Chapter 8: See you later
~ Jake's~
The three of them walked into Jake's a little more over two o'clock in the afternoon. Elizabeth had been watching Jason closely, he'd been quiet all day. But something in his eyes had changed. They weren't quite as somber as the night she had found him drunk. They had talked and played pool as if their friendship hadn't ended as messy as it did. But he was still holding something back. And she still couldn't figure out what it was. Why was he getting drunk at Jake's? Where was Courtney or Sonny when Jason was out here drinking and getting into fights? She couldn't ask him. Elizabeth knew that he would talk when he was ready to, but she also knew her time in Port Charles was coming to an end.
" Hello! Earth to Elizabeth. "
" Yeah. What were you saying? "
" Where did you go? You zoomed out for a minute there. "
" I was just thinking. " She looked at Jason before looking back at Lucky. " About stuff. "
" Well, I was saying that we should look up this phone number. We should move quickly we're still a couple of days behind. "
" Let me see the number again. " Jason took the piece of paper from Lucky and closed his eyes for a minute. " This number is from Miami. "
" Are you sure? " Liz asked.
" Yes. I lived in Miami for a couple of months when I was working for So... a while back. "
" So, I just have to run this number down on my computer to find where exactly in Miami we're going. "
" And all thanks to Jason. " Liz was so happy that he was there, she walked up to him and hugged him really tight. He was surprised to say the least. At the feeling of her tiny arms around him he almost broke again. He needed that hug more than he was willing to admit to anyone. He needed to feel human warmth and care. And she somehow had figured it out.
Elizabeth was caught of guard when Jason hugged her back. He was holding onto her for dear life. Now she was sure something horrible had happen to him. It seemed like hours, but it was a minute. As soon as they broke contact, he felt the loss deep withing his soul.
" Look man, I know I can be an ass sometimes. But I have to admit that if you hadn't been here today we might've never found this number. "
" It's ok. I did this for Elizabeth, she asked me to help and I did. If there's something else you need, just say the word. "
" Roy. The last time I heard from him he was working for Sonny in Miami. Maybe he can help us track down this number. "
" Do you think you can contact Roy D'Lucca for us? " Liz had seen Jason's face at the mention of Sonny and Roy. Whatever was wrong had to do with Sonny or the business.
" I- I can't help you. Roy is not in Florida anymore. "
" What? Where is he then? "
" Roy has taken over Sonny's territory, here in Port Charles. "
" Here? But why? " As soon as the question left her mouth she was regretting it. She knew how secretive Jason was about business. If he felt pressured, he would go into ' Borg ' mode and that was the least she wanted to happen right now. " Forget that, you don't have to answer me. "
" A lot has happened in the last six months. Sonny moved to the island and is supervising Florida from there. Roy took over Port Charles. "
" What about you? " Lucky asked bluntly.
" I've been out ever since Sonny left. "
" Wow! Something big must've gone down if Sonny left and you're out of the organization. " Seeing Jason's far out look and Elizabeth's amazed expression, Lucky decided it was time to leave.
" Look am gonna head out. I'll check this on my computer and as soon as I find out our next destination I'll call you. Pack your bags we're leaving tonight. " He walked towards Jason and shook his hand. " Thank you for your help. "
Lucky walked out of the bar. Jason and Elizabeth just stood there. He was out of the business. Was it because of Courtney? Did something happened to Sonny? So many questions ran trough her mind and she knew he wouldn't answer them. What was she suppose to say now? 'Hey am glad your out of the business. You see, I've always been afraid that some day am gonna open the newspaper and find out you've been killed. Or maybe... Am sorry I know how much you loved your job. It was the only live you knew and now is gone.' No, she couldn't say anything at all.
~ Sonny's island~
Carly was sitting in the sofa reading a magazine. Michael came running down the stairs towards her holding a piece of paper.
" Mommy. "
" Hey, Mr. Man. What's that you got there? "
" It's a drawing for Uncle Jason. See this is you and this is Daddy and baby Morgan and Aunt Courtney with Rosie and Uncle Jason. "
Tears welled up in Carly's eyes. Her son missed his family so much.
