at Lola, who had nodded off. (I guess Paris didn't interest her.) Brenda looked over at Lola's nanny, and they both laughed. Because Brenda traveled so much, she had to employ a nanny. She had been with them since Lola was a baby. She didn't live with them, but whenever Brenda needed her, she was there. Her name was Mona, and she loved Lola like she was her own. Mona was a widow, and her children were all adults. She had become like family to Brenda.

"Well, we're here." They pulled up to the hotel. It was located in the middle of the city. They exited the car and went inside.

Lola was tired from the trip, so Brenda put her to bed. Brenda quickly showered and changed. She was almost late for the luncheon.

"How do I look?"

Mona looked her over, and walked over and adjusted her shirt. "You look good."

She looked in the mirror, one final time, and turned to Mona. "Wish me luck."

Mona smiled. "God bless you, and get that money."

Brenda grinned. They hug. "You have my number, call me if you need me."

"We'll be fine."

"I'm off." Brenda grabbed her briefcase and left….

Brenda finally arrived at the ASEC function, and she was so excited, because there was a huge turnout. These types of fundraisers were essential to their success, because they normally brought in a lot funds, for the organization. She spotted one of the guys she worked with at ASEC. He was one of her best friends. He was talking to a couple of other people.

She walked up to him "Mickal, hello."

He turned and smiled. "Brenda, hello." They hug. He excused himself, and they walk out of earshot.

"Girl, those shoes are fierce."

"Yours aren't too bad either."

Mickal smiled and looked down. "I know right."

Brenda giggled. Mickal was a makeup artist. He had a passion for helping children too, because he grew up in a third world country. It was through the help of an organization like ASEC, that he was able to become successful. He was able to go to school, and earn a degree. It meant the world to him to give back. Mickal was also incredibly good looking, but he was not interested in her, or any other woman. He was only interested in men, because he was good and gay. Brenda looked around the room. "Look at this turnout."

Mickal smiled. "I know, I'm so excited." They noticed that people were, starting to take their seats. "Looks like this luncheon is about to start."

Brenda and Mickal head to the their seats, which was in the front on the stage.

After taking her seat, Brenda quickly went over her notes. She would be speaking, along with a number of other ASEC representatives. She was not at all nervous, she had done this a million times….

Jax walked into the charity function. It was extremely crowded. He was taken to his table. He knew a couple of the people who were already seated. They exchanged pleasantries. He looked down at the material, and went over it. There were people on the stage, given heartfelt speeches about the charity. One of Jax's colleagues arrived, and sat down next to him. They were in the middle of a conversation, when he heard what he thought, was Brenda's name. He looked around, but he didn't see her. He blew it off, and continued the conversation. All of a sudden, he heard a very familiar voice. He looked up, and saw her, standing at the podium. It had been eight years since he laid eyes on her. It had been a long time since, he allowed himself to even think about her. One thing he noticed instantly, is that she was still as beautiful as ever. But there was something different about her. He could tell, just by looking into her eyes.

His colleague leaned over. "What a beauty."

Jax looked over at him briefly. "Yes." His eyes went back to her. All the times they shared, flashed before him, like a slide show. He had filed away all those memories, but with one glimpse, they were back front and center…

Brenda smiled, and then she concluded her speech. "Thank You." She stepped away from the podium, and waived as everyone clapped. She went back to her seat on the stage, and sat down. Mickal hugged her, and she grabbed his hand. "I have a feeling, we are going to get a lot of donations." Brenda looked down at the material in her hand, then up and out at the crowd. That's when she saw him, and he was looking directly at her. She quickly looked away. Her heart started beating extremely fast, she felt like she was about to pass out. She excused herself, and exited the stage, walking briskly out of the conference room. Jax got up and followed her…..

Brenda leaned against the sink in the bathroom. (Jax…..in France?) Before she could stop herself, the tears came. It had been eight long years, but the pain was still there, just as fresh, as if it happened yesterday. She wish she could make a quick exit, but she couldn't. She wouldn't let the children down, not over a little broken heart. She looked in the mirror, but it wasn't just a little broken heart, it was the worse one of her life, because she didn't see that one coming. He was supposed to be the one person, that she could trust to take care of her heart, and that's why it hurt the most…..….…..

Twenty minutes had passed, and Brenda was still in the bathroom. She knew she couldn't stay in the bathroom forever. She had to pull it together. She cleaned her face, and freshened up her makeup. She walked out of the bathroom, and rounded the corner. Just outside the conference room, stood Jax….