Author's Note: My sincere thanks to everybody who have read, saved in favorites, set to alert or commented on 'Till You Make It'. I really do appreciate it. As you know tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I want to wish everybody a great one filled with memorable moments for you and your loved ones.

I will be a very busy bee this weekend. On Friday I will be decorating my home for Christmas a tradition I was raised up with. Then on Saturday I will be helping my mother hold a family get together to welcome home her fiancé who has just made it back from Iraq a few days ago where he spent servicing our country. And during this time of the year Sunday's is football day. I am a fan who watches all the games and yells at her TV. Yep, I'm one of those people =D

Why I am telling you all of this is because I wanted you to understand that I may not be able to post a chapter next Wednesday; unless I can type up a chapter in two days. Of course I will try my best but I can't guarantee anything. It might be posted a few days late or I may hold off till the following Wednesday that way I can stick to the schedule I have been on. I sincerely apologize to you all for this.

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoy!

Valerie

Chapter 8: A Day at the Park

The park was full with people taking advantage of the warm sun shining down from the clear blue sky. Children were running around enjoying the freedom that summer break gave them. All around him laughter was in the air but Ethan wasn't aware of any of it. His mind seemed to be elsewhere. After leaving Johnny's this morning he headed back to the Haunted Star to try and get a few more hours of sleep. The attempt was a failure and he ended up at the park wandering around aimlessly. The headache he had earlier had eased up – thankfully. He knew he had to have a clear head for tonight's poker game he had set up. This was something he had to do because he was low on cash; there hadn't been much Johnny needed him to do lately. Of course he could easily just take the man up on his offer and work for him instead of waiting for odd jobs here and there that way he wouldn't have to worry about money. Then he thought of the gun he would have to carry and dropped that thought immediately. Realistically he knew he would have to settle down with a job. He couldn't run cons for the rest of his life.

A teenager and his dog ran past Ethan making him realize he was not paying attention to his surroundings. He looked around to take notice of the area and spotted a familiar figure sitting alone on a blanket. Elizabeth Webber was gazing in the direction where a group of kids were playing. He recognized Cameron and Jake among them. "Hey." Ethan greeted her when he was close enough for her to hear him. She swerved her head in his direction and lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

"Ethan. Hi." Elizabeth responded with a friendly smile. "Are you taking advantage of this nice weather too?"

"How could I not."

"Are you meeting somebody here?"

"No. I'm just out for a casual stroll."

"Well if you're not busy why don't you have a seat and join me. I could use the company."

"Sure." Elizabeth scooted herself over making room for him. Ethan sat down beside her and pulled up his legs so he could rest his arms on his knees. His hands dangled free.

"Have you been here long?" He asked.

"We just got here. I took the boys to pick up some clothes for them to dirty up for the summer. They outgrew their old ones."

"They look like they are having fun."

"They are. They couldn't wait to get here. I was so glad it didn't take long buying them their clothes. Of course I will be singing a different tune when the time comes to buy them school clothes."

"It probably doesn't help that they are both boys."

"You've got that right."

"So I take it you have the day off."

"Yeah. I go back to work tomorrow." Elizabeth pulled up her stretched legs and crossed them. "Just so you know Kristina is meeting me here." That didn't surprise him.

"Did you two meet up for coffee this morning?"

"We did."

"I think it's great she has you for a friend." Ethan admitted. "Kristina has quite a few women in her life but none of them she could actually call a friend."

"We've only know each other since Tuesday but I enjoy her company."

"It's hard not to like her. Even after all the crazy things she can come up with." Elizabeth chuckled.

"It sounds like you know her well."

"We're close. She's a good kid and I enjoy spending time with her."

"I wouldn't exactly call her a kid. Not after all she's been through. When you go through a trauma like she did it changes you. Outside everything may look the same but inside its different. Trust me I know. It used to anger me when people refused to accept who I had become. The tighter they tried to hold on to the old me the harder I pushed them away." She looked straight at him. "Don't do the same thing with Kristina or you will lose her. I haven't spent time with the two of you but from what she has told me that's what it sounds like you're doing." Elizabeth returned her gaze to where the boys were playing giving him time to think about what she just said. Was that what he was doing? Ethan honestly didn't know he was. When it came to Kristina he always tried to tread lightly where she was concerned because of the crush she had on him. Maybe in doing so he missed out on some things.

"What do you propose I do?" He asked Elizabeth.

"For one stop treating her like a child." She was quick to answer. "I know she has had feelings for you for awhile now and it's obvious by your actions that you don't feel the same way but using her age as your reason is not right. Be honest in your explanation as you would to any other woman." He never thought of it that way. Kristina's age has always been an issue between them and because of it he has treated her a little differently. Elizabeth excused herself to tend to Jake who had fallen and scraped his knee. He knew that Kristina would be arriving any minute now and he was unsure what to do; stay or leave, but the decision was taken out of his hands when she surprised him by sitting beside him.

"Hey. Are you joining us?"

"For a bit." Ethan answered. "The day is nice so I thought I'd enjoy it." He nodded a greeting to Ray who was standing a few feet away.

"It is, isn't it?" She slipped her sandals off her feet and stretched her legs out. "Thank you again for dinner last night."

