Chapter 6

1999 will be more Liason-Centric. Robin will be leaving, and Lucky leaves town. Carly continues to manipulate Jason, but he is wise to her antics.

January Summary:

Carly manipulates. Sonny returns. Lucky wants to make changes for him and Elizabeth. Lucky continues to be angry with his parents and their years of lying. Laura owns her mistakes but refuses to be his punching bag. She is happy he and Nikolas have bonded as brothers. Jason and Robin break up. She moves to Paris. Carly rejoices. Ruby dies. Jason has a plan.

Thanks to Trini12180 and guest for your reviews.

1/2-7/1999

Jason tells Carly that Sonny is coming home, and she has to leave. Carly tries to convince Jason to find them a new place, saying that Michael will feel like they are playing musical houses. Jason says Sonny's temper isn't the greatest right now. He and Robin are leaving, too. Jason tells her that it is time. The PH is Sonny's place, and he won't want Carly there.

Bobbie visits and recommends the Brownstone. Carly doesn't want to move in with her mother. She doesn't want to let go of Jason. "Carly, you would have a support system if you and Michael lived there. Michael needs to get used to not having Jason around." Bobbie points out to Jason that Michael will be around people he is familiar with. Lucas will be there. Jason explains the situation to Michael. He'll be living part of the time with Carly and part of the time with him. He hands the baby over to Carly. He promises Michael he'll visit soon. Bobbie reassures Jason that children are adaptable when showered with enough love and attention, and Michael will have that at the Brownstone. Carly, Bobbie, and Michael leave.

Elizabeth sketches Lucky at the apartment. She asks if he's been thinking about his Mom and Dad. Lucky says, "I grew up knowing one thing was true. My parents loved each other. All I can think about now is how the lies and secrets changed everything. Nikolas arrived, and I had to wrap my head around why my mom never told us."

"Do you think your mom started all of this?"

"No. Maybe it started with the rape. Or perhaps it began with the whole Nikolas thing or when Laura lied to her first husband. The point is my parents have become people who are better at keeping secrets than telling the truth."

"My Dad is great. He's been supportive of me since we moved here. He's not perfect. He's had a few affairs; his first wife was Emily's mother, Monica. He cheated on her. He married that psycho Heather. My brother Steven was the only good thing from that relationship. Then there's my mother, the altruistic doctor who believes helping children in Bosnia is more important than her own daughter. She had her share of affairs. Her favorite, Sarah, went to join her. My mother never wanted me. At least your mother is trying. Yes, they've lied, but your parents love you. They have been there for you since birth. Can you try to see things from their perspective?"

Jason fills Robin in on Carly and Michael moving out.

Carly and Bobbie get Michael settled in and asleep. They are downstairs with the baby monitor. Bobbie reassures Carly she is great around Michael and needs to relax and practice more. Bobbie asks Carly what her goals are for the future. Carly admits that she doesn't have any except to have Jason. That is her primary goal. Bobbie leaves for an ER call. Carly doesn't like that Bobbie has to leave her alone with Michael. "Carly, you will be fine. Michael is sleeping, and if he wakes up and you have trouble, there is a list of phone numbers you can call. Felicia, Laura, and my beeper number are listed. You can't always rely on Jason to rescue you."

Robin packs the rest of Carly's things. Carly calls wanting Jason. Jason asks if something is wrong. Carly weakly assures Jason that the baby is okay. Jason can hear Michael crying in the background. Carly says nothing is wrong with Michael; he misses his Daddy. He's been saying Da Da a lot while crying. Jason says, "Carly, I can't come over whenever Michael cries. He must get used to you caring for him. He cried at first when it was just him and me." Carly whines, and Jason says, "If Bobbie isn't available, check with someone else on the call list."

Carly screams at the phone after Jason hangs up. "It's that bitch Robin Scorpio! She's keeping you from coming here. I'll make her regret coming between Jason and me!"

Robin sighs, "If you need to leave, you should go."

"No, that is what Carly wants. If she keeps calling, She won't help herself."

Jason remembers when Michael was born, and Robin was in Paris. He didn't think Robin would return, but she did, and he was so happy. But Michael has to come first. Somehow, he let this mess happen, and Michael is paying for it. Bobbie reminds Jason that it's time for Carly to pick up some of her responsibilities. Bobbie asks if he is willing to lose Robin.

Bobbie tells Jason that it isn't going to get any better. It isn't Robin's fault. Robin has got to be close to the breaking point. Bobbie thinks that Jason is headed for disaster, and Carly knows it. Jason tells Bobbie that Carly believes she is working him, but she isn't. He knows what Carly is trying to do but doesn't want Michael to suffer while Carly figures out he won't be used.

