Disclaimer: I hereby disclaim all the characters in this story, but boy do
I wish I owned Jason Morgan.
Chapter Seventeen: Lurking in the Shadows
Jason stared at Courtney in confusion. What had he done wrong? Slowly, he reached for her, but she just backed away from his touch.
"Jason, stop. I need. I just." Courtney pushed her hair out of her face and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jason."
Jason felt helpless. Why was she pulling away from him? "Courtney?" Jason asked, shoving his hands in his pockets to refrain from touching her.
Courtney shook her head, "I need to be by myself right now, ya know, think. I'm going to take a walk." Courtney walked to the coat closet and took out a light jacket. Turning to Jason, she smiled meekly and opened the door.
Jason watched her; there was nothing he could say so he nodded. What was she doing and why was she acting like this? Did she think it was a mistake to start over? Did she not want him anymore? So many unanswered questions floated in his mind making him even more confused and worried. Finally finding his voice, he said, "I love you."
Courtney's eyes opened wide as she turned around once again to stare at him. She nodded and then closed the door behind her.
Courtney began to walk. just walk as far away from Jason to clear her mind. She needed to sort through all the things that were happening in her life right now. What was she doing to herself? She was risking another broken heart, and for what? So she could spend another two years recuperating. Courtney knew that it wasn't easy for her to walk away from Jason, but she had done it. She had shut her emotions down and forced herself to not think of him.
Until she came to Port Charles. For some reason, there she had started dreaming of him again, thinking back on him again. Maybe because it was his hometown; maybe because she was married to his brother.
AJ, thought Courtney. How could she have been so stupid to marry him? All he wanted was to get to Sonny? And for what? He had used her, just like her mom had used her to tell her father to walk out on her; just like her father had used her money to pay off his debts.
And then he called her a whore. Was she? She certainly felt dirty after him. She felt like she had sold herself to him for just sex. Their marriage wasn't real. It was a sham, just like Jason had said.
But Courtney had used AJ too. In her mind, she made AJ out to be the perfect husband. He was part of a large family, had enough money to take care of her, a sweetheart. he was the perfect candidate for her prince charming. So she made herself love him; she made herself worship the land that he walked on, because of Jason.
Courtney had gone into a shell when Jason had broken up with her. She lived in the past, dwelling on single memories that they had together. Her sorrow took up two years of her life; until she met Kyle. Kyle was her best friend and savior from the darkness.
Kyle, thought Courtney sadly. She missed him terribly and never told anyone of him. except for Luke. Before coming to Port Charles last Christmas, Kyle died of Leukemia. But he didn't fail to tell her information that was vital to her; he told her that her father was still alive and well living in Port Charles. That's why Courtney sought out her father here; and that's why she resides here now. She has a family, and for the first time was happy, thanks to Kyle.
Wiping a stray tear away, Courtney looked up. She had walked straight to Luke's office. Typical, she thought. Whenever Courtney would have problems, she'd go straight to Luke; someone she trusted more than her father.
Knocking on the door, she straightened her clothes and prepared herself to look presentable.
"Who's there?"
"It's me," Courtney said, knowing that Luke knew her voice.
There was a bustling around inside the room and soon the door opened. Smiling brightly at Courtney, Luke stepped aside to let her in, "Hey there, darlin'. How are you?"
Courtney gave Luke a not-so-good-face and took a seat on his desk. Looking down at her hands, she said, "I just came here to talk things out. I need someone to listen to me without any strings attached. And Luke, you know that I love you like you were my own father, so I really need you right now."
Luke nodded, "Spill." He sat in his black chair and propped his feet on his desk staring at her intently, prepared to listen to everything she had to say.
Courtney took a deep breath and started from the beginning, "Just recently I divorced AJ. To make a long story short, he used me and told me that he could never love anyone connected to Sonny Corinthos. That was about a month ago, but I. I used him too, Luke. I used him mend my own broken heart. I made AJ out to be this great guy, prince charming, everything I had ever dreamed about when I was a little girl, but I just. I couldn't shake the love that I had for another man. That love in my heart wouldn't go away; it was real, something that lasts forever." She paused looking at Luke, wondering if he had anything to say.
Seeing that nothing was on his mind, she continued, "You remember when I fainted in your place? Well, It was because I found out that Jason was connected to my brother. Jason and I. we were together when I was seventeen. We fell in love and were together for more than two years. He gave me a promise ring," Courtney paused, feeling the chain around her neck, "and told me that the love he felt was forever; nothing could take it away. Except for Sonny, but I didn't know that yet. Jason left me because he was scared; he was scared of our love, so he ran and used his new job for Sonny as an excuse.
