Author's Note: This story starts off in the winter of 2003. Jason and Elizabeth have met, but not how we remember it. Jason's history is relatively the same, but I have tinkered with Elizabeth's. Other than that, everything else will be explained as the story progresses.
Prologue
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…
(Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV)
November 21, 2003
10:13 PM
It was a picture perfect winter wonderland.
The vast clear night sky stretched out over them, each snow flake falling to its demise at the mercy of the wind shield wipers. The steady swish of the wipes the only noise penetrating the silence cloaking the silver Mercedes Benz gliding through route#81.
Shifting in her seat, she glanced up at the man steering the car. Cheek resting against the warm leather of the head rest, she watched the lights of passing cars flicker across his olive complexion as he concentrated on the road.
It was part of their ritual, dinner, a stroll through a gallery or a movie, and then a relaxing drive home as the children slept peacefully at home. For the four hours they had to themselves, they were able to pretend they were an ordinary married couple with a family. It made it possible to ignore the presence of the silent shadows that followed them from a safe distance or the twin SUVs that guided and trailed them.
"What the hell is Carlos doing?" he cursed, changing lanes as the SUV before them suddenly shifted to the left. "This isn't the Indy 500."
A corner of her lips quirked up in amusement.
Without hesitation, she reached across the console and rubbed his thigh to calm him down.
"I know, I know," he repeated, capturing her hand in his as he sharply shifted the car to the right.
"They'll get us home soon," she promised him, weaving her fingers through his.
~*~
4:37 PM
A rare calm surrounded her.
Enjoying the silence in her home she all, but collapsed onto the comfortable sofa in the center of her living room. Releasing a soft sigh, she let the last of her strength fade away to allow her eyelids to slowly dip and escape into the blissful sleep that beckoned.
"Mom!"
Her eyes snapped open at the ear-piercing shriek that penetrated the stillness in the Corinthos household. Carly Corinthos jackknifed into a sitting position, her feet dropping to the floor and placed taking a nap on her to do list. She patiently waited for the pounding of footsteps to grow closer. Within moments, a streak of red flew down the stairs to a screeching halt in front of her.
Dropping his blue knapsack, he bent at the waist, clutched one knee as he raised his other hand and wordlessly asked for a moment. With an amused smile, she watched her son take in a deep breath.
Catching his breath, Michael Corinthos Jr., smiled at his mother with a glint of hope in his eyes. "Mom, can I go to Uncle Jason's?"
Jason Morgan was not only her best friend, but also a saint or at least he deserved sainthood. He was unlike anyone she had ever met. Despite every hurtful crime she and Sonny committed against him, he stood by them time and time again. Every reckless plan or spontaneous decision that placed him in the hot seat, he stood by them as their friend. After all the countless times, she and Sonny caused him pain, Jason remained in their lives. Although, it entailed watching them raise a child he had once called his own. Through it all, Jason still loved them. He remained loyal and the best friend anyone could have. She would forever be grateful they survived the anger and agony of betrayal to be a family because Jason was capable of not only being the bigger person, but had the bigger heart.
"Well?" her impatient son whined.
"What for?" she inquired, raising one perfectly plucked blonde eyebrow at her son.
"I need help with math," the freckle faced young boy answered, quickly raising his hands up in peace. "And before you ask, Mom, I'm sure I don't need your help. No offense, you suck at math."
"Is that so?" she mused, her eyes widening in mock alarm. "Then, fine go to Jason. Go, leave your mother feeling unworthy," Carly joked, placing a hand over her heart. "And take Johnny with you."
"You know I love you, Mom," Michael called back to her, already reaching for the door.
"Mhmm," was her only response as the sleep she pushed away for her son's benefit came back to conquer her body. Her mind vaguely acknowledged the door shutting in the distance as a contented sigh slipped from her lips. The sleep that called to her slowly began to consume her to only be thwarted again.
The mahogany double doors that had moments ago closed shut flew open again, causing her lips to curve into a smile. She heard the shuffling of feet on the Persian carpet covering the hardwood floor and the rustle of movements before soft lips gently brushed against her cheek.
