Chapter 28
Jason woke up early that morning and wasn't quite sure if he wanted to get out of bed. His dream still vivid on his mind. He also had a weird feeling about today and wasn't sure if he was ready to deal with it just yet! After lying in bed for a couple minutes he finally decided to roll out of bed. And I mean literally. Once he got up off the floor and stretched his muscular arms and went over to his dresser and pulled out a wife beater and put it on. Even though it wasn't much of a shirt it was one at that and he didn't want to make Courtney uncomfortable. Jason walked out of his bedroom and right before he got to the steps he decided to go straight. He figured he'd go and check on Courtney.
The closer he got to her door the more nervous he became. He wasn't quite sure why he was so nervous. Ever since he told Courtney how he felt that time when she was asleep his nerves left him. When he told her it was like a weight was lifted and he didn't feel like he needed to worry about her finding out because in a way she already knew and he wasn't always making sure he didn't slip up. Jason telling himself that she sort of knew helped so who could argue even though
Courtney had no clue. As he finally approaches the door he wasn't sure if he should knock or just enter. After finally giving up on the fight going on in his head he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. After knocking several times he finally decided to enter the room and see what was going on. "Courtney I tried to knock, but no one answer the door," he said softly as he opened the door. As he enters the room he was surprised by what he saw.
***********
The movement of her bed awaked Carly. At first she was unsure of what was causing her mattress bounce her up and down. As her mind began to drift from her dreams and her eyes began to flutter open she realized that it was none other than one of her favorite men. She decided to surprise him and when he jumps in the air she jumped up and started to tickle the boy. "Hey there Mister Man. What are you doing? Huh? No wait I know you came to give your mama kisses haven't you," Carly grumbled to the little boy and started to kiss all over his face causing the boy to laugh.
"Mom, stop. I don't want to get cooties," the boy managed to get out between giggles. Carly pulled back and pretend to look hurt. Michael noticed the look on his mother's face and knew she was pretending and figured he'd play along. "You the boys at the playground mom they'll never let me live it down. You know I like the boys better than you." He tried his best to make her believe it but he just started to laugh and could no long contain himself. Carly couldn't help but noticed how mature her son was for such a young boy. She couldn't help but ask herself how she got so lucky.
After finally leaving her train of thought she started to tickle her son again. "I'll show you who's more important. You'll see Mister Man. I didn't go through caring and loving you for nothing." Michael just falls back and was now on his back laughing.
"Ok, mom. Mom I have an ideal. You can kiss me on my cheek. Ok my CHEEK but only right before I go to bed. And you can hug me. But I have to be leaving somewhere, if you going to hug me. Or you have to be leaving somewhere. And you can't tell the boys at the playground. Deal!" Michael told her in the way that Michael could.
Carly sat and pretended to think about what Michael said. "You know what Mister I thought about it and I'm going to take your deal. But I'll only take it if I can still tell how much I love you and how you're my favorite Mister Man in all the world."
Michael put his hand under his chin and had his pointer finger tapping the side of his cheek saying, "hmm…" and he looked like he was thinking really hard. "I'll take it your part of the deal. Ok mommy now can we go get some lunch. I was thinking Kelly's because daddy's not home and you're not allowed in the kitchen because daddy's says you'll try to cook and we'd no long have a house."
"Well if you let mommy take a shower we'll go and get lunch and see if grandma's there ok?"
"Yeah!! But I have to get changed too. See it's a good thing I take my bath at night," Michael smiled at his mother as he got off the bed and headed toward the door. Carly sat and watched her son leave her room she didn't attempt to move until she lost total sight of Michael.
***********
Jason was standing in the doorway of his spare room where Courtney was staying and was in complete and utter shock. He couldn't believe what he saw. "Courtney! Courtney are you in here. Underneath all your clothes that are on the floor?" he stated as he started to walk into the room. He kicked the clothes a little seeing if she could be under a pile. "And this isn't even all your clothes. God where do you wear half of these clothes anyway. All you really need is some shirts, jeans, and under garments." By that comment alone you were positive that he was a man. They never really understood the whole thing with clothes.
Jason continued to look around the room until he came upon something that he didn't really want see to. "Oh my god, that's not what I think it is. Is it?" he asked himself. As he stood there looking at it he was starting to wonder if this would be consider invading her privacy. Because that was the last thing he wanted to do. Jason walked a little closer, "Ok, that is her bra and underwear. And she's obviously not here. So I'm going to leave because I feel as though I'm ahh…you know invading her privacy." as soon as he got out the door and closed he leaned his back up against the door and let out a breathe. After a quick breather he walked away from the door and headed downstairs to see if she was there.
