Liason What If's

by WretchedHandsSJS

A series of alternate scenarios throughout Jason and Elizabeth's relationship. There were always obstacles, but what if there wasn't? Some of the stories are from my perceptions, old clips, and not all characters are written as canon. Language and violence are more prominent than my other stories.

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

What If: 2003 (Jason/Courtney/Elizabeth/Ric) What if the many instances of a right or left turn changed things?

Thank you for your reviews. Trini12180: Finn will be dealt with. Notenoughlove, It will be interesting when Carly finds out, but it might not happen immediately. Thank you to the guest reviewers.

As I am covering all of 2003, this is a longer chapter. I am not a fan of Ric or Courtney. For this chapter, they are written more out of character than usual. If you are a fan, you will not like how they are presented. I never liked the AJ/stalker storyline used to prop Journey in favor of Liason. In my version, AJ was not the cause of the stalker; though he did drink, he was not the alcoholic asshole. Courtney still stripped and blamed AJ for his "alleged actions," and Sonny still demanded obedience. While necessary for the story, Jason and Courtney are together initially. Ric and Elizabeth, too. Emily is featured because she is important to their relationship. Strong language.

April 2003

Elizabeth is working a shift at Kelly's and thinks about everything that changed the day she walked out of Jason's Penthouse when he lied about Sonny being killed. He quickly moved on to Sonny's sister, Courtney Matthews, and about three months later, she met an attractive attorney named Ric Lansing, who soon became Sonny's lawyer. She admits, at least to herself, that she didn't handle the breakup as maturely as she should have. Courtney rubs her the wrong way, and she doesn't understand what Jason sees in Courtney. Jason doesn't like or trust Ric, and for the first time since Lucky returned from the fire, she's barely spoken a kind word to Jason. She is wiping the counters and looks outside, shocked to see her best friend from high school, Emily Quartermaine. Emily looks cozy with Zander, whom Emily dated that summer of 2000. Elizabeth rushes outside and hugs Emily.

"Emily! When did you get back? I wasn't expecting you for another week."

"I got back a few hours ago. I told Mom I wanted to see you."

"I'll give you time with Zander, but come inside and catch up with me before you return to the Quartermaines."

Emily enters Kelly's and looks sad. "I broke up with Zander."

"Why? It looked like an emotional reunion. I don't need to remind you that Zander and I were a mistake, and he is in love with you, do I?"

"No. Zander and I weren't together then. I told him I had a boyfriend; our breakup wasn't about that. How is Jason?"

Elizabeth pauses, "Oh, Jason. That is a loaded question."

Emily replies, "Before you say anything, my brother can do no wrong." She laughs.

"Far be it that I get in between a sister and her hero. We both made mistakes and said things we probably shouldn't have; you get the picture. I met a guy, and Jason's in love with Courtney Matthews. It hurts, but he seems happy. You and I are still best friends, no matter what happens or doesn't happen with Jason."

Emily hugs Elizabeth, "Best friends always. Now tell me about this new guy."

The following afternoon, Emily is at GH, where she runs into her brother. "Jase."

Jason grins wildly and hugs his baby sister. "Emily, when did you get back?"

"Yesterday. I surprised everyone. I'm taking a leave from Stanford, and after telling Mom and Dad, I went to Kelly's and saw Zander and Liz."

"How is Elizabeth? What was it like seeing Zander?"

"We didn't have a lot of time. She mentioned a guy and said you are in love with Sonny's new sister. I ended things with Zander."

Jason smiles thinly. He wonders how long the breakup will occur. Even when Zander was sniffing around Elizabeth, he still had feelings for Emily. Elizabeth told him Emily broke up with Zander in a letter before the crypt. Emily wrote him two months ago that she and Zander started writing two months prior.

"Jase, Earth to Jase. Tell me about this girl you fell in love with. Elizabeth refrained from her opinions, but I don't think she likes Courtney."

Jason thinks, "I don't like or trust the guy she sees." Instead, he says, "Courtney was married to AJ and was being stalked. Sonny wanted me to find out who was harassing his sister, and we got involved soon after she left AJ." Jason leaves out the stripping and the blackmail. Emily will soon learn, but not from him. He also doesn't want to tarnish AJ in front of her. Jason sometimes wonders if Courtney took advantage of her situation because she wanted him. She was looking for an excuse to leave AJ, but he didn't want to believe it. It was Sonny who ordered him to guard his sister. He chooses to believe Courtney because of Sonny.

"And? Did you catch the guy and make him pay? When will I meet her."

"Yes, and how about dinner tonight?"

"Sounds good. I love you, Jase."

"I love you too, Emily."

