Author's Note: Yep, you're seeing this right. I am really posting a new chapter abefore Wednesday. It's like Christmas has come early, Lol. I Hope this brought a smile to your face. My profile page has been updated and I've added a link to my Photobucket account where you will find pictures to help support this story and banners I've made promoting it. I've also posted the link to my youtube page where I have many Liason videos and a few other random ones. Sadly I haven't made one in awhile. I am also considering adding my Facebook link soon; I enjoy meeting new people and hope to start up a group for readers to discuss any of my stories. Yep, you read that right - I already have another story that I am getting together and will be posting up when I am near ending this one.

As always, my sincere thanks to everybody who have read, saved in favorites, set to alert or commented on 'Till You Make It'. I enjoy reading them – they bring smiles to my face. I really do appreciate it.

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoy!

Valerie

Chapter 10: The Hope for New Beginnings

The sound of the alarm going off woke Kristina up from the most wonderful dream she was having. When she opened her eyes to the dark spare room in Elizabeth's home she remembered it wasn't a dream; but a memory of the kiss she shared with Ethan on Saturday. After shutting the alarm off she stretched and turned around to lie on her back. The barbeque on Saturday was filled with so much fun and laughter. The only time the mood grew somber was when Siobhan announced she was moving back home to Ireland. Elizabeth was the only one who wasn't surprised by it and when Nikolas commented on that she told them that she knew. Ethan tried to get her to change her mind knowing how hurt his brother would be by this but after she explained that he did know and was given a choice there wasn't anything anybody could say after that. They all hugged the woman goodbye and Nikolas offered to take her to the airport; Siobhan accepted and with one last wave was gone.

On the way to taking Ethan home, so that Kristina could keep the car, she was set to follow Elizabeth's advice and talk to him about the kiss they shared; only she couldn't summon the courage to do it. A big part of her feared he would say that it was a mistake and she wanted at least a couple of days to prolong the fantasy that he was ready to accept there was more between them. She promised herself she would see him Monday afternoon. Looking at the time Kristina knew she couldn't stay in bed any longer. Today was her first day at work and she had to get up and get ready. She made sure she didn't make too much noise as she walked down the hallway to the bathroom where she showered. It was five thirty when she exited out of the house; waving to Ray who was already parked out front and locking up with the spare key Elizabeth gave her Saturday night after convincing her to let the boys stay home so she could watch them rather than taking them to the hospital's daycare. The boys were a handful, especially Cameron who was good at convincing his brother to follow his lead no matter what trouble it would get them into but by the time their mother made it home Kristina had calmed them down and were able to get them to listen to her. The four of them spent the rest of Sunday lounging around the house playing games and watching movies.

When Kristina arrived at Java Junkie she found Kevin already inside. He let her in when he saw her and the two greeted each other and made small talk before he began showing her what needed to be done. Her nerves didn't kick in until the first customer walked through the door. By the time Elizabeth walked in she had already learned how to make a couple of drinks and excitedly shared this news with her. Kristina and Kevin were able to spend some moments here and there with her; sometimes at the same time. As Elizabeth was about to leave she asked her a question that suddenly came to mind.

"Do you drop the boys off at daycare first then come here for coffee? How does that go?"

"Steven goes in an hour earlier than I do so he picks them up and takes them in." She explained.

"What about when school starts?"

"He still picks Jake up and I drop Cameron off at school then come here."

"And after school?"

"That is when I take my lunch break to pick him up and bring him back to the hospital."

"Got it. I was just wondering."

The rest of the morning started flying by quickly. There were several mistakes Kristina had made but Kevin assured her that was bound to happen on a person's first day. He told her there were many mistakes he had made too when he first started. It was going on noon and things had slowed down. There were only a couple of customers inside when a third walked in. Looking up Kristina recognized her mother.

"Hi. Welcome to Java Junkie. How can I help you?" Her co-worker greeted her.

"Kevin this is my mother Alexis Davis." She introduced.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Davis." Her mother smiled at him and shook his offered hand.

"Nice to meet you too. I was wondering if I could have a few minutes with my daughter."

"Sure. As you can see it's not that busy right now." Kristina walked out from behind the counter and led her mother to the sofa she and Elizabeth sat at.

"Mom if you're here to argue with me about this job then you can just leave."

"That's not why I'm here."

"It's not?" She asked skeptical.

"No. I was worried about you. I assumed you were with Michael or Sam but when I discovered you didn't turn to them I came here to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine." It came out a little more abrupt then she intended. Her mother sighed.

"I promise I didn't come here to argue honey. I came here to apologize." Kristina was surprised to hear this. "Though I still feel that you shouldn't work right now, the way I handled things was poorly. I was sure that after spending an entire weekend away from home and the comforts you are adapt too that you would come back home."

"And that I would cave in."

"That too." She admitted.

"I love you mom but you are going to have to let me make my own decisions; my own mistakes. I'm not saying not to worry about me. I think that's pretty much given since you are my mother. I'm just saying stop holding on so tight."

"The past three weeks I have noticed such a change in you and its made me realize just how grown up you are now. But you and Molly and Sam will always be my babies and I can't help but wanting nothing but the best for you girls." Kristina leaned her head against her mother's shoulder.

"I know mom."

"So this is your new job." She looked around taking her fill of the place.

"This is it."

"It's nice and cozy." Her mother's way of saying she accepted her choice. It made her smile.

"I like it."

"Will you come home today?" She dropped her gaze. No matter how happy Kristina was that they had made up, she still wanted to move into her place but telling her mother this just may bring them back at odds with each other. "Where were you staying at anyways? And please don't tell me you were staying with Ethan or even Johnny."

"No I didn't. They both offered but with Ethan's family and Johnny's father I knew it was a bad idea." Her mother breathed a sigh of relief.

"Just further proof that you are growing up."

"I guess it was time for me to."

