Chapter 8

"So," said Sara a week later as she and Alex packed everything in their apartment in Washington. She had promised both Lorenzo and Sonny that they would be back by tomorrow. "How does it feel having Jason in your life?"

"It's great," Alex said. The more time they spent together, the more she felt she was falling for him, the only glitch being her father. Alex had avoided talking to him about what he walked in on, using Adam and moving permanently to Port Charles as an excuse. "There's a lot more to him than he shows to everyone," she added, thinking of Jason's gentleness and his unconditional love for those that he cared about.

Sara smiled. "I know, I got the rare chance of seeing a little bit of that myself. He seems to show it only to those that he cares about . . . Michael, Morgan, Kristina, you." Sara looked over at Alex. "You know, there's more to your father than you give him credit for."

Alex looked over at Sara and sighed. She knew that Sara was in love with her father and it was a little weird at times when she thought about it. "Sara, there is no way he is ever going to accept me and Jason," Alex said as she closed up a box of books. Needing to change the subject, Alex asked, "So, how's Adam doing?" She had been excited when Sara told her that she had adopted him.

"He's packing up his room at the school. He is so excited about having a real home," Sara said as she went to lift a heavy box, suddenly, she grabbed onto her side in pain and feeling very dizzy, she sat down, gasping for breath.

"Sara, what's wrong?" Alex asked in alarm, going to Sara's side. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just felt a sharp pain . . ." She stopped and then was up and running to the bathroom, slamming the door shut as she got to the toilet, the contents, or lack thereof, coming up.

Alex had noticed that Sara had been looking pale and tired over the last few days. She ran and got a glass of water and waited for Sara to come out of the bathroom. When she did, Alex could see how pale she was and for the first time noticed the dark circles under her friend's eyes. She handed the glass to Sara and led her to the couch. "Why don't we take a break," she suggested, watching Sara's face as she sipped the water slowly.

"I'm fine Alex," Sara said, seeing the worried look in the younger girl's eyes. "It's just the stomach flu. I should be fine in a couple of days."

"Well, when we have everything packed and out of here, and we pick up Adam, you should rest. There has been a lot going on for both of us, its no wonder you're sick," Alex said as she leaned back on the couch and rubbed her neck. She was also tired and couldn't wait to get back to Port Charles – and to Jason.

"Trust me; as soon as we get back to Port Charles and our new apartment, I plan on sleeping for the next week! Sonny and Jason are helping with moving all the furniture in, so we won't have to worry about that," she said, taking another sip of water before getting up. "Let's get this done. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we're back in New York." Sara put the cup down and started back to work, leaving the heavier lifting to Alex for now.

It took the rest of the afternoon to finish getting everything packed and loaded into the truck that Alex and Sara had rented. Alex drove, as Sara was still not feeling well, and they picked up a very excited Adam and his belongings. By the time they reached Port Charles, Alex was exhausted and grateful that Sonny and Jason had gotten all their furniture into the apartment.

Once the last box was set down, Sara sat on the couch with Adam in her lap. He was soon fast asleep. "Tired little guy," Sara said, running her hand through Adam's dark hair. "You should get to bed too," said Alex as she lifted Adam gently and put him in his new bedroom, and then she went back out into the living room, putting on her jacket and grabbing her purse.

Sara looked up and watched Alex. She knew her friend was also tired, but Sara knew that she was anxious about seeing and spending time with Jason. "Going to see Jason?" She asked with a smile. Jason and Sonny had left about an hour ago, after helping to bring all the boxes in.

"Yeah, I want to see him tonight before seeing my father tomorrow," Alex said, rolling her eyes at the last part. She was still uneasy around her father since the morning he walked in on her and Jason.

"Hey," Sara said, causing Alex to stop at the door and turn back to look at her. "Be careful, okay?"

Alex smiled. "I will," she promised. After leaving the apartment, Alex got into her car and drove over to Harbor View Towers, quickly making her way to the elevator and up to the penthouse floor.

Jason looked up from lighting the last candle on the table when he heard a knock on the door. He walked over and opened it, seeing Alex standing there on the other side, looking tired, but happy. "Hey," he said with a smile playing over his lips – a rare occurrence for him until Alex came into his life.

"Hey," Alex said, stepping into the room when he moved back from the door. She turned to look at him. "I missed you," she added quietly, wanting nothing more at this moment than to be in arms.

Jason walked to her and wrapped her in his arms, feeling how well they fit together. He leaned in and kissed her before moving back slightly and taking her hand. "Come on," he said, leading her into the kitchen where there were two candles lit and dinner waiting.

"Jason, this is great," Alex said, realizing that she hadn't eaten since that afternoon. "You did all this for me?" she asked, feeling tears fill her eyes, overwhelmed at the feelings flowing through her.

"Yes," Jason said, taking her into his arms, leaning his chin on the top of her head. "I've missed you."