He finally made it downstairs and looked around for Courtney. "Courtney!! Courtney are you here?" he called. He waited for a moment and was only met with silence. Jason wonders where she could be but he didn't really think anything of it, so he went to go make some coffee. Than he walked back into the living and got a bad feeling. He went over to his desk where he was greeted by a letter that was addressed to him. As he noticed the letter Jason couldn't help but get an uneasy feeling.
***********
Carly and Michael were putting on there coats getting ready to head to Kelly's when the red-headed boy looked up at his mom, "Mommy, why isn't Jason married like you and daddy? Does no love him like you love daddy?"
Carly was taken aback by her son's questions. And she wondered where it came from. "Michael sweetie what would make you say such a thing?"
"The other day when Leticia took me to see Grandma Lila. I heard that old and grumpy man talking to someone and he said that Uncle Jason would never find love because no one would ever marry him and something about how they didn't need to worry because they would get their heir. And some about how Jason wasn't going to ruin this."
AS Michael told Carly what he heard Carly was getting angrier. She was ready to ring Edward head. What gave him the right to spill such lies? She was going to show them all that Jason could love and he does and there was no way that she was going to let Michael become there heir. "Sweetie Uncle Jason isn't married because he hasn't found the right one yet. You know everyone has 1 special person that out they're for him or her. See daddy is that person for me and Jason he doesn't want to settle for anything less. And you shouldn't either. And when Jason finds the woman of his dreams they will get married and have beautiful babies like you were," she smiled at her son. But as she was telling Michael this she came upon a realization. That Edward wasn't talking about Michael being their heir.
Carly grabbed Michael hand as they headed out the door toward the elevator. As they went down and to the car she couldn't get what Michael said out of her mind and she started to wonder if what Michael heard could have something to do with Courtney. "No" she told herself, "what would Edward want with Courtney. She and AJ are over and he never wanted the two of them together anyhow. So there's no way that any of this is possible. I just have Courtney and Jason on the brain so I'm just associating. Right?"
***********
Jason stood there over his desk. The letter just sitting they're waiting to be read. Only he was too afraid to pick it. Not something you see everyday Jason Morgan Hit Man afraid to read a letter written hopefully by the sister to his boss. After staring at the paper for a few minutes he finally decided to forget about the feeling that was grabbing at his gut and picked it up and began to read.
Jason,
I had to be a work before you woke up and I didn't want to wake you. But if you really want decent coffee than come to Kelly's. It'll be on the house for your great hospitality and for the loft. I better go before I'm late. And I hope you didn't sleep to late.
Your roomie,
Courtney
As he finished the letter a sign of relief came over him. He than went up stairs to take a shower he didn't want to be a dirty boy when he went to Kelly's. He was going to take her up on her offer. He couldn't make as good as coffee as Courtney could. After he shower and dressed the same feeling was still punching at his gut. And he couldn't make it go away. And he knew it wasn't a good punch someone he loved was in trouble.
***********
Sonny went to the warehouse early that morning. He needed to get a. his mind was just reeling from the conversation that he and Carly had. Did she really think that Jason and Courtney were together or was it just hopeful?
He asked Jason to befriend his sister. To make sure that AJ didn't harm her. For some reason though he wondered if maybe he's not seeing something. Could something be going on? And to top that right under his nose.
"No!! Jason, he's my best friend, my brother. He's FAMILY!!! Family doesn't betray. And Jason of all the people in the world would not betray him."
What he doesn't see is how could falling in love be a betrayal. You don't choose who you love. You just do. Love is not your choice. But the anger was there. He was mad at this alleged love. No one ever admitted any love. With the other of coherent thought or awake for that matter.
***********
Courtney had gone to work early that morning. She was a little afraid to be there because she didn't want to run into AJ. She knew if he came that he would want to confront her and that's just wasn't something she was ready to handle just yet. She still loved him but she wasn't in love with him. And didn't know what she would say to him. Especially after everything that happened that night.
She decided to stop thinking about running into AJ and just try to go on. It was bound to happen one of these days. They both lived in Port Charles and that wasn't going to change anytime soon. Courtney finally gave herself a breather and walked behind the counter to get the coffee when she heard the bell ring signaling that someone has arrived.
"Hey Courtney!" the person said. They walked over toward where she was standing. And Courtney was nervous. She didn't know what she was going to do or say. She just knew that she had to be brave.
"Hey, Penny! You working." Penny simply nodded. She was working again today. Even though she wasn't on the schedule.
"Yeah. I'm the fill-in. Elizabeth called and asked me to cover for her. If I didn't have to pay for classes I wouldn't be covering for her. She's so ungrateful when I cover for her. Because if I were to ask her to cover for me it would be like 'No, Penny. I can't do that' you know?" Penny than walked behind the counter next to Courtney as she tied apron around her waist.
