Mo's Babble: So it's taken forever, again. Sorry about that, but finally we have chapter seven. I've been having trouble with lately with breaks. So instead of to break up the sections, you'll see this !!!BREAK!!! Enjoy! :o)
!!!BREAK!!!
The Next Day"It's obvious that the Quartermaines stole the file," Mayor Charles Wilkins grumbled as he paced around Alexis' office. Throughout a hectic morning it had been a crime scene. He'd watched Officer Spencer carefully as he collected possible evidence. The barely a man cop was close to the Quartermaines, a future brother-in-law to Edward's beloved granddaughter. Just thinking of Edward fiercened his frown.
"No it's not," Alexis spat back. She was tired, over-worked and frustrated. Since she taken the position of DA she saw more of the PCPD then her daughter. She missed dotting on Kristina, but even though she had a mess on her hands, Alexis loved her job. She was certain once things settled back down and Mac was back on the job, she'd be able to get control of her life again, and achieve a balance between work and home.
"They're guilty as sin and trying to cover it up," he argued ignoring the fact that Alexis' view didn't mirror his own. He could, as his wife had pointed out more then once, be single minded. His assistant spun it as determined; that had helped him win the election. Barely. His lips curled over his teeth. Edward had promised his support, both finically and his connections, but the old battle-ax hadn't come through. The eldest Quartermaine had screw him, and Charles was determined to pay that favor back in kind.
Alexis blew out a breath. She didn't need this now. She'd just gotten her office back and her files in order. She had open cases: robberies, harassment, even murder – they all needed her attention as did the hotel fire and now the break-in of her office. Too make things worse Chief Duncan was in ICU and they had no idea when or if he'd wake up.
"Mayor Wilkins you know we can make a move until the file is found—"
"They'll have alter it," he warned her.
Patience, she reminded herself. "There is still Chief Duncan. He'll be able to tell us the content of file when he awakens."
"No doubt the Quartermaines were in on that to," Wilkins announced.
"I don't believe in making unfounded accusations Mister Mayor, and I doubt your constituency would like it either."
Wilkins stopped dead in his tracks and eyed Alexis. "Is that a threat?"
"Just an observation," she replied. "Now if you excuse me Mister Mayor, I have work to do."
He did his best to stare her down, but she didn't budge. Charles could give her that, but if she didn't do as he intended he'd find a DA that would. "We both do," he finally answered with a nod. "Enjoy it while it lasts," he said turning to leave.
Now who's threatening whom? Alexis thought, agitated by the Mayor. Sinking down into her desk chair she dragged the top file off her pile. She flipped the folder open and began to read the evidence against a seventeen year-old drug dealer.
Something tugged at her heart as examined the photo of the young man, boy really. Dark hair and distant eyes … she didn't see Doyle Ramsey, but Zander Smith. The boy she desperately tried to save.
Brian paused outside Alexis' door. She'd left it open, and he watched her read over a file. He could see sadness in her mossy eyes and wondered what caused it. It wouldn't do any good to sympathize with her he reminded himself. It would only complicate his job, a lesson hard learned with Courtney. So instead of leaving her alone he knocked on her office door.
Alexis' head shot up at the knock. The emotion fled her eyes and they became professionally detached once again. "Detective Beck," she greeted coolly. "How can I help you?" Alexis asked as he stepped into her office.
"I came to follow up on Helena Cassadine's murder," he said getting straight to the point. Brian watched as her face tightened ever so slightly.
"I haven't been able to read your report," Alexis informed him. She'd purposely placed it on the bottom of her pile. It was one crime she had no interest in solving. As far as she was concerned the world was better off without Helena Cassadine in it.
"Understandable. I just wanted to let you know that the suspects haven't been cooperating."
"Suspects?" she questioned. "I'm sure you know the law Detective. It's innocent until proven guilty."
"Trust me Ms. Davis, I know the law. I also know that your nephew is one of prime suspects," he challenged. "And I know that there is no love loss for Helena Cassadine in this town," Brian continued before she could interrupt him. "Helena might have been a horrible person, from what I've managed to find out, I don't doubt that. Nonetheless a crime has been committed and it's our duty to see that justice prevails."