"Sure. I am glad we can be friends again."

"So am I."

"Hey." Elizabeth greeted Kristina when she returned from tending to her son.

"Hey. How did the shopping go?"

"Easy and uneventful just the way I like it." She laughed. "It didn't take us that long."

"Oh, I hope you weren't here alone too long."

"No, Ethan happened to pass by and kept me company."

"Well he is good company to have." Ethan pressed his hands to his heart and tilted his head dramatically.

"Why thank you love."

"You don't have to be so far from us." Elizabeth told Ray when she noticed him. "Sit down."

"Thank you Ms. Webber but I'm fine standing up."

"Please call me Elizabeth." She corrected him.

"Well if you won't sit down then at least stand close so you won't stick out like a sore thumb." Kristina told him. The man threw her a glare. Ethan hid his smile. It was definitely not going to be an easy job guarding her. Ray moved closer and now seemed to be looming over them. "Just sit down. I am sure you will be able to still scope the area." He wisely chose to sit. Elizabeth was now the one trying to hide her smile. "Is tomorrow still a go?" Kristina asked her.

"Yeah. Nikolas is bringing the food since I haven't gotten the handle on grilling." This surprised Ethan.

"It's pretty easy." He jumped in. "I can show you one day."

"That would be great. I'd appreciate it."

"Sure. Just let me know when."

"How about tomorrow? You can join us."

"I wouldn't want to intrude." Elizabeth rolled her eyes. It made him chuckle. "Tomorrow it is." Ethan had a feeling she wouldn't accept no for an answer.

"Good. Whatever time you want to come over and get things ready is fine with me. I get off at one."

"What will he be grilling?" Kristina asked.

"That's a good question." She seemed to be thinking about it. "I haven't gotten anything since up until now Nikolas had planned on bringing the food."

"I can always pick something up on my way over." Ethan suggested.

"Oh, that would be great. I will call Nikolas tonight and let him know about the changes."

"Who will all be there?"

"Just us and Nikolas." Kristina answered then looked at Elizabeth questionably. "Unless there were others you invited?"

"No. So far that's it."

"Are you sure there is nobody else you would like to invite?" She asked with a tilt of her eyebrow and a smirk on her face. Elizabeth shook her head and laughed; Kristina joined her. Ethan smiled at the ease the two had with each other.

"Mommy I'm thirsty." Cameron announced as he and Jake walked up to their mother. Elizabeth pulled a couple of water bottles out from a bag and handed one to each. Ethan's eyed widened a bit when he saw Jake sit down on Kristina's lap. Obviously they had met.

"Boys remember your manners and say hello to your Uncle Ethan."

"Hi." They both said at the same time. Being called an Uncle would take some getting used to.

"And this nice man here is Ray." Elizabeth introduced the guard.

"Are you Krissy's friend?" Cameron asked.

"He protects me." Kristina answered. It probably would have been better if she had just gone with it because now it would have to be explained.

"Are you a policeman like my daddy?" Cameron asked Ray directly.

"No I'm a private guard who watches over Kristina." The boy seemed to not understand this. "There are a lot of people who don't like her daddy and will try to hurt her because of it."

"That's not nice."

"No it isn't." He agreed. Ethan saw that Jake was listening with fascination. "And while your daddy is trying to put all these people away I'm here to make sure nothing happens to her."

"Wow."

"Do you have a gun too?" Jake asked joining in the conversation.

"Yes I do but I never bring it out unless I have to. Guns are very dangerous."

"Daddy says me and my brother can't touch one ever." Cameron added.

"That's good because somebody could get hurt very badly. So make sure you listen to him and don't ever touch one, okay?" Both boys nodded their heads. That seemed to be the end of that conversation. Elizabeth leaned over and whispered a soft thank you to Ray; he nodded in return.

"I love park days." She then said. "They don't give me as much problems at bedtime as they usually do." Elizabeth joked while tickling Cameron who now sat in her lap.

"I go to bed mommy." he argued.

"I know baby." She hugged her eldest son. The boy suddenly glanced at him.

"Do you like playing ball Uncle Ethan?"

"I sure do."

"Will you play with us?" This caught Jake's attention.

"That sounds like a lot of fun." Immediately both boys jumped up from the women's lap eager to play. Elizabeth pulled out a football from her bag and tossed it at him.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He smiled down at both boys. "You ready?" They each nodded and followed him to a nearby open area.

Despite the small headache he still had from his hangover, Ethan had to admit he was having a good time. The boys began opening up a little to him. Each asking him questions after questions. He was glad he took a walk through the park and that he stayed. This was far more enjoyable than whatever he would have done at the Haunted Star. For awhile Kristina and Elizabeth would cheer them on at times but for the last few minutes he noticed they had stop. He knew Ray was there so he didn't have anything to worry about but that didn't stop him from pausing, after Cameron tossed the ball to him, and turning around to check on them. What he saw was his friend Johnny who must have just arrived. He was about to greet the man when Kristina flung herself in his arms. This made him frown.

