Author's Note: As you can see I was able to pull through and get this chapter posted in time. Yay me! 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. You are all the BEST!
I know many of you thought it was out of character what Alexis did in the last chapter and believe me it will be addressed but I had to do that in order to push Kristina in the direction I wanted her to go. Believe me; I love the chemistry the Davis Girls have with each other but like every family you have your ups and downs.
Happy Reading and I hope you enjoy!
Valerie
Chapter 9: An Array of Emotions
The boys gave her trouble waking up this morning and if she had stopped to pick up coffee then Elizabeth would have arrived to work late. But she didn't make that stop and now she was struggling to stop herself from yawning yet again and it was just barely nine; she still had four more hours to go. So far things had been slow around here and she wasn't sure if she was grateful about it or not. She was too tired to tell. Yesterday after getting home from the park Elizabeth went ahead and gave both boys a bath. It was always a hassle with them when she waited till the evening after a full tiring day like the one they just had because their bodies begin shutting down after they've had their dinner and they ended up falling asleep early. She learned to make sure they were cleaned up before they ate that way all they had to do was brush their teeth. This would be helpful as well since she was expecting Brook Lynn.
Only by the time Elizabeth finished making dinner and had served the boys she still had not showed up. It worried her. She did not know what Brook Lynn had been through or if she may still be in trouble. When the boys finished eating she decided to not wait anymore and served herself. After the kitchen was cleaned and the boy's were tucked in for the night she picked up her cell phone and called Jake's; Coleman answered the phone.
"Hi it's Elizabeth Webber."
"Hey darling." He greeted her. "When are you going to come back and class up this bar?" Elizabeth chuckled.
"Maybe soon."
"I look forward to it. So how can I help you?"
"I ran into a friend earlier who was supposed to come over but she never showed up and I am concerned. She told me she was staying there."
"You're talking about Brook Lynn?"
"Yeah. I don't want to disturb her. I just want to make sure she that she is okay."
"She is up in her room." Elizabeth was relieved to hear this.
"That's all I wanted to know. Thanks Coleman."
"Sure thing gorgeous."
Thoughts of the woman's haunting eyes kept her up most of the night. Elizabeth had hoped to help her but she had a feeling that she would not be to Brook what Lucky was to her; the person who saves her. She could be wrong and it could be that she was not ready to open up to anybody about what happened but she didn't think so. Still, she would make sure to keep an eye on her and pray that somebody comes along soon and helps her. She considered inviting Brook over to tonight's barbeque but something told her she wouldn't want to be around Nikolas right now.
"Here you go." Elizabeth was broken out of her thoughts when Matt handed her a fresh cup of coffee that was definitely not from the hospitals cafeteria.
"Oh you are a lifesaver." She took a sip and sighed. "How did you know I needed it?"
"A little birdie told me." Elizabeth chuckled.
"I will have to thank Robin." Matt smiled and took a sip of his own. "Thank you. I really did need this."
"No problem."
The cup of coffee really did help her out. It gave Elizabeth the extra pep she needed to make her rounds. When she returned to the hub to fill out her charts her mind wandered to Siobhan and whether or not Lucky stayed. She hoped he didn't leave. Later on today she would find out if the woman showed up to say goodbye. Robin leaned her back against the counter Elizabeth stood at where she was wrapping up a phone call.
"Sooo, my friend, how are you doing these days?" She was after something. Only Elizabeth did not know what it was.
"I am doing fine..." Robin didn't give her a chance to return the question.
"Anything new going on in your life?" She leaned closer to her. "Anything you want to share with me?" Elizabeth looked at her suspiciously. What did she know?
"Obviously I do so why not tell me yourself and save me the trouble from guessing." Robin rolled her eyes and grabbed her by her upper arm where she dragged her to the waiting area.
"Sit." She ordered her. "Spill."
"About what?"
"About a certain somebody you were seen with at Jake's the other night." How did she hear about that?
"Who told you?"
"Nobody did. I just happened to overhear a conversation between Carly and Sonny." That damn woman had a big mouth. And what business was it of Sonny's that she had to tell him anything.
"I am sure what she left out was how I was there meeting up with Olivia for a fun night out only to have it be ruined by Carly's presence."
"She did leave that part out but it's not surprising; after all it is Carly we're talking about here. But moving on to how Johnny Zacchara got in the picture."
"He arrived just as I was about to call it a night and asked that I join him for drinks." Elizabeth stated nonchalant.
"And you thought why not?" Robin wouldn't leave her alone until she was satisfied.
"Yeah."
"I wasn't aware you two knew each other."
"We really don't but we ran into each other the day before and got to talking." Her friend looked at her.
"Is something going on between you both?"
"No." Elizabeth was quick to answer. "But we happen to run into each other again yesterday and he asked me out...I said yes."
"What?" Robin shouted the question out. Several heads turned in their direction. "Sorry." She apologized. "What?" She asked again.
"He is taking me to dinner on Monday."
"Is that really a wise choice? If you think about it he is exactly like..." Her voice trailed off but Elizabeth knew who she was referring to.
"Yeah I know." She sat back. "After Jason and I ended our, well, whatever it was we had I closed myself off. Then you, Epiphany and even Nikolas encouraged me to start dating again and so I did but nothing ever came from any of them." Elizabeth leaned forward closer to Robin. "Johnny is the first man since then that has made me feel anything. Believe me I was surprised by this."
"If by chance things do work out between you two then what will you do about the life he lives? After all it's what came between you and Jason."
"It seems I have a weakness for dangerous men." Elizabeth tried to joke but it didn't quite come out that way. "Jason, Ric, Zander and now Johnny. Then of course there was Lucky who borders both sides." She released a sigh. "I know the best thing I should do is not start anything up with Johnny and find a nice - safe - man to settle down with but I don't want to be held back by fear anymore. I don't want to let any more opportunities pass me by."