May 2003

Ric is not who Elizabeth thought he would be. Elizabeth learned he is Sonny's half-brother. Now, she's left wondering if his only interest in her was due to her prior relationship with Jason. He became Jason's lawyer and then got involved with her. He is so focused on revenge. She's walking along the docks, thinking about the test she just took and how she feels. Looking at her feet, she nearly runs into Emily. "Oh, gosh, Em, I didn't see you. I'm sorry. What's wrong?"

"Another fight with Zander at Kelly's. I came back to apologize, but he was gone when I returned. What's going on with you?"

"I'm pregnant. I took the test today."

"Wow! Are you okay with it?"

"I'm surprised. I didn't plan on this, but I think I want this. I don't know the first thing about being a mom. I didn't have the best role model. You know that guy I've been seeing, Ric? Well, I thought he was terrific, but now I'm not so sure. But the worst part is I still love him."

"What are you going to do? You can cut him out and tell him you never want to see him again. You can have this baby on your own."

"Em, I wait tables, have school, I can't earn an income painting."

"I have two words: trust fund, specifically mine. I can give you anything you need."

"What about Ric? He says he loves this baby. What am I supposed to do? Live in my studio? Move back with Gram? Oh my God! My Gram. I will not raise my child like my parents, dropping them off someplace to save the world. Nine months is not enough time to prepare.

"Nine months is a lifetime. I have the money if you intend to raise it on your own."

"Em, I love you, but that is your money."

"I'm not going to need it where I'm going."

"What? Of course, you will need it."

"Elizabeth, I'm dying. I have Cancer."

"Oh, sweetie." Elizabeth holds her. She asks her questions about treatment options and the type of Cancer. Emily answers, but it doesn't make it sound promising. "Does Zander know? Jason?"

"Only Mom, Dad, and now you. I can't tell Zander. I won't drag him through it."

"Emily, he needs to know."

"I'll tell him. I promise.

"Promise me you will tell Jason too. Your brother loves you."

"I will."

Elizabeth hugs Emily and says, "And I love you."

End May 2003

Elizabeth accepts Ric's proposal and his promise to change, and despite having some reservations, they marry. She gets into a verbal argument with Sonny about Ric. "Elizabeth, you made a mistake marrying my brother. He makes poor decisions and needs to stay clear of my business." Sonny walks away, and Elizabeth heads in the other direction. As Elizabeth walks down a flight of stairs, she feels a hand on her backside, causing her to fall. While at the hospital, another altercation happens with Sonny when Elizabeth asks for peace. She collapses on the floor and later miscarries.

Ric holds Elizabeth as she cries, "Ric, Sonny did not push me. He would never do that. Please, end this feud."

"Elizabeth, for you, I will try."

6/16: Elizabeth is groggy. She wakes to a banging on her door. Seconds later, Jason busts down the door, followed by Sonny and Courtney. "Elizabeth, where is Carly?!"

Elizabeth rubs her eyes, "Huh? What the fuck?"

Sonny screams, "Where is that goddammed husband of yours?

Ric enters from the kitchen. "What did you do to my door? Why are you here?"

Jason throws Ric against the wall. "Where is Carly?"

Ric replies, "Why would we know?"

Courtney says, "Michael says he saw you take Carly."

Elizabeth replies, "She's not here. We have been here all night."

Jason upheaves the couch and tables, yelling, "Just tell us where Carly is!"

Sonny runs upstairs, trashing the rooms.

Elizabeth grabs the phone, "If you don't leave now, I'm calling the cops. Carly is not here! Sonny, Ric made peace with you."

They leave but are still convinced Ric knows where Carly is.

Sonny, Jason, and Courtney return to the Towers, where Sonny throws glassware inside his penthouse. Jason takes Michael to Bobbie's house for a few days. When Jason returns home, he overhears Courtney on the phone.

"Coleman, I paid you the money. I'm not paying anymore. I'll deny it if you tell anyone I paid you to stalk me. Sonny and Jason won't believe I did all that because I wanted Jason."

Jason is shocked and wants to know why, but now is not the time. Carly is the priority. He turns and walks into Sonny's place. Sonny has collapsed on the floor, and Jason picks him up and helps him to bed. Jason sits against the couch and gulps Sonny's scotch. Jason is concerned about his BFF but frustrated that he's constantly cleaning up his other BFF's messes. Courtney enters and says, "What are you doing here? What are we going to do about Carly? Where is Sonny?"

Jason is still stunned at the revelation that Courtney paid Coleman to pretend to stalk her so she could be with him. He replies, "Sonny had a meltdown. He is sleeping it off. Michael is with Bobbie, and we should sleep. Tomorrow, I'll keep looking for Carly."

Jason can't talk with Sonny about it, Carly is missing, so he can't speak to her, Emily wouldn't understand, and the only other person he wants to confide with is married to his enemy. For now, Jason must work with Courtney and hope she will explain why she lied to be with him. He's angry but still loves her.

