Hey everyone! Here's a nice long update for you guys! I started this about a week ago and slowly worked away at it. And now I just keep rereading and making changes, but decided that if I keep doing that I might never post! So against my better judgment here is the latest chapter of Gone For Good…I hope you all enjoy and can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Disclaimer: I don't own General Hospital or the characters.
"What was she thinking!" Sam snaps pacing back and forth in the living room. "Seriously Jason, I know Maxie means well, she's one of my best friends, and I love her like a sister. But what was she thinking?" Stopping her pacing to stare at Jason who was sitting silently on the couch all he does is shrug his shoulders.
It was Spinelli walking up from the back hall and the guest bedroom that answers Sam. "Maximista knows the Goddess has been feeling quite unsettled these last couple days. Having been captive to the premises one can't help but understand your discomfort. My beloved only wants to ease that discomfort. Please let her."
Sam and Jason share a similar look of understanding before Sam sighs and turns to face the younger man. "I know Spinelli, but my sisters…"
"Maximista was impulsive yes, but she only acted out of love, you can't fault her that. Fair Samantha you have kept your distance from your loved ones and with the noblest of intentions, we all applaud your actions. I can only wonder at your strength and resolve when your mind is set. You have proven how selfless you can be, but perhaps you have earned this? Earned a day spent having fun and free of all stress. Is that not possible?" When he just receives blank looks from the two of them Spinelli shrugs his shoulders. "Perhaps it is something to think about while Maximista is busy settling the dispute between Stonecold's loyal guard and the beauticians."
"Where are you going?" Jason asks when Spinelli grabs his computer bag.
"Maximista has requested the Jackal make himself scarce and I am complying with her wishes. So for the duration of Maximista's therapeutic day of beauty and rest I will be residing across the hall…working dutifully on our search of all things the Demented One. Good day and enjoy Goddess." Spinelli makes his way out of the penthouse and when the door opens you can hear Maxie arguing in the hall.
"It's a bag full of hair supplies! Not weapons! We're talking hair brushes and blow dryers and combs! This is completely outrageous you big meathead!" Once the door closes the room is silent again.
Sighing Sam lowers herself next to Jason on the couch and rubs her hands over her face. "She has invited my sisters, my mother, Lulu, Robin, Diane, and god knows who else she has yet to mention here Jason. She invited all of these people over without any regard to security, the very same security she has been complaining about for days."
"I can always tell the men they aren't allowed through." Jason smirks imagining Maxie's face when she's told no.
With her own smirk Sam shakes her head. "I know you would love nothing better but to do just that, but even though I know it's not the greatest idea I still want to do it. I want to get a facial and paint my nails. I want that Jason. But it's not fair to put others at risk…to put my sisters at risk."
Jason wished he could ease the tension in her shoulders and remove all the worry from her mind, but he can't so instead he leans forward and brushes back her bangs. "Do you want to spend the day with Maxie and your sisters?" He asks cupping her cheek.
Sighing and closing her eyes Sam enjoys the feel of Jason's thumb brushing her cheek. "Yes I want that more than anything right now."
"Then that's what you're going to do."
"But what about the security Jason? And Jerry…!" Sam's words get cut off by Jason's lips crashing down on hers. Raising her hands to run her fingers through his hair Sam whimpers when he pulls back. "Ok I can possibly think of one thing I want more than a day with my sisters."
With a deep chuckle Jason runs his fingers through Sam's silky hair. "Say the word and my men won't let anyone through that door unless I say so."
Staring into his eyes Sam knows he means it and if Maxie wasn't outside the door with god knows how many stylists and beauticians with her Sam would be tempted. "How does tonight sound…just you and me…all alone in this penthouse?"
"Nice." Jason says brushing his lips against Sam's lightly. "But right now sounds better."
With a bright smile Sam shakes her head. "Mmm I agree, but right now Maxie is out there fighting with your men to allow Kate's team of experts in here. A group of people who are going to work their magic to make me look beautiful."
"You already look beautiful." He practically grumbles toying with a few strands of her hair, loving the feel of it. So soft compared to the roughness of his fingers. Just like the rest of her.
"Yea, well now I'm going to be plucked and waxed and glossed as well." Sam says batting away his hand not understanding his obsession with her hair.
"I don't understand why you're going to put yourself through that." Jason says grimacing at the mere thought of it all.
"Because it's fun." Sam says lightly with a shrug.
