Chapter 6 Harry Goes Shopping

The bakery was busy with to-go traffic; dockworkers heading to work and nearby office employees grabbing their breakfasts to eat at their desks. Emily, Harry and David were met with a cloud of sinfully wonderful smells when they walked in the door.

"This is why Elizabeth is my very best friend in the whole world." Emily declared as she feasted her eyes on the many delicacies that the bakery offered.

Harry grinned and watched his aunt as she came close to salivating over the case. "What are you going to have?" He asked.

Emily winked at him. "I'm going to have them all. I'll start from the top left and work from there. There is a system to this my young, innocent nephew. Watch and learn." She explained imperiously.

David leaned down and whispered into his charge's ear. "Harry I'm going to give you some advice. When a woman gets like this, just sit back and let her indulge. Never make an opinion or even tease them. It's like wrestling with a bear for a fish."

Harry's expression changed to one of awe. Just like a city dweller got with their first viewing of the power of nature. He nodded mutely as he watched the young woman eye her future chocolaty victim.

"OK Hare-bear, what'll it be?" Emily asked.

"Um, I don't need anything really. I just had breakfast." Harry denied.

"Harry sweetie, that wasn't really a suggestion, every young man needs more than just eggs and bacon. Trust me, I know these things." Emily declared.

Harry glanced up at David to see the man staring down at him pointedly. He then looked back over at Emily who was standing with her hands on her hips and patting her foot. He gulped. "D – Do they have any scones?" He asked hesitantly.

Emily turned around and examined the case. Her eyes lit up when she spotted the pastry. She winked at Harry and turned to the girl behind the counter. "I need two of the Chocolate Truffle Honey Buns and one Scone with clotted cream and strawberries please. Oh!" She exclaimed turning back. "David what did you want?"

"Get me a couple of scones. I could have ordered for myself." The guard pointed out.

Emily rolled her eyes. "We might as well order together." She replied before turning back to the girl. "I also need two more of those scones." She ordered, reaching into her purse for her wallet.

Emily paid for the treat and they made their way to one of the tables, right against the railings by the water. A soft breeze was blowing and the sun was already shining brilliantly on the water in the harbor. The ships were moving slowly in and out, carrying their multiple loads from around the world. A few yachts were anchored outside the port, and their white surfaces glistened.

Emily smiled down at her breakfast and then took a bite. Her eyes closed and she moaned low in the back of her throat. She chewed slowly, savoring the burst of flavor before swallowing and then flicking out her tongue to catch any that may have remained on her lips. She opened her eyes to see her two companions staring at her nervously.

"What?" Emily asked, looking from one to the other in confusion.

"I'm assuming that you enjoyed that?" Harry asked with a sly smile.

"You just don't understand the religious experience that is chocolate." Emily scoffed.

"I'm sure." Harry agreed, taking a bite of his scone. He looked down at it in surprise. "Hey, this is great!" He exclaimed.

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Did you think it wouldn't be?"

Harry shrugged. "I just didn't expect it to be so good. They're more of an English standard and we aren't in England."

"Harry, why do you think the United States is known as the 'melting pot'? I don't think there is a single nation that doesn't have a citizen living in the U.S." Emily chuckled.

Harry felt his face heat up. "Oh. I hadn't thought of that."

"Don't worry about it." Emily winked. "Most people forget that the only true Americans are the Native American Indians. Everyone else is just immigrants." She stated before taking another bite and wallowing in ecstasy.

Despite having already eaten breakfast, Harry soon finished off his scone. "So what do you do for a living?" Harry asked when Emily was able to pay him attention again.

Emily stopped licking what was left of the chocolate off her fingers and answered him. "Right now I'm studying law. If all goes well I have one more year and then I take the entrance exams to Law School."

"Do you work anywhere?"

Emily shook her head, grinning ear to ear. "Na, I'm one of those rich heiresses who don't have to lift a finger." She told him holding up her pinky.

Harry chuckled. "So you can do whatever you want all summer?"

"Yes my strapping young nephew. And now that you're here I plan to spend a great deal of it with you. Of course I plan to spend it later in the day. Fortunately for your father, I have not adjusted to late mornings yet. But give it a couple of weeks and I would have shot him with his own gun for waking me up this early." Emily narrowed her eyes, remembering that she was mad at her brother.

