Chapter 8 The Family That Conspires Together
It was 11:00 am exactly when Emily's phone rang. With a soft groan, the young woman reached over to her night stand and hit the speaker button.
"Hello?" She slurred slightly, not yet awake.
"Aunt Emily?" A hesitant voice asked.
Immediately awake, Emily shot up in the bed and grabbed the receiver. "Hare-Bear? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, well – kind of." He stumbled shyly.
"Are you hurt? Is Jason hurt?" Emily demanded, throwing off the covers and reaching for a shirt.
"Oh! No! We're all fine. No one's hurt! I was just hoping to talk to you about something." Harry hurried to assure her.
Emily sighed and plopped back on the bed again. "Okay cutie, hit me with it. I just need to warn you ahead of time that I haven't had coffee yet."
"Um, is that bad?" Harry asked softly.
Emily chuckled. "Well it's not good. Do you and your dad have plans?"
"No, he and David needed to go pick something up so they left a while ago. Sam is here with me." Harry informed her.
"Well then why don't I swing by and pick you up? We can have this discussion over a cup of coffee." Emily suggested.
"Erm, I'm supposed to go to lunch with Carly and Michael." Harry said hesitantly.
Emily grinned when she noticed the time. "I guess it is more lunch time than breakfast huh kiddo? That's fine with me. I'm sure they won't mind if I join. I assume you'd like to go to Kelly's?"
"Um, is Elizabeth working there today?"
"Yep!" Emily assured him. "You can definitely have a milkshake."
"Actually, I was hoping to avoid her for this conversation." Harry admitted.
Now Emily was confused. "Why would you be avoiding Elizabeth? Did something happen?"
"Oh! No, not at all! I was just hoping to talk to you about something private and I didn't want to be rude." Harry hedged.
"Okay, now I'm curious. I'll be there in about forty-five minutes." Emily chuckled.
"I'll be waiting." Harry replied, his smile coming through in his voice.
Jason and David stood outside the wand maker's on Wizard's Way in the wizarding village Somerset just outside of New York City. It had taken several tries, but Jason was now the proud owner of a willow wand with a hair from the mane of the legendary Pegasus.
David chuckled. "It figures that such a special wand would pick you."
Jason shrugged as he glanced around, habitually looking for hidden dangers. "It's a wand. As long as it works, I don't care what it's made of." He declared softly before heading down the street.
David moved right with him. "You know, Harry's wand is the brother wand to Voldemort's." He commented nonchalantly.
Jason stopped in his tracks. "What does that mean for Harry?"
David shrugged. "Our best estimate is that the wands won't duel each other. It also means that their destinies are linked."
Jason swore low and hard, drawing a few looks from passer-bys. "I was afraid of that. So if Harry's wand won't duel that monster's wand how is he supposed to beat the bastard?"
David shrugged. "According to the prophecy housed in the Department of Mysteries, Harry has a power Voldemort knows not."
"Then we'd better figure out what the hell it is immediately." Jason growled as he led the way to the teleportation room that would take them back to Port Charles.
Francis opened the door of the penthouse and announced Emily. Harry and Sam both looked up from where they were playing a game of pool. Sam, of course, was winning.
Harry grinned at his visitor. "Thank goodness! I was humiliating myself!" He declared good naturedly.
Sam chuckled and tilted his head to the front door. "I'll wait for you outside the door." He informed his young charge before picking up the ever-present backpack and walking out of the penthouse.
Emily met Harry in the middle of the room. "So, what's this you need to talk to me about?"
Harry looked up at her warily. "Are you sure that you don't need coffee first?"
"I'm too curious for coffee at the moment. I can get my life's blood after I find out what the big secret is."
Harry took a deep breath and stared down at his hands, trying to gather his thoughts. "I felt really bad that Courtney and Dad broke up because of me."
Emily sighed and sat down in the chair she had been standing beside. "Harry, that was in no way your fault. If anything Jason should be grateful that he found out what she was really like before he married her."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe, but that doesn't change the fact that Dad is still alone."
Emily raised an eyebrow. "Why do I get the feeling that you want to do something about that?"
Harry chewed a moment on his lower lip. He didn't know it, but the action made him even younger in Emily's eyes. "I don't want my dad to be alone."
"He's not, he's got you." Emily pointed out.
"Yeah, but it's not the same." Harry protested. "I also realized that it was going to be difficult for him to find someone that's willing to put up with a teenager in a wheelchair who can't even go to the bathroom properly."
