Notes ---

I don't own GH or the characters (but I adore them both), just my story.

Making A Memory

Chapter 13

"Honey, we're home."

Elizabeth laughed at her clichéd expression as she entered her home. Cam jumped down off the steps that led into the living room and practically into Jason's arms as he came in from the kitchen.

"Jason," the little boy called excitedly.

"Hey buddy." He picked the child up and placed a kiss on his head of chocolate curls.

"I made you a picture. See?" Cam held up the piece of paper he held in his hand.

There were two large stick shaped people, a small stick shaped person, and what looked like a potato with arms growing out of the side of the large stick person with the longer hair. They were standing in front of a house with a blue sky and sun in the background. Jason was pretty sure it was the only piece of art he'd ever really understood. He also thought it was the most beautiful.

"That's you and Mommy, and Jake and me."

Cam pointed out each person as Jason held the picture in his free hand. Apparently Jake was the potato growing out of his Mom's side. He'd obviously drawn her holding Jake on her hip, like he saw her do everyday. The young artist had even managed to add the turret on the house and small circles on the front of the building to represent the stone faced front. He was a very observant kid.

"Wow! You did a great job. We're going to have to hang this up so everyone can see it." He looked into his son's face, which was beaming with pride. He then looked over at Elizabeth who had come down to join them, with their drooling little potato on her hip. "You're as talented as your Mom."

Elizabeth smiled at him with love in her eyes. There was much to love about this man she'd married, but the most wonderful thing was how he was with their children. His affection and concern for them made her want to cry. He was the best father they could possibly have.

"Why don't you go and wash your hands so we can eat," he said to Cam. "I got burgers and fries from Kelly's."

"Yeah!" The little boy took off when Jason put him down.

"Don't forget your backpack," his mother reminded him. He'd dropped it at the door in his hurry to show off his masterpiece. With a quick u-turn, he scooped it up and headed up to his room.

"Hi," Elizabeth said, as she faced her husband again.

"Hi." He put an arm around her waist and kissed her, holding her for a second before letting go.

"Hey you."

Jason turned his attention to the baby in her arms, receiving a gummy grin in return. He took Jake from Elizabeth and hugged him softly, resting his cheek against the downy head.

"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth noticed his expression was a little off. He seemed bothered by something.

Jason looked at her over their son's head. "I'll tell you when we're alone."

She nodded, understanding that whatever it was wasn't meant for little ears. Her hand came up and touched his face in a loving gesture. He turned his head and kissed her palm, smiling at the way she knew him. It hadn't taken a single word for her to pick up that something had happened. Even though she didn't know what it was, her first instinct was to comfort him.

God, he loved this woman.

Cam came down the stairs and headed past them to the kitchen.

"I'm hungry," he said as he raced by.

"I'll second that," Jason responded. "Let's eat."

They enjoyed a relaxed family meal together. Cam chattered about the wonders of daycare while his parents listened intently, occasionally injecting a question or comment. Jake, not wanting to be left out, made sounds from the comfort of his bouncy seat. The toys attached to the front would rattle when he kicked, momentarily drawing his attention to them. He'd play with them for a second, notice his brother talking, and the whole process would start again. Jason laughed at the baby's antics.

This was what he'd wanted for so long. Just the normalcy of this evening was like heaven to him. He watched his wife wipe ketchup off of Cam's face, and smiled at her. She was responsible for all of it. Elizabeth gave him the precious gifts he now couldn't live without; their children and her love.

Things were beginning to happen around them that made him worry. Georgie's attack was one of them.

Sonny called earlier and told him what happened. He'd offered to go over, but there was really nothing he could do. He'd been surprised to hear that Spinelli had killed the attacker. Though it was accidental, he was sure that the gentle natured hacker must be disturbed by it. Jason promised himself to check on his friend when he got back from Florida.

It was decided that postponing the trip was unnecessary, since they didn't know exactly what the attack meant. There was the possibility it was random, but considering where it happened and that Spinelli was connected to him and Sonny, it could mean something else. Just what, he wasn't sure yet.

