Chapter Sixty
Jason awoke before her and knowing that neither of them had gotten much sleep, he quietly grabbed his clothes, getting dressed in the upstairs bathroom. He stopped in Cameron's room. Grabbed a blank piece of paper and a crayon, just thinking about writing a letter to Elizabeth in this childish fashion brought a smile to his face. The letter was being written with the sole purpose of not worrying her.
Jotting down a few lines, Jason folded the letter once, wrote her name on it and then quietly slipped back into the room. He place the piece of paper on his pillow, but couldn't stop himself, he placed a quick kiss to her temple, the retreated to the kitchen, he needed coffee, especially if he was expected to function with any semblance of normality.
Isabella was busy tidying up the living room, Cameron's toys were everywhere, whatever the boy had been up to could not be ascertained, but it did look like he had a good time. Jason stopped to ruffle his hair, Cameron spared a quick glance at his father before turning his attention back to the television screen where Charlie was busy with another adventure. The man of steel knew all those adventures though, he had been forced to sit through many of them, repeatedly.
"Good morning Cam, Isabella. How were the boys last night?" Jason asked, pausing outside the kitchen.
"Good morning sir. The boys were good, I think Alan is coming down with a cold or something, he was very congested last night, he slept for an hour at a time, but awoke cranky." Isabella replied, her worry evident.
"Do you think it is serious, should I wake Elizabeth?" Jason asked, completely forgetting his caffeine needs, Alan taking precedence over everything.
"I don't believe there is any reason you would have to awaken your wife, if he doesn't do better throughout the day and into the night, I am sure Mrs. Morgan will take the directive of taking Alan to the pediatrician." Isabella said with a smile. She knew how much the boys meant to them, she also knew Elizabeth was a wonderful mother. "Do not worry sir, I am sure all will be well."
Jason looked at her closely, trying to gauge whether she was placating him or was being genuine, after a few moment of close observation, Jason seemed to like what he saw. Turning on his heel, he entered the kitchen, the scent of fresh made coffee drawing him.
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Sonny was livid, his mind couldn't fathom what his old friend had been trying to do, it seemed like the son was not the only one who had slipped a few gears.
His hands shook with the rage that he was trying to contain, blowing up would do no one any good, except perhaps him, it always or almost so, gave him the perspective that he required especially with everything that needed to be done, this was not a time that he could be reckless, to much hung in the balance.
So he stood looking out at his friends house, his hands tightly clasping the kitchen counter. He had tried on several occasions to try Jason's counting to ten shtick, but it just didn't do anything for him. Perhaps his anger was more lethal than Carly's, but then again, maybe not, he had been on the receiving end of that anger and wrath. So this like everything else, would probably take time to master, but right now, he didn't have time. What in the world could he possibly hope to do for Jason if he couldn't get a grip on his emotions.
Elizabeth was not his wife and Cam and Alan were not his son's, but he nonetheless felt an overwhelming need to protect them, even with his life.
Yeah, they were becoming an interesting family, now if only he could convince Brenda to take a chance on him, he had a better handle on his anger, he talked to Lainey when the need arose, he wasn't willing to slip back again, he wanted to take a hold of his future, not have it take a hold of him. Besides this future looked bright, but how could he prove to her, that he really did want to try things again, with the hopes of it leading to something permanent.
"You know at eight in the morning, heavy thoughts should not be present. Besides what could possibly have you so concerned." Brenda said from behind him.
Almost jumping out of his skin, Sonny turned quickly. He didn't scare easily and he was always prepared for the possibility of danger, but this beautiful raven haired woman had snuck so successfully upon him, that he couldn't help the smile that formed. Men trained for stealth could learn something from her, although he did have to admit, she was over a hundred pounds lighter than them.
"Sorry, it has been a very long night." Sonny said, figuring if she wanted to know what was going on, she would ask, and if she didn't he wouldn't worry her.
"I noticed, your bed is to big when you are not sharing it with me. So, what is going on, you look like you were expecting the sky to fall or Armageddon was about to destroy the world." Brenda asked, trying to be strong but sounding strangely scared.
"I don't think it has anything to do with me, it's the threats to Jason and his family. It seems like it is just getting worse. Mac filled me in on a few things and Jason when they stopped by here also divulged a little more information. It seems not only has Lucky lost his mind, but Luke is on the bandwagon too. I can't believe I used to call him a friend, not after what he said." Sonny said, shaking his head. He couldn't explain why he felt the need to share this with Brenda, but he was going to try a new approach to relationships.
While he knew that if Brenda knew the wrong information, her life could be in danger, but that said, that same knowledge could save her. What a quandary he was in, the truth or lies, could one truly be seen as a safer route.
