Part One
Prompt: Winter Wonderland, the song
music by Felix Bernard,
lyrics by Richard B. Smith
[CFFC09#1]
2009 DECEMBER 18
PORT CHARLES, NY
Webber Residence
Later Afternoon
"No, no . . . please . . . you can't take my boys . . . you can't . . . please . . ."
She woke with a start – her heart hammering against her slight chest – her face moist with tears – she raised herself off the enveloping sofa as she heard her five-year-old running to her –
"Mommy, Mommy, why are you crying?"
She dashed the tears from her eyes with her fingers and reached out a reassuring arm to her son, "It's okay, Cam . . . Mommy just had a bad dream . . . it's okay, now," she gave him her brightest smile as she scooted him up on the sofa next to her.
Harborview Towers
Penthouse of Jason Morgan
Coming in he tossed his keys on the desk as he normally did. Stripping off his leather jacket he called out, "Spinelli!"
Getting no answer and looking around he sighed with relief – It's good that Spinelli isn't here right now . . . he'll be back soon enough. I was so hard on Maxie . . . he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, . . . she just doesn't get how dangerous this Franco is and Spinelli just isn't getting through to her . . . coming out of the kitchen he took a deep pull of his beer and as he stretched out his shoulders he heard the soft knock on his door.
"Hey!" Sam breezed into the widely open door, "You're back . . . and you're okay . . . I'm glad," she trailed her hand over his chest and then shrugged out of her coat as she took a seat on the sofa, "so, what did you find out about this Franco guy? Do you think he's really dangerous?"
Following her to the sofa, "You want a beer . . . coffee?"
"No, I'm good . . . tell me what you found out . . ." she noticed the tense set of his jaw and his shoulders, It must be bad if he looks this tense . . . "so?"
Sitting on the arm of the club chair he explained, "Well, he confirmed that he sent the picture of Claudia's body . . . and he thinks that he and I are fellow artists of death," he shook his head, "can you believe that?"
He moved into the chair and resting his arms on his knees continued, "He said that the two of us are socio-paths . . ." sitting back he wiped his hand across his chin, "he thinks we're the same and that I enjoy the kill . . . that I'm not happy unless I'm engaged in the pursuit of my prey and making the kill . . ."
"That's not true, Jason," Sam said shaking her head as she leaned toward him, "and that's certainly not you." She considered the man she once loved sitting before her, It's amazing that he would already doubt himself . . . this nut job is going to have Jason thinking he's as psychotic as he is . . . "Listen, Jase, this is not who you are . . . I know that and you know it, too."
She smoothed her hand through her hair, "I saw his studio . . . this guy is crazy, Jason, you're not . . . I know, I've seen how you struggle with guilt and remorse when you've had to eliminate someone for business . . ."
Sitting forward he interrupted her, "I don't think I'm like him . . . he stepped on Joey Limbo's throat, crushed his windpipe and then posed him . . . it's like he takes pleasure in killing . . ."
He looked down at his hands and away for a few seconds, "I've never taken any pleasure . . . so I know we're not alike, but I don't know how to read this guy, Sam . . . I don't know what he has on Michael or what he plans to do with Maxie after taking that picture of her in that chalk outline . . ."
He's afraid . . . not good . . . "Jason, you can't let him control you . . . you're afraid, but you have to take back the control . . ."
Her phone chirped, "I have to take this, it's Spinelli . . ." Jason nodded his understanding, "Hey, Spinelli . . ."
After listening for a few moments, she wrapped up and closed the phone, "Okay, I've got to go out of town for a while . . ." she grabbed her coat from the sofa and in answer to Jason's questioning glance she explained, "Yeah . . . we've got a nice size corporate case and I need to check out the site, but, listen . . ." she put her hand on Jason's arm as he walked her to the door, "Do what you always do, Jason . . . and get control of this nut job's game . . ." she reached up to drop a chaste kiss on his cheek, "take care of yourself and be careful, okay?"
He nodded, "You too and thanks, Sam . . ."
"No problem," and she glided passed him and out the door.
