From Friends to Strangers…..Chapter 4
Brenda stretched and opened her eyes.
She felt much better than she did the day before.
She felt even better after she didn't see Jason.
She could not believe it.
He actually respected her wishes.
He left.
She got out of bed and went into the bathroom.
She needed to take a shower.
It had been over twenty four hours since she last had one.
She felt awful yesterday.
She could hardly stand, let alone shower.
She turned on the water and walked over to the sink to brush her teeth.…..
Jason opened a can of soup and warmed it up.
He poured a glass of juice and headed back upstairs.
Brenda didn't eat at all yesterday, she needed to eat something.
He wanted to leave but just couldn't.
She was just too sick.
He didn't want to leave and something happened.
Yes, she told him she wanted him gone…several times, and he believed her. He just didn't feel right doing it.
After all, it was his fault she was in that predicament.
She didn't tell him that, but she didn't have to.
Jason pushed the door open with his foot.
The bed was empty.
"Br-"
At that moment the bathroom door swung open and Brenda screamed his name. "Jason!"
She slammed the door shut.
Jason got an eye full of Brenda in nothing but her underwear.
He sat the juice and soup down.
He should have knocked but he thought she was still in bed.
She was definitely going to come out screaming and yelling now.
He ran his fingers through his short blonde hair.
Here we go
The bathroom door opened and she appeared wearing a robe.
"Jason, I thought you were gone. In fact, I remember telling you I wanted you to leave."
He looked her over. "You look better."
"I feel better. You should too after seeing me naked."
"Stop exaggerating. You had on underwear."
"That does not make me feel better, Jason."
"Brenda, it was an accident. I apologize. I didn't take any pleasure in seeing you like that."
"Just go home, Jason."
"I brought you a bowl of soup and a glass of juice. I wouldn't eat anything heavy…start slow."
"Who died and made you a doctor?"
"Well, you are definitely feeling better. I'm leaving and you are welcome."
"I didn't ask you to stay! I told you to leave."
"I should have."
He walked out of the room, leaving her standing there.
Brenda looked over at the soup and juice.
She didn't want Sonny's charity.
Sonny probably made him stay with her.
She didn't want any part in helping him ease his conscience.
Jason hated her.
He basically told her so.
She could also see it in his eyes.
He only felt obligated because of his loyalty to Sonny.
He wasn't doing it because he actually cared about her.
He was probably happy Sonny didn't show up.
He never liked her.
Not since the accident.
Brenda looked in the mirror at her reflection.
She was wearing the silk robe she wore at the church.
The one she had on before she slipped on her wedding dress.
It took her back to that awful day.
She could still smell the flowers.
She hated the smell of flowers now.
She took off the robe and threw it in the trash in the bathroom.
She hated each and everything that reminded her of that day.
No one could ever understand what that felt like.
She was trying so hard to move on.
All she wanted was the opportunity to….move on.
Every time she saw Jason, she was reminded.
Reminded of the people, the flowers, the reverend, the music…..the empty space.
He didn't understand what that did to her.
She didn't really think he cared.
He only cared about his loyalty to Sonny.
Why would she want anything from him?
His loyalty was to the man who hurt her and he helped him do it.
How was she supposed to feel about him?
Be grateful that he stuck around, picked her up off the floor, helped her find that awful ring, and held her hair while she threw up.
She didn't ask him to.
Let Sonny thank him.
It would mean more.
She heard his motorcycle revving up and him leaving.
She hoped he would finally back off and leave her alone…..
The next couple of weeks was relatively quiet.
She hadn't heard from or seen Jason which was fine with her.
She knew she was still being followed, but as long as they didn't bother her, they could do what they wanted.
Brenda stayed busy.
She was getting ready for the photo shoot.
She worked out a couple of times a day.
She was guzzling down water, getting facials, basically doing everything models do when it's almost time for a big shoot.
Brenda was so happy that they were shooting in Port Charles.
She didn't want to have to worry about packing too…
It is the day of the photo shoot and Brenda is leaving her house early.
She paused and looked at her yard.
It was so plain.
There were no flowers.
The landscaper wanted to add some, but she didn't want anything to remind her of that awful day.
She had to admit, her yard could use some color.
How long was she going to let, what Sonny did rule her life?
She really needed to talk to someone.
This was more than she could handle.
She was done convincing herself that she was over it.
It just wasn't that easy.
She wished it was.
She shivered as a strong breeze whipped through.
She really should add a garage to her house.
She had the land.
She would put that on her to do list too.
See a therapist and add a garage.
She grinned and looked down at her watch.