Scoffing Jason shakes his head. "Sounds like real fun."
"You just wait until they're finished." Sam says pushing herself up from the couch and away from the temptation that Jason posed.
Not moving from his spot Jason follows Sam with his eyes and sighs heavily. "Trust me Sam, I've been waiting.
Making her way back down the stairs, Sam can't help but smile at the odd mixture of people sitting in the living room. There was the team of stylists that Maxie was busily ordering around. Robin was in the corner talking in hushed tones on her cell phone. Alexis was sitting on the far, far end of the couch with Molly and Kristina sitting on both sides of her, holding their hands tightly in hers as she glared daggers at Jason sitting at the other end of the couch. Jason, who looked relieved to see Sam. Grateful for all these people in her life Sam takes a moment to thank whatever higher power that was out there for them before going to sit in between Jason and her family. "You know you don't have to stay for this, right?"
"I would just feel better if I was here…you know…just in case."
"I know you would, but really Jason. You aren't going to want to be here for this."
"No Sam!" Jason says at a whisper very aware at that moment that all the Davis eyes were on him. "I told you I was going to protect you from Jerry. I can't do that if I'm not here."
Maxie who had stopped barking orders heard the tail end of what Jason had to say and rolled her eyes before responding. "Look Jason I get the whole enforcer protective thing you got here, and it's sweet…a little overbearing at times and personally I don't understand how Sam hasn't smothered you in your sleep yet…but still sweet. But this is a girl's day and since you so obviously don't qualify that means you're out." Jason's only response was to stand up tall and cross his arms over his chest while staring Maxie down. "You think that I'm kidding, but I'm not. I take my spa treatments very seriously and I won't have your muscle bound body distracting Kate's people. Not to mention it will ruin the whole effect if you watch Sam getting ready before your evening together. You can't see her until she's all finished."
At Jason's obvious confusion Molly stands up and pulls her hand from her mother's grasp. "Just look at it like a bride and groom on their wedding day Jason. It is bad luck to see her before."
"S…Sam and Jason aren't getting married Molly!" Alexis says shrilly before letting out a high uncomfortable laugh and staring intently at Sam. "Are you?"
"What!" Sam says her jaw going slack for a moment and her gaze darting quickly to Jason before looking back at her mother. "No Alexis. Don't be ridiculous."
"Yea mom, Sam and Jason are probably still stuck in that back together, it's hard to leave the bedroom, can't keep my hands off you phase." Kristina says smiling at the choked sound her mother makes. "Marriage probably hasn't even entered their minds, not yet anyways."
The room went into a complete chaos after that with everyone talking at once as an oblivious Robin turned back to face them. "Ok that was the hospital. One of my patients took a turn and I need to be there. So I'm sorry Maxie, but thank you so much for the invite. Have fun ladies! See you around Jason." Robin says with a small wave. She pauses at the door remembering that she never had gotten a chance to talk to Jason and Sam about Elizabeth's behavior. Turning back around Robin freezes when she sees the two of them staring at each other, oblivious to the commotion of Sam's family and Maxie's people talking around them. Not wanting to wreck that Robin decides it's waited five days, what's one more?
"Robin surely someone else can watch over your patient for the day! There are enough doctors and nurses running around that place doing nothing." Maxie grumbles.
"I know Maxie, but this is one of my patients in a clinical trial that I've been monitoring. I really should be there for this." Robin says apologetically.
"But…but what about planning my wedding? I thought since we had all us girls together we could go over everything." Maxie tries pouting. "It's coming up next week you know."
"Maxie we have been planning your wedding for the last month. I can practically recite your vows in my sleep I know them so well, not to mention how many times we've gone over the menu selection and decorations." Smiling apologetically Robin shakes her head. "We are more than prepared for your big day and my patient needs me."
Maxie knows when she's lost and with a resigned sigh she waves her hand. "Fine, go be a world class doctor that saves lives, but I don't want to hear any complaints about how amazing my nails look compared to yours or how clear my pores are. Got it?" Laughing Robin agrees and leaves before anyone else has a chance to stop her. Turning to the rest of the group Maxie sighs. "Well it's just us then. Kate wouldn't allow both Lulu and I away from the office for the day and Diane is off at some sale or something, but that just means more time for us!" And like a whirlwind she was back in action and heading off down the back hall.
