Disclaim any and all recognizable traits, features, characters, and settings recognizable in any way shape or form. This story and others in my collection are merely a way of showcasing my love for the genre, show, and all that may or may not lay in between those verified lines. Reviews are always appreciated and greatly welcomed in all forms as long as they prove to provide actual assistance in furthering the story's potential in every way possible. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and, hopefully, review.

Believe in Me

Arms wrapped around herself, Elizabeth walks through town, tears frozen in her eyes. She couldn't believe that her parents were really heading to a divorce. Regardless of what her father said, she could see that he was preparing them for the worst case scenario, implying that the worst case could very well become their reality. Taking the path down to the Elm Street Pier, Elizabeth plops herself down onto the bench, wishing the ground beneath her would just open up and swallow her whole. Despite what her father had said, she's almost certain that him choosing to support her was the final nail the coffin of her parent's marriage and she doesn't know how to deal with that.

"Are you okay?" a voice speaks from just a few feet away, causing her to glance up at the person that has made their way to her.

"I'm fine." she assures, sporting her fake smile that usually did the trick. "You don't have to stop on my account."

"I usually have my lunch out here." the man counters as he gestures to the seat beside her. "Do you mind?"

"Oh, of course not." she shakes her head, moving over a little. "Please, sit."

"Thank you." he replies before sitting down beside her on the bench. "The name's Francis."

"Elizabeth." she divulges as she shakes his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You, too." he smiles slightly before popping open his lunch plate. "You sure you're okay? Forgive me for saying, but you look a little distraught."

"You can say that." she sighs, slumping back into the bench. "I'm trying really hard not to, though."

"Why is that?" he questions curiously. "You're allowed to feel what you want."

"I know, but I can't at the same time." she replies. "My parents are heading for divorce and it could very well be my fault."

"What makes you think that?"

And just like that, Elizabeth spilled her guts about everything that has transpired since she decided she would pursue art as a career. Though she wasn't certain why she was telling Francis, this complete stranger, all about her life, a part of her felt like she could really trust him. The way he talks to her and looks at her, its as if he was really trying to understand and that felt nice. He's definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the other men in this town.

"From what I'm hearing, it doesn't seem like you've got anything to feel sorry for." he says after a long moment. "Every child has the right to expect unconditional support from their parents. You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting that."

"But if my father just kept supporting my mother..."

"For whatever reason, your father made his choice to support you." Francis says as he tosses his food container into the nearby trashcan. "As hard as it is to accept, everyone has the right to make their own choices, regardless of the consequences. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem as if your father would make rash decisions without thinking it through, right?"

"He once took two months to decide what to paint the living room."

"So, taking that into consideration, don't you think he would have taken his failing marriage into consideration when he chose to support you?"

"Maybe."

"Your father made his choice and so did your mother." Francis says simply. "As hard as it is to accept, everyone gets to make their own choices that almost always have nothing to do with anyone else, even parents."

"Speaking from personal experience?"

"At my age, almost always." he chuckles before standing before her. "Try not to be so hard on yourself. It really isn't your fault."

"I'll try." she smiles brightly. "Are you leaving now?"

"Yeah. I have to get back to work." he admits. "You should get going, too. Its not that safe in this part of town when you're alone."

"Even in the middle of the day?"

"Even then." he replies. "Come on, I'll walk you back up to the main street."

"Since you seem to be really knowledgeable..." Elizabeth voices as she walks up the stairs with him. "How are you with relationship advice?"

Walking together up to the main street, she tells him all about her issues with Jason and the changes that seem to be happening in their friendship. Once he has all the facts of the situation, Francis tells her exactly what he thinks about her situation. Once again, he pulls from his own life experiences to help her in making her decision. He points out that he can't tell her what to do about her relationship, but he can tell her what happens when you ignore your feelings to try to keep things as they are. It doesn't end pretty for any of those involved.

"So you think I should just tell him how I feel?" Elizabeth questions when they stop on the sidewalk. "What if it doesn't end how I want it to?"