Emily narrowed her eyes. "Now you listen to me Harry Morgan. Any woman in the world would be lucky as hell to have someone like Jason love them and especially to have you as a son. So you put those negative thoughts right out."
"I'm sorry Aunt Emily, but I'm afraid you're a bit biased. Most women will think like Courtney did." Harry disagreed.
"Well since you aren't crying about the raw deal that Jason got, I'm assuming you have a plan?" Emily countered, making a mental note to talk to Jason about Courtney's affect on his son.
Harry fiddled with his fingers a moment and took a deep breath. "When I talk to Dad about fun activities like billiards and milkshakes, he always mentions Elizabeth. I know that they were friends, but I think there might be something more there. He gets this look in his eye. It's like he's sad and longing for what he can't have."
"Wow, nothing get's past you does it?" Emily said softly.
"Huh?" Harry looked confused.
Emily grinned. "I'm assuming that you would like help setting up Jason and Elizabeth?"
Harry nodded hesitantly. "She didn't seem to mind the wheelchair very much, and Dad was teasing with her yesterday at breakfast. It was the most relaxed I have seen him. Then when Elizabeth went to place our order, he watched her until she left the room."
"He did, did he?" Emily grinned. "Now isn't that interesting?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, so I was thinking that maybe we could help them along."
"Why you little matchmaker!" Emily chuckled. "What did you have in mind?"
Harry leaned forward and began to outline his plan. Sam and Francis shared a concerned look as they listened to the periodic bursts of maniacal cackling.
Monica Quartermaine hurried through the doorway of the mansion and into the living room. Their butler, Reginald was just escorting the Quartermaine matriarch through the door from the terrace. Lila smiled in welcome.
"Hello Monica. I thought that you were going to be at the hospital all day." Lila greeted her daughter-in-law with a raised eyebrow. "I do hope nothing is wrong."
"I don't know Lila. When I got to the hospital Amy Vining asked me how it felt to have another grandson. I had no idea what she was talking about. Then she proceeded to tell me about a scene at Kelly's last night where Courtney was raving about Jason's new son. He must be young – she was talking about him wearing diapers. Lila, has Jason said anything to you about having a baby?" Monica asked almost desperately.
Lila's eyes widened in surprise, "No Monica! I haven't seen the dear boy in a month. I know that he was in England but that's all."
Monica slumped onto the couch behind her. "I just don't understand. How could he have another baby? I thought that we were getting along so well, but I must be wrong if he had a son and didn't even tell me about it." She declared brokenly, her eyes were welling with tears.
"There, there dear." Lila comforted. "I'm confident that Jason didn't mean to keep the news from us. I'm sure that as soon as he can, he'll be by to tell us all about it."
Monica sighed. "I hope you're right Lila."
Lila smiled at her and glanced over at the terrace door just in time to see the young man that they had been discussing.
"Jason!" Monica greeted, surprise coloring her tone.
Lila smiled and her eyes twinkled merrily at the sight of her handsome grandson. "Hello Jason dear."
Jason moved slowly across the room with his normal cat-like grace and leaned over to kiss his grandmother before straightening up and looking into his mother's eyes. He saw the love that she felt for him there as well as a hint of hurt. He wasn't quite sure what was wrong, but he hoped that she would tell him.
"Hello." Jason said softly before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her cheek.
Monica smiled wetly. "Hi."
"Why don't you have a seat Jason dear? We're so happy to see you. We heard the most interesting news." Lila invited gracefully.
Jason sighed and sat on the couch next to his mother. "I meant to come earlier, but things have been a little busy since I got into town. I guess you heard about Harry."
Monica's eyes widened. "So you did have a baby? Jason, why didn't you tell us?"
Jason stared at the blonde woman in shock. "Where did you hear that I had a baby?"
"Amy Vining told me today when I got to the hospital. I was so upset I came home early."
Jason shook his head. "No. Harry isn't a baby. He's fourteen years old."
Monica looked at her son in confusion. "Amy said that Courtney was complaining about changing diapers."
Jason sighed heavily and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Harry is paralyzed from the waist down. He has to wear a diaper until his spine recovers."
Monica and Lila gasped in horror. "Oh Jason, how awful for him!" Monica cried, reaching out to take her son's hand.
Jason nodded and stared down. "His uncle and aunt beat him and locked him in a closet. He could have died."
