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Chapter 20

Reset to OG Storyline

What If's

August 2007-

8/17/2007

What if the kidnapping attempt

After humiliating Lucky by hugging Jason after his acquittal for all of Port Charles to see, Elizabeth realizes her marriage is falling apart. She confides this to Emily at GH. "He considers that hug as me finding another reason to sneak off and see Jason. I've never seen him so furious, and now he's doubting everything we have ever been to each other."

"Lucky is just raw finding out about you and Jason."

"Honestly, Em, I'm having doubts of my own. I can't help it. I'm starting to think my marriage is over. I hate that I have caused him this much pain. I don't know if we should try anymore."

"Wow! Okay, so you were serious."

"Yeah, I think Lucky and I are through."

"What if you are?"

"I'll be on my own."

"Unless you are in love with Jason."

"Maybe Lucky and I aren't meant to be, and if that's true, if it really is the end, then I need to be honest and look at what direction I want my life to take. In the spirit of honesty, I have to admit I've always wondered what would have happened with me and Jason if I had given it more of a chance. Maybe now's the time."

Lucky visits Jason and warns him away from his family. He accuses Jason of seducing his wife. He doesn't believe that it was only one night. "Lucky it was one night almost a year ago."

"But you are still hanging around playing hero."

"I'm not going to apologize for that."

Lucky stomps off.

Jason gets insight from LuLu Spencer, of all people that Lucky is hurt and angry. She says, "He has a right to those feelings, but it doesn't make for a happy home environment, and Elizabeth isn't even fighting back, which is okay because she doesn't want to be a hypocrite, but who wants a mom who is suffering in silence, and a dad that is furious and pretends everything is okay. I have to ask, do you love Elizabeth? Because I think she loves you."

Spinelli tries to convince Jason to fight for his son and Elizabeth, but Jason will only agree if Elizabeth feels safe.

Emily visits and hugs Jason. She tells him about Lucky seeing the footage of Elizabeth hugging Jason after the verdict. "Jase, I love Lucky, he's my oldest friend. But Lucky and Elizabeth probably won't survive what happened in court. I've been pushing Elizabeth to decide what she really wants for herself now that the truth is out, and I have a feeling that might be you. Elizabeth is my best friend, and I've been picking up on some things for a while. Jase, I know how much she cares about you and how close you both still are. I always thought she would end up with Lucky, but he is angry with her all the time. When Jake was kidnapped, he really lashed out at her. He wanted his life with Elizabeth to be perfect, and it's not. Yes, Elizabeth was wrong to marry him without telling him she slept with you, but he's made mistakes, too. Maybe they are both at the point where they need to let go."

Jason says, "Any decisions Elizabeth makes will be what is best for her kids." Emily hugs her brother goodbye.

Elizabeth leaves work and heads to the penthouse to reveal her feelings to Jason when two men with guns stop her in the park and threaten her and her sons because she knows Jason. Sam appears holding a gun and scares off the gunmen. She insists on calling the cops, and Lucky and Cruz arrive. Sam needles Elizabeth about what the men wanted, but Elizabeth feigns ignorance. Lucky is grateful Sam arrived to save his kids.

Elizabeth calls Jason and asks him to meet her at the Overlook. Jason says, "Can I go first? Because if I don't say this right now, I probably never will. I love Jake more than my life. I want to be his father. I want to be with him. I just want to be Jake's Dad. I don't want to lie anymore. I don't want Jake to grow up thinking someone else is his father. I don't want him to find out that the two people who loved him the most didn't tell him the truth because that can make him lose faith in everything."

Elizabeth says, "Jason."

"Please let me finish. I know my job can be dangerous. I can't change the things I've done or the choices I've made, but I swear to you, I will protect you and your kids. I think we can make a home together, okay? I promise I will never bring my business into our home, and I won't involve you in any way because I trust you and know you trust me. I think we can build on that trust. I think we can have a life together. I'm asking you if you want to try."

Elizabeth wipes her eyes, "I was bringing the boys to see you today. I was going to ask if you wanted to try. Two men stopped me in the park. I had Cam and Jake with me. They pulled guns and told me they were going to use me as leverage because of my association with you."

"Did they hurt you or the boys?"

"No, Sam showed up."

"Sam?"

"Yeah, go figure. She pulled her gun before they could do anything. I don't know what I would have done otherwise. All I could think about was the boys."