"So where did you stay?" Kristina had hoped she wouldn't ask again.

"I stayed with Elizabeth." Her mother's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I don't recall any of your friends with that name."

"That's because I'm talking about Elizabeth Webber." Her mother's eyes widen in surprise.

"How do you know Elizabeth?"

"We've gotten close recently." Kristina saw how uncomfortable this made her mother.

"Sweetie I don't know if that's a good idea..."

"You mean because of her past with Jason." Again her mother was surprised.

"I know they had one but it makes no difference to me. Elizabeth is really nice and has proven to be a really good friend so stop worrying okay."

"Anything else I should know?" Her mother joked but when she saw Kristina's expression she groaned. "Okay what else is there?"

"Well, I umm, got an apartment."

"You what?" Her mother looked like she was about to start hyperventilating.

"On Saturday I ran into Abby and when she heard that I was looking for a place she told me about the vacancy in her building. I went by, looked at it and loved it. I've already given them the deposit and the manger has called me and told me my application checked out and I am set to move in this weekend."

"And how exactly are you able to pay for this?" Kristina was thankful that Elizabeth was able to convince her to let Nikolas help pay. The vein in her mother's forehead was already bulging out and she feared it would burst hearing Johnny's name.

"Nikolas is helping me. He has agreed to only pay the first three months of rent with the promise I made him accept of paying him back in installments. After that everything is on me." When her mother didn't say anything Kristina knew she wasn't happy about this and was trying to keep calm. "This was bound to happen sooner or later mom. You didn't really expect for me to continue living with you all through college did you?"

"Don't you think you are moving too fast?"

"I will admit the circumstances spurred me on but now that I have it I don't want to let it go. Maybe I am moving too fast; it may end up not working out but at least I know I tried and that I have a home I could always come home too where a pair of arms will be waiting to comfort me. Mom, are you okay?" She asked concerned when she saw her rubbing her temples.

"You've just thrown so much at me. I'm trying to process everything."

"Can I ask why you haven't told dad anything?" Her mother finally looked at her. "I know you haven't since he hadn't summoned his men to look for me."

"I didn't want him to overreact; something we both know he would've done. I figured you would be back before he even knew you were gone." Kristina was thankful to her mother for that.

"I do want to come home and spend this last week with you and Molly but..." Kristina trailed off. She felt she was hurting her mother with her words and that was the last thing she wanted to do. With tears in her own eyes she looked at her. "Please don't make this hard for me. Just be there and support me because I can't stand disappointing you." Her mother gathered her in her arms.

"You could never disappoint me honey. I am so proud of you and though we may disagree I will always be there for you no matter what. I promise." She lifted Kristina's chin up. "I love you my daughter."

"I love you too mom." She promised her mother she would return home tomorrow; tonight she was babysitting Elizabeth's boys for her date with Johnny. At the end of her shift Kevin walked Kristina to her car praising her for doing well on her first day. She thanked him and with a wave climbed in her car and drove to Elizabeth's where she found a medium package in front of the doorstep. Kristina picked it up and carried it inside where she placed it on the counter. On the table she noticed a familiar container sitting on top. Looked like somebody forgot to take their lunch. She texted Elizabeth to ask if she wanted Kristina to take it to her; she replied back that she had bought lunch already in the cafeteria. In the kitchen she pulled out an apple and cut it up. When she was done she texted Ray and told him to come inside. "No sense in you sitting in the car when it's just you and me." She told him when he walked through the door. "Do you want anything to eat?"

"I'll take an apple too." Since he was clear across the room Kristina threw it at him; only he wasn't expecting her to do that and it ended up hitting him on the head.

"Oh God." Kristina exclaimed frantically when she noticed the blood running down his face from the cut on his forehead. "I'm so sorry." She apologized as she grabbed a towel and rushed over to tend to him.

"I'm fine." He tried to play off.

"You're bleeding."

"I've had worst."

"Come on we have to get you to the hospital."

"It's just a cut Kristina. I promise I will be fine."

"You got hit in the head by a hard object and could have a concussion or something like that."

"I..."

"No arguments we are going to Elizabeth and that is final. Now get up and move." She ordered then helped him up and to his car where she took the keys and drove him to the hospital. When the elevator doors opened and they stepped out she found her friend over by the waiting area only she wasn't alone. There were three other people with her and one of them was speaking to her in a manner that made Kristina frown. She seperated from Ray, leaving him behind, and walked up to the group where she stepped in.

Elizabeth had just finished having a pleasant lunch with Nadine where they sat in the cafeteria and she told her all about the small house she had bought in the same neighborhood as her and Robin. When she made it back to the hub she found Lucky sitting in the waiting area; the expression on his face told her all that she needed to know. She had a pretty good idea what he was angry about. There was still ten minutes left of her break. Elizabeth walked over and decided to get this over with.

"Lucky." His head turned at the sound of her voice and immediately he stood up.

"How could you do it Elizabeth? What did I do to you to make you stab me in the back like that?" She didn't appreciate his choice of words.

"I didn't stab anybody in the back. Siobhan came to me wanting to say goodbye to the boys. I agreed and that is all."

"No what you did was deliberately withheld that information from me."

"She asked me to Lucky."

"Since when did you two become friends because I must've missed that part."

"We really didn't; something I now regret but she came to me for help and I said yes."

"Oh, you said yes. Just like that" His tone was condescending. "So what, you thought with Siobhan out of the way we could – what, get back together." Excuse me. Was that what he really thought?

"Get over yourself Lucky. It was not about you it was about how you made her feel putting her second."

"How the hell would you know anything about what went on in our lives?"

"I know only what she told me; nothing more." She sighed and leaned in to rest her hand on his arm. "I am sorry you are hurting but you can't put that blame on me."

He pulled his arm away from her. "Actually I can put it on you because what you should have done was tell me right away."

