Chapter 21

The next morning, Elizabeth and Laura were making breakfast for everyone in the kitchen while Jake, Jason and Kevin were getting ready. Kevin and Jason decided to rehearse the plan if something were to go wrong and to make sure Kevin would be able to see the signal if they needed help. Kevin knew that when it came to Helena, it didn't matter; signal or no signal. If Laura noticed the first sign of trouble, she would burst in and take care of her herself. Helena had a personal vandeta against the Spencers ever since Micos Cassadine had died, and Laura wanted to finish her off once and for all for messing with her family, especially most recently with Lulu.

When breakfast was ready, Elizabeth called everyone to the kitchen where they all ate. Kevin and Jason went over the plan with everyone, and they began making their way over to the compound. -

Helena was enjoying a warm cup of tea in her sitting room when a gard came to the door.

Gard:" There are guests to see you Madam."

Helena (knowing this day would come when Elizabeth would want to confront her about Jake):" Great. Show them in please."

Just then, the gard left and showed Elizabeth, Jason and Jake to where Helena was sitting.

Helena:" Well! The baby dispenser returns."

Elizabeth:" Save it you bitch. I'm not scared of you, and when it comes to my son, you messed with the wrong mother. How could you do this to me? Do you know that when he came to me, he was scared and having nightmares. He started acting out and couldn't understand why. He knew something was wrong, and then we got him therapy. Things—"

Helena:" I do not have time for your husterics Elizabeth. In fact, perhaps you should go back to Shadybrook and get some help."

Elizabeth:" Fuck you Helena! I don't need help. you've been programming Jake this whole time leading Lucky and I to think he was dead. We had such a hard time moving on from this and now to find out that Jake was alive, I was ecstatic. I was so glad that Lucky brought him home to me, and now that Jason came back, he has a second chance to parent both of his sons."

Helena:" Speaking of Jason, did Samantha enjoy her curse? I'm sure it was a fun time trying to figure out what man she should choose right soldier boy?"

Jason:" It was hard in the beginning, but she's happy with Drew. She's getting engaged. Shut up and don't say anything about Sam ever again. If you go near Sam, Elizabeth, or Jake again, I will kill you."

Helena:" Well whether it was with you or Drew, I wish her all the misery she can stand. Now Jake my love, come here and see Helena. I've missed you so much."

Jake looked from Elizabeth to Jason and then to Helena. She brought the chimera out to try to condition him.

Elizabeth:" Jake, remember baby, you're stronger than Helena. You can do this. You don't have to listen to her. She wants to control you. She wants you to stay with her and leave me, but you're happy with me, right? You don't want to do bad things the way Helena wants you to do, right? No matter what, I love you and will support you whatever you decide, but you're a good boy. You care so much for everyone and Helena's a manipulative old bitch who should have been dead years ago. It's okay Jake. Listen to me okay baby? I'm right here. I love you."

Suddenly, Jake looked at Helena with a rage that even Elizabeth was scared of.

Jake:" No! You're not gonna take me away from Mom and my brothers again. I love them and want to stay with them. Don't make me go back to you. I hated it. You were mean to me and my father."

The more upset Jake got at the memories, the angrier Jason and Elizabeth got. As Kevin was listening with Laura, he was very proud of Jake. Laura was having a hard time and she began to cry.

Jason was done with this. He didn't mind Jake trying to fight, but Jake and Elizabeth were getting upset. Jason had enough. Jason quietly came over and signaled for Elizabeth to take Jake out.

Elizabeth:" Jakey, you did really good. I'm so proud of you. You didn't need to say much at all and what you said was perfect. I noticed that when Helena tried to program you with the chimera, you stood your ground. I love you Jake. Come on with me. Helena, if you mess with any of my kids again, you'll have me to deal with."

Helena (scoffed): "Really Elizabeth? I'm not scared of you. What could you possibly do to hurt me. You wouldn't hurt a fly."