" I know Auntie Courtney went to heaven, maybe that's why Uncle Jason hasn't come to see me. Maybe he is still sad and can't remember her. "
" Oh Michael. Come here. " She set the magazine on the coffee table and held her son's hand. " I know you miss your Uncle Jason, but I don't think sending him this drawing is such a good idea."
" Why not? If he sees this picture and remember how happy we were together maybe he'll come home. "
Sonny walked in to find his wife and son sitting on the couch.
" Hey. "
" Hello, now that you're here you could anser your son's questions. He wants to know why his Uncle Jason hasn't come home. "
" Carly, am not in the mood. "
" Look. " She gave him the drawing. " That's our family. "
" Dad. I want to call Uncle Jason to ask him to come home. I want him to take me on the boat, maybe that will help him to not be sad anymore. "
" Michael, why don't you go upstairs and wash up for dinner. I have to speak to your Mommy."
" Are you going to fight again? "
" It's ok, baby. We're just going to talk. "
" Ok. " He ran upstairs. " What? Now you're using our son to blackmail me. "
" Blackmail? What are you talking about? He came here to show me this picture. He said he did it for Jason. Because he knows how sad his Uncle Jason must be now that his Auntie Courtney is in heaven. "
" H- He'll get used to not having him around. "
" Like you've gotten used to it. Do you actually believe I don't hear you at night? The nightmares, the pacing around. "
" WHAT DO YOU want from me? Do you want me to forgive him? Pick him up and bring him here after he got my baby sister killed? "
" You sound like a broken record. You know what? I can't do this anymore. I've tried by any means possible to make you understand and am tire of this. "
" What, now your threatening me? "
" No, am giving you my last warning. Either you put your act together or am out. "
" Out? What do you mean out? "
" I mean out of your life. I've done so much for you. I picked my life up and left my home for you. And what do you give me in return? HELL! I know your hurting and I want to help you, but if you don't want or need my help am not going to stay around and watch you throw your life away. "
~ Jake's~
" I packed everything. Lucky said he'll be here to pick me up around seven. "
" He found something? "
" Yes. He said something about a motel. The connection wasn't good. I couldn't hear him clearly." " That sounds reasonable. Luke needed a place to stay and receive phone calls without been spotted. "
" I know but whoever took the number, is probably on their way there now. "
" You guys are a great team. But... "
Elizabeth waited. One... two... three...
" You are playing a dangerous game. " " I knew you were gonna say that. Man, when are you gonna stop worrying about me? "
" Never. "
Liz breathed deeply. " You don't have to worry about me. "
" I know. You own a gun now. "
" It's not as if I can handle it very well. But Lucky is always around and we look out for each other."
" What you're doing is still dangerous, running around after Luke with Helena's men hot on your heels. She's deadly. You can get hurt. "
" I'm going to be alright. I've survived six months and Lucky's been training me. You know, in self-defense and stuff. "
" And stuff... "
After a long silence Elizabeth decided it was now or never.
" Jason. I- I know something is wrong with you. " He looked at her straight in the eyes. " That didn't came out right. What I meant was that... "
He stopped her before she could continue. " I- I know what you meant. "
" Am sorry. "
" Don't. It's not- it's not your fault. "
" Yeah, but I shouldn't have said anything. Obviously whatever happened to you was big, 'cause the other day you looked terrible. I mean it seemed like you didn't care about what happened to you. And you're eyes seem lost and helpless. " She looked at him and saw the discomfort and hurt written on his face all over again. Damn it! Why did she have to ramble? " What I was trying to say is that am here if you need to talk about it. You helped me so much when I needed it the most, I guess I want to repay you. "
" W- we ... " His voice broke and he swallowed hard. " We haven't been friends for a long time. I- I broke your heart. Why would you want to help me? "
" For the same reason you'll never stop worrying about me. " She took his hands between hers and felt him tremble. " We've been trough so much together. You were my comfort, my rock, my best friend. Somewhere along the way we drifted apart, but that doesn't mean I've stopped caring. I was mad at you for a while, but then I began to focus my energy in remembering all the good times we had together. We've always had this connection... What am trying to say is that am over everything bad that happened between us. "
This was it. If there was someone in the world who could hear him and understand what he was feeling was her. She'd gone through the same thing when she was only seventeen years old. And she was right, they've always had that strong connection. He felt it that first night at Jake's all those years ago and it only seemed to get stronger with time. He had felt it two days ago when she "saved" him from the biker the other night. He had felt it when she hold his hands between hers.
