Disclaimer: Still don't own a damn thing
Last Train Home Ch. 3
Courtney watched the plane ease itself on to the landing strip. The butterflies in her stomach began working their way up to her throat. There's no reason to be nervous, its just Carly, she told herself. It actually wasn't just Carly, it was that whole town that she left behind. There were going to be so many people from her past that she was going to have to face. Between Sonny and Jason, she was sure that her hands were going to be filled. Not to mention her dad, Michael, Morgan, and Carly were all going to want to the reason why she took off.
She watched the people in front of her get out of their seats and make their way into the airport and she followed in suit, trying to push back the wave of nausea that had over taken her. When she got off the plane Carly was nowhere in sight. A feeling of relief washed over her realizing that she could drive herself into town and avoid being in the car with Carly for the hour and half ride.
"Courtney!" She heard Carly's excited scream and her heart dropped. Before she could move a pair of bony arms were wrapped around her shoulders. "You look amazing," Carly said, pulling away so she could inspect Courtney's appearance. Her appearance had changed slightly in past few years, her long blonde hair had been cut up to her shoulders and dyed light brown. She was skinnier than she had ever been in her entire life, probably because she had not been taking care of herself. "You ready to go get your bags?" Carly asked.
"Sure," Courtney told her forcing a smile on her face. Carly looked great. Her eyes danced with happiness and her overall appearance looked healthier than ever before. She had a glow around her that made her look five years younger. Courtney was envious of her friend.
"You ok?" Carly asked a little worry creeping into her voice.
"Yea, I'm good," Courtney whispered, but she could tell that Carly did not buy it.
"Everything is going to fine," Carly assured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. They came to a stop at the baggage claim and Courtney grabbed her bag. "You only brought one bag?" Carly mused.
"Yea, well not everyone is like you. Most people don't need to bring everything they own on vacation with them," Courtney teased.
"Hey! I like to be prepared for everything," Carly laughed.
"You brought a parka to the Caribbean!" Courtney screeched and both her and Carly went into hysterics. It felt good to joke around again. It was almost like old times. Almost.
"Sonny actually let you go somewhere by yourself?" Courtney asked when they got to the car and realized their was none of his men around it. She saw a look of seriousness come over Carly's face and wished that she had never made the comment. "Sorry," was all she could say.
"You know, Sonny's changed a lot in the past couple of years," Carly replied softly. "He's tries so hard to be a good father and good to me. Sometimes he fails, but he always tries to fix it. In spite of everything we've been through, I love him and always will. " Carly's voice was shaky and for a second Courtney thought that she saw tears in her eyes.
"I'm glad he's finally cleaned up his act. You deserve to be with the love of your life," Courtney said.
"So don't you," Carly replied. Courtney just rolled her eyes and turned away. "Jason, he still loves you. I can tell."
"Carly," she warned.
"I'm being honest, Court. I've never seen two people more in love than you and Jason. And if you two would just swallow your pride…"
"Stop it," Courtney bellowed angrily. "Look, Jason and I are through. We are never going to be together. So just let it go, Carly!" A looked of shock came across the other woman's face and she just nodded and pulled out of the parking lot.
PH4
"Good, you're here," Sonny said as Jason walked into the foyer of the penthouse.
"Yea, what's up? Jason asked following Sonny into the living room area.
"I need you to make sure my schedule is cleared for the next few weeks. With the wedding and Courtney and everything else I just can't deal with work," Sonny told him.
"Consider it done," Jason said and began to leave.
"Jase, wait." Sonny called. When Jason turned around to look his was met with a very grave Sonny. "Have you told Elizabeth, yet?"
"Elizabeth is just a friend," Jason replied through gritted teeth. "It's not like it matters anyways, because I plan on not seeing Courtney the whole time she's here."
"Nice plan, Jase," Carly's voice interrupted the two men. Both turned to see Carly and a very uncomfortable Courtney standing in the entranceway. The room went silent and the tension was enough to suffocate all four people. Carly made her way across the hardwood floor, the clicking of her high heels resounding through the whole area. She stopped in front of Sonny and kissed him softly on the lips. "Aren't you going to see hi?" Her eyes prodded at him and he relented.
"Hi Courtney," his voice was cold and lifeless, not that she noticed. Her mind was focused on Jason. She could feel his unwavering stare taking in every part of her appearance and it sent a shiver down her spine. Forcing herself to concentrate on Sonny, she turned so she could greet him.
"Hi Sonny," Courtney replied in a small, soft voice. She could see Carly poking Jason in the side trying to force a hello out of his pursed lips. He didn't seem to notice it though, he seemed intent on not saying a word and just watching her.
"You know, I should be getting to the hotel," Courtney said softly wanting to get the hell out of the Corinthos penthouse.
"Nonsense! Your staying with us," Carly informed her.
"Oh you don't have to do that. I don't want to put anybody out," Courtney was pleading.
"The guestroom has already been made up for you," Sonny said solemnly and Courtney knew that there was no leaving now.
"So, it's settled." Carly finished. "Jase, why don't you go help Courtney with her bag," She said throwing the car keys at Courtney. The angry stare from Sonny was enough to penetrate Carly's skull, but she just pretended not to notice.
"Whatever," Jason muttered as he looked over at Courtney fidgeting with her fingers.
"I only have…"
"Just let him help you," Carly broke in and pushed Jason out the door leaving a very bewildered Courtney to follow him.
