A/N – Thanks for the comments! Unfortunately, I sliced my finger so hard to type. Grrr Between that and smoke from the fires, I'm starting off my Monday very well. Hopefully, it will get better fast.

Chapter 28

Ephipany took a deep breath. "I'm here because I love you whether you can accept that or not. You needed to see that I am still alive and thriving."

His face contorted and then his gaze fell, unable to stop his emotions from spilling over.

She moved closer and touched him, making him flinch and when she heard a sob catch in his throat, she pulled him against her and hugged him and after a minute, his arms gently surrounded her as she tried to soothe him.

"I know you were scared and upset. If I saw you laying on the ground bleeding, I would be a mess, but Jason, I'm okay and I don't hold you responsible." His heart is not as tough as his exterior.

He pulled away, stumbling backward. "It is my fault! If you didn't know me, you wouldn't have been shot."

She shook her head vehemently. "No! You don't get to play God. You don't know that. The way bullets fly around this town, I could have been struck anywhere at any time. I don't blame you, so stop blaming yourself!"

"I can't help it."

His voice is barely above a whisper.

"You're going to have to find a way to deal. This is all on Sonny, not you. What you did—God, I could have strangled you for giving up like that. Never again, Jason. Don't you ever lay down like that and let some asshole walk all over you again."

Jason wiped at his face and then sucked in a harsh breath. "We can't go back to the way it was before."

Her eyes narrowed. "You better not be telling me that our friendship is over because I don't accept that if you are."

He growled. "Dammit, Epiphany! Why can't you just let me go."

She softly smiled as she moved closer. "Because you are worth the fight. You bring me joy and I miss you. Regardless of you trying to make yourself so small that no one notices, you can't, because your light is brighter than that. You can't hide from me. I will love you forever because you are in my heart."

"You have to be one of the most stubborn women I've ever met."

She laughed. "Come here. We don't have long and I need another hug."

He moved forward and gripped her tightly. "I love you too, but when I get out, we can't be seen together. I'll get in touch with you here and there, but please respect that. I'm trying to protect you the best way I can."

She stepped back.

"Three minutes", the guard said as he cracked open the door.

"About that, I'm kind of dating someone."

His brow rose. "You're cheating on me?"

She grin. "Hell yeah. You were in for life and refused to break my bed. Was I supposed to wait?"

He shook his head. "Who?"

"He's hot and a bad boy."

"You are avoiding the question and why do I want to kill someone right now?"

Her eyes danced with mirth. "I don't think you should be talking about killing right now. Relax, he's a good guy."

Jason shifted his weight as the door started to open.

"Alright, Morgan, let's go," The guard said as he cuffed him.

"Who?"

"Francis Corelli."

Jason's jaw slightly fell as he eyed her incredulously.

"Bye! I'll tell him you said hello."

"Epiphany!" he said just as the door shut between them.

Eva chuckled at his expression. "Alright, I'll see you in a half hour. Be good."

"I'm not the one you should worry about. Tell her to be good."

Eva laughed. "Okay."

She pushed her way into the room.

"He's freaking out, isn't he?" Piph said.

"Yes. What did you tell him?"

"That I was dating Francis."

"Well, he'll be thinking about that for quite a while. Wait five minutes and then go out the back."

Piph stopped her and gave her a hug. "You were wonderful and whether you realize it or not, you've made a friend for life."

Eva smiled. "Thank you. I think I'm going to have to stay in town a little bit so I can celebrate with everyone."

"Make it happen, I know Lila will want that as well."

"Well, we can't disappoint Lila Quartermaine."

"Definitely not."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Francis grinned as Manny strode towards him and they shared a hug. "It's good to see you."

"Thanks! I'm glad to get out." He eyed the baby who smiled at him. "Babysitting?"

"Yes. This is my niece, Alaina," he said as he picked her up. "This is Manny, baby."

She smiled as she dove against his chest.

"Flirt…"

Manny chuckled.

"Francis—" Nicole stopped and then squealed and dove into Manny's arms. "You're back!"

"Yes. How are you?" It had been a long time since he had seen her, but he had taken her to Ireland after the rape and had been so tender to her, that Nicole is forever grateful.

"I'm doing great. I take it that you met my daughter."

He nodded. "She's beautiful. Do I see Johnny's eyes?"

She grinned. "Yeah."

"Are you back together?"

"Yes."

He shook his head. "Why are all the good ones taken?"

She laughed. "You could never put up with me. I'm too sarcastic."

"And bossy…" Johnny said as he entered the room.

"Hey!"

He kissed her on the forehead and then shook Manny's hand. "it's good to have you back."

"Thanks! Has anyone heard from Jason?"

Diane and Eva moved into the room. "He is at county and will stay there until the hearing."

"Unfortunately, there isn't an opening in the schedule for two weeks, but we're hoping they'll be a cancellation and we can slip in," Eva said.

