AN:

It's Monday!! And yes we're evil. Bwahhh! Don't kill us we do have a plan. Enjoy!

For Luv. Hope you feel better.


Chapter Four

"What do you want Spinelli?"

"I... I... It's of a rather sensitive and private nature," Spinelli said looking around the room.

"And it can't wait?" asked Jason.

"No. The Jackal feels Stone Cold should know immediately."

"Could you two give us a minute?" Jason asked.

"Sure Jason take your time. Max and I..."
Diane started to say.

"I'd rather not know to be honest," Jason told his two employees. He might not stop their relationship but he didn't want the details either. Once he and Spinelli were alone he asked, "Well what was so important I had to stop my meeting?"

"Um... The Jackal... meaning myself of course... I was at the place of healing..."

"The hospital? Why were you at GH?" Jason asked.

"To see your progeny and the Material One," Spinelli replied as if that were obvious.

"Spinelli, you have to stop doing that. Elizabeth..." Jason started to say frustrated by Spinelli. He was a great friend but there were times Jason wished he would stop trying to fix things.

"Needs a friend. And the Jackal thought... well I hoped... that the Jackal could..."

"What did you hear what caused all this?" asked Jason his hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He could just feel a headache coming on.

"Well the Valkyrie was there with Mr. Corinthos sir and the White Knight. They were all fighting very loudly and..."

"Tell me she didn't," Jason said under his breath.

"I'm afraid the Jackal cannot," Spinelli replied.

"Damn it! Why would she say something like that? Especially after I told her not to," Jason said angrily.

"Well to be fair the Valkyrie doesn't really listen to anyone. Not even the brilliant Stone Cold," Spinelli rambled trying to keep his mentor in check. While he new Jason would never hurt him Carly was another story.

"Did... did Elizabeth hear her?" he asked.

"Stone Cold you aren't responsible for the Valkyrie's actions,"
Spinelli tried to reassure him.

"Oh my god! She's never going to forgive me," Jason said getting up from his chair and pacing.

"Maybe if you explain to the Maternal One..."

"You don't understand, Spinelli. Elizabeth will never believe I didn't go along with this. I've protected Carly too many times," Jason said heatedly.

"So what is Stone Cold going to do?"
asked the young man.

"I don't know yet. I have to at least try and explain to Elizabeth. Even if she just throws me out again."

"The Jackal is pleased to hear this. And what of the Valkyrie?" he asked.

"I know I have to deal with Carly. She needs to understand what she's done. That there are somethings that just aren't forgivable."
Jason said quietly almost to himself. "I have to go try and talk to Elizabeth."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Elizabeth curled up on the sofa. The boys had finally went down for a nap leaving Elizabeth alone with her thoughts. She almost couldn't believe what had happened at the hospital. Almost. She had always know Jason would do anything for Carly. How many times did he leave to clean up one of her messes? Too many times to even attempt to count. She had thought, hoped, that Jake would be a priority for Jason but somehow she had forgotten Carly always came first. She wondered what would have happened if Michael hadn't been shot. Would her life, her happiness revolve around Carly's whims. The simple truth was it probably would have.

Over the years she had gotten use to being ignored and pushed aside. Hell she had even come to expect it. Her children however deserved better. And as their mother Elizabeth was determined they would get it.

That knowledge was the start of several important realizations. As much as she loved Jason they could never work. Someone would always be put first and Elizabeth wasn't willing to accept that. Elizabeth knew she had to let go of any hope she had for her and Jason. In order to find some kind of happiness they both needed to move on.

For the next half hour Elizabeth cried. Mourning the loss of what could never be. She was just pulling herself together when there was a knock at her door. Elizabeth quickly answered it not wanting to have the boys wake up.

"We need to talk."