After the morning she had, Elizabeth was grateful that the afternoon seemed to be going along fine. Jason showing up unexpectedly at Java Junkie took a toll on her. It didn't help that she was still exhausted from the turmoil she went through last night because of him. It kept her up part of the night. Well, not completely. Johnny had a hand in it too. One minute she would be thinking about Jason and the next the man whose fingertips she could still feel trailing across her back. Tonight she knew she had to get some sleep because for the next two days her shifts started earlier. Elizabeth didn't mind. It meant that she would be getting off early to enjoy such things like the barbeque she was having tomorrow; the one that Kristina insisted she invite Johnny to.

"You really are going to make me regret telling you anything." Ethan was occupied with playing football with her boys to hear their conversation and though Ray was next to them and could hear what they were saying, with him she didn't have to worry about it getting back to Lucky. Elizabeth doubted the two would ever converse.

"Come on Elizabeth." Kristina was not giving up. "You already admitted that you find yourself attracted to him." True. But inviting him over to her home was a different story. For one her boys would be there and second so will Nikolas. She could only imagine what her friend would say seeing her with Johnny Zacchara.

"I just think that it would be better if we didn't have an audience for the first time we meet up. I think you can understand that."

"Yeah, I guess I can." She didn't sound so thrilled about it. "So when do you think you will go out with him."

"Wow. At the pace you're pushing, I wouldn't be surprised if you had us married soon...I was joking Kristina." Elizabeth reminded the girl when she saw the smile and dreamy look in her eyes. "It's been awhile since I've been on a date and even longer since I've been in a relationship. So believe me when I say that marriage is not something that will be happening anytime soon."

"You can't say that for sure." She argued. "Things change after falling in love." Kristina was right about that but she forgot one thing.

"I have been in love and married too many times. The next time it happens, I am going to be more cautious about it."

"That's a sad way of going about it."

"Once you've been through what I have then you'd understand why it has to be that way. I have to consider my boys. It affects them too."

"So if he was to ask you out would you say yes?" Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at her persistence.

"Has anybody ever told you that you are pushy?"

"Many times but she doesn't listen." A male voice not belonging to Ethan answered at the same time Ray snorted in response. Elizabeth shielded her eyes and looked up at the man who was smiling down at the two. "Whatever it is she is pushing you on I suggest you go with it." Johnny continued. "She won't give up."

"That is not a bad thing." Kristina defended herself as she stood up. Elizabeth did the same.

"If I had known you two ladies were here at the park I sure would've been here earlier." The man's eyes captured hers.

"Elizabeth. Nice seeing you again." There was that feeling again. The one she felt when they danced last night.

"Johnny." She smiled. "I am glad to see you. It gives me the chance to thank you for returning my car. I appreciate it."

"It was no problem. I'm glad I ran into you. It gives me a chance to ask you something." Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat. Was he about to ask her out on a date? Kristina tried to be sly and shift her body to the side so that she was no longer standing between her and Johnny. It didn't work. Not only did she see that but she also saw the huge smile that was plastered on the girl's face. "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me one night."

"I would love too." Kristina squealed in delight and flung herself in Johnny's arms. This made Elizabeth and Ray laugh.

"Hey mate." Ethan walked up and greeted Johnny.

"You look a lot better than you did this morning." Elizabeth wondered if Ethan turned to him about what conspired between him and Kristina.

"It's amazing what sunshine and good company will do for you." Ethan turned around and tossed the ball back at her son Cameron. Her boys carried on without their Uncle. "What brings you by?"

"I was passing through on my way to take care of a few things." Johnny answered. "I could use your help. You have a few hours to spare?"

"Sure. When do you want to leave?"

"I'm in no rush." Elizabeth noticed Ethan's eyes straying to the arm that was still wrapped around Kristina's waist. She had to tilt her head a little to the side so that he didn't see the expression she was making and question her. After all she couldn't very well tell him that it was because she could see the jealousy in his eyes. Ray was noticing the same thing. Their eyes met and he slightly shook his head in exasperation.

Her attention was captured by the boys when she saw Cameron holding the football high over his head and Jake jumping up trying to get it. It was clear this was not for fun seeing as Jake seemed close to tears. Often when this happened it meant her youngest son was angry and soon would do something to lash out. Before she could diffuse the situation Cameron decided to body shove his brother. "I'll be right back." Elizabeth excused herself and walked up to the boys where she scolded her eldest and punished him by making him sit out for ten minutes. Cameron was not happy about that but chose not to argue like he so often would. The last few times he had done that Elizabeth had added on an extra five minutes. It appears her son was learning. She rejoined the others.

"Are the boys okay?" Kristina asked her.

"Just a little big brother bullying." All three heads turned to where Cameron sat in the grass sulking as he watched his brother began playing ball with the other children.

"Do you mind if I go over and talk to him." Elizabeth offered Ethan an appreciative smile.

"That would be great. Thanks." He began walking towards her son.

"I think I will join him." Kristina quickly followed behind, dragging Ray with her. Like Elizabeth didn't know what she was doing.

"You know I really do have a lot to thank that girl for." Johnny said as he took a step closer to her. "I'll have to get her something." He pulled his phone out from his pant pocket and began fiddling with it. "After all it was her who convinced you to wear that sexy dress that I still can picture you in." Elizabeth felt like the heat had just been turned up another notch. "And who just gave me a few minutes alone with you." His phone was passed over to her. Elizabeth knew what he wanted so she accepted it and programmed her number underneath where he already had her name typed in.

