Chapter 28
Thank you to Chris P, Trini12180, and leeleelay5 for your reviews.
May 2002-
Jason Returns.
Carly fakes her death; Courtney knows. Courtney manipulates AJ.
Jax and Skye begin their relationship.
Maxie has a crush on Lucky.
Lucky and Nikolas continue to clash.
4/30/2002
Carly's car crashes into the lake. She gets the door open and swims to the surface. She is furious, and her head hurts. She walks to the area where she stashed a phone and some money. She calls Courtney, "I did it. I drove the car into the lake. I must have hit my head because it fucking hurts. I'm going to find a place to hide for a few days. Sonny will feel guilty and worry, and you feed into AJ's insecurities, and he'll slip and drink or do something foolish to void the custody agreement."
"Carly, I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I can fake that I love AJ."
"Courtney, we have practiced this. It will work; AJ will lose Michael, and I'll get Sonny back, and we will be a family."
5/2-9/2002
Bobbie believes Carly is alive, and Laura says she should trust her motherly instincts. "If you believe Carly is alive, then she must be. Everyone thought Lucky was dead, but he came back."
Lucky and Nikolas argue outside the Brownstone. Their argument is interrupted when a frantic Bobbie races outside. She asks if either has seen Michael. When they both reply that they have not, she tearfully exclaims that Michael is not in the house and the back door is open!
Luke finds Michael in the park. Luke returns with Michael to a puzzled Bobbie. "Why would Michael have gone to the park?"
Sonny talked with Michael for a long time about running away and worrying everybody. Michael said, "I found Mommy!" He told Bobbie and Sonny he had spoken with Carly. Laura called Luke and explained that Michael had seen Carly and that she was okay. AJ visited Michael and promised him they would find his mommy.
AJ presents Courtney with a new puppy; she promises to help smooth the way with her brother during future custody discussions. AJ says, "Why do we need to have a discussion? Michael said he saw Carly, and Sonny and I have our own agreement where he can see Michael." Courtney wonders what she has to do to rattle AJ.
Sonny's PH:
Sonny and Alexis discover Michael's card for Sonny on the floor and realize Carly was there the night she disappeared. Sonny was in denial and insisted that no one was in the penthouse while they were intimate.
Sonny headed over to Zander's place at Jake's to get answers. Zander said Carly was upset because he threw her out of his bed. Sonny was stunned by this revelation. Zander continued even though he was angry. He confessed to Sonny that he had been the one to kiss Carly and that she demanded that Zander keep it a secret so that he could stay alive. "You and Carly have been apart for a year. I don't need to explain or offer excuses. You had thrown us together daily; I'm only human. I was happy to be with her again until I discovered something was wrong. Last night was about you, Sonny, and not me, so I threw Carly out. She only wanted to be with me because she saw you and Alexis in bed together."
"So Carly was here at 3:00 am as a payback to me for sleeping with Alexis?" Sonny storms off, and it hits him, "Zander said, 'Again.' What did he mean by that?" Sonny believes Carly could have run her car off the bridge because she witnessed him and Alexis making love. Later, Alexis finds out Carly saw her and Sonny in bed together.
5/10-14/2002
Maxie grumbles to her mother about having to babysit Michael. "I have to find Lucky," she whines. Felecia questions why she must see Lucky. Maxie says she needs to work with Lucky on her school project. Felicia reminds Maxie that she is grounded but does offer to let her get out of the house to pick up dinner and a movie for the two of them. Maxie spied on Lucky and Elizabeth, arguing about working with Nikolas to help find Carly. Elizabeth leaves. Maxie approaches Lucky and tries to arrange a time for the two to work on her project, but he blows her off.
At the Q mansion, AJ questions why Courtney would accuse him of instigating a fight with Sonny just because he went to Bobbie's to visit his son. Courtney says she's trying to determine why AJ would go against Carly's orders to see a son who doesn't recognize him and wants nothing to do with him.
AJ asks, "Where did you get the idea Michael doesn't know me? I share custody with Carly and see Michael two weekends a month. You will see Michael when they find her. Sonny is aware of the agreement, but Carly is the one who takes issue with it. I don't want to disrupt things, so until they find her, Michael can stay with Bobbie. The last thing I need is Grandfather up my ass regarding Michael and custody."
