A/N – Thanks for the comments!
Chapter 46
Jason is smiling as he joins Liz in the waiting room at the hospital. "My tests came back, and my liver is almost one hundred percent again.
Liz grinned. "That is outstanding."
"Want to celebrate?"
"What did you have in mind?"
"Maybe some pool and a beer."
She shook her head. "You are so predictable."
Jake ran past them and she called out to him, but he got on the elevator.
"What the hell?" she said before spotting the doctor. "What happened?"
The doctor explained that the session hadn't gone well, and Jake lost control and smashed a vase and then ran out.
Jason texted Johnny to ask him to find his son.
"Will you come with me, please?" the doctor asked.
They followed him to his office.
"I'm afraid that Jake remembering more is taking a toll on him. However, I must stress that I believe he needs to remember so he can learn to cope with what happened."
"Do you think he's a danger to himself?"
The man shook his head. "I don't think so. Helena never went in that direction, but Jake is hurting. He's stoic, but the whole situation is taxing. I do believe if he sticks with the treatment, in another month, things will be a lot better."
Liz sighed. "What can we do?"
"Find him and reassure him that he is doing the right thing and that he can get beyond this."
"We can do that. Has he mentioned my plan to eventually move?"
"Yes. To be honest, I'm hoping that he chooses to go with you." The fact that Jake has chosen such a violent life worries him.
"Are you saying we should go no matter what?"
The man leaned forward. "No, but Jake doesn't need you to coddle him. He will feel guilty if you put your life on hold for him, but at the same time, I think it would hurt him to be separated from you."
"He is so invested in his father and being around him which is why I'm thinking it will have to put on hold. Aidan will start school soon as well, so if we don't go now, we'll probably be here until next summer."
"I understand your hesitancy, but it won't be healthy for Jake to make his future decisions based on how you or his father feels. Family is important and I think you are helping him, but at the same time, he needs to stand on his own two feet and invest in himself."
"I can't walk away from him again," Jason said.
"This is a tough decision. If you choose to stay until next summer, then Jake can use that as a goal. The decision should be made as a family. Jake is scared to face this, so the pressure of moving now could have adverse effects."
Liz nodded. "Okay."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
After Jake stormed out of the hospital, he straddled his motorcycle and took off, trying his best not to get emotional. Helena's commands were so clear, and he swore he could smell her perfume. It was unnerving. Tears started to prick his eyes and he went faster like he is trying to outrun them. If only there was a way to wipe his brain of everything Helena had done so he could be free.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Three hours later, Liz is scared to death when Jake never came back home. They had left a message with Sophie and called everyone they could think of, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Is there a place he likes to go when he rides?" Jason asked.
Francis shrugged. "We've never gone with him or followed him."
Cam started to pace. When Jake hurts, he hurts. After going through so much, it upsets him that his brother is struggling so much.
Liz picked up her phone. "Sophie? Is he with you?"
She slipped into her car. "No. He's still missing?"
"Yes. Promise me you'll call if he shows up."
Hearing the desperateness in Liz's voice is scaring her. "I promise. I'm going to drive around a bit to see if I can find him."
"Thank you."
Drew entered the house. "Nothing?" He had left the kids with the nanny, Gia, who is related to Maximus's admin.
She shook her head as sucked back her tears.
Drew moved toward her and held her. "Where is Jason?"
"He's with Johnny. They are driving around."
"You're shaking."
"You didn't see him when he ran out. It was horrible."
Aidan stands in the doorway observing. He was young when Jake was returned, but even though he didn't know his brother back then, Jake had always made time to play with him and get to know him. He loves Jake and if anything happens to him, he'll be devastated. Closing his eyes, he said a prayer.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Johnny got back into the car and hit his steering wheel. "Dammit!" It will kill him if he has to go back to the house empty-handed.
"He probably has a place he doesn't tell anyone about," Jason said.
"Maybe. You always were good at disappearing."
"I think that he'll seek Sophie out."
Johnny nodded. "It's probable. I'm going to check a few safehouses."
"Good idea."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
The rain started to pour in sheets and Jake knows he needs to stop. Realizing where he is, he drives several blocks and then parks his bike and moves to the front door and knocks.
