Chapter 16

December 1999

Jason is shot

Jason won't accept help from Sonny.

Carly causes trouble.

Elizabeth helps Jason at great expense. Their friendship deepens.

Audrey causes problems.

Nikolas spies and makes accusations.

Jax bails his brother Jerry out, and Jerry skips town.

Jeff returns to Port Charles.

Thank you to Guest and Trini12180 for your reviews.

Some of the dialogue is from the show, with my twist on comments and events.

This is a longer chapter since December 1999 was heavy on Liason

12/1-6/1999

Jason is in the limo going to a meeting with Moreno. He sits with his bodyguard, Darius. Sonny told Jason to take Darius with him to the meeting. Meanwhile, Sonny rips Carly's clothes off, and they have sex. Jason exits the limo with Dariuis. Moreno's men greet him with a hail of gunfire, and Jason dives to the ground. Darius is killed. Jason gets up in the gunfire and dives over the top of the limo. He slides across the car's hood and lies motionless in the snow.

Sorel and Moreno jokingly discuss Jason's merits as "lieutenant." As they prepare to finish him off, Jason rolls over and pulls his gun, shoots Moreno, and rushes away in a hail of bullets pursued by Moreno's other gunmen. Moreno is lying slumped against the wall, severely wounded. Sorel walks over to him and tells him that it has been a pleasure working for him, and he shoots and kills Moreno.

Elizabeth drives over to visit her grandmother before heading home. She shares a postcard from Jeff in Bosnia. Elizabeth says, "Gram, Dad says he hopes to be home before Christmas."

Elizabeth, are you managing your finances? I know you don't like cooking, and eating at Kelly's can get stale. Please take my prepared dishes for the next few days. I can cook more if you promise me a few sit-down meals."

"Thank you, Gram. I would love that." Elizabeth takes the dishes back to her house and thinks about Lucky and her dance with Jason. She is unable to sleep and wakes. She thinks of another place where she could feel closer to Lucky and bundles up with a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and snow boots.

Sonny tells Carly she can leave at any time. She wants a shower, but he tells her it won't help; she's still a tramp. Sonny instructs her to leave the dirty towel on the floor. He's wearing a robe, and Carly wants to know where he's going. "I need a drink."

Jason arrives as Sonny pours his drink. Without looking at Jason, who is moving slowly and holding his side, Sonny asks if the meeting went as planned, and Jason answers no, the meeting went wrong. Carly comes down the stairs dressed in Sonny's shirt, saying she can't find the towel. She stops when she sees Jason. Jason looks slowly from Sonny to Carly and walks out. Sonny stops Carly from chasing after Jason. He grabs her, and they struggle. She calls him a bastard and accuses him of setting her up so that Jason would see them together. He says, "Don't flatter yourself - you're a whore."

"Go to hell!"

"I'm already there. It's where we both belong."

"You are sick and twisted. If you cared about Jason, he wouldn't have let him walk out like that."

"You said it all when you appeared naked in my shirt."

"Jason loves us. No matter how screwed up we get, Jason will understand and forgive us after he gets over being angry."

"There's no reason for Jason to give us the time of day. You are a "two-bit tramp," and I'm worse than you are."

"Fuck you! I'll find Jason and make him understand."

Carly returns to the mansion. She tries calling Jason, but it goes to his voicemail.

Jason stumbles, walking in the snow. He holds his side, ambles to the box cars, and passes out.

Elizabeth walks in the snow toward the boxcars. Jason is on the ground as she strolls past. She sees the body, tentatively rolls it over, and is horrified to see that it is Jason. She calls his name, checks his pulse, and shakes him. She yells his name and slaps his face gently to try to rouse him. "Jason, you have to wake up. I can't help you if you don't open your eyes."

He opens his eyes briefly and calls out her name weakly: "Elizabeth, help me up."

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth sits him up, and he slumps over; she helps him sit up again. Jason focuses his eyes on Elizabeth, and she helps him to his feet with difficulty. "Jason, you're bleeding. Were you shot?"

"I'm fine." Jason falls backward to the ground."

Elizabeth shakes him. "Goddamit, Jason, get up! I'm not going to let you die. Come on, Jason, help me."

He weakly says, "Yeah. Boxcars."

Elizabeth looks behind her. "Okay, stay with me. You must stay awake. On the count of three, we will stand and walk to the boxcars."

Jason grunts and moans in pain. Elizabeth helps him stand. "Lean on me; I'm stronger than I look." She gets him to the boxcar and covers him with her coat.

She wants to get help for him; he needs a hospital, but he won't let her. "No police, you shouldn't be involved. You should go and don't come back."

"No, you are hurt. If you don't want to go to the hospital, let me find a way to help you."

Haltingly, he says, "First aid kit. Get me a first aid kit." She leaves, knowing a first aid kit won't be what he needs.

At Sonny's PH, Hannah wakes up. She notices that Sonny never came to bed. Benny enters and speaks to Sonny privately. He tells Sonny that the limo driver and the guards have disappeared. He fears Jason may be dead. Sonny says, "No, Jason was here last night but said things did not go as planned. He left without elaborating."

"Moreno disappeared, and Sorel acts like he's in charge. Don't get rid of Hannah yet; it could invite trouble for you." Benny leaves.

Elizabeth hurries over to Sonny Corthino's PH. She knows she's ignored Jason's request for a first aid kit, but he needs more than a couple of bandaids and alcohol swipes. Besides, she is way underqualified. She exits the elevator, and one of Sonny's bodyguards is outside the door. She thinks his name is Johnny. She tells him she needs to speak with Sonny; it's important and about Jason. Johnny announces that Elizabeth Webber is there to see Sonny. Curious, Sonny tells Johnny to let her in. She tells him she has news about Jason. She apologizes to Hannah but needs to speak to Sonny privately. Hannah says she was leaving anyway.

Elizabeth says, "Jason has been shot. He's at the boxcar; he doesn't want anyone to know, but I know he needs help, and if he doesn't, I'm afraid he's going to die.