1/8/1999

Jason tells Sonny to come home. "I made a mistake by letting Moreno take control. Port Charles is out of control, and I'm still not free. Help me take your territory back. You have obligations."

Mike returns with Sonny. Robin is glad to see Sonny, and they embrace. Jason and Robin catch Sonny up on the goings on in Port Charles. Robin invites Sonny to join them for dinner at the Port Charles Grill. Jason says he'll meet them there. He leaves to visit Michael. Sonny can sense that something is bothering Robin. Robin tells him that she fears she is losing Jason. Sonny does his best to convince Robin that Jason still loves her. They leave for the Grill.

Bobbie encourages Carly to use this opportunity to spend time alone with Michael. After Bobbie leaves, Jason arrives, and Carly catches him up about Michael. He tells Carly he can't stay. He has to meet Robin and Sonny at the Grill. Carly asks if she can come along, too, but Jason vetoes the idea. He says Letecia will be there when Michael wakes up from his second nap.

1/11/1999

Laura knows he must be disillusioned. Lucky says that disillusioned doesn't quite cut it. That was how Nikolas felt, too. That's why he left and stayed with Lucky. Lucky says she lied to protect herself.

Laura tells Lucky that it is easy at his age to pass judgment on adults. Life seems very simple at his age. Everything looks black and white. Right or wrong. Good or bad. "I am paying for my mistakes. I am your mother, and I have loved you since the moment you were conceived. Doesn't that count for something, or am I the sum of my mistakes?"

Lucky and Elizabeth are together on the docks. Elizabeth asks how it went. "My mother made it sound like lying is necessary. You love someone; you lie to keep them happy and safe."

Elizabeth rubs her face and sighs; she wishes Lucky could let go of his anger. "Laura has had it tough lately. Maybe you should give her a break."

1/12/1999

Jason stops by the PH. He asks if Robin has been there. Sonny is annoyed with Jason about Robin and admonishes him about his lack of communication with her. Sonny tries to get Jason to see how much he has changed lately. "You have a son who takes priority, not Robin. All your decisions are related to Michael and not Robin as they once were. You didn't quit the business for Robin; you quit because of Michael." Sonny points out that the main problem is Carly. "Why don't you give her five million and get her out of town?"

"Carly won't settle for five million when she knows I have more." Sonny can't understand how Jason can put up with Carly. Sonny says that being a parent means making sacrifices, and the sacrifice is that Jason will lose Robin. And he may never find another woman like her, so he had better be sure of what he was doing.

Lucky and Elizabeth are on the docks. He says his Dad taught him always to be prepared to be on the run. He explains how they always had backpacks ready at a moment's notice. The backpacks had enough cash to hold them over and provided new identities. Lucky feels that he needs to be prepared to leave because of the tense situation at home. He includes Elizabeth because she is a part of his future. He needs a significant amount of cash, just in case. Elizabeth holds her breath. Lucky is asking her to go on the run with him, but she doesn't want to leave her home.

Lucky asks Jason for additional work. Sonny is with Jason. Jason says he doesn't have anything more than what he already does for him, but Sonny offers him a job. The job is to deliver a package of confidential documents to Canada. Lucky accepts. He meets Elizabeth back at the docks and tells her he must run to Canada. He assures her that it is not dangerous and is safe and legal. He asks her to let Laura know he'll return in a few days.

1/13/1999

Robin and Sonny are having breakfast when Jason arrives with Michael. Jason wanted Michael to meet Sonny. Jason says he and Michael will be at the bike shop.

Sonny tells Robin that he only knows Jason's side of the story. Carly was alone, and Jason let her stay with him. Sonny can't understand why Jason lied about being the father. Robin explains that Carly has a way of getting Jason to do things. Jason thinks that he has to rescue Carly or something. Robin explains that Michael came to live with Jason when Carly left due to PPD. "Jason didn't care if people thought that he cheated on me. As long as I knew the truth, everyone else's beliefs didn't matter. Everyone thought, 'Poor Robin. So in love with Jason while he was sleeping around behind her back.' Everyone looked at me like I was blind or a fool, but I didn't care. I was with Jason, and we loved each other. That was the only thing that mattered. Michael isn't a problem. I love watching Jason with him. I hate that Carly has a hold over Jason. She could use that at any second to break his heart. Carly has Jason right where she wants him and reels him in every day. She is using Michael. I don't know if I am enough for Jason, and I can't ask him to choose."

"Robin, Jason is on to Carly. Loving Michael hasn't made him dumb. Carly will lose her power over Jason once she realizes her schemes won't work."