"Have you thought of how that might make Jason feel knowing you were willing to take a chance with someone else and not him?"
"Has he thought of how I felt when he didn't fight to keep me and the boys in his life? Or how he was willing to chance being around everybody else but not us? How about how it made me feel when he went back to Sam after..." Elizabeth trailed off before she could say something she shouldn't. "You know what, I could do this all day but in the end it will change nothing. Besides it wasn't like he really loved me; obviously not the way he loves all the other people in his life."
"I'm sorry that I brought him up."
"Don't worry about it."
"Sooo...you and Johnny Zacchara." Robin nudged her with her shoulder. Elizabeth nudged her back.
"Who would have thought?" They chuckled.
"Hey." The greeting had Elizabeth and Robin turning their heads to the petite blonde woman who was standing in front of them with a large beaming smile. Immediately they both jumped up in pleasant surprise and began embracing Nadine Crowell with choruses of 'hey yourself' and 'it's so good to see you'.
"Are you here visiting?" Robin asked as she moved a seat over so that Nadine could sit between them.
"Actually I'm moving back."
"Really?" Elizabeth was excited about this. She really liked the woman and considered her to be friend.
"Yeah. I just met with Epiphany and Dr. Webber; who I assume is some kind of relation to you?" She looked at her. Elizabeth nodded her head.
"He is my brother."
"Wow, well he is a very nice man who just offered me my job back. I start Monday."
"Welcome back." Elizabeth and Robin said at the same time.
"We will have to get together to catch up." Robin suggested. Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"I'd like that but first let me show you something." They watched as Nadine pulled out her cell phone and scroll through it before showing them a picture.
"Did you have a baby?" Elizabeth asked as she looked at the adorable blonde baby girl with blue eyes like her mother.
"I did. Her name is Liliana; but I call her Lily."
"How old is she?" Robin asked still looking down as Nadine scrolled through showing them other pictures.
"She will be turning a year on August second." Elizabeth wondered if she was with the baby's father. Looking at her bare finger she could see she was not married.
"Who's her father?" Robin asked.
"I didn't have her the old fashioned way."
"You were artificially inseminated?" Nadine nodded yes to the answer. "Well she looks so much like you." It was true.
"Where is she right now?"
"She is up at the daycare. I was on my way to get her but heard you both were working today and I wanted to say hi. We will have to make plans soon to get together with our children." Elizabeth and Robin agreed with Nadine.
"Where do you live?" Elizabeth asked.
"I am staying at the Metro Court until I find a new place to live. I'm actually meeting up with a realtor in an hour to look at some houses. "
"Well good luck." Elizabeth wished her as she stood up after spotting Epiphany getting off the elevator. "I better get back to work." She leaned down and hugged the blonde woman. "Welcome back Nadine." Robin repeated the sentiment.
"Thank you guys."
"Oh and Elizabeth..." She stopped and turned to look at Robin. "Our conversation will be continued after Monday." Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at her friends smirk.
When Kristina opened her eyes the next morning she felt disoriented with the unfamiliar surroundings and confused by the arm that was wrapped around her waist. It took her a few minutes to remember everything that happened last night and when she felt the warm breath against her neck she smiled. He stayed with me. She released a contented sigh. This move had him tightening his hold on her with both arms and pulling her back more firmly against him. She went willingly. From outside the guest bedroom she could hear Ray moving around his apartment. From the delicious aroma in the air he must be in the kitchen making breakfast. Looking around the room she could find no clock to check the time and her phone was not in reaching distance. The last thing she wanted to do was move and risk ending this moment.
When they arrived at his place last night Ray showed her around the spacious loft. It was nicely decorated that clearly showed it was lived in by a bachelor. The furniture was a mixture of brown and black leather; on the walls were paintings with colors matching the living room. It all looked so impersonal. His kitchen was silver and black so cold and sterile looking as was his bathroom. The only room he didn't show her was his bedroom. All she got to see was the closed door. It didn't faze her at all; she understood that was his private domain. One thing did stick out during the entire tour. Not once did she see anything personal of his displayed; including any photos.
Unlike Kristina, Ray was able to get through to Johnny. He gave him a short version of Kristina's situation and thirty minutes later he showed up to offer his support. He insisted she stay with him but she turned him down and explained that she wouldn't feel comfortable with his father there. Of course he tried to get her to change her mind but gave up when she refused to budge. "Then at least let me help you get a place to live."
"That's too much for you to do Johnny. I have a job now and I'm sure I can stay with Dante until I can get my own place."
"Let me decide what is and isn't too much for me to do."
"I just really want to do this on my own." Kristina had something to prove to her mother.
"Okay I can understand that." He seemed to be thinking about something before continuing. "How about I pay the first three months rent of a place of your choosing and after that it is up to you." That sounded appealing. "It will give you the chance to have your own place sooner rather than later."
"If I do this then I will want to pay you back..." Johnny opened his mouth to say something but she stopped him. "No arguments."
"You really are stubborn." She ignored him. "Fine we will do it your way but I will only accept that if you agree to pay me back in installments." That she could do.
"Deal."
Johnny left soon after that saying he had to deal with his father's latest stunt. Apparently Anthony made threats towards Brenda when he cornered her at Kelly's when she was with her son Alex. Kristina could imagine how upset this made her father. Ray tried to get a hold of Ethan but he still wasn't answering his phone. She was sure things would be awkward between them but they weren't; he was very attentive with her and somehow she found herself opening up to him and telling him about Keifer. A knock ended their conversation and Ray reacted by quickly drawing his gun as he made it to the door. He looked through the peephole and then re-tucked his gun as he opened it up. Ethan was on the other side and as soon as she saw him she was off the couch and in his arms. "Johnny told me what happened." The tears she thought she was through shedding were back. He led her to the couch and sat with her as she re-told the story. Ray left the room to give them privacy.