July 2003

7/4: Emily paces in the park. Jason appears, and Emily breaks down in his arms.

Jason says, "Emily, what is it? Something has been bothering you, and Zander keeps asking what is wrong. Whatever it is, I want to help."

"Jase, I have Breast Cancer. Only a few people know; I'm keeping it from Zander."

"Does Elizabeth know?"

"Yes, she's been a good friend to me."

"I'm glad you have her, but I wish she would leave that husband of hers. He's dangerous, and Sonny and I think he's responsible for Carly's disappearance."

"I know, this is the worst time for me to tell you, but now that I've had a lumpectomy and am receiving chemo, I can fight this, and I might have a chance to live."

Jason sighs, "I'm here. Whatever you need, I'll do."

Emily sadly replies, "You are doing it. I'm going to tell Zander too. Tell Sonny I'm praying you find Carly."

Mid -End July 2003

Carly watches from the monitor inside the Panic Room, where Ric has kept her for almost one month. Elizabeth is in the living room looking for a book to read. A white glint shines in the bookcase.

"What is that?" Elizabeth wonders.

Carly says, "What do you see, Elizabeth? Oh my god! Elizabeth, push the button! Please push the button!" Carly shouts even though the room is soundproof. Elizabeth pushes the button, and the wall behind her opens, revealing Carly chained to a wall. Carly cries out, "Thank god you found us!"

Elizabeth turns, shock sinking in that Jason was right. Carly yells, "Elizabeth, before Ric comes back, call 911! Please, I've been trapped here for a month! Call Sonny; Ric is out of his mind."

Elizabeth picks up the phone, poised to dial 911, when her chest tightens. Her hand covers her heart, and she stumbles forward. "Car…Carly," she sputters.

"Elizabeth, throw me the phone; I'll call an ambulance for us." Carly pleads. Elizabeth throws the phone, and Carly catches it. She calls 911 as Ric walks in the door to see his wife passed out on the floor. He rips out the cord and closes the panic room door. Carly screams.

Jason, Courtney, and Michael are at General Hospital when 15-year-old hospital volunteer Maxie Jones asks Jason if he's there to see Elizabeth. Jason asks Courtney to watch Michael while he speaks with Maxie. "What's wrong with Elizabeth?"

Maxie replies, "Her husband brought her in; she just had emergency surgery for a pulmonary embolism."

Worried, Jason says, "How did that happen?"

"The doctors don't know."

"Thank you. Maxie, can you watch Michael while Courtney and I see her?" She nods. Jason checks with the desk nurse for Elizabeth's room. Courtney reluctantly follows.

Jason looks at Elizabeth lying still in the hospital bed and holds back his tears while Courtney looks in disbelief. He says, "Elizabeth has always been healthy, but she marries Ric, and a few weeks later, she's in a coma?"

Courtney replies, "Well, Maxie says they don't know what caused it."

"The embolism didn't come out of nowhere. Ric must have done something to her."

"I'll find a doctor and see if they have more information." Courtney leaves.

Jason sits beside the bed, softly saying, "Elizabeth, you've got to stay away from Ric. He's been lying to you all along, and if you stay with him, he will kill you." Courtney returns.

The monitor beeps and shows an even line. Elizabeth is going into cardiac arrest. Jason yells for a doctor and quickly wipes a tear from his eye. Dr. Tony Jones arrives with a crash cart and restarts her heart. Faith lurks, and Jason throws her out of Elizabeth's hospital room, telling Jones that Faith has been arrested for poisoning Elizabeth and must be banned from her room.

Jason says, "I wish I could do more to protect Elizabeth. I'd love to get Ric banned from the hospital." Jason calls Johnny, saying, "Who can stand guard outside Elizabeth Lansing's room? Faith Roscoe is hanging around, and I'm worried she might try to kill Elizabeth. She's probably the one who pushed her down the stairs. Francis? Yes, please send him." Courtney stands close to Jason; she wishes Jason didn't care so much. Once Francis arrives, Jason says, "Elizabeth, Francis is here, and I'll return soon." He leans to her ear to not be heard, kisses her cheek, and whispers, "I love you." Jason nods to Francis. Courtney and Jason leave. Courtney lets out a relieved sigh. She feels awful that Carly is missing, but since Jason's focus will not be on Elizabeth, she can relax.

As Courtney and he arrives back at the Towers, Sonny is on the phone with Carly. She says, "Ric, let me go." Sonny says, "I'm on my way."

