IRREVOCABLE
A/N: Okay, Guest and...uh...Guest (?_?), first of all, SNAPCHAT wasn't launched until 2011. (Skype was launched in 2003 and Facebook was launched in 2004) So, your reference hardly makes much sense since the story takes place in 2000 (not 1950, guest 2) with Jason leaving Port Charles to go to Puerto Rico on 10/30/00. He even stated, on the show, that he couldn't leave in the middle of it to save Carly. Jason's not in Puerto Rico for some kind of legit business. He's there to level a threat, so, he can't just fly in and out of the country as he sees fit. Not even for Elizabeth. With that being said, thank you for your reviews and I hope that clears up the confusion. As for all you other beautiful reviewers, I'd just like to thank you all for your thoughts on the story thus far and to thank you I will, personally, send replies to all reviews for this chapter through private messaging. For those that don't have an account, please place a pen name in the provided space so I can give you a reply in the author's note of the next chapter. Without further ado, please enjoy this latest update, thank you.
Straightening her silk scarf around her, Elizabeth takes a deep breath to regain her composure before she steps out of her bedroom door, knowing that she couldn't let her emotions stop her from hosting the gallery. This is her chance to make something of her art and she had to give it her all or risk living with the regret of never knowing. Despite herself, she takes a glance back at the picture of her and Jason sitting on her bedside table, letting out a deep sigh before continuing on her way out, knowing that it would do no one any good for her to sulk.
"Ready?" Johnny asks her when she gets to the limo, seeing that something had changed since she had gone in to get ready. "What's wrong?"
"Jason's not coming." she says as he opens the door for her. "He had to head straight to Port Charles."
"I'm sorry." Johnny voices as she slides into the back of the limo. "I know you've been counting on him coming here first."
"What can he do?" she says simply. "He has a job to do...and, right now, so do I. We should go before we're late."
"Okay." Johnny accepts, shutting the door before sliding into the driver's seat, knowing there wasn't much he could say at this point.
Wrapping her arms around herself, she prepares herself for the gallery, knowing she had to be the best hostess that Italy has ever seen. Normally big parties, like the one she's going to host, makes her nervous and wary, but its something she has to overcome if she wants to make it in the art world. The parties are almost as important as the art themselves. So, putting her own insecurities to the side, Elizabeth mentally prepares herself for the night ahead, hoping and praying that Jason knows what he's doing.
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .
* . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .*
Carefully shutting the studio door behind him, Jason forces himself not to feel her absence, knowing that he didn't have a choice in returning to town. For as long as a threat still hangs over the organization, potentially putting everyone he loves in danger, he can't be selfish. Even though his heart wants to be in Venice, physically he must be in that small wayward town. Dropping down onto the couch, he lets out a deep sigh, knowing that he couldn't change what is.
Hearing the key slide into the lock, he rises to his feet, waiting long enough for his sister to close the door behind her before he helps her with the groceries that she had brought with her. Thanking her, Jason gets started on putting the items away, needing something to occupy his mind as he waits for Sonny to call. The silence being too much for him as all he can think about is his phone call with Elizabeth just before he boarded his flight back to Port Charles.
"You sure that's all you're going to need?" Emily asks her brother, tossing the spare key onto the desk, knowing that this would be the only time she'll be seeing him until after he handles whatever's going on.
"Yeah." he assures, shutting the refrigerator door. "It should do."
"Everything okay?" Emily questions. "You don't seem like yourself."
"I'm okay." he says, shifting on his feet. "You should head out."
"Jason..."
"I just miss Elizabeth." Jason says, knowing she won't leave until he tells her what's on his mind. "Really, Em, I'll be fine."
"I miss her, too." Emily admits sadly. "I mean, I know its my fault, but I can't help wishing that I could fix things with her, you know?"
"Yeah." he replies with a soft smile, knowing that he couldn't fix it for her. "Thank you for the supplies, but you need to get going."
"I know, I know." Emily says, securing her things before walking to the door. "Should I be worried?"
"No." he assures. "I'm handling it."
"Good." she says before pulling open the door. "Stay safe, Jase."
"You, too."
Locking the door behind her, Jason makes his way over to the couch, lowering himself down onto it before relaxing into the cushions. Sonny should be calling him soon and then it'll be time to get to work. Right now, he's just waiting for word on Sorrel's arrival before they can move forward with putting an end to the son of a bitch once and for all.
He told Sonny that it had been suspect for Sorrel to make a trip down to Puerto Rico and then Carlos rising up to defy him soon after. With confirmation that Sorrel is behind it, Jason just wants to end him and get it over with, wanting to make his way to Venice more than ever before.
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .
* . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .*
Looking around at the people gathered for the newest collection created by one Italy's own homegrown artists, Elizabeth could see just how easy it is to be swept up in the beauty that art can create, an entirely different feel within that place than anywhere she's ever been before. Just by the look on their faces, she could tell the art lovers apart from the art admirers, just in the way they stood before the paintings and sculptures.
From across the room, she catches the eye of her boss, a smile gracing the woman's face, signalling that the night was on track with what they had expected, meeting with the woman's approval. The preparations that went into tonight had her boss in a frenzy for the last few days.
She must have called Elizabeth three to four times on the hour to make sure that everything was going according to plan. Now that its in full swing, her boss has returned to her normal calm composure, confident in the night that has been put together.
"Too soon to celebrate?" Johnny voices as he moves to stand by her side, handing her a bottle of water.
"A little." she replies, turning to look at him with a soft smile. "But it looks promising."
"That's good." he replies, knowing just how badly she needs this to come out a success. "When this is over, we'll go out to celebrate, okay?"
"What if I don't sell enough paintings and..."
"You'll sell them." Johnny assures. "Come on, you sold that piece of crap statue that looked like it had been through ten rounds with Jason and a baseball bat. You've got this."
"That was a really horrible sculpture."
"It really was." Johnny chuckles, glancing at the room before meeting her eye again. "Hesitant buyer, six o'clock. Go give them the shove they need and seal the deal."
"On it." she says with a slight smile before making her way across the room.
Fighting off her self-doubt, Elizabeth forces herself to remember that she's her number one fan and that if she doesn't believe in herself then she has no right to expect anyone else to. She has fought long and hard to make something of herself, going through all the shitty professors and the debbie doubters in her life, and she'll be damned if she lets her own insecurities stop her from chasing after her dream now that its within reaching distance. All she has to do is make the sales and she'll have her chance at showing the world her heart's passion.
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .
* . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .*
Getting off the phone with Sonny, he found that he was actually happy for his friend after finding out that he and Carly had gotten married again, but out of love this time. She still despises the fact that he's married to Elizabeth, but she has stopped hounding Sonny about it and she has even stopped threatening the men to find out where Elizabeth is.
He doesn't doubt that the hatred for Elizabeth will come back in full force, along with the plans, once she finds out he's back in town, but he's hoping that her love for Sonny will dull it down before he's forced to put a stop to her. Something he wasn't looking forward to at all.
Putting those thoughts out of his head, he returns his focus to the rest of his conversation with Sonny, trying to piece together the puzzle that has been laid before them. Clearly Sorrel has somehow convinced Carlos into a partnership, but there were still things that didn't add up. Until they can figure out what the endgame was intended to be, they can't move forward with their counterattack.
"Johnny, its me." he voices when the guard picks up the other end of the line. "How are things over there?"
"Its been quiet." Johnny assures. "What about on your end?"
"Too many factors not adding up." he admits before shaking his head. "Just keep sharp."
"I got this end covered." Johnny says firmly. "Wish I could be there to have your back though."
"You have my back by protecting my wife." Jason replies simply. "I can't lose her, Johnny. You hear me?"
"Just handle what needs handling." Johnny says as he glances over at Elizabeth. "I'll keep her safe."
"Thanks."
"Would you like to talk to her?" Johnny dares to question. "I know it'll do her some good to talk to you right now."
"I don't want to bother her, she said this event was important."
"Trust me, Jason." Johnny counters him off respectfully. "She can use it."
"Okay."
Rising to his feet, his nerves getting the best of him, Jason starts to pace the small studio, his last conversation with her still echoing through his mind. She had understood his reasons for not going to see her before returning to Port Charles, but he could still hear the hurt in her voice as she spoke.
After three months of being apart, he had been anticipating their reunion as much as she was, if not more, and he hated that he had to break his promise. If he had a choice, he'd be knocking at her door in Italy instead of hiding out in her studio, but there was no choice in the matter. He had to do whatever it took to keep everyone safe.
"Hi." she says softly, having asked her boss for a moment and being granted it.
"Hey." he says tentatively, wiping his hand on the side of his jeans, the sweat starting to annoy him. "How are you?"
"I'm okay." she says simply. "The gallery's going really well."
"That's good." he comments. "I'm really happy for you."
"Thank you." she says, moving to lean against the railing to stare out at the city below. "I wish you'd let me come back."
"Elizabeth..."
"I know the reasons why I should be here in Italy, Jason, but it doesn't stop me from missing you." she says seriously. "I don't need this chance if it means I can't be with you."
"Your art is important, Elizabeth, and this is your chance to finally live out your dream. I won't let you walk away from it now. Not when its so close." Jason says seriously, heart aching at the plea in her voice. "What kind of husband would that make me if I let you put your life on hold to be here for me?"