"What happened to his parents?" Monica asked softly.
"They died when he was one. They were murdered by some psychotic terrorist." Jason explained vaguely.
"The poor dear." Lila exclaimed. "I do hope that we get to meet him soon."
Jason smiled gently. "I was planning to bring him by tomorrow if that's OK. He's out with Carly and Emily right now." He explained.
Monica raised an eyebrow. "Carly and Emily have taken him to lunch?"
Jason shrugged. "They called a truce for Harry's sake. He's pretty skittish around raised voices and he hates arguments. They tone it down for him. It's almost scary to watch."
"I can imagine." Monica chuckled wryly. "So we can expect you for tea tomorrow?"
Jason nodded. "That sounds good."
"I'm proud of you Jason. You did a good thing." Monica squeezed the hand that she was still holding.
Jason stared into her blue eyes and then nodded. "Thanks."
Just then, Monica's cell phone rang. She checked the caller and sighed.
"I need to get back to the hospital." She informed them. "I'm looking forward to meeting my new grandson. It was so good to see you again Jason." She smiled at him before leaving the room.
Lila and Jason sat quietly for a moment.
"Jason dear, it's obvious there is something on your mind." Lila invited her grandson to speak up.
Jason raised his blue eyes to meet his grandmother's. "Have you ever heard of a place called Hogwarts?"
"Oh my!" Lila exclaimed.
The Port Charles Grill was abuzz with locals and tourists alike. Harry didn't see how they were going to be able to get a table anytime soon when he wheeled in the door. He was flanked by Carly, Michael and Emily while Sam brought up the rear. Max and Francis had already made their way to the hotel entrances. Carly had invited Emily to join them when she arrived to pick up Harry.
Harry had never been anywhere so fancy and he hoped that his aunts wouldn't be embarrassed by him. Harry blinked when he was brought back to the present and saw the Maitre'd coming towards them. The tall man's face lit up in an expression that wasn't far removed from Dobby as he spotted the youngest Quartermaine heiress.
"Ah! Miss Quartermaine! How lovely to see you. How many will there be?" The man gushed.
Harry's eyebrows raised and he looked to his left to see Emily smile elegantly and nod in greeting.
"Good afternoon Jean Luc. There will be five…"
She was interrupted when Sam cleared his throat and shook his head. Emily gave him an apologetic look and turned back to the host. "Actually make that four for lunch. And can you make sure there is plenty of room around the table? I don't want my nephew to feel crowded." She asked, patting Harry on the shoulder.
Jean Luc nodded and quickly led them through the aisle to a private table against the wall. It was obvious that this was an exclusive table. It was somewhat private and Harry wouldn't have any trouble pulling the wheelchair up and avoiding others trying to move through the restaurant. Emily smiled in satisfaction and thanked the maitre'd before opening her menu. Michael insisted on sitting between Emily and Harry, so Carly sat on his other side.
Harry opened his menu to see the dishes offered. He didn't know what half these things were! He glanced up at his aunts and then back at Sam, who was standing in the corner. Catching his look, Carly smiled softly and leaned closer.
"Do you need some help ordering?" She whispered.
"Yes please." Harry replied softly, blushing with embarrassment.
Carly put a hand on his knee and squeezed it, even though Harry couldn't feel the pressure. "It's OK Harry, I didn't either the first time I came, and I'm from this country." The blond chuckled with a wink.
Harry face relaxed a bit and he smiled.
Emily watched her former enemy help her nephew figure out what he wanted to eat. She had seen Carly be cruel and harsh with her words, and had even been on the receiving end a few times herself. This was the first time she was seeing the woman that was her brother's best friend and the mother of Michael. Carly could be really great when she wanted to.
Harry and Carly figured out what he should order while Michael told Emily what he wanted and then they told the waiter when he came. They sat and sipped their drinks for a moment before anyone said anything. Harry took a deep breath and decided that he might as well take the first step to getting a new wife for his father. Emily had informed him that Carly was one of Elizabeth's biggest critics, and he hoped he could change her mind.
"So what can you tell me about Elizabeth?" He asked.
Emily grinned at the mention of her best friend, while Carly scowled harshly. Michael's eyes lit up at the mention of the pretty lady who put extra chocolate in his milkshakes.
"Why would you want to know about the goody goody Muffin Face?" Carly demanded.
