From Friends to Strangers…Chapter 21
Jason didn't go home with Emma after leaving the bowling alley.
He went back to Brenda's.
He actually should have went to his house.
He was sure Brenda needed space, but there he was, standing in her kitchen…drinking a glass of water.
He couldn't stop thinking about what happened earlier.
He really needed to talk to her…..
Brenda was still up.
She couldn't sleep.
Not after what happened.
She didn't cry, even though she really wanted to.
The last thing she wanted was to wake up with puffy eyes.
That would have made things even more awkward.
A little while ago, she heard Jason's truck pull up.
She didn't think he would be coming back to her house.
She figured he would just stay at his girlfriend's place, especially since she knew about them now.
If not her place…his.
That didn't happen and now he was walking up the stairs.
Her door was open, so she quickly turned her back.
She could hear him approaching.
She prayed he went into the other room.
"Brenda?"
Her prayer was not answered.
She didn't move.
She didn't say one word.
She heard him speak.
"I know you are not asleep. I know, because you usually sleep with your body facing towards the door. I know you don't want to talk right now, but I feel like there are some things I need to get off my chest."
She still didn't move.
Jason nodded. "Ok, we will do it like this. I didn't say any of that to hurt you. Regardless of the situation, I wouldn't do that. I should have told you earlier. Looking back, I wish I would have. I just hope this doesn't mess up anything. We have been doing a wonderful job with Jacob…being co-parents. Not only that but friends. I just don't want anything to change. That's really all I wanted to say."
Brenda heard him walk across the hall.
She was not going to let anything interfere with Jacob's happiness or wellbeing.
He was most important.
Not her little hurt feelings.
Jason had a girlfriend, he didn't want her anymore, and that was all to it.
She just needed to accept it and move on…..…...
It's the next morning.
Brenda got up early and prepared breakfast.
She was in the kitchen feeding Jacob when Jason walked in.
He kissed the top of Jacob's head.
Jacob tried to give him something to eat.
Jason leaned down and pretended to eat it. "Mmmm….good."
"Jason, we really should go ahead and work this schedule out."
He sat down. "I have decided that this should be Jacob's home. I just would like to see him whenever I want, and for him to stay at my house sometimes. I don't want him going back and forth all of the time. Since, he is most important, I think that's better."
She wasn't expecting that. "Are you sure? You are not just saying that because-"
"No, it's what I feel is best for Jacob."
"Ok, if…that's what you want. One more thing, I realize you are in a relationship, and I'm assuming she would like to meet Jacob at some point. I would just like to meet her first, before that happens."
"Of course. Brenda, I would never introduce anyone to Jacob, without meeting you first. I hope you'll do the same. Unless, it's Sonny or Jax."
She rolled her eyes. "You aren't funny. Shouldn't you be packing?"
"You are kicking me out?"
"I think as soon as we get this over…the better. You wanted to leave anyway. I'm fine with it now. I know things that I didn't know before."
"Ok, I'll start packing as soon as I finish eating. If that's what you want?"
"It's what you wanted remember? And I think it's for the best. No need to delay it."
Jason fixed his plate and sat down. "Brenda, I don't want anything to be different between us. We have been getting along so great. I know we are not supposed to bring up last night, but I just want to make sure we are fine. That's why I stopped by your room last night."
"Jason, nothing has changed. It's not like we were dating. There was nothing going on between us. It has been that way for some time now. Pretty much ever since Sonny kidnapped me. We had one night and that's how we got Jacob. It's fine."
"Good…"
Jason moved out that morning.
He didn't have much to take.
Just his clothes and Sam.
He took Jacob with him because Brenda was meeting Lucy at the spa.
Brenda decided to tell Lucy what happened.
She didn't need Lucy encouraging her to talk to Jason anymore.
They were getting manicures and pedicures when she filled her in.
"So, he has a girlfriend?"
"Yes, he has been seeing her since the night of my baby shower."
Lucy was confused. "But he has been living with you?"
"Yeah, but that was strictly for Jacob. Lucy, I told you there wasn't anything going on between us. There were no close calls…nothing."
"I'm sorry, I had no idea. So, what are you going to do?"
Brenda shook her head. "Nothing. I'm going to move on. I going to concentrate on Jacob and Deception. I'll be fine. I will get over it. He's over it and I don't want anyone that doesn't want me."
"I don't understand. I know he loves you. I'm not saying this because I am trying to make you feel better or get you to fight for him. I'm just saying it because I believe it to be true."
Brenda shook her head. "No, Lucy, he doesn't."
"Brenda, remember when I told you that you can love someone and not want to be with them? Jason is still angry with you. You said it yourself. He is so angry that he doesn't want you right now. You hurt him and he is not over it yet. He's going to get over it one day. What's weird is that he still wants to be around you. All the time. It's not only because of Jacob. I don't believe that. Maybe he is just scared you will disappoint him again?"
"I don't care, Lucy. I do not care. I can't care. I'm tired. Can we just forget about it and wish Jason well? I have to move on. I need to move on and I want you to move on with me."
Lucy nodded. "Yeah, sure."
"Thanks….."
Kevin smiled. "I'm proud of you."
Brenda leaned back on the sofa. "Me too, because the old me would find that girl and scratch her eyes out. I don't want to be poor in love Brenda anymore. I survived Sonny leaving me at the altar, I will survive this. I still love Jason. I probably always will or maybe I won't, but I am going to move on. I'm not going to let it ruin my life or make me depressed."
"And you shouldn't. You have Jacob to think about. It's not just about you anymore."
Brenda nodded. "No, it's not. I want my son to be proud of his mother. I'm going to focus on making Deception great. I want to build something spectacular for Jacob. He is my priority."
Kevin nodded. "I'm going to say it again. I am so proud of you…"
Brenda spent the next couple of months focusing on her son and her company.
She had her own office now.
Her office had a room attached to it.