" L- Last year Court... " Ring... Ring... Ring. The sound of the cell phone interrupted him.
" Sorry. It's Lucky. Hold that thought. " She answer the phone and heard Lucky in the other end. He was waiting for her in the parking lot. She turned of her phone, the disappointment was evident.
" Is something wrong? "
" He's waiting for me outside. "
" You have to go. I understand. "
" I can ask him to wait a couple of minutes while we talk. "
" No. No, is ok. You have to go. Here I'll help you with your bag. " He stood up and grabbed her duffel bag. They walked to the parking lot and they stopped in font of her door.
" I'm really sorry. I wish I could stay longer, but... "
" It's ok. Don't worry about that. "
" Look. Even though we didn't got to have that talk, you have to promise me something. "
" What's that? "
" Don't give up on life. Don't give up on you because I haven't, and I won't. "
" Thank you, Elizabeth. "
She opened the door and turned to him. " Oh. And Jason... "
" Yes. "
" Don't forget to shower and shave every once in a while. " She laughed and got in the car. Jason closed the door and knelt so he could speak with her trough the roll down window.
" I will. " He was also smiling.
" I guess this is goodbye. "
" No. We tried that once. And here we are again. Take care and... "
" Be careful. " They said it together.
" See you later Elizabeth. " " See you later Jason. "
He stood up and walked back as Lucky turned the engine on. A tear run down Elizabeth cheeks, but she didn't looked back at Jason.
" Are you ok? " Lucky asked.
" Y-Yeah. Am fine. We're fine. Let's go. "
" Florida, here we go. "
* * * Hope you guys are enjoying reading this as much as am enjoying writing it. Hope this New Year brings you happiness and most importantly PEACE. Oh, and some Liason love! Please read and review . * * *
~ Jake's~
The three of them walked into Jake's a little more over two o'clock in the afternoon. Elizabeth had been watching Jason closely, he'd been quiet all day. But something in his eyes had changed. They weren't quite as somber as the night she had found him drunk. They had talked and played pool as if their friendship hadn't ended as messy as it did. But he was still holding something back. And she still couldn't figure out what it was. Why was he getting drunk at Jake's? Where was Courtney or Sonny when Jason was out here drinking and getting into fights? She couldn't ask him. Elizabeth knew that he would talk when he was ready to, but she also knew her time in Port Charles was coming to an end.
" Hello! Earth to Elizabeth. "
" Yeah. What were you saying? "
" Where did you go? You zoomed out for a minute there. "
" I was just thinking. " She looked at Jason before looking back at Lucky. " About stuff. "
" Well, I was saying that we should look up this phone number. We should move quickly we're still a couple of days behind. "
" Let me see the number again. " Jason took the piece of paper from Lucky and closed his eyes for a minute. " This number is from Miami. "
" Are you sure? " Liz asked.
" Yes. I lived in Miami for a couple of months when I was working for So... a while back. "
" So, I just have to run this number down on my computer to find where exactly in Miami we're going. "
" And all thanks to Jason. " Liz was so happy that he was there, she walked up to him and hugged him really tight. He was surprised to say the least. At the feeling of her tiny arms around him he almost broke again. He needed that hug more than he was willing to admit to anyone. He needed to feel human warmth and care. And she somehow had figured it out.
Elizabeth was caught of guard when Jason hugged her back. He was holding onto her for dear life. Now she was sure something horrible had happen to him. It seemed like hours, but it was a minute. As soon as they broke contact, he felt the loss deep withing his soul.
" Look man, I know I can be an ass sometimes. But I have to admit that if you hadn't been here today we might've never found this number. "
" It's ok. I did this for Elizabeth, she asked me to help and I did. If there's something else you need, just say the word. "
" Roy. The last time I heard from him he was working for Sonny in Miami. Maybe he can help us track down this number. "
" Do you think you can contact Roy D'Lucca for us? " Liz had seen Jason's face at the mention of Sonny and Roy. Whatever was wrong had to do with Sonny or the business.