All he knew was that he'd do anything to make sure it didn't touch his family.

After they finished eating, Cam wanted to play with his new train in his room. Elizabeth fed Jake, and he was now asleep in his playpen. The two adults settled on the couch to talk.

Jason sat against the back of the couch, with Elizabeth curled up at his side. He wanted to be careful with her, knowing what history the story would bring up for her.

"Spinelli and Georgie were out together on the docks today. He left for a minute to get some sodas. While he was gone, she was attacked by a man and almost raped."

He felt the slight tremor of reaction in her body, and wanted to kill the man who'd caused it.

Elizabeth turned slightly to face him. "Oh my God! Is she alright?"

"According to Sonny, she's shaken up but not physically injured, except for a few cuts and bruises. He hasn't seen her himself, that's just from what Spinelli told him on the phone. She's with Spinelli at the penthouse now."

"They haven't gone to the police?" She saw the sorrowed expression on his face and regretted asking the question. Of course the police wouldn't be called if it was related somehow to Sonny and Jason. "Does that mean it was about business?"

"I don't know. It could be, but there's no way to tell." He paused for a second, wondering how much to tell her. Too much information could put her at risk, not only physically, but legally.

Elizabeth saw the conflict play over his face. "Tell me," she said softly.

He decided to trust that she knew what she could handle.

"Spinelli came up on the guy while he had Georgie pinned down, and hit him in the head with a board he found on the docks. The blow was hard enough to kill him. Spin panicked and called Sonny, and Sonny … handled it."

Elizabeth nodded, aware that the attacker would not be seen again. It was a bit frightening that she was beginning to understand and anticipate the workings of Jason's world. Perhaps more disturbing was the fact that she couldn't exactly be sorry that the scum was gone.

"Since we can't interrogate him, we don't know where he came from or what his motives were. Sonny doesn't want to scare Georgie anymore by asking her a bunch of questions right now, but we do need to eventually. She's the only one who knows what happened."

The unknown was a dangerous entity in their world, that she knew. She had an idea of how to help everyone involved.

"I'm going to go over there."

Jason looked at her in surprise. "Where? Spinelli's?"

"Yes. I know what Georgie's going through. She needs someone to talk to, whether she knows it or not. I could also check her out, make sure she's not badly hurt. If she feels like opening up, maybe I can find out something to help you figure out what's going on. I think she'd be more comfortable talking to me than to you or Sonny anyway."

He could see the logic in what she said, but was just selfish enough to not want her out of his sight.

"I want to do this," she said. Effectively blocking his argument before he could make one.

"Okay, but Francis is going with you. Don't leave his sight while you're outside."

Elizabeth took his face in her hands. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

"You might as well tell me to stop breathing."

She smiled and kissed him gently on the lips. "I wouldn't want that. I'd miss you too much."

"Now she'll miss me." He looked skyward and shook his head.

She swatted him on the arm and got up from the couch.

"I'm going to get the First Aid kit to take with me."

Jason watched her head upstairs. He went to tell Francis he'd be taking her out.

He only hoped she could help Georgie, without hurting herself.

----

Spinelli looked over at Georgie for the hundredth time since he'd brought her back to his house. Each time he seemed to be looking for some change. It felt like she hadn't moved from her position since she sat down.

When they'd gotten there, all she wanted to do was take a shower. Wanting to do whatever it took to get that haunted look out of her eyes, he retrieved a wash cloth and towel and directed her to his bathroom.

She'd stayed in there for a long time. Long enough that he knocked on the door to see if she was alright. The water stopped seconds later, so he waited in the living room. She came out in the t-shirt and sweat pants he'd given her. The clothes she wore on the docks were dirty and torn, as well as unwanted reminders of what happened.

As she walked by him, he could feel heat radiating off her, as if the hot water had been on full blast. She sat on one end of the couch, her knees tucked under her chin with her arms wrapped around them. There she remained up to now.

