Notes --

For those who've been following this story for a while:

My street was hit by a tornado last Sunday, hence no chapter. My family and I are well and my house is still standing. Things are thankfully back on an even keel. So on with the show!

I don't own GH or the characters, just my little story.

Making A Memory

Chapter 36

"Who's hungry?"

"Me!"

Jason laughed at Cam's enthusiastic answer to his question as they walked into the house.

It felt lighter and happier than it had that morning. He used to think that wasn't possible; for a place to change because of the people in it. But he'd actually noticed the house seemed darker when Elizabeth was gone. She somehow managed to change his thinking on many things by being in his life, and he couldn't imagine going back to the way he was before.

"I'll see what I can find in the kitchen and put something together," he said as she moved to the couch with Jake.

"Okay." She sat down and patted the spot next to her. "Cam? Come sit with Mommy and tell me what you did while I was gone."

She knew she had said the magic words when he plopped down and began to regale her with his and Jake's adventures with Leticia.

Seeing they were suitably occupied, Jason went to figure out what to feed his family. He found some frozen vegetables and chicken wings in the freezer and cooked them in record time. He knew Cam could go on forever if given the opportunity, and didn't want Elizabeth to be tired out when Emily had insisted she rest.

When dinner was ready he went into the living room to get them. He found Elizabeth watching Cam point to some pictures on the coffee table. They were drawings he'd done with Leticia. Jason could see the tears in her eyes and wondered what had happened.

"Dinner time buddy. Why don't you go wash your hands so you can eat?"

"Okay."

Once he took off for the bathroom, Jason looked over at Elizabeth. Glad his son hadn't noticed how upset she seemed he went over and put a comforting hand on her back.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I'm fine." She wiped at her eyes; consequently proving her words untrue.

"After what happened to you, there's no way you're anywhere near fine. I'm not fine. Please don't try to protect me from what you're going through." He stroked her cheek with his fingers. "I want to help you."

Elizabeth sighed in compliance with his request. She was so used to handling things on her own and pretending to be fine so no one would worry about her, that it was sometimes difficult to just let go. She'd never had to do that with Jason, but the luxury of having that freedom with him everyday was still new.

"Cam was showing me his pictures," she said gesturing to the table. "He told me about Jake rolling over … and it just hit me what I missed; what I almost lost forever." She moved the baby to her shoulder and gave him a little squeeze. He responded by snuggling deeper into her neck.

A small hitch in her breathing showed Jason how much she was hurt. Not just physically, but emotionally. He wanted to make everything better and take away all the pain she'd been through. All he could do was hold her when she needed it, listen when she was ready to talk, and let her know he would give his life to make sure it never happened again.

He pulled her close and nuzzled her hair. "It's going to be okay. Maybe not right away … but it will be."

She couldn't help but smile. Jason had a way of seeing through people's walls and getting to the heart of things. He was always straight with her and didn't just say what you wanted to hear, but what you needed to hear. That's why she always believed him.

Cam ran past them into the kitchen with his hands raised in the air. "I'm clean!"

They looked at each other and laughed. Jason got up and took the baby to put him in his bouncy seat. Elizabeth followed and washed her hands in the sink before lifting Cam into his booster seat. They all sat together and ate, with the two adults casting occasional glances at each other at how blissfully normal it was. This was interspersed with Jake babbling away and Cam being told he couldn't fly his chicken wings across the table.

Afterward Jason and Cam played with a race car set while Elizabeth had given Jake his bottle. The baby now sat in his bouncy seat drifting off as another race began. She smiled as her son made the appropriate noises as his car rounded the track to victory, again.

"I win! I win!" he exclaimed, hopping up and down.

"Alright buddy, what's it going to be this time?" Jason asked with fake disappointment.

He and Cam had made high stakes over their races. Whoever lost had to do something funny; as determined by the winner. In his previous three losses, Jason had been made to be a horse and ride Cam around the living room, be a clown complete with a make up job by Mommy, and make barn animal noises with matching movements. His imitation of a rooster had been particularly thrilling to Jake. He now awaited his latest punishment.

"Um," Cam said with a serious face as he thought carefully, "you have to be a doggie, and do what I say." He clapped in satisfaction with his idea.

Jason let out a long suffering sigh as he got on all fours to await his commands. Elizabeth was the only one who saw the twinkle in his eye each time Cam laughed at his antics. It was obvious how much he loved their son. Not many men would be willing to look silly and vulnerable just to make a child happy. Luckily for her and the boys, Jason wasn't just any man.