"We've been apart for three months, Jason." she says seriously, trying her best to fight off the tears. "How much longer must I wait to see you again? A month? Five months? A year? Forever?"
"It won't take forever." he says firmly. "I will handle this and we will see each other again. I promise you."
"I know that you're trying to protect everyone and I know you mean well by telling me to stay, but I miss you." she voices with her whole heart. "I miss you so much that it hurts."
"I miss you, too." he replies, his voice thick with emotion. "I miss you more than you'll ever know."
"Then let me come back." she says seriously. "If you can't come to me, let me go to you. Please."
"You know I can't." he sighs, dropping back down onto the couch, unable to stand for much longer. "Its not safe for you here."
"But its safe for Carly?"
"No. Its not safe for anyone right now." Jason says seriously. "Sorrel has already come after Sonny and nearly took Emily out in the process. As much as I want you here with me, I can't take the risk of something happening to you, I just can't."
"Jason..."
"He doesn't play by the rules we do." he takes a deep breath to steady his voice. "Sorrel put a bomb in your studio when we were just friends. What more now that you're my wife?"
"Okay." she sighs, knowing that times are desperate and there was just no changing what is. "I'm sorry...I never wanted to fight with you about this. I know its hard for you right now."
"You have every right to feel what you feel." he says seriously. "Don't ever apologize for telling me the truth."
"I just hate this." she says after a moment. "I hate being apart from you."
"I hate it, too." he assures. "But it won't be forever. We will see each other again."
"I know." she says, swiping at the tears that have fallen down her cheeks. "Hopefully for more than a day, right?"
"When this is over and Sorrel is no longer a problem, I'm going to take an extended vacation." Jason promises. "Maybe, when I do, we can figure out just what's going on between us."
"I'd like that." she says with a soft smile. "A lot, actually."
"Me, too." he says, thankful to hear the smile in her voice. "Be safe, okay?"
"I will if you will."
"I will." he assures. "I'm gonna let you go, but I'll call again soon."
"You better." she says seriously. "Just...just finish this as soon as you can, okay?"
"Okay."
Waiting long enough for her to hang up, Jason tosses his cellphone onto the table before dropping his head into his hands, knowing that she was trying her hardest to be strong because she thinks that's what he needs. More than anything, he wanted to tell her to get on the next plane back to Port Charles, but it wouldn't be fair to do that to her. He could tell from her voice that finally getting a chance at her dream meant a lot to her. He couldn't tell her to walk away from that just so she can be there for him while simultaneously putting herself in danger. Sorrel may be a pathetic excuse for a man, but it didn't make him any less dangerous. Until this is handled, the safest place for her to be is in Italy and as far away from Port Charles as possible.
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .
* . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * .*
The rest of the night was a bigger success than Elizabeth could have ever hoped for. Nearly half of the art displayed went for nearly twice the requested price once people started to bid upon each other. From the look on her boss's face, it was clear that she approved of the hype that the paintings were receiving. The more they sold, the more people wanted to buy, clearly going off the enthusiasm of the first few buyers.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Morgan." her boss says with high regard. "We'll have to go over the finer details in the coming days before the planning phase begins, but you just worked your way into your first gala. You should be quite proud of yourself."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Go, celebrate." her boss says firmly as she makes her way to the front door. "You deserve it."
"What did I tell you?" Johnny voices, moving to stand in front of her. "If you can sell this crap above retail price, I can't wait to see how well you do with your own masterpieces."
"Don't you think you're a little biased?"
"Biased? Nah." Johnny shakes his head, linking his arm with her to walk her out of the building. "Just realistic. You've got talent, Elizabeth, and soon all of Italy will know it."
"I like the sound of that." she admits as they make their way to the waiting limo, the guys already inside waiting for them. "It'll be a few months before the gala actually happens, though."
"But it is happening." Johnny points out. "That's all that matters."
"You mentioned something about a celebration." Elizabeth reminds him as he slides into the back with her. "What did you have in mind exactly?"
"You'll see." he says with a slight smirk. "In all seriousness, Elizabeth, congrats. I know how badly you wanted this."
"Thanks."
A/N: Okay, for real this time, the next chapter will incorporate another suggestion from you beautiful reviewers. Hint, hint, it has to do with the warehouse fire where Jason saves Sonny. Okay, so, let me know what you thought of this update and what you hope for the next updates. Like I said at the top, in case you didn't read that rather long author's note, I will be sending PMs to all reviews for this chapter and I will reply to all reviewers without an account on this site during the next chapter. Tons of hugs and much love to all of you. Can't wait to read what you have to say.