Courtney looked at Penny and knew she knew that something was up. At first thought she wasn't sure how she was going to tell her everything that had happen to her the past couple days. "Look Penny. There's a something that I think you should know. It's about AJ and I," she began. Penny just stared at her hoping she didn't see the excitement. It wasn't giddiness about the fact that Courtney was telling her about her and AJ it was more since starting to help out Carly she's gotten to thinking and would love to see both Jason and Courtney happy. And happy with each other, but at the same time she wasn't even sure if she was buying the whole Jason and Courtney relationship.
"Well I'm um not sure how to tell you this but look we're uh…" just than a costumer came me. "Hold on." Courtney than walked away to deal with the costumer. And when she made it back over towards Penny, Penny couldn't help but notice something. Something was off and she could feel it. Penny decided to ask Courtney about it, "Hey, Court where's your wedding ring?" Penny sort of hoped that the ring wouldn't be going back on anytime soon. She just didn't feel that AJ went into that marriage with the best of intentions. And the way Courtney would describe him didn't sound like AJ at all.
Courtney grabbed her hand and started to play with her ring finger that once held her wedding band not to long ago. She let out a sign. Not sure how to tell to her. "Well um… we're ahhh…we're getting a…a…a divorce. Got it sounds so weird to say I'm getting a divorce. But I can't do that to AJ. He loves me and he should have someone who loves him."
Penny had known that Courtney had moved out of the apartment, but thought they were just going through a separation. And that this whole thing with Carly was just in her mind. But now that Courtney was saying the word Divorce. And it made her wonder if Carly was right about the whole Jason and Courtney thing. "I'm so sorry. I know how you feel about divorce." Penny walked next to her and gave her a hug. She knew that Courtney was fighting back tears.
"Yeah, he was really hurt when I told him I was leaving. I couldn't stay in this marriage without it being love. I had feelings for him but those feelings weren't love. And I couldn't stay without love."
"How mad was he," Penny asked stepping out of the hug.
Courtney sniffled and wipe away tears that had began to fall. "He was really, really mad. He probably got really drunk after I left."
"Where did you go?" she asked already knowing the answer. She just wanted conformation.
"Jason's. I wanted to go to Sonny's, but I just couldn't face him. You know he and Carly kept telling me that AJ was no good and that I couldn't love him. I just didn't want to prove them right. So I went to Jason and I waited. When he came home I just cried on his shoulder. That's probably sounds really bad. Going to your brother-in-law after you just left his brother," she smiled.
"Well you know that AJ and Jason haven't been brothers for about 6,7 years now. So it was more or less like you went to a friend's house. Lately you and Jason have been pretty close. Plus Jason was here the other night. He came in looking for you, but you were long gone I don't even think you were working at all that day."
Courtney was shocked by the information that Penny had unnoticeably let out. She had no clue that Jason was looking for her. She wondered if it was the same night that she went to his penthouse. He had tried to tell her something, but she didn't want to talk she just wanted to be in his embrace. Now as she looks back she wants to know why he hadn't told her the next day or why hadn't she asked him about it? All these questions were now popping up inside of her head and she wanted the answers.
With out realizing it Courtney had zoned out. "Courtney hello are you there? Is everything ok? Courtney quick how do you drink your coffee?" Penny joked trying to wake Courtney from her trance state. She snapped her fingers. Nothing worked. And she figured for sure the mention of coffee would awake her, but it didn't. After about five minutes she finally escaped her mind and came back to reality.
"Oh my god!! Once second I was here and you were talking and the next my mind took over me. I was gone. My thoughts had consumed me," Courtney finally spoke, she was stuttering. She was stressed and she knew the only way to fix this stress that was now starting to build-up higher and higher was to talk to Jason. But that wasn't the only thing that had been plaguing on her thoughts today.
"You know what Courtney. You didn't know that Jason came in here the other night looking for you, did you?" she asked. Courtney nodded her head no. "So I let on all these assumption and you're not sure what to think. And on top of that you have all this stress with AJ and everything. Look I can't tell you why Jason was looking for you the other night, but don't worry about it. If it was important he'd tell you. But I know you're going to say no but you need to go home and find some way to release this stress. Do some yoga I've heard it does wonders. The crowd is gone and if it gets business again I'll call Georgie. Bobbie just hired her and she's a high school girl who would love some money. So you don't worry about a thing. You need to ask Jason what he wanted to tell you. But I don't think that's why you're so stressed. It's something else and you haven't told anyone yet, have you?" She just nodded yes in response.
Penny stepped behind Courtney and put her hands on her shoulders as she pushed her out the door. She made a stop at the coat rack and grabbed her coat for her and than realized she forgot her purse at the counter. Penny quickly ran back and got Courtney's purse. By the time she made it back to Courtney someone was standing there talking to her.