Diane gave him a hug. "I'm glad you're out and thank you for protecting Jason."

"I'm glad I could help. Hello, Evangeline."

She smiled. "Hi. What is that I smell?"

Francis handed Johnny the baby and ducked out.

"He's making lunch. Manny loves rigatoni, so we get to help him eat it," Nicole said.

Johnny grinned. "You are a Francis food addict."

"Oh, like you aren't?"

"My mom made me eat everything in sight yesterday. I told her I can't stay there or I'll gain fifty pounds," Manny said.

Diane chuckled. "Well, we can't have you popping out of your suits. I can send her a cease and desist letter."

He cracked up. "That, I would like to see. I can almost hear her cursing in Spanish from here."

Nicole pulled Evangeline to the side. "Okay, spill. What happened in court?"

"She kicked Claire's ass," Diane said before cooing at the baby.

"Awesome!"

"If I could find Hugh, I'd kick his ass too," Eva said.

"Don't worry, we'll find him eventually," Johnny said. The shady lawyer is on the run.

"Lunch!" Francis yelled.

Nicole ran first as everyone laughed. Once they were seated, Francis held up his glass.

"To Manny, loyalty is always rewarded. Thank you for all your sacrifices, next time, we'll get you a driver!"

Everyone laughed as they touched glasses. Not to be outdone, Ali held up her sippy cup.

"My pops wants to throw me a party on Saturday. You're all welcome to come."

Diane smiled. "May I bring Lorenzo?"

"Of course, you can."

"Then you got yourself, two guests."

Johnny wishes he could come, but he has to lay low. He is shocked that Ronnie hasn't figured out the connection yet.

"I'd like to come," Nicole said.

"I'll watch the baby," he said.

Manny winked. "You can be my date."

Johnny shot him a look, making Francis chuckle.

Nicole grinned.

"Evangeline, will you still be in town?"

"Yes. I'll be there. You just have to give me the address."

"Okay. Thank you."

Diane tried not to smile but failed miserably. It's hard not to like Manny. He has a great smile and a deep soul.

"You know that I'll be there," Francis said.

"What the hell is going on in here?" Frank said, staring them down.

Johnny smirked. "It's called eating."

"Don't be such a smart-ass, O'Brien."

Nicole snickered. "Daddy, are you hungry?"

"Unfortunately, I just ate."

"Oh well, more for me," she said before shoveling in some pasta.

Johnny grinned proudly. "My girl can eat and still looks fine as hell."

"Thank you, baby."

"I think I'm going to gag," Francis said.

Eva chuckled at their antics.

"I have a date with Manny Saturday night," Nicole said coyly.

Frank choked on the drink Francis had just given him.

Diane cracked up. "Good one."

"Are you trying to get me killed?" Manny said.

"Oh relax, you could take him. Just throw Ali in front of you and he'll turn to mush."

Frank shook his head. "That child is bad for my cred."

Ali smiled at him and they laughed.

"To my future little heartbreaker," Nicole said.

"If she's ever allowed out of the house," Johnny quipped.

"I'll sneak you out, baby."

"Mama," Ali said.

Nicole's mouth dropped open. "You heard that right?"

Johnny frowned. "I didn't hear a thing. Did you hear something, Francis?"

He shook his head. "Nope, maybe she ate too much pasta."

Eva laughed.

"Why is everyone so concerned about my eating habits?"

"Because you almost inhaled the plate," Francis said.

"Mind your business,"

Diane cracked up. "God, I love you guys."

"Where's Lorenzo?" Francis asked.

"He has some papers to grade and then he'll be waiting for me hopefully naked."

Johnny covered Ali's ears. "There are children at this table."

"Quite a few of them, actually. Don't worry, she could care less."

They went back and forth for a while, laughing and having fun.

Evangeline gazed at her watch. "I have to go, but I definitely will be at the party."

"Great," Manny said.

Once she was gone, Francis chuckled.

"You are so far gone."

"What?"

"You better ask her to dance," Nicole said.

Manny sighed. "She doesn't see me like that."

"Then use the party to show her what you're made of," Diane said.

"Maybe…"

Nicole winked at Diane and it's countered. They will try to work their magic at the party.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

When the sound of high heeled shoes filled the air, Jason looked up, surprised to see Evangeline standing there.

"Hey, I brought you something." She pulled out a small baggie and handed it to him.

He looked at it and slightly smiled. "Elizabeth?"

"Yes. They are delicious. I didn't get to see her tonight, but those are a great indication that she is fabulous."

He took a bite and almost groaned. "These are great."

"Are you hanging in there?"

"Yes. It's quieter here. I'm only in this area for tonight, but I don't mind being by myself."

"The minute something opens up, I'll be ready to go."

"Thank you."

"I can't stay long. I had to bribe the guard with brownies too."

He slightly smiled. "Maybe you can get me some extra to use as currency."