She got a nanny for Jacob and took him to work with her sometimes.
It was a nanny that Lila recommended.
Brenda made sure the room was comfortable for them both.
It had a TV, a crib, a play area with a playpen, and plenty of toys.
It looked like a daycare which gave Brenda her first idea.
She decided that Deception needed its own daycare.
She was able to do this for her child, because she owned half the company.
She wanted to do something for the rest of the employees, to make life easier for the parents that worked for them.
She consulted with Jax and Lucy and surprisingly, they thought it was a good idea.
They conducted an anonymous survey, to see how the employees felt, and it wasn't even close.
Eighty percent were in favor.
It wouldn't happen overnight, but they would try to get it up and running as soon as possible…..
Brenda is at home.
Jason is also there.
Jacob spent the day with him, while she was working.
Jacob didn't go to work with her everyday, just a couple of times a week.
He stayed with Jason most days.
Brenda is holding Jacob. "So, it looks like we are getting a daycare."
Jason smiled. "That's great, Brenda. It will make things a lot easier for the people that work for you."
"I wish it could be free. Maybe one day? At least it will be a lot less than the regular daycares."
"I'm proud of you."
She smiled. "Thanks, Jason. I really wanted this. I wasn't sure how Lucy and Jax would feel about it, since it wasn't something that would make them any money."
"But it improves the company."
"I think so. I would like Deception to be successful, but also be the type of company that thinks about their employees."
"I like the way you think. I think you are going to make Deception even better."
Brenda grinned. "I am going to try…"
Brenda and Jason still saw each other everyday.
He still ate dinner with her all of the time.
Jason would stay over at Emma's every now and then, but he mostly slept at his house.
He wanted to be close to Jacob.
There were no plans for them to move in together either.
Emma didn't want to make that move until she was married and Jason was simply fine with the way things were.
Emma worked long hours at the hospital.
She was also on nights, which meant she slept all day.
The majority of the time they spent together was on her days off….….….
Brenda, Jason, and Jacob are in the kitchen eating dinner.
Jacob is in his highchair.
Jason is feeding him. "Brenda, Emma is really anxious to meet Jacob, which means-"
She finished his statement. "You want us to meet."
"It's time, don't you think? She is not only anxious to meet him but you too."
Brenda wasn't ready to meet her.
She accepted that Jason moved on, she just wasn't ready to see it yet.
But….she knew she had to.
It was the final step, in truly accepting it.
She smiled. "Ok, set something up."
"I want it to be as casual as possible. Mac's? Friday?"
"Sure. That's fine. I'll get Monica or Lucy to watch Jacob."
"Great…"
The week flew by and it was Friday before she knew it.
Monica would be watching Jacob.
He was actually going to spend the night.
Monica didn't want Brenda coming to get him late.
Brenda had no issues with that, so she agreed….
Brenda decided to dress as casual as possible.
She didn't want Jason's girlfriend to think she was trying to compete or anything.
She was not the Brenda who gave Lily hell.
She was not that person anymore.
She wore jeans, heels, and a simple shirt.
She pulled her hair up into a ponytail.
Her makeup was almost non existent.
She was a little late, but that was because she had to drop Jacob off, and Lila wanted to talk.
She walked into Mac's and saw Jason waving at her.
She took a deep breath and headed over to the table.
She walked up and a cute blonde stood up. "Brenda?"
Brenda smiled. "Yes. Emma?"
Emma nodded and smiled. "Yes, it is so nice to finally meet you."
Brenda extended her hand, but felt Emma's arms wrapped around her, squeezing her tightly.
She hugged her back.
Emma released her and looked her over. "I knew you were pretty from your billboards, but you are absolutely stunning in person."
"Oh, that is so nice of you to say. You are really pretty too."
Emma thanked her.
Brenda wasn't just saying that. She really thought she was pretty.
She had short blonde hair, pretty blue eyes, and a sincere smile.
She was slightly taller than Brenda, which meant she was short too, since Brenda was only five two.
To Brenda's surprise, Emma didn't sit next to Jason.
She sat right next to her.
Jason was on the opposite side of the table.
Emma asked her what she would like to drink.
Brenda looked down at Emma's drink. "I'll have what you are having."
Emma smiled. "Ok, great."
Jason signaled the waitress and she ordered Brenda a Sex on the Beach.
"Brenda, I just wanted to let you know that Jacob is absolutely beautiful. Jason showed me some pictures of him."
"Awe, thanks."
"He looks like Jason, but he has your smile."
Brenda's face lit up. "You really think so?"
"Yes, especially seeing you here now."
"I'm glad something is like me."
Emma laughed. "I have been dying to meet you. I've only heard great things."
"From whom?"
They laughed…...
It's later.
Brenda is back at home.
She is on the phone talking to Lucy.
She just made it in.
"So, how was it?"
"It was great. I wasn't expecting her to be that nice. I thought I was going to hate her, but Lucy, she really is a great girl."
"What does she look like?"
"She's cute. A blonde, slightly taller than me. Not too skinny. She is different than the other women I've seen him with. She sat next to me instead of Jason. His last girlfriend stayed glued to him. She wanted me to know he was hers."
"So, you like her?"
"I like her. I can see why Jason likes her too. I can read women. I can tell if they are being fake. She wasn't. Jason is dating the exact opposite of me. She is really nice and so bubbly. Damn, I must have been awful."
"You were not awful. Well, except that time you ran off and married Jax and threw a boulder through his truck. I think marrying Jax was the worst thing you ever did though."
"Lucy!"
"Well, it was awful."
"We are not talking about that. Focus. Back to Emma, we are going to spend some more time together…without Jason. She has my number and I have hers."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, if she is going to be around Jacob, I want to make sure my first impression is the correct one."
"Yes, that makes sense. Maybe we can go out for drinks?"