Alex turned in his arms, running her fingers through his spiky hair, pulling his head closer to hers. She kissed him, deepening the kiss more and more.

"What about dinner?" Jason asked against her lips.

"Dinner could wait," Alex said as she took his hand and lead him to the couch. "Right now, I want to be with you Jason."

Jason nodded as he took her lips once more, letting his hands run through her hair, and then down her back, sliding them under her shirt and touching her bare skin.

Alex shivered slightly at his touch, his fingers igniting bursts of heat wherever he touched her. Alex loved the way he touched her. She pulled Jason's shirt up over his strong abs, breaking the kiss to pull it over his head, marveling at his hard chest and chiseled muscles. Alex ran her hands down his chest to his flat, washboard stomach. She leaned back against the cushions on the couch, pulling Jason over her.

Careful not to put his full weight on her, Jason settled in between her legs as his lips traveled from her lips to her exposed throat. Jason ran his hands over her body, helping her to shed both of their remaining clothes. He moved to her ear, whispering, "I love you."

Later, Alex lay wrapped in Jason's arms; she turned her head to look at him. "Jason, did you mean what you said earlier?" she asked. Alex needed to know that he meant it and didn't just say it in the midst of passion. She wanted to confess to being in love with Jason as well, but needed to be sure he really felt the same way.

"Yes," he whispered, his hand running down the side of her face. "I love you Allie."

Alex smiled and closed her eyes at his touch. "I love you too Jason," she whispered back, opening her eyes and kissing him lightly. "So, how about some of that dinner?" she asked, suddenly feeling very hungry.

Lorenzo stood outside the door to Sara and Alex's new apartment. He was supposed to see Alex tomorrow, but with the way she had been avoiding him, he did not want to give her a chance to back out. He knocked on the door and smiled when Sara opened it.

"Hi," she said, glad to see him. "Come in."

Lorenzo walked into the living room and looked around. There were boxes piled around the room. He turned to Sara and pulled her into his arms, kissing her gently. "How are you?" he asked, taking in her tired and pale face.

"I'm just a little tired," she whispered, a yawn escaping as she smiled.

"You look it. You should be in bed," Lorenzo said, leading her over to the couch and sitting beside her. "Is Adam sleeping?" he asked. Lorenzo had been surprised when Sara told him about the little boy, but once he met him, he liked Adam right away and had asked Sara to teach him Sign Language so that he could communicate with him.

"Yup, the trip and all the excitement wore him out. John told me that Adam did his packing on his own. It's still a surprise that I have him," Sara said with a tired smile.

"I'm glad that you're happy Sara," Lorenzo said as he kissed her on the forehead. "Adam's a special kid and you'll do a great job with him." Lorenzo looked around the cozy apartment, figuring his own daughter was hiding in her room. "Is Alexandria here? I was hoping to talk to her tonight and not give her a chance to cancel on me again."

"She won't cancel on you Lorenzo; she knows that you both need to talk. But she's not here; she left about an hour ago," Sara said as another yawn escaped her.

Lorenzo nodded his head, not wanting to push, as he could see how tired Sara was. "Come on," he said as he pulled her up off the couch. "You obviously need to rest. Which room is yours?"

"Straight ahead," Sara answered, walking in front of him. She stopped at one of the doors, making sure Adam was fast asleep before going into her room. Sara grabbed a pair of pajama pants and a tank top and quickly changed in the bathroom adjoining her and Alex's room. After quickly washing her face and brushing her teeth, Sara re-entered her room.

Lorenzo smiled at how beautiful she looked in the simple outfit. He gently led her to her bed; pulling the blanket over her once she was settled. "I'll come by tomorrow to see you," he said. He wanted to stay, but he could see how worn out she was and he knew she needed to rest. As he moved away, Lorenzo felt Sara's hand grab his, and he turned back to her.

"Please, Lorenzo, don't leave me," Sara whispered, feeling a desperate need to have him close to her.

Lorenzo looked down at her. "Are you sure Sara?" he asked, concern filling his voice. He didn't like the way she looked, her face was even more pale than it was before – if that was possible – and her eyes were glassy and unfocused.

"I don't want to be alone tonight Lorenzo . . . please . . . hold me," Sara pleaded in a soft voice, sitting up to slide his suit jacket from his shoulders.

Lorenzo helped her to slide the jacket off. He then bent and pulled off his shoes and climbed onto the bed beside her, pulling her into his arms. Lorenzo was worried about her. "I think you should see a doctor Sara," he whispered in her ear, stroking her hair back from her face, at the same time checking to see if she had a fever.

"It's just the stomach flu Lorenzo, nothing to worry about . . ." but even as she said this, she began to shiver uncontrollably. "Oh God Lorenzo . . . I can't stop shivering."

"That's it, I'm taking you to the hospital," Lorenzo said as he got up off the bed and pulled his shoes back on.

"No, no Lorenzo, I'll be find, it's just . . . ow!" Sara cried as she grabbed her side again, this time the pain was worse, far worse, than earlier.