Alexis gritted her teeth through Brian's speech. She hated that he was right. She knew what was expected of her when she took the position and she had every intention of living up to it. "A lecture isn't needed, Detective. I'll make sure to read over you report before I leave today. Satisfied?"
It was hard for her. Brian understood that and he respected her for pressing forward. "For now," he answered.
Alexis watched him leave. It would be much easier if he could be a self-satisfied jerk instead of dedicated civil servant. Of all the expectations she was expected to live up to, Alexis wanted to meet Brian Beck's. Besides Mac and Lucky, he seemed to be the most honest and committed officer on the force.
With mixed feelings she closed Doyle Ramsey's file and reached for Helena's. It became clear as she read over the statements that had to be pried out of Nikolas and Monica that they were stonewalling. One of them, Alexis knew, was guilty. Selfishly, she hoped that it was Monica.
"What now?" Alexis groaned when another knock sounded at her door.
"Busy day?" Lorenzo inquired.
Her eyes lifted from the report and locked with Lorenzo's. They were so blue. Alexis found her already harassed system going into overdrive. Why did the man, no she reminded herself, the criminal, have to be so attractive? Finding her tongue she replied, "Yes. Now go away."
Lorenzo laughed, the masculine sound echoed off the walls. "Wouldn't it be prudent to find out why I'm here?"
"Unless you want to confess something I'm not interested," she snapped dropping her gaze from him Alexis went back to studying the report. Or at least trying too.
"I thought we weren't making assumptions," Lorenzo remarked stepping into the room. When she continued to ignore him, he grinned. She was chewing on her bottom lip and she had yet to turn the page. Her attention wasn't on the report even if she refused to admit it. "Come to think of it," he drew the words out slowly, "I do have a confession."
Her head snapped up. "No doubt this will be fascinating."
"I do hope you thinking so," he teased.
Annoyed, "Could you just get on with it?" she demanded.
"Of course," he grinned. He was a man in control of the situation. Knowing that he took a moment to settle in the uncomfortable chair in front of her desk. Lorenzo could feel her eyes on him, and when he finally met them again they were dark liquid pools. "I find you utterly attractive."
"Wha … excuse me?" Alexis exclaimed. Surprise flooded her face.
"I said, I find you—"
"Just stop right there," she ordered jumping out of her seat. "I have no idea what kind of game you're playing but it stops. Right here, and right now it stops."
"It's not a game," he growled low under his breath. "Do you think I want to find the woman who killed my brother, the woman who got away with killing him no less, attractive?"
Alexis saw something dangerous flicker in his eyes. A spurt of excitement shot through her, but she pushed it aside. "And I'm supposed to find it relieving that I find the brother of man who's responsible for my sister's death – who left me in labor, bleeding in the snow attractive? My god you have his face!"
"It seems as though we're in similar places then Alexis."
"Not by a long shot," she retorted. "I want absolutely nothing to do with you."
Moving quicker then she gave him credit for, Lorenzo bounded up off the seat, and grabbed her arms. He pulled against the desk and Alexis could feel it biting into her hip as his lips claimed hers.
The kiss was hard. There was nothing inviting about it. It was a demonstration of power and desired. But as their lips tangled, she could feel something else. Need. It was desperate and devastating. Alexis found herself clinging to Lorenzo instead of pushing him away.
As he felt her yield, Lorenzo softened the kiss. The turbulent passion he felt had sizzled through them making them both pliant. Tenderness seeped into the kiss and made him ache. He wanted more. Suddenly the desk between them was too much space. He broke the kiss with every intention of lifting Alexis across her desk and pressing her too him.
He didn't get the chance too.
Alexis took a blind step back, putting more space between her and Lorenzo. "How … Don't … " she said trying to form mere fragments of thoughts into sentences and failing miserably.
"Like I said," Lorenzo remarked smoothing the lapels of his suit jacket, "It seems as though we're in the same place Alexis."
She couldn't think straight. Her mind was telling her one thing, her body another and her heart? Alexis shook her head; she did not want to go there. So she took the easy way out and let the first words she could manage push through, "Get out!"