Sonny wants details. She explains that she found him in the snow; he has a wound on his side, and she can't stop the bleeding. "Sonny, he needs a doctor, fast!"

Sonny grabs his coat and tells her to tell him where the boxcar is so he can help Jason. He asks where it is, and he will take her home first. She explains she has her car, but it's the one Jason used to live in the woods. He says, "Yes, you can't be involved."

"I already am involved."

"Elizabeth, coming here was smart, but now you have to forget everything that happened, okay?"

Sonny pushes her out the door, and they take the elevator down. Elizabeth leaves, driving to GH. She doesn't care what Jason or Sonny told her; Jason needs a medical professional, and Bobbie is the only person she knows can be trusted.

At the boxcar, Sonny wakes Jason, seeing his injury. Sonny asks why Jason didn't tell him last night that he'd been shot, but Jason wishes Sonny would go away but replies, "When was I supposed to mention it?"

Elizabeth arrives at GH in search of Bobbie. She takes Bobbie aside and says she needs her. It's an emergency. She frantically asks Bobbie to just come with her. Jason could be dying. She promises to explain on the way. Bobbie agrees, and they leave together.

At the boxcar, Jason tells Sonny he thinks the bleeding is subsiding. He still refuses to go anywhere with Sonny. He says that Elizabeth went to get a first aid kit. "I'm fine. I'll wait for Elizabeth."

"Would you rather die than accept help from me?" Jason shrugs off Sonny's help.

"Okay, you found out who Carly and I are last night. You don't have to hate me because I already hate myself."

"We never speak about this again."

Sonny is trying to take Jason out of the boxcar when Elizabeth and Bobbie arrive. Bobbie pushes Sonny aside and tends to Jason. Elizabeth sets the bag of clothes Bobbie brought for Jason on the floor. Elizabeth holds Jason's hand. Bobbie promises Sonny, at his insistence, that she will not report this.

Bobbie inspects Jason's bullet wound. Sonny pulls Elizabeth aside. She assures him that Bobbie is the only one she told. Sonny tells her she cannot tell anyone or she will endanger Jason's life. She can't come back to the boxcar. "Sonny, I can't promise that. Lucky used to live here."

Bobbie has finished bandaging Jason's wound and wants to take him to the hospital. Jason refuses. Jason asks to speak to Sonny alone. Bobbie and Elizabeth wait outside, shivering in the cold. Jason tells Sonny what happened with Marino and his men killing Darius. Darius's family needs to be informed. Sonny tells Jason that he will get him to a safe house. He steps out of the boxcar, and Bobbie hands him a list of medications and antibiotics to help Jason. Elizabeth climbs back into the container and feels his face. Jason tells Elizabeth to put her coat on. She covered him with it when she went to get help. Bobbie brought Jason some of Jerry's old clothes and a blanket from the car. Elizabeth helps Bobbie dress Jason.

Elizabeth and Bobbie are getting Jason ready to move. Jason tells them they must leave, or Sonny's people won't be able to come. He makes Bobbie promise not to tell Carly about what happened. He thanks them for saving his life.

Sonny arrives at the penthouse and finds Carly waiting for him. She begs him for news of Jason. Sonny refuses to tell Carly anything. As they argue, Hannah arrives. Carly turns to her and says that this is all her fault. Hannah looks confused, but Carly turns to her and says, "Little Federal Agent Scott."

Carly accuses Hannah of working for the FBI, which prompts Sonny to throw Carly out of the PH. Alone with Hannah, Sonny informs her that he has known that she is a federal agent for months. He plays the tape, but she proclaims her love for him.

The last thing Jason wants is to deal with Sonny or any of his guards. He doesn't want a safe house on Sonny's terms. Carly has been hanging around the PH too much for his liking, and Jason doesn't want her to find him. He has some cash to stay at a hotel until he feels better and decides what to do next.

At the boxcar, Jason is trying to step down and walk but is having trouble. Elizabeth arrives and asks if he is going somewhere. Jason says he will check into a hotel and take care of himself. He doesn't want help from Sonny's people. He tells Elizabeth she doesn't listen very well.

Elizabeth replies, "It's not the first time I've been accused of not doing what I've been told. If you want to stay below the radar, I know a place you can hide. Will you let me help you?"

"I don't have much choice, do I?" Elizabeth puts her arm around his waist, and he places his arm around her shoulder. They walk away from the boxcar. She helps him to her car, drives to the waterfront, and parks in the alley. She helps him exit the vehicle, and they head toward her studio. It's slow going, as Jason is in a lot of pain and finding it difficult to walk.

Johnny tells Sonny that Jason was not at the boxcar at the PH. Sonny is furious and is screaming at Johnny. Sonny collects Hannah's belongings and instructs Johnny to deliver them to her.

Elizabeth says, "The only people who know about this studio are Emily, Gram, and my Dad." She unlocks the door to her art studio. She helps him to her sofa and covers him in blankets. She cranks up the heat and says she is going to Sonny's to get his medication, but Jason insists that she not notify Sonny of his whereabouts.

Elizabeth takes the bag of antibiotics and pain pills from Sonny. She won't tell him where Jason is. Jason doesn't want him to know. Sonny thanks Elizabeth for going above and beyond. "Jason is my friend. I'm just taking care of him." Elizabeth returned to the studio with the drugs, and she picked up a couple of water bottles. "Okay, this is your antibiotic, and this one is for your pain." She helps him with his pills and water. She covers him with blankets. "Now sleep."

"When did you get so bossy?"

"I said, sleep. Jason, if you change your mind about going to the hospital…"

"I just want to be alone."

"Like I'm going anywhere." She holds his hand until he dozes off.

Carly enters the diner and overhears Tammy taking a call from Elizabeth, who says she cannot work tomorrow. Carly mumbles, "He's with her."