" I- I can't help you. Roy is not in Florida anymore. "
" What? Where is he then? "
" Roy has taken over Sonny's territory, here in Port Charles. "
" Here? But why? " As soon as the question left her mouth she was regretting it. She knew how secretive Jason was about business. If he felt pressured, he would go into ' Borg ' mode and that was the least she wanted to happen right now. " Forget that, you don't have to answer me. "
" A lot has happened in the last six months. Sonny moved to the island and is supervising Florida from there. Roy took over Port Charles. "
" What about you? " Lucky asked bluntly.
" I've been out ever since Sonny left. "
" Wow! Something big must've gone down if Sonny left and you're out of the organization. " Seeing Jason's far out look and Elizabeth's amazed expression, Lucky decided it was time to leave.
" Look am gonna head out. I'll check this on my computer and as soon as I find out our next destination I'll call you. Pack your bags we're leaving tonight. " He walked towards Jason and shook his hand. " Thank you for your help. "
Lucky walked out of the bar. Jason and Elizabeth just stood there. He was out of the business. Was it because of Courtney? Did something happened to Sonny? So many questions ran trough her mind and she knew he wouldn't answer them. What was she suppose to say now? 'Hey am glad your out of the business. You see, I've always been afraid that some day am gonna open the newspaper and find out you've been killed. Or maybe... Am sorry I know how much you loved your job. It was the only live you knew and now is gone.' No, she couldn't say anything at all.
~ Sonny's island~
Carly was sitting in the sofa reading a magazine. Michael came running down the stairs towards her holding a piece of paper.
" Mommy. "
" Hey, Mr. Man. What's that you got there? "
" It's a drawing for Uncle Jason. See this is you and this is Daddy and baby Morgan and Aunt Courtney with Rosie and Uncle Jason. "
Tears welled up in Carly's eyes. Her son missed his family so much.
" I know Auntie Courtney went to heaven, maybe that's why Uncle Jason hasn't come to see me. Maybe he is still sad and can't remember her. "
" Oh Michael. Come here. " She set the magazine on the coffee table and held her son's hand. " I know you miss your Uncle Jason, but I don't think sending him this drawing is such a good idea."
" Why not? If he sees this picture and remember how happy we were together maybe he'll come home. "
Sonny walked in to find his wife and son sitting on the couch.
" Hey. "
" Hello, now that you're here you could anser your son's questions. He wants to know why his Uncle Jason hasn't come home. "
" Carly, am not in the mood. "
" Look. " She gave him the drawing. " That's our family. "
" Dad. I want to call Uncle Jason to ask him to come home. I want him to take me on the boat, maybe that will help him to not be sad anymore. "
" Michael, why don't you go upstairs and wash up for dinner. I have to speak to your Mommy."
" Are you going to fight again? "
" It's ok, baby. We're just going to talk. "
" Ok. " He ran upstairs. " What? Now you're using our son to blackmail me. "
" Blackmail? What are you talking about? He came here to show me this picture. He said he did it for Jason. Because he knows how sad his Uncle Jason must be now that his Auntie Courtney is in heaven. "
" H- He'll get used to not having him around. "
" Like you've gotten used to it. Do you actually believe I don't hear you at night? The nightmares, the pacing around. "
" WHAT DO YOU want from me? Do you want me to forgive him? Pick him up and bring him here after he got my baby sister killed? "
" You sound like a broken record. You know what? I can't do this anymore. I've tried by any means possible to make you understand and am tire of this. "
" What, now your threatening me? "
" No, am giving you my last warning. Either you put your act together or am out. "
" Out? What do you mean out? "
" I mean out of your life. I've done so much for you. I picked my life up and left my home for you. And what do you give me in return? HELL! I know your hurting and I want to help you, but if you don't want or need my help am not going to stay around and watch you throw your life away. "
~ Jake's~
" I packed everything. Lucky said he'll be here to pick me up around seven. "
" He found something? "
" Yes. He said something about a motel. The connection wasn't good. I couldn't hear him clearly." " That sounds reasonable. Luke needed a place to stay and receive phone calls without been spotted. "
" I know but whoever took the number, is probably on their way there now. "
" You guys are a great team. But... "
Elizabeth waited. One... two... three...