Harry gulped at her abrupt tone and then shored up his courage and continued. He shrugged innocently. "Well Dad said that she was his friend, and he really talked about her a lot on the ride from London here and then while we've been here. I assumed that he must like her."
Carly narrowed her eyes, but before she could launch into another anti-Elizabeth diatribe, Emily chuckled.
"Why you little rascal! Are you trying to set your father up with Elizabeth?" Emily grinned.
Harry knew this was part of the plan, so he nodded shyly and shrugged again. "It's my fault that he broke up with Courtney; I just want him to be happy. He looks happy when he's talking about Elizabeth." He explained.
Carly snapped her mouth closed and listened to what the teen had to say. Harry had only known Jason for a short while, and yet he had already picked up on the fact that mister I-Don't-Show-Emotion-Ever had a crush on the thorn in Carly's side. Carly sighed. It was official, she was losing her touch. Harry Morgan had turned her into a big glob of Jell-O.
Michael couldn't remain silent any longer. "Liz is great! She took care of me when everyone thought Mommy went to heaven! She makes me brownies all the time! And she puts extra sprinkles on my milkshakes!" He exclaimed. "She paints too! And she can draw really good! She let me draw with her special pencils one time. She said I did it just right!"
Carly looked at her son in surprise. She didn't realize that Michael had spent that much time with Elizabeth. "She can draw really well Michael." She absently corrected.
Michael rolled his eyes. "I know Mom, that's what I just said!"
Harry smiled down at the little boy. "Sounds like Elizabeth is a lot of fun. Is she nice?"
Michael looked like a bobble head he was nodding so quickly. "Liz is really, really nice!" He declared. "I fell on the stairs at Grandma's house and hurt my knee. She kissed it and made it better. Then she gave me a brownie and read my Africa book to me. I could read some of the words myself, but I like how she reads it." Michael clarified. He didn't want his new cousin to think that he wasn't a big boy.
Harry nodded. "I'll bet it was great to have her read to you." He said somewhat wistfully. He couldn't recall a time when anyone had just sat down and read to him. He glanced up through his bangs to see if Carly was paying attention. He was pleased to see she was.
"Did Courtney ever read to you?" Harry asked, trying to find out what Michael thought of the other woman.
Michael's face scrunched up like he had just taken a bite of something nasty. "No way! She's never any fun. She talks like I'm a baby or somethin'! She bought me a baby book that made sounds. It was stupid! She doesn't even like to play with me. She says that she doesn't want to get her clothes messed up! Jeez, I was just coloring!"
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Michael couldn't have been better if Harry had told him what to say. Carly was obviously deep in thought. Hopefully she was reevaluating her opinion of Elizabeth. Now for the next step. Harry sighed sadly.
Seeing the expression on her nephew's face, Emily looked at Harry curiously. "Hare-Bear, what's wrong?"
Harry sighed. "No one is going to want to be with Dad. Not while I'm in this chair." He replied sadly.
Carly ceased her pondering and scooted her chair over so that she could put her arm around Harry's shoulder. "Any woman in the world would be lucky to have even a chance with Jason Morgan. That's doubly true now that he has you. She may be my sister-in-law, but to be honest, Courtney was never good enough for Jason. She was too shallow. He needs someone that will stick with him and love all of him. As much as I love your father, he's not perfect and Courtney was just ignoring it rather than dealing with it. You are the best thing that's ever happened to Jason. He's happier now than I have seen him in a very long time. So you just get those thoughts that you are bad for your father right out of your head. Jason loves you and that's that."
"Here! Here!" Emily concurred, lifting her water in a mock toast and taking a swig.
The other three at the table chuckled at her antics, and just like that the somber mood was lifted. Michael was quick to jump in and tell Harry all about the best parts of the park and where to watch the boats in the harbor from and the best movie theatres and Sonny's island.
The three eldest sat and enjoyed the atmosphere that the boy created with his cheerful stories. The food was excellent, and Harry found that he was able to eat half of his plate of pasta. He could only sit and watch as both Emily and Carly finished off chocolate pie for dessert.
Michael grinned at the amazed look on his cousin's face and leaned towards him. "I like dessert too, but Mom and Aunt Emily really, really like it. So does Liz. She makes the best milkshakes in the world."
"She sure does." Harry smiled over at the other boy. He realized that Michael was several years younger than he was, but the kid was pretty smart. It was also nice to have a cousin that wasn't constantly picking on him or complaining about him. Harry leaned back and sighed contentedly. Yeah, this place was much better.