"I am sure that will please her." She handed him back his phone. Johnny tucked it back in his jeans.

"How does Monday night sound?" It was perfect since she had Tuesday off. Getting a babysitter wouldn't be a problem. Elizabeth knew Kristina would say yes if she asked her.

"It sounds good."

"I am looking forward to it."

"I am too."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Have dinner? I wouldn't have said yes if it wasn't."

"But I am a Zacchara and..."

"I'm not going into this blindly. I know who you are. I know who your father is and I know what you do. Does it concern me – yes, but I still want to have dinner with you." He unleashed a sexy smile on her and took another step closer.

"Then it's a date Ms. Webber." His gaze drifted to her lips where she was biting on it; something she did when she was nervous. Johnny groaned and stepped back. "Monday can't come soon enough." That made her stomach flutter.

Kristina and Ray chose that moment to return. Ethan a few minutes later. Johnny told him it was time for them to go. The men said their goodbyes leaving Elizabeth alone with the girl who was smiling at her with the reminiscent of the cat that ate the canary. "Since you are clearly happy about the date then you won't mind babysitting the boys Monday night." Then she remembered what was happening that same day. "Oh wait. You start your job that same day." Kristina waved her hand.

"In the morning."

"Yeah but you have to be at work early the next day. I don't want to keep you up so late."

"Oh please. I will be fine. In fact I just may stay the night; that is if it's alright with you?"

"That's actually a good idea."

"So it's settled. Now tomorrow I plan on raiding your closet again."

"I expected you would."

"Elizabeth." The voice startled her. Looking up she recognized the woman standing before her. She wondered what Brook Lynn was doing here. The last time Elizabeth saw her was the day before she and Nikolas had ended their relationship. The fact that her friend was not all that heartbroken over the break up told her that it wouldn't have worked out in the long run.

"Hi." Elizabeth greeted as she stood up. She was surprised Brook Lynn stopped to talk to her. "I thought you had left to pursue your music...career." She stumbled over her words when she got a full look at her.

"It didn't work out." Something was wrong. It was obvious by the way the woman avoided looking at her directly and her appearance. Brook Lynn's hair was a wild mess tied back in a sloppy pony tail, her face was devoid of any type of makeup and she was dressed in jeans and a loose fitting t-shirt. So unlike her.

"I am sorry to hear that. I know that singing is your life."

"Things change." She grabbed her hand surprising Brook Lynn. It forced the woman to look up which was what Elizabeth wanted her to do. The lifeless haunting expression in her eyes told her what she needed to know. Somebody had hurt her – badly. She recognized that look. It was the same one she wore a long time ago after she was raped. Immediately Elizabeth released her hand knowing if that was the case then the last thing she would want to be was touched.

"Are you staying with the Quartermaine's?" She shook her head.

"I rented a room at Jake's." Her voice was soft, like she was afraid to speak too loudly. "I'm not up to seeing people." Elizabeth could understand. She would have to make sure that Kristina kept this news to herself.

"I won't say a word." She promised her.

"Thanks."

"Would you like to join us?" Brook Lynn and she had never really gotten along. Elizabeth had always felt the woman was only dating Nikolas because of his money. Often she had been rude to her. She hoped to correct that and make amends for her behavior.

"I don't know." She looked unsure and kept stealing glances at the two people behind her.

"The boys should be getting tired soon and I'll be taking them home. Why don't you stop by this evening for dinner?"

"Okay."

"You remember where I live?" She nodded her head. "Great."

"Well. I will see you later." Brook Lynn looked down at Kristina. "I'm sorry I intruded."

"Don't worry."

"Okay. Bye." She plastered a fake smile and turned around heading towards the same area she just came from. Elizabeth watched her walk away.

"She's been hurt like us hasn't she?" Kristina must have recognized the same thing she did.

"Looks like it." She answered as she sat back down.

"We have to help her."

"That's what I'm going to try to do tonight."

"Let me know if you need my help for anything." Elizabeth offered her a smile.

"I will."

Ray Alvarez silently watched as the two women carried on their conversation. From the sounds of it Kristina was trying to push Elizabeth and Johnny together. This would have amused him had he not seen the exchange between the two. It was clear there was something between his boss and Ms. Webber; but there was also something between him and Kristina. They just haven't realized it yet. The first time he saw the two together Ray had assumed that they were in a relationship or at least the beginning of starting one. Then he met Ethan and realized that was not the case. She was in love with the Aussie but the man did not return her feelings; at least that's what he says, but that was not the truth. He has seen enough to know the man returned those feelings - only he too hasn't realized it yet. Now from the looks of things Ethan was starting to.

This might have been a good thing if it weren't for the fact that despite his incorrect assumption of the nature of Johnny and Kristina's relationship, he was right in his assessment of the closeness between them. They had a connection. If either of them figure that out then this had the makings of becoming a messy triangle that could end all their friendships. Adding Ms. Webber to the mix just made things that much messier. The woman brought with her baggage of her own in the form of Jason Morgan; the enforcer she had history with. He did not know the details of their relationship but he did know that the man still cared for Elizabeth. That was obvious by the exchange they had this morning at the café he witnessed between them as he sat in his car. He could only imagine how that made Kristina feel since Mr. Morgan was now dating her older sister. One thing was for sure, how this all unfolded would be interesting to watch.