"Bye, Mom," her son softly whispered to her. "Enjoy your nap."
A smile adorned her lips as Carly once again surrendered to sleep. The sound of footsteps and the door closing danced in the back of her mind. The tension in her muscles faded away and her tendons went limp as her conscious dimmed and the responsibilities of the day were forgotten.
A sharp distraught cry pierced the silence causing the young mother to once again sit up in alarm.
Disorientated, Carly shook away the bone deep exhaustion and dropped her bare feet onto the floor with a heavy thump. Unconsciously, her hand sought out the baby monitor on a side table and she was off, rushing up the thick-carpeted steps of the main staircase of the house. Reaching the second floor, she didn't pause, breaking into a sprint down the corridor to come to a direct halt in front of one of the two decorated doors in the house.
Gently, she pushed the door open, light immediately flooding through the slight crack. Her lips quirked as the first wave of baby powder washed over her. Without hesitation, she stepped into the room and her eyes instantly fell on the crib off to the side of the room, out of the direct view of the windows.
Swiftly, Carly moved to the crib as her eight month old daughter sat up and stretched out her arms. Evelyn Corinthos' bottom lip quivered as she opened and closed her hands in the empty air.
"Good afternoon, munchkin," Carly greeted her daughter cheerfully.
Evelyn simply wrinkled her nose with the sides of her mouth turned down. The youngest Corinthos wasn't a happy camper.
Reaching into the crib, she cradled her daughter in her arms and moved for the rocking chair.
"Let's get you some milk," she murmured as Evelyn cuddled against her. Grabbing the bottle she made sure was always available; she tested the temperature by squirting a small amount onto the top of her hand. The milk wasn't too hot or too cold, it was just right.
Immediately, Evelyn latched onto the nipple of the bottle and feasted on her afternoon snack.
Leaning back in the rocking chair, Carly gently swayed them. Gazing down at her daughter, she ran her hands through the soft curls Evelyn inherited from her father. At the tender age of eight months, Evelyn resembled her father more and more with each passing day, from her warm brown eyes to her dimpled smile.
She watched as her daughter's eyes slowly drifted shut. Evelyn was as tired as she was, but Carly would snooze later.
Tilting her head back, she continued to rock them back and forth with one foot and took in the room around her.
The nursery was off to the corner of the house where it was dark in the morning and away from all the noise of the estate. There was absolutely nothing that hadn't been done by hand in this room. The walls were painted an off white color with a hint of pink, framed by white molding. An assortment of multi-colored pastel butterflies covered the walls among big white fluffy clouds outlined a dark black. The ceiling was peppered with stars that glowed when the lights were turned off due to the metallic pastels they had been drawn with. The completed décor of the room only hinted at the talent Elizabeth Webber had.
Carly shook her head in awe at the thought of the young brunette. Life worked in strange ways. Elizabeth walked into her husband's life and ended up more than just a friend to them both. She was in so many ways their little sister.
It amazed her how much love the brunette possessed. The stunning room Elizabeth decorated for Evelyn was a testament of the love and affection she had for her Godchildren. Carly's eyes fell to the canopy that graced Evelyn's crib and her smile grew. Just like every other white piece of furniture in the nursery, Elizabeth added a personal touch to the tulle canopy, sewing rose pink colored butterflies onto the fabric.
The door creaked as it was opened wider, drawing her attention to the new occupant in the room. She knew exactly who had just joined her in her daughter's nursery. She waited patiently as the light foot falls moved towards her until they paused right behind her. The intoxicating scent of cologne invaded her senses before a pair of soft lips brushed the side of her neck.
Looking upwards, she placed a finger to her lips to signal him to be quiet. Her husband softly laughed in return.
Carefully, she rose to her feet and tentatively pulled the bottle away from Evelyn's slack lips. Handing over the bottle to Sonny, she laid their daughter down for the afternoon. Gently patting Evelyn's back to make sure she remained asleep, Carly slowly backed away. Coming to stand by Sonny, she motioned for him to follow her.