"Carly…Carly…look I know that you would love to stand her and talk with your sister-in-law but you need to do it another time. My good friend here she needs some rest and stress freeness. And don't forget!!" Penny said as she continued to push Courtney out the door. Now with the help of Michael who was laughing hysterically.
"You guys since I'm being force out of work, you guys should know that if Jason comes by his food is on the house. Before I left this morning I told him if he got hungry to just come in and he'd get a free meal. and if he happens to ask where I went I'm going to Ms. LaRossa's to pick up Rosie. I've imposed on her too much. Plus my miss my baby."
"Ok. But this is fun. Hey aunt Courtney you enjoying yourself," the little boy smiled. Courtney started laughing. Just the fact that her nephew was helping Penny push her out of Kelly's made her laugh. Carly stood holding the door open as she tried to contain her laughter. By the time Courtney was out the door the three rush into Kelly's. Michael stood by the door watching so that she knew she wasn't going to come back in.
***********
Carly watched and laugh at her son as she walked over to the counter. She began to take off her coat, "What happened with Courtney? Why does she need to remain stress free."
Penny began to pour Carly's coffee, "She's told me everything about how she left AJ and all. But I have a feeling that something else is on her mind and that she hasn't even told herself what it is none the less somebody else. Plus I kind of spilt the fact that the other night. Well the night that she left AJ, Jason he came in here. He wanted to tell her something. I think he was going to tell her that he had feelings for her. And in fact I even told him that night that he did. And he didn't deny it either. At least I think. I told her he was here looking for her, but I didn't tell her why."
Carly sat and listened she was taking it all in all. She was like she was taking notes in her mind which was what she was doing. For some reason she thought that what Penny was saying was going to help her put some more pieces together. "You would rather her find out from Jason. I totally understand why you did that. I would have done the same thing Pen." she began to sip her coffee when Michael came over and sat down next to his mother.
"So mom, what looks good here," the boy smiled up at his mom. He was hungry and knew that Kelly's was the best. That's what his grandmother has told him.
"Well you want what you always get Mr. Man. I'm sure Penny would love to get it for you. All you have to do is say please and ask her," his mother replied ruffling his red hair that reminded her so much of her mom. Michael did as his mom suggested and Penny went and got his food ready.
"Carly!" a woman who just walked in said. Carly turned around to be greeted by the same red hair as her son.
"Hi Mama!!" she got up and walked over to give her a hug. "So how's it going? How's Lucas?"
"Well it's going. The hospital's been keeping me busy. And Lucas you know Lucas. He's being a teenage boy. All he thinks about is girls, girls, girls. Well speaking of little boys how's my favorite red headed grandson."
"I'm great grandma. Just came to get a meal at one of my favorite places," he told her as she knelt down so she was eye level with her grandson. "you know it's one of the best. You and uncle Luke always tell me so." Bobbie couldn't help but giggle at the little boy.
"That's right. And don't you forget it. Hey I have some quarters you want to go and pick out some music while I talk with your mom ok." Bobbie stood up and reached into her purse to get her change. She handed it to the little boy and he went running for the jute box. "So what's up Carly?"
"I'm worried about Courtney. She seems a little unnerved. And I don't know how I can help. I just want to help before she ends up making some of the mistakes that I made," Carly let out. She hadn't meant to say anything to her mom, but she couldn't help it. She wanted her mom's advice.
"Well it can be hard when you're between a rock and a hard place. You know she needs time to figure out how she wants to live her life. She'll figure out what she wants. And maybe she'll see that she's nothing like her mother and she deserves to be loved and be in love," and before Bobbie knew it she slipped out a little to much information. She hated herself right now. Courtney trusted her and she blew it.
"Mom what are you talking about? Look I don't know if you know this but Courtney left AJ. They're getting a divorce. I have a feeling that you gave her some advice and she took it."
"I did give her some advice. And I'm feel bad that she's getting a divorce but I don't feel that bad. I think she loves someone else. I see the way she is him. And the way they looked when I walked in on her reaching him how to dance. Which really wasn't dancing," she told her making sure not to drop any names. Carly didn't need any names. I mean come on this is Carly were talking about here she knew that Bobbie thought that Jason was the man Courtney loved. And the fact that she caught them dancing just moved her investigation a little bit more. And that's when all of a sudden it hit her.
***********
Courtney was strolling the docks on her way to go and get Rosie. She stopped right in front of the bench on Pier 52 and look out at the lake. It was beautiful this time of the year. She continued to stare out at the water for a few more moments with her cross her chest and rubbing her arms, to hopefully get a little warmer. After realizing that she had been standing there a little to long she began to leave when the hairs on the back of her neck shot up. She knew someone was behind her.
