A/N – Thanks for the comments and various opinions on AJ. * virgy15 – Darn! I thought the site was good again. Sorry you guys are having so many problems! Hopefully, they'll get it together! * Guest – re: Cain & Abel – Good one. I don't know how I didn't even think of that!
Chapter 29 – Aftershocks
Jason pushed open the door to the family room. Tracy, Emily, and Edward had joined Monica.
"You just missed Lila," Edward said. "I sent her home to rest."
"I'll check up on her soon," Jason said. "What's going on?"
Monica sighed. She looked like a wreck and Jason was worried for her, "He's holding on. The surgery is still continuing."
Jason let out the breath he was holding.
"What happened with AJ?" Monica asked.
"He wants me dead. That hasn't changed," Jason said.
Monica closed her eyes for a minute. "I don't know if I can forgive him for how he reacted. I understand why he hates us, but that was so cold. It was like all that made AJ loveable was gone."
"I need to know something," Jason said not even believing he was going to ask. "Do you want me to do what I can to save AJ from the murder charges or not?"
Emily started to cry and Tracy put her arm around her. "He was going to kill you and possibly Elizabeth and the baby. How can you even ask that question?"
Jason cleared his throat. "I feel guilt just like the next person Emily."
"Guilt for what—existing?" Emily asked incredulously. "Jason, you did nothing wrong. AJ had a choice of how he responded. Do you know how many times I picked him up out of the gutter? It was endless. I tried to be there for him. I loved him the best that I knew how and it still wasn't enough. AJ didn't want anything to do with us. It didn't matter. I would tell him that I love him over and over and he would just turn around and say, but you love Jason more. I swear that he's mental at this point. Do not let this eat you up inside," Emily said angrily.
Monica let out a tortured sob. "She's right. I hate it but I don't think any of us can get through to him. I can't lose you or Elizabeth and the baby so no, don't you dare do anything."
Edward had a feeling that he knew what was going on. Jason needed to know that they were okay with him letting AJ fry. He stood up and walked over to Jason. "It's okay. This isn't your fault Jason."
Jason was close to losing it. He wanted to get out of there but Edward stopped him and made him look him in the eye. "Don't internalize this. It's okay to mourn your brother. Let him go," Edward said as Jason's eyes filled with tears.
He pulled Jason into his arms and Emily jumped up and wrapped her arms around them both. Monica stood as well with Tracy and did the same. They all grieved together as a family.
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Liz watched Jason walk towards her. His eyes were red and he looked like he was about to fall over. Carly had gone home to check on Michael. She moved over and Jason slipped into the bed and Elizabeth held him as tightly as she could.
Jason got lost in her touch and let her comfort him. He wasn't necessarily upset that he had framed AJ. Under the circumstances, that was a necessity. It was more that he could see how hurt the family was and he felt like he played a part in all of it, even if his brain injury wasn't his fault. Exhausted, he quickly fell asleep.
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A few hours later, Monica walked in and woke them up.
"Mom?" Jason asked trying to shake off the tiredness. He sat up and swung his legs over the bed.
"He's okay," Monica said. "He's in recovery. They are moving him to a room right now."
Jason pulled her into his arms and hugged her, "You look exhausted."
"They are putting an extra bed in his room. I'll take naps," Monica said.
He pulled back and looked at her knowing that there was no way she was going to get rest tonight. He would talk to a doctor about maybe giving her a sleeping pill. "I want to see him."
Monica nodded and Jason got up and put his boots on. Elizabeth was still knocked out. Monica smiled slightly. "She looks so peaceful when she sleeps."
Jason slightly smiled. "I love watching her sleep."
Monica smiled at her son. "I'm really glad that you're happy Jason."
"Me too. Come on," he said holding out his hand.
She took it and they went to Alan's room.
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Jason sucked in a breath as he looked at all the machines Alan was hooked up to. He looked pale. A machine was helping him breathe and Jason stood frozen to the floor not even realizing he had stopped walking.
Monica pulled at him and he slowly followed him closer to the bed.
"Alan, Jason is here. We just wanted to check on you. Rest. I love you," she said laying a soft kiss on the side of his head.
Jason cleared his throat. "I love you dad," he said not sure what else to say.
Monica hugged Jason and then touched his face. "He's not going to wake up until tomorrow. Go get some rest."
