A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Virgy15 – Thank you! Glad you all are happy Helena is dead.

Chapter 31 - Coping

Jason shut the door and headed for the stairs. "I'm going to go change."

Liz waited until he disappeared and then turned back towards Carly.

"I know it's ridiculous because I love Jason, but I'm not sure how to react around him."

"Does he make you nervous?"

"Yes and no. I kissed him while he was sleeping," she said blushing. "It was easy because he was so still. I know he would never hurt me logically, but emotionally, it's like every movement scares me."

Carly nodded.

"When I close my eyes I keep seeing Tom but at the same time, I have no problem lying in Jason's arms. I feel so screwed up right now."

Carly took a deep breath. "I think you need to give yourself a break. What you went through was terrifying. The fact that you even want to be close to Jason shows just how strong you are."

Liz made a little noise. "I don't feel strong. It's not like he raped me again."

Carly bit her lip and then said, "Liz, look at me." When their gaze locks, she continued.

"He invaded your space again and taunted and touched you. He held you captive and messed with your head. It's going to bring up a lot of stuff. I can't even imagine how scared you were."

"But Jason shouldn't have to suffer because of that asshole."

"You need to stop worrying about Jason and take care of yourself right now. He will give you what you need. This is hard on him too and he is scared for you. And yes, he feels guilty, but who wouldn't? You just worry about what makes you comfortable and do what you need to in order to get through this, okay?"

Liz nodded. She ate some food and asked Carly to talk to her about anything else. Carly told her a story about something crazy Michael did and Liz found herself laughing.

Jason came down the stairs and went into the kitchen.

"I'm going to go shower and change. I'll be right back." Liz said.

"I'll be here."

Carly listened to the bedroom door close and then said, "You can come out now."

Jason made his way towards her and sat next to her. "How is she?"

"Pretty fucked up, but I know she'll be alright. She has you."

"I'm not sure I'm the best thing for her right now."

Carly smacked him on the arm. "Of course you are. You make her feel safe and she needs that. You just can't wear your guilt on your sleeve and please don't look at her like she's broken. She needs some normalcy."

Jason nodded. "I'll do my best."

"If you're unsure, ask her what she needs from you. Hell, she might not even know, but just the fact that you care and ask will mean a lot to her."

"You're a good friend you know that?"

Carly smiled. "Haven't always been, but I'm glad we worked it all out."

Jason nodded.

Liz returned. "Carly, did you tell him what Michael did?"

"No."

Jason smiled. "What did my boy do?"

She chuckled. "Well, he filled up a balloon with shaving cream and opened his window. He was trying to get Max, but after he dropped it, he realized it was Sonny."

He grimaced. "Ouch."

"Sonny was livid. Michael ran and hid and we didn't find him for an hour."

Jason grinned. "He gets that from you."

Carly pouted but then laughed. "You're probably right."

There was a knock on the door and Johnny entered. "The gangs all here."

Liz smiled. "Hey."

Johnny gave her a big smile. "Michael is outside. Is that okay?"

"Yes."

Johnny held the door open and Michael came running in and jumped into Carly's arms. "Hey there, Mr. Man," she said as she rubbed the top of his head.

He climbed down and glanced at Liz. She realizes that he is staring at the bruises on her face and sucked in her breath.

"Hi. Mommy said a bad man hurt you. But I don't want you to worry because Uncle Jason will kick his ass for you."

Carly's eyes grew wide. "Michael!"

Liz laughed through her tears. "That's good to know."

"And if he doesn't, Johnny and I will."

Johnny agreed. "That's right."

Liz smiled. "You always know the right thing to say."

"It's a gift."

"May I have a hug?"

Michael smiled. "Yup." He said allowing Liz to put her arms around him. As he pulled back, he kissed her cheek which surprised everyone. "Mom said it always helps to kiss it better. I'm really not sure that is one hundred percent true. Parents lie a lot."

"Michael!" Carly said.

"I thought I do it just in case."

Liz smiled. "Thank you. I feel much better."

"You're welcome. Just don't tell any of my friends I kissed a girl."

"Your secret is safe with me."

He ran over to Johnny. "Let's go to the park."

He smiled and messed up his hair. "Let's go heartbreaker."

Jason looked at Carly. "You know he's going to give you a run for your money right?"

"I was hoping I could send him to live with you."

The look on Jason's face was priceless.

Liz laughed. "Michael is welcome here any time."

"You're going to want to take that back at some point," Carly said as she stood. "I'm going to go spend some time with him and embarrass him at the park. I'll check on you later."

Liz got up and gave Carly a hug. "Thanks."

They watched her leave. "I guess it's just me and you."

Jason smiled.

Liz had noticed he wasn't looking at her like he had earlier and that the tension had eased a bit. "Did Carly say something to you?"

"Maybe…"

"I just need some time Jason."

"I know."

"But that doesn't mean I don't want you around me."

"Whatever you need, I'll do."

"Wanna watch a movie?"

Jason smiled and sat down next to her. "Sure, I'll even watch a chick flick."

"Damn, that must have been some talk."

"You know Carly."

Liz snuggled into his side. "It's going to be okay."

"Definitely."