"And that's my cue to leave." Alexis says standing from the couch knowing if she waited for Maxie to return she would have to argue her way out of the day's events.
"What? You aren't staying?" Sam asks confused and mildly disappointed. Alexis and her didn't always get along, but Sam was hoping that they could all spend the day together. Something they hadn't done in long time.
"Mom you gotta stay!" "Come on mom!" Both Kristina and Molly chime in.
"Look girls as much as I would enjoy spending time with the three of you this just isn't really my sort of thing. And besides, I'm sure you all would have much more fun without me here cramping your style. Plus I have all this work to do at home. You girls have fun and be safe. Stay out of trouble." Alexis says making her way towards the exit.
"What possible trouble could we get into?" Kristina asks rolling her eyes at how ridiculous her mother could be.
Sam noticed Alexis's quick glance at Jason and resisted the urge to roll her eyes and instead stepped forward. "Ok, it's your choice, but you're really going to miss out on a lot of fun." She says and hushes the groans from her sisters. "Let me walk you out."
"That would be great. Girls call me when you're finished here. Goodbye Jason." Alexis says with a small nod and a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
Opening the door Sam can't help but smiles politely at the guard. "Hey Robbie would it be alright if I had a little privacy with mother out here in the hall for a second?" When the man hesitates Sam marks an X over her heart. "Promise to scream for help if I need it."
"I don't know Ms. Mc…"
"I thought I told you to call me Sam?"
"You're right…I'm sorry Sam." He says with a small smile of his own, Rob had come to enjoy his little visits with Sam. And of all the security detail he had worked watching over the petite brunette had to be his favorite. "I'm not sure what Mr. Morgan would say." Robbie says remembering the last man who had allowed Sam to wander across the hall alone, Jason had been furious.
"Then why don't we ask him." Sam says on a sigh before calling over her shoulder for Jason. "Is it alright if I speak with my mother in the hall alone for five minutes?"
"Sure it's fine as long as you promise not to wander off again." He says staring intently at Sam.
"I didn't wander!" Sam grumbles. "I just didn't tell anyone I was going across the hall to lift weights."
"She's not a child Jason, Sam can watch out for herself." Alexis interjects.
"You're right Alexis she can, but under the circumstance I think a little precaution is necessary. Don't you?" His gaze darting to Molly and Kristina who were listening so intently they didn't notice they were being watched
"Let's not talk about this now." Sam quickly says with a smile for her sisters who looked dejected that they were once again being kept in the dark.
"Sam's right." Jason agrees not wanting to concern the young girls when there was no need. Jerry may be an imminent threat he still didn't have a handle on, but Jason was not going to let anyone get near Sam or her family.
"Of course I am." Sam says jokingly grabbing hold of her mother's arm and tugging her gently into the hall with her and closing the door behind them. Sighing and facing her mother Sam crosses her arms over her chest. "You know you're more than welcome to stay. More importantly I want you to stay Alexis."
"Look Sam I told you already, I have work to…"
"We both know that's an excuse and a poor one." Sam frowns shaking her head. "It's because of Jason isn't it?"
With a frown of her own Alexis tilts her head. "It's not a secret my feelings towards Jason, but he is not the reason Sam."
"Than what Alexis!" Sam shouts throwing her arms up in frustration. "What could possibly be so important that you have to skip out on a day spent with your daughters?"
"I have work to do." Alexis says again.
"Well I think this is more important, don't you?" Sam asks. "I rarely get to talk with you guys and we never get to see each other. Now Maxie has given us the perfect opportunity to do just that and you're still going to leave so you can go work."
"What are you saying Sam?" Alexis sighs.
"You don't see a problem with that" Sam says credulous.
"Whose fault is it we don't get to see each other?" Alexis asks pointedly as she blinks back what Sam assumes to be tears, but figured it wasn't possible.
"Mom…"
"No really Sam you left here two years ago and I understand it was something you had to do. And you refused to ever visit, which I admit bothered me, but again you're my daughter and you had to do what you needed to. I can't argue with that and I really have no choice but to accept it."
"And you've been great…" Sam starts to say surprised by Alexis' outburst.
"I have accepted your choices and let you live your life without comment from me for the past couple years, because you don't want to hear it. I know you don't, because I wouldn't if I were you so I have kept my opinions to myself…but that's done now." Alexis says her tone harsh and her gaze hard.
"Ok?" Sam says confused and waiting to hear what else her mother had to say.