"Ok, I would love to see her around someone other than Jason.…..…"
About an hour after Brenda got home, she heard Jason's truck.
She met him at the door.
He followed her in. "I was hoping you were not asleep."
"Nope, not yet."
"Just finished talking to Lucy?"
She giggled. "How did you know?"
"Because I know you."
They sat down on the sofa.
"Do you like her?"
"I do, Jason. She really is nice."
"I'm glad you like her. I was worried."
"You knew she was great."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you were going to like her."
"So far, I do. I had a good time. She reminds me of your ex, Keesha. She was really nice too. Both are the complete opposite of me."
Brenda placed her feet in Jason's lap.
He started massaging them.
She leaned her head back. "I didn't ask you do that, but I appreciate it."
He grinned. "You didn't have to ask, I knew what you wanted."
She looked up at the ceiling. "What do you think Jacob is doing?"
"Sleeping."
She giggled. "What do you think he is dreaming about?"
"His favorite person in the world. Me."
"You are so funny."
"I'm also hungry. What do you have to eat?"
She removed her feet and got up. "The real reason you came by. Come on."
He followed her into the kitchen.…
A couple of weeks later, Brenda met up with Emma again.
Lucy was with her.
They spent the second half of the day together.
First they went shopping, then to dinner, before finally stopping at a bar for drinks.
Lucy was quiet at first, but within no time, she forgot about not wanting to like Emma, and ended up really enjoying herself.
They had such a good time.
There were plenty of laughs.
Emma was a girl's girl and Brenda liked that, because she was too.
She loved her girlfriends and Emma seemed to be the same way.
Brenda and Lucy learned that her really close friends lived in New York.
She had one friend who lived in Port Charles.
She worked so much, she hadn't found the time to meet anymore, besides her coworkers.
At the end of the night, they all decided to do it again, and ended the night with hugs.….
Brenda decided that it was perfectly fine for Emma to be around Jacob.
This resulted in them all being around each other more.
Brenda even invited her to dinner a few times.
She would also see her at the Quartermaine mansion during their weekly family dinners.
Brenda wouldn't go every week, only a couple of times a month.
Jason would take Jacob every week because everyone was looking forward to seeing him.
Emma would go with him if her schedule allowed it.
At this point, everyone had accepted that Jason and Brenda were over.
They all liked Emma and thought she was really sweet, even Edward.
It helped that they were able to see her and Brenda interacting.
There was no animosity.
They were actually becoming friends….
Brenda was on her way to Deception, when she decided to stop by Kelly's to get some coffee.
Jacob was with Jason.
She had just ordered, when she heard someone speak.
"Was it a boy or girl?"
She turned and grinned. "Hey."
A tall, dark, and handsome guy was standing there.
A guy she instantly recognized.
He nodded. "Hello. So, was it a boy or a girl?"
"It was a boy. A boy who is about to actually turn one."
"It has been that long. By that reaction, I guess it is safe to assume you remember me?"
Brenda smiled. "Yes, the guy who agreed to go out on a date with me, when I was pregnant."
"Yes, and the girl who ignored my phone calls."
"I'm sorry…I-"
"I know. You thought I was crazy. I wasn't. I thought you were beautiful then and I still do. I also have a confession."
"A confession?"
"Yes. I overheard your conversation with your child's father. My parents did not have a one night stand. They have been married for almost thirty years."
She laughed. "I deserved that."
He shrugged. "Maybe….maybe not? But I really wanted to see you. That was not a lie. Make my life and tell me you remember my name."
"If it's really your name, I think it was Phillip."
He clapped. "Not only beautiful, but she has a great memory too."
"Do you remember my name?"
"Beautiful Brenda."
She smiled. "Ok, he is not only handsome, but he also has a great memory. Too bad he is a liar."
The smile left his face.
She held up her hand. "I am just kidding."
His smile returned. "So, what do you do besides take the most wonderful pictures? Your billboard is hard to miss. I didn't notice it until after I met you that day. Now, I notice them all the time."
"I work for Deception. What do you do?"
"I am an artist. Well, that's what I love to do. That's what I wish I was doing. Maybe one day? I'm an accountant, Monday through Friday. I paint whenever I can. I've sold some pieces."
"That's great."
Brenda's order was ready.
She grabbed her coffee. "I…really have…to go. I have this meeting I have to get to."
Please ask for my number
He nodded. "Before you go,. if I called you again, would you answer?"
Yes!
She calmly answered. "Yes, I would."
He took out his phone.
She gave him her phone number and they agreed to talk later.
They said their goodbyes and she left with the biggest smile on her face….
Brenda and Phillip talked for a couple of weeks before he officially asked her out.
She knew it was coming, she just didn't know when….
Brenda is getting ready to go to dinner with Phillip.
They were meeting at a restaurant in town.
Jason is sitting on her bed watching her get ready.
Jacob is sitting on the floor playing.
Brenda walked out of the bathroom. "Is this makeup too much?"
"No, you look fine."
Her hair, which was loosely curled, fell down her back.
She went into the closet and slipped on a bracelet.
She chose a necklace and a pair of small diamond studs.
She put them on and stood in the doorway of the closet.
"How does this look?"
"It looks fine."
"Jason, you need a new word."
She went into her closet, took off her robe, and slipped on her dress.
Jason got up and zipped it up. "Where are you and Lucy going?"
"I'm not meeting Lucy. I….have a date."
"A date?"
"Yes, do you remember the guy from Kelly's? The one who agreed to go out with me, when I was pregnant?"
"Are you going out with him?"
"Yes, we ran into each other at Kelly's. How crazy is that?"
"When was this?"
"A couple of weeks ago. We have been talking ever since. Jason, I am so nervous. I haven't been on a date in so long."
"Brenda, what do you know about this guy?"
"His name is Phillip Turner. He is an accountant. He loves to paint. It's his passion. He is also very cute and extremely funny."