It was the first time in his life he'd been at a loss for words. The silence was starting to get to him, but he would go completely mad before he'd break it. Any words must come from her, in what way or what time she chose.

The doorbell rang, mercifully interrupting his thoughts. He did notice that it startled her, which he regretted. Now, she watched the door with trepidation.

"Who goes there?"

"Spinelli? It's Elizabeth."

He opened the door and breathed a sigh of relief. A female of the species would be better equipped to handle such matters.

"Maternal One, the Jackal is enraptured at your presence. Dire happenings have occurred this day, leaving …" Spinelli looked back at Georgie, who had resumed her previous posture. "Sadness and destruction in their wake."

Elizabeth adopted his soft speaking voice, so as not to disturb Georgie.

"I know Spinelli. Jason told me what happened. Are you okay?"

"The Jackal is resilient. My well being is … insignificant, in comparison to that of Fair Georgie."

Elizabeth turned her attention to the lost looking young woman.

"I'll see what I can do to help." She patted Spinelli on the shoulder and went to sit near Georgie on the sofa. Close enough to comfort, but leaving enough room so she didn't feel smothered.

"Hi Georgie. It's Elizabeth Morgan." She stated who she was in case the girl was in shock. The only response was a slight shifting of the eyes to acknowledge she saw her.

"Spinelli, would you excuse us for a while? I want to make sure Georgie wasn't injured." She also felt it would be easier for Georgie to talk if she wanted, if they were alone.

"Oh, of course," he replied quickly. "I shall be in my regrettably pink room should you have need of me." The statement was made generally, but he looked at Georgie when he said it.

Her back was to him, so she didn't see. Elizabeth noticed though. She also saw him reach out to touch her on the shoulder, only to pull back at the last second. He turned and went upstairs.

Elizabeth recognized the gesture. People weren't sure whether or not to touch you when you'd been attacked. They didn't look forward to the ever present flinch that accompanied such demonstrative behavior.

The flinch. She knew it well. It was a delayed reaction to the trauma. Your body was still waiting for more abuse, and prepared for flight at all times.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Elizabeth started with something simple, letting her take the lead.

Georgie lifted her head and looked at her for a second. She took her hands from her legs and showed the palms to Elizabeth. The skin was scratched and red.

"I think we can fix that." She went into nurse mode and efficiently cleaned and wrapped both hands using her First Aid kit. Georgie surprised her by speaking.

"I fell on them when he pushed me."

Elizabeth took it for an opening.

"That must have been scary."

Georgie nodded slowly. To distract herself, she rolled up the legs of the sweat pants she wore, to show Elizabeth the cuts on her knees. In short order they were also tended to.

"I know what it's like to be scared like that."

The young woman looked at her quizzically.

"When I was 15, I was raped."

Large eyes met Elizabeth's at her admission.

"I know what it feels like to have someone take your power away. Everything seems darker and more dangerous. Walking alone isn't simple like it used to be." She carefully tucked the girls hair behind her ears. "But it won't always be that way. You'll start to feel safe again, little by little. Most importantly, you'll realize that what happened was not your fault."

When the tears began to gather in Georgie's eyes, Elizabeth knew what she said hit home. It was common for victims of violent crime to blame themselves for what happened to them. She had done it after her rape. You second guessed every move and decision that led up to the attack, wondering what you could have done differently; where it all went wrong.

"I saw him talking to a woman on the docks. He looked, intimidating. I thought she might be in trouble. So I tried to get closer, to see if she needed me to call for help." The tears fell down her face, and Elizabeth handed her a tissue. "He saw me and freaked out. He just started chasing me down the docks. I ran until I couldn't breathe, but he caught up with me." She took a stuttering breath and closed her eyes, trying to compose herself.

