A/N – Thanks for the comments! – Toyshellme – When you experience a lot of trauma, you regress sometimes. Every session, Jake's re-living those feelings, so it's normal for him to seem child-like at times because of the insecurity he felt and he's still in the thick of those emotions. Not sure why you feel like Cam comes off child-like. He jokes around, teases, and is an instigator, but that's not being child-like. He just tries to get his little brothers going. If being silly is child-like then I guess I am one too and Steve and Bradford. lol As far as Cam and Emiliana are concerned, I'm not forcing it. They are not even in a relationship. I'm just being realistic. Sometimes, one person falls harder. This is a learning experience for Cam. I'm not trying to marry them off. He has already said that he wants to date around, but he does like her hence the conflict. He's growing up and sometimes, you have to deal with sticky relationships. My daughter married at 21. It really depends on if you find that right person and your maturity level. y. There is nothing wrong with Sophie/Jake dating. It's helping Jake, not hurting him. He's concentrating on his therapy now more than her, but Sophie shows him that normal is obtainable and he's lovable, so he'll turn to her sometimes when he needs someone closer to his age to talk to, but he's been with his family most of the time. It's not complicating his therapy or life.
Chapter 56
Two days later they observe as Jake is hypnotized, and once he is deep under, the doctor began to ask a question.
"Where are you, Jake?"
"Shhh, she's coming."
His body jerked. "She has a surprise for me, but I don't want it and that made her mad."
He whimpered, making Jason lean forward and rest his elbows on his knees.
"What's happening?"
"The door just opened and there's a woman there." He gasped. "She looks like mommy, but she's wearing sunglasses."
Liz frowned.
"What is Helena saying?"
"No!" Jake yelled.
"Jake, it's okay, just tell me. You are safe."
"Mom said she doesn't want me anymore and that I can't come home. I begged her to take me with her, but she told me that I have to say where I am."
Tears are running down Jake's cheeks. "Don't leave! Please!"
"Jake, it's okay. What's your safe word?"
"Imogene."
Liz almost gasps.
"That's good. Take deep breaths."
"The door opens again. It's my dad."
The look on Jason and Liz's face is priceless.
"What is he doing?"
"He told me that he doesn't need me and has a baby now."
A tortured sound left Jason's lips that Liz never wants to hear again.
Jake sniffled. "He wants me to stay there because he doesn't have room for me in his life." He gripped the armchair. "I'm so mad that I'm shaking. It's too much. Oh, God."
"You're okay, Jake. What's happening?"
"Helena wants me to shoot him."
Liz's jaw dropped. "That bitch," she muttered as she gripped Jason's hand.
"I have the gun in my hand. The anger is overwhelming. I'm holding it up and he's just staring at me and said I don't have the balls to do it." Jake is breathing hard. "He's at the door and I—all I can hear in my head is all the bad things and her commands. It's like an echo coming at me from everywhere and I did it. I pulled the trigger." It was the last straw.
Liz's hand smacks across her mouth.
"Was he hit?"
Jake starts to cry. "He's laughing because the chamber is empty. I'm on the floor. I would have killed him. How do I live with that?"
Jason buried his head in his hands. If he could dig up Helena and kill her all over again, he would.
"Jake, follow the sound of my voice. I want you to come back."
When Jake finally opened his eyes, he is spent and shaking as he processes the truth. "It broke me. She called me a killer after that. I think it was Drew that was there. He looked exactly like my dad. After that, I struggled to not hate my parents. I kept telling myself it was a trick, and they would never say that. She was mad because it wasn't working, so she made me focus on the Spencers instead." He slowly looked over at his parents who are in tears. "I'm sorry."
Jason stood. "I need to hug you."
Jake moved into his embrace. "I tried to kill you."
"If I had said those things, I would have deserved it. It was a trick, Jake. You were just a kid." Now, his neediness and fear of Jason leaving made even more sense. "How do you feel?"
"Like a weight has been lifted. I hate her."
"I think I hate her more."
Jake smirked and then gripped him tighter.
"You're so strong to fight all of that at such a young age. It was horrible and you're still fighting the hatred she tried to bury inside of you."
Liz moved next to them. "You have to start letting it go, Jake. Now that you remember, you can start dealing with it, so it won't affect you strongly. I'm so proud of you for facing that witch. She won't win. We won't let her."
"I'm proud of you too, Jake. You're doing so well. That was a huge breakthrough," Dr. Messina said.
Jake inhaled deeply as he absorbed the praise. "I think I could sleep for three days."
Jason grinned. "Can we take him home?"