Jason pulls her close to him. "I'm sorry."

"No, I am. Because what you said was beautiful, and now you will take it back, aren't you?"

Jason's phone rings, and he sees the number. "I've got to take this. Please wait." He answers, "What?" There is a long pause, and he replies, "She did what? You found them? No, stay with them. I'll deal with her later. I'd like for Marco to meet me at the Overlook. Thank you." Jason hangs up and takes Elizabeth's hands. He says, someone, is taking you back to the penthouse. I know what happened and will tell you everything. Please trust me. I love you. I should have told you before."

"Now is what matters. I love you, and I always will." Jason kisses Elizabeth, and she sinks her head into his chest.

A man clears his throat, and Jason says, "Elizabeth, this is Marco. He's taking you to the penthouse. He will stay with you until I return. Marco, where are the others?" Marco whispers in Jason's ear. Jason says, "Elizabeth, don't talk to the cops; I will take care of everything."

Jason meets with Francis and Max, and they take him to a room showing two men blindfolded and hands tied to their chairs. "Tell me what happened."

"Boss, we were watching Elizabeth and her sons as requested, and these men showed up with guns, threatening her and her boys. They said they wanted to send a message to you. We were about to flank them on both sides when Sam McCall marched up with her gun on them, telling them to drop their guns or she would shoot them. There were already three people holding guns. We were afraid one of them might get trigger-happy, so we stayed hidden and waited. The men left, and Max followed them and waited to see what would happen. Sam called the cops, and Elizabeth gave her statement to Detective Cruz. She didn't mention your name. After they left, Sam pressured Elizabeth about what happened, and then she left. I followed Sam to where the men were. Sam paid them off and told them to leave town. I have it all on tape. What do you want us to do?"

"I will deal with Sam later. What do you know about these guys?"

Francis shows Jason two wallets with New Jersey driver's licenses. They also have two thousand dollars in cash, car keys, and various credit cards. Jason says, "Are they single or married? Any family photos? Will they be missed?"

One of the guys said, "I have a family, don't hurt me."

Jason walks to the man and coldly says, "That woman you threatened, she has two kids. They were there when you pulled your guns. They could have been hurt."

He replies, "We were paid to scare this Elizabeth bitch, that is all. She only wanted us to put the fear of god in her. She wanted to appear as the hero who saved this Elizabeth."

"Were your guns loaded?"

He stammers, "Ye…ye…yes."

"What would you have done if a cop or another person showed up?"

"I…I don't know."

Jason gets his gun, quietly empties the bullets, and places them in his jacket. He snaps the gun shut, opens it, pretends to put a bullet in it, and snaps it shut again. He holds the gun to the man's head. He pulls the trigger….click, and the guy jumps. "Is this what you had in mind when you said fear of god?" Jason clicks the gun again.

Jason whispers, "Francis, I have to leave. Elizabeth is waiting. I need to tell her what happened. Can you and Max scrub this place and drop these guys off out of town somewhere and dump their car?"

Meanwhile, Marco sits with Elizabeth. Elizabeth paces. She says, "I shouldn't be here. I want to see my boys. Can I call Emily and ask her to pick them up from my grams and bring them here?"

Marco replies. "I don't think that will be a problem. Let me call and have someone meet Emily at your Grandmother's, and then she can bring your sons back."

"Thank you. I'll feel safer with them with me. Do you have any children?"

"Yes, I have a seven-year-old son. His name is Mario. I am so sorry this happened to you and your children; I know how I would feel if something happened to Mario. Elizabeth, we can't protect our children 24-7. I wish we could."

"Do you know what happened?"

"Jason will be here soon; he should be the one to tell you."

Emily arrives with Cameron and Jake. She hugs Elizabeth. "Are you okay? I am so sorry you went through this. Do you want me to wait with you?"

"Yes, thank you."

Jason returns to the PH. Elizabeth rushes into his arms. He holds her and then sees Emily. "Emily, what are you doing here?"

"Elizabeth called and wanted me to bring Cam and Jake over. They are upstairs."

Elizabeth says, "Do you want to see them first before you tell me what the fuck happened?"

Jason smiles, "I would love to see them." Elizabeth follows Jason upstairs.