Carly doesn't know where Jason is with the tramp. She tries the Webber house, but there is no answer when she knocks on the door. Carly figures Audrey would know where Elizabeth is. Carly goes to GH and finds Audrey. She gives Audrey a story of wanting the artistic Elizabeth to paint a mural in her son's room at the Quartermaines. Audrey says her granddaughter is working on a project that occupies her time for ten hours daily. Carly says, "If you tell me where she is, I could ask her. I'd pay her for her work." Audrey tells Carly where Elizabeth is staying.

12/7-14/1999

Elizabeth came to check on Jason and asked how he was. He said he slept and was feeling much better. She felt his head with her hands. They were too cold to tell if his fever had broken, so she touched his forehead with her cheek.

Jason says, "You smell like snow."

"Snow doesn't smell."

He chuckles, "Yes, it does."

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?"

"Yes, but if you want me to leave, I can."

"Where would you go? Back to the boxcar?" She asked him if she wanted some soup, and he said he thought he could eat some, so she left to go to Kelly's to pick some up.

Carly had been watching through the door window and entered after Elizabeth left. She stroked Jason's face, and he said, "That was quick," without opening his eyes.

Carly asked Jason if he was sick or what, then saw that he was shot. Jason's eyes shot open at the sound of Carly's voice. "How did you find me?"

"Does it matter? I didn't tell anyone."

"Leave me alone."

"I can't do that, Jason, I love you. Why are you with Elizabeth Webber? Who is she to you? I saw you dancing with her that night. It's her fault. That is why I went to Sonny. I'm so sorry. I'll never do anything like that again."

"Carly, you did it to hurt me. You can't promise me that. I know you'll do shit like this again the next time you feel a need to hurt me."

"No, I won't. I love you."

"I told you to leave and not return."

She cries, "I know you hate me now, but nobody will ever love you as much as I do. You will forgive me because that's what you do. You always forgive me." She leaves.

Elizabeth picks up soup from Kelly's, and Nikolas gives her the third degree about where she'd been and why she had not returned his calls. "Nikolas, I'm busy. I'll call you later." Elizabeth leaves with her purchase.

Elizabeth confronts Carly on the docks. "Don't even think about going to my studio and bothering Jason. You aren't welcome there."

Carly tried to get up in her face, calling her 'little girl.'

Elizabeth says, "He's hurt, and I don't just mean the gunshot wound. You did something to him. I won't let you have the chance to do it again until Jason is strong enough to fight for himself."

"Jason doesn't want to fight me."

"No? I'll do it for him."

"Look, you want to play heroine? You can change his bandages but try to keep him away from me. I got rid of one little angel, and I can get rid of you too."

Elizabeth smirks, "Oh, trust me; I'm nobody's little angel. You want a fight? You got one. Stop bragging that you got rid of Robin. You aren't that powerful. She left because she couldn't accomplish her goals as a doctor here. She has a life. I get letters from her. Now leave him alone."

Elizabeth walks away, and Carly yells, "He doesn't need you; he loves me!"

Elizabeth returns to her studio. She tells Jason she saw Carly. He apologizes and says she shouldn't be involved. She laughs and says, "Too late." She helps him with his soup.

Elizabeth returns to the studio after her morning art classes. She brings in a bag of canned soup. She can't risk stopping at Kelly's every day when she's not working. She heats his soup, but he's too weak to hold the spoon. She feeds him, and they laugh as she tries not to spill on him.

Carly has returned and watches unseen from the door. Elizabeth says, "I'll be back soon. I'm going to pick up my paycheck from Kelly's. Elizabeth buttons up her coat. Carly hides, and she watches Elizabeth leave. A few minutes later, Carly pulls the fire alarm outside the studio door. She rushes off and waits.

Jason opens the door, peeks out, and sees nothing. He goes back inside and pulls the shade down. Carly is watching around the corner to see what he does. She's disappointed when Jason does not come out again.

The fire department arrives, making everyone leave the building. Carly mentions her "friend from down the hall" and asks if he is out yet, but the fireman makes her leave. He then breaks the door of Elizabeth's studio with an axe and makes Jason leave.

Jason gingerly makes his way down to the docks and tries to sit inconspicuously on a bench. Carly finds him and says, "Jason, what are you doing out here? Are you okay? Let me help you."

"It was you. You pulled the fire alarm. What will it take to make you quit?"

"I can't quit, and I won't, ever. I love you, and you still need me. I'm selfish, mess up, and cause trouble, but I know your life is better because I'm in it. I'm sorry for the problems with the fire alarm. I only wanted you to run out so I could take care of you. I didn't know the fire department would show up."

"I don't give a shit what you want to happen."

"Let me take you to the Brownstone. I can't leave you out here." Elizabeth arrives to see the commotion. She stops and waits when she sees Jason and Carly talking. Jason says, "It is your fault I'm outside in the first place. Do you realize what you've done? I could be in danger because of you. My wound could start bleeding again, and then I'd have to go to the hospital. The cops could be waiting for me, and it's all because you won't leave me alone."

"We can leave now. I can get you out of here."

"I'd rather be in any place than be with you."

"I only wanted to keep you safe."

"I don't care what you want. Do you get that? Can you understand that I'm not going anywhere with you? Stay the hell away from me!" Carly cries and leaves. Elizabeth rushes up as Jason tries to stand. She puts her arm around him to help him walk as the fire department tells everyone they can return to the building. Jason drapes his arm over her shoulder for support. Nikolas walks by and is hurt as he watches them walk away with their arms around each other.

Jason is hunched over on Elizabeth's couch. She sits him up gently to check his wound. She removes the bandage to assess his wound. As she prepares to change his dressing, Nikolas, who has followed them to her studio, pushes open the door. Nikolas yells, "Get the hell away from her! Elizabeth, are you okay? Why is he here?"

Jason says, "This is not your studio; you don't belong. Get out." Jason points to the door.

Nikolas attacks Jason, pushing him into a wall. Elizabeth jumps over the couch to stop Nikolas. She shoves him. "Nikolas, leave him alone. What is wrong with you, kicking in my door?"

"Why is Jason here?"

"I asked him."

"What's going on? Is he threatening you?"

Jason stands in the corner, holding his side. "It's none of your business why I'm here."

"Jason is right. This is my studio. Why would you break in?"