"Yes. Get some rest and I'll see you next week."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Later that night, Liz and Jason reflected on what happened. Jake is asleep and doesn't seem so restless; like he's fighting off memories.
"I can't believe she went to that extent," Liz said. It was beyond cruel even for Helena. The levels she had gone to get her revenge are just insane. Jake was an innocent boy and she forced him to bear way too much.
"I know. He's so strong. I don't understand how he is still standing."
"He's fighting for this family. That is what is giving him strength."
"He has been fixated on me because of deep guilt."
"It's more than that, but yes, the guilt is part of it. Knowing you love him and won't leave is helping. Did the Drew part give you pause?"
Jason nodded. "God only knows what she made him do. I'm scared he'll remember and be mortified."
She sighed heavily. "This whole thing is so disturbing."
"I don't know how to let go of my guilt."
She met his tortured gaze and held his face. "You can't stay there, Jason. Nothing good will come from punishing yourself over this. What we are doing, planning a future, and just being there for our children is what matters now."
There is a knock on the door and Jake moves inside.
"Are you okay?" Liz asked as she spots the circles under his eyes.
"No—I'm—" He rakes his hand through his hair. "I don't want to be alone." Every time he closes his eyes, he sees Helena.
Liz and Jason scoot over and she climbs in front of Jason and Jake moves on top of the comforter.
"I feel like a big baby."
"You'll always be my baby."
"Good thing you have a big bed." Jake turns onto his side. "I know you're worried. I am too." It's hard reliving the memories and feeling like a helpless kid.
Liz touches his face. "I wish I could bear all of this for you. Our love will get us through this. She can't touch that."
Jake and Jason's gaze lock.
"It hurts to look at you right now." His guilt runs deep.
Jason understands. "I'll do anything for you except leave."
"Good. I just need to let it go. It wasn't you. I know that in my head, but I thought it was. Should we tell Drew?"
"It's up to you."
"I'll think about it."
After hearing their voices, Cam moved into the room. "What the hell?" His eyes narrow and his hands find his hips. "Why wasn't I invited?" He loves teasing his family. If they didn't laugh, he thinks they'd all be a depressed mess at this point. Jake is suffering too much.
Liz grinned.
"Move over."
Jake groaned and they shifted.
"This bed is comfy," Cam said.
Jason chuckled.
Aidan stumbled inside. "Hey!"
Cam smiled. "Come on, squirt."
Once they managed to fit everyone, the ribbing began.
"Aidan, did you stick your feet in an ice bucket?" Cam complained.
"Yup, just for you."
"My feet are always cold," Liz said.
"I don't mind," Jason said.
"Eww," the boys said.
Liz clucked her tongue. "You guys are ridiculous."
The boys cracked up. They love teasing their mom. The truth is that they are very happy for them.
"This is a no farting zone," Jake said.
"Too late," Cam said joking.
Liz giggled when Aidan jumped off the bed.
"I'm out of here."
"One down," Cam said. He glanced at his mother. "What would it take to get you out of this bed so I can have it to myself? It's more comfortable than mine."
"An act of God…" Liz said.
Jake smirked and then a thud resonated in the room and then Cam got on his knees and peeked over the top of the bed.
"Seriously?"
"My mommy…" Jake could barely keep a straight face. He was very protective of his mom when he was little, and he and Cam would fight over her.
Cam cracked up. "I think I always won that battle. She was mine first." Jake would always frown when he'd say that back in the day.
"Boys…"
"Actually, she was mine first," Jason said.
The boys eyed him making him smile.
"Fine. I'm out of here, but I get her tomorrow."
"So, you think…"
Cam shook his head as he left.
They talked for a while longer and then Jake went back to his room.
"Goodnight, baby," Liz said with a smile.
"Night…"
She slept better knowing he was in a better frame of mind, but Jason just couldn't stop his thoughts, so he didn't sleep for hours.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
For the next two weeks, Jake started responding better to the therapy. Now that the doctor had gotten more specific information from Lucky and Jake had remembered more of what is haunting him, it was easier devising a plan. It was hard work because Jake had to continue to remember things he didn't want to, but the family helped him after the rough sessions and got him back on track.
"Okay, Monica just arrived. I'm so excited," Liz said.
Jake smiled. "He's going to freak when he sees his present."
Liz grinned. "I'm glad you were agreeable about it."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Cam moved inside the kitchen. "Okay, the decorations are finished in the living room. All you have to do is stall him on the way back and then we'll come inside and pull the cake out of the fridge."
"That sounds good."