As he closed the door after Sam he took in his once again empty apartment. Usually he found the silence comforting – restoring – calming. Now it seemed to mock him with the voice of a madman. He was seized with the overwhelming and unusual need to be out and around regular normal people doing regular normal every day things. I need to get that psycho out of my head . . . but more importantly I need to figure out his game . . . what he has . . .
Jamming his hands in his jacket pockets he made his way through the upper part of the warehouse district, passed several Corinthos-Morgan properties. He took note that his men were at their posts but they wisely did not openly acknowledge him.
The waterfront was teeming with people making their way home from shopping or work or heading to Kelly's for a quick dinner. It felt good to see the normal activities of regular people.
Tucking his chin down he continued passed the glaring lights and blaring sounds that surround GH. He continued his lonely odyssey through town and soon the hustle and bustle he craved fell away. His thoughts about Franco and his concerns about Michael consumed him until he heard a familiar throaty bubble burst of sound that could be the laugh of only one person.
Looking up he realized he was on the outskirts of the Rice Plaza Park and just across from it was one of PC's many Christmas Tree Lots. It took no time for him to clap his eyes on Elizabeth and her two sons. He quickly looked from the woman he loved to the son – sons – he didn't claim.
He felt that bond of longing tighten around his heart for a moment. Sucking in a breath and stepping back into the shadows he allowed himself to watch her laughing with her boys.
She looks beautiful . . . he shook his head at his own absurdity, I'm jealous of that white cap that gets to be among her silky curls . . . he laughed at himself, and I'm just as envious of that white coat that gets to embrace her wonderful lithe little body . . . how can I be jealous of clothes . . . Morgan you're being ridiculous!
He shook his head and began to move away when she locked her eyes to him. He allowed himself another moment to feast on her as the delicate snowflakes glistened on her hair and face – the cold air giving her that special sparkle she always had in the snow. I wonder if she still smells like snow?
Jason . . . She watched him walk away with the barest nod of acknowledgement from him. I should have called out to him . . . I wanted to call out to him . . . She mentally shook her head, I have my boys . . . his boy . . . and I need to do what's best for him . . .
She smiled down at her two little men, "So, guys, what do you think . . . you like this one," she pointed to the small tree with misshapen branches that was a little lopsided. This brings back memories! "So . . . guys?"
She heard his quiet voice, the voice she loved, "I think this tree will be the happiest tree in the lot to get to go home with you . . ." she gasped as she turned into a wall of leather and muscle, "Jason . . ." it was a sheer whisper.
"Jay-sin! Jay-sin! You like this tree?"
She turned to address Cam but let his soft strong tones wash over her, "I do, Cam . . . I had a tree like this once and it was a very happy tree . . ." his eyes grazed up to Elizabeth and fluttered over to Jake, "I think it will make you all really happy . . ."
"Yeah, Mommy, let's get this one," Cam jumped up and down on his toes.
As she turned back to say thanks he was gone – as quickly as he appeared he was gone. He remembers . . .
Jake nodded, "tzis one, Mommy . . . itz little like me!"
"Come on, guys . . . let's pay the man and get our tree home," she gently ushered them towards the cashier.
Webber Residence
About 7:15 PM EST
Cam and Jake climbed the steps to the small porch, "Come on, Mommy, get the tree . . . get the tree!"
Elizabeth smiled whisking the tree from the back of her SUV and bounced up the stairs, "Okay, guys . . . we've got to get you to bed and to sleep . . ."
"But, Mommy, we 'sposed to decrate the tree!" Cam pouted.
Jake joined in, "Decrate tree, Mommy!"
"Oh, no . . . it's late and it's time for bed," she looked lovingly at her two little men, "besides this little guy," she pointed to the tree, "needs to get used to it's new home, right? We can't go hanging things on it right away, right?"
Cam cocked his head and looked back at the tree, "We-ell," he drawled, "okay, Mommy . . . but we decrate t'morrow, right?"
She nodded, "Right . . . now, upstairs . . . let's get ready for bed . . ."