The arrival of a new person captured Ray's attention. It was a woman he did not recognize. She was beautiful but haunted by something. He could tell by her body language and the look in her eyes when he saw them clearly for the first time. She did not stay long and throughout the entire time her name was never spoken once. What was it? Ray wanted to ask but he didn't. Instead he watched with Kristina and Elizabeth as the woman walked away. She's been hurt like us hasn't she? Kristina's words were like a punch to his stomach. His head swiveled to the back of their heads. What did she mean by that? Were they both hurt like his mother was? Those questions plagued his mind for the remainder of the time they stayed at the park. Soon Elizabeth's two little boys showed signs of tiredness and she decided to call it a day. Kristina spent a few minutes saying goodbye to the three before they began walking to the parking lot where their cars sat.

"Where to next?" He asked her as she unlocked her door.

"Let me make a quick call before I answer that." Kristina pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Hey Sam...not much. I was calling because Jason checked out my new job and found nothing wrong...yeah I was hoping we could tell mom tonight...no, that sounds good...okay, I will see you both later then." She ended the call and re-tucked her phone in her jean pocket. "Looks like you have your night free."

"What are your plans until then?"

"I honestly don't know. I guess I can go home." That didn't sound like something she wanted to do.

"Was there somebody else you can meet up with to help pass the time?"

"Not really." The girl didn't have a lot of friends; but then the same could be said about Ray. Only with him it was something he did on purpose. Having friends meant having to open up to others and that was something he couldn't do. Not yet. There were things that nobody could find out about him until the time was right. "Actually I think I will head over to Kelly's and treat me to some ice cream."

Ray climbed in his car and followed her to the diner. When they arrived he waited outside while Kristina went in. Her grandfather was working and she spent a few minutes talking to him. She told him something that made him walk around the counter to offer her a hug. After accepting the large cone she began walking back to the door. Ray stood up and stepped away from the front area so that the man didn't see him with his granddaughter and question this. His boss had already informed him to do his best not to be caught by anybody from her family or the Corinthos Organization. If that were to happen then he would need to come up with a lie immediately.

"Let's go for a walk." She suggested.

"Lead the way." Their walk led them to the docks where Kristina seated herself on an empty bench. Ray didn't like her being in the area. He knew a lot of transactions and meetings took place here but telling her this would achieve nothing. All it would do was set her off and an argument was the last thing he wanted to get into right now. He needed to keep his focus sharp on their surroundings.

"How come you dress differently than other bodyguards?"

"Because your situation is a unique one." He responded immediately. "The last thing we want people to know is that I am your bodyguard. Should we ever run into anybody, like your family, then with me in casual clothes we have a better chance in giving them a believable explanation."

"I didn't think of that." She went back to enjoying her ice cream before breaking the silence again. "I know you are supposed to report everything to Johnny but could you leave out the last part? I don't think Brook Lynn wants to run into anybody right now." So that was her name.

"I can't do that but I can let you be the one to tell him."

"Are you one of those 'by the book' kinds of guys?"

"When it comes to my job I am."

"Of all the guys he has employed for him he sticks me with this one." Kristina mumbled as she began dialing a number on her phone. He suspected she was calling his boss. He stood back and listened as she told him about Elizabeth's run in. Ray wondered what the nature of his relationship was with Brook Lynn. Were they close friends or did they date at one time? "Thanks Johnny...okay, I will. Bye." She looked up at him. "There I told him. Are you happy?"

"Very, thank you."

"Whatever." She sat there sulking like a petulant child while she ate her ice cream in silence. A few people passed by but luckily nobody that knew Kristina. Ray had no doubt that day would come and he hoped when it did that it won't be as bad as his boss told him it may be. Not that he wouldn't understand her family reacting badly by his presence; after all he was a paid guard of their enemy's organization. From the beginning he hated this idea. It meant spending time away from his boss making it hard for him to do what he needed to do. Now he no longer thought that. If anything guarding Kristina has brought Ray closer to knowing him better and so far what he has discovered is that Johnny Zacchara seems to be a good man. That was not what he was expecting. It made things complicated. The sound of a sigh made him avert his gaze towards the bench.

"Is something wrong?" He asked her.

"What do you care?" Ray sighed.

"I know you hate my presence but it would be more bearable if you would just accept that you did agree to this. I'm not a bad person and I will remind you that I am the man who is willing to put his life on the line to save yours so please remember that the next time you question why I do the things I do."

"You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just worried about Brook Lynn and wish there was something I can do to help."

"You are helping by not crowding her. I like to think I'm pretty good at reading people and what I got from your friend was that she deliberately sought Elizabeth out."

"Really?" He nodded his head.

"And on some level I think Elizabeth knew that." He took a lengthy pause. "How badly were you hurt?" Ray didn't have to elaborate any more than that. He was pretty sure Kristina understood the question. Her head bowed down. "I'm sorry I don't mean to pry."