"I was worried?"

"Why?"

"Whatever you got going on with Jason, he's using you. Lucky hasn't even been dead a year, and you're undressing him and kissing his chest."

Jason says, "You aren't her guardian, you're not the cops, and you have no right to be here throwing Lucky's name at her."

"He was my brother Jason. He'd want me to tell her you're a prick for hurting her."

"Jason is not hurting me; you are. I want you to go."

"How sick are you? She's your sister's friend."

"She told you to go."

"I got a better idea; why don't you leave?"

Nikolas lunges toward Jason, and Elizabeth grabs Nikolas and says, "I swear to god, if you touch him, I will never forgive you."

"Why, why are you defending him?"

Elizabeth looks back at Jason. He looks pale, and she must get Nikolas out fast. "We're sleeping together. Jason is my boyfriend, and we were about to make love when you barged in here like the morality police." Elizabeth pushes Nikolas out the door and locks it.

After Nikolas leaves, Elizabeth worries about Jason's health because Nikolas' anger reopened Jason's wound. As she bandages him, she tells him Nikolas was wrong for attacking him. Jason says Nikolas cares about you. She wishes Nikolas knew her better and would know she still loves Lucky.

"You could have told the truth."

"Would you trust Nikolas not to call the cops knowing you've been shot?"

"No."

"Me neither. That's why I lied. You are only here because I made you come here. Plus, if anyone finds out, it will be my fault. And I owe you, Jason."

"You don't owe it to me to lie."

Jason confesses that he feels terrible for intruding on her life and offers to call Sonny and ask him to help. Elizabeth asks if that is what he wants, and he says no.

"I don't want you to go either. Do you remember that night at Jake's? I was so mad at you and said I didn't need your help with that guy, but of course I did. Well, now it's my turn to help you." Jason takes her hand and says thank you.

They share a few laughs and talk about the things that they have in common. She tells him how much their motorcycle rides meant to her. Jason reveals that he watches Elizabeth paint when she thinks he is sleeping. He says she talks and sings to herself. He teases her and says she should sing to him. She says okay and purposely sings off-key. She realizes she is having fun but also feels guilty for how her heart flutters when she is near Jason.

On the docks, Sonny runs into Carly. Sonny insists that Jason will never forgive them, but Carly refuses to believe him. She says, "Not only will Jason forgive me, but we will be together soon."

12/15-23/1999

It's Christmas at the Quartermaine residence. Carly decorates the tree. She tells Michael how she had thought they'd celebrate the holiday with Jason this year, but she's still confident they will be next year. AJ enters and says, "Carly, I have tried making things easier for you. Other than not being the father you wanted for Michael, what have I done to make you hate me so much?"

Carly stammers but has no valid argument to give.

AJ reminds Carly that they will complete the custody agreement by the end of the year. He suggests spending Christmas with the family, and then she can move on from the craziness of the Quartermaines. Carly agrees that she'll put on a good face in front of the family.

Jason is still at the studio, and Carly watches from outside the door as he rises and moves around in obvious pain. She leaves.

As Elizabeth leaves Kelly's, Sonny is waiting. He asks about Jason, but she tells him Jason wants to be left alone. He asks if Jason needs more medicine or a doctor. Is he in pain? Elizabeth explains Jason is in pain, but not just physical pain. She says something seems to have happened that is causing him emotional distress. Sonny agrees but refuses to explain what happened. He offers her money to help cover Jason's expenses, but she turns him down and leaves. Down the street, Sorel cautions another man that "it must look like an accident," and the man assures Sorel that it will.

At Elizabeth's house, Nikolas arrives and explains that while he doesn't want to fight, he must warn her about her involvement with Jason. "I still remember getting shot outside Luke's club. Jason is dangerous." Audrey pulls her car into the driveway to visit her granddaughter and hears Nikolas and Elizabeth arguing. Nikolas says, "I can't believe you are sleeping with Jason. Are you that naïve to not know he is using you?"

"Nikolas, you have gone too far. My social life is none of your business. You get to care, but you do not get to lecture or accuse me of not loving Lucky. You have no right to tell me there is a timeline for my grief, especially when you kissed me weeks after Katherine died. That is what you hate. You hate that I didn't choose you!" Elizabeth slams the door after him. Audrey walks up to the house. Audrey questions Elizabeth. She wants answers. Elizabeth insists that her Gram is mistaken and not to worry; she is just painting. She kisses her cheek and asks if she needs anything. Audrey claims she was checking to see if Elizabeth needed more home cooking. Elizabeth says if there are leftovers, she would love to have them but not to go out of her way. Audrey smiles and says there is a box in her car. Elizabeth takes the casseroles and waits for her Gram to leave. She places the food in her vehicle.

Elizabeth starts her car and drives to her studio. She checks the new mini microwave she bought at Kmart earlier in the day. She is furious that she let Nikolas get to her. She is even more upset that she threw Katherine's death in his face. Elizabeth feels guilty about having to hurt Nikolas's feelings.

Carly and Bobbie arrive at the studio, but when they knock, he tells Carly to go away. She points out that she has brought Bobbie, and Jason reluctantly lets them in. Bobbie inspects the wound, changes the dressing, and says it is healing but instructs Jason to call her if it opens up again. Bobbie leaves, and Jason wants Carly to go, too, but she refuses.

"Carly, once Bobbie is out of view, you must leave."

"I can't do that."

"It hurts me to think of you screwing my best friend. Bobbie's gone, you can leave."

"No, I'm not leaving. I want to help you. I am so sorry I hurt you. Let me take you to my mother if you don't want my help. You can stay with her, and I promise I won't bother you. It makes no sense for you to have that Webber girl changing your bandages. I went to nursing school, and I can do that. When you feel better, you will understand and forgive me. We belong together."

Elizabeth enters and demands to know what Carly is doing there after she told her to stay away. "What will it take to get through to you? This is my studio. Jason is my guest, and you are not welcome here."

"Oh, little girl. You are in way over your head. Jason needs help you can't give."