"Okay doggie, sit." Cam pointed in authority at his new pet to make sure he was obeyed.

Jason obediently complied, sitting back on his haunches with his hands dangling like paws in the air.

"Good doggie," Cam complimented with a pat to Jason's shoulder. "Now you have to roll over."

Jason laid on the floor and executed a perfect roll, rebounding quickly into his original position on all fours.

"Yeah!" Cam clapped happily at his orders being followed. "You're a good doggie." He scratched behind Jason's ear like he'd seen on Blue's Clues on television.

Elizabeth also clapped at Jason's performance, but stopped when she saw the mischievous look in Jason's eyes. She knew he was about to be a bad dog. She tried to cover up the laugh she could feel coming on before he even did anything.

Oblivious to what was happening, Cam gave his next command. "Bark doggie."

Jason let out a series of yips, not in line with a "dog" of his size. Cam laughed at the sight.

"Nooo! Not like that. Like a big doggie."

Jason cocked his head in confusion and widened his eyes, whimpering at not pleasing his master.

Elizabeth came onto the floor next to her son and spoke quietly to him. "I think he doesn't understand Cam. Maybe if you show him how, he can do it the right way."

"Okay," Cam perked up at participating in the puppy play. He got on all fours like Jason and proceeded to demonstrate. "Like this doggie." He gave his best woofs and barks with a couple of arfs thrown in for variety.

Jason got a look of comprehension on his face and tried again. This time he let out some deep barks that would make a Doberman proud. Elizabeth saw Jake's eyes pop open at the sound, but he didn't seem disturbed or scared by what was going on, just curious. She knew he got that innate fearlessness from his Daddy.

Cam jumped up, clapping again at Jason's display. "Yeah!"

Apparently very happy at having pleased his master, Cam's doggie barked some more in pleasure then grabbed the boy in his arms and pretended to lick him with kisses on his face and neck. Cam laughed so hard Elizabeth thought he would start coughing.

Seeing how much fun her two men were having she couldn't help but laugh too. When Jason saw her laughing, he put Cam down and came after her. Since she hadn't put any effort in getting away she was easily caught. He pounced and tumbled her onto the floor on her back. She took her licking like a man, and giggled the whole time.

As his wife wiggled beneath him, the game got a little less funny for Jason. With his face in her neck, he inhaled her scent; like any good dog would. He wanted to howl at the moon with the urges it brought forth in him, but gave a low growl instead.

Elizabeth felt the shift in the game from dog to man, and looked up into Jason's eyes. She could feel the lower part of his body pressed against her and the reaction to their position. Her eyes widened in surprise and she whispered in his ear.

"Down boy," she said with a smirk. "We can play after the boys are asleep."

He let loose another growl when he saw the sparkle in her eye. She scooted out from underneath him and distracted Cam long enough for him to get under control again.

"That's a good dog you have Cam," she told her son. "He's very obedient."

"What's that mean Mommy?"

"It means he does what you tell him to do," Elizabeth explained.

Cam looked over at Jason who was just sitting up from his place on the floor. "Again doggie." He waited until Jason was back on all fours to give his next command. "Play dead."

Elizabeth felt her breath catch at her son's words. She saw Jason look up at her and knew he saw everything she was feeling. She put a hand to her throat and closed her eyes to gather her strength.

Jason got up from the floor and picked up Cam in his arms. "You know what, I think it's time for bed little man."

"Awww! But you didn't do it. That's not o-ob-obedent. Right Mommy?"

Jason intercepted his question to let Elizabeth collect herself. "We can play again another time okay? Right now it's time for bed."

Elizabeth could hear her son grumble on the way upstairs. She was sure putting him down wouldn't be easy. Jake kicked his legs and gurgled when he saw her coming over to him. She picked him up and took him upstairs as well.

She went to the door of Cam's room and heard the buzzing of his Chuggin' Charlie battery operated toothbrush and the sound of running water from his bathroom. When he was done he came out followed by Jason, who then helped him into his pajamas. Once he was ready, Jason read him two stories to make up for their interrupted game. As he was closing the book on the second story, he noticed the little boy was fast asleep. He carefully settled him down into the bed and kissed him on the forehead before coming over to Elizabeth.

He took the sleeping baby from her arms, knowing she'd want to kiss Cam goodnight as well. As he left them alone, Elizabeth went over to her son's bedside and knelt beside him.

"I missed you so much sweetheart," she said quietly. "I promise we'll never be apart again." With a gentle sweep of her fingers through his curly hair, she kissed him goodnight and turned off the light as she exited.