Lorenzo eyed her a minute. He could see how raw she was, how confused. Pushing her now might bring gratification, but not the real answer he craved. "If that's what you want," he replied. "But I won't stay gone long," he warned.
!!!BREAK!!!
"Are you out of your mind?" Alan inquired. He looked at his wife with disbelief. She couldn't confess to Helena's murder. Having almost lost his precious daughter, he knew he couldn't lose his wife.
"Don't you dare take that tone with me," Monica snapped. She was already on her last nerve and as much as she loved her husband, she just couldn't deal with his concerns now. "Not in my house."
"I gave it to you," he reminded her. The old comeback flew out of his month unchecked. It was habit. One of many that he would miss if she went through with her plan.
"I know," Monica, replied the anger gone for her voice. Her blue eyes filled with tears unshed tears.
"Shh. It will be all right," Alan promised wrapping his arms around her. "You'll see. Everything will turn out fine."
A watery laugh escaped her. "You can't promise that Alan. You know you can't."
He brushed some of her short blonde hair from her eyes. "The hell I can't. I promised to stand by you through good times and bad Monica. And I vowed to protect you, and that's exactly what I'll do."
"I love you for that," she said. "It means the world to me that you feel that way Alan; to know that you love me the way I love you."
"Then stop worrying," he insisted. "We'll get through this, like we get through everything. Together."
"No," Monica sighed. "I have to turn myself in."
Irritation returned to Alan's eyes. "No you don't."
"Have you thought about if I don't?" she challenged. "Have you? Nikolas and I could both go to jail."
"I don't care about Nikolas," he said passionately. "All I care about it you."
"I know that's not true," Monica said touching his face. "You care about our daughter, who happens to be in love with Nikolas. It would devastate Emily if she lost him now."
"And it won't devastate me to lose you?" Alan questioned, his brown eyes eloquent with emotion.
"Oh, Alan," Monica cried. Her tears began to flow freely. "I just want to do the right thing. And I want to protect our daughter's future."
"Doesn't what I want matter too?" he asked desperately. "Monica I want you. I've always wanted you. That's why we built a life together. It's why no matter what happens we keep coming back to each other. You are the center of my world. Don't leave me now? Please Monica?"
"I –" she wanted to deny him. Monica knew that the truth had to be told, but her heart ached for her husband. He hadn't been the only man she loved, but he was the only one that mattered. He was as much her world as she was his, and leaving him would break her heart. "I don't know what to do," she whispered. "Alan …"
He kissed her gently on the forehead. "Trust me Monica," he pleaded.
"I do."
"Then do nothing," Alan instructed. "You keep stonewalling like you agreed with Nikolas. There will be no more talk of confessing."
"But what if –"
"There are no ifs," he stated. "We handle things one thing at a time. All right?"
"Emily." Monica said their daughter's name in hopes of getting through to Alan. If she let him, she'd allow herself to be convinced by him. Her confession would stay unsaid, leaving Nikolas in jeopardy along with Emily's future.
Panic swept threw him. Twice in one year he'd almost lost his daughter, his precious Emily. As much as he wanted to spare her any pain, Emily wasn't in direct danger. If Nikolas had to be sacrificed – well it was something he could live with, because it meant he could keep living with his wife. "One thing at time Monica."
She felt the weight around her grow, but nodded in agreement. "Okay. Okay."
!!!BREAK!!!
Jax couldn't believe the sight before his eyes. He squeezed the bouquet of roses in his hands; the paper around them crinkled and filled the air. He watched, his eyes growing hard as Sonny Corinthos boarded Sam's boat. The dark haired man looked sure, confidant and completely at home. Angry and hurt beyond words, Jax tossed the flowers into the harbor. So much for words of love and promises from Sam McCall, he thought bitterly.
He turned quickly from the scene. His hands were shaking but he refused to notice it as he marched up the steps of the pier. Jax was blinded to everything save the betrayal he felt.
"Whoa!" Skye cried feeling herself falling backwards.
Instinct had Jax reaching out and catching her before she could fall completely to the ground. "You jerk …" Skye's rant stopped when she saw who was holding her and how he looked. "Jax? What's wrong?" she inquired her coppery eyes filling with concern.