Silently, the young mother watched as her husband stepped forward to gaze down at their daughter, all his love and joy shining in his eyes.
Slowly, Sonny leaned down and placed a soft kiss to Evelyn's forehead. "Sleep well, mí angel," he whispered. He took one last glance at her serene face, before he turned to follow her out of the silent nursery.
Stepping into the hallway, she leaned against the wall adjacent to the nursery and waited for Sonny. A dimpled smile played across his lips as he entered the hallway, sending the butterflies in her stomach fluttering. She pushed away from the wall and wordlessly slipped into his arms.
They released a deep sigh together. It was one of those rare moments when tranquility ran freely through their house. Her eyes closed and she leaned against him, bumping her nose against his. Her husband pressed a kiss as soft as a feather to her lips and groaned when she responded. She slowly opened her mouth giving him access to the warm cavern of her mouth. His tongue meet her awaiting tongue and the duel began.
After Evelyn's birth and Michael starting third grade, there was barely any time for them to enjoy each other. It was moments like this they stole a few kisses that left them craving for more.
Breaking the kiss when the need for air grew fierce, Carly rested her head against Sonny's shoulder as he peppered hot kiss across her exposed shoulder. His lips trailed up her neck as his hands moved up her back.
Reaching behind her, she grasped his hands as they began fiddling with her zipper and gave them back to him.
Startled, Sonny gawked at her. "What?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.
"Don't start something you can't finish, Mr. Corinthos." Carly teased dropping a quick kiss on his pouting lips, moving away from him.
"Who says I won't finish, Mrs. Corinthos?" he growled, pulling her back into his arms.
Throwing her head back, she laughed at his antics. Breaking free of his hold again, she started walking backwards towards their bedroom. "The reservations at the No Name say so."
"Do we have to go?" Sonny whined, reminding her of their nine year old.
"Yes, we have to go," she answered him in the same tone she would have used with Michael. "It's our night out and I need to go change."
"Can I watch?" he asked, his facing lighting up with hope.
"Not tonight," she teased over her shoulder before disappearing into their room.
~*~
5:45 PM
Pouring a glass of water at the wet bar, he leaned back against the oak counter and inhaled deeply.
His wife had exactly fifteen minutes left before he hauled her out of their bedroom and into the car. The woman had deliberately barred him from their room and if she didn't make an appearance soon, he would be charging into their room and they wouldn't be going anywhere tonight.
Crossing his ankles, he pondered the state of his life. He had a wonderful wife and beautiful children, two loyal best friends, and his position was secure yet his ambitions always failed to allow him to settle for what he had. Instead, he strode to do the impossible. An impossible act that in the end would grant him the luxury of enjoying life to the fullest extent.
"Jason's here," Max announced, swinging the door open for the enforcer.
Jason Morgan entered the penthouse following by an elated Michael.
Sonny smiled at the sight of his best friend and his son grinning over something he had no clue about. The bond between Jason and Michael was a strong one that Sonny was glad existed. It was a comfort to him that if anything, his son always had someone.
"Dad, guess what?" Michael said, jumping on his toes.
"What?"
The red head waved a book enthusiastically in his face. "Uncle Jason just got me a new travel book on Egypt."
Sonny took the book from his son and took a look at the cover. A conglomerate of pictures of sights in Egypt stared back at him. He looked up and smiled at his silent best friend.
"It was time he got a new one," Jason replied. "He has tomato sauce on the last one."
"And it's better than the old one," Michael exclaimed. "It has a whole new section on the pyramids."
"That's great," Sonny smiled at his son and then his friend. "Thanks, Jason."
Jason simply shrugged it off.
Before he could comment, the sound of stilettos caught his attention. Turning to the stairs, he was greeted with the sight of his wife finally making her grand entrance. Of their own accord, his eyes ran over the black halter dress she had thrown on. It was simple yet elegant, the georgette fabric pleated to gather softly around her neck.
She raised her eyebrows at him and smirked before stepping off the last step. His wife knew exactly what she was doing to him and the gleam in her eyes told him she was enjoying every second of it. She slowly made her way over to Jason and placed their daughter into his awaiting arms.