"I am so sorry Love." Kristina had her head cradled in his shoulder. The tears were gone but a headache was beginning to form. "For what it's worth I think your mother was just reacting in the heat of the moment."
"You think so?" She lifted her head and looked at him. He nodded his head.
"I think you both are very stubborn people who refused to give in."
"But it still doesn't change anything unless I'm willing to give my job up."
"I wish there was something I could do for you."
"You being here is enough." Her voice was still thick with emotions.
Ray returned with a couple of aspirins that she thanked him for. Leaning her head back against Ethan she closed her eyes and listened as he told her guard that he left in the middle of a card game for her. This brought a small smile to Kristina's face.
"I'm sorry about that." She apologized.
"Don't worry. A few of them weren't happy about me shutting things down early; some more so than others after shoving them out the door but I can always reschedule it for another time. They will get over it."
"Still thank you so just accept it." He smirked at her and rolled his eyes.
"Fine." She could feel a yawn starting to come on and tried to fight it but lost.
"Why don't you stay with me?" Saying no to Ethan proved to be harder so she prolonged it and told him about Johnny's visit and the deal they struck. "Well then I say tomorrow before heading over to Elizabeth's we should go apartment hunting. Afterwards we can stop by the store and pick up some meat for the barbeque. What do you say?" Spend an entire day with him? Yes please.
"I like the sound of that." More like loved the sound of it.
"Okay then why don't we go ahead and leave so we can get some sleep." Kristina was tempted to just go with it and take the chance that his father or somebody else in his family wouldn't be there or show up in the morning and say something about it; giving Ethan a hard time, but she decided to stick with her decision.
"Actually I am going to stay here, that is if it's still okay with you Ray?" She asked the guard who was sitting at his kitchen table drinking what looked like a cup of tea.
"You are welcomed to stay." He confirmed.
"I am not in the mood to deal with your family and if your father, Lucky or even Lulu were to show up then you know they will have something to say." Kristina knew Ethan couldn't argue against that. "If I had more strength..."
"I understand." He stopped her from saying anymore. She was glad he understood but wasn't ready for him to leave. She felt like she could start crying again and needed his strength.
"Ethan..." She hesitated asking him. "Please don't take this the wrong way but could you stay with me just until I fall asleep." Kristina kept her head down as she asked. "I know in the past I would have used something like this to my advantage but I swear I'm..."
"You don't have to explain Love." He stopped her. "I can do that." Relief surged through her.
"Thank you."
Together they followed Ray to the guest bedroom where he told Ethan to let him know when he was leaving so he could lock the place up behind him. Any other day a feeling of elation would have been coursing through her body at the thought of getting in bed with the man she was in love with but after the night she had that was the last thing she felt. Now, here in the morning light, with Ethan's arms wrapped around her Kristina felt differently. She wished she was facing him so she could watch as he slept. When the need to use the restroom arose she silently cursed knowing she wouldn't be able to hold it that long. Slowly, hoping not to disturb him, she began to try and wriggle out of his arms. The attempt was futile because she felt Ethan jerk in surprise, waking him up, and the first thing he did was release her. Gone was the moment.
"Good morning." She shook off the awkward feeling and greeted him as she rose out of the bed. Ethan was now lying on his back looking at her warily. Probably thinking she was going to misinterpret their situation. This made her sigh. "Oh for God's sake, stop your damn worrying." She chided a little more abrupt them she intended. "You obviously fell asleep before you could leave but we both know nothing happened. So we woke up spooning, it happened, let's move on because we have a lot to do today...What?" She asked placing both hands on her hip and staring down at him as he began chuckling.
"You have bed hair." Really? What was he, like seven?
"And people say I'm immature." She mumbled.
"No, you look adorable. Your hair is all over the place." In a move that would've pleased Ray she reacted with quickness, grabbing her pillow and smacking him in the face. Ethan looked up at her stunned.
"Never tell a woman you just woke up in bed with that her hair looks a mess." Kristina walked to the door. "Especially when your hair looks no better." She added sweetly as she walked out the door with a smile on her face and made her way to the bathroom. When she returned to the room she was greeted by a pillow to the face. Did he just throw a pillow at me? He was trying to make the bed but on his face he wore a smirk. She walked over to him – pillow in hand – and lifted it up...before placing it beside its twin. Ethan expected a different move and he flinched; this brought her a little satisfaction but not nearly as much as it would if she waited for a better opportunity to come up to pay him back. She would bide her time. After she finished helping him make the bed they walked into the living room where they found Ray sitting at the table reading the newspaper. In front of him was a cup of coffee and a plate filled with eggs, sausage and toast. On each side of him were a couple of other ones, presumably for them.
"Good morning." He greeted with a smirk as he lowered the paper and looked at them. Ethan returned the sentiment and chose a seat. Kristina just glared and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'd watch out for her mate." Ethan told him after taking a drink of his coffee. "She woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Her glare moved on to his direction. He just ignored it and continued on. "She whacked me with a pillow this morning."
"That's because you commented that my hair was messy." This made their host laugh.
"You didn't?" Ray shook his head at Ethan.
"See he even gets it."
"In my defense I did say you looked adorable." That was worst. It was a comment you would make to child; it made her scowl.
"I think you should take your own advice." Ray was proving to be the smarter of the two this morning. "What's on this morning agenda?" Kristina seated herself and began eating.
"I was thinking once Kristina was ready we could stop by the Haunted Star so I can shower and change then we can go get you a phone..."
"But I can't afford one now."
"Which is why we will get you a pre-paid phone until you can get one. You need a phone and I had a feeling you wouldn't let me get you one so this is the next best thing."
"It is good for you to have one in case of an emergency." Ray added.
