A/N – Thanks for the comments! So, I take it you don't want me to redeem Carly? ROFL

Chapter 40

Carly waited for Dr. Devlin to pick up. "It's not working."

"You're just being impatient." He wishes he had never agreed to help the selfish woman. She's driving him crazy.

"I don't have a lot of time. He's fighting it."

"I'm sorry, Carly, but giving him more than what I prescribed could gravely hurt him."

"There must be something else I can do. How can I punish him for not cooperating?" At this point, she'll try anything.

Ian scratched his head. "Are you willing to hurt him?"

"No, at least not physically. I need to mentally break him." Jason is more stubborn than she is.

"You could give him some psychedelics and suggest a bad trip. I do believe that he isn't totally blocking the drug. It could scare him enough to get him in line."

Carly smirked. "That's brilliant."

"You'll have to find someone to get it for you."

"I know a person. How much should I give him?"

Ian went over the dosages for several drugs. "You don't want him to go over the edge, so please do not give him more than I subscribed, or the trip will last longer than necessary." She is playing with fire, so he gave her instructions for a lower dose.

"Just text me how much and I'll take care of it."

He's seriously considering changing his number.

Carly ended the call and then decided to go on a field trip.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth plopped onto a bench as Brenda chuckled.

"You're out of shape, Webber."

Liz groaned. "You are certifiable."

Brenda laughed. "We got you a lot of cute outfits."

"I know. I had to try them on."

Enzo chuckled. Brenda is a whirlwind, and he just can't imagine Jason having enough patience to deal with her.

"I'm just getting my second wind."

When Liz's jaw dropped, Brenda cracked up. "The look on your face was priceless."

Liz's gaze went to Enzo and he tried not to laugh at her expression. She looked like she was silently asking him to kill Brenda.

"So, what else do you need?"

"Well, I got something for Emily. Enzo?"

"Yes?"

"What are you wearing to the prom?"

Brenda smirked. "You're taking Emily to the prom?"

"Yes."

"Interesting… So, are you wearing a tux?"

"Yes, and it's fitted. Lila insisted on me going to Edward's tailor."

Liz smiled.

"I have it covered."

"Are you bringing flowers?"

"I'm having them delivered before I arrive."

Brenda grinned. "Smooth…"

Georgie hurried toward them, making Liz's eyes widen.

"Surprise," Brenda said.

Liz jumped up and hugged her. "I missed you."

"I just took my last exam, so I'm finally done. We can hang out more." She sat next to Liz.

"How is Kelly's?"

"Tammy misses you a lot. She said she'd stop by soon."

"I miss her too." At this point, she doesn't think she'll be back, but she's not sure.

Georgie grabbed her hand. "Tammy understands. You don't have to feel guilty. If you don't want to come back, she'll understand."

"When Lucky died, I kept working. I feel weak."

"You're not. You are pregnant and circumstances are different. Lucky wasn't the love of your life."

"He was at the time. I just—I'm not used to being this depressed." This is a whole other level compared to how she felt after Lucky died.

"It's going to take time," Brenda said, "so don't be so hard on yourself. Jason and I had a whacky relationship, but this hit me harder than the first time because he was so happy and was going to be a dad. I get it. You love him with every fiber of your being. That ache won't go away, but just allow yourself to be lighter here and there and get excited about Jason Jr."

Liz slightly smiled. "I keep waffling on a name. Calling him Jason will be hard and I think Jason would want him to have his own identity."

"You're probably right about that, so use Jason as a middle name."

"You could even use Jay or some other combo of his name," Georgie suggested.

"True. I have time, but I might need a second opinion here and there."

The other women smiled and nodded.

"Let's go get something to eat," Brenda said.

"I could eat a horse," Liz said. Her appetite is returning.

"Then I know the perfect place."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Later that night, Emily went outside to find Enzo finishing his shift.

"Hey," he said smiling.

"Hi, I just wanted to see how you're doing."

His smile widened. He's not used to her shy side.

"I'm good. It was nice spending time with my family."

"I heard you survived the shopping."

"It was touch and go." They chuckled. "What color is your dress?"

"You don't want to be surprised."

"Humor me…" He wants to get her flowers that match.

She shrugged. "The color is called champagne."

He nodded.

"You know, my family will want pictures."

"That's okay."

