A/N: Thank you to Teresa Rountree, notenoughlove, trini12180, arcoiris0502, bjq, starhine, babeboo1968, guest, liasonisthebomb, and BeachGirl114 for reviewing. It is very much appreciated. Trini12180: I'm glad I surprised you on Monica being the person who saw the results. hehe. notenoughlove: we will soon see what Sam is capable of. In my story, she is capable of anything. Teresa Rountree: I'm glad you're excited on the next chapter. Arcoiris0502: In my liason stories, they are endgame, yes, they will be together. Not quite yet, but they will be. starhine: things are definitely coming to a head. Welcome to the fold babeboo1968. Guest: Oh yes, guest. Monica definitely called Sam out on her lies. Liasonisthebomb: welcome to the fold. Beachgirl114: welcome to the fold. Enjoy the story.
Title: Rewrite the Stars
Chapter 26
***Friday***
(Cameron, Jake, and Aiden are at Jason's for the night. They have played a few board games, watched a movie or two, and had pizza for supper. They are currently talking about Elizabeth and Franco)
Jason: "How are things going on the home front?"
Cameron: "Mom did ask us if we wanted to talk to a therapist, Kevin Collins. Or anyone else. To be honest, dad, I'd rather just talk to you."
Jake: "I do like Kevin, but talking about my feelings? I'd rather talk to you."
Jason: (nods) "Whatever you feel comfortable with. How do you feel, Aiden?"
Aiden: (tilts his head) "You, dad."
Jason: (nods) "Okay, I'll tell your mom. Don't feel bad that you would rather talk to me than Kevin. It's whoever you feel comfortable with."
Cameron: (shrugs) "I mean, I miss the old Franco. The old Franco probably isn't coming back, though. You'd think he would've by now."
(Cameron leads his dad away from Jake and Aiden before speaking)
Cameron: (smiles a bit) "Can I tell you a secret, dad? Well, it wouldn't really be a secret as it involves you. But, I've secretly wished for it for a little while now."
Jason: (chuckles) "Okay, son, what's your secret?"
Cameron: "I've wished that you and mom would get together because I know you love mom."
Jason: (curiously) "I wonder how you would know because I've never said anything about loving your mom."
Cameron: (laughs) "Oh, come on, dad! It's hard for anyone NOT to love mom." (rolls his eyes) "I know Sam hates mom." (puzzled) "What was the deal with mom and Sam? Does Mom hate Sam, too?"
Jason: (sighs) "Sam feels your mom came between Sam and I, which isn't true. Your mom doesn't hate Sam. But, she doesn't agree with Sam's choices."
(Cameron nods in response and briefly looks away before facing his father again)
Cameron: "Do you love Sam?"
Jason: "I'll always care about Sam. But, no, I do not love her."
Cameron: (smiles happily) "I'm so glad me, Jake, and Aiden are with you tonight. We're having a lot of fun."
Jason: (chuckles) "Anytime you guys want to come over, you are more than welcome to."
(Jason and Cameron share a warm embrace before returning to Jake and Aiden)
***Elizabeth & Franco's House***
(Elizabeth is sitting on the couch facing forward with her elbows on her thighs as she ponders her thoughts. Just then, Franco comes walking through the front doors. Right now, she couldn't stand to look at her husband. It was sad it's come to this. Yet, unfortunately, it has. As he hangs his jacket on the coat hanger next to the front door, Elizabeth finally speaks)
Liz: "Did staying the night at Scott's help?"
(Franco continues to stand by the chair next to the front door as he speaks)
Franco: (sighs) "Not really. But, I needed to talk to dad and get some things out. It was long overdue."
(As Elizabeth shrugs and slowly faces her husband. She speaks again)
Liz: "Why couldn't you have done that with me?"
(Franco sighs deeply before confessing)
Franco: "To be honest, I needed a break from reality for a night."
(Elizabeth scoffs loudly as she couldn't take it anymore! She quickly gets up from the couch and angrily points at Franco, shouting)
Liz: "DON'T YOU THINK…" (points at herself) "…I NEED A BREAK FROM REALITY SOMETIMES, TOO?! I HAVE THREE KIDS TO SUPPORT AND THAT DEPEND ON ME! I DON'T HAVE THAT LUXURY OF LEAVING THEM FOR A NIGHT WHEN THINGS GET BAD! I HAVE TO STAY HERE AND FIGURE IT OUT!"
(With tears in her eyes that threaten to fall, she wipes her face and turns around as she hated him seeing her like this. She has never let him see her get this angry, but it needed to be done)
(Franco looks down in shame and briefly closes his eyes. He rubbed his eyes and was momentarily at a loss for words because he knew he was in the wrong. He spoke in a low voice, but loud enough for her to hear)
Franco: "I'm sorry for hurting you. I know that I'm losing you because of everything that's happened up to this point."
(He looks up at Elizabeth with a sad expression)
Franco: "I was…or I am trying to make it better and not hurt you or the boys. However, I know that I'm failing miserably."
(Elizabeth raises her hands to her sides and sighs in defeat)
Liz: "We used to be so happy, Franco. We were happy as a family. Cameron, Jake, and Aiden LOVED you and IDOLIZED you and you loved them. You were like a second father to them." (shakes her head) "What happened?"
(Franco looks away as he remembers what Scott said about 'not bringing Jason into fights'. Franco couldn't help himself, though. A small part of him knew it was wrong to bring her ex into the argument. The bigger part won control and Franco opened his mouth to speak)
Franco: (scoffs) "It's simple. You and Morgan got closer. The boys preferred him over me. What's worse is my income as an art therapy tutor is declining. I think it's safe to say our marriage is in serious trouble." (shakes his head) "I don't remember the last time I made you smile or the last time when you smiled on your own. I don't want to lose you, but I think I am."
(Elizabeth nods a bit in response as she thought about what he said. In all honesty? She couldn't disagree with what he said because it was all true. She wanted to deny she was close to Jason again. Sadly, she couldn't. She relied on him in ways that she shouldn't. It was wrong to do that. Did Elizabeth want to try marriage counseling? She honestly didn't know because she truly had no idea if it'd help. Elizabeth knew that there was one person who could help. She would talk to her the next day)
(Meanwhile, Sam was pacing around her living room floor. She had her fingertips to her lips as she was wondering what to do about Monica's ultimatum. Only Franco knew her secret. Well, that's technically not true. He knew about Aiden, but not about Danny. If she had it her way, he wouldn't. Well, as much as she didn't want to, she knew she may have to. Oooh, both men would tear her to shreds when they found out the truth. Sam sighs as she knew what she'd have to do. As much as she didn't want the truth from coming out, maybe it was time. She needed to talk to someone and she knew exactly who that person was)
Sam: (sighs deeply) "Jason and Franco will probably never forgive me for what I've done." (scoffs lightly) "If they only knew the whole truth. They'd want my head on a silver platter."
Chapter 26 Done
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. See you tomorrow.
