Chapter Seven

As she stepped through the door, Liz was assailed by a feeling of homecoming. Which was weird, because, really, how much time had she ever spent at Jason's penthouse? Nonetheless, she was grateful for the feeling. It was the first time she had felt peaceful since she had woken up in the hospital, her exÉno, current, she reminded herself, husband.

Jason walked in behind her, carrying a large suitcase.

"I'm going to put all this in your old room, all right Elizabeth?

"Perfect. Thank you." The words were soft, and inexplicably she felt on the verge of tears. Her voice cracked as she added, "I really don't know what I'd have done without you.

"Hey," Jason dropped the bag and grasped her arm, gently turning her to face him, "What's wrong?

"Nothing, nothing." She brushed the tears that had welled up away. "I'm just being a stupid girly-girl is all. Crying at the least stupid thing." He smiled, and gently mocked her.

"Yeah, you're right. I mean, you've only been in a car wreck and woken up amnesiac, pregnant, and married to someone you don't love. You certainly are a wuss, getting choked up about it." Her lips quirked, and when she met his gaze, her eyes were reluctantly amused.

"I guess Ôthe least stupid thing' is a small understatement.

"And I'd call that a giant understatement." He led her to the couch, "Sit here, take a few deep breaths, and I'll go make you a cup of tea.

Liz sunk into the couch, taking a deep breath and letting her eyes fall shut. She could have remained that way forever, had she not heard the front door open. Glancing up she found Carly looking at her with a strange mixture of confusion, empathy, and dislike.

"Um, hi. Jason is in the kitchen." Liz hoped that Carly wasn't around to start a fight, she was just too tired.

"Yeah. Thanks." Carly stopped, looked torn, and added, "Listen, I hope you're, uhÉ feeling okayÉand everything." Taken aback, Liz said only:

"No, yeah, I'm fine." She giggled suddenly, "apart from the memory loss and all." Carly smiled.

"Of course. Apart from that. Well, I'm going to go find Jason. I'll see you around." Carly edged into the kitchen. Liz sighed and decided that she needed a nap more than tea.

"I'm going to go upstairs for a bit, Jase." She called out. His head popped out the kitchen entryway.

"Is anything wrong?" He asked suspiciously.

"No, no. I just need a little sleep." She reassured him.

"All right, just call if you need anything." She nodded, and his head disappeared.

***

Jason looked at Carly, who had just finished giving him a lecture about the proper regard for his wife's tender feelings.

"Look Carly, I know she is your best friend, and I respect that. But you're my best friend too, and I feel like this is something you should really stay out of.

"How can I, Jason? I love you both and it hurts me to see you like this." She looked genuinely pained.

"I know, but the truth is, she behaved badly in Elizabeth's room. I'm sorry if she was hurt, but it was her decision to end this marriage, and I'm tired of acting like it's my fault. She said she could handle what I do, and she can't. She said she would stay out of it, and she wont. She says that she doesn't want me, but anytime she perceives me as moving on, she throws a fit. I'm tired of it. She wanted out, fine. She's out. Let her deal with it." As he spoke, Jason realized how much he had been holding in, and how much he meant what he said. Carly looked somewhat stunned.

"I guess. No. You're right. I'm sorry; it was none of my business. It's just hard.

"I know. Thank you for understanding and caring so much." He hugged her. "Now get out of here and let me go check on Liz." His eyes narrowed at the look of concern that crossed her face. Before he could herd her out, pretending not to notice, she spoke.

"You really care about her, don't you?

"Of course, you knew that." She looked him in the eye.

"I mean, you really truly care about her. Like, more than friends." He stared at her, memories washing over him. He nodded slowly, confirming:

"More than friends." She touched his face, and said softly,

"I hope you have everything you want, Jason." With that she let herself out, leaving him standing alone by the counter, in the past.

Till Next Time!

I want to thank everyone who had been kind enough to take an interest in my story. Your reviews really make my day! I'll do my best to keep updating quickly, but in the meantime, lets hope TPTB at GH get their act together and give us back the couple we (I) want! Later, A