Jason woke up early that morning and wasn't quite sure if he wanted to get out of bed. His dream still vivid on his mind. He also had a weird feeling about today and wasn't sure if he was ready to deal with it just yet! After lying in bed for a couple minutes he finally decided to roll out of bed. And I mean literally. Once he got up off the floor and stretched his muscular arms and went over to his dresser and pulled out a wife beater and put it on. Even though it wasn't much of a shirt it was one at that and he didn't want to make Courtney uncomfortable. Jason walked out of his bedroom and right before he got to the steps he decided to go straight. He figured he'd go and check on Courtney.
The closer he got to her door the more nervous he became. He wasn't quite sure why he was so nervous. Ever since he told Courtney how he felt that time when she was asleep his nerves left him. When he told her it was like a weight was lifted and he didn't feel like he needed to worry about her finding out because in a way she already knew and he wasn't always making sure he didn't slip up. Jason telling himself that she sort of knew helped so who could argue even though
Courtney had no clue. As he finally approaches the door he wasn't sure if he should knock or just enter. After finally giving up on the fight going on in his head he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. After knocking several times he finally decided to enter the room and see what was going on. "Courtney I tried to knock, but no one answer the door," he said softly as he opened the door. As he enters the room he was surprised by what he saw.
***********
The movement of her bed awaked Carly. At first she was unsure of what was causing her mattress bounce her up and down. As her mind began to drift from her dreams and her eyes began to flutter open she realized that it was none other than one of her favorite men. She decided to surprise him and when he jumps in the air she jumped up and started to tickle the boy. "Hey there Mister Man. What are you doing? Huh? No wait I know you came to give your mama kisses haven't you," Carly grumbled to the little boy and started to kiss all over his face causing the boy to laugh.
"Mom, stop. I don't want to get cooties," the boy managed to get out between giggles. Carly pulled back and pretend to look hurt. Michael noticed the look on his mother's face and knew she was pretending and figured he'd play along. "You the boys at the playground mom they'll never let me live it down. You know I like the boys better than you." He tried his best to make her believe it but he just started to laugh and could no long contain himself. Carly couldn't help but noticed how mature her son was for such a young boy. She couldn't help but ask herself how she got so lucky.
After finally leaving her train of thought she started to tickle her son again. "I'll show you who's more important. You'll see Mister Man. I didn't go through caring and loving you for nothing." Michael just falls back and was now on his back laughing.
"Ok, mom. Mom I have an ideal. You can kiss me on my cheek. Ok my CHEEK but only right before I go to bed. And you can hug me. But I have to be leaving somewhere, if you going to hug me. Or you have to be leaving somewhere. And you can't tell the boys at the playground. Deal!" Michael told her in the way that Michael could.
Carly sat and pretended to think about what Michael said. "You know what Mister I thought about it and I'm going to take your deal. But I'll only take it if I can still tell how much I love you and how you're my favorite Mister Man in all the world."
Michael put his hand under his chin and had his pointer finger tapping the side of his cheek saying, "hmm…" and he looked like he was thinking really hard. "I'll take it your part of the deal. Ok mommy now can we go get some lunch. I was thinking Kelly's because daddy's not home and you're not allowed in the kitchen because daddy's says you'll try to cook and we'd no long have a house."
"Well if you let mommy take a shower we'll go and get lunch and see if grandma's there ok?"
"Yeah!! But I have to get changed too. See it's a good thing I take my bath at night," Michael smiled at his mother as he got off the bed and headed toward the door. Carly sat and watched her son leave her room she didn't attempt to move until she lost total sight of Michael.
***********
Jason was standing in the doorway of his spare room where Courtney was staying and was in complete and utter shock. He couldn't believe what he saw. "Courtney! Courtney are you in here. Underneath all your clothes that are on the floor?" he stated as he started to walk into the room. He kicked the clothes a little seeing if she could be under a pile. "And this isn't even all your clothes. God where do you wear half of these clothes anyway. All you really need is some shirts, jeans, and under garments." By that comment alone you were positive that he was a man. They never really understood the whole thing with clothes.
Jason continued to look around the room until he came upon something that he didn't really want see to. "Oh my god, that's not what I think it is. Is it?" he asked himself. As he stood there looking at it he was starting to wonder if this would be consider invading her privacy. Because that was the last thing he wanted to do. Jason walked a little closer, "Ok, that is her bra and underwear. And she's obviously not here. So I'm going to leave because I feel as though I'm ahh…you know invading her privacy." as soon as he got out the door and closed he leaned his back up against the door and let out a breathe. After a quick breather he walked away from the door and headed downstairs to see if she was there.