"Why didn't you tell me you had a date? I thought you were just meeting Lucy."
"I don't know. I'm already nervous, Jason. I didn't really want to talk about it." She turned and looked at him. "Are you sure I look ok?"
"Brenda, you always look great. Where are you meeting him?"
"At Alexander's."
"Make sure you take your phone. Is it charged?"
"Yes, Jason, it's charged."
"If you feel weird or have a bad vibe, send me a text, call, or whatever. You should have told me. I would have checked him out first. I'm still going to check him out."
"He's fine."
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Jacob crawled over to her.
He could stand, as long as he had something to hold onto.
She reached down and picked him up.
She looked at him. "How do I look, Jacob?"
He just grinned and pointed at himself in the mirror.
"Brenda, you really should have told me."
"Jason, I didn't really think you cared to be honest. You didn't tell me about Emma until you had to."
"I know but-"
"I appreciate you worrying about me. I really do. I will call you when I get back. I'll even text you to let you know I'm fine."
"I need to give you a word."
Brenda frowned. "A what?"
"A code word, so that I'll know that it's really you."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
She laughed but he didn't.
"Ok, Jason, what's the word?"
"Ring."
"Ok, I'll text you. I'll also call when I get back. Is Emma staying over tonight?"
He shook his head. "She has to work."
"Ok, I'll definitely call."
"You could have called anyway."
"Jason, I don't want her to think-"
"Emma doesn't think anything. She is not like that. You know that. She cares a great deal about you. She would want you to call."
"I care a great deal about her too. Don't ruin that relationship. I really like her."
"I didn't ruin the last one."
"Ooooh, now that was a low blow."
He disagreed. "No, it was just the truth."
Brenda went into the closet. "Ok, Jacob, which purse?"
Jacob tried to grab one of them.
"Ok, I'm going to choose this one since you like it so much."
Brenda handed Jacob to Jason.
She put her things into her purse.
She looked in the mirror one last time.
Jason was standing behind her.
"Jason, are you sure I look ok?"
"Now, that I know you are not meeting Lucy, I actually think your dress is too short."
"It is not! It's almost touching my knees." She looked up at the clock on the wall. "I have to go, I'm going to be late."
"Brenda, don't forget to text me and make sure to call when you get back. You don't want me to come and find you. That clown doesn't either."
"He is not a clown. I don't have time to argue with you, Jason. I have to go."
They left…
Brenda pulled up to Alexander's and saw Phillip waiting outside for her.
She got out.
Valet took her keys and handed her a number.
Phillip greeted her. "Do you have any idea what you look like?"
She grinned. "No, tell me what I look like, Phillip?"
"You look like the most perfect creature I have ever seen."
He kissed her cheek.
She thanked him. "You don't look too bad yourself."
He was wearing a black suit with a skinny tie.
The suit fit him perfectly.
He took her hand and they went inside….
Jason is sitting on his sofa talking to Emma on the phone.
Jacob was asleep.
"I didn't know Brenda was dating."
"Apparently, this is their first date. I just wish she would have told me before she decided to go on a date with him. I would have checked him out first."
"She should be fine. I don't think she would date a creep."
"Yeah, maybe not. I'm still having him investigated."
"That's why I love you. You two are not together, but you still look after her."
Jason had Emma on speakerphone.
He was watching his phone like a hawk.
He was waiting on Brenda to text him.
Emma was going on and on about how great his relationship with Brenda was, and he was just staring at his phone.
Finally, it lit up.
He had a text.
It was from Brenda.
He opened it:
I'm not dead. Ring.
Jason did not find that funny.
"Jason?"
Emma was calling his name.
"Yes?"
"I was asking about Jacob's birthday party. Is it at her house or-"
"My grandparents."
"It's going to be great."
Jason picked up his phone. "It is going to be over the top, that's what it is going to be. I'm sure he won't remember any of it."
"I'm in charge of the balloons. I know they have party planners but I wanted to contribute something."
He sent Brenda a reply, letting her know that he did not think that was funny.
Emma was still talking. "…..I am going to need a lot of balloons."
"No, you won't. Shouldn't you be going to sleep?"
"Yes, I really should." She yawned. "I have a long day tomorrow. I'll call you before my shift starts."
"Ok."
"I love you, Jason."
"Me too. Goodnight."
Jason disconnected the call….
Brenda was on cloud nine when she got home.
Her date went really well.
It was after one when she made it in.
She kicked off her heels and sat down on the sofa.
Her phone started ringing.
She answered. "Jason, I'm home."
"I know, no thanks to you. I saw your car pull up."
"You were not waiting up were you?"
*silence*
She laughed. "You were! Awe, that is so sweet. You wanted to make sure I was ok. That is really nice of you…but I'm fine. I had a good time too."
"Why are you just getting back?"
"We went back to his place and had sex."
"What?"
"Jason, I'm just kidding. We stayed until the restaurant closed and then we stopped for drinks. We spent a lot of time talking. It was a great first date."
"Are you planning on seeing him again?"
"We are going to go see a movie next week. Probably Friday, because Jacob's party is Saturday. Can you believe he is about to turn one?"
"No, I still remember when you were pregnant."
"Me too, I was huge. That last month was a nightmare, but it was so worth it. I love my Jacob Poo. I started to stop by and look in on him."
"You could have. You knew I'd be up."
"Yeah, but I decided against it. Jason, I need to talk to you about something. I'm thinking about reaching out to my sister."
"Really?"
"Yes, I don't know. I was thinking that maybe…just maybe we can repair our relationship. I may even go see my mom one day. As crazy as that sounds. Not that she would even recognize me."
Her mother was in a mental institution.
"Ever since I got pregnant I have been thinking about my family. I have your family, but it's your family. It's not mine."
"Brenda, they don't think that. They consider you family too."
"Yeah, I know…but I'm not really family. I think I'm going to call Julia and tell her about Jacob. I'll start there."