"Just recently, Jason and I got back together. And Luke, it feels so rushed, but at the same time, so right. Like I'm supposed to be with him the rest of my life and it scares me. Scares me much that I'll get my heart broken again and I'm not sure if I can handle another broken heart."
Luke nodded, "Does Jason know you're here?"
Courtney shook her head, "No. I just told him that I had to go for a walk; I needed to be alone."
Luke nodded again, "It sounds like you're doing the same thing as Jason did when he broke it off with you. You're running from that love that's so strong and deep, because it scares you. Let me tell you, Court, don't be scared of that love. Grab it and hold on to it as long as you can, because before you know it, it's gone. Just look at Laura and I; everyday I love her like it could be our last together. You want to know a secret? I'm scared too, scared that Laura would suddenly lose her love for me, but I don't give up, and I sure as hell don't walk away. Take it from someone who knows, Courtney, don't run from this love that you say is so strong. You're going to be afraid, and that's natural. Just love him everyday like it would be your last."
Courtney nodded, processing everything Luke had said. He was right. She was doing the same thing as Jason had been doing when he broke it off with her. Smiling, she said, "Thanks, Luke. I really needed that."
Luke grinned, "Can I ask you a question?"
Courtney nodded, "Anything."
"That Kyle kid that you told me about, was the tough-time he helped you out of when Jason broke up with you?" Luke asked her.
Nodding honestly, she swallowed hard, "Yeah, it was."
Luke smiled, "Did you love Kyle?"
Courtney was surprised at such a question and shook her head quietly, "No. Kyle was my best friend in the entire world; he was almost like a brother to me. I owe him my happiness, because without him, I would have never come to Port Charles to find my father and discover my brother. and you. and Jason. I owe him everything."
Luke nodded, "So you did love him."
Courtney shrugged, "I guess I did, but never the way I love Jason."
Luke smiled, "It's was nice talking to you again, Courtney, but you better get home and tell Jason how much you love him."
Courtney grinned, "I will. Thanks for listening." She made her way over to the door.
Luke nodded, "My pleasure. Adios."
Courtney smiled, "Hasta Luego." She silently shut the door behind her, not noticing the man dressed in black lurking behind a corner talking into a cell phone:
"Yeah, I see her boss. she's headed back to the Harbor View Towers. I'm on it," The man shut his phone, and followed stealthily behind her.
Suddenly, Courtney felt a hand go around her face. She opened her mouth and breathed deeply and suddenly everything was black. The man had chloroformed her successfully.
~*~
Brenda couldn't think straight. All she kept thinking was get to Sonny, get to Sonny. She had run all the way to Harbor View Towers and didn't bother waiting for the elevator. Coming to the Sonny and Jason's floor, she decided that she would see Jason first; after all, they did think she was dead and she didn't think Jason would waste time asking questions about her "death".
"Jason!! Jason!" Brenda pounded on his door. "Jason, open this door!"
Jason rubbed his forehead and thought the voice sounded like. but it couldn't be. Swinging the door open, his eyes widened, "Brenda?!"
Brenda walked past him and waved her hand, "I know, I know. You thought I was dead, but I'm not. I'm very much alive." She faced him with her arms folded over her chest.
Jason rolled his eyes, not too pleased that she was standing in front of him, but happy that she was alive, "I can see that, Brenda."
Brenda was stunned, "So here I am, standing in front of you after four years of people thinking I was dead and no, 'welcome home, Brenda! I'm glad that you're alive!' Thanks, Jason, you know I'm really very touched." She rolled her eyes sarcastically and placed a hand over her heart.
Jason shook his head, feeling the headache coming on. Resting his hands on his hips, he asked, "How are you alive and why didn't you bother to show up in Port Charles. oh I don't know. FOUR YEARS AGO!"
Brenda rolled her eyes, "Look, I don't have time to tell you about that. I have information for you, important information."
Jason nodded, "I'm listening."
Brenda nodded, "So, I'm walking on the Elm Street Pier, and I see this woman coming towards me, you know creepy blonde with really weird eye brows, but anyway, I got this bad vibe from her. So I headed up the stairs when I heard her say something suspicious into her cell phone. So I eavesdropped, because I was curious. And then Elizabeth Webber comes to the pier and calls this woman. something strange. Black Widow? I don't know- anyway-,"
Jason cut her off, "Black Widow?"
Brenda nodded, "It was something like that."
Frustrated with her, he sighed, "Brenda, why are you coming to me with lame stories saying I need this informa-,"
Brenda cut him off mid word when she suddenly remembered the name, "Faith Roscoe!"