In Jake's room she found Jason patting the fussing baby's back as he tried to get him back to sleep. "Must be the excitement of having you back," he said with a smile. "I think only Mommy will do tonight."

She smiled back as he handed Jake to her. "Mommy would be happy to," she replied.

Just as he'd predicted, a small smile lit Jake's face once he was in his mother's arms and he settled down immediately. In no time he was asleep like his brother. She placed him in his crib and turned on the mobile to keep him calm in case he stirred when she put him down. She and Jason stood and watched him sleep for a minute before leaving the room.

When they finally made it to their bedroom, Elizabeth dropped onto the bed with a heavy sigh and ran her fingers through her hair. "I think this was officially the longest day ever."

Jason stood in front of her and kissed the top of her head. "It's over now."

His words meant more than the obvious; he was letting her know she was safe. As his fingers sifted into her hair, she put her arms around his waist. When she felt his lips leave her hair, she looked up into his face.

"I know," she said softly. "Thank you."

"What for?"

"Everything. Saving me … taking care of me … loving me. Just, everything."

He took her face in his hands and stroked her cheek with his thumb. "You don't have to thank me. It's for me as much as you. I just can't be without you."

Elizabeth got on her knees on the bed so she was face to face with him. She laced her fingers together behind his neck and brought her mouth a breath away from his.

"Good, because I'm not going anywhere."

Her lips traveled over his softly; fitting to his as if they were made to. She felt his hands travel up her back and his fingers contract against her as he let her maintain control. Even now he could sense her need for it, since all that had happened to her had been beyond hers. Just that made the love in her heart for him fill to overflowing.

She kissed him passionately, with every part of her body as she pressed closer. Her tongue lazily swept into his mouth as it deepened. The heat of his breath on her face sent a flush through every inch of her. She could feel her blood rush in her veins when he gently laid her down on the bed.

Jason unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them off and helped her remove her shirt. When he began to take off his own clothes, she watched him watch her with heated eyes. She followed his every movement until he was left only in his boxer briefs. The play of his muscles as he moved held her spellbound as he went to the door and turned off the lights.

When he reached her she moved back the covers and made room for him beside her. He reached for her and kissed her sweetly before turning her in his arms so she was facing away from him.

"What are you doing?" she asked in confusion.

Jason pulled the covers up over them and held her securely to him, kissing her on the neck. "Taking care of you."

Her body relaxed into his and she felt herself drifting suddenly off to sleep. A tear escaped her eye just as she fell deeper. Her last thought was of how he knew her better than she knew herself.

Sonny returned to his home from visiting his father at the hospital. It was more difficult each time, knowing there was a possibility he would never wake up. His kids had begun to ask what was going on, and he had a hard time trying to explain to them; especially when it just didn't make any sense.

He thought about Zacarra again and the call he'd placed to his house. A servant had answered claiming he wasn't available at that moment. Sonny knew the man had to be stewing over the situation with his "wife". But that wasn't Sonny's concern. He needed the mess that crazy bastard started handled, yesterday. Not just for his own convenience and peace of mind, but so that Skye could have her life back and not fear for her daughter.

Part of it was that he was getting too used to having them in his home; seeing them everyday and being happy about it. Happiness never lasted for him. He couldn't get comfortable with it and accustomed to the warmth it gave him. Too soon it was always snatched away and he was left ripped open and bleeding from the loss.

As if summoned by his thoughts, she came downstairs then. His eyes roamed over her beautiful face and attempted to memorize all he could about her. He knew it was only a matter of time before he'd have to let go, so he might as well get started.

Skye's smile at the sight of Sonny fell as she saw his eyes shut off from her. She could almost feel his moods now; like changes in the weather, sweeping over her very being. It disturbed and comforted her at once. Being so in tune with another person was what people hoped for. She had hoped for it all her life. She'd just gotten so used to it not happening that when it did it knocked her totally off balance, not to mention that it happened at the worst possible time and with the most unexpected person imaginable.

It would be much easier to shut herself off from him if she hadn't developed this need to take care of him. Sonny was a wounded man, in every way. His pain called out to her own on a visceral level that she couldn't prevent or deny if she wanted to. And the strangest part was she didn't really want to.

But it seemed that he was already starting for both of them.

"How's your father?" she asked once she reached the bottom.

"The same." His head dropped and he ran a hand across his forehead. "I don't know what to say to him, or if he can even hear me. But I have to try … you know?"

"I do," she replied. "Sometimes you have to reach out when you care about someone … even if they can't return the gesture."

