Thank you to those who take the time to review. I appreciate it. Here's the next chapter.
Title: Bring Me to Life
Summary: What started as a good relationship turns ugly when Lucky discovers a secret that Elizabeth has never told anyone and uses that to keep her away from Jason. Lucky turns more violent when he blackmails her to stay in the relationship. Will Jason uncover the secret in time and rescue the woman he loves from her tormentor before it's too late? AH. Rated 'M' for violence/sex/language.
Chapter 64
***The Next Day***
(Being they realized they had never gone out together before, Jason and Elizabeth, Emily and Dante, and Abby and Johnny made a date together. As 'The Pier' became known as the most popular place in town besides Kelly's, everyone went there. A round of beers were ordered while everyone sat down. Jason, Dante, and Johnny combined two square tables together so it'd be considered one table)
Emily: "I'm so glad we all decided to do this."
Liz: "I don't think we've all gone out together before."
Dante: (shakes his head) "No, we haven't. Lucky was always here and Jason was considered the outsider."
Johnny: "No offense to Lucky, but there always seemed to be drama when he was involved."
Liz: (nods) "No, you're right, Johnny. There was. That's one thing I didn't like."
Abby: (smiles) "For what it's worth, Jason, we're glad you're here."
Dante: "We are. I hope there's many more nights like this."
Jason: (nods) "Thank you. I admit that I wish I could have hung out with you guys more before tonight. However, you know Spencer and I disliked each other."
(Elizabeth rests her hand over her fiancés and smiles at him in comfort before speaking to everyone)
Liz: "What matters now is we're all together like this. I don't want to think about what could have been. Jason is officially part of our group and I have no plans to let him leave."
Dante: (nods) "Agreed."
Emily: "Hear hear."
(They all clink their beer bottles before taking a drink. Dante and Emily smile at each other, causing them to smile at the others)
Emily: "Dante and I have news we would like to share."
Abby: "Good news I take it?"
Dante: "Yep."
(Johnny and Abby face each other and smile)
Johnny: "So do we."
(Elizabeth and Jason laugh before speaking)
Liz: "Funny you should say that…"
Jason: "Because we have good news, too."
Johnny: "Okay, Dante, you go first."
(Dante and Emily smile happily at each other before Emily shows everyone her ring finger)
Emily: "Dante proposed the other night and I said yes."
(Everyone offers their congratulations)
Johnny: (jokingly) "Took you long enough, Falconeri. You've only been dating and living together for how long?"
Dante: (laughs) "Hey! You're one to talk! You and Abby have been together for a few years now. When are you taking the next step?"
Abby: (clears her throat & smiles) "We did."
(Everyone looks at her in confusion until Johnny clarifies)
Johnny: "Abby and I are officially living together. We decided to the other night."
Emily: (smirks) "Aw, I guess that's your big news, huh?"
Abby: (nods) "Yes."
Johnny: (guiltily) "I think it's safe to say that step has been a long time coming."
Abby: "It was a step we made together, babe. I have no regrets."
(Johnny smiles in relief at his girl's words)
Johnny: "Thank you for saying that and I agree."
Liz: "Whatever step you two take together will always be the right one. Don't let anyone tell you different." (smiles) "For the record, I couldn't be happier for you two. You guys deserve it."
Jason: "Same goes for Dante and Emily. You guys did good."
Dante: (nods) "Thanks, man."
Johnny: (nods) "Thank you."
Emily: "Now, the only thing that's missing is good news from Jason and Elizabeth."
(Jason and Elizabeth couldn't help the smile from forming at Emily's words. When Emily noticed this, she folds her arms and smiles playfully)
Emily: "Okay, you two. Spill it."
Dante: (chuckles) "I think she meant it's up to you, of course."
(Jason and Elizabeth face each other)
Liz: "Should we?"
Jason: (nods) "I'm game if you are."
(Johnny couldn't help but make a guess)
Johnny: "You're pregnant."
(Jason and Elizabeth grow horrified, causing everyone to burst out laughing)
Johnny: (guiltily) "Sorry, my bad. I thought that's what it was."
Jason: (glares at Johnny) "No, dumbass. We're not pregnant."
Liz: (smiles happily) "But we are engaged and couldn't be more thrilled."
Abby: (playfully rolls her eyes) "Boy, were you wrong, O'Brien."
Johnny: (groans) "I can see that."
Emily: (smiles) "Congrats, girl. Looks like we all got our happy ending."
