My apologies on the long delay of this update. I had intended on updating this story when I last updated my other stories, but in the end, I had to wait as a few other things came up. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. If you have a minute (and a Niz fan), please review as it is greatly appreciated. I don't own GH.

becca1: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed the update. I was a fan of Niz when they were trying to get together. But ever since Jason came back, I've been waiting for Liason. I will always be a Niz fan (a part of me), but to be honest, my heart always lied with Liason. I write this Niz story for all the Niz fans out there and have no intention of stopping, even if it takes awhile to update. Me, personally, I am a 'Naxie' fan, but I respect 'Spixie' fans. I used to be a 'Spixie' fan, but when Nathan came into the picture, I fell in love. I do miss Bradford Anderson, though. I will keep writing this story as long as I keep getting feedback from all you amazing 'Niz' fans.

reina13: Thanks for the review! It's no problem at all that it took you time to review. hehe. Don't worry, I understand. I hope you're settled in at your new place.

ilovedana53: Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoy the next update.

ToastyLish: Thanks for the review! Thanks for your kind words.

Bryke13: Thanks for the review! I have no intentions of giving up on this story, though it does take time to update. Thank you for your patience. I follow some stories where the author takes awhile to update and it does get frustrating.

Chapter 13

(Nikolas was happy that his mother was kind in offering to take all three boys for the night. He knew his mother was right, though. This night with Elizabeth had been long overdue. It had been so long since they had been together. He wanted tonight to be perfect. Elizabeth was currently at work until 6pm, so he had until then to get everything set up. Nikolas was determined to give his princess a night she would never forget)

(AJ was currently in the Quartermaine living room drowning his sorrows while staring at the photos above the fireplace. He couldn't help but think back to what has happened lately. The woman he loved telling him she was in love with someone else. Deep down, he knew he needed to accept the truth. He knew he needed to move on. Truthfully, though, he didn't want to move on. He firmly believed that, had he been given more of a chance, Elizabeth would have chosen him in the end. Granted, she said she didn't love him the way he loved her. In his heart, he didn't feel that was true. Elizabeth was his first and damn it, AJ would have her again! AJ would make sure of that. And after the prince's unfortunate accident on the pier the day after tomorrow, Elizabeth would be his...where she belonged. AJ was caught off-guard by a presence in the room)

Monica: "Little early in the day to be drinking, isn't it, son?"

(AJ briefly turns around halfway to his left to see his mother in the living room doorway)

AJ: "Hi."

(Monica sighs deeply as she walks towards her son, who is looking towards the fireplace)

Monica: "Is this really a good thing to do, AJ? You were sober for so long. Why throw your sobriety out the window?"

AJ: (scoffs) "Because of them."

(Monica closes her eyes as she briefly looks down. She knew who he was talking about)

Monica: "This is because of Nikolas and Elizabeth, isn't it?"

(AJ looks at his mother in slight confusion)

Monica: "I got Elizabeth's side of the story."

AJ: (shakes his head) "You mean what she thinks happened. I'm sure Cassadine influenced her."

(He takes another drink of his Scotch. She shakes her head in disapproval)

Monica: "AJ, I have known Elizabeth for many years. She has never intentionally lied to me."

AJ: (rolls his eyes) "You mean like I have."

(She wasn't sure if that was a question or more of an accusation to her. She sighs deeply before speaking)

Monica: "Honestly, AJ, yes, you have intentionally lied before. The truth always comes out whether you like it or not." (nods) "You need to be a grown up as you have a son...Michael." (raises her eyebrows) "Or have you forgotten about him in your quest to destroy Elizabeth and Nikolas?"

(AJ can't take it anymore. He throws his glass across the room, causing Monica to jump up in shock and briefly covering her mouth. The glass lands against the wall, shattering into a million pieces. He quickly faces his mother in a huff)

AJ: (angrily) "No, I haven't forgotten about Michael! I know I need to act like a grown up! I am a grown up!"

(As AJ walks away from his mother, she points at him furiously)

Monica: "No, you're not, AJ! You haven't been acting like a grown up! You've been acting like a child just because things haven't been going your way! Just yesterday your son asked me what you've been up to because he hasn't seen or heard from you in about a week. What do you want me to tell him, AJ? He would be so disappointed in you if he knew the truth about you."

(AJ turns around and stares at his mother)

AJ: "Go ahead. Tell him. It's what you're dying to do anyway, right?" (shrugs) "I love Elizabeth. No matter what she has said to me or you, I know she loved me, too."

(Monica sighs softly as it was clear her son was in deep denial. While she felt bad for him as he was nursing a broken heart, he needed to face reality)

Monica: "I will always love you as you are my son. But you need to face the facts that Elizabeth doesn't love you. She never did. She had feelings for you, yes, but it never turned into love. As for Michael, I have never said anything bad about you. I have tried to defend you when he wondered if you fell off the wagon due to your behavior. Anyone with eyes can see the truth. You need to pick yourself back up. You will find someone to love again, AJ. It'll take time, but you will." (sighs in defeat) "It just can't be with Elizabeth. She has moved on. You need to move on, too."

(AJ shakes his head in disbelief. He never thought his own mother would turn against him. In his opinion, a mother should support her son no matter what. Monica wasn't doing that)

AJ: "I thought you of all people would always be on my side. Sounds like you're turning against me...just like everyone else in this family."

(Monica gestures as she attempts to get through to her son)

Monica: "I will always be on your side, my son. But I am also here to tell you when you're doing the wrong thing. I know you can't just shut off your feelings, so I would never ask you to. You need to see what's in front of you." (sighs) "AJ, Elizabeth loves Nikolas, not you. I know it hurts, and it will for a while, but it will get better. I promise you."

(Monica places her hand on her son's cheek with sympathy)

Monica: "She's scared of you, AJ. She told me herself and I could see it in her eyes." (pleading) "Please stay away from her. I don't want you to do something that you will regret."

(She gives her son a brief hug and a little smile of encouragement)

Monica: "You will be okay, son. I have faith in you. I have to get back to the hospital. We'll talk again later. I love you."

(AJ just nods. Monica leaves the room. AJ scoffs as he shakes his head)

AJ: "You're wrong, mom. I can make Elizabeth mine. Nikolas stole what was mine. I will have her back. And you, Cassadine, will be a dead man."

Chapter 13 Done

Thank you for reading. Next chapter will be 'Niz's' romantic night. If you have a minute, reviews are appreciated. Thanks. Until next time!