He couldn't bring himself to look at her after that, and moved to the bar to pour some water. He pulled his medication out of his pocket, remembering he hadn't taken it before he left. It wasn't until he'd swallowed that he realized what he'd done.

Sonny was always very careful with his image. In his business, appearances were literally a matter of life and death. But that consciousness had carried into his personal life. He was wary of ever seeming vulnerable in other people's presence. Even when he'd had his breakdowns in front of Carly or Jason, he'd done his best to chase them away while he still had a semblance of control.

Ever since he started taking the pills for his bi-polar disorder, he'd been even more careful. He finally had control over his emotions and liked the feeling. But the fact of taking the pills in a way represented his weakness more than the breakdowns ever did. They were visual proof of how tenuous that control was. He'd never taken them in front of anyone for that reason; until now.

He didn't even think about it. At some point he'd become so comfortable around her that he didn't fear her judging or manipulating him with anything she learned.

When did that happen? he wondered.

"Have you talked to Jason yet today?" She spoke when he'd gotten too quiet. She sometimes feared he would decide to just never talk to her again.

"Not since yesterday. I still can't believe Elizabeth is alive."

Jason had called him yesterday to give him the news. Emily had been checking to make sure she wasn't injured. He couldn't stay on long, but wanted to keep him informed. He wasn't exactly sure what happened, but he'd heard the relief in his friend's voice and didn't need to know anything else. Once Jason had time to make sure his family was settled, he knew he'd get a full report.

"I guess miracles do happen," he went on.

Skye saw a touch of sadness in his face. "You just wish one had happened for Mike too."

He looked up at her and wanted to run from the penetrating look in her eyes. The way she could read him in so short a time scared the hell out of him.

She walked up to him and took his hand in hers, surprising him with the touch. "Can I do anything for you?"

You could save my soul, he thought.

Instead he said, "I'm supposed to be the one helping you. So far I haven't done much. Zacarra's still running around causing trouble, and you're still stuck here … with me."

"I don't feel stuck," she responded; so softly he almost didn't hear.

"Maybe that's a problem we both have." He gently removed his hand from hers, and felt cold all of a sudden.

"I need to get a handle on a lot of situations right now. I don't want to drag you in the middle of them."

He crossed the room and left her standing there. Part of him wanted to go back and hold her; kiss her and tell her everything would be alright. But he knew that would be a mistake, and kept going.

Skye sat on the couch, holding back tears. She'd tried to freeze her heart against him, to no avail. He was firmly entrenched there without her consent. She just had to convince him that he suffered from the same affliction.

Another loud crash sounded from Anthony Zacarra's office. The housekeeper flinched at it, but continued with her work.

A set of footsteps soon clicked toward her on the hardwood floors of the hall. They were loud in comparison with the silence of the rest of the house, but nothing like the sounds that came from the office.

"I need to speak to Mr. Zacarra. Is he in?"

She recognized the man who spoke as Mr. Zacarra's lawyer. He had that smarmy look that all lawyers seemed to possess. Just then there was another crash.

"That answer your question?" she asked.

Carl often wondered what madness had prompted him to take on Anthony Zacarra as a client. Then he would look at his paycheck and get his answer.

The man was known to be a few cans short of a six pack, but the point was really driven home when you were in the same room with him. Part of what was so scary about him was how intelligent he was.

Smart and crazy generally didn't mix well.

"How long has that been going on?" he inquired.

"Since he got a call the other day. He went stomping around the house breaking everything in sight and ended up in there." She cocked her head to indicate the office across from them. "The house is just now set to rights. I don't even want to imagine what that room looks like."

He looked at the door to the office. "Any idea what set him off?"

"No." She gestured for him to come a bit closer so she could whisper. "But I haven't seen him like that since the first Mrs. Zacarra went missing. And I haven't seen the new Missus in a while." Her eyebrows rose conspiratorially at the end of her statement.

"Hmm." He moved cautiously toward the door and was met with another crash and a growl of anger. "I think I'll give him a little space right now," he said backing away.

"Good idea," she agreed. "For health reasons … yours that is."

With one more glance at the door he quickly moved to the nearest exit.

The housekeeper looked at the door as well. She'd been working for Mr. Zacarra for many years and knew her ability to keep her mouth shut and steer clear of him during his "episodes" was the reason she'd fared better than most of his staff, and his wives.

Whatever had caused this latest one was going to have repercussions she didn't want to know about. The best thing she could do was to keep her head down, and stock up on glassware.

To be continued …

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