Coming down stairs less than an hour later she realized as she picked up toys around the living room how tired she was. I just need to relax a bit . . . just unwind . . . I need to not think right now about Lucky, about Nik, about Rebecca . . . this is my favorite time of year . . . I just want to enjoy it . . . putting on some Christmas music and pouring a glass of red wine she kicked off her shoes and snuggled into the sofa.
It's nice to just be here with my boys . . . look at that sweet little tree . . . and it's snowing . . . perfect . . . She took a sip of wine and just let the music wash over her . . . Mmmm . . . it feels good to just snuggle . . . I'm glad it's finally snowing . . . the boys will love it . . . we can ma . . .
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland
I held out one mittened hand to catch the flakes as they drifted down, It's so beautiful . . . look at it glistening on the trees . . . listen to those chimes . . .
"Jason," I pulled on his hand, "look!" I started to run through the snow laughing, "look at how it makes the trees sparkle . . . listen to those chimes . . . isn't it wonderful?"
I let go of his hand – I had to spin in the snow, I never felt so happy! It was sheer pleasure – the snow, the sun, the trees, the music – Jason. After a few luxurious spins I had to get back to Jason – I had to have his hand in mine again, "Come on," I pulled him down the lane, "let's walk and kick up the snow!" I issued my dare laughing, "come on . . . it'll be fun . . ."
A rare smile broke across his face, "Kick up snow, huh?" He nodded, "You got it!"
Giving a grand swipe with his boot-clad foot, "how's that . . ." he kicked again, eliciting a peal of laughter from Elizabeth that rang through the park. We kicked our way through the park as I chased after him doing a very good job of kicking up a fair amount of snow myself.
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
As we reached a turn in the lane he reached out and caught me by my wool-clad wrist. He pulled me to him, "You're beautiful . . ." he whispered huskily, "you glow with happiness, your smile lights up a room . . . this park and goes all the way to your eyes . . ." he leaned into me, "your eyes sparkle like a thousand stars were caught inside you . . . when you laugh it sounds like music . . ."
I reached up and smoothed snow from his shoulders and his hair, "You make me sparkle, Jason," I rested my forehead against his chest and just enjoyed the feeling of strength that rolled off him. I love the way he smells . . . like pine and leather . . . like coffee and soap . . . and love . . .
I pulled back and took his strong, sure hand in my small one, "Walk with me, Jason."
We strolled down the wooded area – some of the branches hung so low Jason had to hold them out of the way so we could pass.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.
As we came on a clearing I ran ahead, "Jason . . ." I turned back to him, "you ever build a snowman?"
He shook his head.
"Not even with Michael and Morgan?"
He shook his head, again, "They did that with their Dad," he shrugged.
"Ohh," I nodded. Tilting my head to him I studied him for a bit, he has the most beautifully chiseled face . . . it's angular, yet soft . . . strong, yet gentle . . . I pulled him to the middle of the clearing, "Build one with me . . . we can do it together . . . it's like the song . . ." I started to sing, practically tunelessly, of course, In the meadow we can build a snow man . . . mmhm mhmm mmhm mhm brown, mhmm mmhm say are you married . . . no man . . .
He dipped his head and covered the small smile he was trying not to form, she really can't sing . . . but I still love the sound . . . he cocked a brow at her, "Build a snowman?"
I nodded – fairly bouncing in anticipation.
He nodded and shrugged, "Why not?"
Falling to our knees in the powdery ice we each scooped snow into a small ball and started to roll them . . . "Jason, you make the bottom . . . make it about this big," I held my arms out all the way and then curled them in about half way.
He smiled at her excitement, "That big . . . all right, that big," and he started to build up the bottom of the snowman.
"I'll make the middle, and carve in the arms and then we can work on the head . . . we'll need some stones for eyes and nose . . ." I scooped more snow onto my mound, "maybe a stick for his pipe . . ."
"How's this?" Jason shouted.
"Great! Come help me . . . you need to put this on top of the bot . . ."