AJ presented an envelope containing a checkbook and credit card for the new Quartermaine bride. Courtney assured AJ that she didn't marry him for money, but AJ told her he wanted her to feel secure and convinced her to use it whenever she wanted to. Courtney purred, kissed him, put aside the items in her name, and made love to him while pretending she was enjoying herself.
5/15-25/2002
Sonny was in a state of shock from seeing Carly's body at the morgue. In a daze, he made his way to the park. Courtney tapped him on the shoulder and startled him. She relayed her sadness about his loss and told him that he was still her brother. Sonny thanked her for the concern. Courtney asked Sonny not to read more into her concern than that because she had to return to her husband. Sonny told her okay, and Courtney left Sonny sitting on a bench. Courtney felt guilty for misleading her brother, but Carly told her they'd be a family if it worked out.
Luke arrived at the Brownstone and gave Bobbie the news that the DNA results were back and the body was Carly. Bobbie went into spasms, and Luke held his sister.
Luke shares with Laura his concerns over the fact that Bobbie doesn't seem to accept that her daughter is dead. Bobbie says she's just not ready to accept Carly's death. Bobbie tells Laura that, in her heart, she still doesn't feel that Carly is gone.
In the morgue, Zander stands over Carly's body and expresses both his sadness over her passing, as well as his guilt over the role he feels he played in her death. Luke tells Zander to go outside and get some air; he will watch over Carly. Zander thanks him and leaves. Alone, Luke unzips the body; he sighs and says, "Oh, Caroline, what have you done?"
Bobbie and Sonny agreed that tomorrow, Michael would stay with Leticia during the funeral, and Sonny and AJ would tell Michael about his mother's death. They didn't want to keep him in the dark, or Michael would feel he had done something wrong and blame himself for Carly's "leaving."
AJ and Courtney went to Carly's casket, and he expressed sorrow for his son's mother. Jax then told Sonny that Carly was a great girl and went to sit down. Gradually, everyone started arriving.
As the minister begins the eulogy, the church doors open. A bruised and dazed Carly stands there with a coat wrapped around her. She looks confused at why everyone is there. She sees the casket and runs out. Sonny runs after her. Bobbie smiles in relief. Everyone is stunned.
Sonny and Bobbie found Carly at the park. Carly was admitted to GH for injuries and evaluation. Tony examined Carly and told Sonny and Bobbie that she only had a few cuts and bruises and a slight concussion.
Kristina found Zander at the hospital waiting to see Carly. Kristina says, "Now is the time to tell her how you feel. Forget about Sonny and what he wants. Stand up for yourself and tell Carly how much she means to you." Zander was reluctant to go against Sonny in any way, but Kristina was insistent. She managed to convince Zander to see Carly.
Sonny is in a chair watching Carly sleep. Bobbie entered and told Sonny that Carly would be okay, and that sleep was best for her. Carly awoke, not knowing where she was or how she got to the hospital. She explained to Sonny that she had a bad dream where her car was flying through the air. Carly said it was filling up with water, and she struggled to break free. Sonny told her that her dream was real. "You've been missing for a few days. Where have you been?" Carly can't remember much. She remembers Michael's birthday card for Sonny, and that's it. Sonny says that she was upset the night of the accident, but he would not give details why. Bobbie intervened and said that Carly should get some additional rest. Carly told Sonny she would be okay and he should go home and get some sleep. A little while later, Bobbie brought Michael to see his mom. As Michael and Bobbie left the room, Zander stood in the doorway.
Felicia wanted to have breakfast with Maxie at Kelley's, but before Felicia had time to eat, Maxie started to leave. "Maxie, wait. I was looking forward to catching up on things."
"Mom, I'm an adult now and don't need your concern."
"Maxie, sweetheart, you are still 15; that is not an adult. I don't want you to get your heart broken."
"I'll be 16 in October. I have a summer job with Lucky, and Lucky really cares about me. I'm special to him, and it is more than just friends."