Elizabeth wakes and remembers everything. With a heavy and betrayed heart, she calls Decetive Andy Capelli to give him a verbal statement, "My husband has been holding Carly Corthinos in a panic room in our house. Maybe a month; I only discovered her when I passed out. She could still be there." Capelli sends a patrolman to the Lansing house, where they find the panic room and lots of evidence but no Carly

Elizabeth returns to gather her belongings but enters the panic room where Ric is now captive. She stares at him while he tries to tell her how much he loves her, and because of that love, is the reason he let Carly go. Elizabeth says, "Nothing I'm doing is about you anymore. It's about me and trying to understand why I keep getting involved and trying to save damaged men. There was Lucky; I felt I owed him from my rape, and Zander was self-destructive, but he saved my sanity in the crypt. Then there is you—the man who couldn't get his brother's respect and blamed him for my miscarriage. Faith pushed me, and you thought you could steal Carly's baby and give it to me. Did you really believe I'd be willing and eager to raise another woman's child? I received the blood test results. I was pumped full of birth control pills, which caused my embolism."

Ric retorts, "What about Jason?"

She laughs, "Jason, the one person with actual brain damage, is the one who was right about all of you. He warned me about you, and he was right. I can't believe I trusted a man I've known for less than a year over one I have known for years. I am very foolish to trust men like you."

Ric replies, "No, you are not. You are strong, intelligent, open, kind, and beautiful. I took advantage."

"Goodbye, Ric."

End August-December 2003

Jason visits Emily in the hospital on her wedding day to Zander. Jason tells her about what happened with Courtney and her miscarriage. He leaves out he hasn't confronted her about what he overheard.

Jason says, "You think you are dying and don't want to hurt Zander? I don't understand how you can marry Zander when you love Nikolas. You are hurting yourself by thinking you are doing the honorable thing by marrying a man who loves you more than you love him."

Emily says, "Isn't that what you and Elizabeth did?"

Confused, he replies, "Elizabeth and I aren't married."

"Exactly. She married Ric because she was pregnant with his child, but she loves you. You are with Courtney, but you love Elizabeth. You want to stay with Courtney because she lost your baby. Elizabeth is getting divorced and feels guilty about what Ric did to Carly."

"Elizabeth doesn't love me. She hates me right now. I hurt her this past year."

"And she hurt you. She's sorry for a lot of what she's said, but she's hurt and angry Jase. That doesn't mean she doesn't still love you. Don't let her push you away."

Jason says, "Elizabeth told you this?"

"No, I'm more intuitive than the two of you together."

9/2/03

Jason is in the chapel praying for Emily and not wanting to say goodbye. Elizabeth places her hand on his shoulder and sits beside him.

"I was in here earlier."

"For the wedding?"

"Yeah, it was beautiful but heartbreaking at the same time.

"I bet it was."

"I tried to leave but turned around to come here. I can't leave. Emily is my best friend, Jason. I don't know how to let her go."

"I know it's hard, but we have to." Jason places his arm around Elizabeth.

"I can't imagine life without her. Why is this happening?" She rests her head on his shoulder and cries.

A jealous Courtney watches from the back of the church and leaves unseen. She pops a pain pill from when she was hurt on Alcazar's yacht and had her miscarriage. She returns to the penthouse.

Emily's fever breaks the following morning, and she is over the hurdle. Elizabeth tries Jason's phone, but it goes to his voicemail. She stops by the penthouse to tell him the good news, and Courtney verbally attacks her for wanting Jason. Jason enters and says he saw Emily and knows the good news. Courtney yells at her to get out. Jason wants to know what is wrong. She accuses Jason of wanting Elizabeth, and since Courtney can't have kids, he should go and have one with Elizabeth. Jason can't confront Courtney while she's acting out. Jason receives a call and must leave. Courtney slams the door and pops another pill.

Later that day, Carly corners Elizabeth in the park to stay away from Jason, and Ric tries to start a fight with Jason, telling him he heard what Carly said to Elizabeth. "How long have you been after my wife?"

Jason says, "You don't have a wife. You are going to lose Elizabeth like you've lost everything else."

That evening, Elizabeth is sitting on a bench, and Jason approaches. "Jason, hey! Did you see Emily?"

"I saw her this morning. She's sleeping a lot. I want to thank you for sitting with me in the chapel."

"It's a relief to know she's getting better. Courtney wasn't too happy about it; neither was Carly. Carly summoned me to the park and told me to stay away from you and that you belong with Courtney. It was nice in the chapel. Understanding what we both felt, it felt good to be friends again. I have this habit of running away from things. From Lucky to you and from you to Ric. You knew he was using me all along, didn't you?"

"He heard what Carly said to you in the park and then asked me how long I've been after you."

Incredulous, Elizabeth says, "Ric confronted you?"

"He keeps calling you his wife. Guy still thinks you belong to him."

"Ric enviews you. He wants what he can't have, which is the respect of Sonny. He can't look past his own vendetta. Sometimes, I wonder if he started dating me to spite you."

"Does it matter?"

Snorting, "I married the guy; I'd like to believe he loved me."

"I'm sorry if I was the cause of this."

"I made my choices, and it was me who refused to ignore the times you tried to warn me, and I didn't listen."

