A/N I wrote this first few chapters of this fic before the current storylines happened - which from a Liz and Jason fan perspective disgust me - and when the first rumors of Helena coming back appeared. I want to see a storyline where Jason protects Elizabeth, not from his enemies but from Elizabeth's. And she does have them, I think people forget that. This is should be a short fic and occurs on and around Jake's birthday.

Things you need to know Michael is awake and has turned against Sonny, Carly, Jason and has sought the Q's out. He won't appear in the story but he will be mentioned. Jason and Elizabeth true to their promise to each other have not had any contact. Events will make Elizabeth re-evaluate all her choices over the last two years and it won't be a good time for her. The story starts in the present and then goes back in time for a few chapters until it catches up again.

Prologue - Chapter One

Present - Evening of May 4th - Metro Court

Elizabeth sat at the table the waiter had directed her to, waiting for Carly. Her eye's darted about the room several times taking in the other customers. Wondering to herself if she would recognise him after all this time, or if he would be able to fade in to the background and grab her without warning. She didn't feel safe, even in this crowded environment she didn't feel safe from what was threatening her boys and herself, and she definitely didn't feel safe from her own guilt. At least Max had agreed to help her and Carly, despite everything that was going on, had agreed to meet her.

Flashback

"Hello?"

Elizabeth swallowed at the sound of her voice and announced softly

"It's Elizabeth, Carly." Several seconds of silence greeted Elizabeth's introduction. She waited patiently for the sound of the click to alert Elizabeth that Carly had hung up. When it didn't come Elizabeth inhaled a shaky breath and attempted to gather her thoughts.

"What do you want Elizabeth?" Carly asked with impatience.

"A meeting!" Elizabeth responded.

"A meeting? Hmmm and why would I meet you? With everything that is going on in my life why on earth would I want to meet you?"

"I know you're dealing with a lot at the moment Carly and I'm sorry but I need your help" she began and was greeted with a snort of disgust making her continue on in a rush.

"Please Carly I need your help. It's about Jason" Again Elizabeth was confronted with silence then an audible sigh.

"Alright when and where?" Elizabeth nodded in relief.

End Flashback

Elizabeth's eyes closed briefly as she recalled the brief exchange, but quickly opened them again. The tension in Elizabeth's shoulders tightened even further as her latest scan of the room caught Carly getting off the elevator and heading in her direction. Her steps had purpose and Elizabeth stifled a nervous giggle. Carly once told Elizabeth that she would get what she deserved. Given all the crimes that Elizabeth had accused herself of over the course of the day, she figured once Carly knew why Elizabeth had asked for the meeting, Carly would be leaving The Metro Court in a markedly better mood than she arrived. Carly stopped opposite Elizabeth, threw her clutch purse on the table and noted Elizabeth's expression. She was about to comment when her gaze met Elizabeth's eyes. Carly frowned slightly at what she saw there, she didn't like it and immediately exclaimed.

"Jesus Liz you look like shit"

"Well then I look exactly how I feel. Take a seat, I know you want me to get to the point as quickly as possible." Elizabeth replied as, Carly flopped herself down on the chair opposite Elizabeth

Carly regained her composure and quickly allowed her resentment and dislike for Elizabeth to spread across her face for Elizabeth to see.

"Would you like a drink?" Elizabeth stalled for time.

"No! Just get to the point."

"OOkaay " Elizabeth paused still not certain of how to tell Carly what she was about to tell her. She decided there was no right way, because basically Carly wouldn't care about Elizabeth's life only Jake's and how the threats would impact Jason and his son. As Carly's nails started to tap an impatient tattoo on the table, Elizabeth dropped her gaze to stare at he wine glass and spoke in a soft and broken voice.

"I need your help"

"You said that already. You said it has something to do with Jason?" Carly asked suspiciously. Elizabeth raised her eyes, now bigger than Carly had ever seen them, and nodded.

"You need my help to do what?"

Elizabeth swallowed and closed her eyes searching for strength.

"Give Jake back" the words rushed out nonsensically.