Elizabeth was angry. She signaled for Jason to take Jake outside. He gave Elizabeth the gun without Helena seeing it .

Elizabeth:" Wanna make a bet?"

. As Jake and Jason went out, a shot rang out.

Laura in a state of terror screamed. She didn't know if Elizabeth or Jake got shot, god forbid.

Laura was getting histerical now.

Laura:" Kevin, can you check to see if Elizabeth and Jake are alright? I'm terrified that Helena finally killed them. Oh God! No!"

Kevin:" Shhh, Laura, it's going to be alright."

Jake and Jason at that moment came out and Laura wrapped him in her arms and kept him very close.

Elizabeth came out smeared in blood. Being Elizabeth was a nurse, she knew where to shoot so that it could sever a major artery.

Laura (rushing to Elizabeth):" Elizabeth, honey, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

Elizabeth:" No. Helena's dead. I severed a major artery when I shot her in the chest, and just to make sure, I gave her a whole bottle of tranquilizers. She'll surely be dead based on her injories alone."

Jason was shocked. As someone who didn't like the mob, she surely knew how to not only make sure where to shoot someone to make someone die, but she shot that gun with no hesitation, and it was Helena to boot. Helena doesn't die like this and the fact that Elizabeth shot her and then tranquilized her was the icing on the cake to insure her death.

Kevin:" Whoa Elizabeth, that was amazing. I guess the saying is true. Don't mess with a mother and her cubs."

Laura:" You can say that again. Elizabeth,you stole my idea."

Elizabeth:" I'm sorry. I shouldn't have killed her, but she got me so angry about taking Jake away from me that I couldn't help it. I just snapped and this unspeakable rage came over me. I know it was wrong and if you never want to speak—"

Laura:" Honey,you've done nothing wrong. In fact, you should be commended for killing her. Let's celebrate."

Kevin:" Yes. I agree. I think we should celebrate. Jake, want a soda and Jason and Elizabeth, drinks and dinner on me."

Jason:" Thank you."

Jake:" Yay! I'm so glad she's dead. Mom, thanks for having Jason take me out so that I wouldn't get scared."

Elizabeth:" I love you."

Jake:" I love you too Mom."

That night, Jason, Elizabeth, Kevin, Jake and Laura came to eat dinner. It was very good. Elizabeth never felt as excited to kill anyone like she did now. Even when she killed one of the Russian men who kidnapped Jake it didn't feel this good. Jake loved the food as did everyone else. After they ate, they decided to go to bed.

Kevin and Laura went into their rooms leaving Jason, Jake and Elizabeth alone to play or just hang if they wanted.

Jake:" Mom, that was so cool what you did, and thanks Dad for protecting me."

Jason couldn't believe what he heard.

Jason:" What did you say?"

Jake:" I called you Dad. That was the first time you made me feel safe when you took me out."

Elizabeth was crying; not because she was sad, but now, Jake was ready to call Jake Dad and accept him as his father.

Jason:" well buddy, it's my job to protect my sons. I'd do the same for Danny."

Jake:" Now, I know you would. I love you Dad."

Jason:" I love you too Jake. Give me a hug."

Jake:" I think I'm ready to do that now."

He went to hug Jason. Jason was glad that this time on the plane got them closer because they only had each other to bond with. He enjoyed it.

Jake:" dad, can you read me a story tonight?"

Jason:" Of course I will. Elizabeth? You okay?"

Jason was noticing how quiet Elizabeth was. He didn't realize just how quiet she was, until he looked over and found her fast asleep on the chair.

Jason:" Okay. I'll read to you and then, I'm taking your mother up to bed."

Jake (looking worried):" Mom, you okay?"

Jake gently shook her shoulder.

Elizabeth (sleepily):" Jake baby? You okay?"

Jason (gently):" Shhh, it's okay. he's fine. I'm just gonna read to him."

Jason's words went in one ear and out the other because Elizabeth immediately fell back asleep.