"Fine." She agreed.
"Afterwards I thought we could start looking around for a place." Excitement began bubbling inside her when she heard that. Her very own place.
"Then you both are heading over to Elizabeth's." The guard wasn't really asking but Kristina nodded in answer.
"You know, seeing as how she's going to be with me all day I was thinking you could have the day off." Ethan suggested. That sounded like even better news. Not only an entire day with Ethan but also without Ray watching their every move. It was still morning but she wondered if this day could get any better.
"That would have to come from Mr. Zacchara." Ethan took out his phone and made a call.
"And a good morning to you." He was extra bubbly which suggested that maybe he had woken up Johnny. "I will be spending the day with Krissy and thought that Ray could take a day off from her." She kicked him under the table for that remark. This made him yelp. "Sorry, Kristina didn't take that well and I got kicked for it." Ray had gone back to reading his paper but he shook his head at them. "I fell asleep. How did things go last night?" She suspected Ethan asked this to distract Johnny. No doubt to avoid answering questions she was sure he had. "Sucks to be you." Whatever the reply was brought a wide smile to Ethan's face. "Anytime mate." Now it was Kristina's turn to shake her head. "Thanks, I think she'd appreciate that." Kristina lifted her brow in question. "Just call me if you need anything." The phone was then handed to Ray who accepted it.
"Mr. Zacchara...Actually I want to still join them when they headed over to his place so that Kristina won't wait alone. Afterwards I don't mind having the day off...I planned on discussing that with them after we finished breakfast...Thank you sir." Ray hung up and handed the phone back to Ethan.
"Discuss what?" She asked
"Where you are going to stay until you find a place."
"I'm going to talk to Elizabeth today about staying with her for a couple of a days or however long it takes to find me an apartment. I already will be staying with her Monday night so I can watch the boys for her."
"You know doing that will out your friendship and raise a few eyebrows." Ethan reminded her.
"I am aware of that." She began moving her eggs around with her fork. "But we both know it was bound to happen soon. Jason's already learned about it and doesn't want to keep it from Sam but is allowing me the time to tell her myself."
"How did that go?" Kristina sighed. "That bad huh."
"Hearing that Jason had made this whole life after he and Sam broke up is different than actually seeing it."
"It made it more real." Kristina nodded.
"You know Cameron loves Jason. When that little boy saw him he ran across the room and jumped in his arms."
"When did this happen?"
"Yesterday."
Ethan reached across the table and grabbed hold of her hand. "Yesterday was not a good day for you."
"It started off good." Kristina shrugged it off. "But you know what, today is a brand new day and despite my situation I'm going to make the most of it." She shoved the last bite in her mouth. "I am going to take a quick shower so we can get going." Ray folded the paper and laid it on the table.
"I will get you a fresh towel and the extra toiletries I have." An hour later the three of them were out the door and climbing into Ray's car. He drove them to the Haunted Star where Kristina saw a familiar looking car parked in the lot. When they walked inside Luke was behind the bar. In front of him was already a glass filled with alcohol. It looked like Ethan's father was starting early.
"Dodge." He greeted his son. His gaze then shifted over to her. "Kristina. As always it's good to see you." Ethan snorted.
"A bit early for that isn't it?"
"You sound like my wife." Luke said as took a drink. "I cleaned up the mess you left here last night. You're welcome for that by the way."
"Thank you and I am sorry about that. I had every intention of cleaning up."
"Looks like you left here in a hurry. In fact word is you shut things down early."
"I had somewhere I had to be." Luke once again shifted his attention to her.
"I'm sure you did." Kristina felt like a child who was caught doing something she shouldn't have been doing. It made her feel uncomfortable. "And you are?"
"Ray." His name was all he gave; for that she was grateful for. If he knew he was a guard Johnny put on her she knew that information would get back to her father. And that was the last thing she wanted. Kristina was surprised he hadn't tracked her down yet. Surely her mother had already informed him.
"Well I have somewhere to be." Luke announced throwing back the remaining of his drink. "Oh and Johnny stopped by and left this for you." Ethan caught the keys his father tossed at him.
"What are those for?" She asked.
"One of his cars he is lending us until..." He trailed off not wanting to say anything more since Luke was not hiding the fact that he was listening to them.
"Got it." Kristina nodded once to show she understood. This must have been what Ethan told Johnny she would appreciate. She had forgotten that she no longer had a car to get around in.
"Dodge, I will see you later." Luke said as he left the casino. She recognized the sound of that. It was the 'we will talk about this' tone she heard so many times from her parents.
It didn't take Ethan long to shower and return to the main area. When they parted ways, Ray asked her to call him with her new number when she got her phone. As soon as they bought one Kristina made good on her promise and afterwards called Johnny with the number as well as thanking him for the use of his car. She and Ethan began looking at different apartments but one of them would find something wrong with the place; and it wasn't her. She was growing tired of his 'the neighborhood isn't safe' and 'I don't like the looks of it' comments. Kristina had reached her limit and was ready to snap at him when they ran into a familiar person as they were about to enter Kelly's.
"Hey guys." Abby greeted them.
"Hi Abby." She smiled at her brother's girlfriend.
"Is everything okay?" She asked Kristina seeing the expression on her face.
"I am trying to find an apartment and he is being difficult."
"I'm just looking out for your safety love." She rolled her eyes.
"I wasn't aware you were moving out. I know you told me you were thinking of it but I didn't expect it to be this soon." Kristina gave her the short, less-information, version of what happened. "Well I don't know if you would be interested but there's a vacancy in my building."
"Really?" Kristina's interest was piqued.
"Yeah. And it's not on the same floor as mine." Abby gave her a knowing smile. "The rent is reasonable." Kristina looked at Ethan.
"Let's go check it out."
"Okay."