Jason stopped and looked at Brenda, "What did you say?"
"I said Faith Roscoe. That's her name," Brenda explained.
Choking back a laugh, Jason asked, "How did you get Black Widow from Faith Roscoe?"
Brenda shook her head, "They sound alike!"
"Only to someone like you!" Jason retorted.
"You know what? I don't need to take this from you! If you don't want to hear this, then I could leave, ya know!" Brenda exclaimed, her blood boiling.
Jason shook his head, "Continue."
Brenda nodded, "Okay, so Elizabeth comes to Faith saying that she would be able to help Faith take down you and Sonny because she wanted revenge on. dammit! What was the girl's name?"
"Let me take a guess, Courtney?" Jason asked, putting the pieces together.
"Yeah, that's it!" Brenda exclaimed, pointed at him and then continued, "But the worst part about this Jason, is that not only is Elizabeth working with whoever this Faith is, but Helena Cassidine is too. See, they want to take down both Sonny and Luke and they want to do this through this girl named Courtney. And Jason, Helena Cassadine. she's dangerous."
Jason felt fear jump into his heart. Faith and Helena both were after Courtney. Looking at Brenda, he nodded, "Thanks. That's helpful information. What I need you to do is come with me to tell Sonny about what you heard."
Brenda nodded, still confused, "Jason, answer me this. Why is Courtney so important to Sonny and Luke?"
Jason took a steadying breath and was about to answer Brenda when he suddenly felt like something was wrong. Not taking the time to explain to Brenda, he opened the door and yelled to Marco and Max, "Marco, Max, call all the guards and have them on the look out for Courtney! I want her found!"
Marco and Max nodded and instantly were on their cell phones.
Hearing the commotion out in the hallway, Sonny opened his door, "Jason, what's going on?"
Jason was about to say something when Brenda came out behind him. Her eyes widened at her first love, "Sonny?"
Sonny felt like a bomb had just been dropped on his head, "Brenda?" This couldn't be happening, she was dead, wasn't she?
~*~
Courtney stirred and opened her eyes. Grabbing her head in pain, she tried to sit up, but the pressure was too immense in her head. She looked around. Where was she? The last thing she remembered was coming out of Luke's office and then. She was kidnapped!
"Well, well, well, Courtney Matthews, so glad that we could finally meet. I've heard so much about you."
Chapter Seventeen: Lurking in the Shadows
Jason stared at Courtney in confusion. What had he done wrong? Slowly, he reached for her, but she just backed away from his touch.
"Jason, stop. I need. I just." Courtney pushed her hair out of her face and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jason."
Jason felt helpless. Why was she pulling away from him? "Courtney?" Jason asked, shoving his hands in his pockets to refrain from touching her.
Courtney shook her head, "I need to be by myself right now, ya know, think. I'm going to take a walk." Courtney walked to the coat closet and took out a light jacket. Turning to Jason, she smiled meekly and opened the door.
Jason watched her; there was nothing he could say so he nodded. What was she doing and why was she acting like this? Did she think it was a mistake to start over? Did she not want him anymore? So many unanswered questions floated in his mind making him even more confused and worried. Finally finding his voice, he said, "I love you."
Courtney's eyes opened wide as she turned around once again to stare at him. She nodded and then closed the door behind her.
Courtney began to walk. just walk as far away from Jason to clear her mind. She needed to sort through all the things that were happening in her life right now. What was she doing to herself? She was risking another broken heart, and for what? So she could spend another two years recuperating. Courtney knew that it wasn't easy for her to walk away from Jason, but she had done it. She had shut her emotions down and forced herself to not think of him.
Until she came to Port Charles. For some reason, there she had started dreaming of him again, thinking back on him again. Maybe because it was his hometown; maybe because she was married to his brother.
AJ, thought Courtney. How could she have been so stupid to marry him? All he wanted was to get to Sonny? And for what? He had used her, just like her mom had used her to tell her father to walk out on her; just like her father had used her money to pay off his debts.
And then he called her a whore. Was she? She certainly felt dirty after him. She felt like she had sold herself to him for just sex. Their marriage wasn't real. It was a sham, just like Jason had said.
But Courtney had used AJ too. In her mind, she made AJ out to be the perfect husband. He was part of a large family, had enough money to take care of her, a sweetheart. he was the perfect candidate for her prince charming. So she made herself love him; she made herself worship the land that he walked on, because of Jason.
Courtney had gone into a shell when Jason had broken up with her. She lived in the past, dwelling on single memories that they had together. Her sorrow took up two years of her life; until she met Kyle. Kyle was her best friend and savior from the darkness.