"Tracy's son, Ned, is a singer and plays the guitar. He'll probably visit soon. I kind of bragged about you on the phone, so don't be surprised if he seeks you out."

"That's cool."

"Yeah, he used the stage name, Eddie Maine. He was quite popular back in the day."

He laughed because she was impersonating her cousin.

"Have you ever considered performing more?"

"Not really. I did in high school, but things changed after my dad's accident."

"You're good. I won't mind if you whip out your guitar here and there and serenade me."

"Good to know." His eyes sparkled with amusement.

Looking up, she realized they had strolled a little farther than she had realized.

Enzo grasped her hand. "We better head back."

When he didn't let go, she is very pleased. He had been seeking her out on his breaks so they could get to know each other better.

Unfortunately, the walk back went way too fast. Right before she went to open the door, he grabbed her arm and she turned around.

"What?"

"I just forgot something."

Her head tilted, and then his lips were pressing against hers in a gentle kiss. "Sweet dreams, Emily."

As he stepped back, her dazed expression making him grin.

"Nite, Enzo," she said before rushing inside.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next morning, Carly got the needle ready and then turned toward Jason.

"All you had to do is cooperate, Jason. I hate that you are making me do this."

He stared at her with hooded eyes. "I don't feel right. Please call Johnny."

"Johnny can't save you this time, Jason. I am the only one who can. Now, who do you love?"

His brain is flipping between her and Elizabeth as he struggled to fight it, unaware that saying the wrong thing could lead to his torture. "Elizabeth…" he groaned.

Her jaw clenched. "You're about to go on a trip. This is punishment for not loving me like I know you do. If you continue to fight this and not return my love, then I'll just keep punishing you. It's for your own good."

He struggled against his restraints. Why can't he just say he loves her? It's like he's incapable of it. Whatever she has been giving him is causing a war inside of him that he's not sure he can win. He wants to say he loves her to stop the madness, but it seems so wrong and doesn't make sense. As she moved the needle closer, he struggled more.

"Please, don't hurt me."

"I won't give you more than Dr. Devlin instructed, but if you continue to disobey me, you won't like the consequences."

She injected the liquid and then leaned closer so she could influence his trip. "You have so many enemies; so many who want revenge. They are coming for you, Jason, some are dead and some alive. You can't hide from them. They are everywhere, in your mind and this room. There's nowhere to hide." She kept repeating it and adding in more terrifying thoughts. His eyes glazed and he started to get jumpy. "Have fun on your trip, Jason. The next six hours or so are going to really suck." She walked away as he yelled for her and then when she shut the door, he got eerily silent.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth wearily got out of bed. All night she had tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable, and then her mind kept imagining Jason being hurt in several ways.

Padding into the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and then studied herself in the mirror. The dark circles aren't as bad, but her eyes look a bit haunted, and she doesn't know how to change that. There are some moments when she lets herself laugh or smile, but she feels so guilty afterward.

There is a knock on her door and Emily enters with a tray with food.

"Mom didn't think you slept well, so she sent me up here. Are you hungry?"

Her stomach grumbled making Emily chuckle.

After waiting for Liz to get comfortable, she placed the tray in front of her and then stepped back.

"Listen, I need your opinion. I picked a couple of different dresses. Do you think that you could watch a fashion show while you eat?"

"Sure…" This month is flying by in some ways and dragging in others.

Emily hurried to her room and tried on the first dress and then moved back into Liz's room. "What do you think?" She spun around.

Liz studied her for a moment. "The color is okay, but maybe too pink for your complexion. You look fabulous though." Emily looks older when she's dolled up. It's incredible how mature she looks.

"Okay, let me go get the next one. There are five by the way."

Liz nodded and then ate some fruit. The morning sickness has totally gone away for which she is thankful.

Emily returned with a rich burgundy dress.

"Wow, that one is in the maybe pile. It hugs your figure, and the color is outstanding."

"I think the color would look better on you since your skin is to die."

Liz's nose crinkled. "Okay, next…"

Emily shook her head and shortly returned but is shot down two times.

"All right, this is my last one," Emily said entering the room.

Liz took her in, and then met her friend's gaze. "The champagne color is a little naughty and sexy."

Emily smirked. "Maybe I want to make Enzo see me as more of a woman instead of a teenager."

"Well, he'll certainly get the message." Emily's curves are on full display with some cleavage as well.

"Is it too forward?"

"Edward and Alan might not let you out of the house."