"Siobhan wanted you to choose her; not stay because she was ready to leave. Whether you like it or not I understood where she was coming from and when she asked to say goodbye to Cameron and Jake I appreciated her for thinking of them and chose to let her."

"Wait, let me get this straight. Because you decided then that makes it okay?" His face was distorted in anger. "That was not your place to decide." He hollered out.

"Lower your voice."

"Why? So nobody hears what a bitch you can be."

"Lucky, that's enough." A male voice ordered from behind her. Elizabeth turned to found Jason and Sam had joined them. Great; just what she needed. "You need to calm down."

"No, what he needs to do is leave." Elizabeth corrected.

"We're not through here..." Lucky started saying but she interrupted.

"Oh yes we are."

"What's going on here?" Sam asked. Elizabeth didn't answer. It wasn't hers or Jason's business. Of course Lucky thought differently.

"Elizabeth took it upon herself to help Siobhan leave me." Really? That's the way he was going to see it. He wasn't going to take the blame?

"That is not what I did."

"Wait, Siobhan left?" Sam asked Lucky who nodded.

"I came home to find her gone and a note she left behind telling me she flew back to Ireland and Elizabeth here knew what she was planning and decided not to tell me anything." Sam didn't say anything but she gave Elizabeth a disapproving look. She could feel her anger start to rise.

"I'm sorry she's gone but yelling at Elizabeth won't bring her back Lucky." Jason told him.

"I just want to know why she did it."

"He has a right to know that much at least Jason." Sam said before Elizabeth could respond herself.

"You don't know the whole story Sam so stay out of it."

"It doesn't really sound so complicated here." Sam replied. "You helped Siobhan leave and didn't tell Lucky anything. Did I leave anything out?" Elizabeth balled up her fists. She wanted to hit something so bad right about now; preferably Lucky.

"I don't need to explain my actions to any of you."

"Of course you don't." Sam said as she clasped her hands together. "I mean what does it matter to you that Lucky is hurting here but hey, you don't have to explain yourself."

"Sam." A voice Elizabeth recognized yelled out from behind them. They all turned to face the newcomer, with the exception of her. She wanted to clear the anger from her eyes so that Kristina didn't see it. Despite how angry she was with Sam right now, she had to remember that she was her sister.

"Krissy." Sam was surprised to see her. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay?" There was concern in her voice.

"Why are you speaking to Elizabeth that way?" Kristina ignored her sister's question and asked one of her own.

"It's okay." She assured her friend when she finally turned around to face her. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to come between the two.

"We're just having a little disagreement here Kristina. It's okay." Lucky tried to reassure her too.

"This is about Siobhan leaving isn't it?" She surprised the other three.

"How do you know about that?" Sam asked. By the look on Jason's face Elizabeth knew he had an idea how she knew.

"Are you coming down on Elizabeth because she didn't tell you about it?" Kristina asked Lucky. "Because if you are I'm telling you right now to back off."

"Kristina." Sam chided; surprised by her sister's tone.

"Really, it's okay." Elizabeth tried to stop Kristina from escalating this any further.

"No, it's not okay." She tried to argue. "Is he getting onto you because you knew and didn't tell him?"

"Krissy you have to understand where he's coming from." Sam tried to explain.

"So he is." Kristina sounded angry. "Who are you to go off on Elizabeth when you knew that Siobhan was leaving you? She gave you days to choose her but you made your choice when you left Lucky. Did you really expect her to be sitting around waiting for you?" He had nothing to say to that. "Are you going to let me have it because I knew too?" Elizabeth was gently tugging on her arm; trying to get her to stop but she kept going. "I spent Saturday with her and you know what she said before she left for the airport? She said that it was the most she had laughed in awhile. Siobhan was happy and Elizabeth did that so instead of yelling at her you should be thanking her." Kristina had them all in stunned silence. When Lucky walked away without saying nothing it didn't surprise Elizabeth. She just let him go and hoped he would calm down after a few days.

"How do you know so much about this?" Sam asked Kristina; looking at Elizabeth with suspicious.

"Actually a better question is why didn't you get all the facts before jumping on Elizabeth?"

"She didn't jump on me." Elizabeth tried telling her.

"She didn't disclose those facts." Sam defended herself.

"Then you shouldn't have butted in." Kristina spoke the words in a softer manner then smiled at her sister. "And to answer your first question; yes, I'm okay."

"Okay, that's good." The two hugged then Sam turned to face her. "I'm sorry for jumping to the wrong conclusion."

"That's fine." Elizabeth faked a smile. Her attention quickly focused on Jason who was staring in a completely different direction. She followed his gaze and immediately spotted Ray. "Oh my God Ray!" She exclaimed when she noticed the blood on his forehead she immediately rushed over to tend to the guard and prevent Jason from learning anything. "What happened?" She asked him.

"Just a little bump on the head." She got a good look at the wound and noticed it would need stitches.

She turned back to the others. "I have to get back to work now." Elizabeth was relieved to see Jason no longer looked suspicious.

"I'm going to head out with Jason and Sam, than have them drop me off at the house." Though Kristina was directing that at her, she knew she was really telling that to Ray.

"Okay. I'll see you later."

"Oh and by the way..." She stepped in closer to her. "My mom stopped by to see me earlier and we were able to patch things up."

"I'm so glad to hear that." Kristina clasped Elizabeth's hands where she felt her pass a set of keys in her hand.

"Thanks. I'll give you the details later." Kristina turned around and walked out with Jason and Sam.

"That was ...interesting." Ray commented as the elevator doors closed on the three.

"Tell me about it." She handed him the keys. "I'm assuming these are yours."

"They are." He accepted them and shoved it in his pocket. "Well that was interesting."

"Not a word I would use."

"So that's Kristina's sister?"

"It is."

"Interesting." He sounded like he had more to say but chose not to.

"Yeah." Elizabeth didn't comment any further.