She grinned. "I'll see what I can do. Stay safe…"

"You too."

He tracked her as she left and then practically inhaled the rest of the brownies. Somehow, it made him feel a little closer to Elizabeth.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

At the mansion, Elizabeth wipes tears from her eyes. The family kills her in the best way. They argue over the most ridiculous things and Epiphany just kept it going with her observations. She is sure that Monica was about to body slam Tracy before Alan interfered.

"I hope we don't scare you away," Lila said. She likes Elizabeth. Not only is she smart and vibrant, but there is just something about her that makes you want to protect her. There aren't a lot of good souls around anymore, but she is one of them.

"No way am I going anywhere. Things are just starting to get good."

Lila chuckled. "I'm about to reign them in."

"I'll pay to see that," Piph said.

Lila glanced at Alice who smirked. The large woman whistled loudly, bringing everything to a halt.

"What?" Monica said.

"Ms. Lila wants you all to shut it."

Their eyes shot to their patriarch who is giggling.

"Honestly, you are ridiculous and we have company."

"She started it," Tracy said, prompting Monica to throw a roll at her head which narrowly missed. "Did you see that?

"Does anyone have any duct tape?" Monica said.

"I should press charges."

"Well in that case…" Monica tossed another one hitting Tracy right in the middle of her forehead. "If I'm going to jail, I want to get my licks in."

Epiphany laughed loudly. "Tracy, you deserved that."

Tracy narrowed her eyes. "You want some of this Nurse Rachet."

Piph and Liz couldn't stop shaking with laughter.

"You just don't know when to stop.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

A few hours later, Epiphany entered her house and then froze. "Who's there?" When she is met with silence, she flicks on the light and gasps. Her place is trashed and a sob comes out of her mouth when as she viewed the mess. She works hard for her money and to just have everything destroyed is devastating. Quickly, she fishes her phone out of her purse and calls Francis, who is still at home cleaning up.

"Hello?"

She whimpers, causing him to tense and freeze.

Elizabeth and Nicole stop gabbing and look up at him just as he pulls his phone away to look at the caller ID.

"Epiphany? Talk to me."

Her bottom lip quivered. "It's all gone. My house—they trashed my house, Francis. My furniture is broken and every piece of glass. If this was Sonny…"

"I need you to get out of there right now. Go to your car and move it back away from the house. I'm on my way."

Manny stood.

Something falls and Epiphany, whose nerves are shot, screams and drops the phone and Francis almost lost his mind as he ran for the door with Johnny and Manny following.

As they ran outside, he stopped Johnny. "You know you can't come. Watch over the girls. I'll be back as soon as I can. Someone trashed her house, so I'm bringing her back here."

Johnny isn't happy that he can't help, but he understands.

Francis fretted the whole way there as Manny drove as fast as he could. Another guard had jumped into the back seat and when they finally reached the house, he can see Epiphany slumped against the steering wheel and he almost killed himself jumping out of the car before it stopped.

"Epiphany?" he yelled.

Slowly, she pushed away from the wheel and looked at him.

His heart broke when he saw the tears. "Open the door."

She did so and then he pulled her out and tugged her into an embrace as Manny and Enzo ran into the house to search.

"I can't replace most of it. The pictures…the memories. All of it was sentimental. I always worked hard to give Stanford everything I could."

He grabbed her face to make her look at him. "I'll make this right."

"Sonny needs to go, Francis."

"I know. We're working on it, but it's complicated. If I just take him out, the five families will know and there will be a lot of bloodshed. My men have families and I value them. I can't fly off the handle."

Her forehead moves against his chest. "Okay."

"Come home with me. You can't stay here tonight. Let me take care of you."

Her fingers grip the side of his shirt. "Okay. I'm too tired to fight you."

"Where is your medication?"

"In my purse which is in the car."

"What about your clothes?"

"I don't know. I didn't make it that far."

Manny approached them. "It's clear. "

"Did they destroy her clothes?"

"No. They are thrown around the room, but it doesn't look like they are damaged."

"Can I pack a bag?"

"Do you want me to do it?"

She shook her head. "I need to."

"Then I'll be right there beside you."

She gripped his hand as they went into the house together.

From her hiding place, Helena smiled as she viewed the scene on her monitor. "I love playing this game. Everyone is just putty in my hands, right Helmet?"

"Yes, my queen."

"I needed to distract the Corelli's and push him to move a little faster regarding Sonny. The man is a blight."

"I agree."

"Blow up warehouse fifty-eight and find out what Ronnie Dimestico is up to."

"I'll do my best."

He left the room and she sighed and then called Lucky.

"I have something I need you to do."

"Yes, my queen."

"Report to me immediately."

"I'm on my way."

She dialed her phone again. "I need Jason Morgan out of jail."

"There will be an opening in two days."

"Is that the best you could do?"

"Yes, Mrs. Cassadine."

"Then make it happen."

"As you wish."