(Present time)

Hopefully, Robert's already called 911, and that's why Kitty's sitting here in the bathroom, thought Jason. Or, maybe they've given up and decided to leave without me.

No such luck. Robert stormed back into the bathroom. "I have no idea what the hell is going on in that mind of yours, but get the hell out of there, get dressed, and get your ass in the car! You hear me?"

"Crystal."

"Ah, he speaks." Robert reached out his hand. Jason took it... and left the shower, the safe confines of the shower. He couldn't wait to come home and go back to it.

Soaking wet, he changed into another suit that didn't fit him, and rode in silence (Did he forget speech or just the English language while away?) with his brother and new sister-in-law to the fundraiser. He'd rather be roasted alive.

Well, I guess I have to go to this damn thing, thought Jason. For some reason, Robert doesn't seem to believe I need immediate medical attention. Kitty doesn't seem too sympathetic either. Damn it, I wish I'd caught Malaria. At least then, I wouldn't have to suffer in the deathly hallows that is The Cove tonight.

There was no getting around the facts. His brother was married to his ex's sister. Sometimes, life just sucks. He knew they'd be in the same room on occasion... Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, et al, and he'd have to put on a smile and be cordial. No problem, thought Jason. But, at some stupid fundraiser on the first night he's back?

What in the world did I do to deserve this? Jason silently lamented. There is no doubt that I'm still being punished, he thought. This is probably Bobby's doing anyway. I knew better.

(Flashback- Mid November)

"I want him home now, Robert!" Courtney stormed into his office unannounced just as he and Kitty were finishing their lunch.

"Um, nice to see you too, Courtney. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, stop your stupid smugness, Robert. Bring him home. This is ridiculous already."

Robert just stands there dumbfounded as Courtney screams at him. Kitty interrupts her tirade. "Um, wait just a minute here. You do not come barging into my husband's office screaming. If, for some reason, you have a legitimate gripe, you can call first, or better yet, text him."

"I see you found yourself a good one, Robert, somebody to do your bidding. I hope you two are very happy together. Now, for the last time, bring... him... home!" Courtney stormed out in the same whirlwind she entered with, with Kitty hot on her heels.

"You know, if you have some sort of problem with me, why don't you bring it to me? Robert doesn't need your shrieking harpy routine right now." Kitty noticed a lot of eyes turn toward her.

"Kitty, I have absolutely no concern for you or your marriage. I do, however, give a damn about Jason. The question is, why don't you?"

"Excuse me? What the hell does that mean?" Kitty said to Courtney's back as she walked into the elevator.

Courtney turned around in the elevator, and, pushing the button, said the truth Kitty had been avoiding for weeks now, "Oh, come on Kitty. Hmm, I thought the blonde hair was fake. Well, let me spell it out for you. Jason didn't leave, Kitty. He was sent away."