Kyle, thought Courtney sadly. She missed him terribly and never told anyone of him. except for Luke. Before coming to Port Charles last Christmas, Kyle died of Leukemia. But he didn't fail to tell her information that was vital to her; he told her that her father was still alive and well living in Port Charles. That's why Courtney sought out her father here; and that's why she resides here now. She has a family, and for the first time was happy, thanks to Kyle.
Wiping a stray tear away, Courtney looked up. She had walked straight to Luke's office. Typical, she thought. Whenever Courtney would have problems, she'd go straight to Luke; someone she trusted more than her father.
Knocking on the door, she straightened her clothes and prepared herself to look presentable.
"Who's there?"
"It's me," Courtney said, knowing that Luke knew her voice.
There was a bustling around inside the room and soon the door opened. Smiling brightly at Courtney, Luke stepped aside to let her in, "Hey there, darlin'. How are you?"
Courtney gave Luke a not-so-good-face and took a seat on his desk. Looking down at her hands, she said, "I just came here to talk things out. I need someone to listen to me without any strings attached. And Luke, you know that I love you like you were my own father, so I really need you right now."
Luke nodded, "Spill." He sat in his black chair and propped his feet on his desk staring at her intently, prepared to listen to everything she had to say.
Courtney took a deep breath and started from the beginning, "Just recently I divorced AJ. To make a long story short, he used me and told me that he could never love anyone connected to Sonny Corinthos. That was about a month ago, but I. I used him too, Luke. I used him mend my own broken heart. I made AJ out to be this great guy, prince charming, everything I had ever dreamed about when I was a little girl, but I just. I couldn't shake the love that I had for another man. That love in my heart wouldn't go away; it was real, something that lasts forever." She paused looking at Luke, wondering if he had anything to say.
Seeing that nothing was on his mind, she continued, "You remember when I fainted in your place? Well, It was because I found out that Jason was connected to my brother. Jason and I. we were together when I was seventeen. We fell in love and were together for more than two years. He gave me a promise ring," Courtney paused, feeling the chain around her neck, "and told me that the love he felt was forever; nothing could take it away. Except for Sonny, but I didn't know that yet. Jason left me because he was scared; he was scared of our love, so he ran and used his new job for Sonny as an excuse.
"Just recently, Jason and I got back together. And Luke, it feels so rushed, but at the same time, so right. Like I'm supposed to be with him the rest of my life and it scares me. Scares me much that I'll get my heart broken again and I'm not sure if I can handle another broken heart."
Luke nodded, "Does Jason know you're here?"
Courtney shook her head, "No. I just told him that I had to go for a walk; I needed to be alone."
Luke nodded again, "It sounds like you're doing the same thing as Jason did when he broke it off with you. You're running from that love that's so strong and deep, because it scares you. Let me tell you, Court, don't be scared of that love. Grab it and hold on to it as long as you can, because before you know it, it's gone. Just look at Laura and I; everyday I love her like it could be our last together. You want to know a secret? I'm scared too, scared that Laura would suddenly lose her love for me, but I don't give up, and I sure as hell don't walk away. Take it from someone who knows, Courtney, don't run from this love that you say is so strong. You're going to be afraid, and that's natural. Just love him everyday like it would be your last."
Courtney nodded, processing everything Luke had said. He was right. She was doing the same thing as Jason had been doing when he broke it off with her. Smiling, she said, "Thanks, Luke. I really needed that."
Luke grinned, "Can I ask you a question?"
Courtney nodded, "Anything."
"That Kyle kid that you told me about, was the tough-time he helped you out of when Jason broke up with you?" Luke asked her.
Nodding honestly, she swallowed hard, "Yeah, it was."
Luke smiled, "Did you love Kyle?"
Courtney was surprised at such a question and shook her head quietly, "No. Kyle was my best friend in the entire world; he was almost like a brother to me. I owe him my happiness, because without him, I would have never come to Port Charles to find my father and discover my brother. and you. and Jason. I owe him everything."
Luke nodded, "So you did love him."
Courtney shrugged, "I guess I did, but never the way I love Jason."
Luke smiled, "It's was nice talking to you again, Courtney, but you better get home and tell Jason how much you love him."
Courtney grinned, "I will. Thanks for listening." She made her way over to the door.
Luke nodded, "My pleasure. Adios."
Courtney smiled, "Hasta Luego." She silently shut the door behind her, not noticing the man dressed in black lurking behind a corner talking into a cell phone:
"Yeah, I see her boss. she's headed back to the Harbor View Towers. I'm on it," The man shut his phone, and followed stealthily behind her.