Felicia covers a smile, thinking to herself, "That's over five months away." She sighs, realizing her daughter must discover the hard truth before she would accept Lucky is not interested in her. "I only want the best for you."
"Lucky's feelings for me are real. You don't need to worry about me."
Zander visits Carly at GH. She says she can't remember anything right before or the week after the accident. She asks Zander to tell her everything he knows about the night of her accident. "What could have caused me to drive my car off a cliff?"
Zander feigns ignorance, "I don't know what you saw. You came to see me, I acted like a jerk, and you left upset."
Sonny visits Alexis and informs her that Carly is doing okay. Alexis asks Sonny what he told Carly in the hospital. "She has no memories of the night of the accident, so I didn't tell her anything."
5/27/2002
Jason returns and checks with AJ. AJ tells him he married Sonny's sister, and Jason says, "Was that wise?"
"I don't know how it happened, but I love her. Sonny's surprised me. He's more accepting; Carly is another matter. Have you seen Elizabeth yet?"
Jason catches his breath. It's been six months since they said goodbye. He's gotten a few updates from Sonny and sent a couple of postcards, but he wanted to give her space. He didn't want to pressure her. He shakes his head and says, "No, I haven't had a chance yet. Is she okay?"
"I think so; she was in a serious car accident a few months ago. She's out of the hospital, and she seems fine. I wondered if she or Sonny told you what happened with Carly sending Zander after me."
Jason is surprised. Sonny never said a word about Elizabeth. "Sonny mentioned what Zander and Carly did to you. I'm sorry. If it would help, I'd talk to her, but Carly doesn't listen. Why didn't you press charges."
"I didn't want to do that to Michael."
"Yeah, I can understand that. Okay, thanks. Good luck and congratulations?" Jason laughs, wondering if AJ needs it. "Can you let Grandmother and Monica know I'll be by to see them?"
"Of course."
Sonny's PH:
Carly's been released, and she and Sonny talked. She asked if he could forgive her. They went upstairs and started to kiss when there was a knock on the door. Sonny went to leave, and Carly joked it better be important. Sonny opens the door to Jason and asks if he knows what happened to Carly, and Jason says he is working on it.
Carly came down and saw Jason. She ran over and hugged him. She asked if he was there to stay. He said he was there now. Sonny said he needed to talk with Jason privately and would be back in an hour. They went to Jake's, and Jason ordered a beer. "Sonny, what the fuck happened while I was away? Why didn't you tell me Elizabeth was in a car accident?"
"Because I knew you'd come rushing home. Elizabeth wouldn't want you to come back until you were ready. I have kept my eye out for Elizabeth. Gia Campbell caused the accident and tried to blame my sister. Thankfully, Elizabeth remembered that Gia had run the red light and that her sister had proof that Gia hadn't gotten a blood alcohol test. Elizabeth is in control of her life. Carly has kept her distance because there wasn't a reason to go after her with the evidence Elizabeth has for what Carly and Zander did to AJ, but now that you are back, you need to make a decision. Carly will do everything she can to keep you away from Elizabeth."
"What do you want me to do about Carly? I'm looking into reasons she'd be missing for days and not telling anyone."
"Until you find out, go see Elizabeth."
5/28-30/2002
Felicia sat at the counter in Kelly's to watch Maxie start her first day of work. "Maxie, this job is perfect for the summer and will provide you with spending money too."
"I already have a job with Lucky as his photo assistant." As Maxie started her shift, she turned around and saw Lucky enter Kelly's. All the dishes on the tray fell. Lucky helped her pick them up, but this was only one of her many errors. She brought Lucky coffee and ignored all the other customers for 15 minutes. Maxie brought over the wrong food to Alexis, and Alexis felt ill. When Maxie spilled chili all over the grill, Bobbie's manager told Felicia that Maxi was fired.
As Alexis became more sensitive and sick to her stomach, she began to worry. She went to the closest drug store and picked up an in-home pregnancy test.
Jax suspects Carly staged the accident, which Carly denies. Sonny overhears, and Carly asks if he thinks she did what Jax accused her of doing. Sonny mentions that Michael saw his mom in Bobbie's backyard and asks if it was true. "I don't remember much, except I remember seeing you and Alexis naked in bed together, and I went to Zander's because I wanted to pay you back for sleeping with Alexis."