"Can you really see yourself as just friends for the rest of your life?" Francis counters. "Once you cross that line, its impossible to cross back."

"You're telling me." she sighs before granting him a soft smile. "Thanks for the ear. It helps having someone objective to talk to."

"Anytime." he replies before hailing down a cab and paying the driver enough to take her anywhere in town. "Take care."

Thanking him for his generosity, Elizabeth makes her way to the Quartermaine estate, needing to see Jason before she loses the courage currently coursing through her. Francis is right. If she can't see herself being just friend with Jason for the rest of their lives, she needs to take that leap and pray that they make it to the other side together. If not, she'll just have to learn to live without him.

"Elizabeth." Jason voices as he stands in the doorway. "I've been trying to call you. I just heard about your parents."

"It sucks." she admits before shaking her head. "But that's not why I'm here."

"Okay." he says softly. "Then what's up?"

"Um...okay, this is gonna sound crazy and you might not want to talk to me for a while after I say this, but I love you." she says quickly. "Not just love you like a friend love you, but love you like I'm in love with you kind of love you."

"Elizabeth..."

"I know its crazy, but its not at the same time." she continues on unaware of him having spoken. "You're my best friend, Jason. You're always on my mind. When I wake up. Before I go to bed. You're my first and last thought of every day and I couldn't imagine my life without you. I know its possible you don't feel the same way and I'd totally understand, but I couldn't go another day without telling you how I feel..."

Before she could ramble herself into a conversation with herself, Jason pulls her into his arms and takes claim to her lips. He had been shocked by her confession, but not shocked enough to not reveal his own deepest desires. As she begins to realize what's happening, he starts to feel her melting into him, her hands going up to interlock at the back of his neck. He had started to convince himself it would never happen and, for the first time in his life, he's happy to be wrong.

"I love you, too." Jason voices as he lays his forehead against hers. "As in, I'm in love with you, I love you."

"Finally." she whispers before pulling away with wide eyes. "I don't mean that as in I expected it and it took you long enough..."

"I know what you meant." he smiles softly. "And you're right."

"So...does this mean we're together?" she questions. "Like together, together."

"I hope so."

"It'll probably take some getting used to, huh?"

"I think we'll manage." he voices as he slips his hands into hers. "I can just hear Grandfather now."

"Well, son, its about darn time. I thought I'd be dead and buried before you got your head out of your ass and gain the realization that you're in love with that girl." Elizabeth utilizes her best Edward impression. "Hopefully it won't take you nearly as long to get down the aisle. Naturally, I expect many grandchildren from the both of you. Preferably a suitable heir to the family business now that you've chosen to abandon your rightful place as CEO to start that architect business of yours. Why you'd throw away a perfectly suitable position within ELQ is beyond me."

"You are frighteningly good at that."

"I know." she smirks. "Would it be too cheesy to celebrate this?"

"Maybe, but who cares?" he counters. "Where do you want to go?"

"The only place that will do." she says simply. "Vista Point."

"Perfect." he agrees. "I'll make the reservations."

"And I'll go get ready." she glances at her watch. "I have just enough time to get ready for dinner at eight."

"See you tonight then." he voices as he releases his hold on her hand, not even daring to point out that it wasn't even two o'clock in the afternoon yet.

"See you tonight, boyfriend." she replies before going red at the cheeks. "Too much?"

"Not at all."

Saying goodbye, Elizabeth rushes down to the waiting cab before directing the driver to take her to her house. Knowing it could have gone one of two ways, she made sure the cab didn't leave her, in case she needed to make a hasty exit. Getting to her house she was surprised to find out that the tab had been more than covered for both fares. She wanted to question how much Francis had given the cab driver, but thought better of it. It wasn't her place to question his generosity, but she will pay him back for it, that much she's sure of. For now, she has a date to get ready for and she needs to find an outfit that screams girlfriend instead of best friend. Which may or may not include a lot of shopping.