Cam plays with his Chuging Charlie, and Jake is asleep in his car carrier. Elizabeth says, "Cam, do you remember my friend Jason? He helped find your Chuging Charlie. He's Emily's brother."

Jason sits on the floor and says, "Hi, Cam. You've grown since I've seen you. Are you having fun with Charlie?"

Cam nods. Jason pats him on the head and stands up from the floor. He gazes at his sleeping son. "He is amazing."

"I know. I love watching him sleep."

Jason takes her hand and says, "Elizabeth, I know what happened. Please come with me, and I'll explain. I hope you will move forward with me when you know."

Downstairs, Emily waits.

Jason says, "Do you want Emily to stay?" Elizabeth nods. "Okay, first, Elizabeth, I still want to make a home for you and the kids. What happened today had nothing to do with my business. Sam hired those men to scare you. She wanted to emphasize how my business can be dangerous, but since Jake's kidnapping, I've had men protecting you and your children. They were there and would have intervened when this happened, but Sam showed up."

"I know; she ran them off. I'm grateful she was there, despite how I feel about her. She made a dig that she only did it because she didn't want Cam or Jake to lose their mother."

"Elizabeth, Sam was the one who hired those men."

Elizabeth's hand goes to her mouth. Emily says, "She did what? Oh my god. Jase, what are you going to do?"

Elizabeth looks at Jason with tears in her eyes. "Why?"

"We found the men, and they confessed that Sam hired them. I didn't want to bring attention to you for what happened."

Elizabeth softly says, "Did you…?"

"No. I did scare the shit out of them."

"What are you going to do about Sam? You just got out of prison."

"Elizabeth, don't worry. She will be handled, but I won't jeopardize anything that could prevent us from being together."

Emily receives a text. She says, "Patrick Drake paged me to see if I wanted to observe one of his surgeries. Are you going to be okay?"

Elizabeth says, "Yes. I'm with Jason. Thank you for staying with me. I love you."

"I love you too. Jase, thank you. I love you."

Marco follows Emily out and stands outside the apartment door.

Jason says, "Now that you know the truth, would you like to try? We can make a home together. I don't like seeing you with Lucky; I don't like knowing your kids are growing up in an unhappy home."

"You know Sam is sleeping with Lucky."

"Yes, I'm sorry, but we can go to your home and pack whatever you need. The penthouse will be upgraded. Can we try?"

"Yes. I want to try."

"I want to call Diane and find out the legal issues with this."

Okay, let's go. Lucky will be combative."

On the drive over, Elizabeth hopes Lucky is at work, and she writes him a letter saying she's leaving him and seeking legal counsel. Marco pulls into the Spencer House driveway. Elizabeth is relieved Lucky's car is not in there. She quickly packs her necessary items, and Jason assures her he will recover or replace any other items she needs. Marco helps with packing items for Cam and Jake. Elizabeth leaves the note for Lucky, and everyone leaves.

They arrive at the PH, and Jason says, "I'm meeting Diane, and then I will deal with Sam. Stay here with the boys and unpack. We will figure the rest out tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too."

Jason meets with Diane, and when he gets to Sam's apartment, he lets himself in and waits for her to get home. She enters, and Jason turns on the lights, surprising her.

Jason says, "We need to talk. Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out?"

"Those men were paid to scare Elizabeth, not hurt her."

"They pulled a gun. If the "cops had shown up, who knows what could have happened. Cam or Jake could have been caught in the crossfire."

"I was there to make sure it didn't happen, Jason. So, the way I see it, I did you a favor by staging that incident in the park. Elizabeth got a wake-up call before it was too late. Instead of standing there, confronting me, you should be thanking me for saving your son from the real danger, which would be you."

Jason picks up a glass and smashes it against the fireplace.

Sam says, "If you think I'm wrong or you are willing to risk Elizabeth's life to be with your son and have one or both of them shot in your arms, then just say so, Jason. I'll march over to her and tell her I set it up."

"Your plan failed, Sam. Elizabeth already knows. Elizabeth and her children moved in this afternoon."

"I doubt that. Elizabeth is too afraid to live in your world. You know as well as I do that Elizabeth, Jake, and don't forget little Cameron will never be safe with you."

"You stood by and watched my son get kidnapped. You hired those men to terrorize Elizabeth at gunpoint while her children watched. What is wrong with you?! You want revenge, you want to be angry at somebody? Get angry with me!"