Harry couldn't keep the grin off his face. "So when is the proper time to call a princess during the summer?"

Emily eyed him for a moment before she returned his grin. "I knew I liked you. You recognize royalty when you see it. To answer your question, you should never call before 11:00 in the morning if you value all your body parts."

Harry nodded seriously. "I'll be sure to remember that. I am rather attached to my bits after all."

Emily's musical laughter filled the air. "Oh I can't wait to introduce you to Elizabeth. She is going to just love you – not to mention Mother and Grandmother. Grandmother especially is going to be excited to death."

Harry took on a shy look. "I'm rather anxious to meet them. Dad speaks highly of them and I hope they approve of me." He told her nervously.

Emily's eyes softened. "Harry they are going to love you so much that Jason is going to have to make them let you come home. They'll be calling all the time wanting to visit. You'll see. Just be yourself Harry, no one in their right mind could not love you."

"My relatives didn't seem to have any trouble hating me." Harry whispered bitterly.

"Hey," Emily said gently, getting up and moving next to him. She reached up and cupped his face in both her hands. "I said anyone in their right mind. Obviously those idiots don't qualify." She told him right before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him close.

Harry laid his head on her shoulder and allowed himself to be comforted. David watched on approvingly. He knew that this was not the last time Harry would need to be reminded that he was loveable, but David was glad that this family seemed up to the task.

Finally Harry and Emily pulled away a bit and studied each other. Harry smiled wetly. "Thanks." He whispered.

"You're welcome. Anytime you need a hug you come to me." Emily instructed.

Harry nodded. "Yes ma'am." He replied soberly.

They both stared at each other for a moment before they broke down laughing. Yes, this family was exactly what his young charge needed, David thought to himself as he finished off his second scone. He licked his fingers thinking how thankful he was that some other Brits had made it across the pond.

Carly was already waiting at the entrance with Max when Emily and Harry showed up with David right behind them.

"Are you ready to do some damage?" Carly demanded.

Emily patted her purse. "I have my platinum empty and waiting right up front with no spending limit. Let's do this." She smirked.

Harry looked at the two other women and then back at the two guards. "Help?" He squeaked.

David shook his head sadly. "I'll take a bullet for you kiddo, but not even I'm brave enough to face that force of nature."

Harry gulped and turned back to the two women who were already discussing their shopping strategy. The two bodyguards chuckled at his antics and followed the other three into the mall.

Four hours and twenty-five bags of casual clothes, pajamas, a robe, socks, a light jacket, a suit, ties, dress shirts, shoes, toiletries, underwear (boxers that would hide the diapers), contacts, and a new hairstyle later saw the small squad of super-shoppers and their muscle heading back out to the parking lot. Harry and David had slipped into the restroom so that Harry could put on one of his new outfits. Harry watched in surprise when David stuffed the sweat suit into the garbage can. The only thing they held onto was the socks that Jason had loaned him until he could get footwear of his own.

As the group waited for Max to bring the car around, Emily turned to Carly. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Carly nodded. "Yeah, that Chocolate Honey Bun was great but I'm hungry again. What did you have in mind?"

"Well Jason wanted to meet us as Kelly's for lunch. Maybe you can get Sonny to come too." Emily suggested as she dialed Jason's cell.

"That sounds good." Carly agreed, pulling out her cell phone and calling her husband.

After the arrangements were made, they piled into the limo and were on their way.

Kelly's was just slowing down from the lunch rush when the bell over the door rang, announcing another customer. Elizabeth's eyes lit up when she saw her best friend come in. Her expression changed to one of surprise when Carly came in right behind Emily laughing. Elizabeth considered Carly and Emily getting along to be one of the signs of the Apocalypse. They were followed into the restaurant by a small boy with stylish black hair and bright green eyes. He was dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans. The most noticeable thing about him was the burgundy wheelchair that the boy was steering towards a table where Emily and Carly were already settling.

Pasting a smile on her face, Elizabeth made her way to the table. She glanced over to see one bodyguard was standing just inside the door while the other was guarding outside.