"You're not. My boyfriend Kiefer beat me up. It started off with a slap here and a slap there and afterwards he would apologize and promised not do it again. One night I made him really angry and he hit me only this time he didn't stop." It explained so much about her. He now understood why Kristina rebelled when ever anybody told her what to do; especially when it was coming from a man. It probably made her feel weak and took her back to those days.

"Is that what you think has happened to your friend?"

"No, I think it was much worse. That's why Elizabeth is the right person to help her." Which meant that Elizabeth was raped like his mother was. Ray wondered when that happened. It had to have been awhile ago because she seemed pretty well together unlike the girl sitting in front of him who was still wrestling with what happened to her. "Hopefully she can help her."

"I'm sure she will but you know it will take time. It's not something you can get over quickly. Some never recover from it." Her head lifted and she stared at him curiously. Immediately he knew he said too much.

"It sounds like you know that personally. Did somebody you are close to go through something like that?" He didn't want to lie. Ray learned a long time ago that lies just got you into trouble. It was better to stick as close to the truth as possible. It was the details that he left out.

"My mother was raped." What he didn't tell her was that he was the result of it. It tended to make people look at you differently and often others feared he would turn out to be a rapist too. So he withheld that information.

"I'm sorry." He acknowledged with a nod. "I think I am going to head on home now."

"Lead the way."

From the top of the stairs, hidden behind a wall, Anthony Zacchara watched as Kristina sat talking to the buffoon of a guard his son put on the mob princess. The fact that he put one on her at all brought a wicked smile to his face. Johnny thought he had up one on this old man but how wrong his foolish sonny boy was. The move was so damn predictable and it did nothing but only prove to him that he was on the right path. That girl was the way to make his son break that ridiculous truce he made with her father and finally help him succeed in bringing Sonny Corinthos to his knees. Only then can John truly be the man Anthony always imagined him to be instead of the disappointment he was now. He knew he could bring out the Zacchara blood that runs deep inside his son's veins. All he needed was a little coercing and who better to help do that than the very girl who was now walking away.

As soon as they were out of sight he stepped out from the shadows and bounded down the stairs. Seeing Johnny and Kristina together the other day and witnessing how close the two were was what gave him the idea in the first place. He knew they were friends but he had no idea just how much he cared for her. It reminded him of the bond John shared with his sister. Oh he knew the young Corinthos was no Claudia but the girl had potential. Once the idea had been planted in his mind he knew what needed to be done. Of course Anthony had hoped the two would naturally come together all on their own but with Kristina's fascination with the insipid Spencer bastard, that would not be the case. So he would have to step in and help speed things along. This would be a delicate task and he would make sure to handle things himself. This was much too important to trust anybody else to do for him. Nothing could go wrong. For now he had to be careful with his planning and make sure Johnny suspected nothing and what better way to do that than to keep his son preoccupied with the other 'project' Anthony had going on.

That evening when her mother arrived home after work she was surprised to see Sam and Jason sitting there with her and Molly. Kristina jumped up from the couch and greeted her. "Look who is joining us for dinner."

"Not only joining but brought it too." Sam said as she pointed out the cartons of Chinese food spread across the dining room table.

"This is a lovely surprise." Alexis hugged each of her daughters. "Hello Jason. It's nice to see you."

"Alexis." He greeted in return. Her mother laid her briefcase down and slipped out of her heels with a sigh.

"Tough day?" Sam asked her as she joined their mother on the couch.

"Very."

"Any closer to a breakthrough on the case you've been working on."

"Actually a development came up today. I'm hoping it pans out."

"That's good. If you need any help you can come to me." Sam offered.

"I know." She caressed her sister's cheek. "So how about we eat and you all can tell me how your day was." They spent the next hour doing just that with Kristina being the last one to go. She told them about enjoying the sun by spending the day at the park but left out who she was there with. Jason knew though because as soon as he heard this, his head averted in her direction and she could feel his eyes on her. She ignored him and forged ahead with the main reason they were all gathered here right now.

"So I have some news I want to share with you." Her mother looked nervous by this. "I got a job." She just came right out and announced." Molly jumped up in excitement and ran around the table to hug her.

"That is so cool. Where are you going to work at? What are you going to be doing? When do you start?" Her younger sister was slinging questions out so fast Kristina wasn't able to answer one of them.

"Whoa, slow down there." Sam told her. "Give Krissy a chance to speak."

"I will be working at Java Junkie. It's a small café. I start on Monday and I will be working from six in the morning till one. That leaves my days free. And the best news is that when my classes start in the fall they are willing to work around my schedule." The last part was not true but Kristina was sure by then she could make it so that it was.

"What made you decide this?" Her mother finally spoke up.

"It's something I wanted to do."

"I just don't think now is a good time for you to get a job." Just as she predicted, her mother wasn't thrilled by this.

"Why not?"

"Well for one, you need to concentrate on your schooling. Law is now an easy study. It will require a lot of your time that a job would only cut into."

"I thought of this mom."

"I'm not sure you have. Not only would it cut into your time but think of all the hours you will be putting into studying. A job will just add to the stress that you will already have on your shoulders and that's the last thing you need. You have to be on top of your game to succeed my daughter."

"I disagree with you, mom." Sam stepped in. "I think Krissy working is a great idea. It will be a great learning experience."

