A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you like the lightness! Some more to come, have a great weekend!

Chapter 21

When Julian got home, he was surprised to see Sonny sitting in his living room with Jason. "What is that smell?"

"I cooked."

Julian's eyebrow rose. "When I ran a report on you, I don't remember reading that."

"A guy has to have some secrets," Elizabeth said walking towards him. They hugged and then Liz sat next to Jason.

"I saw Carly and met Michael."

"He's a good kid," Sonny said.

"How is she?" Jason asked.

"Well, she looked tired, but other than that I think she was fine."

"You guys ready to eat?" Sonny asked.

"My stomach is growling," Liz said. She had smelled the sauce fragrance for a few hours and was more than ready to partake of it.

They went into the dining room and dug in.

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After dinner, Jason checked in with his parents. Everyone is home trying to rest. Tracy had come back from her trip and gave him an earful about the violence. Once her rant was over, he said goodbye to his mom and Elizabeth sat on his lap.

"If Patrick says it's okay for you to go home, can you wait until Saturday to go back?"

"You're not eager to get rid of me?"

"Actually, it's quite the opposite."

He kissed her. "I can do that."

She sighed. "It's going to be weird not having you around all the time."

"I'll miss you."

"Can I call you before you go to sleep?"

"I wouldn't mind it if your voice is the last thing I hear at night."

"Good answer," she said before kissing him deeply.

"You know, you can stay with me any time you want."

She sucked on his bottom lip for a few seconds. "I know. I appreciate that." After the memorial service, she has an appointment with Kelly to get some birth control.

"I want to go see Nathan tomorrow. I was going to wait until after seeing Patrick, but I think I'm up for a short visit."

"I just don't want you to overdo it."

"I feel fine. I can't stay in bed all day or I'll go crazy. I'll be sitting in the car and once I get there."

Her hand brushed against his cheek. "Okay. I really want to see him too." She grabbed the remote and turned on the travel channel and they watched it for a while and then went to bed.

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The next morning, they got dressed and went over to the safe house.

Brenda warmly embraced Elizabeth and Jason. "It's great to see you up and around and shaved."

"She makes me go slow, but I'm doing a lot better."

Ric gave Liz a big hug and then Jason. "He's going to be really happy to see you."

They followed him into the bedroom. Nathan opened his eyes and smiled. "Hey."

Liz gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you," she said as she perused his injuries.

Tears built up his eyes as she gently smoothed his hair. "It's okay."

"I didn't think you'd make it."

Liz softly smiled. "We did and we're really glad you did too."

Jason sat next to the bed. "You gave us a big scare."

"Me? I saw the repeat of the news footage. Ric thought he was going to have to sedate me and I knew you had already made it."

Jason put his hand on Nathan's arm. "I'm still in one piece."

"Barely…"

"You might actually be able to beat me at Madden since I'm not at my best."

Nathan smiled. "In that case, I'll have Scott grab a game for me."

"You could stand the practice. It beats listening to Brenda."

"I heard that!" she said walking into the room. "You just couldn't be nice."

"Old habits are hard to break."

"That hair really has to go."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I'm seriously considering keeping it just to piss you off."

"If you want to look demented, then that's on you."

"Whatever, Brenda."

"So, are you guys all hot and heavy now?" Nathan asked.

Liz blushed and Ric, Brenda, and Nathan grinned.

"Don't tease my girl."

"Your girl?" Brenda teased.

"You have a problem with that?"

She shook her head. "I can't think of one thing wrong with that."

Brenda and Ric shook hands.

"What was that for?" Jason asked.

"Let's just say that we were all on board with this relationship."

Jason's head tilted.

"That's right lover boy, we conspired to make it happen so you should be thanking us."

"I think I need an aspirin," Jason said.

Brenda's brow raised. "If you're willing to take drugs, you must really be surprised."

"Considering you are always in my business, it's not that shocking, I guess."

Liz chuckled. "Thanks guys."

Nathan's eyes fluttered as he fought sleep.

"Sleep Nathan, if we're not here when you wake up, we'll visit over the weekend," Liz said.

He squeezed her hand.

They went into the living room and Jason put his head back and rested his eyes.

"You okay?" Brenda asked.

"Just have a little headache."

"Did Patrick give you any meds?"

"Of course, he did, but he won't take them," Liz said.

Brenda rolled her eyes. "So predictable…"

"I'm sitting right here."

Ric sat next to him. "Do you want some aspirin Jason?"

"I'm fine."