"Be careful because Ric does not want to let you go. He's dangerous."

"I understand that. Thanks!"

Jason hugs her and kisses her cheek.

Ric arrives after eavesdropping on Elizabeth's conversation with Jason. He calls her a liar and delusional for thinking Jason is better than him. Elizabeth tells Ric to leave her alone and to stop calling her his wife. She turns and walks away. She rummages through her purse and finds a flyer for her Art Gallery Opening. Angry at the betrayal of Ric, she rips up the flyer. As she is about to cross the street, headlights blind her, and she becomes a hit-and-run victim.

After Elizabeth awakens and gives her account of what little she remembers, she meets with her childhood friends, with Emily recovering from her stint with Cancer and bringing up the 'Four Musketeers" name they gave themselves in high school.

Jason and Courtney took a trip to the Island, and Courtney confessed to him about the pain medication. She never admitted she paid Coleman for the stalking, and Jason was trying to be understating as he helped her detox. They arrive home, and Courtney says the trip was great, but someone stole her car while they were away. Carly informs Jason about Elizabeth's hit-and-run. Jason wants to see her, and Courtney feels awful about their last encounter when Courtney was unkind. Jason says he wants to see Elizabeth alone.

After Jason leaves, Courtney complains to Carly about Jason's friendship with Elizabeth. Carly says, "Alcazar has proof you are the one who hit Elizabeth and kept on driving. Alcazar claims you were high on drugs and showed me the pills." Courtney confirms she was addicted to painkillers.

Jason arrives in Elizabeth's room when she yells at Maxie to find a doctor who will explain why she can't see. Jason sits, holds Elizabeth's hand, and softly explains what he went through when he was angry at not knowing the answers after his accident.

Elizabeth says, "Later, the nurse told me I should start training as a blind person as if I would never get better." She smiles weakly, "So I should be nicer to the doctors?"

"Elizabeth, do you remember what happened?"

"No, first the police thought Ric did it; they now believe it was Faith. They have witnesses involving a blonde. She has this obsession with Ric and wants me out of the way. She believes if I'm dead, Ric will choose her."

"Elizabeth, I can assign a guard until you are strong enough and regain your eyesight or until Faith is in jail."

"You know how I hate the guards, but if you think it's best, I like Francis, Johnny, or Marco. Max is too hung up on Carly."

Jason laughs and replies, "Yes, but Courtney aside, I'm the one who is hung up on you." He kisses her forehead and leaves before she can close her mouth agape.

Jason returns the next day with Courtney standing at the door. "Have you remembered anything else? Do you know who hit you?"

"I was walking home, upset about how Ric treated me after you left, questioning why I didn't see the signs about him, and I started to cross the street; that's when I saw lights. I couldn't get out of the way, and that's when the car slammed into me."

The following day, Jason visits again. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing better; I'm starting to see shadows and shapes. The doctors say that's a good sign."

"That's good; you look a lot happier."

"I still have a long way to go, but I'm optimistic. A physical therapist has helped me walk around the hospital with my new cane."

Are you worn out, or do you want to take a stroll with me? You can lean on me this time." Jason smiles.

"I'd love to get some fresh air if the nurses will allow it."

"I think that can be arranged."

Jason informs the floor nurse they will be out and leaves his cell number. Elizabeth takes Jason's arm as the PT showed her how to do when needing assistance. Carefully, Jason maneuvers the influx of hospital personnel and patients in wheelchairs and stops at the elevator. "Are you ready for an adventure?" He teases.

Elizabeth replies, "I don't think I'm ready for a motorcycle ride yet, but can I take a rain check?"

"Yes, whenever you want." They exit the elevators, and they walk outdoors. Jason announces the stairs ahead and helps her walk down them to sit on their often-visited bench overlooking the waters. Eizabeth closes her eyes despite not seeing; it helps her focus on her other senses. She smells the water, hears the wave lapping at the shore, and feels the dampness on her face.

They talk, falling back into their familiar comfort of friendship. Elizabeth mentions her fear of falling back in with Ric. She can't prove he caused her embolism. Jason is upset that Ric was never charged with what he did to Carly. Jason is about to confide he regrets marrying Courtney when Elizabeth says, "I hear voices arguing. One of them is Courtneys."

Jason helps her stand and says, "How do you feel about hiding and perhaps learning some unpleasant truths?"

Laughing, "I don't think I could find my way back without you, so okay." Jason helps her to a hiding place. They soon learn that Courtney's verbal partner is Ric.

In hushed anger, Ric says, "You didn't have to run my wife down with your car! She's blind!" Jason places his hand over Elizabeth's mouth to keep her from gasping."

Courtney replies, "It's Lorenzo Alcazar's fault. If he hadn't kidnapped me and I got hurt on his boat and miscarried, I wouldn't have gotten addicted to pain pills. I didn't hit Elizabeth on purpose; it was the drugs."