Just when Emily and Carly were finishing off their meals, a shadow blocked out the overhead light. Harry glanced back and saw a large dark man standing behind Carly. Emily's eyes lit up in recognition.
"Nikolas!" Emily smiled.
Nikolas grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Emily, since when do you have lunch with Carly?"
Emily smirked back in her feisty way. "Since we both wanted to take my nephews out to eat. Nikolas this is my nephew Harry Morgan; Harry, this is my boyfriend, Nikolas Cassadine.
Nikolas hid his surprise when he noticed that the kid was in a wheelchair and winked at the boy. "Nice to meet you Harry. I hope that you're keeping an eye on Emily and not letting her eat too much chocolate." He teased.
Harry's eyes widened dramatically. "Do I look like I have a death wish? I may not have known her long, but I know it's suicide to come between Emily and sweeties."
Nikolas chuckled at the reply and nodded. "You're right Harry. Greater men have tried and failed. You don't exactly have a New York accent. Are you from England?"
"Yes, Surrey actually." Harry explained.
"I thought that was an English accent. How in the world did you end up all the way over here and the son of Jason Morgan?" Nikolas asked, curious.
Harry glanced down at the hands in his lap. "Dad rescued me from my aunt and uncle. He adopted me." He murmured just loud enough for Nikolas to hear.
Nikolas shot an alarmed look at Emily who mouthed "Later." Understanding that there was much more to this story and that it wasn't a pretty one, he let it go.
"Well I for one am glad to meet you Harry. Let me know if you ever need anything. I have to get back to the hospital for a meeting. Now I know why you stood me up for lunch Emily, I'll call you." Nikolas smiled. He tilted his head towards the other two. "Carly, Michael, it's been a pleasure." With that, he turned and made his way towards the table that the maitre'd was holding for him.
"He was nice." Harry commented softly.
Emily chuckled. "Yeah, Prince Nikky is one of the very few nice Cassadines."
Harry's eyebrows raised in shock. "He's a prince?"
"Yeah, but he's cool. Don't call him your highness or anything. He's just a regular guy. He just has more money and better manners than most." Emily declared dismissively.
Carly snorted softly. "Yeah, but steer clear of the rest of the Cassadines. They are the family nightmares are made of. When they have skeletons in their closet, they mean real dead bodies. Especially Helena – that is one evil witch."
Emily noticed Harry flinched at the term witch and filed that away to ask Jason about later.
Harry looked over at Emily. "Is she really evil?"
Emily sighed and nodded. "Yeah Harry she is. She's killed a lot of people. She even tried to kill Elizabeth once. She kidnapped another friend of mine and brain washed him. He's better now, but there for a while it was pretty scary."
"Great." Harry muttered frustrated that he couldn't seem to escape evil psychotics.
"Don't worry about it Harry. She's locked up nice and tight in prison. She can't hurt anyone anymore. Nikolas and Alexis are the only Cassadines still in Port Charles." Emily reassured him.
Carly tossed her napkin on the table and reached for her purse. "Well I don't know about you guys but I've had about all the fun I can out of this conversation. Who wants to go to the park for a while?"
Michael's eyes lit up in excitement. "Yeah! Can we play on the playground?"
"I don't know, I was kind of thinking that we could get some bread at the vendor and feed the ducks at the pond instead. What do you think little man?" Carly suggested knowing that Harry wouldn't have much fun at a playground.
"Sure! I haven't gotten to feed the ducks in forever!" Michael declared.
"Well then they must be hungry." Emily chuckled, thankful that Carly had successfully distracted him.
The two women paid for their meal and then left the restaurant with their guards. Nikolas watched Emily ruffle Harry's hair playfully and noticed the slight flinch at the contact. Yeah, he would definitely be calling Emily later.
The park was green and lush with a colorful array of flowers dotting the landscape. A few families were taking advantage of the beautiful day. There was a short line at the vendor and it only took a few moments for them to get some dried bread that was sold specifically to feed the ducks at the large pond.
Harry and Michael went near the edge of the water to toss their bread. Harry made sure that Michael was doing the most tossing and he enjoyed the other boy's delight in the simple pleasure.
Emily and Carly were sitting on a bench nearby watching the two while Max and Sam took up position so that they could keep an eye on the area.
"Michael, don't get too close to the water! You don't want to fall in." Carly called out, noticing that he was inching farther that way.