He finally made it downstairs and looked around for Courtney. "Courtney!! Courtney are you here?" he called. He waited for a moment and was only met with silence. Jason wonders where she could be but he didn't really think anything of it, so he went to go make some coffee. Than he walked back into the living and got a bad feeling. He went over to his desk where he was greeted by a letter that was addressed to him. As he noticed the letter Jason couldn't help but get an uneasy feeling.
***********
Carly and Michael were putting on there coats getting ready to head to Kelly's when the red-headed boy looked up at his mom, "Mommy, why isn't Jason married like you and daddy? Does no love him like you love daddy?"
Carly was taken aback by her son's questions. And she wondered where it came from. "Michael sweetie what would make you say such a thing?"
"The other day when Leticia took me to see Grandma Lila. I heard that old and grumpy man talking to someone and he said that Uncle Jason would never find love because no one would ever marry him and something about how they didn't need to worry because they would get their heir. And some about how Jason wasn't going to ruin this."
AS Michael told Carly what he heard Carly was getting angrier. She was ready to ring Edward head. What gave him the right to spill such lies? She was going to show them all that Jason could love and he does and there was no way that she was going to let Michael become there heir. "Sweetie Uncle Jason isn't married because he hasn't found the right one yet. You know everyone has 1 special person that out they're for him or her. See daddy is that person for me and Jason he doesn't want to settle for anything less. And you shouldn't either. And when Jason finds the woman of his dreams they will get married and have beautiful babies like you were," she smiled at her son. But as she was telling Michael this she came upon a realization. That Edward wasn't talking about Michael being their heir.
Carly grabbed Michael hand as they headed out the door toward the elevator. As they went down and to the car she couldn't get what Michael said out of her mind and she started to wonder if what Michael heard could have something to do with Courtney. "No" she told herself, "what would Edward want with Courtney. She and AJ are over and he never wanted the two of them together anyhow. So there's no way that any of this is possible. I just have Courtney and Jason on the brain so I'm just associating. Right?"
***********
Jason stood there over his desk. The letter just sitting they're waiting to be read. Only he was too afraid to pick it. Not something you see everyday Jason Morgan Hit Man afraid to read a letter written hopefully by the sister to his boss. After staring at the paper for a few minutes he finally decided to forget about the feeling that was grabbing at his gut and picked it up and began to read.
Jason,
I had to be a work before you woke up and I didn't want to wake you. But if you really want decent coffee than come to Kelly's. It'll be on the house for your great hospitality and for the loft. I better go before I'm late. And I hope you didn't sleep to late.
Your roomie,
Courtney
As he finished the letter a sign of relief came over him. He than went up stairs to take a shower he didn't want to be a dirty boy when he went to Kelly's. He was going to take her up on her offer. He couldn't make as good as coffee as Courtney could. After he shower and dressed the same feeling was still punching at his gut. And he couldn't make it go away. And he knew it wasn't a good punch someone he loved was in trouble.
***********
Sonny went to the warehouse early that morning. He needed to get a. his mind was just reeling from the conversation that he and Carly had. Did she really think that Jason and Courtney were together or was it just hopeful?
He asked Jason to befriend his sister. To make sure that AJ didn't harm her. For some reason though he wondered if maybe he's not seeing something. Could something be going on? And to top that right under his nose.
"No!! Jason, he's my best friend, my brother. He's FAMILY!!! Family doesn't betray. And Jason of all the people in the world would not betray him."
What he doesn't see is how could falling in love be a betrayal. You don't choose who you love. You just do. Love is not your choice. But the anger was there. He was mad at this alleged love. No one ever admitted any love. With the other of coherent thought or awake for that matter.
***********
Courtney had gone to work early that morning. She was a little afraid to be there because she didn't want to run into AJ. She knew if he came that he would want to confront her and that's just wasn't something she was ready to handle just yet. She still loved him but she wasn't in love with him. And didn't know what she would say to him. Especially after everything that happened that night.
She decided to stop thinking about running into AJ and just try to go on. It was bound to happen one of these days. They both lived in Port Charles and that wasn't going to change anytime soon. Courtney finally gave herself a breather and walked behind the counter to get the coffee when she heard the bell ring signaling that someone has arrived.
"Hey Courtney!" the person said. They walked over toward where she was standing. And Courtney was nervous. She didn't know what she was going to do or say. She just knew that she had to be brave.
"Hey, Penny! You working." Penny simply nodded. She was working again today. Even though she wasn't on the schedule.
"Yeah. I'm the fill-in. Elizabeth called and asked me to cover for her. If I didn't have to pay for classes I wouldn't be covering for her. She's so ungrateful when I cover for her. Because if I were to ask her to cover for me it would be like 'No, Penny. I can't do that' you know?" Penny than walked behind the counter next to Courtney as she tied apron around her waist.