His cold eyes focused on her. "Nothing that you couldn't fix," he replied leaning forward his intent clear.
Skye lifted her hands and pushed against him hard. "I don't think so," she hissed.
"Skye," he said her name smooth as silk, aiming to seduce.
"Let me guess? Another fight with Sam," Skye guessed correctly. "So what? You don't get your way and you slink back to me in hopes of what? A nice role in the hay! Well you can forget Jax. I won't let you use me."
Her words caused him to pale and regret his actions. "I wouldn't – I didn't mean to … Skye I'm sorry," Jax said reaching out to her. Skye smacked his hand away, "I've heard it before," she censured.
Her tone was hard and almost sour. He's messed up, royally, that much Jax knew. "I am sorry Skye," he said, hoping she believe him. "You just caught me at a bad time."
"Which seems to be happening a lot lately," she said cattily.
"Okay I deserve that," Jax stated.
"Oh I doubt you know what you deserve," Skye remarked, still furious with him.
"Fine!" he shouted. "I'm a worthless. Is that what you want to here? That I don't deserve you, or Brenda or even the likes of Sam McCall?"
Skye's anger melted when she saw how hurt Jax was, if there was one thing she knew, it was self-destruction and she wouldn't let Jax to that to himself. "Jax what happened?"
"Don't bother caring Skye. I certainly don't," he remarked.
"Am I suppose to believe that?" she scoffed.
Jax sighed, "Believe whatever you want Skye." He started to walk away, but she stepped in front of him, "I don't think so Jax," Skye stated. "You ran into me, you tried to kiss me, and now you're going to explain. Got that?"
His pride smarting, Jax gave serious consideration to moving Skye out of his way. He didn't want to talk. What good did it do anyhow? But the genuine concern in her eyes stopped him. After everything that happened to between them, Skye was still his friend and cared about him; and that feeling went both ways. "She never stopped seeing Sonny," he confided before turning to face the choppy water.
"What?"
"You heard me Skye. Sam lied. No surprise there, right?" he asked glancing over at her as she came to rest next to him.
The wind blew some of her fiery red hair into her face. Skye swiped at it so she could look Jax in the eyes. "I think I missed a step somewhere Jax."
"You know we broke up?" he asked.
"Yeah," she answered.
"Well she slid out of my bed and into Sonny's," Jax said bitterly. "And I was content with hating her for it."
"Jax," she said sympathetically and reached out to take his hand.
He accepted the comforting touch. "That change though, the night of fire," he continued his tale with no show of emotion. "We got trapped and well forgave each other. I was stupid enough to believe her. To believe that she's capable of love."
"Is that what you think?" Skye inquired. "That Sam is incapable of love?"
"Sonny Corinthos just hopped on her boat as if he own placed," Jax seethed. "What the hell else am I suppose to think? He probably does own her boat – it be like him to keep a woman."
Skye shook her head. Jax could be such a blind, stubborn fool when it came to Sonny Corinthos. Not that she could blame him; she'd managed to do that a number of times herself with numerous people. "Correct me if I'm wrong but Sonny and Carly have split up, right?"
"About time too," Jax remarked. "I tried to help Carly break free him before. Little good it did," he snorted.
"Focus Jax," she instructed. "If Sonny and Sam did …" Skye hedged her words. "Well perhaps they're friends."
"Sonny Corinthos friends with a woman," Jax scoffed. "Have you been drinking again?" He lifted his hand to her forehead, "Or maybe your sick?" he suggested.
Skye rolled her eyes, "What so impossible about ex-lovers being friends."
"It can't happen," he replied.
"Then we're not friends?" Skye inquired, skepticism ringing in her voice.
"What?" Jax responded genuinely surprised by her question. "Of course we're friends Skye." At her questioning look he continued, "It's not the same thing."
"Oh please," she rebuffed his lame excuse. "You're jumping to conclusions Jax and you know it. If it were any other man getting on Sam's boat you'd give her a chance, but no! You see Sonny Corinthos and lose all rational thought. And frankly it's getting old," Skye warned him.