Emily grinned happily when she saw her best friend heading towards them. "Elizabeth! I would like to introduce you to my amazing new nephew, Harry Morgan. Harry, this is my best friend in the world and partner in crime, Elizabeth Webber." She declared grandly.

Only hesitating for a moment when she heard the name, Elizabeth gave a wink. "Don't let her fool you. Usually it's me trying to pull Emily out of some trouble she has managed to land herself in."

"Hey! I resemble that remark!" Emily chuckled.

Elizabeth reached out a hand. "It's nice to meet you Harry. Welcome to the crazy farm known as Port Charles."

Harry smiled, his emerald eyes twinkling with humor. "A pleasure." He replied, shaking the offered hand.

"Oh Em, he has an English accent." Elizabeth breathed with wide eyes.

"I am aware of that." Emily agreed.

Elizabeth grinned. "It's a good thing that Jason has a bodyguard for him. I just hope the guy is good enough to keep the girls at bay."

Harry blushed bright red at the teasing. He was flattered, but he couldn't understand what was so great about his accent.

"We'll find out I'm sure." Emily continued in mock seriousness.

Carly, who normally would have smarted off, just sat back and watched the two friends tease Jason's new son. She should have known that the Muffin would be friendly with Harry. After all, she was probably trying to get back in Jason's good graces. As she watched Harry laugh at something that the brunette said, Carly couldn't help but compare her to Courtney's reaction and Harry's discomfort around his future mother. It was a hard pill to swallow, but Carly had to admit that Elizabeth was being much more welcoming than Courtney.

"Alright, what can I get you guys?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm going to have iced tea." Emily declared.

Carly ordered the same then Elizabeth turned to Harry. The teen swallowed and looked around nervously.

"Erm, what's 'iced tea'?" He asked softly suddenly nervous.

Emily smiled reassuringly. "It's just tea with ice in it, just like it sounds."

"If you would like to try it, I could bring you a small glass. If you don't like it, I could get you something else." Elizabeth offered.

"Oh, I don't want to cause you more work." Harry protested.

Elizabeth fought the sadness that threatened to overwhelm her at that telling statement. There was more to this than Jason adopting a handicapped orphan. "Oh Sweetie, it's no trouble at all. I'll be right back!"

The three watched the waitress hurry to the kitchen. They were distracted when the front door opened to admit Sonny and Jason. The two men smiled when they saw their loved ones at the large table. Jason walked over and sat in the chair on the other side of Harry while Sonny settled beside Carly.

"How was your morning?" Sonny asked.

"It was great!" Carly grinned. "We were able to get Harry all the necessities."

"They bought twenty-five bags of clothes. I've never seen, much less owned so many things in my life!" Harry declared wide-eyed to his father.

Jason chuckled at his son's shock. "I told you that your aunts would take care of your wardrobe."

"I don't think it'll even fit in the closet – and that closet is huge!" Harry continued, still in slight shock.

Everyone at the table laughed at Harry's reaction to his shopping trip. Just then, Elizabeth arrived with the drinks.

"Alright Mister, try that and tell me what you think." Elizabeth instructed as she set a small glass of iced tea in front of Harry.

Harry looked at the glass nervously before taking a deep breath and sipping from the glass. The screwed up look on his face was all that everyone needed to know that iced tea was not something that the teen was going to enjoy.

Elizabeth chuckled. "Well that answered that." She declared, taking the glass back. "Would you rather have a soda or some fruit juice?"

"I've never had soda." Harry shrugged. "But my cousin seemed to like it."

Elizabeth shot Emily a look before smiling at the boy. "Tell you what, why don't I make you a milkshake instead?"

"Darn it Liz, I was trying to be good." Emily complained. She sighed heavily. "Make that two – with extra sprinkles." She ordered in a defeated tone.

Elizabeth gave a menacing cackle. "It was part of my evil plan all along." She turned her attention to the two men. "Sonny, Jason what can I get you guys? Coffee?"

Sonny's dimples flashed. "You know us well."

Elizabeth shrugged with a smile. "It's the only thing you two order. It wasn't exactly rocket science."

Everyone watched as the brunette walked away from their table and back to the kitchen.

"So what do you think of Port Charles so far, Harry?" Sonny asked, draping his arm around his wife's shoulders.