"Ok, if that's what you want to do. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"If it doesn't work out, at least I tried. You know, looking back on the night I told you I wanted you back, I don't regret telling you anymore. I did at first. I'm glad I at least tried. I found out that you didn't love me anymore, so I'm not wondering what if. It helped me to move on."
"Brenda, I don't think you understand. It's not that I don't-"
She interrupted. "Someone is calling….it's Phillip. I have to go. Thanks again for making sure I made it home ok."
"No problem."
"Bye, Jason."
"Bye."
He hung up….
Brenda and Phillip went to the movies that following Friday and ate at a local pizzeria afterwards.
Their second date was even better than the first.
Brenda was having such a good time, but she knew she couldn't stay out late, because she had to get up early.
Jacob's birthday party was the next day.
Phillip understood and even bought Jacob a present.
She really liked him and at the end of their date, she asked himout again.
He was going to be her date to the annual Quartermaine charity event…..
The next day was hectic.
They hired a party planner but Brenda still wanted to make sure everything was perfect, so she got up early and helped get things ready.
She didn't sleep at home.
She and Jacob stayed at the Quartermaine mansion.
She went there as soon as her date was over.
Jacob was already there.
After making sure everything was the way she wanted it, she got dressed.
Monica had already gotten Jacob ready.
Jason and Emma showed up a couple hours before the party started.
Emma had tons of balloons delivered.
Brenda thought it was hilarious when she seen the amount.
Emma shrugged. "I didn't want to show up with ten balloons. This place is huge! Do you know at first I was going to blow them up myself?"
Brenda laughed. "And you would be dead."
They burst into laughter.
She hugged Emma. "Thanks, the kids are going to love them….."
The party was a huge success.
Lucy and Kevin came.
Lois, Ned, and Brook Lynn flew in for the day.
Brenda invited some of her coworkers' kids and also kids from Jacob's yoga class.
Jacob's cake was shaped like an elephant.
He loved elephants, at least they thought he did.
He was actually trying to take its head off.
When it came time to sing happy birthday, Jacob got a little freaked out.
He had no idea why people were singing so loudly.
He just leaned his head on Jason's shoulder and waited for it to be over.
Everyone laughed.
It was a great party…
Jason and Brenda are in Jacob's nursery at the Q mansion.
He is taking a nap.
They are looking down at him.
"Jason, can you believe we made him?"
"Sometimes I can't."
"Me either. I think we were meant to have him. I mean…I was married to Jax. We were not even communicating. I'm sorry, I know how much you hate when I bring that up."
"It's ok. It is crazy how things happen."
"Yeah." Brenda reached down and ran her fingers through Jacob's hair. "I wouldn't change a thing."
"I would. I would have talked to you that day in the guest house. Told you the truth. Told you that I saw you and Sonny."
She looked over at him. "I guess, I would too. I would have never left and I would have made you talk to me." She shrugged. "But I guess everything happens for a reason."
"I guess. Brenda, I'm happy we have Jacob but I wish it would have happened a little differently."
Brenda looked away. "Yeah." She cleared her throat. "So, how did you like the party?"
"It was too much. Clowns, face painting, pony rides, moonwalks, a thousand balloons. He is just one."
Brenda laughed. "He just wanted to ruin the cake."
Jason smiled. "Yeah, he didn't care about anything else."
"The other kids had fun. We can show him the video when he gets older."
"Yeah." He turned his body towards her. "You went on another date last night right?"
Her face lit up. "Yes, I had so much fun. We just went to the movies and grabbed pizza afterwards. I liked it though. I liked it so much, we are going on a third date. He is my date to the charity event."
"I guess you really like him?"
"Yeah, Jason, I really do. It is the start of a new beginning for me and I am taking this slow."
He nodded…...
It is the day of the Quartermaine Charity event.
Brenda just left the spa and decided to make a quick run to Kelly's before going home.
She was on her way out when she ran into Sonny.
She said hello and kept walking.
He called out to her.
She rolled her eyes and turned around.
"You can't talk for a minute?"
She placed her hand on her hip. "One minute."
"How is Jacob?"
"Jacob is fine."
"You going to the Q's event tonight?"
She sighed. "You know I am. I go every year."
He smiled. "Yeah, I know. Just making small talk. Your hair looks amazing."
"Thanks, Sonny."
"You look even better."
"Thanks, Sonny."
"Is Jason taking you and his girlfriend?"
Brenda started walking away. "Bye, Sonny!"
He yelled. "Brenda! I want to talk!"
She flipped him off and kept walking.
He just laughed and went inside of Kelly's….
When Brenda got home, Jason and Jacob were already there.
Jason brought his tux with him.
He decided to just get ready at her house.
Emma's friend was in town and they would be getting ready at her apt.
He decided to give them some time alone…..
Jacob's nanny would be looking after him at the Quartermaine mansion while they were at the party.
Jason would be dropping him off on the way to the event and Brenda would be going there after it was over.
After feeding and bathing Jacob, Brenda and Jason started getting ready.
Jason decided to take a shower in Brenda's bathroom because he liked the showerhead.
Brenda walked into the bathroom with Jacob on her hip. "Jason, don't use all the hot water!"
"Brenda, I'm not going to use all the hot water!"
"Yeah, right!"
Jacob looked up at the steam.
Brenda looked over at Jacob. "Exactly."
She shook her head and left….
Brenda showered and is now in the process of getting ready.
Jacob had fallen asleep.
She finished her makeup, touched up her hair, and went into her closet to put on her jewelry.
She was going to be wearing a strapless black fitted dress that flared at the bottom.
Her hair was in deep waves.
Old Hollywood style.
Her makeup also matched that era.
She was wearing false individual lashes and a deep red lip.
She decided not to wear any earrings, because she was going to wear a huge necklace, and it didn't need anything competing with it.
Not even the smallest earrings.