She had to go.
Lucy would have a fit if she was late.
Hair and makeup was going to take at least two hours to complete.
The one thing Lucy hated more than anything, besides not wearing the latest fashions, was being late and messing up the budget.
Time is money.
Brenda unlocked her car door, jumped in, and left…...
It was a twelve hour shoot not including hair and makeup.
By the end of the day she was exhausted.
She just wanted to go home and crash, but she had to stop by the hospital first.
Monica called and asked her to stop by after she was done.
Brenda had no idea what she could possibly want.
Maybe it was concerning Lila's birthday dinner or maybe not.
Whatever it was she would soon find out.
She was waiting in Monica's office when she walked in.
"Brenda, thanks for stopping by. Your shoot just wrapped?"
Brenda nodded. "Yes, so glad it's over."
Monica walked around and sat down at her desk. "I know you are wondering why I asked you to stop by."
'Yes, I'm assuming it has something to do with Lila's birthday dinner tomorrow night?"
She leaned forward. "Yes, you are absolutely right."
"Anything you need me to do I will do. Just say the word."
"Great, because I really need your help. You are one of the few people that are close to Jason."
Brenda had no idea why she would think that. "Monica, we are not close."
"You speak often."
"Not lately and we don't speak. We just fight."
"You still communicate. He doesn't really have anything to do with us. If fighting was all we had, we would take it."
Brenda could see the sadness in her eyes. "Yes, I know how much you miss him. I asked him to stop by and see you."
Monica's face lit up. "What did he say?"
"We started fighting and never finished the talk."
"Oh, well…I think Lila would love it if he was at her birthday dinner. That would be the best surprise. I wanted to see if you could possibly get him to come."
"Jason doesn't listen to me. He listens to Sonny."
"Yes, I know. Do you think you could just try…maybe he'll-"
"I haven't seen him. I don't even know if he would talk to me."
"It would really mean a lot, Brenda."
Brenda hated Jason but she loved his family. "Ok, Monica. I'll try."
Monica smiled. "Thank you, so much…..."
Brenda is back in her car.
She pulled out her cell phone and scrolled down to his name.
She couldn't believe she was calling him, but this wasn't for her.
It was for Lila, Monica, Alan, Edward….his family.
The family that took her in, when she had no one.
She pressed the button and waited.
Jason looked down at his phone.
Brenda
What was she calling to accuse him of now?
He answered. "I haven't been anywhere near you or your house."
"Jason, you are not funny, so stop trying to be."
"Well, that part of my brain was damaged. I apologize."
"Jason, I didn't call to argue. In fact I've been working all day, I'm tired, and I'm not in the mood.."
"And taking pictures all day made you tired?"
Brenda didn't feel like going rounds with him. "Never mind. This was a mistake."
She hung up.
Jason looked at the phone.
That was so unlike him.
Who was he kidding?
She deserved it.
Brenda threw the phone into the passenger seat. She tried that's all she could do.
She would just have to tell Monica it didn't work.
She headed home…..
She pulled up to her house and noticed something in her driveway.
It was a motorcycle.
Jason
She parked and got out.
He was sitting on the porch.
She walked up to the house and he stood up.
"What did you want?"
"Now you want to know?"
"Brenda, just tell me what you wanted."
"If you didn't act like a douche bag, you would already know."
"I just acted like you."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, it's cold out here. We can talk inside."
She unlocked the door and they went in.
She turned on the lights and threw her purse down on the sofa.
Jason looked her over. "Your hair grew."
"Yes, it's this special shampoo I used. It's called, stalking douche bag."
Jason was not amused.
Brenda pulled her hair up. "They're clip ins."
He sat down.
Brenda took off her jacket. "Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"
"No, thanks."
"Ok, well tomorrow is your grandmother's birthday. They are having a dinner for her. Your mother really would really like you to come."
Jason looked down. "I wasn't expecting that."
"Well….are you going to come?"
"May I have a moment to process it? My brain doesn't work like it used to remember?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "Jason, stop."
"Why? You won't. But seriously, I don't…know, Brenda."
"What don't you know? They are your family, Jason. Your blood family. Not Sonny but the Quartermaines. They love you. They miss you more than you can understand. I know they came off as a little pushy after the accident. They were just trying to get you to remember. Imagine the person you love….let's say Sonny had an accident and didn't remember you. How would you feel?"
"Really, Brenda?"
"Really, Jason. You love him the most. Just put yourself in their shoes. It's tomorrow at six. Please come, or at the least consider coming. And wear something nice. Your best jeans do not equal nice.'