"And that was Ethan's brother?"

"It was."

"I met their father yesterday. He's..."

"Interesting?" They both chuckled. "The Spencer's can be frustrating but they are family; they've been mine for a long time."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, Lucky and I have been in worst arguments then that. It will blow over. What I want to know is what happened to you?"

"Kristina passed an apple to me." She looked at him thinking he was joking but she saw he wasn't.

"An apple?" Ray explained what had happened. Elizabeth had to press her lips together to hold in the laughter that was threatening to come out but she was failing miserably. "I've seen many wounds but never one resulting from an apple." The guard just narrowed his eyes at her and Elizabeth erupted in laughter.

"How could you not tell me?" Sam asked him as they were entering his penthouse. Jason knew this was coming when Kristina told her that she and Elizabeth were now friends and they dropped her off at her house. The entire car ride after that was filled with nothing but silence between them; he knew it wouldn't be for long.

"I never planned on keeping this a secret. When I learned about their friendship I told Kristina that she had to be the one to tell you or I would because there was no way I was going to keep this from you."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound like I'm accusing you; it's just that it concerns me. I don't understand what Elizabeth's motive is?"

"There is no motive Sam. They are just friends."

"It doesn't make sense though Jason."

"Why?"

"Well for one she is older than Krissy."

"What does age have to do with anything? There's a gap between me and Sonny." Sam released a sigh letting him know that something else was upsetting her about the whole thing. "What is this really about?"

"I just don't like that she is back in our lives." There was a knock on his door before Jason could assure Sam that she had nothing to worry about. He didn't have to wait to open it to discover who was on the other side. He recognized that knock.

"What is it Carly?" He asked her as he swung the door open.

"Is that any way to greet your best friend?" From across the room Sam rolled her eyes.

"We're in the middle of something here Carly. Can this wait?" Sam tried to get rid of her but she ignored her like he knew she would.

"I wanted to stop by and visit. I hadn't heard from you since Thursday and wanted to hear how it went with Max."

"What's there to tell you? We shot pool and had a few drinks." Carly sighed.

"But what was his frame of mind? Is he going to be okay?"

"I don't know Carly. We didn't talk about anything."

"Seriously Jason." She huffed out. "Couldn't you have tried?"

"That's not me, which is why I called you."

"I had plans...oh and speaking of that you will never guess what happened that night."

"You know I don't care about gossip." Jason was getting agitated by the entire conversation.

"I guarantee you both will love this one."

"Just tell us and get it over with so you can leave." Carly paid his rudeness no mind. It no longer fazed her.

"Johnny Zacchara has found himself a new tramp." This made Jason's jaw clench.

"What?" Sam's interest was piqued and she sat on the couch beside his unwanted guest. "Who is he now dating?"

"Elizabeth Webber." Immediately Sam's eyes sought his out as if she was looking for something. "Did you not hear me?" Carly was clearly not pleased that she wasn't getting the reaction she was hoping for. Though why she thought she would, made no sense to him.

"You knew about this too didn't you?" He couldn't lie.

"Too?" Carly asked.

"I saw them together the same night." He admitted.

"I didn't know you had gone there." She then turned to face Sam. "You should have seen what she was wearing. It was this dress that left little to the imagination. It was clear that she was looking for the next man she can con into taking care of her and her..."

"Carly!" Her mouth snapped shut recognizing the anger in Jason's voice. "If there is nothing else you have to say then you can go now."

"Why do you still defend her Jase?"

"She is a friend; not to mention the mother of my child." He reminded his friend.

"A child whose life she made sure you couldn't be a part of."

"Leave Carly." She just rolled her eyes.

"Fine. One day you will wake up and see that Elizabeth is not as perfect as she likes everybody to believe." Jason didn't bother saying anything; he just closed the door and turned to Sam who was looking at him.

"What?"

"It bothers you doesn't it?"

"Sam..." He wasn't in the mood to talk about this.

"I can see it does Jason, so don't try denying it."

"I'm worried about the Zacchara's being that close to her and the boys. Anthony already tried to kill Elizabeth once, who's to say he won't try it again."

"And what about Johnny? Are you worried that he will hurt her too?"

"Yes, because he will by involving her in his life."

"A choice she is willing to make. She knows the risks Jason."

"I really don't want to discuss Elizabeth, or the Zacchara's or anybody else. I just want to relax here with you. Can we do that?" It took her a few seconds to reply.

"Fine, okay." Jason walked over and sat next to Sam then gathered her in his arms.

"Elizabeth is always going to be a part of my life because of Jake; but she is my past." He leaned back so he could look at her. "I'm with you now."

"I know. I'm sorry." She reached up and pressed her lips to his. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"I'm sorry I'm late." Lulu apologized as she seated herself in the chair across from him at Kelly's.

"Don't worry about it." Ethan assured her offering his sister a welcoming smile. "How is your day going?"

"Fantastic."

"That sounded mighty chipper. Is there a particular reason why?"

"You bet there is. Kate is out of town." She flashed him a wide smile.

"Yes, but you still have Maxie to contend with." Ethan reminded her.

"True but I can handle the one; both of them at the same time – forget about it." The waitress arrived to take their order and deliver the drinks Ethan had already ordered for them. "Getting together for lunch was a nice suggestion."

"Well it's been while and I thought it would be nice."

"Uh huh." She sat back, crossing her arms as she stared at him. "What's the real reason for this invite?" He smirked at her.

"Couldn't fool you, huh?"

"The second you asked me here I knew something was up. So what is it?"

"I need advice."

"Wow, and you came to me." Ethan could see how much this pleased Lulu. "I am glad you felt you could. So how can I help you?" Ethan ran his fingers through his hair unsure of how she was going to react to what he was about to tell her. He knew he could've turned to Johnny but he found himself turning to his sister.

"I kissed Kristina." Surprise flittered across her face.

