Chapter2

The flight to Port Charles was quite possibly the longest of Juliana's life. Sam still couldn't figure out how Jules had managed to get the tickets so fast. All Juliana would say was that she had them waiting. Juliana was so lost in thought she barely realized that the plane had landed. Walking through the terminal to baggage pick up all she could think was maybe she should turn around and go back to New York. Back to the safety net she had created for herself when the old man had kicked her out. She was happy in her new life. She had friends who were like her family. The only thing she didn't have was someone to love her. That thought immediately brought memories of him to mind.

Flashback 1993-Summer-Monaco

Juliana and her roommates walked into the casino. Pamela was right this was exactly what she needed to forget the fact that she no longer had a family. Her "grandfather" had kicked her out of it when she decided to go to Boston University as opposed to his alma mater. A stupid reason as far as she was concerned. But hey he never did try to see her side of it. It was his way or she was out. She chose out.

So here she was soaking up the nightlife of Monaco. Taking a seat at the Baccarat table she threw some chips down.

"A risk taker I like that." She heard the man next to her say. The first thing she noticed about him was the accent, Australian, her favorite. Turning to face him, the next thing she noticed was his eyes. They were deep pools of blue. She felt as if she could lose herself in them.

"Why thank you, Mr.?"

"Jasper Jacks, but everyone calls me Jax."

Juliana had to laugh at that. He didn't seem to share her amusement. "Sorry but in the States there's a cheese snack with that name; never thought it might actually be used for a person."

"I see." That was all he said.

"Look I'm sorry it just struck me as funny. I really didn't mean anything by it., honest."

"Apology accepted, Miss?"

"Juliana Spencer-Quar… Juliana Spencer. It's Juliana Spencer."

"Pleased to meet you." Jasper said.

From that night on for the rest of her vacation she and Jasper had been inseparable. If they weren't playing the tables then they were out dancing or walking the beach. She had told him everything about her life, amazed at how easy it had been. When it came time to leave they had made a pact to meet every summer at the casino, and had until the summer of 1996. When she got back to school she learned Jasper was living in Port Charles and had become involved with her best friend Brenda Barrett.

All of her girlfriends had wondered why she did nothing. Juliana had just told them to stay out of it. They respected her wishes, even though they all saw how miserable she was. Juliana just didn't know how to explain it to them, considering what they knew of her friendship with Brenda.

Sam was always reminding her of the pact she and Brenda had made. Sam would always say something like "you saw him first so he's yours right. According to you that's what the little pact says." Jules would nod and change the subject. There were just some things she was unwilling to explain.

End flashback

So here she was in a cab headed for Wyndams department store to buy a dress for a party she was no longer sure she wanted to attend. She was sure the events at the party would only raise more questions for Sam to ask, questions she didn't want to answer. She could only hope Sam would pick up on this and not ask them. But it was too late to turn back. Besides there was unfinished business she had to deal with.

So at seven o'clock Jules rang the bell to the Quartermaine mansion. Reginald, the ever dutiful butler answered the door. He smiled when he saw her and gave her a quick hug.

"Reg, don't announce me. I want this to be a surprise. You didn't tell anyone I was coming did you?"

"Not even Mrs. Quatermaine. "

"Good. All right here goes nothing."