"I don't even know if I am going and you are trying to tell me what to wear."
"Just in case you decide to go."
Jason really didn't know if it was a good idea. "Are you going?"
"Yes, but I don't have to. Your family really would love to see you. I don't want our relationship….or lack there of to prevent you from going."
He stood up. "I can put up with you. It's that dysfunctional family."
"And you and Sonny aren't dysfunctional with your secrets, killings, stalking, and whatever else you two are in to. You can put up with the Quartermaines for a little while. It's easier than aiming at heads."
"Brenda, you talk too much. I'll think about it."
"Ok, that's all I ask."
He walked towards the door and opened it.
She watched him leave.
She called out to him. "Jason, when you leave someone's house you say bye! It's called manners!"
He got on his bike. "Brenda, you are the last person who should be lecturing someone on manners! When someone stays with you all night while you are sick….not because they were ordered, you should say thanks!"
She rolled her eyes and closed the door…...
It's the next day.
Brenda is running late to Lila's birthday party.
Everything that could go wrong went wrong.
She broke the zipper on her skirt, couldn't find her favorite black pumps, and her curling irons failed to heat up.
Maybe this was an omen?
Maybe she should just stay home?
Who was she kidding?
She was going.
She had to go.
She loved Lila.
Lila was a blessing and deserved to be celebrated.
Brenda quickly changed into a pair of high waisted trousers, a white blouse, and black booties.
She pulled her hair into a high bun, which didn't take much effort, because she still had the extensions in.
She wore medium sized pearl earrings, minimal makeup, with her signature dark red lip.
She hoped she looked fine.
It was not what she had in mind, but it would have to do.
Brenda didn't live in town so it took a while to get there.
As soon as she pulled up to the house, she rushed out of her car, and up to the door.
She looked at her watch.
It was almost seven.
She should be just in time for dinner.
They always had an hour of cocktails before dinner.
Especially, important ones.
Just her luck that changed and they had already started.
She rung the doorbell and waited.
The door swung open and she was greeted by Reginald, the butler.
She said her hellos and rushed inside.
"I am so late, Reginald."
"They haven't started dinner yet."
She relaxed. "Great."
He took her coat.
She was getting ready to go into the great room, when she spotted someone sitting at the bottom of the stairs.
"AJ? Why aren't you inside?"
He pulled his glass to his lips. "Golden boy is here. I'm not needed nor am I wanted."
"Jason came?"
He held up his glass. "Bingo."
Brenda couldn't believe it. "Wow, he actually came."
"Yes, go…don't let me keep you. Go fawn over him too."
"I'm not going to do that, AJ. I am only happy he's here…for you and your family."
"I didn't need him to come." He looked into his glass. "I'm just reminded-"
"AJ…don't talk like that. It's not your fault."
"Yes, it is. Go…enjoy your dinner."
He got up and went upstairs.
Brenda watched him until he was out of sight.
He had to stop blaming himself.
He never meant to hurt Jason.
It was an accident.
She just hoped he didn't drink himself to death.
She walked into the great room. "Hello, everyone…..…."
It was only close family there.
It was just Alan, Monica, Edward, Lila, Ned…and Jason.
After saying her hellos to everyone and wishing Lila a happy birthday, she made her way over to Jason. "You came."
"And I didn't even ask Sonny if it was ok."
"I didn't come over here to argue. I am trying to be nice."
"You? Nice? That's a first."
"Jason, I just don't want you telling your boss everything that goes on with me. I feel like you are spying on me and feeding him information."
"I'm not, Brenda. Only the things that have to do with security."
"I don't want him knowing about me or what I do. Even if I am sick, it is none of his business."
Jason was counting down the days until he didn't have to deal with her anymore.
She continued. "So, if you aren't feeding him personal information, that would mean he didn't make you stay with me."
He looked over at her. "Make me? You were sick, you live outside of town by yourself, so I stayed. I said as much last night."
"Is that really the truth, Jason?"
"Brenda, think whatever you want."
She stared at him. "You know, I actually believe you."
Jason really just wanted her to find someone else to talk to. "I don't really care if you do or don't."
"I believe that too. I guess I should thank you for staying. So…thanks."
He wasn't expecting that. "Wow, didn't think you were familiar with the word. But you are welcome."
She looked him over. He was wearing a nice pair of pants, a collared shirt, tie, and a really nice pair of shoes. She grabbed his tie. "Who dressed you?"
He removed her hand. "Maybe I dressed myself?"
She chuckled. "Yeah, right."
"Carly helped me."
"That trash bag. Someone should help her."