But the truth, no pun intended, would set him free, if he chose not to lie about any of his dealings, then he couldn't push her away with lies, then perhaps she would feel secure in their relationship to always tell the truth. He had to laugh at that, he had always been a firm believer that the truth worked for some, but for him, there were something better left unknown. Nevertheless if he wanted to give their possible relationship a go, he was willing to try, he was ready for the first, last and always… Yes it was high time for that, and happiness, it was about time for that too.
Brenda watched Sonny closely, downright shocked by his openness, his willingness to discuss what could possibly be classified as business. It kind of baffled the mind, she had been gone for a little while, but the changes that had come over two very steadfast men, well it was a miracle.
The Jason she had seen the past two days, was a man she would like to call friend. And then there was Sonny, lies and distrust had been one of their bigger downfalls, but she couldn't see that old Sonny, this new one was officially stealing her heart, with no intentions of giving it back, but that was quite alright, for once, everything felt as it should, like she had finally found home.
She would have had to laugh, had she known both Jason and Sonny had been thinking the same thing, albeit about different people. Yes, taking control of your life and standing strong by the man or woman you love, that was home, it was not a place per se, it was the all encompassing feelings that love and security brought to the forefront. The knowledge that so long as you stand strong together, you can survive anything. That was the beauty of home, you never had to go to a place to find it, you just looked inside your souls mate.
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Luke stumbled through the front door, not caring if he woke anyone in his drunken stupor. A friend, no Sonny was no friend, not any more. Acquaintance then, had dared through his one moment of indiscretion in his face, when he knew, and knew well how much that moment in time haunted him. What a sanctimonious weasel, Sonny Corinthos Jr. had no right, as if that wasn't the pot calling the kettle black.
His thoughts were a black hole of self-pity and self-recrimination. One moment he knew none of this was his fault, it laid on the heads of the Cassadine's and Webber's not to mention Sonny and Jason. They where the ones who had first lured his son to the dark side. Helena only used that to her benefit, as for little Lizzy Webber, well she obviously used all her womanly wiles to trap her son. He!! she even had him ready to raise a son, not his own.
Very few brief flashes of sanity tried to work its way into his mind. And during those rare moments, he understood he was just lashing out at anyone, because he couldn't handle the fact that he was possibly going to lose his son again.
But those moments were brief, and as soon as the compassion tried to find a foothold, he slammed another shot of bourbon. There was much thinking to be done, and it demanded, he not do it sober. He agreed wholeheartedly, his mind was a sinking, rotting cesspool to begin with, it was always much easier to handle when it had be subdued some.
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Elizabeth came awake gradually, until her had hit emptiness, then she bolted upright, her eyes searching her room, a panic rat tried to gnaw, then her eyes fell on his pillow and that was when she saw the note.
She couldn't help the bubble of laughter that spilled from deep inside, she was only partially awake, but Jason's masculine script looked all to precious in the bright blue crayon.
Grasping the letter as if it held the most precious secrets of the world, she opened it and began to read.
Good Morning My Love,
I thought about waking you, but you looked to peaceful, besides you need your rest. So don't argue or fight with me, just enjoy the extra time you had to sleep.
I will either be downstairs spending some quality guy time with out boys, or I am over at Sonny's. I had an idea while I was sleeping and wanted to check it out.
So either way, I won't be too long. If I did leave and you are still asleep when I get back, I promise to wake you up, like you have never been woken before. And should you be awake, well then I guess I will just have to save those thoughts for later.
Love you,
Jason….
The images flashing through her mind, was almost enough encouragement for her to roll over and go back to sleep, but the soft cry of her youngest son, that was all the encouragement she needed to budge her from her warm bed.
She pulled her robe around her body, tying it before she hurried from her room. "Mommy's coming buddy, hang on." She called, hoping her voice would soothe him.
Just as she walked into his room, she saw Isabella coming up the stairs, a bottle in hand. "Good morning Isabella, how are you today, is Jason home?" Elizabeth asked.
"Morning Mrs. Morgan, I'm good and no, Mr. Morgan left about an hour ago. I was just going to feed Alan and get him changed so I could take him and Cameron to the park." Isabella replied, her soft voice hard to hear.
"Well how bout you give me Alan's bottle and you and Cameron can go to the park, that way, you two get some time alone. Besides with the elevated risk, I would feel much more comfortable if you only had to watch one boy. And please remember, three guards now, at least for the time being." Elizabeth said, not wanting to worry the nanny, but not knowing any other way to make sure she understood the gravity of the situation.
"Are you sure, watching both children is my job, I do not want you to think I can't do my job." Isabella said, worrying her bottom lip.