"I don't need a lecture now Skye."
"No what you need is a swift kick in the ass," she grumbled.
"I can't believe you're defending Sam," Jax exclaimed. "You hate her."
"Not completely," Skye argued, "but it should tell you something Jax. I care about you. I want to see you happy, and I've seen the way you are with Sam. I've also seen the way she looks at you. Why can't you let yourself be happy? Brenda wasn't the be all and end of the world," she pointed out.
"Where did that come from?" Jax asked, mouth slightly agape. "This isn't about Brenda. It's about Sam and Sonny!"
"Just because Brenda left you for Sonny doesn't mean Sam will. All woman are not Brenda Barrett."
"I know that," he yelled.
"Really?" Skye shot back. "Because sometimes I wonder Jax."
"I don't need this," Jax remarked. He stated to leave but Sky grabbled a hold him, "Oh but I think you do," she informed him. "Now listen up Jax because I'm only going to you this once. Got that?" He had a feeling that he didn't want to hear it, but knew he wouldn't be able to escape Skye without hearing her out, so he nodded mutely.
"Good. So we don't have to rehash our entire relationship can we both agreed that we did love each other and were happy for like a minute?"
"Yes," he answered.
"Can we also agreed that you didn't want to have anything to do with me in the beginning because you stopped believing in love – in the possibility of being happy with one person for the rest of your life." Though it was painful to admit Jax nodded his agreement. "So what changed your mind Jax?"
"You did of course," he replied. "You made me believe again Skye."
She smiled sadly. "Kind of makes the whole debacle worth it."
"Skye," Jax said her name, feeling ashamed and sad for all pain he caused her. "I'm sorry."
"That not the point Jax," Skye said with a shake of her head. "Don't you see you did the same for me. Love wasn't just a fairytale anymore. You made me believe that it could happen to me. That it could be real. And no matter what happened after between us I'll always be grateful to you Jax. It might not be you," she told him. "But it someone else. I can believe in that now and take a chance."
"On Luke Spencer?" he groaned. "Skye believe me, I'm happy you feel that way but I'd known you'd fall for Luke –"
"You what?" Skye challenged, "Stay with me? Pick me over Brenda?"
"I—I," he had no idea how to answer her.
Skye laughed. It wasn't bitter, just a laugh of amusement of her friend's obvious confusion. "You're risk on me opened you up again Jax. We learned the hard way that we're not meant to be, but if you'd be willing to take a risk – to go to Sam, to talk to her and find out the truth instead of jumping to possible false confusion. You could have happily ever after."
It was such wishful thinking. So positive, and so very un-Skye like. What happened to woman who did everything to protect herself? "Is that what you think you'll get with Luke?"
"Hardly," Skye answered truthfully. "Luke isn't the happily ever after kind of guy. Nothing he does is, well normal, but that's one of the things like about him."
"You're out of your mind," Jax informed her.
"No I'm not," she argued. "I'm just a woman willing to take a risk on love. So what if the odds aren't entirely in my favor. I can't turn away from Luke. Believe me I've tried. It's taught me that the risk is worth it because I like being with him. I like who I am with him."
Jax eyed her, "Are you sure you're the real Skye Chandler Quartermaine?"
Exasperated, "Yes! I've made a choice Jax, and I'm happy with it. I'm taking a risk and I really think you should too."
He sighed. "Skye I want nothing but the best for you. You deserve to happy," Jax said, "But I don't know if I can."
"You've always been a betting man Jax. No point in stopping now," Skye pointed out.
!!!BREAK!!!
"Elizabeth, I-I just can't," Nikolas said. He was awed by her offer. He felt extremely grateful to have such a kind and generous friend.
"Of course you can," she insisted steamrolling over his objections. "You've been trained all your life to run a business empire. I don't know squat about how to play futures or high finance. Don't you see how perfect this is?" Elizabeth asked her blue eyes alight with confidence. "How advantageous this would be for the both of us?"
He laughed. Nikolas couldn't help it. Her optimism was rubbing off on him. "You'd be saving the Cassadines. Think about that Elizabeth – the Cassadines."