"I'll go with you. I was on my way back home anyways." They never made it into the Diner.
When they arrived to her building, Abby walked into the office with them and introduced her to the property manager. The woman was a pleasant middle aged lady named Susan Waverly who was happy to show them a furnished apartment of the same floor plan so that Kristina had an idea of what it looked like. "The apartment just became vacant so we need to fix it up." She explained when she asked why she couldn't see the one that was available. "Now it is a different layout then Abby's." Walking inside Kristina noticed that the layout was indeed different. It was bigger. "As you can see the place has..." She didn't hear anything the woman said after that. Instead she looked around and started imagining herself there. The more she visualized it the more excited she got.
"I love it." Kristina told her. She turned around to face Ethan who was watching her with a smile on his face.
"I will call Johnny." He stepped out to make the call while she asked the manager how long it would be before she would be able to move in. She was told it would be available in a week. Ethan rejoined them and the four of them walked back to the office where Kristina filled out the paperwork.
"It should only take me an hour or so to process your paperwork. As long as everything is good and you pay the deposit then the apartment is yours." Kristina didn't have the money. She looked to Ethan hoping he would tell her Johnny was on his way.
"Here you go." He handed Ms. Waverly a credit card. Kristina looked at him questionably. He mouthed Johnny's name. She just nodded.
"Thank you Abby." She told the woman as they left the office.
"It's no problem. I am glad I was able to help. I will see you guys later." As they walked to the parking lot Kristina held in her excitement but when they made it to the car she released it. Ethan leaned against the car, with arms crossed, watching her with amusement on his face.
"Can you believe it? I have my own place, a job and I will be starting college soon." She suddenly threw herself in his arms surprising him. He caught her and swung her around, celebrating with her.
"Congratulations on everything." He told her when they came to a stop.
"Thank you for doing this with me today."
"You're welcome love."
As they stood there smiling at each other they became aware of the position they were in. Slowly their smiles faded away. Ethan was staring down at her as if he'd never seen her before. She blinked; startled as she felt the air shift between them to something thicker, heavier and far more intimate. He took a few steps forward and she found herself pressed between the car and his body. Her arms slid from around his neck. One remained on his shoulder while the other lay against his chest. When Ethan's face began to get closer to hers Kristina's heart started beating rapidly in shock. She's waited for this moment for such a long time and now that it was happening she couldn't seem to move. Instead she stood there; her breath coming in fast uneven bursts as his lips pressed against hers.
Underneath her right palm she could feel his heartbeat increase in a steady staccato rhythm. His tongue skimmed her bottom lip before plunging between them and meeting her own. A moan escaped from her and she began kissing him back. Her hands returned to wrap around his neck as his tongue continued to explore her depths. She felt one of his arms slide up from her waist to tangle his fingers in her hair. The other one remained on the small of her back where his hand felt warm and strong. Suddenly he pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers; his eyes closed, each of them trying to catch their breath. A long minute passed before his eyes opened. In them she found an array of emotions. Too many for her to decipher what exactly was going on behind them. Kristina wanted to react in happiness but she held back. She feared what his response would be.
"Where did the credit card come from?" She had no idea why she asked him that. It was the first thing that came to her nervous mind.
"Johnny left it in the glove department for me." Ethan un-wrapped his arms and stepped back from her. Reluctantly she dropped her hands though she wanted nothing more than to hold onto him.
"Oh." Kristina didn't know what else to say. She dropped her gaze to the ground.
"We better get going. We still have to stop by the store and it's already going on two."
"Okay." She stepped away from the car and walked around to the passenger side. The whole ride was uncomfortable and filled with small talk. Not once did they mention what had just happened. This confused Kristina; she wasn't sure what to do next.
This was the last thing Ray expected when he stopped by the gas station on his way to the grocery store. He was filling up the car when he spotted her through the window. Brook Lynn was in the back of the small convenient store looking through the refrigerated area; beside her stood a man trying to make conversation with her. From her body language he read that she was uncomfortable by his nearness. He watched as she shook her head and turned away from him. Ray's attention was averted to the pump when it beeped alerting him that it was now filled. He placed the nozzle back on its crook before looking inside again. The man now had one of his arms braced against the door above her and the other on the side blocking her from moving. Seeing the expression on her face spurred him to action. He locked up his car and walked inside. As he neared the back area he was able to hear what was being said.
"Come on baby give me a chance."
"No. Now please step away from me."
"I promise you will have fun."
"I believe the lady said no." Ray made his presence known. Both sets of eyes turned to him; one filled with relief and the other with annoyance at being disturbed.
"This does not concern you so why don't..." The man never finished what he was saying. Instead he squealed out in pain when Ray grabbed the hand that was closest to him and twisted it high up behind his back forcing him to his knees. Immediately Brook Lynn stepped away to stand behind him.
"Word of advice; when a woman says no then it means no." Ray helped him up and walked him to the front where he pushed the man out the door. "Don't ever let me catch you harassing anybody again. I promise next time I won't be so gentle." He watched as the man glared at him than stomped off to an old white beat up truck where he climbed in slamming the door behind him and zooming off. Satisfied that he was now gone Ray turned around to check on Brook Lynn and found her right behind him staring at him with appreciation in her eyes.
"Are you okay?" She nodded her head in reply. "Would you like me to walk you to your car?" He knew she didn't come here in one because the only car left outside was his but he didn't want to spook her by letting her know that.
"I walked here." He frowned in concern. "You were with Elizabeth yesterday weren't you?"
"I was; though I wouldn't say I was there with her." He corrected then held his hand out to her. "My name is Ray. I'm a friend of Kristina's." He decided not to tell her he was a bodyguard. It was not his place to delve that information to a friend of hers without permission.
She looked down at his hand hesitantly before placing hers in his. "Brook Lynn Ashton."