"He has caused you so much pain Sam and not just emotionally, but physically." Alexis says closing her eyes and shaking her head. "You have been shot, kidnapped, abused, and god knows what else because of that man. And on top of all that he broke your heart and ran you out of town."
"He did not run me out of town, I left on my own." Sam says trying not to get upset with her mother. "That was my choice to leave!"
"Sam." Alexis rolls her eyes and rubs her forehead. "Fine, you left town and refused to return for some inexplicable reason having to nothing to do with Jason Morgan."
"I'm here now."Sam says quietly, knowing her words would have no effect on her mother.
"Yes, but only because your sister ran away from home and I had to practically beg you to go after her!"
"You didn't have to beg me to go after Kristina!" Sam says getting more upset.
"And even then you didn't return to Port Charles by your own free will!" Alexis says ignoring Sam's obvious annoyance. "Only after Jason practically got you killed down in Mexico in a shoot out…you almost died again because of that man Sam."
"But I didn't! I'm fine Alexis and that's because Jason was there to stop Jerry. And every day I'm getting stronger and that's because of Jason too." Sam said needing to defend him against her mother. Jason had made mistakes, Sam would be the first to admit that, but that was between her and him. Alexis needed to bud out. "He has saved my life numerous times."
"No Sam he has risked your life numerous times, it's by some twist of fate or plain old luck that you have survived through it all."
"So you're upset about Jason." Sam sighs. "I knew it!" She says stomping her foot.
"No Sam I'm not upset about Jason." Alexis disagrees. "I don't approve of Jason and his choices, I make no secret about that, but that's not what I'm upset about."
"Then what is it? What else could you possibly disapprove of?" Sam asks pacing the width of the hall. "What does the all knowing infallible Alexis Davis find faulty in my life? What am I doing wrong now? What Alexis? What!"
"It's you!" Alexis snaps without thinking and in the next instant raises a hand to cover her mouth, her eyes wide and full of shock.
Biting the inside of her lip to stop it from quivering Sam nods her head. "Well than it's probably better if you did go."
"Sam…"Alexis calls reaching out for her.
"No it's fine." Sam says waving off her the woman's grasp. "I'll be sure the girls call you as soon as we're done so they won't have to spend any extra time in my presence. Who knows what terrible things I might teach them right?"
"Sam I didn't mean that the way it sounded." Alexis pleads grasping her hands together to stop them from shaking. Wishing she had the option to reach out for her oldest daughter, but knowing it wouldn't be received well.
"Well than explain it to me Alexis." Sam says keeping her back turned.
"I just meant…what I meant was… Look Sam would you please look at me?" She asks with a tired sigh.
Turning slowly around Sam once again crosses her arms over her chest already on the defensive. "Well?" She asks when Alexis doesn't start talking.
"You are such a smart, strong, and stubborn woman." Alexis says shaking her head and giving a humorless chuckle. "You have made a life for yourself against all odds, and when others would have given up you never did. I know I don't say it often enough and I have a hard time showing it, but I love you Sam. But more than that, I am proud of the woman you have become. And I wish I could take some of the credit for how you turned out, but I can't because you are all of that in spite of me."
"Alexis…" Sam says wanting her mother stop right there.
"You are a strong woman Sam." Alexis says not finished with her say. "But two years ago I had to watch you slowly spiral down until even you were unable to recognize yourself. You lost yourself and it was because…" Pausing to take a deep breath Alexis clears her throat. "It was because of Jason that happened. That man has proven that even without a gun in his hand he can be lethal." Alexis saw the spark of awareness in Sam's eyes and tried even harder to get through to her daughter. "He is toxic Sam, everything he touches is ruined."
"That's not true!" Sam grounds out through clenched teeth, trying hard to not let her mother's words get to her. Jason and her were in a good place, Alexis was just trying to ruin it.
"He practically destroyed you Sam!" Alexis raises her voice, her frustration getting the best of her. "The woman you turned into…"
"Was a mess Alexis, I know!" Sam shouts. "And yes Jason played a part in that, but I'm just as much to blame as he is. The two of us screwed each other up and we both have paid for it. We both suffered a great deal."
Shaking her head Alexis sets her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you're still defending him! Don't you see how sad that is?"
"I get it Alexis you think I'm pathetic or whatever."