"Are you sure about it? You want Elizabeth out of the way. If Elizabeth were dead, you wouldn't be threatened by her. We had a deal, but not at the expense of harm to my wife!"

"Ex-wife. At least I'm still married to Jason."

"Not if I tell him what you did."

Elizabeth stiffens. She wants to pull away, but she needs to hear the rest.

Courtney retorts, "As if Elizabeth would believe anything you say. If you hadn't kidnapped Carly and kept her in a panic room in your home, you'd still have Elizabeth. I paved the way for you to be with her, and you royally fucked it up. I told you the things Jason respected and liked about Elizabeth. I coaxed you, and you had to get jealous and want what you will never have. As much as I detest Elizabeth, she has my respect for walking away from you."

"Courtney, you are deluding yourself. Jason is a thug and will never change. His real soulmate is Sonny. He didn't change for his first love or for Elizabeth. What makes you think he will put you first?"

"He didn't marry Robin or Elizabeth, and I'm Sonny's sister and Carly's best friend." Courtney gloats.

Ric angrily asks, "How will you help me get Elizabeth back? You may be married to Jason, but Elizabeth and Jason always forgive, and their friendship toward each other is nauseating."

Courtney sighs, "I don't know. Maybe try getting close to her high school friends. Emily is her best friend. Jason's sister is recovering from Cancer. If you befriend her, Elizabeth will come around."

Elizabeth turns to throw up from everything she's heard. Ric hears a sound and says, "Too many people may see us. If Jason loves you, keep him away from Elizabeth."

Ric and Courtney walk away in opposite directions. Elizabeth falls to the ground crying. Jason kneels behind her and holds her. Jason says, "It's getting late; you should be back in the hospital. I am so sorry about what you heard." Jason assists Elizabeth as she walks silently next to him. Once he helps her back into bed, he says, "I'll return tomorrow, and if you want to talk, I'll listen. I have a trio of former friends to confront." Elizabeth curls up under the covers and sobs.

Jason returns to Sonny's side of the Towers to learn from Carly and Courtney that Courtney is the one who hit Elizabeth. Courtney cries and says, "Sorry, but it was the pain pills."

Jason replies, "I know. I heard you and Ric talking. That is not all you did to Elizabeth." Jason walks across the hall to his home, angry, shuts himself in Brenda's old room, and locks the door. He thinks, "Sonny will order him to keep quiet. Right now, he doesn't care about what happens to Courtney. He remembers how he felt when the Quartermaines covered up AJ's drinking. It was yet another reason why he was glad he rid himself of that toxic family, not counting Lila and Emily.

Courtney enters the apartment and knocks on the door. Jason says, "Go away!" moments later, he hears knocking again. "Can you not fucking hear? I don't want to talk!"

"Jason, it's Sonny. We need to talk."

"Not if it is about Courtney hitting Elizabeth."

Sonny keeps pounding on the door. Jason opens it and says, "What?"

Sonny enters the pink bedroom Brenda decorated when she "married" Jason to keep them from testifying against each other. Jason said he'd keep it the same if she needed to return. "Jason, Courtney is sorry she hit Elizabeth. She hurt herself trying to escape Alcazar's yacht. She told you about the pills and is off them. You forgave her for her behavior while on the pills. You are about to get married, and you need to let it go."

"Sonny, Courtney is your sister, and I respect that, but I do not have to let it go. Elizabeth knows what happened. We overheard Courtney and Ric talking. Courtney did more than hit Elizabeth. Her reasons are between us, and you need to respect that."

Sonny has a few choice words, throwing around the 'betrayal' word and how Jason disrespected him by betraying him and his sister. Jason shows Carly and Sonny the door and tells Courtney they need to talk.

Jason tells Courtney what he and Elizabeth overheard. He also tells her he heard what she said to Coleman about paying him to stalk her. "Do you have any explanations for your actions?"

Courtney starts crying, "Jason, I was wrong in marrying AJ. He was drinking and jealous of you. Alan wouldn't help him when he totaled his car into the Paradise Lounge. AJ was too proud to ask Lila or your mother for money. Edward would give him access to his trust fund, and Coleman said I could work it off if I stripped for him."

Jason knows most of this story from when Sonny got him involved in this whole mess. "And you didn't bother asking Sonny for help?"

"I was ashamed. I wanted to prove I was independent."

"Independent? You paid Coleman to stalk you. You asked Sonny to get me to guard you. I fell in love with you. You took advantage of my friendship with Carly and ingratiated yourself into being her best friend. You manipulated me. You manipulated the relationship between Elizabeth and Ric."

"What are you going to do about it? Are you going to turn me in? Is Elizabeth?"