Jason greeted Evelyn with a ticklish kiss, making the child giggle. "Hey. It's nice to see you again, too."
Sonny pulled his wife against him and whispered for only her to hear. "You sure we can't stay home today?" She shook her head. He sighed in disappointment.
Enveloping his wife in his arms, he shifted his attention to his best friend and daughter. Jason ran a hand through her thick dark hair and rubbed her back as he spoke to her softly. He held her close to his wide chest, making sure that his leather jacket didn't bother her. The gentleness in his eyes was overwhelming. Jason had been a great father to his son for the one year that they had been a family. In spite of how Sonny betrayed Jason with Carly more than once, their best friend remained a fixture in their lives.
The harsh ring of the phone broke through Sonny's trance, bringing him back to reality. Carly broke away from him to join their son, who had promptly answered the phone. He watched Michael answer the phone moments before his face lit up like a light bulb. Sonny had a pretty good idea who was on the other end.
"Aunt Liz!" Michael's squeal was followed by Jason's annoyed groan and Carly's amused laughter.
Michael turned on the speaker and placed the handset back in its place. "Aunt Liz, will you be coming to Thanksgiving dinner?" he rushed over his words. "Please come."
"Yes, will you, Elizabeth?" Carly added.
Sonny chuckled at the silence on the other end of the line.
Elizabeth Webber lived in Port Charles, but it took a little persuasion to get her to take part in family activities that involved Jason and it was vice versa for Jason. It amused him to no end that his best friends were both one of a kind, yet were so different. Most of all, he was always amazed and grateful for how far Elizabeth had come, making strides every day, leaving her past behind her.
"Hi, Carly, Sonny, and Eve," Elizabeth's cheerful voice wafted into the room through the speaker. Evelyn shifted towards the source of the brunette's voice. Jason tried to keep his displeasure off his face while Sonny tried to keep a straight face. He had always found the two amusing.
"Hi, Elizabeth," Sonny and Carly said at once, causing Michael and Elizabeth to laugh. Jason looked at the couple with furrowed brows and Sonny simply shrugged in response.
The mob boss watched as a determined look slipped across his wife's delicate features and her blue eyes sparkled with conspiracy. "Now, that we're done with the pleasantries, answer my question, young lady."
Elizabeth's silence filled the room.
"I'll seat Michael between you and Jason," his wife negotiated. "I promise."
Two simultaneous groans were the only responses she received. One from Jason in the room and another from Elizabeth on the phone. Carly began to laugh at their childish behavior and Sonny soon joined her. They both ignored Jason's glare.
Sonny saw his two best friends—both the godparents of his children—as family, but they refused to acknowledge the other's presence. They would arrive one ahead of the other and would enjoy their time with the Corinthos family until Max announced the other's arrival. Then, the one in the house would hastily bid goodbye and disappear through one of the other exits. If they did stay in a room together, it was only for the sake of their godchildren that they tolerated the others presence. They would exchange glares and insults whenever the opportunity served itself with the children out of hearing distance.
It was entertaining for Sonny and Carly. Sonny shook his head at the memories of past family get togethers that ended with him or Carly putting their young friends in time outs in opposite corners.
"I'll even invite Spinelli. I'll sit him right next to Jason, so the kid can keep him occupied with all his computer garble," Sonny listened to Carly fire away. His wife's eyes narrowed before she turned her body away from everyone. Pulling the headphone to her ear, she whispered fiercely. "Listen here, I love you, but if you don't bring me real pumpkin pie for thanksgiving, I will never forgive you." She flashed him a cheeky smile over her shoulder, turning the speaker on again. "Please come for Michael and Evelyn." Sonny smiled, she had just pulled out her Trump card. Only victory would be nearby.
Elizabeth groaned. "Fine, but only because I love your kids," she gave in.
Carly and Michael both squealed in joy and Jason rolled his eyes as Sonny stood by trying to muffle his laughter.
"Thank you. Remember six o'clock on Thursday."
"I do remember when Thanksgiving dinner is, thank you very much."
