Who is Elizabeth?
Chapter 22
Thanksgiving
Bobbie's Brownstone
Elizabeth and Jason stood on the front steps staring at the door. Jason wasn't sure what was wrong, they had started up the steps and Elizabeth had stopped abruptly. Leaning toward Elizabeth Jason tipped her chin up to look at him. "Hey! No matter what I will be right beside you." At Elizabeth's sigh Jason cupped her cheek running his thumb on her lips. Without thinking Jason moved the last few inches to brush his lips on Elizabeth's. As Jason pulled away he was afraid to look at Elizabeth. They hadn't kissed since she had returned and Jason wasn't sure if he had overstepped.
Elizabeth knew that Jason was torn on what to do, but she wasn't. The kiss had been amazing, like something inside had completely clicked into place. When Elizabeth realized Jason wasn't going to look at her she slid her hand up his arm to curl around his neck. As Jason finally looked at her Elizabeth whispered, "I think we need to establish something." As the confusion in Jason's eyes deepened Elizabeth smiled. "Just in case anyone decides to ask you are mine." And with that statement Elizabeth pulled Jason down to meet her lips for a long slow kiss. As Elizabeth felt the passion rising in her she heard someone clear her throat. Groaning as she separated her mouth from Jason's Elizabeth buried her face in his neck.
Jason had lost himself in Elizabeth he couldn't believe it, well really he could it was Elizabeth after all. However, he hadn't even realized someone opened the door until he heard Carly clear her throat. And of course it was Carly because she always had terrible timing when it came to Elizabeth and him. Trying hard not to growl in frustration Jason looked toward Carly as he held Elizabeth tightly in his arms. "Yes Carly!"
"Well...umm...you see...hmm...okay I am sorry about the timing, but Michael saw you drive up and he has been dying waiting for the two of you. I really am sorry." As Carly watched Jason and Elizabeth she wondered how she could have possibly missed the fact that they belonged together. Just seeing how they fit in each other's arms made it glaringly obvious. If only she could do some things over maybe she could have prevented the terrible fights between herself and Elizabeth or the ones with Jason over Elizabeth. Trying to keep up beat she smiled as Elizabeth finally faced her. "Hi! Umm...is it okay if I keep you two just a minute longer?"
Elizabeth shrugged and Jason looked puzzled. "Okay, Carly. But what are you up to?"
"Nothing I promise Jason. Just one second." Turning around she hollered, "Sonny will you come here for a minute?" When she turned back she realized they were all standing in the freezing cold. "Oh my, I am sorry. We can talk in the foyer so you can warm up." Stepping inside she watched as Jason and Elizabeth locked eyes for a moment. It seemed like they said a whole lot with that look. Smiling they both turned to and walked in the door.
"While Sonny takes his sweet time can I ask what is in the bag Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth wasn't sure where all this friendliness came from, but decided to take advantage of it. "Well, I thought I should contribute, so I made some brownies and this new pie that I found a recipe for online."
"Did I hear something about Elizabeth's brownies? Hi, Elizabeth and Jason."
"Hi Sonny. Yes I made brownies, I know that you all like them and it being the holidays it seemed the thing to do."
Smiling at Elizabeth Jason nodded at Sonny. "Okay Carly what's the deal?"
Sonny and Carly shared a glance and smiles covered their face. "Can I tell them?" At Sonny's nod Carly turned to face Jason and Elizabeth. "Well, this morning Dr Marques examined me because I was feeling terrible." At the concern on Jason's face Carly knew she better cut to the chase. "He thinks I am pregnant. Now until we get the blood test done we didn't want to tell anyone, but I wanted to share it with you two."
"Congratulations you guys." Jason hugged Carly and patted Sonny on the back. "Way to go man!"