"Jason needs rest and quiet, which means you must leave now!"

Carly laughs, "I'm not leaving because Jason doesn't want me to." She turns to Jason, "Tell this twit you don't want me to leave."

Jason stands, "Carly, I asked you to leave, and I meant it."

Elizabeth says, "That is good enough for me. I want you gone because Jason needs his rest, and he's said he doesn't want you around."

"You know, Elizabitch, you are a little girl scout. Go ahead and put Jason up on a pedestal and worship him for a little while; he'll soon realize how pathetic you are,"

"Carly, enough. Elizabeth doesn't deserve this."

"You didn't love your little boyfriend very much. If you did, you wouldn't disrespect me or trash my cousin's memory like this. You never cared about Lucky, so you are trying to steal Jason."

Elizabeth wipes a tear away. "Carly, you really do live up to your reputation."

Jason steps in when Carly lunges for Elizabeth. His wound reopens, and he winces. "Carly, stop it!"

"What about her?"

"You are leaving; go NOW!"

Carly finally leaves. Jason apologizes to Elizabeth. "I'm sorry for all this trouble. I should be the one to leave."

"Is that what you want?" Jason shakes his head no. She tells Jason to forget it. He is not leaving.

"Carly will never let up, and it's not fair to you."

"Jason, I'm not afraid of Carly. I've already lied to Nikolas about us sleeping together, and unless you don't want to stay somewhere Sonny chooses, where will you stay? Is it safe for you to be seen outside?"

Jason hesitates. He doesn't want to leave. He knows he's not healthy enough to defend anyone, much less himself, but he doesn't want Elizabeth to feel she needs to lie to her friends.

"Jason, I can't make you stay, but you are my friend. You were Lucky's friend, and you gave him a place to live. If you were to disappear, all I would do is worry. Besides, I kind of like having you around."

"Maybe you should invest in getting a padlock for the door."

Elizabeth laughs in relief. "Yes, and maybe a longer shade for the window." She helps him settle back on the couch and says she will get soup at Kelly's. She also has food in her car and a microwave to reheat. "Will you promise to be here when I return?" Jason promises, and she says she will be back soon. Now rest."

Mike arrives at Kelly's looking for Jason. Mike explained that he was short of cash and hoped Jason could help. Tammy says she hasn't seen Jason in a couple of weeks. Elizabeth picks up her soup order, and Mike asks if she has seen Jason.

"No, not recently. Is this about the bike shop? Have you asked Sonny?"

"I can't go to Michael. I don't like seeing the disappointment in his eyes or his lectures. Jason hasn't been around the shop. If you see Jason, please tell him I'm borrowing from the petty cash safe?"

"Uhh, sure. If I see him."

Sonny arrives at his PH to find Carly waiting for him. Sonny tells her to make it quick. Carly says Jason is in trouble. He was shot, and now he is relying on a teenager to take care of him. Sonny tells Carly that Jason knows to ask for help if needed. "Jason has asked to be left alone, and unlike you, I respect his decision."

Carly persists in bothering Sonny, demanding he change Jason's mind. "Shit, Carly! You are making this whole situation about you. Jason is better off without you. Elizabeth is taking good care of Jason, and he doesn't want our help." Carly stomps off.

At the studio, Jason is asleep on the couch. He wakes up when Audrey lets herself in and says, "Oh my God." Jason looks up and sees Audrey. Knowing that this is just more trouble for Elizabeth, he lays his head back on the couch and closes his eyes in resignation.

Misinterpreting the situation, especially after accidentally overhearing Nikolas and Elizabeth's earlier discussion, Audrey informs Jason that Elizabeth is barely 18 years old and has hardly gotten over Lucky's death. Jason tries to explain, saying that Audrey has misunderstood. Elizabeth arrives just as Audrey tells Jason she doesn't want him near her granddaughter. She informs her grandmother that she won't let her send Jason away.

Jason leaves to give Elizabeth and Audrey a chance to sort things out. Audrey expresses her disappointment in her granddaughter, and Elizabeth expresses equal disappointment in Audrey. Audrey threatens to call Jeff, who is in Providence, helping Sarah get settled. Elizabeth says, "If my father doesn't understand, I can move in here, and you won't get to dictate my life."

"Elizabeth, Jeff pays for part of your rent. When he returns, I suggest he make you move back home."

"Dad helped pay for the first six months. That ended last week. I have savings, and I am over 18. Please leave."

Elizabeth located Jason and returned him to her studio. Jason is concerned with her argument with Audrey. He informed her that he had to leave because he complicated her life. She explained that she had to be her own person and not let her Gram or anyone else tell her how to live her life. Elizabeth replied that she made her own decisions and urged Jason not to tell her what to do. She says, "I've declared my independence. My father will return by Christmas, and I'll tell him about my plans. He knew when I started PCU, I might want to live here instead of the house."

Elizabeth examines Jason's wound and asks how he feels. He says better. Elizabeth says, "As your unofficial doctor, you are healing."

"I'd take you over any doctor any day."

Elizabeth laughs, "That's because you like to live dangerously. Trust me, I'm a terrible choice to take care of anyone. I have the patience of a gnat. You must be steady, cool, and patient to care for sick or injured people."

"You've taken great care of me."

Later, she sketched fruit as he lifted a heavy book to build up his injured side. Elizabeth scolded him for doing too much. She says he is recovering from a wound without stitches. She leaves for Kelly's.

Jason has gotten antsy by being stuck inside for weeks. He leaves for a walk, and when he returns, his arm and side are sore, and he can't remove his jacket. Elizabeth arrives with the lunch and a little Christmas tree in a bucket. She was chatting about Christmases past when she noticed Jason had his jacket on. She asked why. Jason sheepishly confessed he went for a walk and was now too stiff to remove his jacket. He asks for help. "I'll help you out of that jacket, but in return, you help me decorate this sad-looking tree."

She helps him with his jacket and asks, "How are you with paper and glue?"