"I'm sorry; come again?"

"It surprised me too though it shouldn't since we had already kissed before."

"You've kissed her more than once?" Lulu's eyes were as wide as an owl's.

"Well she initiated the first one surprising the hell out of me. It was quick and more of a 'this is what you're missing' and 'goodbye' kind of kiss."

"Start from the beginning." She demanded as she leaned forward.

"You know Kristina has had a crush on me for some time now?"

"All of Port Charles knows that." He ignored that part.

"Three weeks ago she invited me over to her place..." Lulu sat quietly as Ethan relayed everything from that point on and up to now. He held nothing back. Here and there his sister would interrupt and ask him a question and once they had to stop and accept their food from the waitress. He found it surprisingly easy to be honest with her.

"Let me ask you something." Ethan paused from putting the fry in his mouth. "How did the kiss make you feel?" He sighed and placed the fry back on his plate as his mind wandered back to that moment when he looked down at Kristina and saw how beautiful she truly was. The way her eyes were sparking with excitement and her mouth was beaming with a smile wider than he had ever seen it before. It made him feel. After that he didn't even think twice about what he was about to do; he just gave in to the moment and kissed her. Ethan closed his eyes as he thought of all the feelings that surfaced inside him as their lips fused together – and when she released that little moan... "I guess I got my answer." His sister brought him back to the now.

"I have no idea what to do here."

"Is it her age that's troubling you or something else?"

"That and the fact that she is about to start college. Kristina has her whole life ahead of her. She is destined to do great things not settle for a con-man like me. And quite frankly I'm not sure what I feel for her. It's all so confusing."

"Sounds like you have some thinking to do. In the meantime you two really need to discuss the kiss."

"I'm kind of surprised I haven't heard from her since Saturday. I was sure it would push back the small progress we had just made."

"Maybe that means it wasn't much of a big deal to her. Who knows, she just may have moved on."

"Yeah." Ethan didn't know how he felt about that.

"You sound disappointed." When he didn't say anything she sighed. "You came to me for advice so here it is." Ethan was all ears. "You need to decide once and for all what exactly you feel for Kristina. Forget that she is eighteen, forget that she is about to start college or who her father is and forget that you think you're not good enough. Just think about nothing but her and how she makes you feel and make a decision because toying with her emotion is not fair to her and whether you realize it or not that's what you're doing."

"I've been honest about how I felt."

"Are you sure about that, because it doesn't sound like it to me? You may have said the words but your actions say a different story. Did you even hear how jealous you sounded when you mentioned the possibility of Kristina dating this new co-worker of hers or even Johnny? Because I sure as hell heard it and I guarantee that she did too."

"I'm not jealous." She just looked at him.

"So you will be okay if she started dating Johnny?"

"I don't think that would be a wise choice." Lulu sat back in her chair shaking her head with a little laugh. "His life is dangerous."

"So is Sonny's. Have you not gotten that the mob will always be a part of her life no matter what because of who her father is? So you can't really use that excuse." His sister reached across and cover on his hand with hers. "Think everything over Ethan but don't wait too long to act because things always change; who knows what may be waiting for Kristina around the corner."

When he returned to the Haunted Star he found Luke in high spirits; and it had nothing to do with alcohol. There was an adventure his father was about to embark on that had to do with stolen jewels and he asked him to join him. Ethan thought this was a good idea to get away from Port Charles and think things through. The first person he called was Johnny who was quiet when he told him the news. His friend didn't sound happy about it and tried to get him to change his mind telling him that there was something he really could use his help with. This went on back and forth until they compromised and he ended up promising to return in one week. The next person he called was Lulu who was relieved to hear that he would be accompanying their father. She made him promise her that they would be careful. That now only left one more person he needed to tell and it wasn't something he would be doing over the phone. Ethan called Ray to learn their whereabouts; he was told they were at Elizabeth's home. The guard was the one to answer his knock at the door.

"What happened to you?" Ethan asked the man when he opened the door and saw the stitches on his forehead. "Nothing happened did it? Is Kristina okay?" Ethan panicked.

"Kristina's fine. She is upstairs on the phone with her sister." He told him as he let him in.

"That's actually good. It gives me a minute to talk to you first." Ethan closed the door behind him.

"Go ahead."

"I'm leaving town for a week." There was no expression on the man's face. "My father needs my assistance on a lucrative 'deal' he was just offered."

"How long will you be gone?"

"Not that long. I promised Johnny no longer than a week."

"For what?" Kristina asked, surprising him as she came down the stairs.

"Can we have a word?" He asked her. Ray excused himself and walked out the door giving them their privacy.

"What's going on?" She asked him as they sat on the couch.

"First tell me about your first day on the job. How did it go?" Her face lit up.

"It went really well. I was nervous; especially when I helped my first customer but I started getting the hang of it."

"That's good."

"Oh and my mom stopped by to see me."

"Really. How did that go?"

"It went well. We were able to work things out and come to an understanding. I'm moving back home till it's time for me to move into my new place."

"So she knows about that and things are still okay between you guys?"

"Well, we still have things to work out but I think we will be okay. It looks like you were right about her."

"How's that?"

"We both were too stubborn to give in and things went too far but as much as I hated it I have to admit I'm glad it happened or I wouldn't have gotten the apartment."

"You are really happy about having your own place." It wasn't a question; he could see how happy she was, but she nodded anyways.

"I am. While I was looking around I started visualizing what I wanted it to look like when I have the money to start fixing it up. The whole prospect of what I can do got me so excited...well you know since you were there." The kiss they shared was now there between them.

"I want to talk to you about what happened."

"Oh." Her gaze dropped to her lap. "You don't have to worry about me jumping to the wrong conclusion. I know it was just the excitement of..." Her voice trailed off when he gently lifted her head up by her chin to look at him. Ethan knew what she was doing and he refused to let her just because she thought it was what he wanted to hear.