"No," she countered. "I'd be helping you, Nikolas. It just so happens that you're the Cassadine. More importantly you're one of my oldest and dearest friends. And that's what we do," Elizabeth reminded him, "we help each other."
"I know we do," he replied, "but I can't take your inheritance Elizabeth."
"You're not. I'm offering it up to you on a silver platter … well, actually I'll have to borrow one but you get my meaning. Besides, it's not like I'm giving it up, I'm just giving you control to make us both rich. Well richer in my case," she teased.
Nikolas wanted to say yes. He wanted to help Elizabeth and rebuild his family in the process, but Helena's death hung heavily over him. Monica had given him a timeline of only a few days, and he wouldn't let her confess, which meant he'd have too. He certainly couldn't help Elizabeth from jail. Hell, he wouldn't be able to do anything from jail.
"Earth to Nikolas," Elizabeth said waving her hand in front of his face. "I'm waiting for a yes."
It could be so easy, he thought. In another day or two Monica would confess. It wouldn't be as if an innocent woman was going to jail. Monica had killed Helena. All he'd have to do was sit back and wait and he could have his life. He could take Elizabeth up on her offer and rebuild his family fortune and then spend the rest of his life using that money to spoil Emily rotten.
"Emily," Nikolas said his beloved's name aloud.
"Huh?" Elizabeth questioned.
"I should run this by Em first," he quickly covered. It terrified Nikolas that he allowed himself to think like a Cassadine. Even if only for a moment. He had brought Helena to Port Charles and into Emily's life. It was because of him that his Grandmother had tried to kill her. How could he let Monica pay for dealing with Helena when he'd been unable to?
"Well, yeah," she agreed. "But I doubt she'll say no."
"True," Nikolas replied with a forced smile. "But if we're going to be starting a life together, we should make important decisions together."
Was it her imagination or did Nikolas sound sad when he said that? Elizabeth wondered. "Is everything all right?"
"Elizabeth what could possibly be wrong?" he countered. "Emily's well and we'll be getting married soon. I have my brother, my sister and my best friend – who's just offered me a chance to help my family. I have everything I could ever dream of, and I know how fortunate I am."
!!!BREAK!!!
"I'm really glad you called Jase," Emily greeted her brother. It was good to be out and about again. Plus Emily was looking forward to some time alone with Jason. She'd sense something going on between Nikolas and Monica but they neither of them would tell her what was happening or why they were being questioned by the police. She knew confiding in Jason would help.
Tenderly Jason pulled Emily too him. "I'm glad you came," he told her, holding her close and taking comfort in his sister's embrace.
Emily's dark eyes clouded with worry. It was faint, the tenor of pain in his voice, but she heard it. She pulled back some so she could meet his blue eyes. Most people, she knew, wouldn't see the emotion there in them, but she could, and what she saw broke her heart. "What wrong Jason?"
"Nothing," he assured her escorting her into his penthouse.
"Don't do that," she pleaded. "I know something is wrong. You've always helped me," Emily reminded her brother. "So please let me help you."
Jason took her hand and steered her to the couch. That's why he called her, he knew. Not so much to bare his soul, but to be in a room with someone who knew him so well; who cared for him so deeply. "I don't want to burden you."
"Please," she scoffed. "I love you Jason. You mean the world to me and if something is wrong – well I want to help you anyway I can."
He smiled slightly. "You already are," he informed her. Jason watched as her brow furled. He could see her fighting back the questions. She wanted to ask, but didn't want to intrude. He'd seen that look on Carly's face too many times to count. Thinking of Carly made him hurt. "Something happened during the fire," he found himself confiding, "between me and Carly."
Emily bit back a groan. Carly wasn't her favorite person but they managed to make an uneasy peace for Jason and Michael's sake. Looking into her brother's eyes she was able to figure out some of what happened. "You're in love her," she whispered.
Jason wasn't sure what emotion swept through him. Relief was there. Emily knew him, she could see into him and he wouldn't have to explain it to her. She would just accept, has Carly had always done. "Yes."
Well I suppose that revelation took long enough, Emily thought, but left the catty comment unsaid. "Well that complicates things."