"You know what, forget it." Jason laughs. He protests often, but lately, despite the pain and unable to work, he's enjoyed his time at the studio. Their conversations and talking with her come naturally. He hopes he hasn't complicated her life too much and knows he'll soon have to leave.

"Too late, your jacket is off."

Jason helps make paper chains, and she smiles at him. "Why didn't you tell me you were an expert at making paper chains?"

"I'm just following orders, mamm." She adds the lights and asks him what to do about the tree topper. She offers him the choice of a star or an angel."

Jason smiles and thinks Elizabeth is beautiful, "Angels are supposed to watch after you. And that tree needs all the help it can get." They laugh.

She says, "You are such a brat. Now give me the rest of those chains."

Jason asks for a favor. He wants to give Michael a gift for Christmas.

Elizabeth decides to have fun with Jason and presents him with a globe beach ball. Jason tries to hide his disappointment, and as Elizabeth attempts to blow up the beach ball, he says, "Is the store still open?"

Elizabeth says, "Wait, I've got something else." She brings in another bag from outside and pulls out an actual globe. "Ta-Da! Gotcha!"

Jason smiles, "Yeah, gotcha."

Elizabeth spins the globe and asks him to name one fact about Ethiopia. He provides many, and she says, "You are making this up."

"I told you, I don't make things up. Now it's your turn. Name one fact about…" Jason picks a place, "About Uzbekistan."

"Uzbekistan, hmm," Elizabeth looks at the globe and is disappointed it exists. "Okay, Uzbekistan, it rains there when….you forget your umbrella." Jason laughs at her response, and they fight over the next spin.

Elizabeth informs Jason she will be at GH for the Christmas Party. She hopes to be back before dinner.

12/24/1999

Emily arrived at Kelly's to pick up Juan and show off her elf outfit. At GH, Bobbie lets Tony know he will play Santa again.

Luke was in his office when he heard a knock on the door. He told the person to leave but changed his mind when he heard Elizabeth's voice. He invited her in and accepted her gift of brownies. She noticed he was sad and offered to try to make him laugh by showing him her elf costume. Luke chuckled and correctly deduced that she was working the GH Christmas party. She nodded and asked if there was any chance he wanted to be her date. Luke politely declined. He wasn't very good at Christmas parties.

Elizabeth told Luke that she understood. She'd thought about staying home, too. She didn't feel like going out and plastering a smile on her face, either, especially without Lucky there. She still wasn't sure that she could pull it off. Luke assured her that she could. She'd made his son happy when nothing else had been able to.

The Quartermaines, Taggert, Juan, and Dara arrived at GH for the Christmas party. Nikolas came along with Lulu and Lesley, and Amy took them to the party. Elizabeth apologized to Audrey for being late. Audrey told her she needed to go to the boardroom immediately to meet with the other elves. Elizabeth started to rush off to find Emily, but Nikolas stopped her. He asked if she had a minute. She said she didn't, but he told her it was important.

Elizabeth said she was running late and it would have to wait. Nikolas questioned Elizabeth about the studio and asked if she was living with Jason. Elizabeth pushes past Nikolas and heads to the boardroom. She hears Jason call her name. She's happy to see him up and about. He explains that he wanted to watch Michael enjoy the party from afar. He teases her about her costume and playfully steals her hat. Nikolas watches in disgust as Elizabeth tries to get her hat back from Jason. The playful banter draws attention from everyone around the second-floor Nurses Station.

Unable to take it any longer, Nikolas grabbed Jason and told him to leave Elizabeth alone.

Jason says, "You got a problem?"

"Yeah, I said leave her alone." Nikolas shoves Jason.

Elizabeth says, "Nikolas, stop!" She pulls Nikolas off Jason.

"Who the hell do you think you are showing up like this and putting your hands all over her?" Nikolas wasn't ready to let it go and lunged at Jason again. "You don't own her just because you're sleeping with her!" Jason punches Nikolas as Carly exits the elevator with Michael.

Nikolas and Jason continued their fisticuffs with a dozen children and hospital staff watching. Sonny and Stefan rush to pull them apart. Stefan was shocked at Nikolas' behavior and tried to hold him, but Nikolas lunged toward Jason.

Elizabeth yells, "Nikolas, stop! You have no right to tell me what to do."

Sonny holds Jason and says, "Let's go."

"I'm going with you." Audrey starts to protest, but Elizabeth turns and says, "I don't care what any of you think. This is my life!"

She joins Jason and Sonny in the elevator with Nikolas, screaming, "You won't have a life when Jason is through with you." The stunned onlookers watch them leave. Unnoticed, Jeff arrived in time to see the melee.

Alan reads the Christmas story and turns the festivities over to Santa. He called for help from his elves. Emily looked distracted. Emily confessed that she was surprised to hear about Liz and her brother. She was hurt that neither of them had told her.

The "outing" of the Jason/Elizabeth romance was the talk of the Christmas party. Bobbie walked over to her daughter and offered her a comforting hug. Carly was upset at the news that Jason and that bitch were sleeping together. Nikolas was determined to talk to Elizabeth. He tries finding her Kelly's.

At the studio, Elizabeth presents Jason with a Christmas gift: a dress shirt and a kiss on the cheek. Jason smiles and hands Elizabeth her gift of a black leather jacket for her next motorcycle ride.

Jeff leaves a message for Elizabeth to call him.

12/25-31/1999

Carly's not pleased about Jason's friendship with Elizabeth. Jason moves out. Nikolas tries to apologize for his behavior but can't let go of his resentment of Jason. Emily expresses her anger to Elizabeth and later Jason. Stefan realizes the depth of Nikolas' feelings for Elizabeth. Elizabeth reconnects with her father. Faison is arrested, and Helena communicates with him, saying she moved the boy to a new location.

Elizabeth drives home and has a serious discussion with her father. She embraces him, and he places his hand under her chin. He looks into her eyes, "Elizabeth, do you care to explain what I saw last night? Audrey is beside herself, and if you are having sex with Jason Morgan, should I be concerned?"

"No, Dad. Jason and I are not having sex. He's been a good friend to me. Nikolas and Gram misinterpreted our friendship."