"You don't have to sweep it under the rug. We kissed Kristina and I don't regret it." Surprised flittered across her face.

"You don't?"

"No, I don't and I hope you don't either." She shook her head in response with a smile. Her face lit up in hopefulness; it made him turn away so that he could summon up the courage to tell her what he came here to tell her before turning back to face her. "But..." Her face crumbled on that one word. "...it's thrown me for a complete loop and has confused the hell out of me." As if his thumb had a mind of its own, it began tracing her lower lip and drew his gaze to her mouth when her tongue darted out to moisten it. He assumed out of nervousness. He suddenly couldn't remember what he was about to say next. All he could think about was how those lips felt against his. Kissing her was the last thing he should be doing here; especially when he was still confused about what he felt but somehow that was what he was doing after his hands spanned the small of her waist and he drew her up to him. Kristina's fingers clutched to his shirt when one of his hands cupped the back of her head to hold it still as he deepened the kiss. Just like the last time Ethan marveled at the feel of her in his arms. When he felt her adjust her body so that she was now straddling him he knew had to put a stop to this. "Wait."

"What?" Her eyelids looked heavy as she looked down at him in confusion.

"We have to stop." Ethan was able to help her back to her side of the couch then he stood up and stepped away so that there was distance between them. "I came here to tell you that I'm leaving town." He turned to face her as he told her this.

"You're what?" Kristina asked as she rose and rushed to stand in front of him.

"Luke has asked me to join him on a little adventure."

"You're leaving?"

"Tonight." There was a crestfallen look on her face. "But it won't be for long. It will just be a week." Hopefully long enough to decide what it was he felt for this girl.

"Oh." It looked like her eyes were watering up but she turned around quickly and he wasn't too sure about that.

"Hey, I'll be back in time to help you move in to your own place."

"You promise." Ethan walked up to her and pulled her into a hug.

"I promise." When they pulled apart he saw no traces of tears in her eyes. "We will celebrate your new place by doing a movie marathon and ordering takeout food of your choosing. How does that sound?"

"It sounds like a plan." A smile was now on her face and it made him smile in return.

"Good." Kristina walked him to the door. "Remember that Ray is there to protect you so please don't do anything to place your life in danger." With a roll of her eyes she promised him.

"The same goes for you. Please take care of yourself out there." He saw the concern on her face.

"I will." With one last look Ethan walked out the door and straight to where he left his father's car parked. Ray was leaning against the driver's side.

"Is she okay?" He asked as he stepped aside so that he could get in.

"She's fine." Ethan assured him then paused to look at the man. "Take care of her."

"I will."

"Should anything happen you have my number." Ray nodded and Ethan glanced once more at Elizabeth's house where Kristina still stood watching him from the open doorway. Silently he promised that when he returned he would no longer toy with her emotions. He would think things through and decide whether they were to remain friends or become something more.

The day had been a bad one for Johnny; something that started last night when his father ruffled Sonny's feathers by cornering Brenda and her son at Kelly's where he blatantly suggested that something easily could happen to the two. That stunt earned him a 'not so gentle' invitation by Max and Milo to accompany them to meet with their boss. Words were said, threats were made and by the time he had left the man's house he was seething and ready to throw his father over the railing of his penthouse. The old coot was stirring up trouble purposely. Johnny knew his father wasn't happy with the peace pact he had made with Corinthos; even knew he would try to get under the man's skin but threatening his wife and her child was a wrong move. Sonny didn't take kindly to that and neither did he but it was something he knew his father was capable of doing and this reminded him of that. It brought fear to Johnny and made him think of a certain nurse.

Anthony was making no attempts to hide how much he wanted him and Kristina to get together. How far he was willing to go with this Johnny did not know. What he did know was that should his father discover his interest in Elizabeth and he not be pleased by it, then it could put her and her two young boys in danger. Something told him that she would not be pleased should he decide that seeing her was too big a risk to take; so he chose to let her make the choice. Tonight he would be honest and tell her everything. With that in mind he got on the phone and called Elizabeth asking her to be ready by six. He rearranged the night's agenda because he wanted to make their evening was extra special in case their first date ended up being their last one. Johnny wanted this to be a memorable night for them.

When he showed up at Elizabeth's house the door was opened by Kristina who was all smiles. He was a bit surprised to find her looking so happy; he was sure that she would have been in a somber mood with Ethan leaving town – something Johnny was not thrilled about. He wanted to run something by him. Plans he was hoping his friend could help him out with as soon as possible. Now it looked like it would have to wait a week. "Nobody looks as good in black like you." Kristina broke him out of his musing. "Elizabeth won't know what hit her." Before he could reply the woman herself began descending down the stairs and whatever response he was about to say was lost when he saw her. She was a vision in red. The dress had straps that circled around her neck baring her slender shoulders and smooth arms for his viewing and a full skirt that fell just below her knees. Her hair was up with strands of hair loosely around her face.

"Wow." The only expression his muddled mind could come up with.

"I repeat that sentiment." Kristina agreed.

"Thank you." When she made it towards the bottom of the step Johnny held his hand out to assist her the rest of the way. "The boys are already dressed for bed. So now all you have to do is start winding them down soon so they can be in bed no later than nine." Johnny had to hide his smile when Kristina began ushering the two of them towards the door.

"We've already been over this. We will be fine. I will call you for anything but between me and Ray I'm sure we can handle things." Ray was staying? This was news to him - not that he wasn't happy about it. Having the guard around was a very good idea. Johnny wondered whose idea it was for him to stay and was thankful that the man was going above his call of duty.

"I still feel bad Ray is giving up his evening to stay here the night." Elizabeth said.

"It was my decision and I'm fine with it." The man himself answered. Johnny looked over towards the doors Ray had just come from and immediately noticed the stitches on his forehead. It made him frown. He walked over to the table with a full plate where he set it down and joined them.