They got in the car and headed over there.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
The Cain family arrived, and Drew was sung Happy Birthday and given several presents. The Giambetti family had chipped in and he was given a gift certificate to a local motorcycle dealership, so he can purchase a bike which he was excited about.
Maximus made his way over to Elizabeth and they hugged. "How is my ex-daughter-in-law?"
She smiled. "I'm wonderful."
"You had to bring that up," Jason muttered as Max laughed. Jason paused as he moved past him. "I heard you have a little gun."
Max turned so red that Tess rushed to his side thinking something was severely wrong. "I'm fine." He shot Jason a look who smiled and moved into the room. "Lucky for him it's his birthday."
Liz hugged him.
"You told him I have a little gun," he whispered making Elizabeth crack up.
"No."
"My gun is just fine," Max said as an amused Tess led him away.
Maximus held up his glass. "I know you'll probably die if we sing Happy Birthday, so I'll just give you a toast instead. To Jason Morgan, I'm glad you finally came to your senses. Be good to her or you die!"
"Maximus!" Liz said.
Milo chuckled.
Jason smirked as Liz whispered something in Maximus's ear. His eyes widened and then narrowed before he spoke again.
"Let's try that again."
Jake snickered.
"Shut it…" Maximus focused on Jason again. "To Jason, Happy Birthday. You've been through a lot this year, but most importantly, you got your family back. Enjoy them. They are very special."
Jason smiled. "Thank you."
"I got you two presents."
Jason's brow rose. "Is it legal?"
"Of course…"
"Will it kill me?"
Max laughed.
"No. I know I can't throw money at you, because you don't need it, so I went in a different direction."
"Go on."
"First, I permit you to marry, my Elizabeth. Don't wait forever. I'll be watching."
"I didn't ask you."
"I know." Maximus's eyes narrowed into a glare causing Liz to cover her face with her hands as the kids laughed. Jason just sighed. "Johnny and Francis told me about the Tuscany property."
"Please tell me you didn't threaten him," Liz said.
"What do you think I am, an animal?"
Liz's brow rose making his eyes roll.
"Anyway, I know his Uncle and he threatened him."
Liz choked on her drink.
Maximus chuckled. "I'm kidding. His brother talked to him and the man is willing to negotiate with you alone. He wants to meet you and the family and make sure you are serious. It took a lifetime of hard work to make that business what it is today, so he needs to trust that you will continue his legacy."
"Thank you, Maximus."
"You're welcome." He focused on Liz. "I did good, right?"
She nodded. "I'm still going to get you back though."
"You should concentrate on love, not vengeance."
"You shouldn't mess with me if you can't handle the consequences."
The kids are loving their interaction.
Jason focused on Max. "What did you get me?"
The man's mouth opened and closed several times.
Tess shook her head before elbowing him. "It's at your house."
Jason grinned. "Thank you, Tess."
"You're welcome."
"My present to you is there too," Milo said.
"You guys didn't have to do anything."
"It's okay. You're family."
Jason smiled.
"Let's eat!" Maximus declared.
Half-way through dinner, Cam purposely looked at Tess with dreamy eyes, making Max drop his fork.
"That's it!"
Cam jumped up and ran out of the room and headed outside.
Jake blocked the doorway. "I can't let you hurt him. Only I can do that."
Max sighed. "Come on, Jake. Cut me some slack. He looked at my girl. I promise that I won't draw blood, but he at least deserves a body slam."
Jake pretended to think. "Fine. He's probably out back on the right side of the house from the porch, third bush."
"How the hell do you know that?"
"He's a creature of habit and that is where he used to hide when I chased him."
Max smirk. "You're a good man."
Jake returned to his seat. "Now, where was I?"
"I can't believe you just sold your brother out," Liz said. "Is someone going to help him?"
"My mouth is full," Jason said.
"Mine too," Aidan added.
"Me too," Danny said.
Alana clapped her hands and Milo shrugged. "Don't look at me."
Liz mumbled as she stood and then moved to the doorway just as Cam yelled and then laughed.
"So predictable," Jake said.
Cam ran back into the house and passed his mom and when Max followed, Liz tripped him and then took him down and straddled him.
"Sucks to be on the other end, doesn't it?"
He blinked a few times while everyone else cracked up. "Ex-wife, that was kind of hot."
Jason's chair flew backward. "You better run, Max."
He flipped Liz onto her back and took off.
"You run like a girl," Jason yelled before helping Liz up.
"That was an insult to girls."
"You're probably right."
Drew shook his head. There is never a dull moment with this family, and he loves every minute of it.