Jason read a story to Jake and helped him brush his teeth. He kissed him goodnight and went to bed. As he was in bed, Jason was getting happier that Jake finally accepted him as his father and he accepted a hug from him. He also gained a lot more respect for Elizabeth. He knew now that when push came to shove and when it came down to keeping her children safe, she'd do anything including kill for them. He was thinking more and more that Elizabeth was slowly accepting the mob life as long as the kids were safe and that's what he was hoping for. This past week got them all closer and he hoped he could have a chance with her eventually. He fell asleep and dreamed of a life with Elizabeth and the boys. All he saw was hope for them and a happy life. He dreamed that they had a winery in Italy. Luckally, he had enough money where at certain times of the year, he would go to Italy for a few months and would then come back to Port Charles if he so chose. In his dream, Jason and Elizabeth also got married and had the little girl Elizabeth always wanted. He was hoping that the dream would become a reality one day.

Franco woke up the next day with a pounding headache. The only thing he knewwas that the kids were safe because they spent the night at Audrey's, but what was he doing with Ava? Oh wait. He slept with her. How would he tell Elizabeth? The guilt was killing him. He was so drunk that he didn't realize that he filmed the whole thing, including when they slept together. He wished he could have erased the video, but he didn't know how to do it and he didn't want to ask anyone for fear someone would find out. So, he left it alone. He also didn't realize that before passing out, he drunkenly texted the video to Ava. He thought it was just the art show, but boy was he wrong. Ava had a pot of coffee on and as soon as he came out, she gave a cup to him.

Franco:" Ava?Whoa! I feel pretty crappy. I guess I drank a little too much, huh?"

Ava:" Yeah… you did. How are you feeling?"

Franco:" I have a killer headache, but that's it."

Ava:" Oh good. I do have to say I was worried about you when I saw how much you were drinking, but boy! Was that sex good or what!"

Franco (guiltally):" I don't know. It was stupid and yes, I was drunk, and yes, I was angry that Elizabeth went with Jason to try to help Jake, but come on. Having sex with you was the worse mistake of my life."

Ava:" Yeah, but I hate to point this out to you Franco, but you texted me the video and it has our nice little arrangement, if you know what I mean. I actually think you made my job easier. I think I'll show it to her and then, she can try to win you back. She shouldn't have treated you so unfairly."

Franco:" Ava, Elizabeth wouldn't hurt a fly. I trust her and though I don't like that Jason doesn't like me, for Elizabeth's sake, I've accepted that there are some things we'll all have to do separately because Jason can't stand me. I love Elizabeth, and all she's asked of me is honesty in return. If I keep this a secret and she finds out by you or someone else, I'm screwed."

Ava:" But Franco, she betrayed you. She went off with another man, and she used her child to do it. She doesn't want you; she wants Jason and that's it. Give me a break. She needs a taste of her own medicine and maybe, if she thinks we're together, she'll realize that she could have had something great with you, and she'll want to take you back. Oh, but wait. It will be too late because we'll already be together at that point."

Franco didn't like this, but a part of him actually liked where this was going. He liked that Ava brought his sneaky side to him because if he were being honest with himself, even though he wanted to be a changed man, the borring, domestic franco was getting a little tedious. He wanted to spice up his life a bit, and if making Elizabeth jealous was the way to do it to make sure that she should choose Franco, then, so be it.

Franco:" Okay Ava. I'll go along with your plan, but I am going to tell Elizabeth."

Ava:" No! Don't do that! It needs to be our secret."

Franco:" Fine."

Franco finished his coffee and then walked outside. Ava ordered an Uber for him and he went to the art galerie so he could pick up his car to get the boys from Audrey's.