"What happened to you?" The question was met with a couple of snickers.

"I was hit by a hard object." More chuckles emerged from the women. Ray narrowed his eyes at them.

"Why don't you tell him what the object was." There was amusement on Kristina's face when she asked this of him.

"An apple." Johnny's brow raised and he smirked at his guard.

"Oh please, do tell." He encouraged.

"Instead of handing over the apple, like most sane people do, Kristina decided to toss it to me and I was unprepared for that." He couldn't help it; he had to chuckle. The guards glare turned to him. "Shouldn't you two be on your way?" Though Johnny would've liked to stay and continue ribbing the man, Ray was right, they did need to get going but he wanted to have a quick chat with the man first. The opportunity came when Elizabeth realized she had left her purse upstairs. Kristina accompanied her, leaving the men alone.

"I am really glad you are staying." Johnny admitted.

"Should I expect trouble?"

"My father has no idea what I'm up to tonight and I made sure that he or one of his men didn't tail me. Just keep a sharp eye out; not only on Kristina but the boys as well."

"Yes sir."

"The old man has been stirring up trouble and I've been getting a bad feeling that he is about to do something soon."

Kristina did not return to see them off. Instead she remained upstairs with the boys; keeping them busy. Johnny held out his arm for Elizabeth to wrap her arm through and he led her outside where she gasped in surprise when she spotted the small stretch limo he rented for the night. "A limo? You didn't have to do this Johnny."

"I know. I wanted to." One of his guards opened the door for them before sliding back up front where the driver sat.

"This is...wow." She seemed to be taking everything in. "Where are we going?"

"We are heading into lower Manhattan." Her eyes widened at that. "The drive will be a bit so I thought we could take this time to get to know each other better." Johnny poured a couple of glass champagnes and handed one to her. She accepted with a thank you and sipped at it.

"Your conversation with Ray looked intense. Is everything okay?"

"I wish I could say it was but my father is up to something and I'm scrambling around trying to figure out what it is." He released a sigh.

"If you were too tired to do this, we could've postponed this."

"Last night was tough and my day wasn't any better but one thing kept the day from being a complete disappointment – and that was this." He admitted. "Knowing I would soon be spending time with you made all the crap I'd been through worth it."

"Is there anything I could do to help you?" With his hand Johnny grabbed one of the loose strands along the side of her throat and twirled it in his fingers.

"Unless you can come up with a plan to help me end Zacchara's organization..."

"Are you serious?" He nodded. "I, wow – I'm surprised. But if you do, then doesn't that mean you will have to leave town and start somewhere new?"

"Not necessarily but I don't want to talk about that. At least not right now. I'd rather hear about you when you were younger. What were you like?"

"Mischievous and very angry." She answered immediately.

For the entire drive Elizabeth amused him with stories of her rebellious days; something Johnny wished he could've seen. She talked about her absentee parents and how much they made her feel in their presence. The jealousy she felt towards her sister and all the things she did to her when she first arrived to Port Charles. When she started talking about her grandmother he could hear the sadness in her voice; it reflected on her face. By the sound of it, Audrey Hardy was more than a grandmother to Elizabeth – she was the only stable parent she had in her life. Somehow the subject switched to Lucky and he listened as she told him adventures they shared in their teenage years and how devastated it was when she thought he had died. The pitch of her voice changed when she started telling Johnny about their times after he 'returned from the dead'. He didn't ask why that was; it was easy to figure out. Whatever the two had before, died in that fire along with whom they once were. It changed them and they never could get what they once had back – even though they tried to and married years later. One thing he did notice and that was how, not once, did she bring up Jason's name. He didn't either but depending on whether they continued to pursue this or not Johnny knew they would have to talk about him because there was no way things would ever work out between them if she was still in love with the enforcer.

"Mr. Zacchara we're here." His guard announced. A few minutes later Johnny was assisting Elizabeth out of the limo.

"Where are we at?" She asked as she looked around taking in the darkened streets and the wooden doors ahead of them with the white stoned arch above. Instead of answering he led her inside. The place he took her too was called 'One if by Land, Two if by Sea' it was rated to be one of the most romantic restaurants in New York. It was tucked away in an historic 18th-century carriage house in the West Village. They were greeted by an elder gentleman who recognized his name when he gave it. While they followed him to their table he watched how her eyes lit up as she took in the fresh flowers on every table, the cozy fireplaces and the sounds of the baby grand piano; all of which was bathed in the glow of candle lights. The table they were shown too had a lovely garden view. "Johnny this is breathtakingly beautiful." Elizabeth told him once they were alone.

"I agree." He complimented though he wasn't talking about the restaurant but rather the woman who was sitting across from him.

"I've never been to a place like this before."

"Then I'm glad I was able to bring you tonight." The waiter returned with the champagne he ordered and two glasses which he filled up. "A toast." He held up his; Elizabeth followed his lead. "To the hope for new beginnings."

After ordering their food Elizabeth turned the tables on him and Johnny found himself sharing happier childhood memories of times he spent with his mother and the complicated relationship he had with his sister. Soon he was changing the subject to a lighter topic when he asked about Cameron and Jake. Her whole face lit up as she talked about her boys. It was plain to see how much she loved them. When they finished their dinner they ordered a Chocolate Soufflé and shared it. At the first bite Elizabeth let out a moan; it sounded sexy as hell and had him wondering if she would make the same sound in his bed. That thought set of the coil of desire in the pit of his stomach. He reached for his glass and drank the rest of his champagne. The plates had been cleared and the check had been paid but Johnny wasn't ready to go because he knew what they would be discussing and he wasn't ready for that; so they lingered and prolonged their evening. Eventually they left and once again they were in the back of the limo.

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about." Elizabeth shifted her body so that she was now facing him.

"Sure."

"Do you know why I have Ray guarding Kristina?" Her brows furrowed; wondering where he was going with this.