Carly laughed at her friend's annoyed tone. They'd make it up to her with her Christmas present.
"I'll see you Thursday," Carly murmured into the phone.
"Bye, everyone," Elizabeth bided them farewell without the knowledge that she was regarding Jason as well.
Sonny let out a bark of laughter, his wife grinned in triumph, his son and daughter beamed, and Jason glared at Carly.
"That glare might work on your enemies, but it won't work on me," Carly mused with a knowing smile.
"I sometimes wonder whether you're my friend or my enemy," the enforcer mused.
"It'll be fine, Jason," Carly reassured the taller blond. He rolled his eyes, shifting his attention back to his goddaughter.
Sonny was able to finally get a hold of himself and announced it was time for him and Carly to leave for their dinner. It was the only night of the week that they were able to be a regular couple. It would be the two of them and a romantic dinner along with a pack of guards inconspicuously surrounding them.
"Okay, Mr. Man in bed by ten and you, Missy, don't drive Jason nuts," his wife told their children with a frown that was contradicted by the playful twinkle in her eyes. "I love you two, never forget that." She kissed them goodbye and moved away for Sonny to wish them a good night.
He kissed both of their heads and twirled Evelyn around, making her giggle. "I love you, tykes. And no junk food, Michael."
Michael nodded his head yes and turned to wink at his mom and uncle. "Bye Dad, I love you too. Have fun."
Carly made her way over to their babysitter and kissed his check and murmured, "Thank you for everything." Jason gave her a bewildered look that Carly only smiled at. "I left Emma's number on the fridge if anything."
Jason cocked an eyebrow at her.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Carly chided him. "But just in case you need the nanny, Jason. Just in case."
Sonny and Carly said their goodbyes again and left the living room full of their children's laughter and Jason's soft commanding voice. Max handed Sonny the keys to his car and wished them a great night. The couple made their way out of the house wrapping their arms around each other. Sonny knew his wife chose to ignore the gun against her side.
"You think those two will ever get along?" Carly asked, curiosity shinning in her eyes.
Sonny laughed. "When pigs fly."
~*~
10:20 PM
Tightening his grip on his wife's petite hand, he took the soft curve behind the SUV directing them home. Carlos had been a part of their security detail for Friday night outings from the start and always drove at a safe distance at a steady pace in front of them. Since they had turned onto the high way, the veteran lieutenant had been driving erratically.
"It must be the snow," Carly commented, staring straight ahead.
"Maybe," he grumbled.
He frowned at the open road as his lieutenant signaled again to change lanes to the left. He observed the SUV coming up from the back in his rear view window as he moved the car into alignment with Carlos.
"We'll be home soon," Carly reminded him, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "Oh!"
"What?" he transferred his attention to his wife. He could hear the excitement in her voice.
"Guess what?"
He chuckled. "Tell me what."
"Michael has decided the house needs a change. To quote him 'It's all so boring,'" his wife made air quotes. "But get this, he thinks his room is the worst. Guess why?"
He didn't even bother guessing. "And why is that?" he played along with a grin.
"Because," she drawled. "He's run out of space for his books," she laughed. "There's absolutely nowhere for him to tuck away another book. I found some in an empty laundry basket the other day."
He joined his wife in her warm peals of laughter. "You'll figure something out for him."
"Or we could just redecorate?"
He shook his head at the suggestive tone Carly used. He was just about to tell her otherwise when Carlos suddenly started to slow down. He followed his lead. Carlos edged into the left land and again Sonny followed.
Carly squeezed his hand again, drawing his focus away from the road.
She gifted him with a tender smile. "I love you," she murmured.
Raising her hand up to his lips, he pressed a lingering kiss on her petal soft skin. He turned and smiled with dimples and all, "And I love you." He knew the love he saw reflected in her blue eyes matched the love that he felt for her.
They shared a fleeting smile.
The screeching scream of wheels on the road shattered the contentment. Their car colliding with the SUV meant to protect them.
Carly Corinthos' scream filled the night air as Sonny Corinthos' world went dark.
Please let me know your thoughts. They'd be greatly appreciated =)