" You are playing a dangerous game. " " I knew you were gonna say that. Man, when are you gonna stop worrying about me? "
" Never. "
Liz breathed deeply. " You don't have to worry about me. "
" I know. You own a gun now. "
" It's not as if I can handle it very well. But Lucky is always around and we look out for each other."
" What you're doing is still dangerous, running around after Luke with Helena's men hot on your heels. She's deadly. You can get hurt. "
" I'm going to be alright. I've survived six months and Lucky's been training me. You know, in self-defense and stuff. "
" And stuff... "
After a long silence Elizabeth decided it was now or never.
" Jason. I- I know something is wrong with you. " He looked at her straight in the eyes. " That didn't came out right. What I meant was that... "
He stopped her before she could continue. " I- I know what you meant. "
" Am sorry. "
" Don't. It's not- it's not your fault. "
" Yeah, but I shouldn't have said anything. Obviously whatever happened to you was big, 'cause the other day you looked terrible. I mean it seemed like you didn't care about what happened to you. And you're eyes seem lost and helpless. " She looked at him and saw the discomfort and hurt written on his face all over again. Damn it! Why did she have to ramble? " What I was trying to say is that am here if you need to talk about it. You helped me so much when I needed it the most, I guess I want to repay you. "
" W- we ... " His voice broke and he swallowed hard. " We haven't been friends for a long time. I- I broke your heart. Why would you want to help me? "
" For the same reason you'll never stop worrying about me. " She took his hands between hers and felt him tremble. " We've been trough so much together. You were my comfort, my rock, my best friend. Somewhere along the way we drifted apart, but that doesn't mean I've stopped caring. I was mad at you for a while, but then I began to focus my energy in remembering all the good times we had together. We've always had this connection... What am trying to say is that am over everything bad that happened between us. "
This was it. If there was someone in the world who could hear him and understand what he was feeling was her. She'd gone through the same thing when she was only seventeen years old. And she was right, they've always had that strong connection. He felt it that first night at Jake's all those years ago and it only seemed to get stronger with time. He had felt it two days ago when she "saved" him from the biker the other night. He had felt it when she hold his hands between hers.
" L- Last year Court... " Ring... Ring... Ring. The sound of the cell phone interrupted him.
" Sorry. It's Lucky. Hold that thought. " She answer the phone and heard Lucky in the other end. He was waiting for her in the parking lot. She turned of her phone, the disappointment was evident.
" Is something wrong? "
" He's waiting for me outside. "
" You have to go. I understand. "
" I can ask him to wait a couple of minutes while we talk. "
" No. No, is ok. You have to go. Here I'll help you with your bag. " He stood up and grabbed her duffel bag. They walked to the parking lot and they stopped in font of her door.
" I'm really sorry. I wish I could stay longer, but... "
" It's ok. Don't worry about that. "
" Look. Even though we didn't got to have that talk, you have to promise me something. "
" What's that? "
" Don't give up on life. Don't give up on you because I haven't, and I won't. "
" Thank you, Elizabeth. "
She opened the door and turned to him. " Oh. And Jason... "
" Yes. "
" Don't forget to shower and shave every once in a while. " She laughed and got in the car. Jason closed the door and knelt so he could speak with her trough the roll down window.
" I will. " He was also smiling.
" I guess this is goodbye. "
" No. We tried that once. And here we are again. Take care and... "
" Be careful. " They said it together.
" See you later Elizabeth. " " See you later Jason. "
He stood up and walked back as Lucky turned the engine on. A tear run down Elizabeth cheeks, but she didn't looked back at Jason.
" Are you ok? " Lucky asked.
" Y-Yeah. Am fine. We're fine. Let's go. "
" Florida, here we go. "
* * * Hope you guys are enjoying reading this as much as am enjoying writing it. Hope this New Year brings you happiness and most importantly PEACE. Oh, and some Liason love! Please read and review . * * *