Brenda went into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle and some water. "If you don't take this aspirin, I will make your life a living hell?"

"You already do that, Brenda."

"Then I will double my efforts. Here," she said holding out her palm.

He opened his eyes and took the pills and swallowed some water.

"Relax, we'll chat among ourselves."

Liz sat on the other side of him and held his hand.

"So, what space are you using for your gallery?"

Liz's face lit up. "It's not too far from the hospital. I guess it used to be a vintage clothing store."

"I know that place."

"Is it big enough?" Ric asked.

"There's plenty of room. It's on the second floor. The lighting is perfect, and it won't take much to get everything set up. I want it painted and the walls will have to be prepped for hanging things. There's an area that will have some couches and I might have two cushioned benches down the middle."

"That sounds nice," Brenda said.

"I can't wait to come to a showing," Ric said.

There was a whimper from the other room and Brenda got up and ran into it.

Nathan is having a nightmare. Ric slid next to him and softly spoke to him until he settled down.

"I guess you have the magic touch."

"I hate that he's so agitated when he sleeps."

"It's going to take him a while to deal with what happened."

Ric nodded and she left the room.

"Is he okay?"

"Yes. I need to go back to work in a few days."

"Will they stay here?"

"Yes. Hopefully, they can return to their apartment soon."

Jason started to stir and Brenda pushed past Liz and sat next to him and leaned her head on his chest. He sighed. "Missed you."

"Of course, you did."

His eyes snapped opened. "Brenda!"

She laughed. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay."

"You're getting old, taking naps in the middle of the day."

"If I'm old, then you're ancient."

She glared him. "Unless you're talking to Tracy, never call a woman ancient."

He smirked. "Ancient."

She smacked his leg and got up. "You can have him back."

The front door opened and Felix walked in. Liz held out her arms and they embraced warmly.

"I missed you." He glanced over at Jason. "You okay?"

"Getting there."

"I bought some clothes and snacks. Scott's bringing them in." He sat next to Jason. "Is Brenda behaving?"

Jason started to react and then hissed as his fingers pressed against his temple.

"Jason?" Liz said as she kneeled in front him.

He couldn't talk because a pain was shooting through his head, making him feel like his skull was going to implode. Everyone held their breath until he relaxed against the cushions.

"Talk to me."

"Headache…"

Liz pursed her lips. "We're going home and you're taking a pain pill."

"Elizabeth…"

"I wouldn't argue with her if I were you."

Jason sighed. "Fine…"

Felix stood in front of him and pulled him up and then slipped to his side to assist him.

Liz got the door and Brenda followed them out and watched them help him into the car.

"Sorry for leaving on such short notice," Liz said.

"It's okay. He needs his rest. Make sure he takes that pill."

"I will," she said before giving her a hug.

Felix and Brenda watched the car pull out. "I'm worried," he said softly.

"He'll be okay. He's the toughest man I know. Now, give me an update."

"Come on," he said leading her back to the house.

The whole way home, Liz fretted about Jason's condition. Finally, they reached the estate and Carlos helped Jason to the room. Liz grabbed a water bottle from the kitchen and his meds.

"Here," she said handing him a pill and the water.

He took it and then shut his eyes.

Not wanting to leave him alone, she kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed next to him.

"Promise me that you'll tell me if you need to go to the hospital."

"I will."

He quickly fell asleep and she watched his chest rise and fall until she couldn't keep her eyes open any more.

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The next morning, Liz got ready for the memorial and then ate some breakfast with Jason.

"If it gets to rough, promise me that you'll leave."

"I will. I have a doctor's appointment right before yours, so I'll meet you at the hospital."

"For what?"

"I figured I should go on the pill."

"Oh. Um, could you already be pregnant?"

She grimaced. "I hope not. I'd love to just kick back and have fun getting to know you without throwing in a major responsibility like that."

"Do you want kids?"

"Eventually, but I'm not in any hurry. What about you?"

"I never thought it would happen to me, but if it does, I'd be happy."

"I guess I want to do it the traditional way, a wedding and then a little lag and then kids. Once you have them, it changes everything."

"I get that."

"So, where are you taking me on our date?"

He slightly smiled. "That's a surprise."

She pouted a little, so he crooked his finger. Slowly she got up and then sat on his lap and Jason kissed her tenderly. Every day they are falling for each other a little more.

"I have to go."

They kissed one more time and then Liz grabbed her purse and left.

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Liz entered the church quietly as soft music played in the background. There are several people already sitting down and she recognizes Mac and Lucky.