"Kristina never disclosed that and I never asked."

"My father has got it in his head that it would be a smart move for me to get romantically involved with Kristina."Johnny had his turned towards the opposite direction; staring out the window so that he couldn't see any expressions she may have. "He's been dropping not so subtle hints about it and though I've warned him repeatedly to back off, I know he isn't going to do that. He's got her in his sight and I am worried of what he will do. Last night he threatened Brenda and her son and now Sonny is ready to gun for him if I can't contain my father."

"I don't understand why you are telling me this."

"I'm telling you all this because I fear of how he will react when he learns that I have an interest in you." Johnny turned around to face her and grabbed both her hands with his. "And I am very much interested in you." He heard her breath catch as his heated gaze caught hers. "I want nothing more than to see where this could go." One of his hands slowly traveled up her arm over her shoulder to the nape of her neck where his fingers found the clip on her head and released it. Her hair fell and curtained around her face. "Since that night at Jake's I've wondered what it would be like to kiss you." His gaze lowered to her mouth where he made a quick choice and took her by surprise by swooping down and capturing her lips. It didn't take long for her to become a willing partner and when she nipped at his bottom lip and then soothed the slight sting with the soft caress of her tongue it was Johnny's turn to be taken by surprise. The brazen move flared heat inside him and the connection of their mouths gradually deepened; their tongues touched, slid together and mated in slow sweeping strokes. Images of what he would like to do to her in the back of this limo flashed in his mind but instead of following through with any of them he ended the kiss and leaned back against the seat, though his hands remained on her body.

"Why did you stop?" Her voice was throaty with emotion and her eyes were lit with desire. Johnny held back a moan.

"Because we need to finish talking before we go any further." With reluctance Elizabeth scooted over so that there was space once again between them.

"You're about to tell me that your life is too dangerous and that you can't risk getting involved with me for fear that something will happen to me or my boys. You think that I'm this innocent fragile woman who your life should not be touching." Her voice had a hint of anger. "Save it. I've heard this speech so many times before."

"That's not exactly what I was going to say." Her head snapped up in surprise. "Yes my life is dangerous but you know that and I wouldn't dream of making any decision for you which is why I'm telling you everything so that you can make the choice yourself."

"Really"

"Really. But keep in mind that this is something a little more serious than just my dangerous life. This is my twisted psychotic father we are talking about here and let me tell you Elizabeth that he has killed many children and women; my mother included. I know him and if he is truly serious about wanting to see Kristina and me get together than nothing is going to stop him from trying to make that happen. He will see you as a threat and he will come after you. Of course I will do everything I can to protect you which will mean putting a guard on you and your boys but the decision has to be yours if you are even willing to take that chance." Silence filled the limo. Johnny could see that she was thinking about everything he just said. "I will understand if this is too high of a risk to take. Maybe once I've taken my father down then we could try again."

"You're going after your father?"

"Yeah. I had planned on asking Ethan to help me on this and running a few ideas by him but then he had to go and leave town."

"Wait, what? Ethan left town?" Johnny was surprised she did not know this.

"He was leaving tonight. I take it Kristina didn't tell you about it." Elizabeth shook her head.

"She said nothing. All that was on that girls mind was this date." That made him smile. It was apparent that Kristina didn't want to ruin this night for Elizabeth.

"I don't understand why he left. Do you know where he was going?"

"On some crazy adventure with his old man." She released a sigh.

"Kristina must be heartbroken about that. Who knows how long he will be gone for."

"Well I did make him promise me that he would return in a week."

"Let's hope Luke doesn't change his mind because if he made that same promise to her then it would hurt her if he broke it." Elizabeth seemed to be lost deep in thought before she spoke again. "Have you considered turning to somebody else and asking them to help you with your father." She began chewing on her lips nervously and immediately he understood who the 'somebody' was.

"You mean Jason." Her eyes widen and she began shaking her head.

"Good God no. That probably wouldn't be a good idea considering who he works for and where his loyalties lie. I was talking about Dante."

"Dante." He exclaimed in surprise.

"Think about it. You will have somebody in the law department on your side. With him around nothing can be twisted to go against you. He is Kristina's brother so he will jump in to help protect her and most importantly - he is not close to Sonny so there's no chance of him going to him." Johnny had to admit it had possibilities.

"You know you are full of surprises." He praised her.

"The night's not over and I have one more surprise for you." Elizabeth raised herself up to sit in his lap.

"Oh yeah." She nodded her head. "And what would that be?" He murmured against her mouth that was now hovering over his.

"When you succeed in taking your father down then we go public." It took a few seconds for her words to sink in but when it did he stared at her.

"Are you sure."

"Very sure." Elizabeth began pressing light kisses against his lips. "In the meantime you and I take this time to privately see where this could go." She paused to look at him. "What do you say?"

"I say you are one amazing woman." He answered before claiming her lips with his own.

Author's Note: A few things I wanted to say. As you know I'm not a Jasam fan so if what I wrote didn't feel realistic than I apologize. I don't watch their scenes; individually and with other people – I do, but together no, so I don't know much about how they would interact with each other. I'm winging it here. I also don't want Sam fans to think I am suddenly going to switch gears and start ganging up on her – because I'm not. The reason I had her quickly jump on Lucky's side is because they have a history together and she considers him to be a friend. Nothing more.

Also Ethina fans please don't hate me for having Ethan leave. He needed to for a bit but don't worry he will come back and when he does he will have reached a decision and know what it is he wants. As for Johnny and Elizabeth, I know Liason fans are probably not happy that once again she is going to have a secret relationship but I see their situation being completely different; for one they have every intention to go public as soon as they can. With Jason that was not the story until he proposed and that only lasted all but a few minutes before he was pushing her away and running scared. How I hated that they both allowed fear to rule their lives.

Thank you for reading. Chapter 11 will be added soon. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.