Sarah and Elizabeth are at Kelly's when the manager begs Elizabeth to cover a shift. Elizabeth has other plans, and she turns her down. Sarah suspects someone must have gotten fired and jokes that Ruby fired her on her first day. Elizabeth laughs, and Jason walks in. Elizabeth smiles.
Sarah says, "Isn't that Emily's brother Jason? Lizzie, he's staring at you."
"Stop calling me Lizzie. Excuse me." Surprised to see Jason, Elizabeth walks to him. "Jason, when did you get back?"
"Last night. I thought about calling or finding you. I wasn't sure if you were back at the studio or still at your father's. It's good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm okay."
Jason can tell something is off, "No, you aren't."
She chuckles, "That's right, I don't have to pretend with you. If your bike is here, can we go for a ride?"
"Do you still like going fast?"
"What do you think?" Barely looking back, Elizbeth mumbles goodbye to her sister and leaves with Jason. Outside, he pulls her to him and kisses her. Elizabeth touches Jason's lips with her fingers. He hands her the helmet, and she fastens the strap under her chin.
His bike finds the Cliff Road, and they ride to the edge of the Estates. After she removes her helmet, he kisses her again. "I've missed you. I wanted to call, but I thought you might need space after what happened. Sonny told me what happened with Gia; I would have been back sooner if I had known."
"No, no, no. You do not get to blame yourself. You were there in Denver for me, and that was when I needed you. We went through something devastating, and you stayed with me until I was ready to come home. I had a follow-up at Mercy and received a clean bill of health. I had a few counseling sessions with Gail Baldwin, and I'm okay with that. Are you okay? It wasn't just me that lost a baby or what might have been a baby; are you mad at me for not being there for you?"
Jason kisses her again. "No, no blame for anyone. How's Lucky?"
"Probably with Sarah."
"Sarah?"
"Yeah, I guess we can thank Gia for many things. Not only does she blackmail Emily, but she is engaged to Nikolas. My car was in the shop, and she offered to drive me home. I didn't know she had a few drinks at Carly's new club. She ran a red light and blamed Sonny's sister, and Nikolas covered for her. Then they try to gaslight me; finally, she tells me she saw Lucky and Sarah kissing outside Jake's. She thought it would upset me, but I told Lucky I wasn't interested for months."
Jason kisses her forehead and says, "I'm sorry. I have work; where should I take you?"
"I'm back at the studio." He drops her off and kisses her as she hands him the helmet. She watches him drive off before climbing the stairs to her studio.
Lucky offered to tutor Maxie in Math. Lucky arrived at his apartment, and Maxie had already arrived to set the mood. "I know where Aunt Bobbie keeps the keys."
"Maxie, you are here to study. I don't think of you that way. I will always think of you as a little sister."
"I'm not a kid anymore; I want to be with you. I'm on the pill." She kisses him. Lucky pulls away. Lucky repeated the 'kid sister' routine, and upset and embarrassed, she ran out of the apartment as Sarah witnessed her departure downstairs. Later, Lucky tells Sarah about the situation, as Maxie watches and hears him talk about his bad fortune with the opposite sex.
After an initial family confrontation upon Jason's arrival, Monica apologizes to Jason for Edward's attack upon his arrival. Jason hugs his mother and says he's gotten used to it. They leave to find Lila. As Jason leaves, AJ arrives to introduce Courtney to his brother. Jason politely says hello and leaves. Courtney thinks, "Carly didn't tell me how hot Jason was."
Zander and Carly discuss the night of the accident. She remembers everything and says she and Sonny are back together.
Alexis retreated to her PH, and she took the pregnancy test, showing a positive result.
On the docks, Jason spoke with a guy who had seen a woman in a diner after the "accident." Jason confirmed with the man that it was, in fact, Carly. Jason then knew what Carly had done. Loaded with information, Jason showed up at Carly's door, telling her he knew she had faked her death and that Sonny should know.