She slipped on a bracelet and a ring.
Jason walked into the closet.
He had on everything except his jacket.
"You look nice, Jason."
"Thanks.
He looked down at his watch. "We have about twenty minutes."
"Ok, do you like this ring?"
He nodded.
She reached into her jewelry box and pulled out another one. "Or do you like his one?"
"I like the one you have on."
"Ok, thanks."
She put the ring back in the jewelry box and her eyes fell on the watch box.
She picked it up, opened it, and took the watch out. "This is the watch I bought for you the day Sonny kidnapped me."
"What?"
"Yes, I bought this for you. I can't give it to now, it wouldn't be appropriate, because it is engraved." She flipped it over and read it. "No greater love than you." She shrugged. "I'll save it and give it to Jacob. It really is a nice watch, at least I think so. I was so happy when I bought it. I wanted to give you something. I felt you deserved…something…for making me so happy and loving me the way you did. Never got the chance to give it to you. Sonny robbed me of that chance. It really is nice isn't it?"
He nodded. "It really is."
She placed the watch back inside of its case and put it back into the jewelry box.
"Ok, I really need to put on my dress."
She took off her robe and grabbed the dress off the hook.
She stepped into it. "Jason, we are so inappropriate. You should not be in here."
"Why not?"
"You have a girlfriend and I'm getting dressed. We are not together anymore. I realize there is a comfort level but you should not be in here."
"Coming from the person who just walked in while I was in the shower. Brenda, there is nothing going on. You know it and I know it."
"It's still inappropriate and you didn't even close the bathroom door."
"Neither did you."
Jason didn't want to talk about that.
He was still thinking about that watch.
He never thought for a second that it was his…but it made sense.
It explains why she still had it.
"Jason, will you zip me up?"
She moved her long hair to the side.
He grabbed the zipper and pulled it up.
She slipped on her shoes.
"Do I look ok, Jason?"
Jason thought she looked absolutely breathtaking.
"You look…ok."
She pushed him. "I'm going to change Jacob before we leave."
"I'll grab the wipes and the diaper."
She held up her fist. "Teamwork makes the dream work."
He bumped her fist with his. "Yes, it does. And…Brenda, I know for reasons that we both know, you couldn't give me the watch. I still want to thank you. I would have loved it."
She smiled. "I hope Jacob feels the same way.."
He grinned. "I'm sure he will."
"Did you really like it, Jason? I mean…would you have worn it?"
"I told you I loved it. I would have worn it."
"That makes me happy. Jason, I know I have apologized, but I just want to apologize again. For everything. You were really good to me. I'm happy you found someone that is treating you the way you deserve. You seem really happy."
"Yeah."
"We really should hurry, we have to go. So, go get the-"
He nodded. "The wipes and a diaper. I'm on it."
He left…
Brenda met Phillip at the event
She was really taking her time with him.
They hadn't even kissed yet.
It seemed he wanted to take his time with her too, because he hadn't even tried.
Jason dropped Jacob off at the Q's and headed to the event.
Emma and her friend were already there.
Lucy and Kevin were also in attendance.
Jason made sure Carly and her boyfriend received invites.
Jason finally met Phillip but they didn't really talk.
It was just a quick hello and then off he went.
Emma gave Brenda the thumbs up.
Lucy thought he was hot.
Phillip was very handsome but he also had a great personality, which Brenda liked the most.
He spent most of the night making her laugh.
They were glued to each other.
AJ walked over to Jason, who was just standing there looking around.
Emma was off mingling with her friend whose name was Traci.
AJ nudged Jason. "Who is that guy with Brenda?"
"Some clown she is dating."
"Oh. That clown has been holding her hand since they got here. Tell me something. How bad do you want to hit him?"
Jason looked at AJ and walked off.
AJ just laughed.
He could tell Jason was annoyed…
Everyone was mingling, dancing, and eating when the music lowered.
One of the charity's organizers was on the stage with a mic in hand.
She thanked everyone for coming and went through the usual motions of thanking all of the sponsors.
"Now, to the good part! We have decided to add even more fun to this event! We are going to auction off dances! You just bid on someone and you'll get to dance with them. It is as simple as that. This is all in good fun, so please no fights!"
Everyone laughed.
She continued by asking people to sign up.
They would stop at the first twenty.
They didn't want to spend the whole night auctioning dances off.
Brenda, Emma, and Lucy all decided to sign up.
Kevin ended up winning Lucy.
Phillip won Brenda.
Emma was the final one of the night and of course Jason won her.
The auction was really fun and a great addition to the event.
When Jason walked on stage to get Emma, she grabbed the microphone off the stand.
The auctioneer had just placed it back.
She turned it back on and spoke into it. "Testing. Testing. I just want to make sure this is on. Please lower the music, I promise this will not take long."
Jason had no idea what was going on.
Emma grabbed his hand. "I'll make this quick. I just have a question to ask the man who just outbid everyone to dance with me." She looked into his eyes. "You know I am a traditional girl."
Jason nodded but he was so confused.
"Well, tonight I have decided not to be so traditional. Jason, I love you. You have brought so much to my life. You are a wonderful person. The time we have spent together, has been the best time of my life. I realize it is not traditional for the woman to ask the man, but I don't want you to get away. It doesn't matter who asks whom, as long as we end up as one. What I want to know is…will you agree to share the rest of your life with me?"
Jason was not expecting that.
Lucy looked around for Brenda, but she didn't see her.
People started clapping and yelling.
"Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"
Jason didn't know what to say.
He felt like he was backed up in a corner and couldn't get out.
Emma was standing there looking at him with tears in her eyes.
He slowly nodded. "Yes."
Emma started crying.
Monica and Alan just looked at each other.
Edward and Lila were also stunned.
AJ just stood there.
He thought about Brenda.
He started looking around for her.
It didn't take long before he found her.
She was standing there with Phillip, clapping and smiling with the rest of the people…..