"No Sam, I would never say that. I would never even think that." Alexis says earnestly, eyes wide and a hand at her throat. "I just thought after everything that happened…after you had left your whole life behind because of him…that you would finally see him for who he really is. But I guess I was wrong. Jason still somehow has managed to worm his way back into your good graces. Are you ever going to learn when it comes to him?"
Staring into Alexis eyes Sam could see her mother wasn't trying to hurt her. She wasn't trying to be judgmental or her normal controlling self. Alexis truly was just concerned for her, she just had a bad way of showing it. "You don't know what you're talking about." Sam says not wanting to hear anymore. She didn't want to fight with Alexis either.
"I know that he's hurt you and that's enough."
"No it's not enough Alexis." Sam says with a tired sigh. Rubbing her forehead to relieve her tension Sam groans when it doesn't work. "But its fine Alexis, it's just the way things are going to be I guess."
"Sam, please, I don't want this to come between us."
"I don't either." Sam shrugs her shoulders unsure of what else there was to say. "I don't know what you want from me Alexis."
"I don't want anything from you Sam. I just want you to be happy and safe. Something I don't think Jason is capable of." With a hesitant step forward Alexis tentatively reaches out and runs a hand down Sam's arm. "And because of that I worry about you."
Sam didn't pull out of her mother's grasp, but she didn't feel any real comfort from her touch either. "You're just going to have to trust that I know what I'm doing."
"But do you really?" Alexis asks with a small frown.
"We'll just have to wait and see." Staring at each other both feel like there is so much more to be said, but neither spoke up. Stepping backwards and reaching behind her for the door handle Sam releases a long exhale. "I should get back in there before Jason panics and sends Robbie out looking for me."
Clearly annoyed Alexis frowns. "It's like he has you on a leash or something." She mutters making her way towards the elevator.
"He's just trying to keep me safe Alexis. That should please you."
"It would if I wasn't so concerned with who was going to keep you safe from him." Alexis says jabbing the button for the elevator.
In that moment before the elevator doors opened there was a moment of understanding that passed between mother and daughter. Neither would admit defeat easily, it was the stubborn Davis trait at its best. Sam waited for her mother to disappear before entering the penthouse to find Jason standing right by the door, obviously waiting for her. "Did you hear everything?" Sam asks at a whisper so her sisters who were busy talking with Maxie didn't hear.
"Just the louder parts of the conversation." Jason says just as quiet and squeezing her shoulder, offering Sam more comfort in that one gesture than Alexis had the whole time out in the hall. "Are you ok?" He asks, concern evident in his eyes.
Taking a moment to think through her answer Sam sighs heavily and shrugs one shoulder. "I will be." Looking over his shoulder to see her sisters and Maxie whispering together Sam looks back at Jason. "What have I missed?"
Looking over his shoulder it's Jason's turn to shrug. "Honestly I don't know. Just after you and Alexis went in the hall Maxie came back and the three of them almost immediately started whispering. I think they're conspiring against me."
"Why do you think that?" Sam asks with a genuine smile on her face.
"Because every few minutes your little sister keeps looking up at me and smiling." Sure enough Sam watches as her baby sister Molly's gaze wanders to Jason and she smiles, a sweet, innocent little smile.
"I'm sure you're just being paranoid." Sam chuckles. "Besides she's a little girl Jason, what harm could she possibly do?"
"Under the guidance of Maxie and Kristina I don't even want to know."
At his words Sam's chuckle turns into a belly laugh which only quiets down when Molly separates from the group at the couch and wanders towards them. "So I take it you couldn't convince mom to stay." Molly says joining them.
"No, sorry, it looks like it's going to just be the four of us. But that will be fun too."
"Oh I know." Molly agrees. "And let's not forget Jason of course."
"Jason may be staying, but I don't really think he plans to take part in any of the treatments Maxie has planned Molly. That's not really his thing." Sam says bending down to be at the young girls level.
"Really? Because we were just discussing how great we think Dazzling Denim blue would go so well with his eyes."
"Denim what?" Jason asks his eyebrows disappearing into his forehead.
"It's a shade of blue Jason." Molly explains as if he were a small child. "It just so happens that it is available in a nail polish and we have some on hand."
"Molly I'm not painting my nails blue." Jason says simply shaking his head and crouching down next to Sam so he too is at Molly's level.