Sadness crept into his eyes. "No, it doesn't."
"Of course it does," Emily replied. "You love Carly and she loves you, she has since practically the day she blew into town."
"No Emily," Jason said again. "Carly and I – we talked."
"Well that's good," she said offering a smile. When he said nothing a feeling of dread began to wash over her. "Right?"
"She's moving out. Back to the Brownstone with Bobbie."
"But you love each other," she responded dumbfound.
"I'm still married to Courtney," Jason reminded her. "And she wants us to work things out."
"Bully for her," Emily retorted before she could stop herself. "I don't care what she wants Jase, well unless it's what you want …"
"I can't have what I want," he said, resigning himself to the fact.
"No," Emily denied his statement. "That's not fair … and don't you dare tell me that life isn't always fair. You're one of the best people I know Jason and you deserve to be happy. To have what you want."
"There's just too much in the way," he answered.
"How can – Jase," Emily struggled words. She wanted to make this right for her brother. Somehow, there had to be away. Emily reached out and clasped Jason's hand. "Whatever you need. Okay? Just tell me."
Jason felt his sister's love through his pain and weight lifted. "Just sit with me."
"Of course," Emily agreed without a second thought. "For as long as you like."
!!!BREAK!!!
The kiss happened without her meaning it too. She'd run from the house, escaping another fight between her Mother and Maxie and found herself at Kelly's. It was a place she felt safe. It was practically a second home to her: a fact Georgie had realized when she entered the courtyard.
The harsh words between her, her mother and her sister were still echoing in her ears when Dillon came out of the diner. He stopped and stood there with a smile, love shimmering in his eyes and she felt at peace for the first time in days.
She'd just been so happy and relieved to see him. Without thinking, she'd gone to him. Needing him and the peace and brought her.
No longer lost in the feel of Dillon's lips against hers Georgie pulled back from him. "Sorry. That shouldn't have happened," she said quickly.
Hurt flashed in his eyes, but Dillon cover with a grin. "I don't have a problem with you kissing me."
"Dillon," she sighed. Her brown eyes were filled with warring emotions. "I don't want to send you mixed signals," Georgie confided. "I still don't feel ready for this … for us."
"Hey," Dillon said taking her hand. "It's all right Georgie. We can go as slow," or fast, he thought wishfully, "as you like. I want to be here for you when you need me, no matter what."
Her lips formed a pout. "I just really need a friend right now," she told him.
Dillon straightened up and saluted her, "Dillon Quartermaine reporting for friend duty." She laughed and he cherished the sound of it. "I do believe a one friend can buy another some cheese fries to bury their troubles in."
"I think that's allowed," Georgie agreed with a faint smile.
"Well then," Dillon said opening the doors to the diner, "I think a plate is in order. Don't you?"
"Yeah," Georgie agreed. "A plate sounds perfect."
!!!BREAK!!!
"I can't talk to you," Brian stated trying to bypass Courtney inside of Kelly's. He saw a young couple walking in; they were laughing and looked completely at ease together. Looking from them and back to Courtney he realized he was jealous. He could never have that with her. No matter how much wanted her or how much he loved her – Courtney would always be out of his reach.
"Why not?" she inquired, her blue eyes pleading. Courtney didn't understand why she had the urge to make things right with Brian. She just knew that she had to follow it because he mattered. It was that simple and that complicated all as the same time.
Frustrated Brian gave her the truth, "Because I love you Courtney and it's pointless to talk to you because I can't just be your friend."
"Brian," Courtney wavered. "I – maybe things could be different if I met you first, but the fact is I met Jason, and I love him with all of my heart." For the first time those words sounded hollow to her, as if she was trying to convince not only Brian but herself.
"Then this is futile," he said with regret and walked away from her.
THE END
I think. Since there was lack luster response to the chapter six and this story takes a lot of time to write, I was thinking I'd just end it there. Mean, but I've been know to be like that. LOL! So here are the options: 1) Just end the story here, 2) continue to write the story as planned, or 3) end the story here and start a sequel picking up a couple of months into the future (around 4 – 6). So that's what I'm thinking. I'll leave it up to you guys to decide for me.