Chapter Five

Jason just stared at her patiently, waiting for an explanation.

"According to Tony, I've," She made air quotes, "'temporarily' forgotten the past year, and 'theoretically' it should come back at any time. Meanwhile I'm to be 'patient.'" Elizabeth finished her statement with an air of disbelief. "I mean, how am I supposed to be 'patient?' I'm pregnant for Gods sake. Am I supposed to patiently wait to remember how that came about?"

Jason continued to stare, but now with shock. "You mean, when you apologized just now, it's because the last thing you remember…" He trailed off.

"Is seeing Carly chained to the wall in a secret cell in my living room." She finished the sentence for him, her eyes filling with tears. "I am so, so sorry Jason." He came to the side of the bed and took her hand.

"No one ever blamed you, Elizabeth. Of course you didn't know." She sniffed.

"I don't see how you can be so generous. Especially after how mean I've been to you."

"We moved past that months ago. I know you don't remember it, but I hope you can trust me when I say that we're friends again." He looked into her eyes, compelling her to believe him, and it seemed to work because she replied with:

"I'm so happy to hear you say that. You don't know how much it's hurt me that we've grown so far apart. I know it was mostly my fault lately. You tried to warn me about Ric so many times. I was just… Well to be honest I don't think I ever forgave you for lying to me about Sonny's 'death.' I know it's no excuse, but…"

"Elizabeth, really, it's all okay." It took everything he had not to reach up and touch her hair, which had fallen into her face, but some how he managed. Instead he changed the subject. "Do you know what you're going to do when Tony releases you?"

"No. Apparently I've re-married Ric, and we live together, but the thought of being in the same room with him makes me sick. I cannot believe I forgave him! What was I thinking?"

"You always see the best in people." He tried to reassure her, but she was having none of it.

"I saw the best in a lying, kidnapping asshole?" She shook her head. "I just can't make it clear in my head how it's possible. But anyway, I've been trying to figure out what to do. Obviously I'm not going to live with Ric. Gran is out of town, and I don't feel like staying in my studio, especially," She grimaced, "pregnant and all."

"Haven't Emily and Nikolas invited you to stay with them?" He asked, surprised that his sister wouldn't have seen that Elizabeth needed her support.

"Emily and Nikolas? As in, they live together? But, what about Zander?" She looked at him, shocked, and Jason could have kicked himself for opening that can of worms.

"Emily's been…staying with Nikolas. It's a long story." She opened her mouth, but Jason rushed forward, "Listen, I know this will sound weird, but why don't you come and stay with me?" She blinked, her original intention of pressing for more details about Nik and Em completely derailed.

"Um…Wouldn't Courtney object to that?" Liz sincerely tried to keep any hint of her dislike for Jason's fiancé out of her voice.

"No." He was characteristically loquacious. She sighed.

"Look Jason, I don't want to pry or anything, but I'm going to need a little more detail than that."

"We're getting a divorce. Courtney has moved out. She wont object." Elizabeth carefully concealed her shock, though of course they would have gotten married as soon as Carly was home. She thought about his offer and hesitantly asked,

"Jason, are you sure you want me to come stay with you? I'm feeling really unstable right now and I don't want to be a burden to you. Plus I can't help it, but I don't remember us being this close."

"We aren't really this close, but you need a place to stay, you're my friend, and I have a guest room, so why shouldn't you use it?" And you could never be a burden to me, he added mentally.

She was still hesitant, but what were her choices? Ric? She violently rejected that idea. Pride aside she knew she couldn't handle living alone in her current position, and Jason was…well, Jason. She felt safe with him, and right now safe seemed in precious scarcity.

"Do you promise to tell me if you need me to leave?"

"I wont need that," As she opened her mouth, Jason added, "but I promise."

"Then yes, thank you, I would like to come stay with you. Just for a little while though."

"You can stay with me as long as you like." He turned around as he heard a gasp behind him. Courtney stood in the doorway, an appalled look on her face.