"I think it's brilliant. Everyone has been so wonderful to me. It's a little overwhelming." Harry replied softly.

"You deserve to be safe and happy Harry." Jason insisted calmly. He stared down into his son's shining green eyes. "I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

Harry smiled weakly and sniffled slightly.

"Okay! Here we are! Two black coffees and two large triple chocolate milkshakes with extra sprinkles!" Elizabeth exclaimed, breaking the somber mood.

Harry's eyes lit up when he saw the large glass with a straw sticking out. He could hardly wait to try it. He took a sip and closed his eyes as the rich cold dessert filled his mouth.

"Wow." He murmured.

Elizabeth grinned. "Another satisfied customer. Now, what would you guys like to eat?"

Once everyone had told her their order, Elizabeth turned to go back to the kitchen.

Jason led the way into the penthouse after lunch. Harry was yawning. He had just taken his pain potion and he was exhausted from the morning's activities. Emily sat on the couch while Jason and David both helped the teen get cleaned up and changed into his new pajamas. Once Harry was settled in his bed, and the curtains had been pulled closed to darken the room, Jason and David moved into the living room.

"I'm going to head out." David informed his employer. "Sam will take this evening if you need him."

"That's fine." Jason agreed and watched the guard let himself out. He looked over at his sister. "Are you sure that you don't mind staying with him while I run down to the warehouse?"

Emily smiled. "I'd be happy to stay with him. Go do what you need to do Jason. Harry will be fine. I want to spend more time with him anyway."

"That would be great. I'll call Sam and ask him to come by. You won't be able to get Harry cleaned up when he wakes. It would be too embarrassing for him." Jason informed her.

"No problem. I'll just look through some magazines or something while Harry's sleeping." Emily assured her brother.

Jason nodded and stood up. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Be careful." Emily called out softly before settling in for the afternoon.

It had been two hours since Jason left, and Emily had to go to the restroom. She still didn't understand why there was no powder room on the first floor of her brother's penthouse. She resolved to talk to Jason about it as she climbed up the stairs to the second floor.

As soon as Emily went upstairs, the door opened and Courtney came in. After a day full of shopping and looking at wedding items, the blonde was ready to relax some. She tossed her purse on the desk and walked over to the brat's room. The guard outside said that Jason was gone, but that Harry was sleeping.

Courtney opened the door silently and went to stand next to the bed. She stared down angrily at the brat who was invading her perfect life. He had obviously gotten a haircut, and his hair was now sticking up in a stylish wave. The sheet was at his waist and he was dressed in fashionable pajamas.

The blonde woman didn't see the vulnerable boy who everyone wanted to protect. No, she saw the menace that was ruining all her plans and dreams. She would like nothing more than to take the extra pillow beside his head and smother him with it. No one would even know, they would think that his injuries killed him.

Courtney reached for the pillow and got a good grip. She was just about to lower it when there was a sound on the stairs. Courtney tossed the pillow back into its place and stepped back. She turned to see Emily standing in the doorway looking at her suspiciously.

"Hey, I was just checking on him." Courtney whispered, leading the way out of the room and closing the door softly.

Emily crossed her arms over her chest. "Is that right?"

Courtney shrugged. "He's going to be my son. I just wanted to make sure he was okay." She declared, plopping down on the couch and picking up a bridal magazine.

Emily settled in the chair and stared hard at her brother's fiancé. "That's very different from your attitude this morning."

Courtney paled slightly and then recovered her emotions. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"So you didn't call Harry disgusting?" Emily asked disbelievingly.

"I didn't mean Harry was disgusting." Courtney protested. "Just that he has to wear a diaper is."

"It must really crimp your style to be forced to share Jason with Harry. Especially since Harry comes first." Emily stated slowly. She watched anger flash across the blonde's face before her expression settled into one of indifference.

"I know that Jason loves me." Courtney shrugged. "Harry isn't well and needs more attention right now."

"Hmm…" Emily replied quietly.

"Well now that I'm here, I'm sure you have other things to do. I can watch Harry." Courtney declared.

"No, I promised Jason I would stay with Harry until he got back. I don't break promises to Jason." Emily protested. "Just go do whatever you need to. I'm going to look through these magazines."