"So Jason isn't staying and living with you in your studio?"

"Not exactly."

"What does that mean?"

"Dad, please don't ask me because I don't want to lie to you. Jason needed a place to stay, and I'd rather not give you a reason."

"Elizabeth, I love you, and unlike your grandmother, I trust you to make your own decisions. If you say nothing is going on, I believe you. After the New Year, we can visit Sarah."

Nikolas tries to apologize for his behavior but not his feelings. Elizabeth tells him his apology is not good enough.

Elizabeth models her new leather jacket and says, "What do you think?"

"It looks like you are ready for a ride."

"You have no idea. I can't wait until you are well enough to take your bike out again."

"That night, we were dancing. I told you that sometimes things happen fast, but you have to live through them slowly. Well, something happened that night, and I have to figure out how to live through it. And I have no idea what to do next."

"You can stay here for as long as you want."

"What? Lie on your couch all day, let you feed me soup, and take you for motorcycle rides at night?"

"The rides sound good, but I know what you mean."

"That was what my life was like at the boxcar. I had a job that paid enough for me to eat, and I'd go riding at night, and sometimes I'd see Robin. That was my life. I didn't know there could be anything more."

"What changed?"

"I went to work for Sonny. I don't know how to say what that meant. The first thing I knew about myself was that I woke up in the hospital. I was wrong somehow. I could barely move, and I'd hear voices around me begging me to remember, try to remember. I couldn't remember. I couldn't do or be who they wanted me to be. That's what happens when people think you are stupid. You learn not to care; you learn that all you are good for is parking cars or loading boxes. But Sonny was different. He gave me a chance; he trusted me to make my own decisions. He was my friend and never once pitied me."

"Why didn't you speak to him in the elevator after he pulled you away from Nikolas?"

"I don't know what to say to him now. He taught me everything I know about loyalty and honor. Should it matter that he failed me, or are the times he didn't fail me more important?"

"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about."

Jason sighs, "Yeah, that makes two of us."

"Do you want some breakfast?"

He laughs, "No, not really, but if you bring it, I'll eat it." He gives her money, and she asks if he wants to go for a walk later, and he agrees.

Bobbie visits Jason, gives him a health checkup, and encourages him to leave. Elizabeth returns to her studio, and Jason waits for her with a packed bag. He tells her he can't go on a walk with her. He has to figure out where he's going to live.

"You live here."

"No, I stayed here. Now I have to leave." He explained that Bobbie had stopped by and said he was healed and should leave, but he already knew that. "I have to figure out how to live my life, Elizabeth. I don't know if I can do my job or even look at the people who mean everything to me. You helped me, and you've taken care of me, and I will owe you forever, but if I stay, I'd only be hiding."

"You don't owe me. I wanted to help. Jason, I thought we were friends."

"When someone saves your life when they find you in the snow and drag you and make you walk, they bring you help when you told them not to; they feed you gallons of soup, and when they lie to everyone they know, that's more than friends. There's no word what I feel for you."

"More than a friend is okay; it's what I feel for you. I don't want to lose that. Having you around was like flipping on a light switch. I can finally see how wrong I've been pretending to be happy, trying to please everyone except myself. After Lucky, I didn't know how to be anyone else until you needed me. I had to do things, make decisions, and even lie. But you reminded me that I don't care very much what people think. I want to live here, on my own."

"Now it's my turn to figure out what to do." Jason hands her the key to the studio. "It's yours."

"Keep it. You might need to use it someday." Jason picks up his bag and starts to leave. "Thanks for the jacket."

"Thank you for saving my life." Jason shuts the door behind him. Elizabeth sighs and wipes away a tear. She knows it was the right decision for Jason, but she doesn't realize until he walks away that she wants more.

Stefan visits Elizabeth and addresses his concerns about his nephew and Elizabeth. He says she led his nephew on and that Nikolas would get hurt. Elizabeth says, "What happens between Nikolas and I doesn't concern you. I told him my friendship with Jason is none of his business, and my friendship with Nikolas is none of yours." Stefan leaves but, in true Cassidine fashion, subtly warns Elizabeth to stay away from Nikolas.

Emily arrives and goes off on Elizabeth for not telling her about Jason. Elizabeth tries to explain how her relationship with Jason had started and how much she'd needed it when she was missing Lucky, explaining that Jason was her safe place.

Emily yells, "I have been walking on eggshells all year, not to make you sad about me being with Juan. I repeatedly offered not to kiss him if it bothered you."

Emily continued to gripe about it, and finally, in frustration, Elizabeth told her to stop acting like an immature little brat.

Emily says, "So I'm the kid sister, and you and Jason are adults. I guess the four musketeers were just kid stuff, too."

Elizabeth called out to Emily as she left, "Em, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that." Elizabeth feels guilty for letting Emily believe the lie.

Johnny lets Jason into Sonny's PH. Sonny starts to speak, and Jason tells him not to say anything. He says he is moving back into his PH and will be back to work. Sonny asks him if he means the warehouse, and Jason says no; he is talking about the territory and asks Sonny if he has a problem with that.

Sonny extends his hand and says, "Welcome back."

Carly arrives with Michael. Jason was not thrilled to see her. "Carly, I told you I don't want to see you."

"I brought Michael. It's almost his birthday. He wants to see his father."

"Godamit Carly. I am not Michael's father. You confuse him when you tell him I am his father. I was going to drop this off with AJ, but since you are here," Jason hands Michael a toy motorcycle. He walks them to the elevator and hisses, "Don't ever mess with his head again or stop by without telling me." He hugs Michael goodbye.

Elizabeth was working on a painting at her studio when Bobbie arrived to check on Jason. Elizabeth explained that Jason's wound had healed, so he had returned to the PH. Bobbie was relieved and suggested that Audrey would love to see her granddaughter. Elizabeth says, "I couldn't live by Gram's rules. My father is back, and we discussed my living here versus living on campus or at home. When I rented this studio, it wasn't only for my artwork."