"It's Dazzling Denim, completely different than blue Jason." Molly sighs. "But it's alright, there is also a clear nail polish they can use as well." Then leaning forward she looks closely at Jason's face before calling over her shoulder. "Maxie I can see that Jason is probably going to need the exfoliating facial cream." Turning back to stare at him she has that smile on her face again, except up close it looks less sweet and more wicked. "We'll clear those pores right up."
Jason bolted right up and turns to glare at Sam who was shaking she was laughing so hard. "You think this is funny?"
"Don't you?" Sam asks through her laughter. When Jason just continues to stare at her Sam reigns in her laughter by taking a couple of deep breaths.
"If you plan to stay Jason you are joining us in everything we do." Maxie calls from her spot on the couch.
"That's right." Kristina chimes in.
"And we're talking the whole works." Molly says hands on her hips, looking much older than her years. "Facial, nails, skin treatment, massage, and…your hair."
"No." Jason chuckles uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. Looking quickly at Sam for backup he is disappointed to find she would be no help since her shoulders were once again shaking as she tried to hold in her laughter.
"Yes." Kristina and Molly say in unison.
"No!" Jason shakes his head looking between all of them.
"If you stay, you join in." Maxie crosses her arms over her chest. "Those are the rules."
"Maxie I am staying and I am not letting any of your people near me." Jason crosses his arms over his chest. "Or my hair."
Rolling her eyes at his macho stance Maxie steps forward until she's toe to toe with him and crosses her arms over her chest, mirroring him exactly. "Jason, don't make me take out the hot wax." The silence that followed was broken by Sam's loud burst of laughter.
Parking in front of the Sonny's house a part of Jason still can't believe he let Maxie get away with the stunt she pulled earlier. He should've stood his ground, but Sam had made a valid point that Jerry wouldn't be able to get anywhere near them in Harborview Towers with all the men Jason had on the building. So after threatening bodily harm on all the guards Jason had agreed that he would leave the girls to do whatever it is they were going to do and he would be back at the agreed upon time for his and Sam's evening together. Looking at his watch Jason sighs, it was going to be a long day.
Standing outside the front door of Greystone he can already hear the raised voices coming from inside, Jason just wasn't sure who the voices belonged to. Walking right in like always he finds both Max and Milo standing guard outside Sonny's door, or at least they were supposed to be standing guard. The two were too busy muttering to each other to even notice Jason had entered the house. Not that he was surprised Carly and Claudia's voices could be clearly distinguished now along with everything they were saying. With another, longer sigh Jason rubs the back of his neck and taps Max on the shoulder to get his attention. "How long have they been at it?"
"About an hour I think." Max says standing up tall and gesturing for Milo to do the same.
"Where's Sonny?" Jason asks, hoping the answer is that he's at the office so Jason could avoid the two arguing women.
"As far as I know he's still in there with them." Max shrugs his shoulders.
"Unless they've done something to him." Milo mutters with a sympathetic shake to his head and looking at Max for agreement.
"The two of them are certainly mad enough." Max agrees. The three men stand there in silence for a moment. Jason busy trying to decide if he should just leave and the brothers both waiting for orders.
"Should we go rescue him?" Milo finally asks.
"No, I have to talk to Sonny anyways. You two just stay here."
"You got it." Max says clearly pleased he wouldn't have to face the two women.
"We'll be out here if you need anything." Milo offers cheerfully.
"Right." Jason grumbles before entering the living room. The voices only becoming louder now, causing Jason to wince at the pounding in his head. Walking towards Sonny who was sitting on the couch, head rested back, eyes close, and a drink in his hand Jason taps him on the shoulder. "You really should break them up."
"I've tried twice now and got nowhere for my troubles, they just keep at it." Sonny says before taking a long sip of his drink.
Rolling his eyes Jason walks around the couch and goes to stand next to the two women. "HEY!" He barks causing them both to jump. "Whatever it is take this somewhere else I have to talk with Sonny." Jason says once he has both their attention.
"Jason I don't know if your damaged brain can comprehend this, but I am Sonny's wife and as his wife this is my home as much as it is his. And that means I have every right to be here and not you, or this attack dog you two are two dense to put down, is going to get rid of me." Claudia sneers at Carly.
"It's funny you should mention dogs Cujo." Carly mutters her hands clenched into tight little fists.
"You know what your problem is Carly?" Claudia taunts.
"No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me." Carly rolls her eyes.
"You just can't handle the fact Sonny has found a woman that is able to fill your shoes in his life. That makes him happy when you can't!"