"What; teaching her how to wait on others?"

"There is nothing wrong with that." Kristina said.

"Of course there isn't honey. That's not what I meant. I just know how tough a road you're about to embark on and believe me when I say a job is not what you need right now."

"It might not be what I need but it's what I want. Why can't you understand that?"

"I do understand. I even commend you on it but the answer is no." Kristina could feel the sting of tears surface as her anger began rising. "Besides it's not like you need the money."

"That's not exactly the point here though mom." Sam told her. Kristina was glad she had her there to help out. "This is about Krissy making it on her own and the satisfaction she will get when she cashes her paychecks. I know I've already said it but having a job really is a great learning experience and it will help her be independent."

"I think we can all agree that she is not ready for that. She hasn't exactly been making the best of decisions lately. And need I remind you that she is also still too young..."

"I will be turning nineteen soon mom." The age comment set her off. "When are you and dad going to get that? I know I have made stupid decisions; plenty of them, and I'm sure there will be more I will make but I am learning from my mistakes."

"I know you think eighteen makes you an adult but it really doesn't. That comes from maturity..."

"Then let her mature instead of holding her back." Sam said.

"Sweetie I know you think you are helping your sister, and I love that you are there for her, but this is not something you have a say so in."

"But it is something I do have since it is my life we are talking about here."

"I don't want to argue about this Kristina."

"Neither do I mom."

"Then just drop it."

"Fine." Kristina jumped out of her chair. "I was hoping you would be supportive about my new job but I see that's not going to happen so we will have to agree to disagree." She turned around to walk away.

"Oh no, I don't think so. I'm sorry but you are not keeping that job." Her mother's words stopped her in her tracks.

"Excuse me?" Slowly she turned back around and looked at her in disbelief. "That is my decision not yours."

"That is where you are wrong."

"Come on mom." Sam got up and joined their mother's side where she gently placed her hand on her arm. "That's not fair of you to do."

"Of course it's fair. I am her mother."

"And I am eighteen. Past the age I have to do what you want."

"Again you are wrong because as long as you are living under my roof and I am providing for you then you will do exactly what I say."

"You just proved my point." Sam argued. All Kristina could do was stand there.

"Sam, please stop making me the bad person here."

"No you are doing a bang up job all on your own."

"I am just trying to protect her."

"No you are trying to control her."

"You don't understand because you're not a mother and don't know the length a parent would go to for their children."

"Did you just really go there?" Kristina saw the hurt expression on her sister's face. "Oh wow."

"I didn't mean it like that." Their mother tried to take back.

"Sure you didn't." Sam turned to her. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help."

"That's okay. Thank you for trying." Jason joined them. "And thank you too Jason."

"Anytime." He accepted her hug. "If you need anything just call okay."

"I will." Kristina walked them to the door. "I will call you tomorrow." She promised her sister.

"We will be out of town this weekend working on a case I'm trying to wrap up and may not be in an area with good reception but you can leave a message and I will call you back when I can."

"Okay." She waited till their car was driving away before turning back to face her mother who was clearing off the table. Molly was nowhere in sight; she must have gone to her room. Kristina was glad she was gone, she would hate for her to have to witness what she was about to do. She walked up to her mother.

"I know you are upset and if you want to sulk in your room than you go right ahead. One day you will see everything I do is to help you."

"I'm not giving up my job mom."

"Kristina." She slammed down a couple of empty cartons and began massaging her temples. "I've had a long tiring day and I don't want to argue anymore. The answer is no and that is final."

"No you misunderstood me. I wasn't asking. I'm saying that I am not giving up my job. I don't need yours or dad's permission. You both will just have to learn to accept it."

"Need I remind you who it is that pays for all your expensive things?"

"Then I will give them all back but I am not backing down." Kristina was surprised her voice was steady because inside she was an emotional mess.

"Then you can't stay here anymore." She knew her mother was only saying that because she expected Kristina to give in but she had anticipated this and was ready to call her on her bluff. Still she was unprepared for how hurt those words would make her feel. Instead of saying anything she turned around and walked to her room. Her mother was probably thinking she had won but that was furthest from the truth. There were a few things she wanted to take with her and a phone call she needed to make. Kristina called Ethan first but he was not answering; neither was Johnny who she tried to call next. Sam just told her that she and Jason were going out of town on one of her cases and she couldn't disrupt that. She knew Elizabeth was with Brook Lynn and didn't want to disturb them and Michael was out of the question because he would side with their father once he learned about this and no doubt her mother would be calling him. Dante may side with her but then again he may not and she didn't want to take that chance. There was only one person she could call.

"Is everything okay Kristina?" Ray asked her when he answered.

"Can you come get me?" Her voice was no longer steady.

"Are you at home?"

"Yes."

"I am on my way."

"I will be outside waiting where you usually park and I won't have my phone with me."

"Okay."

After hanging up with him Kristina packed only a few changes of clothes along with all of her important papers. The last thing she did was go through her phone and write down Ray and Elizabeth's numbers since she didn't know them by memory yet. Once she did that she scrolled through and erased any traces she had of them in her phone. Looking around her room she silently said her goodbyes and walked to her sister's room. "Come in." Molly answered when she knocked. "Hey, is everything okay now?" She asked when she saw her.