Carly saw her and motioned for her to come sit with her. She had made it halfway there when Lucky stopped in his tracks as his hands gripped Lulu's wheelchair. She is in pain, but the doctors let her leave the hospital so she can attend the funeral. It had taken a lot out of her just to get to the car.

"Elizabeth," Lucky said.

"Hi."

Lulu sucked in a breath. "Is she the one responsible for this mess?"

Liz cringed as Milo moved to her side.

"Lulu, it's not her fault," Lucky said softly.

"She shouldn't be here Lucky. Maxie is dead because of her."

Carly stood. "Lulu, that's not fair. Did you want her to die instead?"

"All I know is that Maxie was an innocent bystander. We were scared to death because some madman took us hostage because he wanted her."

"He wanted to kill her for something she didn't even know about. She was innocent too," Carly said.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come. I just felt badly and I wanted to pay my respects to her."

Lulu started to yell and Georgie stood.

"Shut up, right now! My sister is dead. There is no bringing her back. Yelling at Elizabeth will not fix anything. The only person responsible for this is dead. He got what he deserved."

Lulu rolled her eyes. "Take me to my seat."

Lucky gave Liz an apologetic look before guiding Lulu to her seat.

"You're welcome to stay," Georgie said before wiping a tear away.

"Thank you, but it would probably be better if I didn't. I'm truly sorry for your loss."

"Thanks," Georgie said.

Milo stepped forward. "I'm sorry as well. If you need anything…"

Georgie surprisingly gave Milo a hug. "Thank you for saying that."

Milo blushed. "You're welcome."

She walked away and Johnny strode up to them and took Elizabeth's hand. He had been standing in the back and then left to pull the car around. "Come on."

He led her back outside just as Robin is coming up the stairs.

"From the look on your face, I can tell that didn't go so well."

Liz nodded. "Lulu wasn't too happy to see me there so I thought it best to leave."

"I appreciate that you tried."

"Thank you. I am truly sorry for your loss."

Robin squeezed her hand and left as Liz slid into the car.

"You okay?" Johnny asked as he looked into the rear view mirror.

"I'm fine. Can you take me to the hospital? I have a doctor's appointment."

"Sure."

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Elizabeth got changed and sat on the gurney. She hates gynecological examines.

Kelly walked in. "Hello. I'm Dr. West."

"Hi."

"Did you get your blood work done?"

"Yes."

"Good. I just want to make sure that I can diagnose you properly. I looked at your questionnaire and it looks like you're in good health. Is there anything I should know?"

"Well, I am sexually active. He's the first person I've been with in a long time and our first time we didn't use protection. The second time, we used the pull-out method, and after that we've used condoms."

"So, there is a chance that you can be pregnant?"

"Yes."

"Alright, why don't you lay back and I'll do the exam."

Liz laid back and put her feet in the stirrups. She stared at the ceiling as Kelly began and sucked in her breath when she felt the cold metal.

"Try to relax. I know this isn't the most comfortable thing, but it has to be done."

She bit her lit and willed her body not to reject the intrusive device. Quickly, Kelly took the sample she needed and then eased the metal out of Liz's body, which instantly relaxed.

"Alright, I'll send this for testing. Everything else looks good."

Liz sat up.

"I'm going to go check your test results. I'll be right back. You can change."

About ten minutes later, Kelly returned.

"Well, you're not pregnant."

Liz breathed a sigh of relief.

"Have you taken birth control before?"

"When I was younger I did. What are my other options?"

"Well, you can go with an IUD. I would have to insert it and it's safe. There's also a shot. Some patients complain of weight gain or hair thinning among other things, but I have a lot of patients it works for without all the side effects."

Elizabeth perused the pamphlets Kelly had handed to her. "I think I'll go with the IUD."

"Alright, I can actually do it while you're here, but someone has to drive you home afterwards."

Liz paused. "Jason has a doctor's appointment. How is your schedule in about an hour or so?"

"Actually, I have one other patient and then a break. Is Patrick examining him?"

"Yes."

"I'll come find you. By the way, do you know if Jason has been tested for any diseases?"

Liz nodded. "He told me that he has and that he's fine. He hasn't been with a lot of girls."

"That's good. If you weren't sure, I would have had you ask him to take some tests and use a condom."

"He's good. Thanks Kelly."

"No problem." She further explained the procedure and makes sure Elizabeth is sure about her choice. Since she had never had a baby, it was more than likely that the device could be expelled in the first few months. Liz would occasionally have to check to make sure it is in place.