Courtney looked at Penny and knew she knew that something was up. At first thought she wasn't sure how she was going to tell her everything that had happen to her the past couple days. "Look Penny. There's a something that I think you should know. It's about AJ and I," she began. Penny just stared at her hoping she didn't see the excitement. It wasn't giddiness about the fact that Courtney was telling her about her and AJ it was more since starting to help out Carly she's gotten to thinking and would love to see both Jason and Courtney happy. And happy with each other, but at the same time she wasn't even sure if she was buying the whole Jason and Courtney relationship.
"Well I'm um not sure how to tell you this but look we're uh…" just than a costumer came me. "Hold on." Courtney than walked away to deal with the costumer. And when she made it back over towards Penny, Penny couldn't help but notice something. Something was off and she could feel it. Penny decided to ask Courtney about it, "Hey, Court where's your wedding ring?" Penny sort of hoped that the ring wouldn't be going back on anytime soon. She just didn't feel that AJ went into that marriage with the best of intentions. And the way Courtney would describe him didn't sound like AJ at all.
Courtney grabbed her hand and started to play with her ring finger that once held her wedding band not to long ago. She let out a sign. Not sure how to tell to her. "Well um… we're ahhh…we're getting a…a…a divorce. Got it sounds so weird to say I'm getting a divorce. But I can't do that to AJ. He loves me and he should have someone who loves him."
Penny had known that Courtney had moved out of the apartment, but thought they were just going through a separation. And that this whole thing with Carly was just in her mind. But now that Courtney was saying the word Divorce. And it made her wonder if Carly was right about the whole Jason and Courtney thing. "I'm so sorry. I know how you feel about divorce." Penny walked next to her and gave her a hug. She knew that Courtney was fighting back tears.
"Yeah, he was really hurt when I told him I was leaving. I couldn't stay in this marriage without it being love. I had feelings for him but those feelings weren't love. And I couldn't stay without love."
"How mad was he," Penny asked stepping out of the hug.
Courtney sniffled and wipe away tears that had began to fall. "He was really, really mad. He probably got really drunk after I left."
"Where did you go?" she asked already knowing the answer. She just wanted conformation.
"Jason's. I wanted to go to Sonny's, but I just couldn't face him. You know he and Carly kept telling me that AJ was no good and that I couldn't love him. I just didn't want to prove them right. So I went to Jason and I waited. When he came home I just cried on his shoulder. That's probably sounds really bad. Going to your brother-in-law after you just left his brother," she smiled.
"Well you know that AJ and Jason haven't been brothers for about 6,7 years now. So it was more or less like you went to a friend's house. Lately you and Jason have been pretty close. Plus Jason was here the other night. He came in looking for you, but you were long gone I don't even think you were working at all that day."
Courtney was shocked by the information that Penny had unnoticeably let out. She had no clue that Jason was looking for her. She wondered if it was the same night that she went to his penthouse. He had tried to tell her something, but she didn't want to talk she just wanted to be in his embrace. Now as she looks back she wants to know why he hadn't told her the next day or why hadn't she asked him about it? All these questions were now popping up inside of her head and she wanted the answers.
With out realizing it Courtney had zoned out. "Courtney hello are you there? Is everything ok? Courtney quick how do you drink your coffee?" Penny joked trying to wake Courtney from her trance state. She snapped her fingers. Nothing worked. And she figured for sure the mention of coffee would awake her, but it didn't. After about five minutes she finally escaped her mind and came back to reality.
"Oh my god!! Once second I was here and you were talking and the next my mind took over me. I was gone. My thoughts had consumed me," Courtney finally spoke, she was stuttering. She was stressed and she knew the only way to fix this stress that was now starting to build-up higher and higher was to talk to Jason. But that wasn't the only thing that had been plaguing on her thoughts today.
"You know what Courtney. You didn't know that Jason came in here the other night looking for you, did you?" she asked. Courtney nodded her head no. "So I let on all these assumption and you're not sure what to think. And on top of that you have all this stress with AJ and everything. Look I can't tell you why Jason was looking for you the other night, but don't worry about it. If it was important he'd tell you. But I know you're going to say no but you need to go home and find some way to release this stress. Do some yoga I've heard it does wonders. The crowd is gone and if it gets business again I'll call Georgie. Bobbie just hired her and she's a high school girl who would love some money. So you don't worry about a thing. You need to ask Jason what he wanted to tell you. But I don't think that's why you're so stressed. It's something else and you haven't told anyone yet, have you?" She just nodded yes in response.
Penny stepped behind Courtney and put her hands on her shoulders as she pushed her out the door. She made a stop at the coat rack and grabbed her coat for her and than realized she forgot her purse at the counter. Penny quickly ran back and got Courtney's purse. By the time she made it back to Courtney someone was standing there talking to her.