Jason and Emma walked off the stage and was greeted with hugs.
Carly hugged Jason and made it a point to look him in the eyes.
She didn't say a word, but her eyes said enough.
What in the hell are you doing?
It was finally time for Brenda to congratulate them.
Emma held onto her tightly. "I really care a great deal about you and Jacob."
"We feel the same about you. Congratulations."
She didn't get a chance to talk to Jason because he was busy talking to his mother and father.
The party started back up and Phillip took her out onto the dancefloor.
Phillip pulled her close. "Did you know that was going to happen?"
"No, I had no idea."
"Be honest, Brenda, how do you feel about that?"
"I like her. They are perfect for each other."
"If you are ok with it, I guess congratulations to them….."
After they finished their dance, Brenda and Lucy went to the ladies room.
Well, not exactly.
That's just what they told Phillip and Kevin.
They walked down the hall.
They continued walking until there was no one around.
Lucy kept turning knobs, until she found an open room.
It was a conference room.
She took Brenda inside and locked the door behind them.
Lucy wasted no time questioning Brenda. "Did you know that was going to happen?"
Brenda threw her purse on the table. "I had no idea."
"Brenda, I was so shocked. I know they have been seeing each other for awhile, but never….in a million years."
Brenda nodded. "Yeah, I know. She will make him a wonderful wife."
Lucy agreed. "Yeah, I'm just still shocked."
"I guess she decided that she wasn't going to let him get away. She said as much."
Lucy walked over to the window and looked out. Her back was facing Brenda. "I still can't believe that happened. I always thought….I don't know. I just always thought you two would find your way back, but I guess you both have really moved on. It's time for the rest of us to move on with you. You are handling it better than I thought you would, which tells me that you are over-"
"Oh my God, Lucy."
Lucy turned around.
Brenda fell to her knees. "Oh my God….Oh my God. Tell me this is not happening. Tell me…" The tears were rolling down her cheeks one after the other.
Lucy rushed to her side…
Jason was talking to Carly when AJ walked up. "What are you doing?"
Carly walked off, leaving them alone.
It was the same question, she just asked him.
Jason shook his head. "AJ, not now."
"Yes, now. Look, I like Emma. She is very nice but you don't love her."
"I do love her."
"But not like you love a certain brunette. I feel like you found your Jax. You don't love her like you love Brenda. It's nowhere near that. I've seen you with both. She is not your Lila. I want what our grandparents have and I want the same for you. If you marry her, you will regret it. Why in the world would you say yes? I know you didn't feel pressure from strangers? That is so unlike you. Are you sick?"
"What was I suppose to say? No."
"Actually, I would have grabbed the mic and said hell no. If you marry her, you are going to be miserable. Yes, she'll make you a good wife. She'll do all the right things, and you will still be miserable. But congratulations, you are engaged. How are you going to get out of this?"
"Maybe I don't want to get out of it?"
"Bullshit. You don't want to marry her. You spend all of your time with Brenda. You could care less if Emma worked twenty four hours a day as long as you got to see Brenda. Don't lie and say it's about Jacob. You know what? You need to book an appointment with Kevin. Book several appointments. He has a couch you need to go sit on. You can tell him all about your troubles, particularly why you are still pissed that Brenda married Jax. Jason, you are taking this too far. Marrying Emma will not make you happy. Our whole family knows it, they just won't tell you."
AJ shook his head and walked off.
Emma rushed over to Jason. "Where did AJ run off to? Was he congratulating you?
Jason nodded.….
Brenda and Lucy returned to the party.
No one could tell a thing.
Lucy helped her fix her makeup and they both decided that she needed to leave.
If she didn't, she was going to fall apart in front of everyone.
She would dance with Phillip a couple of times and make up an excuse to leave.
As soon as she walked back in, Phillip took her out onto the dancefloor.
She didn't feel like dancing but she didn't want to ruin his night, so she sucked it up.
She could get through this.
She didn't want him to know that anything was wrong, so she decided to strike up a conversation.
"Phillip, did I tell you that you are a great dancer?"
He smiled. "No."
"Phillip, you are a great dancer."
He laughed. "And did I tell you, Brenda Barrett, that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
She smiled. "No, you did not."
"Brenda, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
They burst into laughter and he spun her around and her eyes met Jason's.
She quickly looked away.
Shit, that was not the plan.
She was supposed to be pretending to be happy for them.
When she looked again, he was gone…..
Phillip went to the restroom.
Brenda was standing by the stage when Jason walked up.
She didn't even see him coming.
He was just there. "Hey."
She tried to smile. "Hey."
She had a hard time looking at him.
So, she didn't.
She looked out into the crowd.
At first neither said a word.
She thought she should congratulate him. It would be odd if she didn't. "I just want to say congratulations. I would have told you earlier, but you were surrounded."
He nodded. "Thanks."
"Did you know-"
"No, I didn't. I had no idea. We never even discussed it."
"Well, she will make you a great wife. I don't doubt that at all. I don't really blame her for asking you. Smart girl. She realized what she had. And I know you'll make her a great husband."
Jason could feel the tension.
He could also hear it in her voice.
It was shaking.
He could tell she was trying not to cry.
"Brenda, you don't-"
"Jason, I am trying to say all the right things. Let me. I have no right to say anything else. I married Jax. I can't be anything but happy for you. I have accepted that you don't want me anymore. I'm just shocked that's all. Look, you are going to have a wonderful life with her. Congratulations, ok."
She tried to walk away but he grabbed her hand.
She turned and looked up into his eyes, the tears threatening to spill over. "Jason, let me go. Please."
"Brenda, I'm not trying to hurt you."
"I know. You told me a long time ago that you didn't want me. On two separate occasions. I'm just having a moment. You know, my poor Brenda moment. Making things all about me. A couple of sessions with Kevin and I'll be fine." She looked down. "Please…let me go. If you don't I'm going to start crying. Please, Jason."