Jason replies, "That is up to Elizabeth. She is shocked, but I'll stand by her if she reports Ric again and you. I'll move out and find a room at Jake's. I don't want to marry you. I'm sorry." Jason packs a bag and says goodbye to Sonny and Carly, too.

Elizabeth's eyesight returns, and Courtney repeatedly asks for forgiveness, and with no evidence other than a verbal admission, Elizabeth forgives Courtney. Ric pressures Elizabeth to point fingers, but Elizabeth throws back in his face everything he's done. Secretly Elizabeth thinks that Ric and Courtney deserve each other, and it would undoubtedly fuck with Sonny and Carly if that happened.

Jason spends more time with Elizabeth, and he helps upgrade her loft, making it warmer for the fall. Zander's and Emily's marriage falls apart as she confesses her love to Nikolas.

10/31/03

Most of Port Charles attends the Halloween Ball at the Port Charles Hotel. Elizabeth offers to cover Penny's shift at Kelly's since she's not in the mood for dress-up. Jason keeps her company. Emily sneaks away to be with Nikolas, and Zander sees her leave. Zander goes to Jake's and gets drunk. Courtney walks by Kelly's. She is furious to see Jason and Elizabeth laughing. Courtney storms over to Jake's and orders drinks for herself. Courtney and Zander toast to their misery.

Jason helps Elizabeth close Kelly's and walks her back to her studio. She invites him up and removes two beers from the mini-fridge. She hands him a beer and joins him on the couch. Jason smiles, "This feels familiar."

"What? Beer and this couch?"

"No, you and I sitting here talking. The last 12 months have taken its toll on our friendship, and I'm sorry."

"Jason, I'm at fault too. We've had too many misunderstandings and assumptions. I was foolish to trust Ric and think he loved me. I should have trusted and believed in you. I will try to be more honest with you if you can try too."

"I will, Elizabeth. I love you."

"I love you, too."

They undress each other and make love. Jason jokes it's time to replace the couch with a pull-out sleeper sofa. Elizabeth laughs. Around 2 a.m., Jason's phone rings. He looks at the number and groans. "It's Carly."

"If you need to answer, I'll go to the bathroom to give you privacy."

"No, I'll call her back." His phone rings again, and the call is from Sonny this time. Jason sighs and answers. "Morgan." He listens and replies, "Sonny, I am not Courtney's keeper. I don't know where she is, and I am busy." Jason hangs up the phone.

Elizabeth says, "I can't believe you did that."

Jason replies, "Sonny needs to realize I can't always be at his beck and call. Courtney is an adult, and if Sonny was that worried, he should have had a guard on her. Carly and Sonny are still hoping I will forgive Courtney and get back with her."

Elizabeth wakes to Jason bringing in a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, and two muffins from Kelly's. They promise to get together later, and Elizabeth needs to visit with Emily.

11/25/03

Emily finds Elizabeth at GH and asks if Elizabeth is okay. Elizabeth replies, "I took the test last night, and Dr. Meadows confirmed it. I am pregnant."

Emily replies, "I thought you weren't getting back together with Ric."

"I'm not. I haven't been with Ric since July. I slept with Jason on Halloween."

"Does Jason know?"

"He was with me last night when I took the EPT. I'm waiting for him to arrive to tell him the results from Dr. Meadows."

"Is this what you both want?"

"Yeah, we talked about it. I think it's right. I'm happy. We want to keep it a secret for the first trimester."

Jason walks out of the elevator and sees his sister with Elizabeth. He Asks, "Well?"

Elizabeth smiles and nods. Jason picks her up, spins her around, and says, "I love you."

Emily hugs her brother and Elizabeth and says, "Congratulations!"

December 2003:

Jason asks Elizabeth to marry him, and she initially turns him down. "Jason, I married Ric because I was pregnant. I don't want to get married just because I'm pregnant."

"Did you love Ric when you married him?"

"I thought I did, but he was not the person I thought he was."

"Do you love me?"

"Yes, I have since December 1999."

"I've loved you since that winter. Sonny and Carly are having Morgan's Christening on the 18th. We could elope before the end of the year. If Lucky hadn't returned or the mess with Zander, Ric, and Courtney, I think we'd be married by now."

"Jason's that' a lot of 'if's.'"

"Think about it, okay?"

"Okay."

What If 2004: Partial continuation from 2003 and re-set to actual 2004 storyline.

"I'm aware. Jason leans in and kisses her softly. "Good Night." Elizabeth walks across the hall and enters her room. She touches the sensation on her lips. She knows she wants Jason but is unsure if he can follow through with any promises. It's been over two years since Franco died, and she's shared two kisses with Finn, feeling nowhere near the desire she experienced five minutes ago. Elizabeth thinks of setting things straight with Finn as she readies for bed. Violet is adorable, and Elizabeth should not get involved with her sister's ex-fiancee. She's been in similar positions before, and they always ended badly, now more than ever, with the man she truly wants has returned. Elizabeth can't sleep and opens the folder holding letters Jaon never sent.