"Oh please." Carly scoffs.
"You also can't handle the fact that Michael clearly has a better relationship with me than with you." Claudia smirks.
"You leave my son out of this you treacherous, lying, piece of…"
"ENOUGH!" Jason shouts again, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Claudia I think you have said more than enough, just leave."
"I thought I had made myself clear before, or do you need pictures to help you understand?"
Irritated with her smart mouth and her antagonistic comments Jason has to clench his fists and count to three. "Fine, just stop talking."
"How dare you talk to me like that!" Claudia says in outrage.
"Like you're something special?" Carly snaps.
"I'm Sonny's wife."
"Like that means something?"
Grinding his teeth Jason turns and grabs Carly by both her shoulders and pushes her back a step. "Would you quit it! You're supposed to avoid stress. What is this doing to the baby Carly?"
"Oh the baby is fine Jason!" Carly waves off his concern with one hand while rubbing her pregnant stomach with the other. "In fact she's been kicking up a storm since we started yelling, I think she enjoys hearing me lay into that tramp."
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes Jason runs a hand down the side of his face. "Ok, fine, but what about your health? Your blood pressure? Arguing with Claudia can't be good for you."
"Are you kidding!" Carly laughs. "I've never felt better! In fact the last time I felt this alive I think was back when Sam and I would get into it. I haven't had a good fight since she left. I think I've missed it." Looking over his shoulder Carly's gaze narrows as she watches Claudia pouring herself a drink. "Although Claudia isn't nearly as good an adversary as Sam was, but she'll do since I plan to get along with Sam from now on." At Jason's shocked look Carly smiles. "I wouldn't want to possibly drive her away and send you back into your depression."
"Well thanks for that, Sam and I both appreciate it, but could you possibly resist fighting with Claudia? At least until your health is no longer at risk?"
Staring at Jason Carly exhales loudly, she can't possibly deny him when he has his sincere face on. "Fine, but you wreck all of my fun." She grumbles.
"So tell me what convinced you to finally leave your precious Sam's side?" Claudia calls out. "Not that I've missed you or anything, I'm just surprised that you finally gave the woman some space. Or let me guess…she kicked you out didn't she? Sick and tired of dealing with a man made of stone all the time?"
"Claudia would you please detract the claws, maybe just for the moment?" Sonny sighs standing from the couch and making his way to his desk.
"I'm just making a general observation that's all." Claudia shrugs her shoulders. "I can't imagine Sam finds Jason's company very stimulating. The man doesn't speak and the only meaningful relationship he has appears to be between him and his gun."
"Don't even try and pretend you know what is going on between Jason and Sam. What the two of them have goes so much deeper than you will ever know." Carly warns.
"And I'm sure it just eats you up inside that some woman has that meaningful of relationship with Jason, your best friend. Doesn't it?"
"It used to." Carly says in a clipped tone. "But I've seen what Sam means to Jason and if someone can make my friend that happy, than who am I to complain?" Carly's words shocked both Jason and Sonny, who never thought they would see the day Carly would be so mature and sensible about Sam, or any woman for that matter.
"Then why can't you accept me in Sonny's life?"
"Because Sam loves Jason and makes him happy. The two of them have put each other through hell and still seem to find a way to forgive. What they have is real and is deep. What you have with Sonny is a business arrangement that you father came up with so he could finally get rid of you for good. The two of you don't love each other, you mean nothing to him, and when Sonny finally realizes he doesn't need you around you won't even be missed. Unlike Sam who's absence was felt throughout the whole town."
"You bitch!" Claudia snarls with a threatening step forward.
"Watch it." Jason steps between the two women glaring at Claudia until she backs down and then he turns his gaze to Carly. "Control yourself."
"Is everything alright with Sam?" Sonny asks.
"Yea she's as good as can be expected." Jason says, keeping an eye on the two women. "She's getting a little restless, but that's not too surprising with all the security."
"She understands though right? Jerry is psychopath." Carly says rubbing a hand over her belly.
"She does, but it's hard sometimes." Jason sighs. "Sam is used to taking actions against an enemy and in situations like this it goes against her nature to hide."
"But it's safer for her that way." Sonny says as if that's all that matters.