"Jason, I gave up everything to be with you. I was shot because of you! I can't have children because of you, and you go and have one with Elizabeth?"

"You stay away from Elizabeth; don't go near her or her children again."

"What, are you threatening me?"

"If you hurt them again in any way, I will kill you." Jason walks out.

Jason returns home to the sounds and smells of cooking from the kitchen. Spinelli is on the couch drinking a Nehi soda. He's trying to connect with Cam, who looks at him confused. Spinelli says, "Stone cold, the Maternal One is cooking for the wee ones in the kitchen."

Jason says, "Thanks." He sits beside Cam and says, "Have you seen your temporary room? Where is your brother?"

Cam replies, "Jakey is upstairs. The JaJack el? He didn't know where I should be staying. Mommy said you would know."

"I'll go see your mommy now. Can you wait?"

"Yeah."

Jason enters the kitchen. "Everything smells good."

"Jason, I'm sorry. I didn't want to take over your kitchen without speaking with you first, but Cam was hungry, and I needed formula. I asked Francis to buy some things. I hope you don't mind, but your kitchen needs to be stocked more if you are serious about us living here."

Jason kisses her. No, I'm just surprised, that's all. I'm not used to home-cooked meals. It makes sense. Write a list, and I'll ensure we have everything."

Jason helps with setting the table and carrying out the food. Elizabeth says, "Spinelli, I made enough for you. Would you join us?" Spinelli scrambles to the table.

Spinelli says, "I trust that Stonecold didn't hurt the goddess is…"

Jason says, "Spinelli, Cameron is eating with us. I'd like to hear about how he is adjusting. Cam, do you have any questions other than your room?"

Cam says, "Yeah, how long are Jakey and I staying? Where is Daddy?"

Elizabeth replies, "After dinner, Jason and I will find your room and explain why we are staying with him, okay?"

"Okay."

Jason whispers to Spinelli, "After dinner, you and I will discuss rules of appropriate discussion around a three-year-old."

After dinner, Jason says, "Spinelli, if you know how to operate a dishwasher, could you clear the table and take care of the dishes?"

"The grasshopper will comply."

Jason sighs, "Elizabeth, I'm sorry. Spinelli can be a little much. Do you still want to do this?"

"It's okay. We haven't had time to discuss anything. It will be an adjustment for all of us. Starting with Cameron. I won't say bad things to him about Lucky. He's the only father he's known."

"I would never do that to him. I know we have rushed things, and I can stay in the guest room, and Cam can sleep with you in my room. We packed the crib for Jake and can set that up, too. I'll wait until you are ready for more."

"I'm not sure what I am ready for, but I wouldn't mind having you hold me tonight."

Jason kisses her and smiles. "I think that can be arranged. Should we talk to Cameron?"

Elizabeth and Jason talk with Cam and explain this is his new home. He can still see Lucky whenever he wants. They talk a little more, and they hear Jake crying. Elizabeth says, "He needs his bottle."

Jason says, "Can I?"

"Sure. Do you know how to prepare it? I could show you how and let you take it from there."

After getting Jake down, Jason explains to Spinelli that some things will change at the apartment, but he doesn't want him to leave. Elizabeth emerges from the shower and searches for a nightshirt. Jason offers one of his t-shirts for the night. Jason holds her and tells her what happened with Sam. He adds, "I'm sorry, but starting tomorrow, someone will be with you at GH. I love you. We can make this work."

The Confession in the Barn

Lucky and Elizabeth separate

Moving out

Mediation and Custody – Reveals

To the B&W Ball and Later.

October 2023

Jason rides his bike to meet with Sonny at Pozzulo's. Sonny holds the door for him. "Is that a new bike? One of your secret contacts get this shit for you?"

"Maybe this was a mistake. I don't owe you explanations or need to tell you everything. The place looks good."

"You are still listed as a co-owner. I never got around to changing the paperwork."

"That's alright. It was another front. Cooking is more your thing. Are you still using Diane? She can draw up new papers to remove me as an owner. Unless there is a conflict of interest, I'd like to hire Diane for business consulting and legal issues."

"Her number is still the same."

"Thanks. Congratulations. I hear you are getting married soon."

"Nina is wonderful. We are going to the Island. You can come if you want. Michael and Kristina will be there."

Jason laughs, "Uhh, no. Not my thing; besides, I have enough on my plate at home."