"Brenda, she is my friend. Don't do that."
She held up her hand. "I'm sorry. I am not trying to fight with you tonight."
"I can't tell. Why don't you like her? She has never done anything to you."
"I don't know her, but she has done something to one of my friends….Robin. I think Robin liked you, and Carly knew that."
"We were just friends, Brenda. I liked her as a person but that's it."
"Nothing ever happened between the two of you?"
"No, did she tell you that something happened?"
"No…but-"
"But nothing Brenda, she would have mentioned it, don't you think?"
"I guess, but I thought she was trying to keep it private."
"Nothing to tell, Brenda. And this is not high school."
"How do you know? Do you remember high school?"
Jason just shook his head. "And this is you being nice."
She ignored him. "I really thought you liked each other. Not just as friends."
"Brenda, I'm not interested in anyone. I like my freedom."
"Free to stalk and shoot at people?"
"Are you sure you don't want to argue?"
She took a deep breath and blew it out. "Ok, I'm sorry. I was wrong."
"It won't be the first time."
Monica walked over. "You two should come up for air." She smiled. "I don't mean to interrupt, but it's time for dinner. Reginald came in and announced it, but you apparently didn't hear him. Must have been an interesting conversation?"
Brenda looked at Jason. "Nope."
She walked off.
Jason laughed.
She is just unreal.
Monica looked at him.
It had been a minute since she seen him laugh.
She missed the way he looked.
She just missed him, but he was here now.
That's all that mattered.
They headed into the dining room…..
Dinner started off really quiet.
Everyone was making small talk and actually being polite.
Brenda sat next to Ned.
Jason sat across from them.
He was sandwiched between his grandmother and his mother.
Edward sat at the head of the table with Lila on his right.
Alan sat at the other end with Monica to his left.
Everyone was busy having their own private conversations.
Brenda and Ned spent time catching up.
Brenda loved Ned like a brother.
She wished he was staying a little longer.
He was leaving Port Charles in the morning.
He had to get back home to Lois and their daughter.
Brenda talked to Lois almost everyday.
They were still the best of friends.
She was supposed to come to the wedding, but Brooklyn got sick, so she wasn't able to make it.
Turns out she didn't miss much.
Ned sipped on his champagne. "I hate him even more now."
"Trust me I know the feeling, but I don't want to discuss him. He is so last year."
Ned laughed and raised his glass.
She picked hers up and they clicked glasses.
Ned nodded. "That's the spirit."
Edward stood up. "Everyone may I have your attention. I just wanted to say a few words about my lovely wife."
He looked lovingly at her. "I can't remember a time when I didn't love you. You are the best of me. I have never been worthy, but you still love me. Happy birthday, my love. Everyone raise your glasses. To many more years to come."
Brenda raised hers.
She couldn't help but envy them.
People can say a lot of things about Edward, but no one could say that he didn't love Lila.
He treated her like she hung the moon.
She wanted that.
She wanted someone to love her like that.
He would cut off his arm before he hurt her.
A tear trickled down her cheek. She wiped it away, before anyone noticed.
Monica looked over at Jason and followed his eyes.
He was looking at Brenda.
After the toast, Brenda excused herself.
She went into the library.
She took a couple of deep breaths.
This is Lila's party.
She didn't want to make it about her.
"Brenda?"
She turned her back. "Jason, I'm fine. I just needed a minute."
He walked in and closed the door.
She wiped her face. "Jason, I said I'm fine. Go back to your family."
"You are not fine."
She turned and looked at him. "I just really want to get over this. Why can't I?"
"Brenda, it hasn't been that long since it happened."
"I don't care. I don't want this to control my life. It happened and I just want to move on." She chuckled once she realized who she was talking to. "You know…I really must be losing my mind. Why am I talking to you? You helped him."
"I didn't help him do anything. I told you, I found out just before he was supposed to come out."
"So, he just left you to deal with the fallout?"
Jason looked off.
Brenda sighed. "Of course. Well, that sucks for you. You had to clean up his mess. Deal with me. I believe you, Jason. You are a lot of things, but I know in my heart you are not a liar. You still shouldn't be in here with me. You should be out there…with your family."
"I was just making sure you were ok."
"Why? You don't even like me. Thanks, but I don't deserve whatever this is you are giving me. I have been nothing but mean to you. Basically taking it all out on you. The wrong person. I guess I can't take it out on him, because he isn't here. If I were you I wouldn't even care, especially after that brain damage comment. Especially, after everything I have said. I'm awful, I know it. I'm sorry. I really mean it."
"It's fine, Brenda."