Jason tells Carly he knows that she faked her death because a guy identified her and told him what she was eating, and he knew. She breaks down, confesses, and tells him her concocted story. Crying, she says, "Jason, I'm sorry. I went wide on the curve, and my car hit the water." She continued her sob story and ended by saying, "When I heard that they had found 'my body,' I came back. I swear I didn't fake my death, but I stayed away longer than I should have."
"Goddamit Carly! Sonny will be pissed, and if you don't tell him, I will. I told you I'm done cleaning up your messes!"
"Do you know that Sonny and Alexis slept together?" He nods. "I was hurt, and it ripped my heart out. As soon as I heard they found my body, and I swear I don't know how that happened, I came straight back. Jason, Sonny has finally forgiven me for turning him into the Feds. Can't you stay quiet and let us be happy? I'll tell him in my own way."
Shaking his head, Jason says, "This will blow up in your face like it always does. When that happens, don't come crying to me." Sonny shows up, and Jason reminds her that she better tell him, then leaves.
5/31/2002
Bobbie throws a party for Carly's return.
Lucky tells Sarah he feels horrible for hurting Maxie while Maxie eavesdrops. Bobbie needs help bringing in the party supplies, and Lucky and Sarah help. Elizabeth walks in and helps with the supplies, too. She tells everyone Jason has returned. Lucky tells her to be careful, and she says that she knows what she's doing. Sarah tells him he's jealous and that it bothers him to know that she may be seeing Jason. Lucky says that he's Sonny's enforcer and dangerous.
Sarah asks Elizabeth if Jason is coming, and she replies, "Jason's not good with parties." Jason suddenly appears. He talks to Bobbie and then goes to Elizabeth. She's surprised to see him, and sparks start to fly. He says he's there because Carly asked.
Carly and Sonny get cozy and start kissing. Carly tries to tell him what happened, but the two share an intimate moment, and she decides not to. She apologizes for putting him through everything. They leave for the party.
Jax startles Alexis as she is getting ready for the party. They argue over her relationship with Sonny, and she tells him that things will remain the same as if nothing happened. Jax asks what happened. She tells him that the lines between their friendship and something else got blurred. Jax says she's rationalizing it, and he wants to know how she feels. She wants things to return to how they were before and not have a line-blurring relationship with a client. She asks Jax to escort her to Carly's party. Jax agrees, and she goes to change.
Lucky tells Felicia what happened with Maxie, and he feels awful for hurting her. Felicia thanked him, and he began taking pictures of everyone at the party. Maxie calls her mother a bitch and tells her to stay out of her life, and leaves.
Lucky goes upstairs to get more film and runs into Sarah. She needs help with her zipper, and they begin kissing hot and heavy.
Sonny and Carly arrive, and she tells him to go in; she needs a minute. Jax and Alexis show up, and Carly asks to speak to Alexis for a minute. After Jax goes inside, Carly lays into her and says she and Sonny are back together and that nothing Alexis can do will change that.
Carly and Alexis argued outside about Sonny. Carly told Alexis that Sonny didn't need her, and Alexis tried to walk away. Carly grabbed her arm, and Alexis fell while trying to get away. Sonny came out, and Jax, Ned, and Kristina ran out, concerned. Alexis said she was okay; she slipped and fell. They all looked at Carly, and she denied doing anything and said she didn't push Alexis. Sonny guided Carly back to her party. Alexis told Kristina she was okay. She wanted to speak with Ned and Jax privately. She told them she needed to see a doctor; she just hadn't wanted to make a fuss.
AJ and Courtney arrive, and he says he's not staying, but he wanted to tell her he's glad she is home safe. Courtney asks if she can stay. She wants to spend some time with her brother and Carly. AJ says, of course. Sonny offers to ensure Courtney will get a ride home. Carly pulls Courtney aside for a private conversation.
Maxie was pouting because of her mom and Lucky. She had seen Lucky and Sarah go into Lucky's room. Elizabeth came over to talk to her. Maxie, wanting to stick the knife into someone, told Elizabeth that Lucky and Sarah were together.
"Maxie, is that why you are upset? I understand crushes; sometimes, they don't turn out how you want. I know you are hurting, and hopefully, when you are older, you will recognize this was not the right time for you."
"Why aren't you hurt or angry? Lucky is cheating on you."