"Don't be foolish, Jason and I know you can handle this job, we are just concerned about the threat that is hanging over us right now. But really, I would like a little time alone with Alan, he is growing so fast, I feel like I am missing out on so much." Elizabeth said, gently squeezing Isa's shoulder.
"As you wish!" Isabella said, handing the bottle over and returning to the living room.
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Jason knocked once, but walked in, what was family for, if you couldn't come in without being asked to do so.
Jason had to stifle a laugh, Stan sat at the dining room table, hunched over, looking very elderly in posture.
Then there was Spinelli, an extra large pizza with only one slice left, sat to the left of his computer, along with five empty bottles of what Jason surmised to be orange pop. Somehow the kid functioned off all the crap that was without sustenance, he not only lived on it, but seemed to thrive on the junk.
The young man spared a quick glance at Jason, before he ducked his head and proceeded with whatever it was he was doing.
As far as Jason could tell, they had both been at least moderately successful, there were numerous printouts set-off to one side of both computers, although the younger man's pages had a decidedly grease sheen to them.
Jason followed the sounds that were issuing from the kitchen. He wished that he had announced his presence, seeing as how the two occupants were looked in a very passionate kiss.
Jason cleared his throat, but couldn't help the smile that surfaced. Sonny looked more relaxed than he ever had before, and while a twinge of anger tried to take possession of him, he banished it before it could do more than flash a brief message. Things had been undoubtedly tense for a long time now, his best friend deserved a chance at some peace, although right now he would much prefer everyone's focus to be centered on who wrote the note.
"Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to get caught up on everything. Elizabeth was sleeping when I left, so I would like to get back before she wakes up." Jason said, ducking his head to hide the smile that would not disappear.
"Don't worry, I am sure I have done it to you numerous times. Although, I don't know how much help I can be, except that Luke seems to think that Helena is behind this, or rather behind Lucky's supposedly odd behavior, he doesn't believe he could do something like that, but really, I don't really see why she would have anything to gain tormenting Elizabeth and should Helena be controlling Lucky again, that is their problem, not ours. So what do you think?" Sonny asked, his easy smile turning to a frown.
"I don't have a clue, I suppose it would be worth looking into, a lead is a lead after all. What aren't you telling me, why do you suddenly look like someone told you your best friend died?" Jason enquired, something didn't feel right, he only hoped Sonny wouldn't try to keep it quiet to assuage some debt he felt was due.
"I didn't want to worry you, but perhaps it would be better if you stayed on your guard. Luke wasn't outright threatening to hurt Elizabeth, but he made enough innuendo's to cause me to worry. He also believes this is all Liz's fault. I think it would be wise to keep your family home for the time being, or even to take your honeymoon. You were going to take the boys with you, weren't you?" Sonny replied, hating the way his words caused Jason's shoulders to sag in something akin to defeat.
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Elizabeth finished changing Alan, then quietly sat down in the rocker. Placing the bottle to his lips, Alan's mouth quickly latched on. She couldn't help the smile that surfaced. Even with everything going on and happiness so fleeting, she basked in the happiness that her life with Jason allowed.
She couldn't stop her eyes from roving over her sons features. There was so much that reminded her of Jason, such as Alan's eyes, the same clear cobalt blue and even so young, his eyes spoke volumes about some greater truth, all you had to do was search his eyes long enough and the truth's of the world would be bestowed.
So perhaps she was slightly biased, but she couldn't help it, the way his lips quirked and the way his brow scrunched up, those were all characteristics that Jason had. Watch out girls, your hearts won't be safe, he's going to be a heartbreaker, just like his daddy.
She had planned on staying in his room for some time, taking joy in being alone with Alan, but suddenly her stomach had other ideas. Not wanting to wake her son, she softly placed him in his crib, then quickly fled to the bathroom.
Within moments of falling to her knees, she lost everything that had remained on her stomach from the previous day. It didn't take long for her body to be reduced to dry heaves, rocking her small form. The effort it took, caused tears to spring to her eyes. She tried to retreat, but her stomach had other ideas, so in defeat she slumped against the cold porcelain, awaiting her body's agreement that it was okay to move.
She was brought back to the moment when she heard Alan's cries. Trying to think clearly, one thought pounded in her mind. 'He just fell asleep, there was no reason he should be awake.'
Fighting the wave of dizziness and nausea, she slowly got to her feet. She took one step, then another, but her body didn't agree with the movement and suddenly her world was growing dim and the cold tile of the floor was rushing up to meet her.
Before she lost consciousness altogether, she heard a masculine voice, cooing to her son, but it was not Jason's. Fear and anger fought for control within, but the blooming darkness repudiated her inner war. Her head slumped to the side as a tall figure passed by the bathroom, and before her mind completely shut down, she saw her son in those unloving arms.
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