"It's nice to meet you." He gave her hand a quick, firm shake, before releasing it so that she didn't become uncomfortable. "Is there somewhere I can drop you off at?" Her eyes darted outside looking around before returning to him.
"That would be nice. Thank you." He looked down at the drink in her hand.
"I'm sure you might want to return that and get one that is colder." She looked at him with confusion. With his hand he indicated her bottle. When she realized she gave him a small smile and nodded her head. "I'll wait outside by my car while you get whatever it is you need." Ray didn't want her to feel rushed by his presence. He turned around and returned to his car where he leaned against it and looked out to make sure the man didn't return or was anywhere waiting to follow them. His attention was caught when Brook Lynn walked out and began heading his way. A slight warm breeze blew making her loose hair fly around her face. Just like yesterday when he first saw her he couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked; despite the haunted look in her eyes. "Where to?" He asked her as he opened the passenger side door and helped her in.
"I'm staying at a bar called Jake's. Do you know where that is?"
"Yes I do." During the drive he made it a point to look through his rearview mirror and make sure he wasn't being followed. Ray didn't want the man from the convenient store to find out where she lived. When he pulled in front of the bar he was surprised when she asked if he could walk her inside. He didn't question it; he just parked the car, got out and followed her to the door where she produced a key from her pocket and unlocked it letting them inside the empty bar. "Would you like for me to check the place out?" He was unsure what she wanted him to do.
"Actually could you just stay here with me?" Brook Lynn was looking down when she asked this. "Coleman won't be here for another couple of hours and I really don't want to be by myself after what just happened. That is if you don't have any other plans."
"My day happens to be free." He answered as he began lifting chairs off the nearest table and placing them down before sitting in one and gesturing for her to do the same. She sat across from him.
"What do you do for a living?"
"I work in security for a variety of people." It was the closest he could come to the truth. "I overheard Elizabeth saying you sing."
"Yeah I do." He noticed she began fidgeting with her hands. "I don't anymore." He didn't push on it.
"How long have you known Kristina?"
"We just met this week. What about you?"
"I'm a close to her father. Sonny and my mom grew up together in Bensonhurst." She was a Brooklyn native. "But Kristina and I never really got to know each other."
"Did you enjoy your dinner with Elizabeth and her two boys last night?"
"Oh, I uh I ended up not going."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Why is that?"
"I was under the impression that you needed to talk to her." She began fidgeting with her fingers again; a sign he was learning she did when she was nervous. He noticed they were small and slender and so fragile looking. When he looked up he found her looking at him but quickly she lowered her head. "Your eyes remind me of my mother's." He surprised himself by admitting. This made her look back up at him. "I don't know why I said that." He frowned in confusion.
"In what way?" He had hoped she wouldn't ask him to elaborate. Ray took a breath trying to decide what to say here. His past was not something he should have brought up – ever, but when he looked in her eyes he was taken back to a time when he was a young boy watching as his mother sat in her bed looking lifeless after another 'client' of hers left. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."
"You weren't." He sighed and sat back. "I was just reverted back to the past."
"Are you and your mother close?"
"She passed away a long time ago." Ray never learned what really happened to his mother after she left. It wasn't like she would have a paper trail for him to follow to find her. He believed with all his heart that the drugs finally took his mother's life and that she was now happy and in peace with his grandparents and uncle.
"What about your father?" Again he didn't quite know how to answer that. If she was raped then the last thing she would want to hear was that he was the son of a rapist. "I seem to have pried again. And here I was worried that you would probe me with questions."
"My mother was raped." He chose to answer honestly. This was the first time he opened up to anybody. The only other person he was ever honest with was Ana. When he looked at Brook Lynn he noticed tears had filled her eyes. It was then that he knew she had been too. He felt anger; deep soul felt anger for men out there who broke the spirits of innocent woman for their own sick pleasure. "And I was the result of that." Hearing this made her eyes widen. "I don't tell anybody that anymore because the few times I have, they always looked at me differently after that. Of course it was never said but I knew what they were thinking; if my father was a rapist then I must be one too." He balled up his hands into fists on the table where they laid. Brook Lynn reached across and covered them with one of her own.
"It doesn't matter who we come from, it's what we do that counts and everything inside is telling me that you are a good guy."
"I'm really not." He turned his head to the side and slowly pulled his hands from hers. If only that were true but it wasn't or he wouldn't be here in Port Charles. Ray suddenly wanted a drink but he learned a long time ago that alcohol fogged minds and loosened a person's tongue and that could never happen with him. An occasional beer was all he ever allowed himself to drink.
"A few months ago I got on a plane to tour with a Latin group." Brook Lynn began before she paused to chuckle. "For so long my mother pushed me to pursue my singing career but I rebelled. I wanted to sing for the joy it brought me; not to profit from it, but that changed and in doing so I think it changed me – and not for the better." Her hands clasped together and she placed them in her lap. "I was nervous when I arrived but the group and their staffs made me feel welcomed and I began to feel comfortable. The first night I was on stage was such a magical feeling." She looked at him. "I've been on a stage before but not one that size. The night was a success and afterwards we all gathered to celebrate at the hotel we were staying at. Her head fell back down and Ray knew they were about to get to the hard part. "One of the band members was hitting on me all night and though I was flattered I wasn't interested. I had just ended things recently with the man I was seeing; so getting involved with someone was the last thing on my mind. We were all drinking and the music was playing – we were having a good time." Brook Lynn's eyes began swimming in tears and he stood up and walked over to sit in the chair next to her. This time he grabbed her hands and gave them a squeeze, encouraging her to go on. "I began to feel dizzy and was unsteady on my feet. I knew it was time for me to say my goodnights and return to my own room which was one floor down, only when I tried to take a few steps I stumbled and would have fallen if...he hadn't caught me." She was purposely not saying the man's name. "He offered to help me to my room and I didn't think anything of it. I just nodded my head and we left. By the time we made it there my head was really spinning; it felt like I was in a fog and I couldn't make sense of anything." His body tightened up in anger when he realized why she was feeling that way.