Liz: (chuckles) "Indeed. Congrats, girl."
Emily: (nods & smiles) "Same to you."
Liz: (to Abby) "Congrats, my friend."
Abby: (smiles) "Thank you. All three of us did well."
Emily: "Everything worked out the way it should have."
(The three ladies all laugh as they embrace each other. They all decided to celebrate by ordering another round and playing games)
***Audrey's House***
(After hearing a knock at the front door, Audrey goes to answer it. She's caught off-guard by her visitor)
Audrey: "Sonny. Well, this is a surprise."
Sonny: "I know it's a little late. I was hoping we could talk."
Audrey: "Oh, it's not too late. I just wasn't expecting you. Then again, I don't remember the last time you paid me a visit. Is everything okay?"
Sonny: (nods) "Yep, everything is fine. Like you said, it's been awhile since we last chatted. I thought we could catch up. If I'm imposing, please tell me. I won't be mad."
Audrey: (chuckles) "Come in, Sonny. I was just watching a little TV. Let's chitchat."
Sonny: (chuckles) "Okay."
(Audrey shuts the door behind Sonny and the two sit on the couch)
Audrey: "I hear congratulations are in order. From what Elizabeth has said, you and Kate Howard are doing well."
Sonny: (nods) "We are, yes. Thank you. How are Elizabeth and Jason doing? Last I heard, he was going to propose."
Audrey: "He was, indeed. He is planning on using a ring that's been in my family for generations. Elizabeth has always wanted that ring as her engagement ring. When he's going to actually pop the question, I'm not sure. But, I'm sure he'll do it very soon if he hasn't done it already."
Sonny: "Them being together has been a long time coming. If it wasn't for Spencer, they would've been together all along."
Audrey: "What matters is they're together now. How are things your way?"
Sonny: (smiles) "Things couldn't be better. I've got a great woman who puts up with me. I love her to death."
Audrey: "From what I hear, she's very nice."
Sonny: "She is indeed. She can be fierce when she wants to be and sweet as can be when she wants to be."
Audrey: (nods & smiles) "I'm very happy for you, Sonny."
Sonny: "Thank you, Audrey."
Audrey: "How's your business going?"
Sonny: (raises his eyebrows) "Do you really want to know?"
Audrey: "Do I like what it entails? Not really. Neither does Elizabeth. But I'm happy it's legal."
Sonny: "I will admit there are some parts that aren't."
Audrey: "I'm surprised you told me that."
Sonny: "I am in the same boat as Jason. I would never lie to you or Elizabeth. If you wanted the truth, we would tell you. We'd just warn you that you wouldn't like it."
Audrey: (nods) "I understand. Like Elizabeth, I choose to believe that you don't do anything bad without a good reason."
Sonny: "That we can promise you we do. We don't like to hurt anyone unless we're given a reason or they hurt us first."
Audrey: "I heard you encountered Monica at the hospital on a few occasions."
(Sonny groans as he shakes his head in annoyance)
Sonny: "I can't stand that woman and her holier than though attitude."
Audrey: (chuckles) "Trust me. I'm not too fond of her, either. I put up with her because she's the Chief of Staff."
Sonny: "I hate her treatment towards Jason."
Audrey: "If I remember correctly, she doesn't like his job profession."
Sonny: "No job is perfect. She has made it known she doesn't support him or his career choices. She also told Kate she's surprised she's with me."
Audrey: (raises her eyebrows) "Ooh, I imagine Kate told her off."
Sonny: (chuckles) "Oh, she did. She basically told Monica to mind her own damn business and that she loves me."
Audrey: "I will admit that Monica does a great job at the hospital. It's just her personal life I have issues with."
Sonny: "Monica and I will never see eye to eye on things." (curiously) "Does Alan share Monica's point of view regarding Jason?"
Audrey: (sighs) "I wanna say he is kinda in the middle. He doesn't like Jason's profession. However, he does love his son. He won't choose between Monica and Jason, though."
Sonny: (nods) "Kinda sad on that, but oh well."
Audrey: "It is sad on that, indeed."
Sonny: "Well, I will leave you be."
(Sonny gets up from the couch, causing Audrey to do the same)
Audrey: (smiles) "Thank you for stopping by. I enjoyed our visit."
Sonny: "Me, too."
(They share a hug before Audrey speaks)
Audrey: "Don't be a stranger now."
Sonny: (chuckles) "I won't."