Elizabeth laughed at Jason's comment to Sonny. "That is fantastic news." Sonny smiled at her so wide Elizabeth thought he would burst with pride. Giving him a hug Elizabeth realized this meant she would have another sibling. Looking at Carly who was smiling, but seemed unsure of what to do Elizabeth decided to give her one more chance. Breaking the hug with Sonny she stepped in front of Carly. Carly looked at her anxiously. "Carly thanks for sharing the news with me. If you need anything feel free to ask." At Carly's shocked but pleased look Elizabeth smiled. "It's Thanksgiving and I've decided maybe we could get along after all."
"I...I..." Looking at Sonny Carly started to tear up. "Elizabeth, I really...that would be nice."
Elizabeth didn't know what to do, she hadn't meant to make Carly cry. Who even knew she could make Carly cry? As Sonny wrapped his arms around Carly, Elizabeth looked at Jason.
As Carly got herself under control she turned toward Elizabeth. "I hate hormones." At Elizabeth's smile she remembered Michael was waiting for them in the living room. "We better get to Michael before he wonders what is going on. Oh, and please don't say anything today, like I said we want to wait until Dr. Meadows confirms it tomorrow." Jason and Elizabeth both nodded and they headed to find Michael.
The DinnerCarly seemed nervous to Jason. He was watching her fidget from place to place for the last fifteen minutes or so. Looking at Elizabeth Jason smiled and squeezed her hand. "Do you mind if I go talk to Carly for a minute?"
"No, I think that might be good. She seems to be worried about something and I think it is Courtney showing up."
Jason looked at Elizabeth surprised at the even tone. "Are you okay with Courtney coming here?"
"No, but she is family and I have dealt with family I don't like all my life. Nothing new and nothing we can't handle." Smiling at Jason she stroked his cheek and then gave him a short and sweet kiss. "Go talk to Carly before she gets herself into a panic."
As Jason approached Carly she looked at him shocked. "Umm...shouldn't you be with Elizabeth and Michael?"
"Carly, calm down. What is wrong?"
"I just...why did Elizabeth choose today to decide we can get along? Now I don't know what to do. I mean I know what Courtney did was wrong, but we get along. And now I have a chance to get along with Elizabeth. What happens if I do or say the wrong thing with them both here?"
"Carly, everything will be okay. I am sure Courtney will be on her best behavior. And Elizabeth has dealt with being nice at family functions to people who treat her badly all her life."
Carly flinched as she realized how alike her and Elizabeth were in reality. "God, Jason how did we all get so fucked up?"
Giving Carly a quick hug Jason tried not to laugh. "Carly, we all are going to be okay."
Relaxing a bit Carly started to smile. As the doorbell rang she met Jason's eyes. "Okay here we go."
As Jason walked back to where Michael was drawing with Elizabeth he smiled thinking about what it would be like to see Elizabeth with their kids. Man, he was hooked.
Bobbie came out to the living room. "Hey everyone dinner is ready." Turning as Carly cam in with Courtney and Mike Bobbie smiled. "Well, everyone is here and we are ready. We are definitely doing better than the Q's."
Everyone laughed as the headed to the dining room. Audrey was putting last touches on the table as everyone entered. Lucas carried the turkey in from the kitchen and set it at Sonny's seat. Everyone stood a bit awkwardly until Bobbie sat at the opposite end of the table at Sonny. "Okay everyone there is a card as to where you will sit." Everyone smiled and headed to their seats.
Elizabeth sat and realized she was across from Courtney. Just like at home with Sara, she could do this. Turning to Jason she smiled at the fact that Michael was bouncing in his seat between Jason and Sonny. Elizabeth started as she felt someone squeeze her hand. Turning Elizabeth smiled brightly as she saw Audrey sitting next to her. "Grams, I am so glad you are here."
"Elizabeth I didn't want to be anywhere, but with my granddaughter." Seeing Elizabeth's smile brighten a fraction more Audrey fought tears coming to her eyes. "I am glad you are happy Elizabeth."