Elizabeth randomly pulls out one dated: 12/1/2007. Elizabeth, last week was one of the worst of our lives. First, Diego killed Emily, and you had to give her eulogy. I enjoyed an incredible hour making love with you, and we spent time with Cam and Jake before I had to leave. Then, the next day, while I hid, I heard you and Lucky deciding to stay with the original plan of letting Lucky claim Jake as his. I wanted to honor our agreement, but it felt like a knife went through me. I loved you so much. I wished I had revealed myself and told Lucky to go Fuck himself that Jake was mine, and I wanted a life with you. I left feeling defeated. I lost Emily, Jake, and you in three days.

Jason."

Elizabeth cries silently, wiping tears from her face. That memory comes rushing to her, and she wishes she had been stronger and told Lucky to leave, and it was Jason and her decision to make. She curls up under her covers and contemplates all the wrong decisions she's made since Jake's conception.

After breakfast, she checks her messages in the morning and announces Robin and Patrick will be by late this afternoon. She has a stop at GH, and they will be by for a hopeful final checkup. Elizabeth says, "I read another of your letters. It was the one after Emily died. I brought my lockbox, and since you want to be open with me about what is in yours, this is the combination to mine if you want to go through anything while I am away."

Elizabeth walks to the door, promising to call before she is due to return. Jason hobbles to her without his cane, grabs her arm, and pulls her in for a quick kiss. She laughs, "Jason, you better be faking because if you do that when Patrick is here, he won't medically clear you, and I know you want to have free reign as soon as possible."

"I'll be good, I promise. You better not have any more visits at your house by that Dr. Finn. I won't like it." Elizabeth laughs again and says goodbye.

After she drives away, Jason mumbles, "No, see you later."

Elizabeth arrives home in time to see the boys and says, "I'll be here tonight before your bedtime. I plan on two nights a week for the rest of the month, and then the patient should be discharged." After the boys leave, she looks at the cameras, smiles, and waves. She loads the dishwashers and rushes through a shower before driving to GH.

Elizabeth checks on her nurses and texts Monica about Robin and Patrick's arrival later. Elizabeth knocks on Finn's office and says, "Do you have a couple of minutes?' He waves her in. Elizabeth sits across from him and says, "Finn, you have been an amazing friend to me, and when I found out about my parents and your connection with them and what I did, you were very understanding. We have been dancing around each other for two years, hoping for a spark. I'm sorry, but I don't feel that spark. I don't think you feel it, either. Something would have happened by now if we felt it."

Finn smiles sadly and replies, "You are right. I think we were trying to please Violet. She has been trying to put us together, but it's not working."

"I adore Violet. I love my niece. She misses her mother, and I'm not the proper substitute. Should she return, I don't want to get in between my sister and you. I wish you love, just not with me."

Finn hugs Elizabeth. "I wish the same for you."

Elizabeth returns to the 5th-floor Nurse's Hub, reviewing schedules and checking patient's meds. She feels a tall presence behind her, whispering, "How is my favorite scrub nurse doing today?" Elizabeth jumps, whisks around, and wraps her arms around Dr. Patrick Drake.

"Wonderful! And how is my other California best friend today?"

Robin says, "Why don't you ask her yourself?" as she pokes around her husband.

Hugs are shared, and Elizabeth introduces Robin and Patrick to Terry. Elizabeth gives her friends a tour of the changes to GH since Robin's last visit in 2018. Patrick says, "I'm sorry we couldn't make it for Epiphany's service, but congratulations on the Head Nurse position."

Elizabeth replies, "They are big shoes to follow. I'm not as terrifying as Epiphany."

Robin says, "Epiphany loved you. It was Patrick and me she gave grief to."

Elizabeth laughs, "It was your supply closet time that annoyed Epiphany. Seriously, Patrick, you had an office. To quote Lainey, 'Who does it on a supply cart'?"

Robin and Patrick chuckle. Patrick says, "That was half the fun."

"Did Emma and Noah come with you?"

Patrick replies, "We left them with Anna. If you are going to be at your house tomorrow, Emma would like to visit. She has news about Cameron's arrival next week."

"Is she enjoying Stanford?"

"I'll let her tell you."

Robin asks, "When can we visit your super secret private patient?"

Elizabeth replies, "I have an hour left. If you want to make the rounds saying hi to people, meet me back here."Elizabeth texts Jason he will have visitors shortly.

Patrick leaves his rental at the Metro Court, and Elizabeth drives them to see Jason.

Elizabeth pulls into the drive, and Robin is the first out of the car.

What is in Elizabeth's Box?

What Happens with Patric, Rovin, and Jason?

TBC