"No, it's not. Now, you are lying. I am going to work through my issues. Look Jason, we will probably never like each other-"
He smiled. "You don't like me? That's news to me."
She laughed. "Seriously, we may never like each other, but we can respect each other. I haven't been respecting you. I know I need this protection until people realize I no longer mean anything to your boss. I get it. Just please be discreet."
"It shouldn't be much longer."
"I hope not. Not just for me, for you also. I know you are sick of me."
He didn't deny it.
She continued. "You are sick of me, but you came to check on me."
That reminded her of her friend, Jason Quartermaine.
Even if he didn't like someone, if they were in trouble, he would not hesitate in helping.
She looked up into his eyes. "You know, Lila was right."
"About what?"
"If I just look hard enough…you know what? Never mind. We should go, I'm sure they are wondering where you are. Things have been really quiet. Quatermaine dinners are normally very lively."
Jason opened the door for her. "I remember."
Her eyes widen. "You do?"
"Yes, I lived here after the accident."
She grinned. "Oh, yeah right…."
They walked back into the dining area.
Brenda and Jason took their seats just in time to sing happy birthday to Lila.
Of course, Jason didn't sing.
Brenda wasn't surprised, hit men do not sing.
He did, however, tell his grandmother happy birthday after the song was over.
They are all eating cake.
Edward thought this was a great opportunity to extend a job offer to Jason. "Jason, I think you should come and work for ELQ."
Jason quickly turned him down. "No thanks."
Alan did not want Edward ruining things. "Father, he is fine."
Edward looked at Alan. "No, he isn't. He is working for that criminal. He should come and work at ELQ." His eyes shifted back to Jason. 'There are no guns allowed at ELQ, so you won't have to dodge any bullets or wear bullet proof vests."
Monica hit the table. "Will you shut up!"
Edward frowned. "Don't tell me to shut up. You know I'm right. I'm going to tell him the truth. The rest of you can play make believe. I'm not interested."
Brenda looked over at Jason and grinned.
He just stared at her.
Ned agreed with Edward. "Grandfather is right. Jason belongs at ELQ, not taking out people for his coward boss."
AJ walked in. "It's ok for Jason to work at ELQ, but I can't step foot on the property!"
Edward stood up. "Because you are a drunk, and you might run over one of the employees in the parking lot."
Alan shook his head. "This is mother's birthday, everybody shut up!"
Monica raised her glass. "I second that."
None of it fazed Lila..
She was use to them.
She leaned over and thanked Jason for coming and gave him permission to leave if he'd like.
Jason didn't leave…he stayed until dinner was over.
Monica invited him to ELQ's annual charity event. He said he would think about it.
That was enough for her.
Jason and Brenda left at the same time.
Monica and Alan watched them leave.
"Alan, do you think they like each other?"
"No, Monica. No matchmaking."
"I'm not matchmaking, I just thought I saw….never mind."
"Yes, never mind. Brenda is in love with Sonny."
"Not anymore."
Alan looked down at Monica. "Jason works for Sonny, stop. I don't need you running him away."
Monica shrugged. "I was just wondering. I won't bring it up again."
"Good…."
Jason walked Brenda to her car.
She unlocked the door.
He opened it.
"I'm glad you came it really meant a lot to your family."
"Except AJ."
"AJ just feels guilty, Jason."
"He shouldn't, it was an accident."
She nodded. "Yeah, it was. Maybe you two should talk? He is your brother."
"I don't know."
"Think about it. Well, goodnight. Don't forget to tell your men I'm leaving, so they can follow me."
He laughed. "You're ok with it now?"
"No, but it's not like they are going to stop. I told you…I get it."
She got into the car. "Bye."
"Bye."
He closed the door and walked to his car.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number. "She is leaving."
He disconnected the call…..
Brenda decided to stop by Kelly's for some coffee before heading home.
She was sitting at a table, when Jason walked in.
He walked up to her. "I'm not stalking, just wanted some coffee."
"I didn't say anything, Jason."
He continued on to the counter.
He ordered his coffee, paid for it, and grabbed his cup.
He sat down at another table.
Brenda turned. "Really, Jason? We just had dinner with your family."
"Yeah, but this is the real world. My grandmother isn't around. This is me…respecting the restraining order."
"No, you are not, because you are not fifty feet away from me."
She grabbed her purse, coat, and coffee.
She walked over to his table and sat down.
"I didn't say you could sit with me, Brenda. Maybe I just want to be left alone?"
"Ha ha. If you want to be left alone, too bad. I'm staying anyway."
He laughed…...