Jason and Sonny are on the docks. Jason asks if Robin is okay. He's frustrated because he still loves Robin, but Robin doesn't believe it anymore. Sonny disagrees, "Robin knows you love her, but she hates how Carly controls your life."

"Justus called to tell me he's moving out of his PH. "I'll move Carly and Michael in because it is safer and less complicated for the guards."

"What about Robin?"

"Robin and I will move across the hall, and I hope Carly can stay with you."

"What the fuck? I've heard that Carly is crazy. I have my own shit to deal with!"

Jason discusses setting up a legitimate business to help their image. Sonny has a few ideas for bringing in a legitimate influx of cash."

Elizabeth assures Laura that Lucky is not in any trouble. He took a job because he needed money. Elizabeth explains that Lucky wants to be able to support himself. She tells Laura about Lucky and Nikolas's friendship. "They constantly tease and make jokes about each other, but underneath it all, they have respect and affection. You should be proud of them."

Sonny arrives. Laura invites him in and introduces him to Elizabeth, Lucky's girlfriend. Elizabeth cautiously shakes Sonny's hand. Sonny says he knows Luke is out of town and asks if she is all right. Laura says she is fine, except she is constantly losing track of her family. Sonny tells her that he has seen Lucky. Elizabeth asks if he is in trouble. Sonny says no. Sonny explains he sent Lucky out of town for a job and assures Laura that it is legal. Laura thanks him. Elizabeth excuses herself, saying that she is meeting Nikolas. They are going to buy a birthday present for Emily. She tells Mr. Corinthos that it was nice to meet him. Sonny tells her to call him Sonny next time.

1/15/1999

Emily is sorased by a year to age sixteen. The Quartermaines, Elizabeth, and Nikolas help Emily celebrate her birthday. Emily puts on a brave front as she celebrates her birthday with her family.

Jason meets with Robin. "Jason, I'm leaving. I'm going to Paris for school. I can't compete with Carly and your love for Michael. I love you, but either you can't see or don't care about how Carly manipulates you. She is using Michael to keep you."

"Robin, I'm not with Carly. I want you; I love you."

"Jason, it's not enough. I love you, I will always love you, but I have to leave. I hope you can consider AJ's side of things. One day, you may be lucky to have a biological child, and I hope you can raise it. You are taking away AJ's chance to raise his son."

"The Quartermaines are vultures. I can't forget what they did to me."

"AJ has proven himself when he visits. He won't be a threat unless he finds out one day that you've kept this secret from him for years. Alan is out of rehab and in recovery. Your main issue is with Edward. Find a way to control Edward and let AJ know his son."

"I wish it was that easy."

"I never said it was. You don't like it when people tell you what to do or how to feel. I own some of that blame. I suggest creating boundaries with the people in your life, including Carly. If you tell AJ about Michael, create boundaries with him. Set limits. I won't be the one to force you to choose. Carly will." Robin holds Jason's hands, "I love you, and I want us to part as friends. I don't want you hating or resenting me for going behind your back."

Jason says that he did this. He put them there. Jason tells Robin he loves her so much. He knows his choices have hurt her. He would rather die than hurt her, and that is all he ever does anymore. When they first met on the bridge, she was crying, and he made her smile. That was the first thing that ever felt good to him. She was smiling because of him. Now, he is the one making her cry. He has hurt her more than anyone. Robin says she loves him and knows he didn't want to hurt her, but he has.

Sonny explained that Robin had called and that she was leaving that day. Sonny was going to meet her to say goodbye.

1/20/1999

Robin prepares to leave for medical school in Paris. She makes the rounds to say her goodbyes. Robin says goodbye to Alan. "I'm moving back to Paris," Alan asks about Jason and is sad to hear they have broken up.

"When I told you I wanted to be a doctor, I meant I wanted to be like you."

"Robin, sweetheart, I assure you you will be a much better doctor than me. I wish you weren't going. One of my goals was to be your physician again. I've never known anybody with as much grace and courage as you."

Robin kissed him on the cheek. Alan watched as she walked out the door.

1/21/1999

Robin was alone on the bridge where she and Jason had first met. She was looking thoughtfully at the water when Jason walked up behind her.

Jason was surprised to see Robin since Sonny had told him she would take off at five. "I had to see the bridge one last time before I let it go. A lot happened there. Do you remember that night?"