"Well, you called this meeting. What do you want?"

"I've been gone for over two years. You've managed fine without me. Brick appears to be filling my spot seamlessly. You don't need me. I'm not in the game anymore. I don't know any of the players."

"I figured as much. I just liked having you as my partner. There aren't that many people I trusted like I did you. You were, are my brother."

"Sonny, I will always be grateful for our friendship and partnership. I'm ready for the next chapter in my life. It includes Elizabeth and her family."

"If you are doing this for Elizabeth, I can set something else up with less danger."

"Sonny, you aren't listening. Your filter hears only what it wants to. Two years away became a factor. Nearly dying and suffering through surgeries and rehab became a factor. I don't want your life anymore. Does that make Elizabeth happy? Probably, but she told me she would support any of my decisions. I decided before she took over my care. If you can respect my choices and not expect me to fix things for you, we shouldn't have a problem. Carly is another issue. She won't accept that I won't put her first."

"Come on, Jason, you got married."

"It was invalid, and it was a crazy idea to keep control of the territories."

"But you almost consummated that invalid marriage."

"And I thank god you showed up to stop it from happening. Can you imagine how Carly would be if we slept together again? Now she's in love with my brother. I'm happy for them. I don't want her in my life. She canceled Aiden's pie orders at Kelly's because I chose Elizabeth. That is not healthy behavior."

"Mann, that sucks," Sonny replies. "How is the kid?"

"He thinks it is his fault. Spinelli is helping him upgrade his website."

"Is it just Aiden, or does he have helpers?"

"What do you mean?"

I have a large kitchen with several ovens at this restaurant. Has he thought about mass-producing?"

"Sonny, he's 14 and goes to high school. This is part-time; ten per week is his current limit. But thanks for the input. Look, I have to go. I wanted to set ground rules for my return. I still have funds and enjoy time with Elizabeth and the family. I haven't decided what to do, but stop thinking of me as part of your business. Stop following me, and Francis works for me."

"Okay. I'll try to run interference with Carly after I return from the Island." They shake hands, and Jason leaves, taking the Cliff Roads to the Estates.

Elizabeth is at the hospital when Anne calls her. "Anne, is my Gram okay?"

"Audrey had another fall. I'm bringing her to the hospital, but it looks like a sprain."

"Thank you. I appreciate you staying with her during your visit."

Anne Logan, a former nurse at GH, arrives with Audrey. Audrey is in a wheelchair, complaining. "Annie darling, I'm fine. I'm sure it's just a sprain."

Elizabeth hugs Anne and then kneels before her Grandmother. "Gram, I'll have someone take you to XRray to be sure. Are you feeling alright otherwise?"

"Elizabeth, sweetheart, Annie is overreacting. My niece and former protegee should enjoy her brief vacation and not worry about an old lady like me."

"Gram." Elizabeth admonishes. "Let's find out about the X-ray first." An orderly takes Audrey to Imaging, and once Audrey is out of hearing, Elizabeth says, "Anne, was it just a fall? Should I be concerned?"

"Elizabeth, Audrey is 94. She has balance issues but otherwise is in good health for her age. You or your children visit her at least twice a week. You talk three or four times a week, but I recommend a day nurse or a move to an assisted care facility."

"I wish you could move here. Gram is too stubborn to agree to a care facility. I know she won't like strangers in her home."

"Elizabeth, I love Audrey, but I'm happy where I am. I'm leaving in three days."

An aide wheels Audrey back to Elizabeth and Anne. Her ankle is wrapped. "See, I told you. It was only a sprain."

"I'm glad Gram. I'll bring the boys with me tomorrow for a visit." Audrey and Anne return home.

Elizabeth works on the schedules and checks on Drew. He presses her about Carly. "Drew, you are biased, and I don't want to argue with you. I'm not about to change my opinion after what she did to my son. She claims to love you but has an unnatural obsession with Jason. Even before I knew her, Carly had to be first in Jason's life. She loved Sonny and Jax, but Jason would be the one she would call to rescue her. When Jason was gone, Carly and I survived apart from Jason. We even managed to survive our children dating and falling victim to revenge porn. And their break-up. But the moment he returned from the dead, all bets were off. Jason chose to put me first, and Carly can't accept that. Unless you can get her to accept and understand that, I have nothing more to say. Good Luck."