"OK Mommy!" The red-head called out and the giggled as he threw another crumb.
"You're a good mom Carly." Emily declared softly, leaning back on the bench and watching her nephews.
Carly turned to look at her in surprise. "Thanks." She replied.
Emily just nodded. They were silent for another minute before Carly spoke up.
"I'm so glad that Jason has Harry now. I still regret taking Michael from him. He was a great father."
"Yeah," Emily agreed. "I haven't seen Jason this happy in a very long time. I can tell that Jason is good for Harry. I don't think that kid has ever caught a break. I can't understand how he can be so gentle and loving despite his upbringing." She commented as she watched Harry give more of his bread to Michael.
Carly shrugged. "Nature verses Nurture. Personally, I think that it all comes down to choices. You can choose to let your past dictate your actions or you can choose to do what's right and be who you want to be. Harry's a really strong kid despite the fact that he's so hesitant. I think he saw how his family behaved and chose to be different."
Emily stared at the blond in shock. "Carly, I think that's the most profound thing I've ever heard you say."
"Well for God's sake don't tell anybody," Carly smirked. "I do have a reputation to maintain."
Emily chuckled and went back to watching Harry and Michael.
Harry was getting a kick out of watching Michael feed the ducks. He couldn't remember the last time he was outside just enjoying the day. His dad kept talking about taking him out but he hadn't been able to get away yet. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the warm summer air. There was a sweet smell of flowers drifting by. He could feel the warm sun on his face and knew that it wouldn't take long to burn his fair skin.
It was very different here than England. He wasn't working like a slave or being hit and yelled at. He also wasn't being worshipped and analyzed by everyone – including his friends. No one expected him to solve all their problems and save the world. He didn't have to worry about having money and anyone being jealous of him. They only expected him to be a fourteen-year-old kid. For the first time in his life he felt like he could breathe.
Harry was distracted from his musings by Michael's voice shouting "Liz!"
Harry quickly looked up to see the petit brunette with short wavy hair and big blue eyes coming towards them. She quickly returned Michael's exuberant hug and ruffled his red hair playfully.
"Hey Michael!" Elizabeth exclaimed..
"This is my new cousin Harry. He's cool. He has a wheelchair and everything!" Michael declared.
Elizabeth chuckled and stuck out her hand. "It's nice to see you again."
Harry shook her small hand and smiled. "You too."
"Are you two having fun?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah! We're feeding the ducks!" Michael exclaimed.
"Good for you! I'll bet they were hungry." Elizabeth grinned.
"Oh! Maybe you can come to dinner tonight! Dad is making Lasagna! It's my favorite. Uncle Jason and Harry are going to be there! Please Liz? Will you please come to dinner?" Michael begged.
Harry decided right then that Michael was truly awesome.
"I don't know Michael. They may have just wanted to have a dinner with just you guys." Elizabeth said doubtfully, knowing that Carly would not be happy if she came.
"Sure you can come. I know that Jason and Harry would love it. I also know that Sonny has missed you."
Elizabeth whirled around to see Carly standing behind her with Emily.
"What?" Elizabeth asked, not sure that she had heard correctly.
Carly shrugged. "Jason's my best friend and if you make him happy then I'm not going to argue anymore." Her eyes narrowed. "But don't you dare hurt him or Harry." She warned.
"Carly are you sure about this?" Elizabeth asked again, just wanting to verify the invitation.
"Yeah, I'm sure. So are you coming or not?" Carly growled.
Elizabeth chuckled. "I'm coming. What time do I need to be there?"
"Dinner's at seven, so a little before." Carly instructed.
"Should I bring anything?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nah, not this time. Although I'm sure that Sonny wouldn't say no to brownies." Carly mused.
Emily laughed. "More like Carly wouldn't say no to brownies."
Carly folded her arms over her chest. "Bring extra hidden from Sonny and I'll declare you my new best friend."
Elizabeth looked at Carly sympathetically. "He's got you on a health kick huh?"
"I am going to die of starvation." Carly whined.
Harry shook his head. "You just had a Double Chocolate Sinner's Pie!" He argued.
Carly reached over and gently patted his head. "You're too young and male to understand."
"Thank goodness!" Harry declared to their amusement.
"So it looks like I'll see you guys at seven. I better get to baking." Elizabeth declared after giving Michael and then Harry a hug goodbye.
"It's time for us to head home too." Carly declared.
They all agreed and made their way to the car.
TBC...