"Carly…Carly…look I know that you would love to stand her and talk with your sister-in-law but you need to do it another time. My good friend here she needs some rest and stress freeness. And don't forget!!" Penny said as she continued to push Courtney out the door. Now with the help of Michael who was laughing hysterically.
"You guys since I'm being force out of work, you guys should know that if Jason comes by his food is on the house. Before I left this morning I told him if he got hungry to just come in and he'd get a free meal. and if he happens to ask where I went I'm going to Ms. LaRossa's to pick up Rosie. I've imposed on her too much. Plus my miss my baby."
"Ok. But this is fun. Hey aunt Courtney you enjoying yourself," the little boy smiled. Courtney started laughing. Just the fact that her nephew was helping Penny push her out of Kelly's made her laugh. Carly stood holding the door open as she tried to contain her laughter. By the time Courtney was out the door the three rush into Kelly's. Michael stood by the door watching so that she knew she wasn't going to come back in.
***********
Carly watched and laugh at her son as she walked over to the counter. She began to take off her coat, "What happened with Courtney? Why does she need to remain stress free."
Penny began to pour Carly's coffee, "She's told me everything about how she left AJ and all. But I have a feeling that something else is on her mind and that she hasn't even told herself what it is none the less somebody else. Plus I kind of spilt the fact that the other night. Well the night that she left AJ, Jason he came in here. He wanted to tell her something. I think he was going to tell her that he had feelings for her. And in fact I even told him that night that he did. And he didn't deny it either. At least I think. I told her he was here looking for her, but I didn't tell her why."
Carly sat and listened she was taking it all in all. She was like she was taking notes in her mind which was what she was doing. For some reason she thought that what Penny was saying was going to help her put some more pieces together. "You would rather her find out from Jason. I totally understand why you did that. I would have done the same thing Pen." she began to sip her coffee when Michael came over and sat down next to his mother.
"So mom, what looks good here," the boy smiled up at his mom. He was hungry and knew that Kelly's was the best. That's what his grandmother has told him.
"Well you want what you always get Mr. Man. I'm sure Penny would love to get it for you. All you have to do is say please and ask her," his mother replied ruffling his red hair that reminded her so much of her mom. Michael did as his mom suggested and Penny went and got his food ready.
"Carly!" a woman who just walked in said. Carly turned around to be greeted by the same red hair as her son.
"Hi Mama!!" she got up and walked over to give her a hug. "So how's it going? How's Lucas?"
"Well it's going. The hospital's been keeping me busy. And Lucas you know Lucas. He's being a teenage boy. All he thinks about is girls, girls, girls. Well speaking of little boys how's my favorite red headed grandson."
"I'm great grandma. Just came to get a meal at one of my favorite places," he told her as she knelt down so she was eye level with her grandson. "you know it's one of the best. You and uncle Luke always tell me so." Bobbie couldn't help but giggle at the little boy.
"That's right. And don't you forget it. Hey I have some quarters you want to go and pick out some music while I talk with your mom ok." Bobbie stood up and reached into her purse to get her change. She handed it to the little boy and he went running for the jute box. "So what's up Carly?"
"I'm worried about Courtney. She seems a little unnerved. And I don't know how I can help. I just want to help before she ends up making some of the mistakes that I made," Carly let out. She hadn't meant to say anything to her mom, but she couldn't help it. She wanted her mom's advice.
"Well it can be hard when you're between a rock and a hard place. You know she needs time to figure out how she wants to live her life. She'll figure out what she wants. And maybe she'll see that she's nothing like her mother and she deserves to be loved and be in love," and before Bobbie knew it she slipped out a little to much information. She hated herself right now. Courtney trusted her and she blew it.
"Mom what are you talking about? Look I don't know if you know this but Courtney left AJ. They're getting a divorce. I have a feeling that you gave her some advice and she took it."
"I did give her some advice. And I'm feel bad that she's getting a divorce but I don't feel that bad. I think she loves someone else. I see the way she is him. And the way they looked when I walked in on her reaching him how to dance. Which really wasn't dancing," she told her making sure not to drop any names. Carly didn't need any names. I mean come on this is Carly were talking about here she knew that Bobbie thought that Jason was the man Courtney loved. And the fact that she caught them dancing just moved her investigation a little bit more. And that's when all of a sudden it hit her.
***********
Courtney was strolling the docks on her way to go and get Rosie. She stopped right in front of the bench on Pier 52 and look out at the lake. It was beautiful this time of the year. She continued to stare out at the water for a few more moments with her cross her chest and rubbing her arms, to hopefully get a little warmer. After realizing that she had been standing there a little to long she began to leave when the hairs on the back of her neck shot up. She knew someone was behind her.