Emily rolled her eyes. "Mom won't let them get away with that."

"I think the dress was made for you, Emily. And by the way, Enzo already sees you, so don't think you have to be something you're not."

Emily nodded. "The dress just makes me feel sophisticated."

Johnny stood in the doorway. "Wow."

Emily spun around, her face a little flushed. "You like it?"

"I feel dirty looking at you right now."

Georgie scoffed and pushed by him and then froze. "Holy crap, you look great."

Emily's face reddened more. "Thanks."

"That's the one," Liz said. "Now go change before Enzo sees you."

When Emily's door shut, Johnny crossed his arms in front of him and his eyes narrowed.

"What?"

"Enzo and Emily? Do I need to hurt someone?" How did he miss these things?

Liz rolled her eyes. "You are not touching my Enzo."

His brow lifted. "Your Enzo? Should I be jealous?"

Liz shook her head. "You are too much."

"I'm going to go talk to him." He darted into the hallway as Liz yelled his name.

Georgie sat on the bed. "Don't even pay attention to him. Lila asked to speak with him. Enzo is probably sleeping right now."

"Your boyfriend is crazy."

Georgie grinned making Liz chuckle.

"Things are good with Johnny?"

"He is outstanding in every way. When is the prom?"

"I believe it's Friday night. Why?"

"Because I think we need a slumber party. You, me, Tammy, and Brenda."

Liz chuckled. "That sounds like fun."

"I have to see Edward's face when he sees Emily."

"We'll make sure we take pictures."

"Okay, I'll let Tammy know she's summoned."

"I'll tell Brenda. We can sleep in the den. That way we won't wake anyone up."

"That's probably a good plan."

"I'll have Alice steal a few bottles from the wine cellar. I just wish I could drink."

Georgie's gaze traveled to Liz's belly. "How's the little one?"

"He's getting bigger every day. I'm glad I went clothes shopping. I couldn't fit in most of my jeans."

"Comfort is probably the most important thing."

"It is, but Brenda managed to combine it with the latest hot fashions."

Georgie laughed at Liz's expression. "Brenda is a handful. I love it when she comes over though. Our girl's night will be a blast. Is Emily coming back here?" Her eyebrows raised and lowered making Liz smile.

"I think so. Enzo does value his life, but I hope he kisses her."

"You're so romantic."

"Not as much as Emily is, but I want them to be happy. Enzo is perfect for her and he won't have a problem with her going to college because he's so busy. Emily can feel confident in knowing that she can concentrate on her studies and Enzo will be waiting for her. He's a standup guy."

"Wait. Why is she home today?"

"It's senior ditch day."

"And Monica and Alan are okay with that?"

"Emily set them straight last night. They weren't happy, but surprisingly, Tracy had her back."

Georgie shocked. "Really?"

"I think Tracy probably skipped a few days of school herself."

"I can see that happening."

Emily plopped onto the floor. "Can we not talk about Tracy being naughty?"

The girls laughed.

"From what I hear, your mom was very naughty too," Liz said.

Monica cleared her throat and everyone in the room turned different shades of red. "I was a little bit of a bad girl. Tracy had nothing on me. Sometimes, naughty is good."

Emily's hands found her ears and plugged them. "TMI…"

Monica laughed. She loves embarrassing her daughter. "I came to retrieve the tray."

Liz handed it over. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. By the way, Edward made Enzo sign a contract about wandering hands and lips."

"What!" Emily yelled.

"He had Alexis draw it up. She thought it was hilarious, so she added a few things like him not lowering his gaze or looking at your butt." Enzo thought it was the funniest thing he had read in a long time.

Emily groaned and collapsed backward. "I'm never going to live this down."

"How can we get a copy to read?" Georgie asked.

Monica grinned.

"Mom! Don't you dare."

"What?"

Emily sighed and then left the room.

"Are you just messing with her?"

"Nope. Edward is crazy. Lila tried to be mad at him, but when she read it, she couldn't stop giggling, so he got off scot-free, but don't worry, I'll make sure he is distracted when they come home, so they have some privacy."

Liz smirked.

"Well, she just graduated with a 4.0. I think a proper kiss is a nice reward and I trust my daughter."

"You're a lot fairer than Mac."

Monica laughed. "That's because men lose their mind when it comes to their daughters. I have a lot of experience pulling Alan back from the ledge."