"He knocked me down and pinned me to the ground. I tried to fight him off … but he was too strong." She used the tissue to wipe her nose and continued. "His weight was pressing on me, and I couldn't move. He got close to my ear and said that if I'd minded my own business I wouldn't have been in trouble. An when he started touching me … " A pleading glance met Elizabeth's eyes. "Maybe I shouldn't have gotten involved, then it wouldn't have happened."

Elizabeth held her chin in her hand. "Sweetie, you didn't do anything wrong. You were trying to help someone you thought was in trouble. That's because you have a good and generous heart. Don't let that coward make you regret that. He had no right to touch you, no matter what the circumstances."

Georgie's last bit of reserve crumbled. She couldn't stop the body shaking sobs from coming. She put her head in Elizabeth's lap and let herself cry. Elizabeth held onto her, as tightly as she was allowed, and felt tears warm her own cheeks. Tears for the young woman she held, and tears for the scared girl she'd once been.

----

Elizabeth came upstairs after she got home, and found Jason in the nursery next to Jake's crib. He turned a bit when he heard her enter.

"Hey. He woke up for a minute, so I rubbed his back until he fell asleep again."

The contrast of his large hand gently rubbing the small form made her mind wander. It didn't make sense that some people so easily used their strength to hurt those who were weaker. Jason would never do that. He would do whatever he could to protect their family, that she knew more than anything. Just that made her feel safe, and the sense of coldness that had descended on her when she left Spinelli's began to subside.

She'd made sure to tell him to stay with Georgie. She would feel vulnerable, and need someone there so she'd know she wasn't alone. It was obvious that he cared very much for her, and was ready to do anything that would ease her pain. Elizabeth had never considered Spinelli to be the dragon slaying type, but she guessed you couldn't tell something like that until the person was tested.

He had certainly passed the test.

She stood in the doorway and waited for Jason to come out. He turned out the light and they went to their room.

"How'd it go?" Jason began taking off his clothes and put them on a nearby chair.

Elizabeth took off her shirt and looked at him. "It was rough. She's shaken up, but I think she'll be okay. She's not ready to talk to her Dad, and I don't know what she'll say if she does. But I told her that if she needs to talk, she can call me anytime."

He finished undressing and got into bed. "Did she say anything about what happened?"

"It sounded like a possible domestic dispute gone wrong. I can't be sure that it had anything to do with you or Sonny, but I can't guarantee it didn't. The woman involved might file a missing person's report if it was her husband. But if he was as much of a bastard to her as he was to Georgie, she may thank her lucky stars he's gone and hope he never comes back."

"I'll have to look into it when I get back, I guess. How did Spin seem?"

"Resolute. He has dubbed himself Georgie's Protector of the Night and vowed to guard her with his life." She smiled at how sweet he'd been with her. "You might want to talk to him about it later though. He's pretty comfortable in his righteous might at the moment, but soon it'll sink in that he killed someone. Justifiably or not, I don't imagine it's an easy thing to deal with." Elizabeth looked carefully at Jason, not wanting him to think she was judging him.

"You're right. It's not."

Though she was a little surprised by his answer, she didn't show it. If he wanted to talk about it, he would. When he changed the subject, she decided to leave it for another day.

"Are you okay? I know this had to bring up a lot of your past for you."

She joined him in bed and got as close as possible. Jason gathered her in his arms and held her tight, kissing her temple.

"It wasn't pleasant delving back into those bad memories. But if it helped Georgie, and I think it did, I can handle it." She reached up and stroked his face with her fingers. "Besides, being with you makes all the bad things go away."

He turned so that he was halfway over her. Looking down at her, he took her beautiful face in his hands. He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, her nose, and then her lips.

"Then let's make a new memory."

Jason kissed her with such love that all thoughts and memories of anything before that moment fell away. All she knew was the feel of his hands in her hair and on her body. The only sight was of his electric blue gaze searing into her very soul.

No one had ever looked at her, or touched her, or loved her, until now.

They made love until their limbs were weak and their hunger for each other temporarily sated. Their bodies entwined around one another, they slept contentedly.

The sleep of lovers.

The sleep of peace.

To be continued …

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