"You were drugged." She nodded her head. Tears now pouring down her face.
"I didn't realize that at first until I was lying on the bed and felt him taking off my shoes. The way he was...touching my leg...I knew something was wrong. You see I had been drugged before and remembered that feeling. I tried to stop him but... I couldn't" Her voice was thick with emotion as she tried to go on. She took a few long deep breaths. "Then he took all my clothes off...and...and I tried to fight him off when he started to touch...when he started touching me. He did things to me. With his hands, with his mouth and I couldn't...I tried...I tried so hard but I couldn't and he was laughing and telling me that I...wanted...but I didn't and I tried to fight but I couldn't..." Brook Lynn's body was trembling hard. Ray didn't think about it, he just gathered her in his arms and rocked her. "I was crying and pleading and calling out for help but nobody would come, nobody could hear me...and then he...then I felt...and he was about to..."
"Shh, it's okay. You don't have to finish." She shook her head.
"I want to – I need to."
"Okay."
"He was about to...I felt him...but he didn't because there was a knock at the door that stopped him from..." Ray closed his eyes and sighed in relief.
"Somebody finally heard you."
"No. Another band member came looking for him when he didn't return." She lifted her head off his shoulder to look at him. "Words were exchanged but I couldn't tell you what was said. It all sounded so muffled. Then he left and that was the last thing I remembered until I woke up the next morning."
"Was he arrested?" Her gaze shifted answering his question. "Why didn't you report it?"
"Their manager came to see me before I could and told me that it would be my word against his." Something told Ray that this was not the man's first time at an attempt like this. There was probably a line of woman with the same story. "And that he now had a solid alibi that everybody was ready to collaborate with. After he left I took a long shower, packed and left."
"And headed straight here."
"No, I umm, hid out back home at an old friend's place. Her fiancé treated them to a month long vacation so I had the place to myself. When she called and told me she was returning I made some excuse and left only I no longer had any money. I didn't know what to do and didn't want to call my parents. I hadn't been sleeping well if at all and I just..."
"You felt lost." He finished for her when her voice trailed off. She nodded her head.
"So I wandered around trying to figure out what I was going to do when I heard this man calling out 'Elizabeth' to a woman across the street. It was then that I remembered Elizabeth had been raped when she was young and even though we weren't what you call friends I knew she would help me so I got a job waiting tables at a small diner and stayed at shelters until I got my first check and here I am."
"Why didn't you go to Elizabeth's last night?"
"Because I wasn't actually raped liked she was."
"It's a violation no matter how far the person does or doesn't take it. You said no and he didn't stop. That is rape Brook Lynn." Fresh tears filled her eyes. "And I really do think she can help you."
They fell into silence. While Brook Lynn composed herself Ray thought about Elizabeth, Kristina and the woman whose hand he was still holding in his; each woman with different experiences, who had been broken but somehow survived their ordeal. He wondered why his mother wasn't able to do the same. Was she that weak of a woman that she chose to succumb to drugs to mask her pain instead of getting help? Was he not enough for her to even try to better herself so she could be a mother to him? He knew these were questions he would never get the answers to but it didn't stop him from wondering if there was anything he could've done to help her.
"Brook." Her voice startled him. He looked down at her questionably. "You can call me Brook." He smiled and when she smiled back he saw how it reached her eyes. It would be a long tough road for her but Ray knew she would be okay.
It was one thirty when Elizabeth finally ended her shift. A surgery went longer than expected with a sad ending and she stayed with the family comforting them through their grief. When she pulled in her driveway a few minutes after two, she noticed that there was a visitor sitting on her steps. The woman's head was tilted down but she didn't have to see her face to know who it was. Her red hair was a giveaway. It looked like Lucky made a choice and it wasn't the right one. With a sigh she unbuckled her seatbelt and had the boys do the same. They bounded out the car and ran past Siobhan where they gave her a quick hello. She heard the thick emotions in her voice when she greeted them back. She had been crying. You are a fool Lucky. Elizabeth walked up to her and handed her a small package of tissue paper she kept in the car for the boys.
"Come on in." Elizabeth unlocked the door and instructed the boys to play up in their rooms. They didn't argue since they knew guests would be coming over; including their cousin Spencer which they both were excited about. "Have a seat." She told the Irish woman as she hung her purse on the coat rack. "I'll be right back." She grabbed a glass and filled it with water for Siobhan.
"Thank you."
"Sure." She sat next to her. "What time is your flight?"
"Not until eight tonight." Elizabeth stopped herself from asking why she booked one so late. She suspected it was to give Lucky time to change his mind.
"I am having a few people over for a barbeque. Why don't you join us? I know you're probably not up to it but I really think you should leave on a positive note."
"I don't think I will be good company."
"Give it a chance." She encouraged. "It will just be us, Nikolas, Spencer, his new nanny, Kristina and Ethan."
"But they will probably call Lucky."
"No they won't because we won't say anything. You are just here to enjoy some good food since Lucky is out of town." She seemed to be considering it. "Come on. What do you say?"
"I'd like that."
After telling Siobhan she was more than welcomed to visit with the boys up in their room once she was composed, Elizabeth excused herself to get ready. The weather was warmer today than it was yesterday so after she freshened up she changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top. Grabbing a clip she threw her hair back in a ponytail as she slipped on a pair of brown sandals. When she was done she checked on the boys and found them playing with Siobhan. She smiled at the scene and watched them all for a minute before letting her presence be known.