Courtney shot her a glare and got up to go upstairs. She couldn't bear to stay in Emily's presence any longer.

Kelly's was just starting up the dinner rush when Courtney got there. She had spent her afternoon lazing away in the penthouse and restraining herself from smothering the brat, not to mention his aunt. When she had gotten hungry she decided to call her only friend, Gia, and met her at Kelly's.

The two women sat at a table away from the door in the corner. They both ordered quickly and then Courtney began unloading about everything she hates with her new situation.

"He's just a little useless freak that Jason found in England! I mean jeez! He has to wear a diaper 'cause he can't even go like a normal person."

"Have you talked to him?" Gia asked grinning at the dirt she was getting.

"Talk to him? Why should I? He hasn't said more than a few words. Hey! Maybe that's it! He's retarded! Great, now Jason's adopted a RETARDED useless little brat!" Courtney exclaimed loudly.

Everyone in the diner suddenly froze…

Earlier…

Harry woke up as Courtney slammed the front door when she left. While Sam was helping him change, Jason called.

"Hey Hare-Bear, where would you like to eat dinner?" Emily called through the door.

She smiled when the door opened and her nephew wheeled out. He had a shy look on his face that made Emily want to give him a hug.

"Um, could we have Kelly's again?" Harry looked hopeful. "I really liked that milkshake." He whispered.

Emily grinned. "One Elizabeth special coming right up. Hey Jase? Harry was hoping for another milkshake. Yeah, we'll meet you there."

Emily ended the call and winked at the teen. "Come on Hare-Bear, there's a couple of triple chocolate milkshakes with our names on them."

Harry chuckled and followed his aunt to the door. They were in the hallway waiting for the elevator when the other penthouse door opened and Carly came out.

"So what's this I hear about us going back to Kelly's?" She asked, moving to stand with them.

"Are you coming too Aunt Carly?" Harry asked hopefully.

Carly grinned down at the teen. "Yeah, and this time I'm having one of those milkshakes. I acted like I didn't want to come so Sonny would give in. He wanted to have dinner with you guys."

Harry laughed. "I don't blame you. Elizabeth's shakes are very good."

"I can't wait." Carly winked.

"Talk to him? Why should I? He hasn't said more than a few words. Hey! Maybe that's it! He's retarded! Great, now Jason's adopted a RETARDED useless little brat!" Courtney exclaimed loudly.

Everyone in the diner froze when Harry and his aunts came in the door of Kelly's just in time to hear Courtney's words. Harry tried to disappear into his seat. He could see everyone at the other tables were staring at him. He started shaking at hearing those insults of old thrown around so carelessly. Harry thought he was going to throw up.

Emily turned bright red with anger. "Get him out of here Sam." She instructed as she made her way to the other two women. She wasn't alone. Carly was right behind her.

"How dare you! You selfish little bitch! Harry is paralyzed because his uncle BEAT HIM! And you sit here and spill all of his business in a public place? How sick are you?" Emily berated the blonde.

"She's jealous." Carly sneered. "She thinks that Jason loves Harry more than he loves her."

"Well she's right about that at least." Emily growled.

"I wonder what Jason's going to say about all this? You know he's on his way here now, why don't we just ask him?" Carly smirked.

No sooner than she said it, the door opened and Sonny came storming in.

"What's happened? Jason is outside trying to calm Harry down!" He asked angrily.

"Why don't you ask your sister? She can tell you all about it. She loves to tell everyone everything!" Emily suggested furiously. "I'm going to help Jason with Harry."

Sonny didn't even watch Emily leave. "What's going on here Courtney? What have you done?" He demanded.

"What makes you think it was my fault?" Courtney stammered.

"Because I've never seen Emily and Carly agree completely about anything before. Yet they are both furious with you. I just saw Jason's fourteen-year-old disabled son sobbing in the courtyard, and his guard looking like he'd want nothing better than to put someone's head through a grinder. SO TELL ME WHAT YOU'VE DONE NOW!" Sonny roared.

Courtney winced. "Nothing Sonny! It's just a misunderstanding!"

Sonny looked over at his sister's friend. "I'm going to find out. Emily and Carly both heard. What did she say?"