He released her.
She walked away and his eyes followed her until she disappeared into the crowd.
Emma's friend, Traci, was standing there and witnessed the whole exchange…..
Brenda ended up leaving a couple of minutes later.
Phillip, Lucy, and Kevin left too.
As soon as she was in her car, Lucy called her.
Brenda promised her that she was ok.
Lucy wanted to talk to her until she made it to the Q estate, but Brenda told her there was no need for that.
She would be fine….
Brenda still couldn't believe it.
Jason was marrying Emma.
She thought she was over him.
She wasn't over him.
She still loved him, just as much as she did before. But she was not going to do anything to ruin things for Emma and Jason.
Jason deserved Emma.
She was a great person.
So was he.
It still hurt.
It hurt like hell.
The pain was almost too much to bear.
She was going to know exactly how he felt when she married Jax.
This was her karma.
The only difference…he didn't have to go to the ceremony…
Brenda was almost at the Quartermaine estate, when she saw a car driving on the wrong side of the road.
She honked her horn.
They didn't move.
She honked it again.
They still didn't move.
She couldn't get in the other lane, because it was a two lane road, and cars were coming towards her.
She kept honking her horn, but the car was still coming straight for her.
She jerked the wheel to avoid contact, lost control, and hit a tree…..
Lucy slipped on her nightgown, picked up her phone, and dialed Brenda's number.
She didn't receive an answer.
She called the Quartermaine house and got Reginald.
Brenda hadn't made it home yet.
Lucy had no idea where she could be.
She should be there by now.
Kevin assured her that she was fine.
She probably needed some time to herself.
Lucy got into bed. "Maybe so?"
About an hour later, her phone rang.
It was Brenda.
She answered. "Brenda Barrett! I have been calling you!"
"I'm sorry, this is not Miss Barrett. I'm calling from General Hospital and it seems you were the last person Miss Barrett talked to. Who am I speaking with?"
"Lucy her friend. Where is Brenda?"
"I'm really sorry to have to tell you this, but she has been in a car accident. We suggest you contact her family and get here as soon as possible….."
Jason, Emma, and the rest of Quartermaines were in the process of leaving the event.
His phone started ringing.
He looked down at it.
It was Lucy.
He knew she probably had something to say too.
He wasn't in the mood.
He sent her to voicemail.
His phone kept ringing.
Everyone looked at him.
Edward frowned. "Just answer the damn thing."
He answered. "Yeah."
Lucy was crying. "Jason, this is Lucy! You need to get to the hospital. Brenda has been in a car accident!"
"What?!"
"I don't know what happened! I had been calling and calling, but I couldn't reach her. I just received a call….it was from the hospital. We have to go now!"
Jason hung up, told them what happened, while sprinting to his truck…
They all made it to the hospital.
The police were there.
They told them that she was in car accident.
A drunk driver was involved.
He was driving on the wrong side of the road.
Brenda swerved to avoid contact, lost control, and hit a tree.
She was wearing her seat belt, but it was the air bag that knocked her unconscious. Air bags can be rough on small adults and children.
A couple of minutes after they arrived, the doctor appeared.
He introduced himself and said hello to Monica.
He preceded to tell them about Brenda's condition.
"She hit the tree hard. She was unconscious when they brought her in. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but while we were treating her, she slipped into a coma."
Jason's heart dropped, he buried his face into his hands.
Emma wrapped her arms around him.
Monica and Alan hugged.
AJ was in shock.
Edward had taken Lila home, fearing that it would all be too much for her.
Lucy was inconsolable.
Jason lifted his head. "Can I see her? I need to see her."
"Only family."
"She is my family."
The doctor nodded. "One at a time."
He took Jason back…
Before the doctor took him in, he warned him that initially it will be a shock.
"She is on a ventilator. That's just a precaution. We will check her periodically, to make sure she can breathe on her own."
Jason nodded.
The doctor took him in.
He was still talking but Jason didn't hear a thing.
He approached the bed slowly.
His eyes roamed over her lifeless body.
The only movement was her chest.
Rising and falling.
He was in complete shock.
He couldn't believe this was happening.
It didn't even seem real.
But it was.
The doctor said something about not too long and he left.
Jason's hand instantly went up and touched her face.
He looked over at the machine and down at her again.
She didn't have any cuts or bruises.
His hand moved down to hers.
He placed it inside of his.
A few short hours ago, he was talking to her.
He could still see her holding Jacob while yelling at him in the bathroom.
Jason, don't use all the hot water!
Standing in the closet showing him the watch she bought him.
This is the watch I bought for you the day Sonny kidnapped me. Never got the chance to give it to you.
Asking him if she looked ok.
Do I look ok, Jason?
Telling him she was sorry…again.
Jason, I know I have apologized, but I just want to apologize again. For Everything. You were really good to me. I'm happy you found someone that is treating you the way you deserve. You seem really happy.
Fighting back tears as she tried to congratulate him.
Jason, I am trying to say all the right things. Let me.
Her hand was still in his.
He looked up at her face.
"You looked better than ok. I have been a fool." A tear rolled down his face. "I wish you would wake up and push me…telling me you agree. I would give anything to have you yell at me right now. Please, wake up. I still love you. I never stopped. That was never the issue. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. You and Jacob are my life. I still want you. I'll always want you. And I need you so much. I should have been honest with myself. I should have been honest with you. I have been so stubborn. So angry. I should have told you when I had the chance. And now…." His eyes roamed over her body. "I….just can't lose you. Please, don't leave me. Don't…leave…me. Don't leave us. Jacob needs you. We both do. Brenda, can you hear me? Can you hear me, Baby? Please, wake up."
He leaned down, pressed his lips against her hand, and cried.
Jason was no longer alone.
Monica was standing behind him.
She walked up and placed her hand on his shoulder….