(Audrey shuts the door behind him and smiles in satisfaction)
Audrey: "Everything is as it should be."
***The Next Day***
(At Kelly's, Audrey, Elizabeth, and Jason are sitting at a table next to the front door. Elizabeth suggested they have a late lunch. Audrey had a feeling her granddaughter had news to share. They all get waters as a beverage. Elizabeth and Jason are seated next to each other closer to the front door. Audrey is sensing they wanna tell her something)
Audrey: "So, as much as I enjoy having lunch with you two, I'm getting the feeling there's more to this visit."
(The couple couldn't help the smile from forming at Audrey's choice of words)
Liz: "You would be right, Gram. First off, I wanted to thank you for supporting my relationship with Jason."
Audrey: "He's a fine young man who treats you well. I have nothing against him."
Jason: (nods) "Thank you, Audrey. I love your granddaughter more than my own life. I would die protecting her. My men love her, as well, and get along fine with her. Besides, they know if they had issues with her, there'd be hell to pay. That being said, in all the years Elizabeth has been in my life, they've liked her."
Audrey: "I'm glad. I've never had any issues with them, either. They are honorable young men."
Liz: (smiles) "They've always been very good to me."
Jason: "I'm glad."
(They all order lunch, which they enjoy. After the food is taken care of, they engage in more conversation)
Liz: "I wanted to thank you for always being there for me throughout the years, Gram. I feel you are my true parent as you love me unconditionally. My parents always judged me and I've always felt they never truly cared. I may be wrong on that, but it's how I feel."
Audrey: (sighs) "I know Jeff is my son and while I do love him, I'm not happy with how he's treated you. I've made that known to him over the years. We haven't spoken much because of it. He has his life and I have mine, I guess."
Liz: "I've been with you since I was 15 and I've enjoyed your guiding me through life very much. I know it's mean of me to say this, but I don't consider Jeff my family. He never treated me as such as he expected me to be perfect or close to it.
Jason: "He's an asshole who needs to have his head examined because you're perfect in every way. If you ever doubt that, you come to me or Audrey."
Liz: (chuckles) "I highly doubt I'm perfect, but thank you for saying so."
Jason: "Well, to me you are, baby."
Liz: (laughs) "Anyways, there is a reason why Jason and I asked you out to lunch. I know we're a few days late as we celebrated with friends yesterday."
Audrey: (smiles) "Well, tell me now."
(Jason and Elizabeth smile at each other before facing the older woman)
Liz: "Jason asked me to marry him the other night with the ring that's been in the family for years. I was happy regarding the ring and said yes."
Audrey: (smiles) "I'm glad he makes you happy, dear. I can tell he does by the grin you always have on your face when you're around him or when you talk about him."
Liz: (nods) "I'm very happy, Gram. I didn't think it was possible to be this happy. I owe it all to this man."
Jason: "The same goes for me, as well. I've never known happiness until I fell in love with your granddaughter. She makes me want to be a better man."
Audrey: "Oh, Jason, you are just fine. But, yes, I understand what you mean. You have always treated Elizabeth well. I appreciated that." (chuckles) "As for asking her to marry you, I was wondering when that was going to happen. Even when she was with Lucky, I knew her heart belonged to you. How do I know that? Because she was always so comfortable with you. I noticed she wasn't always like that with Lucky. We don't have to worry about that now. I'm so happy for you two. You finally got your happily ever after."
Liz: (giggles) "We did, indeed."
Jason: "We couldn't be happier."
(All three were happy with the outcome on everything. Audrey grows concerned)
Audrey: "Oh, dear. I just realized that I had a prior commitment that I completely forgot about at the hospital. Will I upset you two if I leave?"
Liz: (shakes her head) "No, Gram, you won't. Thank you for coming. We appreciate it."
Jason: "Take care, Audrey."
(Audrey gives them both a hug before departing)
Liz: "Do you have work?"
Jason: "I'll go in later. I want to spend more time with you."
Liz: (smirks) "Do you want to go play pool at your place?"
Jason: "Think you can beat me?"
Liz: (nods) "I can sure try."
(Jason gets up from his chair as Elizabeth does the same. They grab their coats that were on their chairs and put them on. Afterwards, they walk out of the café and are shocked to bump into the person in front of them)
Jason: (stutters) "M-Mom."
Liz: (surprised) "Monica."
Monica: (sighs) "Jason."
Chapter 64 Done