Jason nodded and walked outside running into Leo. "Hey. Do you think you can try and convince my mother to take a sleeping pill tonight? I'm worried about her and I don't think she'll rest without it."
Leo understood. "I'll go talk to talk her."
"Thanks."
Jason walked back to Elizabeth's room and quietly slipped back into the bed, hoping that his father would make it through the night.
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Kristen sighed as she looked out the window of the convent. She had been lying low knowing she was being watched. She figured she'd have to unfortunately play Susan for a few more months and then she'd disappear and go see AJ. He should be very vengeful by now and then the final chapter could be played out. Smiling she plopped down onto the cot in the small room she now called home. "Vengeance is mine," she said softly. Jason wasn't going to know what hit him.
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The next morning, Kelly gave the okay for Elizabeth to leave the hospital. Her blood pressure was normal and she had gotten some much needed rest. Jason's hand was doing fine and once she was sprung, they went to the ICU family room to get an update on Alan.
"Elizabeth, I'm so glad to see you are doing well," Lila said.
Liz smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm feeling much better."
Tracy gave her the one over. "I'll call Alice and have her tell Cook to make you something to eat if you're going to hang around here."
Liz looked up at Jason.
"We'll stay for a while and then I want to get her home to rest."
Tracy stepped away to make the call.
"Edward went to make a business call and Emily and Monica are with Alan. They will only let us go in two at a time," Lila explained.
"Is he awake?" Jason asked.
"No, but they think he will wake up any minute now," Lila said. Liz sat down and Jason sat next to Lila.
"Edward explained the dilemma," Lila said sighing. "I hate to say this but I agree. Are you alright with the decision?"
Jason shrugged. "I don't know if I'll ever be alright with it but I can't take the chance of letting AJ off the hook."
Lila squeezed his hand. "You're going to have to find a way to let all of this go Jason. If you let it eat you up inside, it will affect your life negatively. You're a father now. Take some time to let your emotions out and then let it go. Do you think you can do that?"
"I'll try."
Emily ran into the room smiling from ear to ear. "He's awake."
Lila grinned. "Thank God."
"They are taking out his tube and doing some tests," she said excitedly.
Liz smiled. "I'm so happy for all of you," she said standing up. Emily walked over to her and gave her a hug.
"I'm glad you're okay. We were worried sick," Emily said.
"Me too," Liz said.
Edward came into the room. He had heard the noise from the hallway. "What's going on? Is he alright?"
"He's fine dear. He's awake and we can see him soon," Lila said smiling.
Edward let out the breath he was holding. "Thank goodness. I swear you kids are going to be the death of me."
Lila scowled. "Don't you even talk that way for a second."
"I'm an angel. I don't know what you're talking about," Emily said grinning.
Jason rolled his eyes as Lila chuckled.
"Angel alright….a fallen angel," Edward muttered as he left the room again.
Emily laughed.
About a half hour later, Jason and Edward went to see Alan.
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Alan watched them walk into the room and gave them a slight smile.
"You are on a time out," Edward said.
Alan smiled fully. "Isn't this a time out enough?" he asked with a raspy voice.
"Humpff," Edward said making a noise before grabbing his son's hand. "I'm glad you're alright. You know I love you right?"
Alan swallowed hard. Edward wasn't the type to show affection very much and it had completely taken him off guard. "Yes. I love you too father."
Jason slightly smiled. "Hey."
Alan grinned. "Get over here."
Jason walked over to the other side of the bed and took Alan's hand. "I'm glad that you're okay. You had us worried."
"I thought I was a goner. AJ….."
"Don't talk about that right now. AJ is where he should be," Jason said. "You need to focus on getting better."
Alan grimaced. "I can only imagine what Monica is going to make me eat."
Edward grinned. "You can kiss whatever foods taste good goodbye."
Alan groaned. "I'll pay Cook to smuggle me some good food."
Monica stood in the doorway. "Over my dead body."
Alan's eyes grew wide and Jason smiled.
Edward chuckled. "I'm out of here. I'll come back later."
Monica walked past him and gave Alan a look. "You almost died and if you think I'm going to let your arteries get all clogged up again, you are delusional. Not to mention you are a cardiologists. What kind of example would you be to your patients?"