Sophie rushes to get it. "Jake." He starts to cry and she ignores the fact that he's soaking wet and tugs him against her. "It's going to be okay."
"No."
"Please come inside."
"Your grandmother…"
"She's away for a few days. It's just me."
He allows her to lead him inside to the laundry room.
"Strip."
His brow goes up.
"You're wet. I'm going to go get you some of my grandpa's clothes. He was tall like you."
She disappears and he starts to strip. Every movement seems exaggerated because he's so mentally exhausted.
She returns and almost skids to a stop. "You're beautiful."
He slightly turns red.
She blushes too. He is lean and muscular and my God, he is so handsome. She hands him a towel and then places the clothes on top of the dryer. "Get dressed and then come back out."
After a few minutes, he joins her on the couch.
"Lay down."
She stands as he lays on his side and then she grabs a blanket and throws it over him and then crawls in next to him. "Talk to me." She had already texted Liz to tell her that Jake just arrived and looks fine and that she'll make him stay.
"I'm scared, Sophie. Suppose I accidentally hurt someone because of what Helena did to me? Suppose I hurt myself?"
"Did you feel like you wanted to?"
"No, but I was reckless. When I was at the office, the memories seemed so real, like I was there all over again. I felt panic and fear and it was overwhelming. I wanted to hurt someone because she wanted me to. I hate that she has so much control over me."
She touched his face. "I know it's hard, but you can get beyond this. You just have to stick it out."
His eyes fill with tears. "I don't know if I'm strong enough."
"You are the strongest person I know. Jake, I'm falling in love with you."
He gasped.
"You have the most beautiful heart. The fact that you want to protect your family is so admirable. The way you look at me and make me feel so special—God, I just want to protect you and make all the bad go away. Whatever place you are in right now, you can't stay there because that would be letting her win."
He broke and she held him for a long time and then started to pepper his face with kisses.
"I'm falling in love with you too," he said softly.
A smile eased onto her face and then she kissed him, letting him know how much he means to her with her mouth. Jake groaned as her hands slid down his chest. "Sophie, I want you so badly."
When his fingers slipped under her shirt, she moaned and kissed him harder. For several minutes, they kissed passionately, and then he slipped off her shirt and eyed her. "You're beautiful."
"Jake… Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Are you?"
She blushed as she nodded and then he pulled her closer and she giggled when he finally managed to undo her bra.
"We don't have to go all the way tonight. I just need to feel you."
His hand brushed against her chest as they kissed. Briefly, they separated to suck in some air.
"I have no idea what I'm doing," Jake said.
She grinned. "I don't know much either, so I guess we'll learn together."
"Tell me what feels good."
He slips over her and kisses her breast and then sucks. Loving her response, he eagerly tries to please her.
His hips rock against her and they both are stunned by the feelings the friction elicited. For several minutes, they passionately make out, both on the edge, but not removing the rest of their clothes.
"Oh, God! Jake" Sophie yells as her coil winds.
Finally, they both broke, shuddering to completion and she wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
"What are you thinking?" she asked as she stroked his back.
"That I can't wait until the real thing."
She chuckled. "I agree."
He rolled onto his side. "I want to be in a good place when we finally do it. I want nothing but our love between us."
"You're killing me."
He grinned. "I didn't think I'd ever smile again after this afternoon. Thank you."
She kissed him gently. "I hope you're not mad, but your parents were worried and made me promise to let them know if you showed up. I texted them earlier and said I was keeping you here."
"Thanks. I didn't mean to worry them."
"They understand."
"Let's clean up and go to bed."
"Okay."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Jason slipped into bed and immediately, Liz snuggled against him.
"It is taking everything within me not to drive over there."
Jason slightly smiled. "I'm right there with you."
"I just keep telling myself he's safe."
"I know."
Cam knocked on the door, so they separated.
"Come in."
He strode into the room and sat on the bed next to Jason.
"What's up?" Liz asked.
"I'm not going to move."
"Cam…"
"I just—I need to be there for him. God, hasn't he been through enough?"
Liz crawled toward him and then hugged him. "It's going to be okay. Your brother just needs some space to process everything."