"No, he's not. Lucky and I aren't together. We haven't been for months. If Sarah makes him happy, I'm okay with it, but I'm sorry you got hurt."
Jason was there, and he asked Carly if she had told Sonny about faking her death, and she said no. He told her that Sonny wanted him to investigate where she was while she was missing. She said things were going so well. "Tomorrow, Carly. You have until tomorrow."
The party was breaking up, and Carly and Sonny left. Elizabeth asked Bobbie if she could go, and Bobbie said okay. She was leaving as Jason was coming in and asked if he could take her away. Elizabeth takes him to her studio, and he shuts the door and locks it. He pulls the shade down and leads her to the newer, upgraded couch. They take off their jackets and swiftly remove each other's clothes. Elizabeth reaches for a condom and hands it to him. He kisses her and says, "Are you sure?"
"I have been waiting since February."
"February?"
"Yes, that's when the doctor cleared me for sexual activity."
Jason laughs and says, "You are so evil; come here." Jason and Elizabeth make love, and he says, "New couch?"
"Yes. I got a new one in February before I moved back."
"It's more comfortable." They laugh. She rests her head on his chest. "Do you still have the painting of the Wind?"
She turns on her side, "Yes, but it's not right."
He faces her, "But it's mine." She smiles, and he kisses her nose. "I should go. Will you be okay?"
"Yes, I'm glad you are home."
"So am I."
June 2002
Summary
Alexis tells Jax and Ned she is pregnant and asks one of them to pose as the father. On the drive to GH, Alexis confesses her situation. She jokes, "Which of you wants to be my Baby's Daddy?" Alexis moves out of the PH and sees Dr. Meadows at GH.
Jason and Elizabeth reconnect again.
Carly confesses.
Carly wants to get pregnant again.
6/1-9/2002
Elizabeth is stretching on the docks, and Jason eyes her from behind. She slowly turns around and smiles, "Are you spying on me?"
"Just admiring the view."
"Where'd you go after you left last night?"
"I went riding." He kisses her. I got to check in with Sonny."
She smiles, "Okay."
"See you later."
Elizabeth is about to start her run when Carly stops her. "Have you seen Jason?"
"This morning?"
"Yes, this morning. I need to find him. Do you know where he is?"
Elizabeth is having fun, "Not this very moment."
"Oh, my mistake. I guess Jason's not beating down a path to your door."
"Actually, I was just with him a few minutes ago."
"So where is he?"
Elizabeth enjoys tormenting Carly, "Oh, you know Jason. He's not real big one telling anyone where he's going next."
"Elizabeth, if he said anything to you, you need to tell me right now."
"It was a private conversation."
"Oh, I can just imagine how that went. Oh, Jason, I'm so glad you are back so I can follow you around like a puppy dog. You are too timid to go after what you want, and Jason scares you."
"Obviously, it still bothers you that Jason and I are still close. That's why you can't stand me so much."
"There are a hundred other reasons why."
"Maybe, but none of them count like this one. Why are you looking for Jason anyway? Are you looking for him to bail you out of your latest disaster?" Carly shifts her weight and looks away. "That's it, isn't it? You screwed up, and you need Jason to clean up your mess." Elizabeth turns to leave, and Carly grabs her arm.
"Tell me where he is before I smack your whiney face."
Zander rushes to Elizabeth's defense, telling Carly to lay her hands off of her. He asks why she is after Elizabeth. Carly says, "All I want to know is where Jason went?"
"Carly, I'm yanking your chain. Jason went to see Sonny."
"Thanks for nothing, bitch!" Carly rushes off to stop Jason from telling Sonny everything.
Elizabeth had her fun and told Zander she didn't need rescuing. She can handle Carly. Zander wants to know what the deal is with Carly and Jason. Elizabeth isn't biting and says nothing. "Zander, it's not worth figuring out Carly and Jason's friendship. They have their own zip code."
Carly rushes home to try to stop Jason from talking with Sonny.
Jason is waiting for Sonny to tell him about Carly. Carly arrives to hear Jason telling Sonny how he found out where Carly stayed while she was away. She interrupts the conversation as he is about to reveal the final blow. "Jason, it's so good to see you. Can I talk to you? It's…it's about…umm, Elizabeth," she improvises.