Elizabeth arrives home and marinates eight pork chops. She sautees mixed vegetables and opens a bottle of red to breathe. She hears the roar of Jason's bike pull into the drive, and she collects a beer from the fridge and hands it to Jason when he walks in the door. He kisses her and says, "I like this greeting."

"Well, before you get more of that, you need to grill those chops by the time boys get home."

Jake and Aiden walk through the door. Elizabeth asks them to set the table and make a salad. Jason brings in the grilled Pork Chops, and they sit for dinner. Elizabeth invites Mario and Francis to join them. The boys talk about their day.

Elizabeth says, "I saw Gram at GH today. She fell and sprained her ankle. Anne Logan brought her in. She's fine, but I told her we'd visit tomorrow. I will call Sarah and Tom, and we may need to make some difficult choices about Gram."

After dinner, Jason asks the boys to take care of the dishes. He thanks Francis and Mario and says they can have the night off. He needs to speak to Elizabeth.

Jake and Aiden watch a movie, and Elizabeth and Jason head to the bedroom. Jason says, "What is first? Your Grandmother or Carly?"

"Gram, I won't be able to focus after we discuss Carly."

"Makes sense. What do you want to do?"

Anne Logan was a nurse at GH, my Gram's niece, and, I think, my second cousin. She lived here for about four years and dated my father, Joe Kelly, whose father and stepmother were the original owners of Kelly's and Noah Drake. The rumor is that she was saving herself for marriage, and she left town with her adoptive son. Anne has kept in touch with my Gram over the years and came for a visit. My Gram fell and sprained her ankle. The boys and I visit her often, but her balance has been off for the last few months. Anne thinks she needs a day nurse or an assisted care facility. I'm Gram's healthcare proxy, and I don't know what I should do."

"You said something about your sister and Tom. Is he Tom Hardy?"

"You knew my Uncle?"

"Robin knew him, but he left town about a year after my accident. What about Steve or your Father?"

"Steve is still in prison, and I should call my Dad. It would mean asking him to come to Port Charles, and I'd have to face him again after what happened last year. He hasn't been much of a father to me or a stepson to Gram, so I don't think he should have a vote."

"Whatever you decide, I will be here for you."

"Thank you. So what do you want to do about Carly?"

"First, I saw Sonny today, and I think we came to an understanding. I told him he could not call and expect me to fix things for him. I told him about Carly and what she did to Aiden. I said she was no longer in my life and has to accept that."

"I don't want to stoop to Carly's level. If she makes a move, we can react, but I don't want to instigate her. Aiden can move up from Kelly's. He's already getting orders from your staff and other places. I spoke with Drew today and explained that Carly and I got along as long as you were not in the picture. I was always a threat to her because she knew there was a chance you would pick me. I said that with all the men she has loved and married, you would be her first call when she got in a jam. Drew is not naive; he knows who Carly is. I told him that until Carly could accept me, she would be on the outside."

"What did he say?"

"I didn't give him a chance to reply. I left his room."

"I believe being happy will be the best revenge against Carly. Before we get to the letters and journals, there is one thing I kept out of the lockbox from you. I wanted to wait for the right time, but waiting was one of our issues." Jason holds a ring box, opens it, and says, "Will you marry me? I thought about you 20 years ago and asked you three times over 15 years ago. I don't want to miss any more chances."

Elizabeth smiles and nods yes. Jason places a three-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring on her finger. Surrounding the diamond are small blue topaz stones. Jason says, "The topaz represents your birth month, according to Monica."

Smiling happy tears, Elizabeth says, "It's beautiful, Jason. I love it. I love you."

Jason kisses her. I love you too, and I don't want to wait. I want to get married before we move into our new home."

"We don't need anything big or fancy: just family and a few friends. Do we tell the boys tomorrow, or do you want to wait before letting others know?"

Jason looks away; the boys already know. I asked them for permission. I didn't bother with your father."

Laughing, "I never saw you as being so traditional."

"You can start showing it off tomorrow. I hope your Grandmother doesn't have a heart attack when she finds out."

"Jason, there is no way I can read sad letters from you or have you read about my troubled life tonight. I'd rather celebrate our engagement in other ways."

"You mean?"

"Yes, I mean that."

Jason removes his shirt and turns out the lights.

TBC

November 2023

Letters

Journals

The Q's

Other