"I remember everything. I owe you my life. I learned everything from Sonny and from loving you. You were the first person I saw after I woke up. "I came to the bridge to say goodbye too. You taught me the importance of saying goodbye. You taught me that, just like you taught me to love. You gave me everything good I had, and because of that, I can give it to Michael. You've given me the strength to do what is right with Michael. You were right about Carly. I will always owe you for that. Michael deserves the truth. I should have given it to him when Carly came to me that night. I don't want to see you go. I know you need to. Carly didn't make it easy for you. I'm sorry. I have a plan in motion, but I'm waiting until after you leave. Please don't mention this visit. I love you. Part of me always will, but I have to let you go. I know one day you will achieve your dreams. I hope you find what you are looking for in Paris."

"Jason, part of me will love you too, but I must move on from that. I can't be happy if I hold on to regrets. I hope you find love, but hopefully that won't be with Carly." Jason laughs. "Maybe one day I'll return to Port Charles."

Jason says he is sorry, but Robin tells him not to be. Jason says that he will always have faith in her. She kisses him and leaves.

Jason stands alone at the bridge for an hour before he makes his choice. He calls Alexis and asks her to draft forms for a morning meeting. He explains what he needs. He's not ready to take action but wants to be prepared at the right time.

Jason tells Sonny that he saw Robin at the bridge. He had gone to say goodbye. He had wanted to see the bridge one last time so he would never have to go again, and Robin had been there. She had looked up, and she had been "so beautiful." I had never thought about loving Robin. It was a part of me, like breathing. I rode my motorcycle all night. I didn't even know where. I never had thought about loving Robin. It had just been a part of me, like breathing."

Robin wipes her face and drives to the Webber home. Jeff opens the door. "Robin, it's good to see you again. How is your Uncle?."

"My Uncle Mac is recovering. Thank you, Dr. Webber. He's fortunate. I saw you in the ER that night. Is Elizabeth here?"

"Yes, I'll get her, but please call me Jeff," Jeff calls his daughter to the den, leaving Robin alone with Elizabeth.

Robin explains she is leaving Port Charles. She's moving to Paris to attend medical school. "I wanted to say goodbye personally. I'm proud of all you've accomplished. You and Emily endured the worst type of humanity and rose above it. Tom will spend most of his life in prison. Lucky said you are an artist, and I encourage you to follow your dreams. Jason is Emily's brother. If you need anything, he will be there for you."

"Robin, I wish I had had more chances to know you better, but I will forever be grateful you and Jason found me last year. Good luck in Paris. If you ever want to keep in touch with me, please write." They hug goodbye.

1/22-28/1999

Jason tells Carly that he and Robin broke up. Carly expresses what looks like genuine remorse. Carly promises to make it up to Jason, whatever it takes.

Jason calmly assured Carly that Michael was fine. He was with Leticia. Carly was still concerned. Jason keeps quiet about his plans for Carly and Michael.

Sonny and Carly were at the penthouse together. Carly complimented Sonny on the apartment and asked who had decorated it. Sonny said his wife. Carly mistakingly says, "Brenda had good taste. Robin couldn't stand it. I couldn't wait to get out of that tacky little cottage."

Sonny looked disgusted as Carly insisted that Robin was a snake and would do anything to take Michael away from them. He told Carly that Robin was gone, and there was no reason to discuss her.

Carly says, "Sonny, Jason loves you like a brother."

Sonny chuckles, "You are as transparent as glass. If I can see it, so can Jason."

"You should be nice to me because Jason loves Michael more than anything, and Michael and I are a package deal."

Lucky asked Elizabeth to move to New York with him. "Elizabeth, I'm not talking about being on the run, like being in hiding from people trying to kill my parents. I was thinking about your art. What do you think about attending art school in New York City? I could find work in the computer field, and you could pursue your dreams of being an artist."

Elizabeth tells Lucky, "Before I met you, I never felt like I belonged anywhere. I thought about my future in the abstract. But now it's hard to imagine my life without you in it. I know you are unhappy with your parents and want to leave. I know you want to include me." She sighs. She doesn't know if she should be flattered that Lucky thinks she has the talent to be an artist or upset that he's making decisions without consulting her. "We haven't finished our senior year; Dad and I discussed PCU for introductory liberal arts courses until I decide on a degree."

Lucky didn't understand why school in NYC would be a problem. He asks her to sit back down and talk about it some more. He has done a little research. He looked through some catalogs in the guidance counselor's office, and from what he could tell, the schools go for six kinds of arts. Lucky reminds Elizabeth that she takes her art very seriously. Elizabeth agrees but is still reluctant. Lucky hands her the catalogs he swiped from the guidance counselor. He explained that he was running late for a meeting with Sonny at Kelly's to get paid.

"I'm not saying no; I just need more time to think. I don't think I can leave my Dad."