"Thanks Grams. I really think I am and will be." Elizabeth felt Jason's hand stroke her knee under the table. Sliding her hand down his arm to link their fingers Elizabeth sighed peacefully. "I know I am happy Gram." Their conversation was ended by Michael's voice.
"Daddy, come on cut the turkey. I want to have some of 'Lizbeth's brownies and mom said I have to eat dinner first." Everyone around the table chuckled and looked at Sonny. "See Daddy they want you to cut it, too."
Reaching over to ruffle his son's hair Sonny smiled at his family. "I guess we better get on with the dinner, huh!"
As everyone ate dinner and chatted Elizabeth made a conscious effort to not look across the table at Courtney. But as dinner came to an end she felt Courtney looking around the table at each of them. Just as Elizabeth was trying to decide what Courtney was up to Carly stood up. "Everyone I would like to make an announcement." Everyone looked surprised, but let Carly continue. "When Jax and Skye left town they sold me Club 101 as you all are aware." As everyone nodded their heads and continued to look at Carly she took a deep breath and looked at Elizabeth. "I just purchased a club in Miami. I have asked Courtney to manage it." Elizabeth looked at Courtney in shock.
Meeting Elizabeth's eyes for the first time since she betrayed her Courtney stood up. "I've accepted and plan to move there in the next week."
Squeezing Courtney's hand Mike stood beside her. "I am not sure why Courtney wants to move out of town so quickly." Turning a glare on Jason and Elizabeth. "But I support her going to do something she thinks will be great for her."
"Wait one second, Mike."
"No, Sonny. Please let me take care of Dad."
"Because you've done that so well so far."
Flinching at Sonny's statement Courtney turned to Elizabeth. "Dad, you need to know that Elizabeth and Jason are not at fault for me leaving town."
Mike continued to glare turning between Sonny and Jason and Elizabeth. "Right, because her coming back into town and stealing Jason away didn't hurt you at all."
Elizabeth stood to leave the room and Jason stood with her trying to keep from going across the table at Mike. "Good to know you really regretted what you did Court."
As Elizabeth started to leave Courtney shouted. "Everyone stop!"
"Dad, I did something terrible and made Elizabeth think that Jason was cheating on her. She left town. I, also, had information that people wanted to hurt her and I didn't tell Sonny or Jason. Some men did terrible things to her and thankfully Jason rescued her. I left because though Jason makes me feel safe I don't love him and he definitely doesn't love me. Now Carly has decided to give me an opportunity to do something for the family by getting the new club in Miami up and running. I am taking it. Elizabeth and Jason are together and that is great as a matter of fact it is the way it should be."
Mike sank into his seat. His baby wasn't innocent and she was trying to do the right thing. Now he probably screwed it up.
Courtney tried to get Elizabeth to look at her. "Elizabeth, I know that it may never matter to you, but I am so ashamed of myself. I wish I could go back and do things differently, but since I can't I figured this would be the best for us all."
Elizabeth said nothing, but she went back to her seat. Jason glared at Mike and walked back to sit by Elizabeth with his arm around her shoulders.
Michael was looking around the room. Why was his Grandpa yelling at his big sister? Why did Aunt Courtney say she did bad things to 'Lizbeth? Looking at his Daddy he saw him glaring at his Grandpa. Standing up and walking to Elizabeth Michael crawled up on her lap. "Grandpa no more yelling at my sister." Reaching up to hug Elizabeth, Michael was oblivious to the shock on Mike's face.
Mike's mouth opened and closed but nothing came out.
Carly sank back into her seat and looked at Sonny. As she followed his eyes Carly noticed how peaceful both Michael and Elizabeth looked hugging each other. Turning back to Sonny she saw the anger drain out of his eyes at the site of his children. Carly started to relax as she reached her hand out to wrap it around Sonny's.
Sonny turned to Mike and saw his father looking between Elizabeth and him. "Michael said that correctly. Elizabeth is his sister. She is my daughter."
Mike swallowed hard and looked at Elizabeth closely. "I should've seen it. She looks so much like her grandmother."