Bobbie warned Elizabeth to be careful, as Jason was a dangerous man. She explained the distinction between a bad man and a dangerous man and said that Elizabeth should feel free to call her if needed.

Elizabeth replies, "I appreciate your concern, but I know what is dangerous. I'm not naive. Jason is my friend, and I will be there for him if he needs me."

Elizabeth is on her way to Kelly's when Carly throws snow in her face. "What's your hurry?"

"I've got nothing to say to you."

"That's okay. You don't have to talk. I can read your dinky little mind. Let me guess, you're on your way to see Jason and throw yourself at him again? I have a little bit of advice to save you time. Don't bother. You are pathetic."

Elizabeth chuckles, "I'm pathetic?"

"Yes, you are pathetic. Jason doesn't want you. If he did, he wouldn't have left your pitiful little hovel and made a beeline for his PH the minute he could walk."

"I realize this will be difficult for you to wrap your selfish mind around, but I'm glad Jason's well enough to be on his own."

"Oh my god, how does he stand you mealy-mouth girls anyway? Why don't you cut to the chase?"

"Fine. What is your problem?"

"You are my problem. I want you gone. Go back to where you came from, and leave Jason the hell alone. He does not want you. Do you understand? That's why he got up and left. So back off!"

"Did he walk straight back to you, Carly? I don't think so. That's your problem. You can't stand the fact that Jason trusts me. You can't stand that he let me help him and sent you away. I realize you think you're this force of nature and everyone should get out of your way and let you take whatever you want, but I'm not scared of you. And I'll see Jason whenever I want. So back the fuck off!"

At the Quartermaines, Carly told AJ that she took Michael to see Jason. AJ says, "You don't need to ask permission. If you are trying to rile me, it's not working. I don't care. I want Michael to know Jason." Resigned, Carly calls a truce, and they walk Michael to the playroom and help him blow out his candle.

Emily visits Jason at the PH. He's about to leave when she arrives. "You're leaving? I don't want to keep you waiting. I know you have better things to do than give your sister the time of day."

"What's going on?"

"I don't know. No one will tell me anything. Obviously, you are on your way to see Elizabeth. I don't want to keep you waiting."

"Obviously, you are upset."

"Where do I start?"

"How about in private?" Jason shows her inside. Emily is pissed about finding out from Nikolas about her brother's supposed affair with Elizabeth. "Jason, how could you not tell me you were sleeping with my best friend?"

"It's not what you think. I want you to listen. I am not sleeping with Elizabeth. Nothing like that happened."

"But Nikolas said."

"Nikolas was wrong."

"You guys have been hanging out since this summer?"

"Yeah, we have."

"You've been taking her out for rides on your bike?"

"Yes, but I haven't been hiding it. Emily, why are you so upset? Don't you want me to be friends with Elizabeth?"

"You didn't sleep with her?"

"Never even came close."

Jason soothes Emily, who feels like an idiot, and says she owes Liz an apology. She yelled at her. Jason says Elizabeth can hold her own. Jason and Emily exchanged hugs.

Sorel and an associate watch Elizabeth carry a bag of food to her studio. Sorel says, "Probably bringing food to Morgan. She seems like a nice kid. Too bad she hooked up with the wrong guy."

"She's in the building. If you want, I can take care of her now."

"No, no, stick with the plan. We move tomorrow."

12/31/1999

Jason and Elizabeth are on the docks after a motorcycle ride. She says, "I swear it still feels like we are flying."

"You said you wanted to go fast. That was fast."

"But it was more, right? I wasn't just imagining that. Jason, I could barely breathe."

Jason grins, "Maybe you were scared I'd lose control of the bike."

"No, okay, I could feel you laughing. You love it, don't you?"

"Almost as much as you do. Let me walk you inside. It's freezing." Jason follows her up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Sorel and his man appear from their hiding place. Sorel asks about the bomb. The guy says, "It's under her table upstairs. It is set to go off in 15:00 minutes."

Jason walks Elizabeth to her studio, and she jokingly offers him soup. He laughs and turns her down. She kisses his cheek and says, "Happy New Year."

He smiles, "Happy New Year." Jason waits until Elizabeth is inside before leaving. She turns on her light and drops one of her gloves. She bends to pick it up, and the clock reads 14:35. Elizabeth removes her boots and crawls under the covers.

Jason walks outside and notices Sorel's man crouching, watching Elizabeth's building. Jason demands to know what the man is doing, and the two begin to fight. Roy appears and holds the man while Jason hits him, demanding again why he was looking at the building. Then Jason held him while Roy hit and questioned him. The man blurts out that there is a bomb under her table, and they throw him aside and rush back to her studio.

Jason knocks and uses his key. "Elizabeth, there's a bomb; we have to leave." Roy crawls under the table as Jason gets Elizabeth out of the building. Roy works on defusing the bomb with 3:06 minutes left.

Outside, Jason gave Liz his jacket and tried to call 9-1-1 on the cell phone, but the line was busy. Inside the studio, Roy rushed to get a tool. Talking to himself, uncertain which wire to cut, he chose one. The bomb was defused with one second to spare.

Bobbie saw Jason and Elizabeth standing outside. Elizabeth explained about the bomb, and Bobbie rushed toward the studio, crying out for Roy as he walked out. Bobbie ran to him, saying, "How could you risk dying on me again?"

Taggert, Hannah, Jason, Bobbie, Elizabeth, and Roy were all outside the building together, and Taggert wanted to know how they'd known there had been a bomb inside.

Roy mumbled something about a psychic flash and gave an equally smart-aleck answer to the following question - how he'd known the expert way to defuse a bomb: he'd had time to read in prison. Jason refused to answer any questions without his lawyer.

Taggert tells Elizabeth he'll have to shut her building down for a couple of days, and she will have to stay somewhere else. Elizabeth thanks Roy and Jason for saving her and says she'll stay with her father until the PCPD gives her the all-clear to return to her studio. Elizabeth wonders how she will explain her bomb scare to her father.

Taggert takes Roy and Jason in for questioning.

Stay tuned for 2000