Gia glanced at the mob boss nervously and then back at Courtney. Courtney barely shook her head. Gia just looked up at Sonny and shrugged weakly.

"Sonny?" A voice quietly called.

The three turned to see Bobbie Spencer standing there behind Sonny.

Sonny smiled, "Finally, now I'll get an answer. Bobbie is capable of telling me the truth after all." He glared at his sister. "What was said Bobbie?"

"Courtney was telling her about Jason's new son. She was calling him names and claiming that he was useless. Then she told the whole room that he had to wear diapers because he couldn't control himself. She never said why that was. She called him retarded, said that he didn't talk, and then Emily interrupted her." Bobbie reported, curious about this latest development in Jason's life and angry at Courtney's attitude about a disabled kid.

Sonny turned his dark eyes back on his sister. "How could you do that Courtney? He's PARALYZED damn it! He's fourteen years old and he's in a damn wheelchair! He almost died because his monster of an uncle decided that he was useless! Jason said that Harry can't even sleep nights because of the nightmares! This was supposed to be a fun day for the kid! He finally got his very first set of new clothes EVER because his relatives refused to spend any money on him! Then YOU had to be selfish and RUIN IT! Jason is out there right now trying to calm him down! And to call him RETARDED? Courtney the kid used to get punched when he spoke up! But RETARDED? Hell! He just left a school for the gifted in England! He's far from slow! You disgust me!"

"Sonny."

"WHAT?" Sonny bellowed whirling around.

Jason was standing there. His jaw was clenched and his hands were fisted. He ignored his fiancé and only looked at his partner. "I'm taking Harry home." He told him softly, dangerously. "Johnny is already at the penthouse removing your sister's things and putting them in your guest room. She and I are through."

"Don't worry about anything. Take care of Harry." Sonny instructed.

Jason nodded, and without looking at anyone in the room, left the diner. Emily came back in as Jason was leaving. She took a deep breath and glared at Courtney.

Sonny looked over at Carly. "I'll give you a ride home." He told her. Then his attention fell to Emily. "Do you need a ride?" He asked politely.

"Na, Elizabeth can drive me. Her shift ends soon." Emily answered glancing behind the counter at Elizabeth for confirmation.

"Sure." Elizabeth replied softly.

Sonny ignored Courtney as he and Carly left with Max right behind them.

Emily and Elizabeth went to the counter where Emily plopped on a stool. Bobbie, who had moved back to stand next to Elizabeth, patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry about their table. I'll take care of it."

Elizabeth sent her boss a grateful smile. Bobbie crossed the room and spoke quietly with the two women. They both glared at the owner for a moment before angrily standing and leaving the restaurant. When Bobbie came back, Elizabeth and Emily stared at her questioningly.

Bobbie shrugged. "I told them that I thought they had made enough of a scene for today and that they should find somewhere else for dinner, I had cancelled their order. I still can't believe that they did that."

"I know." Emily rubbed her temples. "Harry is so great. I can't understand how anyone can know him and not love him."

"What exactly happened?" Elizabeth asked softly. She still hadn't heard the story.

Emily sighed. "Jason said that he went to dinner at this British guy's house. He said he heard a strange noise coming from the closet. Long story short, he found Harry stuffed into a closet, beaten and bleeding everywhere. He called the cops and the paramedics. They rushed him to the hospital where they preformed some new experimental treatments. Anyway, his spinal cord is supposed to heal in a year or so, but he's paralyzed from the waist down until then. He's also trying to overcome years of starvation. They didn't want to waste any of their money on food for him. He got table scraps, and from what Jason said about Harry's uncle and cousin, there weren't much of those."

"What about his school? Didn't they notice anything?" Bobbie asked, shocked that this could happen.

Emily shrugged. "Apparently his parents left him with a lot of money and had enrolled him in an exclusive boarding school when he was born. His school didn't do anything to help him though. Harry never told his relatives about the money. Jason is finding him a gifted private school somewhere nearby to go to. He's super smart."

"Wow. I'm so glad that Jason was there to help him." Elizabeth commented.

"When you get him to loosen up and he's relaxed, Harry's a riot. He had Carly and I rolling today." Emily grinned.