As Jason, Elizabeth, Jake, Laura and Kevin all made the trip back to New York, it had been a few days since Franco's incident with Ava. Elizabeth was getting anxious to come home to Cam, Aiden and Franco. She had received all of his texts, and enjoyed looking at all the photos of his pieces, which kept her occupied when Jake was either sleeping or talking to Jason on the plane. Jason, Elizabeth and Jake continued to get closer and closer. It felt really good to finally have Jason in her life again, even if it was only because of Jake. Jake brought them closer to each other more than they had been in quite some time. Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if she and Jason were to try again, now that the kids were older. There was something sexie about shooting Helena and Elizabeth was more confident in herself that if she ever felt that rage inside her again if anyone came to threaten her children, she would kill to insure their safety no matter what it took. Jason picked up on that too and was very attracted to that side of her.

Jason:" Elizabeth, I do have to say that was very attractive with how you shot and killed Helena like that. I'm impressed."

Elizabeth:" The only reason why I felt bad for killing her like that is because now Nikolas is with her."

Jason:" It doesn't matter. The point is, Helena's dead and you're responsible for that. Don't be sorry; I had it taken care of so that it can't be traced back to you."

Elizabeth:" Jason, I want to thank you for teaching me how to use a gun and also teaching me how to protect myself after getting stuck in the cript with Xander. The gun saved me when I was in the cabbin with the boys when Jake got kidnapped, and obviously, it saved me now. Although, I do have to say, nothing was as satisfying as killing that evil bitch for what she did to my son."

Jason:" You were amazing."

He couldn't help himself. Before the plane landed at the airport, he kissed her. She couldn't help but reciprocate the kiss. Unfortunately, the kiss was longer than either had intended to be, but never the less, on both accounts, it felt natural, simple, gentle and everything that both Jason and Elizabeth had remembered about the way it used to feel when they kissed each other. Feelings began flooding Elizabeth, and now, she was so confused. Franco made her feel those things too, but with Jason, she had wanted him for so long, and they did the push and pull dance for years. Now could their timing be right? She didn't know, but she was going to saver this moment for as long as she could.

Jason:" I'm sorry."

Elizabeth:" No I'm sorry. I could tell you felt something for me for a while now, but I wasn't sure if it was real or not. If we're gonna do this, I'm gonna need to break up with Franco and fast."

Jason:" No. Don't rush into anything. If it's meant to be, it will happen. We always somehow find our way back to each other, and because of Jake, it will be easier if we want this."

Elizabeth:" I think honestly, I got caught up in the moment. I'm sorry."

Jason:" It's okay. We're just about to land now okay? be careful and go be with Jake."

Elizabeth:" No you be careful."

Jason:" Okay."

They didn't know why they told each other to be careful. Or did they? Hell. They both knew that it was habbit and that was something Elizabeth and Jason always wished when they would leave each other; just like he would wish Sam the same thing as would she. He had strong connections with both women, but he really felt like he and Elizabeth could possibly work, and if he had to prove it to her., he would do it, but he also knew that no matter what, he and Elizabeth would have a special relationship, whether they were friends, or husband and wife.

They got all their stuff off the plane once they landed, and as soon as they got to baggage claim, they were able to quickly get their luggage. Jason ended up driving Jake and Elizabeth home. Elizabeth had bad jetlag and was exhausted. Jake being that he was only 10 loved it. He had a second wind and wanted to play video games with his brothers and Franco.

Franco was immediately there waiting at the door. Jason helped Elizabeth out of the car and Jake ran up to franco.

Jake:" Franco! Guesss what! I think I'm all better! It was so cool, and you can thank Mom for it!"

Elizabeth (groaning):" Jakey, please. I have a horrible headache. Can you not yell?"

Jason:" Yeah Jake, your Mom's tired and so am I. Elizabeth, we'll keep in touch okay?"

Franco:" Thanks Jason."

Jason just ignored Franco and gave Jake a kiss goodbye. Truth be told, he was feeling just as crappy as Elizabeth was and couldn't wait to go home in the quiet comforts of his apartment.

Later that night, Elizabeth came down after putting her and Jake's things away. She was exhausted because she hadn't slept. She had the perfect opportunity to sleep, but she wanted to catch up with the boys and see how their vacation was.