Jason pauses; he knows how Carly's mind works. "Whatever you have to say about Elizabeth can wait; this can't. Carly, I gave you a day; times up."
Sonny says, "What the hell did you do this time, Carly?
Carly looks at Jason and back to Sonny. "After my car went into the lake and I climbed out, I knew where I was. I wasn't dazed and confused. I was still pissed at you after finding you in bed with Alexis. I wanted to punish you, Sonny. I don't know who's body was in that casket. I had nothing to do with that. When I saw the news that I was dead, I returned." Carly sobs. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry I scared you and frightened Michael."
Sonny looks at Jason, "Is this true? " He looks to Carly, "Dammit, why do you continue to do shit like this. You don't think about how your actions affect other people. First, you turn me to the Feds, and then you go after AJ when he's done nothing to you except be Michael's father. He loves Michael, and you tried to hinder his sobriety. Now you played dead to punish me!"
Carly continues her crocodile tears. "Sonny, I'm done. I'm done playing games. It won't happen again."
Sonny laughs, "Don't make promises you can't keep. Of course, you'll do it again. You can't help yourself, but dammit, I love you."
Jason, watching the exchange, says, "Carly, I won't always be around to clean up your messes. If you hurt my family or Elizabeth, I won't help you. If you get into other messes, I'll try to help, but I won't always come running to pick you up."
Carly wipes her eyes, "What has Elizabeth done to you to make you turn on me?"
"Elizabeth has nothing to do with this. You don't listen, you don't count to ten, and you intentionally hurt people I care about. If you treated Elizabeth with respect and got to know her, you could be friends. You will forever resent her for helping me when I wouldn't let you. Elizabeth is in my life, accept it or not, but she is not going away unless it's her choice."
As Jason leaves, Carly thinks, "Don't worry, Jason. I'll give her a reason to leave on her choice."
Alexis, Jax, and Ned discuss her predicament. "Ned, Sonny can't know I'm pregnant with his child."
"Sonny's not stupid; he knows how to do basic math."
"Oh, you are right. I could invent a one-night stand."
"Or an old lover."
Jax says, "Or an ex-husband."
"You guys would do that for me?"
Jax says, "Of course; we've seen first-hand what Sonny's life can do to someone he's loved. Brenda."
Ned says, "Lily, too. I could create a public break-up with Kristina and say it's because we slept together."
"No, I won't let you hurt my sister like that. If we were to tell her the truth, she'd want to tell Sonny. She's too honest. Besides, having a kid with you would tie us to your family, and I've seen how your grandfather tries to manipulate AJ."
"I guess it's me then," says Jax. "Skye and I aren't serious, and I don't have a crazy family, save for Jerry, but he's in hiding."
"Can't be worse than my murderous family," Alexis laughs. "Since Helena already sees me as the bastard child of Mikkos, she won't care about my child laying claim to the Cassidine empire."
Jax says, "Okay, we need to devise a plan quickly, and since you are my favorite ex-wife, I think we can make it believable."
"I'm your only ex-wife."
"Semantics."
Jax publicly breaks up with Skye, apologizing for sleeping with Alexis and choosing her over Skye. Skye slaps him and returns to the Quartermines. Jax begins hanging around Alexis daily and invites her to move in with him.
Roscoe returns to Port Charles, and his first stop is Kelly's, where he approaches Elizabeth. She backs away from the counter when she sees him. He says, "Ms. Webber, I'm not here to cause trouble; I came to apologize for my behavior last January."
Zander enters Kelly's and says, "Stay away from Elizabeth."
"I'm not here to cause trouble for you or your friend. Your ex-employer, on the other hand, should sleep with one eye open."
Elizabeth says, "Is he the reason you were beat up last week?"
"I think you know why I was beat up."
"Yes, you know how Sonny feels about betrayal. He only gave you a pass with AJ because it involved Carly. I saw you take money from Roscoe. You were pissed because Jason returned, and you couldn't stand that Sonny trusted Jason more. Zander, I have tried giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you sometimes make it difficult for anyone to defend you."