Alan smiled. "I love you too Monica."
She blushed and started to chuckle and Jason smiled.
"Lila really wants to see you. I'll go get her," Jason said letting go of his hand.
He started to walk away but heard his father's voice.
"Jason, I love you. I hope that you know that," Alan said.
Jason turned around. "I do and I love you too," he said making Alan smile.
Jason walked out into the hallway, relieved that his father was going to be okay. With a kid on the way, he realized how important family was and even though his family was certifiable, he wanted his child to grow up knowing that there were lots of people who loved him or her.
He walked into the family room and told Emily to take Lila to Alan's room. They all said goodbye and he took Elizabeth home.
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About three hours later, Jason felt something on his chest and he opened his eyes. Elizabeth was looking up at him with a sly grin.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
She lifted her eyebrows a few times and then sat up. He realized she was straddling his body and when she whipped her shirt over her head he fought a groan.
"I don't think this is going to keep your blood pressure down," he said with a smirk.
She grinned. "Oh, I think it will make me feel really good actually."
Jason reached up and cupped her breasts causing Elizabeth to inhale sharply. Then it was his turn when she wiggled against his growing erection.
His eyes narrowed at her which a slight hint of amusement. "Since when are you so bad?"
Liz smiled. "It's all your fault you know," she said sensuously rubbing against his now hard erection.
His eyes darkened a little and he let out a little breath at the contact. "I'll have to remember to pat myself on the back later."
Liz grinned. "Less talking and more….." Her voice trailed off and Jason smiled. She loved it when he smiled. It was something he did more with her than anyone else and every time he graced her with one, she cherished it.
His hips bucked before she could finish and a look of ecstasy appeared on her face. He studied her raptly as he began to rock against her.
Her mouth went slack. "Jason, I need you," she said breathlessly.
He licked his lips. God he loved her. Everything about her completely overwhelmed him. He had never felt before what he felt with her. Making love was so much more than just having sex. It was like they melted into one and it was mind blowing to him just how explosive it was. He would have never thought that he was capable of feeling so much emotion. Flipping them over, he quickly disposed of all their clothing. As his fingers sought her wetness, Elizabeth whimpered as her hips rose to meet his fingers under his intense stare.
Jason couldn't wait. He had to be inside of her, feeling her walls clench him. And as her body swallowed him up, and the love of his life screamed his name, he couldn't think of any other place he'd rather be. He slowly made love to her, filling her over and over until they both fell limp and then he wrapped his body around her in a firm embrace wishing they never had to leave the bed.
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The next morning, Elizabeth awoke to the smell of bacon and smiled. She quickly went to the bathroom and then scurried downstairs only to stop in the doorway of the kitchen.
Jason was shirtless, making her an omelet. His hair was mussed and his sweats hung low on his hips. She thought he was the most beautiful thing that she had ever seen.
He turned and looked at her and smiled and her eyes filled with tears.
The smile quickly left Jason's face and he turned off the burner and put the omelet on a plate before rushing over to her. "Baby?"
She gave him a watery smile. "Good morning."
"What's wrong?" he asked as his thumb wiped away a fallen tear.
She chuckled. "Hormones. You just looked so handsome and so…..mine."
He gave her a confused smile. "And that made you cry?"
She nodded. "I just love you so much."
Jason answered her with a searing kiss making her knees buckle. He pulled back. "I love you too. Now sit down, the baby's hungry."
She grinned. "And how do you know that?"
"She told me," he said softly. "You're stomach grumbled while you were kissing me."
She laughed and patted him on the butt when he turned around to finish making her breakfast. She sat down and sighed, feeling like the luckiest woman alive.
Jason stood at the stove with a big smile on his face. God she made him so happy. He wished there were words to express just how much he loved her, but there weren't. Hopefully, he'd get to spend the rest of his life showing her. He turned and looked at her. "You need to stop looking at me like that?"
Elizabeth didn't even realize she was lustfully taking him in. She smirked.
"After breakfast, I plan to wipe that smirk off your face." he said walking towards her.
She full out grinned. "I'm looking forward to it."
About twenty minutes later, the kitchen was full of her moans as he took her against the wall.
"Now that is what I call a full service breakfast," she said before laying her head on his shoulder.
Jason grinned and took them upstairs to shower.