Franco noticing how tired she was decided to order in for dinner and then give her a bubble bath. When she came out of the bathroom, he put on the TV for her. He put on the show, "Untold Stories of the ER" for her. She loved that show. It amazed him that she could like that show considering that she worked with medical stuff all day long and was probably sick of it.

Franco:" I poured you a nice cold glass of wine. Want some?"

Elizabeth:" I'd love some. So, how was Gram? I should call her."

Franco:" Audrey's great, but I think she would rather you called her tomorrow."

Elizabeth (letting out a yawn as she spoke):" You're probably right. In fact, Franco, I don't think I'm gonna finish this glass of wine. I'm exhausted. I thought the bath would help, but it didn't. I just think I need to go to bed. I love you."

Franco:" I love you too. Oh and by the way, I put all the boys to bed."

Elizabeth:" I knew I loved you. Tomorrow, I'm all yours, and we'll all spend time as a family okay?"

Franco:" I'd love that. I love you Elizabeth."

Elizabeth:" I love you too Franco."

They kissed long and passionately before Elizabeth went into her room. As they kissed, the both of them closed their eyes and savered the moment as if it were their last.

The next day, franco let Elizabeth and Jake sleep in while he went to Kelly's to get breakfast for them. He was so glad that she was home. He didn't want her to think that anything was wrong with him, but the truth was, it really bothered him that he slept with Ava. The guilt was eating him up inside. Everyone knew that something was off with him, and it was only a matter of time before Elizabeth caught on too. As he was there, he saw Scott sitting at a table. Franco really didn't want to talk to him, but Scott saw him first.

Scott:" Ah! Franco! Sit down for a minute. How are you?"

Franco:" Well, dad, I'm not really in the mood to talk to you right now."

Scott:" Aww why. Is it just because you want to go back to Elizabeth? Come on Franco. You need to stop acting like a high school kid and acting like a grownup."

Franco:" Yeah know… on second thought, I think I'm just gonna go and order my food and leave. Elizabeth just got home last night and I'm just being a good boyfriend and getting her and the boys breakfast."

Scott:" That's nice, but Franco, I want to talk to you. You haven't been acting right this week ever since the night of the art show. Now, tell me what's going on."

Franco sat down after ordering the food because it would take a while for it to be done anyway.

Franco:" Okay well… the night of the art show, I slept with Ava. I know it was stupid, but I was insecure. I was upset that Elizabeth went to Cassadine Island with Jason when I was the one who helped Jake and acted more like a father figure than Jason ever could. Now all of a sudden, he's suddenly changed his priorities and wants to be a father? Anyway, so I got really drunk and confided in Ava. She stupidly told me that Elizabeth needed a taste of her own medicine and to get her back for betraying me for not coming to the art show, we would sleep together, and Elizabeth would realize that she was wrong for betraying me and by that point, it would be too late because ava and I would be together. Well, that is if Elizabeth found out. Ava said we'd keep it a secret though."

Scott was upset with franco because all Elizabeth ever did was be honest with him about everything; her past mistakes, and her feuture with him. She did a lot for Franco; she welcomed him into her home as well as welcomed him into her boys lives, especially Jake's, and this is the thanks she will get?

Scott:" Franco, what are you a fool? How could you. Are you that stupid? Now, you're just asking her to push away from you right back into Jason's arms. Why can't you just be honest with her when that's all she's asked of you? She did a lot for you, and this is how you pay her?"

Franco:" Hey listen. Don't try to go all moral and innocent by telling me to tell the truth. I did it once, and I know I can do it again. It's just I feel so guilty that I don't want to hurt her, so it's best she doesn't know."

Scott:" Well listen, lies and secrets always come out, so please tell her before someone else does."

Franco:" Sure. Hey thanks for the talk. I'll see you around."

Scott:" Franco, I mean it. If you know what's good for you, you'll tell her the truth, especially if you want a chance with her and a good chance."

The waitress told Franco his order was ready. He thanked her and paid for the breakfasts and walked out.