"Mom is kicking me out."

"What." She was truly stunned by this. "But she can't do that." Kristina grabbed a hold of Molly's hands when she started crying.

"But she is unless I give up my job and I am not going to do that. Please say you understand." Kristina refused to allow her own tears to fall. She wanted to be strong for her sister. "I will let you know where I will be staying at and as soon as I have enough money to get my own place you will be the first person to sleep over."

"If mom let's me." True.

"We'll cross that when the time comes. I'm leaving my phone behind but I am going to get a new one tomorrow and I promise to call you with the number okay."

"How will you get a phone?" Kristina was sure Johnny would help her out.

"Hey, I have friends." She tried to get Molly to smile for her but was unsuccessful.

"I don't want you to go." She flung herself in Kristina's arms.

"I know. But I have to."

"I know." The two sisters clung to each other wishing it didn't have to be this way. With reluctance Kristina pulled away. She wasn't sure how far Ray lived from her and she didn't want to keep him waiting too long and there was still one last thing she had to do.

"I love you Molly."

"I love you too."

"Stay here okay. Mom doesn't know I am leaving yet." Her sister nodded her head. With one last hug Kristina walked out the door and into the living room where she found her mother sitting at the table with papers spread out in front of her.

"Mom." Her mother turned around and immediately spotted the bag in her hand. "Last chance."

"Be reasonable Kristina." She could hear the aggravation in her voice. "Where are you going to go? What are you going to do with no money?"

"I have a job now."

"You think working at a coffee shop will be enough to live on? I guarantee you it won't so just stop this nonsense."

"It's not nonsense and the fact you think that hurts me."

"Does this have anything to do with Ethan?"

"Ugh!" Kristina was now annoyed. "He has nothing to do with this and I am tired of arguing too so this is it mom. I don't want to leave but I am not giving up my job. So what will it be?"

"How about waiting a few years and if you think you can juggle both then I won't stand in your way." Her mother was just not getting it. With a shake of her head she walked up to the table and squatted down.

"Please don't do this mom." She begged.

"You don't understand I am doing this for you."

"If I see I can't handle going to school and working then I will quit." She tried one last time to reason with her. "I promise. But let me discover that for myself." Her mother didn't say anything; wouldn't even look at her. There was nothing more she could say or do here. Kristina stood up and kissed her on the cheek. "Bye mom. I'll call you." She laid her phone down on the table and slowly made her way to the front door hoping her mother would change her mind but she didn't.

Ray was already waiting for her and when he saw her he got out and opened the car door for her. She climbed in the black car wordlessly and buckled herself in. When he sat back behind the wheel he didn't ask her any questions; instead he started the car and drove away. They ended up back at the parking lot of the park. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

His words triggered the tears she was holding in and she began crying. Kristina covered her face feeling mortified but she could not stop them from falling. She heard the sound of Ray unbuckling his seatbelt then a second later felt him undoing hers. He wrapped her up in his arms and she clung to him as she sobbed. When she was able to gather herself together and could talk she gave him the short version of what had happened. "My mom wasn't happy about me getting a job and she gave me an ultimatum." She looked down at the bag she was cradling on her lap. "I'm sure you can figure out what choice I made."

"Where are you going to go?"

"I tried calling Ethan and Johnny but they weren't picking up."

"They are probably still out doing a few things but I am sure they will be finishing up soon. Did you want me to take you to the Penthouse?" Immediately she shook her head.

"I don't want to run into Johnny's father."

"What about Ethan's?"

"I don't want to run into his father too, or any of his family." Now that she thought about it both places weren't an ideal place for her to stay at until she could find a more suitable place to live. Kristina knew she could call Sam but Jason could be a problem since he worked with her father. It could cause a fight between them and that was the last thing she wanted. It looked like she would have to take a chance with Dante. "I can always call my older brother."

"You could do that or you could come back to my place and stay the night. It will give you time to think everything through with nobody pressuring you. I have a spare room so you will have privacy and we can call Johnny and Ethan and let them know what's happened." That sounded really good to her.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude in your home."

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't."

"Okay then." She finally looked up at him. "Thank you Ray." He smiled down at her.

"You're welcome Kristina."

As Ray drove them to his home Kristina contemplated on everything that had just happened. She knew her mother would be difficult about the whole thing but never did she consider it would come to this. Was it really that hard for her to accept that she was growing up? She had no idea what tomorrow would bring and it scared her but not as much as what her father would do when he heard about this. One thing for sure it wasn't going to be easy; it was sure to be an ugly battle.

Author's Note: I know some of you may think I made Alexis too hard on Kristina but after seeing her make a deal with the devil (named Sonny) to keep her away from Ethan not to mention her behavior, well I honestly don't think I am too far fetch that this could happen. As for Brook Lynn, she has always been another favorite chracter of mine but I was not happy with what they made her become. I don't know who that woman was that came back to town and became Carly's bitch all for the sake of money but I am getting rid of her and bringing back the Brook of old.

Coming up in chapter 9: someone else has moved back to Port Charles, Kristina will have a new place to live, what happened to Brook Lynn is revealed and the main event, Elizabeth's barbeque.

Thank you for reading. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.