"To Sam that doesn't matter…this is a woman who went head to head with Manny to prove he wasn't healed during his trial. Sam doesn't do easy, she does what she needs to get the bad guy." Jason says his gaze wandering to Claudia who was surprisingly quiet. "We're supposed to discuss a new plan of drawing Jerry out, but that's going to have to wait."
"Why?" Claudia asks, finally joining into the conversation.
"Maxie." Jason says the name as if it were a curse.
"What about her?" Sonny says confused.
"She has this day planned…some sort of spa type treatment…I don't know really." Jason shrugs his shoulders. "Something about faces and nails and hair. All I know is I'm not allowed back at the penthouse until I get the call. It's just the girls today."
"A girls day!" Carly says brightly. "And I wasn't invited?"
"Neither of us were." Claudia chimes in arms crossed. "Why's that?"
"Well you weren't invited because nobody likes you, I would think that was obvious." Carly rolls her eyes. "But me? Everyone knows it's not a party without me."
"It's not a party Carly, it's a spa thing."
"Well whatever, I'm sure it was an oversight that I wasn't invited." Picking up her purse from the couch she smiles. "No worries, no hard feelings. I'll see you all later." And before anyone could say anything to stop her she was out the door.
"Should we be worried?" Sonny asks Jason with a wary look.
"I don't know." Jason sighs.
"Doesn't it really matter?" Claudia snaps. "Why don't the two of you let Carly's husband, Jax, take care of her? Especially you Sonny. Or have you forgotten you have a wife of your own you should be worried about?" At the confused look on Sonny's face Claudia lets out a frustrated shriek. "Me you moron! God it's no wonder the two of you can't keep a woman in your life! You're both too busy with that blonde one-woman wrecking ball!"
"Claudia don't be that way!" Sonny calls as she makes her way towards the patio door. "Carly is the mother of my boys, of course I'm going to worry about her."
"Right, that's all it is." Claudia rolls her eyes, but doesn't stop walking away.
"Claudia!" Jason calls out before she's able to exit the room.
"What!" She snaps turning back to glare at him. "I'm leaving the room Jason like you wanted. What more could you possible want?"
"Just remember what I said."
"What are you talking about?"
"Stay away from Sam."
Rolling her eyes again Claudia holds up her hands in a gesture of innocence. "I'm not going to harm a single hair on your precious Sam." Turning on her heel Claudia opens the patio door and slams it closed behind her. Walking into the courtyard to be sure no one could over hear she pulls out her phone and dials. When the voicemail picks up she growls into the phone and waits for the beep. "Listen up! Your time is running out. Enough with these little games. I want Sam McCall and Jason Morgan taken care of." Snapping her phone shut Claudia turns back around to see Jason staring out the window at her. With a coy wave and a smile Claudia doesn't let it show that he unnerved her. Walking away she can still feel his gaze on her back and knew that time was running low.
With his back to Sonny Jason watched Claudia as she talked on her phone. "I don't know who she's calling Sonny, but I know she is up to something."
"Do you think it has something to do with Sam?" Sonny asks from his spot at the desk.
"I don't know." Jason shakes his head. "But she was listening very intently when we were discussing Sam and from what I hear from my men she's been asking a lot of questions."
"I know." Sonny sighs. "I just don't know if it's just curiosity or if it's something more."
"With Claudia I think it's safe to assume it's always something more." Jason murmurs watching as Claudia turns to stare at him after hanging up her phone. She smiled and waved as if she didn't have a care in the world, but Jason could tell it was an act. She was hiding something, but if Claudia valued her life at all she would follow his warning and leave Sam out of whatever it was.
Sam was busy getting a massage from a very buff, very good looking, very gay man named Paulo. Groaning when he started kneading a knot in her lower back she almost didn't hear the knock at the door, followed by Robbie's voice. "Umm…Ms. Mc…umm Sam…there is someone here to see you."
"Whoever it is better be female or man prepared to have his eyebrows waxed." Maxie calls out from the massage table next to Sam, causing everyone to laugh.
Sam's laughter fades as the voice of the last person she ever expected filled the room. "I'm going to be a bigger person here and not make a big deal out of the fact I wasn't invited to this little girls day. BUT only on one condition." Sam lifted her head to see Carly standing in the doorway arms wide and the smile on her face bright. "I get to stay."
Quick little note to everyone…Classes started for me this week so my time isn't really mine anymore, but I don't want you all to worry. I'm not going to forget this story, promise! Thanks again to everyone reading and reviewing…you all are the greatest!