"I have this need to protect him. I hate Helena."
Liz retreated. "You are the best big brother, but it's our responsibility to protect Jake. He wouldn't want you to give up living your life for him."
"It's not like it's forever. I just need to do this, okay?"
"You just don't want me to fumigate your room."
A slow smile appeared on his face. "I was scared you'd give it to Jason."
Liz chuckled.
"So, how is that going, by the way? I have a bet on it and I don't want to lose."
Her mouth dropped open. "Cameron!"
He jerked to his feet to avoid her smack. "So violent…"
"What did you guess?"
"Johnny tricked me, I said three weeks but then changed it to two months. It was the week before we went to Port Charles."
Liz grinned.
"What did Johnny bet?"
"Three weeks."
Jason sighed as he stared at Liz. "Well, for the next week, you have cooties then. I can't let him win."
Liz playfully pushed him.
"Ugh, I'm going to need a shot."
Cam laughed. "I'm not telling you who guessed a month."
Liz pouted as Cam moved toward the door.
"Not going to work on me."
"Brat…"
"You know it."
He shut the door and Liz resumed her position.
"My gut tells me that Jake is the one who guessed a month."
She lifted onto her elbow. "And?"
"I want him to win."
"What does that mean exactly?"
"I want this trip to be the start of something great. Are you in?"
She smiled. "So, you want to date me?"
"Yes."
"We do have a date already on Friday."
"True, but they don't have to know it's official."
"I will play along with this for one kiss."
A feral smile matches the glint in his eyes. "Are you sure you want to go there? I don't think we could ever stop at one kiss."
Her eyes narrowed. "You are a very bad man."
"So, they tell me."
"Go to sleep."
He reached up and turned off the light with a smile on his face and a feeling of peace settled within him. He never would have thought they'd find their way back to each other, and while he is still trying to come to terms with his prior decision making, he is willing to learn how to be a better partner because they deserve some happiness.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
The next morning, Jake woke up with a smile on his face after Sophie slept in his arms all night. She stirred and then tightened her grip around his waist.
"Good morning,"
She groaned. "Morning…"
He chuckled.
Her head lifted to eye him and then she reluctantly pulled away and stood. "You feel better?"
He nodded. "Yes. Thank you."
She slightly blushed. "I'll be right back."
He tracked her as she entered the bathroom and then glanced at the clock. His parents should be awake, so he grabbed his phone off the nightstand and called.
"Hello?"
"I'm sorry that I scared you."
Elizabeth's eyes squeezed shut and she couldn't help it and the tears started to flow.
"Mom? Are you crying?"
"Sorry, I—it's just good to hear your voice."
"I'm okay. I was hearing her commands and thought I'd hurt the doctor."
"Dr. Messina is fine. I'm more worried about you."
"Sophie talked me down."
Liz wiped her face. "I'm glad she is there for you."
"Me too. I'm going to hang out here if it's okay. She has the day off and I just need to decompress."
"That's fine. Dr. Messina wants to see you tomorrow at 9:00 am."
"Okay."
"Do you want us to come?"
"Maybe that's a good idea. Knowing you're right outside the door might help."
"Then we'll be there."
"I love you."
She smiled. "I love you more. Tell Sophie I said thanks."
"I will."
He ended the call just as Sophie left the bathroom, so they switched places, and then he joined her in bed.
"Were you talking to your mom?"
"Yeah."
"She said, thank you."
She slightly rose, leaning against his body, and then touched his face. "I know it's rough right now, but you are so strong, Jake. I know you can get beyond this."
"Thank you for believing in me."
She replied with a burning kiss, making him feel like he was going to implode.
"Sophie…"
"Yes?"
"Your mouth is—" He couldn't find the right words.
She grinned. "Ditto."
He laid another kiss on her, quite certain that her mouth is his new favorite thing.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Michael dialed his phone and then waited. "Yes, I'd like to make a reservation to Palermo."
He waited until she found the first available flight and then once it was secure, he ended the call and started to pack. He needs answers and there is only one person who can give them to him. He'll leave after the funeral tomorrow and get there in the evening.