Suddenly, Courtney felt a hand go around her face. She opened her mouth and breathed deeply and suddenly everything was black. The man had chloroformed her successfully.
~*~
Brenda couldn't think straight. All she kept thinking was get to Sonny, get to Sonny. She had run all the way to Harbor View Towers and didn't bother waiting for the elevator. Coming to the Sonny and Jason's floor, she decided that she would see Jason first; after all, they did think she was dead and she didn't think Jason would waste time asking questions about her "death".
"Jason!! Jason!" Brenda pounded on his door. "Jason, open this door!"
Jason rubbed his forehead and thought the voice sounded like. but it couldn't be. Swinging the door open, his eyes widened, "Brenda?!"
Brenda walked past him and waved her hand, "I know, I know. You thought I was dead, but I'm not. I'm very much alive." She faced him with her arms folded over her chest.
Jason rolled his eyes, not too pleased that she was standing in front of him, but happy that she was alive, "I can see that, Brenda."
Brenda was stunned, "So here I am, standing in front of you after four years of people thinking I was dead and no, 'welcome home, Brenda! I'm glad that you're alive!' Thanks, Jason, you know I'm really very touched." She rolled her eyes sarcastically and placed a hand over her heart.
Jason shook his head, feeling the headache coming on. Resting his hands on his hips, he asked, "How are you alive and why didn't you bother to show up in Port Charles. oh I don't know. FOUR YEARS AGO!"
Brenda rolled her eyes, "Look, I don't have time to tell you about that. I have information for you, important information."
Jason nodded, "I'm listening."
Brenda nodded, "So, I'm walking on the Elm Street Pier, and I see this woman coming towards me, you know creepy blonde with really weird eye brows, but anyway, I got this bad vibe from her. So I headed up the stairs when I heard her say something suspicious into her cell phone. So I eavesdropped, because I was curious. And then Elizabeth Webber comes to the pier and calls this woman. something strange. Black Widow? I don't know- anyway-,"
Jason cut her off, "Black Widow?"
Brenda nodded, "It was something like that."
Frustrated with her, he sighed, "Brenda, why are you coming to me with lame stories saying I need this informa-,"
Brenda cut him off mid word when she suddenly remembered the name, "Faith Roscoe!"
Jason stopped and looked at Brenda, "What did you say?"
"I said Faith Roscoe. That's her name," Brenda explained.
Choking back a laugh, Jason asked, "How did you get Black Widow from Faith Roscoe?"
Brenda shook her head, "They sound alike!"
"Only to someone like you!" Jason retorted.
"You know what? I don't need to take this from you! If you don't want to hear this, then I could leave, ya know!" Brenda exclaimed, her blood boiling.
Jason shook his head, "Continue."
Brenda nodded, "Okay, so Elizabeth comes to Faith saying that she would be able to help Faith take down you and Sonny because she wanted revenge on. dammit! What was the girl's name?"
"Let me take a guess, Courtney?" Jason asked, putting the pieces together.
"Yeah, that's it!" Brenda exclaimed, pointed at him and then continued, "But the worst part about this Jason, is that not only is Elizabeth working with whoever this Faith is, but Helena Cassidine is too. See, they want to take down both Sonny and Luke and they want to do this through this girl named Courtney. And Jason, Helena Cassadine. she's dangerous."
Jason felt fear jump into his heart. Faith and Helena both were after Courtney. Looking at Brenda, he nodded, "Thanks. That's helpful information. What I need you to do is come with me to tell Sonny about what you heard."
Brenda nodded, still confused, "Jason, answer me this. Why is Courtney so important to Sonny and Luke?"
Jason took a steadying breath and was about to answer Brenda when he suddenly felt like something was wrong. Not taking the time to explain to Brenda, he opened the door and yelled to Marco and Max, "Marco, Max, call all the guards and have them on the look out for Courtney! I want her found!"
Marco and Max nodded and instantly were on their cell phones.
Hearing the commotion out in the hallway, Sonny opened his door, "Jason, what's going on?"
Jason was about to say something when Brenda came out behind him. Her eyes widened at her first love, "Sonny?"
Sonny felt like a bomb had just been dropped on his head, "Brenda?" This couldn't be happening, she was dead, wasn't she?
~*~
Courtney stirred and opened her eyes. Grabbing her head in pain, she tried to sit up, but the pressure was too immense in her head. She looked around. Where was she? The last thing she remembered was coming out of Luke's office and then. She was kidnapped!
"Well, well, well, Courtney Matthews, so glad that we could finally meet. I've heard so much about you."