It seemed only minutes later that our first snowman together was completed. Magically rocks and stones appeared for the finishing touches. After wrapping Elizabeth's wool scarf on the snowman they stood back to admire him.
"Hey, Jason . . . we did a great job!"
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
He led her over to the edge of the woods and they took a seat on a large log, "We did a really great job," he smiled at her and looked at their snowman.
I leaned into him and felt his arm go around me. Mmmm, I missed this . . . "That was so much fun, Jason," I snuggled into him, "I've missed you so much . . ."
"I've missed you, too. More than you could ever know," I felt his arm tighten around me and his chaste kiss on the top of my forehead.
"Jason?"
"Hmm . . . yeah?"
"I want to be with you . . . I want the boys to be with you," I snuggled further against him. I can't get close enough . . .
"I want to be with you, with them, too," I felt him squeeze me to him.
"I think we could do it . . ." I assured him softly, "you once said we could make a life together . . . I want to make a life with you, Jason . . . I'm not afraid anymore . . ."
He pulled back to look at me, "I want that, too . . . but I want you to be happy and to be safe . . ." I felt his kiss on my forehead, again.
"You'll keep us safe, Jason," fresh snow started to fall. "Look . . . it's snowing again!"
He was looking at me and smiling, Almost like . . . I bet that's how he looked as a kid . . .
When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Fwwhap! "Oooh! Hey!" I heard him laugh – laugh! I don't think I've every heard Jason laugh before . . . I watched the remnants of the snowball drift down my coat, "I'm going to get you for that, Morgan . . ." and I sent one of my own snowballs hurling towards him and heard the satisfying shlawhp! As it hit his leather jacket.
I couldn't contain my giggles and they filled the air as I saw the surprised look on his face! In mere seconds we were fully engaged in a snow battle and rolling in it like children. Their snowman watched over them like a benign grandfather. It's so good to hear him laugh . . . God, I haven't had fun like this in so long . . .
Suddenly I didn't see him. Where did he go? Jason! Where are you?
"Hey, Parson Brown!" I looked at our snowman, "where did he go?" I pretended not to see him playing possum behind our enormous snowman.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.
Fwwhap! I felt the cold lump hit my back and smiled, "There you are," I giggled as I turned right into his chest and felt his arms go right around me.
He grabbed my hand and pointed behind the snow figure, "I made us an ammo stash . . . I think we might need it soon . . ."
"An ammo stash? You're too funny, Jason!" I gave him a playful shove.
And as the words left my mouth, without warning we were pelted by snowballs!
I ran to the stash and returned each volley, "Good thinkin', Jason!"
"Thanks!" And he joined me in returning fire, "get behind the snowman . . . make more . . . I'll hold them off," he laughed.
"Okay . . . I'm making more . . ." and I happily set to work quickly forming more snowballs. And then I heard a strange Fwop! Fwop! Fwop!
And as suddenly as the snow fight started – it ended. The laughter ended. Silence settled over clearing.
Looking up I saw Jason on the other side of the snowman. He was lying in the snow.
"Playing possum, again, Jason?"
I ambled over to him ready to pounce on his prone form, but was stopped by the pool of red glistening in the soft snow. It looks like a bowl of cherries . . .
I let my snowball fall as I dropped to my knees, Not again . . . not again . . . ohmigod . . . Jason! I turned him over and shook him by the shoulders. Jason! You can't do this . . . you can't leave me again! His eyes were closed – I felt something sticky on my hand. Jason! Wake up! Look, it's snowing, again . . . Jason! Jason . . . no!
Walking in a winter wonderland
She tossed and twisted. She felt the warm liquid touching her – her eyes fluttered open – she jackknifed to a sitting position, her heart pounding against her slender frame, her throat constricted in fear, "Jason . . ." it came out in a hoarse whisper.
Walking in a winter wonderland
Looking down where she felt wet she watched the red wine stain the white blanket she had wrapped around her, she shook her head and threw herself back against the sofa cushions, "It was just a dream . . . a nightmare," and she closed her eyes, "Jason, I don't care . . . I really need you . . ."
End, Part One