Push

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NOTE- the italics will be explained later… unless you can guess…

"Things are going according to plan… But, I still don't see why we can't just be patient… They will get it right…" The young girl smiled at her companion shyly and slipped her smaller hand into the lady's warm grasp.

"Pffft… hog wash- if it was left up to them, my dear child, then the really important things would never get done. Don't give me that look young lady! I am fully aware that if we sit back and wait that things will come full circle eventually, but… well, I am feeling a little restless and I truly believe that sometimes in life all you need to get where you're going is a slight push… a nudge really…" the older woman smiled down to the young girl beside her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"It just seems so wrong to take advantage of their misery…" Biting her lip, she looked at the people in question and tried not to let her sorrow for their plights get to her. She had to be brave…

"My dear… I'd say it's high time for them to have a little happiness. A little excitement and adventure is good for the soul, wouldn't you agree? Well then are you ready to go?" The two friends smiled in silent communication and understanding. It was time to stir things up a bit…

"Do you think maybe Spinelli would mind moving to the empty penthouse? I mean, if we were to move in, I think that we might enjoy the privacy… Jason? Hello? Earth to Jason?" Elizabeth sighed in frustration. She had been trying to have this conversation with Jason for the last twenty minutes and except for the occasional "yeah, sure… or whatever you think would be best" he had all but been useless when it came to making any important decisions. She knew that he was anxious to hear from the Specialist out in Seattle about his hand consultation, but she had been hoping that making adjustments to his lifestyle away from the mob might in the near future.

It was obvious that whatever his mind was on, it was NOT her and the conversation they were having… and unfortunately, she had the feeling that it was more of an "who" then "what" that was occupying his mind. That was another thing that she was determined to change if they were going to make this relationship work.

When Jason all but leapt from the couch to answer his cell phone, she didn't even have to hear her name to know by the change in his voice that it was Carly on the other end.

It was about damn time that Carly learned to handle her own drama, and though she knew Jason would be resistant at first ,but the past few months she had been making great head way and it would only take a little more time to nudge Carly out of his life, or at least into a distant corner of it.

"Sorry, I have to go…" Jason pressed a distracted kiss onto her pouty lips and flew out the door before she could even say a word. Yes, she thought, it was definitely time for Carly to go.

Jason tapped on his leg as Max drove them toward Carly's house. He knew that something big was going on, even if she hadn't said so over the phone. The last two weeks had taken its toll on her- between nearly dying, losing her baby and having Michael turn himself in for the accidental shooting of Kate- well, it amazed him that she had held it together this long.

The vibration of his cell phone brought him out of his silent worries.

Glancing at the ID to see an unfamiliar number he answered tersely, "Morgan."

What followed was a whirlwind conversation with the receptionist of the World-Famous Hand Specialist, Dr. Gallager, that he had been waiting impatiently for a week to call him to schedule a consultation… And now all of the sudden they had a miraculous opening the day after tomorrow if he could get to Seattle.

At the moment, Jason was unable to make any promises, but he assured the chipper voice that he would call them back within the next thirty minutes to let them know something.

Sighing as they pulled to a stop in front of Carly's house, he just couldn't imagine leaving her when she needed him.

Carly was pacing the floor. Her tears had tried up but the ache in her chest lingered. The angry words she had just exchanged with Jax played over and over in her head and she didn't know how much longer she would be able to keep it together.

The knock on the door signaled her salvation, with a half cry-half sob she flew to the door and threw it open launching herself into Jason's waiting arms.

Somehow he always knew when she needed to feel his arms around her the most, and rarely did he ever hesitate to deliver.

She knew he wouldn't be thrilled with her present course of action, but she had to do something… she was suffocating in the angry and bitter shamble that remained of her marriage and if she didn't do something soon she would explode.

Jason held the trembling body close to his and swept a quick glance around the room behind her. Two things were obvious, one- the house was empty and quiet, which meant she was alone and two- the suitcases next to the stairs meant that someone was planning on going somewhere and from the feminine looks of the baggage, it wasn't Jax.

Careful not to hurt his injured hands, Jason held Carly away from him with a frown.

"What's going on? Are you going somewhere?" He asked feeling an odd sense of panic develop as he waited for her response.

Carly sniffled, "I know I always tell you that you are wrong for running away from your problems… but I have to leave, Jase… I just can't breathe here… I need to get away for a day or two… maybe longer. I just couldn't leave you without saying goodbye."

"What are you talking about? You can't leave. Michael has meeting with the probation officer and you almost died less than three weeks ago." Jason felt like his head would explode. The thought of Carly taking off somewhere was beyond him.

"I spoke with his probation officer and she had to reschedule for three weeks from now… and as you can see I am healthy as a horse… I just… I just can't be here…" Carly turned away from him and crossed her arms across her chest in a protective gesture.

"What does Jax say about this?" Jason racked his brain in an effort to come up with the solution to keeping Carly safe and in Port Charles.

"I haven't told Jax and I really could care less what he thinks… if it bothers you, you can call him at his room at the Metro Court and ask him… I don't give a shit… I am going. Just me- no guards or Jax… just me, Jase. I have to do this…"

"Where are you going?" The wheels in his head started to turn as he was hit with a solution that just might be the solution to his prayers- and hers.

"I have no idea. Sad isn't it? I am all packed and ready to go, but I don't know where to go… maybe San Francisco… hell, maybe I'll go visit the wine country… I don't care." Carly looked so dejected that Jason had a hard time picturing her having fun take tours of the California wineries.

"Well… I have a better idea, but it's going to require a little work on your part." Jason carefully considered his words and prayed she would be agreeable.

"Let me guess­- you want me to go to the Island… or worse, I get to take two guards instead of three? No deal." Carly slumped down on the couch and hugged a throw pillow to her chest.

"No, actually, I want you to go with me to my consultation is Seattle…"

Carly perked up for a moment and then frowned, "That could be weeks away and I need to go Jason… I would love to…"

"Tonight… we'll leave tonight- you, me and no guards…" Jason saw her eyes light up and he knew that he was winning, and hit with a moment of brilliance he added softly raising his still-bandaged hands up in appeal, " I need you, Carly."

Four words was all it took to see a slow, sweet smile appear on her face for the first time in weeks.