"Do your parents know?" Bobbie asked.

Emily shook her head. "Not yet. Jason said that he wanted Harry to have a chance to relax and acclimate himself before he had to deal with the Quartermaines."

"Not a bad idea. They can be a little overwhelming. Of course with the scene that Courtney caused, I doubt they'll be in the dark for long." Elizabeth pointed out.

Emily's eyes widened comically. "Holy smokes! I better call Jason and tell him!"

The car was quiet as Sam drove his charge and boss home. He could just wring that little viper's neck for ruining Harry's day. The kid had finally loosened up a little and was joking with his aunts right before they had arrived at the restaurant. He was declaring that he was going to finish off an entire milkshake. The kid could have used the calories. Instead he was sleeping in his father's lap without dinner. Sam made a mental note to get Harry to eat something when they got back to the penthouse.

Jason sat holding his sleeping son and running his hands through the teen's unruly hair. He should have been devastated at the thought that he was no longer engaged, but all he could feel was relief. He wasn't completely oblivious to the fact that if Courtney was the one he should have felt at least some remorse. He knew that when Elizabeth left he was devastated. He was seeking anything to fill that hole – a hole that never completely went away.

So here he was, back to being single. But this time he wasn't alone. Jason looked down at the tiny fourteen-year-old in his arms. No, he wasn't alone, and any woman that wanted a life with him from now on had to know that Harry came first.

Harry slept straight through their arrival at the penthouse and he never stirred when David and Jason settled him, clean and in pajamas, into the bed. It was evening, and the moon was shining on the water when Harry finally woke up. At first he was startled, not knowing how he had gotten there. It was with a sinking heart that he remembered the scene at the diner.

Tears cascaded down Harry's cheeks as the cruel words echoed in his mind. Even here, so far from England, he was considered a freak.

It was the sound of sobs coming from his son's bedroom that alerted Jason that Harry was awake. He softly opened the door and padded across to the bed. Silently, he gathered his son in his arms and held him close with Harry's head on his chest.

Harry let himself be held for a few moments before pulling back a bit.

"I'll understand if you want me to go back." Harry whispered brokenly, sure that his new father now realized that he had made a mistake.

Jason looked down at Harry in shock. "NO!" He softened his tone when his son flinched. "No Harry. You aren't going anywhere. You are my son. There is no way I would ever send you back. What gave you that idea?"

Harry shrugged and sniffled. "Courtney figured out that I was a freak. I thought you had too."

Jason slid his forefinger under his son's drooping chin and raised his head so that those emerald orbs were looking up at him. "You are not a freak. You are a wizard who has had to deal with more than anyone should, but you haven't quit. Harry you are smart, resilient and courageous. You have survived magical and non-magical horrors that would have broken most men and you did it before you were even fifteen! Never consider yourself a freak Harry. You are a survivor and you will come through this as well."

Harry sniffled and nodded.

Jason ruffled his hair and sat him in the wheelchair next to the bed. "Why don't we get you cleaned up and get something to eat? You missed dinner and that can't happen again. Besides, you have to tell me about shopping with Carly and Emily. All you said before was how much they bought."

Harry grinned. "I was scared at first, but I had a really good time. They're pretty funny, although I did notice that there were a lot of people staring at them strangely. Is it because they don't normally get along?"

Jason chuckled. "Yeah, probably. I never really understood why not. They have a lot in common."`

Harry stared at his father in amazement. "You think they have a lot in common?"

Jason shrugged. "They're both tough, smart, impulsive, caring and protective."

Harry grinned, "They also both love chocolate. I mean I like it as much as the next person, but they really get into it."

Jason smirked. "There is that. Elizabeth is right in there with them. I think there's just something about women that makes them crave it all the time. Elizabeth won't touch coffee. Her drink of choice is hot chocolate. When she was staying here, she had a case of the stuff in the kitchen." He reminisced.

Harry raised an eyebrow. His father definitely still liked Elizabeth. He wondered how she felt about his father. Maybe he should talk to Aunt Emily. Harry was still upset that his father had lost his fiancé because of him. Elizabeth didn't seem disgusted by the wheelchair. Perhaps Emily would help him. Harry desperately wanted his father to be happy.

TBC…