"Do you think you can help the boys get cleaned up while I get started on making the macaroni salad?" She asked the other woman. She said yes and Elizabeth pulled them each out an outfit. An hour later there was a knock on her door. Elizabeth opened it up to find Ethan and Kristina on the other side. She flashed them a smile. "Hey." She greeted and let them in.
"Hey." Kristina greeted back bubbly; a little too bubbly for her. She stared at the young girl and noticed a tension between her two newest guests.
"If you can show me where your kitchen is, I can start seasoning these."
"Sure." Elizabeth led Ethan to the kitchen and showed him where he could find everything then took him to her backyard to where the grill is. "Thanks for doing this."
"Ah, it's no problem." She left him there and returned to the living room where Kristina was standing in front of her window looking outside.
"Okay, tell me what happened." And she did. Kristina told her everything, from the argument with Alexis to being kicked out, her night at Ray's where she woke up in Ethan's arms, her new apartment she found today and the kiss he initiated with her.
"I'm so sorry." Elizabeth softly told her as she wiped away a few tears from Kristina's eyes. "You know you could've called me."
"I know but I didn't want to disturb you and Brook Lynn."
"She never showed up and by the time I gave up waiting for her it was late and I didn't want to disturb you."
"Do you think she is okay?"
"I called Jake's and was told she was there. I just don't think she's ready to talk yet; at least to me that is. But getting back to you, I want you to know that you're more than welcomed to stay here until your place is ready. I have a spare room you can use."
"Actually I was going to ask you if I could. I mean Ray was surprisingly helpful not to mention kind but..." She trailed off.
"I understand."
"You know this means that my family will learn about our friendship."
"I know. Hey it was bound to happen sooner or later." Kristina leaned over and hugged her.
"Thanks Elizabeth."
"No problem. Now concerning Ethan I have one advice for you. Don't ignore what happened no matter what the outcome may be. Confront him head on so you don't worry yourself over it. Okay?"
"Okay."
When Nikolas showed up Elizabeth called up to the boys announcing Spencer's arrival. Cameron and Jake ran down the stairs to greet their cousin. She chided them for ignoring their other guests and made them go around saying hello to everybody but as soon as that was done the three of them shot up the stairs to their room. Nikolas was surprised to see Siobhan when she walked down the stairs. He greeted his brother's girlfriend. Elizabeth introduced her to Kristina then they all walked outside and joined Ethan. While the woman helped her set up a few tables the men stood by the grill talking. There was seriousness in their expression that told her the two were discussing something important. She excused herself to find out what that was.
"I just still can't believe it."
"Tell me about it. Although I do think she will come around."
"Hey, is everything okay?" She asked them.
"I was telling Nikolas about Krissy and Alexis."
"Well I offered her to stay here with me until she can move into her apartment and she said yes."
"That's kind of you Elizabeth. Thank you." Ethan said.
"How is she able to afford this new place?" Nikolas asked. That was a very good question.
"Kristina will have to tell you that herself."
"Tell him what?" The girl they were talking about joined them along with Siobhan.
"About how you are able to afford this new place of yours." Kristina's head snapped to Ethan; a look that showed she wasn't happy with him telling Nikolas.
"He is family and I felt somebody in it should know about what happened." He explained.
"You could have come to me Krissy."
"I'm sorry I didn't."
"So how exactly are you able to afford this apartment?" it showed that Kristina did not want to answer at all but she did and as soon as he heard Johnny's name he exploded. "Are you crazy?" His voice was firm.
"He is a friend."
"He is a criminal..."
"So is my father. How is it any different? You know what - I am getting pretty tired of defending my friends to my family. Johnny is my friend; as is Ethan and nothing anybody says is going to change that. You either accept it and try being supportive or keep your opinions to yourselves." Elizabeth felt that that was something Kristina probably wanted to say to her parents.
"All right; I'm sorry. I know he is a friend and though I don't like it I will try but I can't guarantee anything." Kristina flashed him a beaming smile.
"That's all I ask."
"But I ask one thing." Kristina looked at him uncertain.
"And that would be...?"
"That you broker the same deal you made with Johnny only with me instead of him." It looked like Kristina was about to argue with him on that but Elizabeth stepped in.
"Actually I think that's a good idea." Kristina looked at her in surprise. "Think about how much your whole family will hate it when they hear Johnny paid for your place. I'm sure as it is they won't be happy you got one in the first place; adding Johnny's role in it will only fuel the fire. Nikolas is at least family." Elizabeth could see that she understood what she was saying.
"Okay. I will call Johnny later and tell him."
After that the mood was much lighter and Elizabeth found herself having a good time. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed talking to Siobhan who was very helpful with the boys. It was then she noticed that a certain nanny wasn't here. When she asked about that Nikolas explained that she wasn't feeling well. She was sorry to hear about that and hoped to meet the woman another time. Ethan took time to show her how to use the grill which really wasn't all that hard to do. Lucky never took the time, mostly because she was always inside making the side dishes or tending to the boys but with Kristina and Siobhan there helping her she had the time.
Nikolas and Ethan were able to coax all the boys outside and soon they were tossing the ball around. When they tackled a very surprised Prince to the ground it brought them all to laughter. She was surprised when the other two women joined in on the fun. Elizabeth would have as well but she was left manning the grill. When the food was done they all sat at the table and ate. Looking around at everybody and seeing them all talking and laughing brought a smile to her face. It had been so long since she had a house full of people. It felt good. Really good.
Author's Note: I have never had to describe a rape scene before so I hope it was believable when I wrote it. I initially planned for Elizabeth to be the one to help Brook through it but after thinking about it I switched it to Ray. I just felt that scene flowed better with the two of them.
Coming up in chapter 10: Kristina's starts her new job. Lucky confronts Elizabeth. Jason and Sam get an earful from Carly and Johnny and Elizabeth's first date.
Thank you for reading. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.