Jason and Sonny discuss business. They plan to buy a warehouse. Sonny is concerned about Mac interfering now that Jason is no longer "family connected" to the Commissioner. Sonny is supposed to meet with Mac later that day.

Mac returned to work against Felicia's best intentions. He meets with Sonny. Mac has a warrant blocking Sonny and Jason's warehouse purchase until he's assured the money for the sale is clean money. Sonny reassures Mac that the money is legitimate. Mac asks for Sonny's word. Sonny gives it to him; Mac rips up the warrant. Sonny wants to know what the catch is. Mac says nothing if he stays legitimate. Sonny leaves, saying he hopes all his business goes that smoothly.

Sonny and Jason discuss their new business venture with Benny Abraham, Sonny's accountant. They explained that they would open an import coffee business. Benny assumes it is a code name for some illegal activity. Sonny and Jason patiently explain that they really are going to be importing coffee,

Mike hears about Sonny and Jason's new venture. He asks Sonny what he knows about coffee. He knows how to taste it, but to grow it, ship it, and sell it? Sonny agrees that he and Jason aren't micro-management types but will hire someone to handle that. Mike doesn't think Moreno, or anyone else, will believe that Jason and Sonny have turned legitimate. Sonny doesn't care what people think. Sonny tells Mike that he and everyone else in Port Charles had better get used to seeing his face around.

Sonny is tired of being dumped on, tired of everyone thinking that his money is dirty. God forbid if his name is associated with any good deed. He's been called a racketeer, a gangster, even a murderer to his face. He hasn't done anything that the Cassadines or the Quartermaines or the Jax's haven't done tens times as often and made ten times as much doing. Mike shakes his head, not wanting to argue.

1/28-31/1999

Bobbie is at the hospital. Audrey says she has a phone call, and it sounds important. Bobbie's face registers shock at what the person on the other end of the line has to say. As she hangs up, Audrey asks what is wrong. Bobbie says that it is Ruby.

Bobbie is at a dark and empty Kelly's with Ruby's attorney. The attorney explained that Ruby had a fatal heart condition, and she didn't want anyone to know. Ruby ensured that her affairs were in order as soon as she found out. Bobbie says that she will contact her brother to discuss the rest of Ruby's wishes. Bobbie locks the door and turns over the 'open' sign to 'closed.'

Jason walks past Kelly's and sees the closed sign. He looks into the window and knocks on the door. Bobbie lets him in, and he asks why Kelly's is closed. Bobbie tearfully tells Jason that Ruby is gone. Jason pulls her into his arms for a comforting hug.

Bobbie apologizes for falling apart. Jason understands. Ruby meant a lot to Bobbie; he knows she will miss her. Bobbie wishes she could have helped Ruby through her illness; instead, she slipped away alone. Jason says that it sounds like Ruby wanted it that way. Bobbie looks around Kelly's and notes that the place hasn't changed much over the years. Just like Ruby, the place was constant.

Jason asks Bobbie if she wants him to tell Carly about Ruby. Bobbie thanks him, saying that he should. She has so many things to do. Jason offers to have all the arrangements run through him. He tells her to call if she needs anything.

Bobbie answers the phone. Luke teasingly asks if Ruby has Bobbie on phone duty. Bobbie says that she only wishes that was the case. Bobbie sadly explains that Ruby had a heart attack and died in her sleep. Luke is heartbroken and tells Bobbie to hang on. He will be there as soon as he can.

Elizabeth and Lucky are on their way to Kelly's. Lucky calls out for Ruby but gets no response. Bobbie solemnly emerges from the kitchen, and Lucky asks what is wrong. Bobbie informs Lucky and Elizabeth that Ruby is gone. They are stunned and ask Bobbie how it happened. Bobbie tells them she died in her sleep. Bobbie says Luke is already on his way home, but they haven't reached Laura yet. Lucky asks if she needs anything. Bobbie explains she and Carly will prepare Kelly's for an open house to honor Ruby's memory. Luke arrives and hugs his sister; they cry in each other's arms.

Elizabeth and Lucky share warm memories from their time with Ruby at Kelly's. He tells her that when he first arrived in Port Charles, he got separated from his parents, and his Dad always told him that Ruby was home base.

Mike tells Luke he is sorry to hear about Ruby. Luke thanks him and then runs to see Sonny. They greet each other and joke about wearing suits. Laura steps off the launch. Luke asks if she will be at Kelly's later. Laura says, "Why? Is something going on there?"

"I'm sorry, Angel. I thought you knew. Ruby died." Laura's face turns ashen.

Stay tuned: Jason has an announcement. Lawyers are involved. Carly overreacts. The Quartermaines take action. The Four Musketeers. And more.