At her cry of pain, Lorenzo turned and dropped to his knees at her side. "Sara, what is it?"

"I can't breathe," Sara gasped out before another wave of pain coursed through her body and she passed out.

"Sara!" Getting no answer, Lorenzo pulled out his cell phone and called an ambulance, while he waited, Lorenzo quickly checked on Adam. He knew that if the boy woke up; he would be frightened and not able to understand. Lorenzo pulled out his cell phone again and called Alex.

Jason's eyelids opened as he heard a phone ringing. Reaching down, he grabbed Alex's phone from the floor. "Hello?" he asked his voice thick with sleep.

"Who the hell is this?" came Lorenzo's voice on the other end.

Alex stirred when she heard Jason talking and saw him with her phone. "What's going on?" she asked him sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

Jason handed the phone to her. "It's your father," he said.

Alex rolled her eyes as she took the phone from him. "Hello," she said.

"Alex, I need you at your apartment now. Sara passed out," Lorenzo's voice was full of worry for Sara and anger at his own daughter as he ran a finger down the side of her face. She was beginning to get hot.

"I'm on my way," Alex said as she hung up. She knew Sara hadn't been feeling well and Alex had left her alone with Adam. Alex jumped off the couch and gathered her clothes, starting to pull them on.

"What's wrong?" asked Jason as he grabbed his own clothes, getting dressed.

"Sara passed out. My dad is with her at the apartment. He's going to need help with Adam," Alex said, worried about Sara. "I have to get there."

"I'm going with you," said Jason as he led her out of the apartment, grabbing his jacket along the way.

They reached the apartment quickly, and Alex burst in to see a team of paramedics strapping Sara onto a gurney. Lorenzo was watching and Alex saw the flash of anger in his eyes when he turned to her and Jason. Ignoring her father, Alex went into Adam's room to make sure he was okay. Adam continued to sleep; unaware of what was going on. Alex left the room and walked up to her father. "What happened?" she asked.

"I came over to see you . . . you weren't here . . . although, now I can see why," Alcazar began, clenching his right hand into a fist as he looked between his daughter and Jason. Then he continued. "I could see that Sara was not feeling well, so I took her to her room and made sure she was settled for bed. I was about to leave, but she asked me to stay, saying that she did not want to be alone tonight, she started to shake uncontrollably, had some sort of pain in her side and passed out."

Alex shook her head, trying to piece together what her father just told her and the events that had happened earlier that afternoon. "She said it was the stomach flu. Sara wasn't feeling well earlier and threw up a couple of times, but she didn't seem concerned about it."

Lorenzo nodded his head, seeing the concern and fear in his daughter's eyes, but was too angry to back down. "That's what she told me too." He folded his arms as he kept his eyes on Sara. "If anything happens to her . . ."

"She'll be fine dad . . . she has to," Alex said quietly, watching as the paramedics wheeled Sara out of the apartment.

Jason stayed silent through the entire exchange between father and daughter, feeling the tension throughout the room. "I'll go with them. Make sure Sara's okay. I have to call Sonny anyway," Jason said as he ran a hand down Alex's cheek and kissed her on her head. He then walked out of the apartment, following Alcazar and the paramedics.

Alex stood in the middle of the living room, scared for her friend. She checked on Adam again and saw that he was still sleeping. Then Alex sat on the couch and waited.

When they arrived at the hospital, Lorenzo had been told by the emergency room doctors to stay in the waiting area and they would let him know what was going on as soon as they had some answers. Lorenzo paced the small waiting area and stopped when he saw Jason walk in. "What are you doing here Morgan?" he asked, advancing on the younger man.

"Sara is family, I am here to make sure she's alright," said Jason, making sure to keep his temper in check. He had called Sonny, and both he and Carly were on their way to the hospital along with Ric, Alexis and Courtney. Jason had been told that Jax was taking the kids over to Alex's to stay with Adam so that Alex could be at the hospital for Sara as well. "I am not going to do this with you Alcazar. This is not the time or the place and I am not in the mood."

"You're not in the mood?" Alcazar asked with mock surprise. "I am going to tell you this once, and only once Morgan, stay away from my daughter."

Jason just shook his head. "I will not abandon her, unlike you." Jason's voice was hard as ice as his eyes blazed at Alcazar.

Lorenzo stared at Jason, wanting to wrap his hands around the man's neck for what he said. "If I ever see you near Alexandria again, I will kill you myself," he growled.

"The same goes for you where Sara is concerned," Jason said in an equally low and dangerous voice. "Sara was perfectly fine until you came into her life."

"I did nothing to her!" Alcazar shouted, feeling the hold on his emotions begin to break. "Sara was sick all day according to Alex, who by the way left her alone with a deaf little boy to be with you! If I hadn't shown up, who knows what would have happened to her!"

"So this is my fault?" said a voice behind Lorenzo.