- As Franco was making his way home, Elizabeth finally woke up. It was 10 in the morning. She couldn't believe she slept that long. She went in Jake's room, and he wasn't there. She then went into Cam's room where they were all taking terns playing a video game. She was glad that they came back on the weekend so that Jake could have time to get back in the swing of things before going to school. She emailed his teachers to explain that she and Jake were away on a medical emergency and he would take Monday off, and they were okay with that. Elizabeth was glad about that.

Elizabeth:" Hi boys, How's the game?"

Cam:" It's good. Jake's winning."

Elizabeth:" You are? That's awesome!"

Jake:" Yeah I know a secret for beating the game. I just discovered it before I left. I'll tell Cam and Aiden what it is so they can beat it."

Cam and Aiden were excited about that. Cam loved that Jake was back and seemed more like himself.

Right then, Franco came in the house with containers of breakfast foods. He got Elizabeth a scrambled egg combo plate, which came with bacon and homefries. Aiden had wafuls, and Cam and Jake had pancakes. All those breakfasts came with a side of bacon or sausage, so he got both. Franco got an egg combo plate too, but his came with two pieces of toast, a bottle of orange juice and a side of bacon or sausage. He chose to get both sides. He also got coffees for him and Elizabeth. They all ate quickly. Elizabeth didn't realize just how hungry she actually was. She couldn't believe that she ate the whole thing.

Elizabeth then went to clear the plates and the boys went back to play. When she was done, she figured she'd talk to Franco. Franco was the first to speak.

Franco:" Hey, I know this is random, but want to be spontaneous and get married like next week?"

Elizabeth:" Franco, I can't marry you that quick. We just got through helping Jake, and I need to make sure he's well adjusted before springing a wedding in the mix of everything."

Suddenly, Elizabeth thought about this. Franco obviously wants to get married because something must have happened while she was away with Jason and Jake, unless, this was his way of securing their relationship so that Jason couldn't interfere in the relationship.

Elizabeth:" franco, what's going on with you? Are you sure you're okay? Why rush the wedding? We're not even engaged and you want to get married? Something's up with you. What happened."

Franco:" Nothing. I just love you so much. That's all."

Elizabeth:" Franco, it's more than love. Are you that insecure about my relationship with Jason which is just a friendship that you want to marry me so that you can steak your claim to me so that Jason doesn't have the chance to interfere in the relationship?"

Franco:" No. It has nothing to do with Jason."

Elizabeth:" Than what is it? I hope you're not keeping secrets from me because if you are, I am gonna find out what's going on."

Franco:" I'm not keeping anything from you. It's just, I've missed you so much when you were away this past week, and it's true what they say ya know. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that's all this is."

Elizabeth:" Oh alright, but we can't get married yet. Once everything goes back to normal, we can set a date okay? Just be patient."

Franco:" Okay."

Elizabeth:" I saw your pictures of all your art pieces that you sold. They were all beautiful! How'd you make out?"

Franco:" I sold every single one."

Elizabeth:" That's great! Did we get any mail?"

Franco:" Yeah. We got bills, bills, bills, bills and more bbills, and we also got an invitation to drew and Sam's engagement party. They want to have an engagement party before the wedding."

Elizabeth:" Sam invited you?

Franco:" Yeah well, Drew actually did because he and I have come to sort of an understanding with the whole Jim Harvy thing, and he forgave me for pushing him down the stairs."

Elizabeth:" Oh okay. Did you respond?"

Franco:" Yes. I said we'd both go."

Elizabeth:" Oh okay."

Elizabeth:" When's the party?"

Franco:" It's May 13th."

Elizabeth:" Okay. I'll put it in my calendar."

Franco:" Okay."

The rest of the weekend was spent with Franco and the boys before getting Jake ready for the week in school. Franco's secret still continued to go untold.

Author's note:

A spoiler alert. Someone is gonna find Franco's phone in the next chapter and see the video. The engagement party will also happen and fireworks will happen at the party. Stay tuned!:).