Chapter 2

Jason

I follow her onto the porch, not wanting to accept what she has she told me. Carly is leaving town.

She says she needs this and Sonny understands that. I have to try and do the same. I have to support her.

Placing my hand on her shoulder I say, "You're going to do great on your own, Carly."

She nods but won't look at me.

This is about more than work. I can feel it.

Gently turning her around, I see the tears in her eyes.

"Come on, Carly. Tell me the truth. Is this about running away from someone or something?"

"It's about growing up. I think it's time I do that, don't you?"

"You did that years ago. I saw you. When you had Michael you started to change..."

"Started to." Carly says, giving me a let's be honest about this look. It's one I have given her many times in the past. "But now it's time to go all the way. To try and let go of all my fantasies about what my life should be. I have to start accepting what my life is and isn't. Then, somehow, learn to be happy with that."

"And you can't do that here?"

She tilts her head and gives me a look.

"You're gonna miss me like hell, huh, Jase?" she jokes softly in that tone of voice that takes me back years.

I fall into a hole of memories that start out sweet, her legs wrapped around me and then times where we were everything to each other, and the bond that lead to a feeling of home and family for both of us. But the memories end in a black twist of pain that makes me close my eyes.

I shut it out, push it away, again. And focus on now.

"Yeah, I'm gonna miss you, Carly."

She's smiling at me, wearing her heart on her face. I can see how broken it is. If Carly would just tell me who hurt her this time then I would at least have someone to blame for making her want to leave.

"Maybe I should stay then." she says softly

Trying to give her what she needs I say, "Don't stay for me."

I can't let my need to see her, to know she is close by, to know I can go to her and smile and laugh and forget for a while, keep her here. I can't be selfish.

The fake smile she was trying so hard to hold slips away.

"Is this about Jax? Sonny?" I ask her

"Why does it have to be about love?"

"It always is with you."

Now I get a real smile from her. But her eyes are a well of sadness. "You know me too well. But you can't do anything to help me with this one, Jase. I need to go somewhere where I can't see what I have lost everyday standing right before me."

So that is the real reason she wants to get away from Port Charles. There are too many ghosts here.

I hate the idea of her having to turn corners and see places were I got shot, or a bomb went off, or someone broke her heart, tried to break her spirit. I don't want her to go through that.

Maybe this is for the best. But it sure doesn't feel like it. This sharp pain in my chest tells me that her leaving town is all wrong.

Carly continued, " I'll come back when I'm able to believe in a new future for me. Maybe it won't be my ultimate dream come true. But, hey, that was probably stupid to ever hope for. Not everyone gets the happy ever after stuff," she pauses and seems to wait for me to contradict her and then asks, "Right?"

"I guess."

She nods. It's decided. Could I have said something to change her mind? What was I supposed to say?

"So, there is one thing you can do for me." Carly says. "Come to my going away party at Metro Court the night before I leave. I know you hate parties but ..."

"I'll be there."

I'll do anything to give her what she needs. But I don't think I can pull this one off. How do I let her go with a smile?


I guess it's gonna break me down...

sometimes moving on

with the rest

of your life


Starts with goodbye.

Carrie Underwood Lyrics

Author's note- This story is very short, only nine chapters. So it should be all posted within one month. I found writing Jason's Point of View the most fun so I hope you like it.