"You condone what Jason did?"
"No, but I didn't condone what you did either. Don't pretend to call yourself a victim."
"How do I fix things?"
"Honesty and asking for forgiveness. Don't betray him if you want to exist in Sonny's orbit. If you want to co-exist, keep your distance."
Zander approaches Jason, and Jason tells him to walk away. "Jason, I'm sorry. I'll walk away, but I wanted to warn you. Roscoe approached Elizabeth in Kelly's and made a veiled threat toward you and Sonny."
"Did he threaten Elizabeth?"
"Not that I saw."
"Thank you, Zander. I know you are trying to make amends, and Elizabeth is too kind and forgiving. For her sake, you get another chance. Don't fuck it up."
6/10-23/2002
Jason confers with Sonny and tells him what Zander said. Sonny says, "Take care of Roscoe. He's a threat to Carly, our business, and Elizabeth."
"He'll be gone by tomorrow."
Kelly's:
Courtney started working at Kelly's despite AJ's objections. She claimed she didn't want to rely on AJ's family money; she wanted to have spending money she'd earned. Carly told her AJ would feel emasculated if she worked at Kelly's. She also tells Courtney that her best friend Jason is another way to get to AJ. AJ is very jealous of his brother. All Courtney needs to do is cozy up to Jason.
"I don't know Carly. Jason seems interested in Elizabeth Webber."
"That twit? No, Jason only feels sorry for her."
Elizabeth exits Kelly's and sees Jason looking at an envelope containing a cashier's check. "Let me guess, you won the lottery?"
"It's for the AIDS charities at GH. I do it for Robin, and Sonny does it for Stone."
"The Day of Compassion. GH opted for the charity donations this year instead of the Nurses Ball."
"Yes, do you and Robin still keep in touch?"
"Occasionally, she sends me updates. She's doing well in her classes. I haven't told her about you or what happened to me. Only Dad, Gail, and Terry know the whole story."
"And me."
"And you. Were you sorry or relieved?"
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry you had to go through that. My job makes it difficult to be a father, but I would welcome a child if that happens."
Zander visits an old friend and discovers she has full-blown AIDS. Her apartment is shabby, she has no money, and her insurance has maxed out. She says her parents will take her son when she's gone, but she's scared. Zander gives her what money he has left and says he knows someone who could help with the insurance. Zander calls Sonny, and when he answers, Zander says, "Sonny, don't hang up. I need a favor, not for me but a friend." Zander explains to Sonny the situation with his friend Lisa. Sonny says to give him the address, and he'll take care of the insurance.
6/24-30/2002
The Crypt
Elizabeth finds Jason on the docks and sees him talking with Courtney. She says, "I wasn't eavesdropping."
He smiles and says, "Jealous?"
"No, should I be?" He kisses her and says, Nope.
Benny interrupts them and says he needs a moment. He pulls Jason away and says, "Roscoe is gone, but his people aren't. They know you did the job; they could retaliate."
"Alright, thank you." Jason runs to Elizabeth and says, "Please come with me now."
Elizabeth knows it's serious and will ask questions later. "Okay."
He takes her to the studio and says until further notice, they need to stay away from each other. "Why, what happened?"
"All I can tell you is you could be in danger from the men who worked for the guy who attacked you in January and came to see you in Kelly's two weeks ago. Zander told me about it."
"Is he involved?"
"Please, Elizabeth, stay away from him too. I can put a guard on you, but I'd rather you stay in the studio until I know more."
"Okay, please be careful."
He kisses her before he leaves.
Elizabeth tries working on an art project that has frustrated her when two men enter her studio. "Look who's here. If it isn't Jason Morgan's little girlfriend."
"No, no, I'm not his girlfriend."
"Well, you better hope Mogan thinks otherwise; you better hope he's madly in love with you. Your life depends on it."
Zander looks for Elizabeth, but her studio door is left open, and her purse and keys are on the floor. He hears a scream and runs to the window to see Elizabeth screaming and shoved into a car. He runs to Jake's to find Jason. "They took Elizabeth!"
"Who took her?"
"I don't know. Two guys shoved her into a car, and one of them worked for Roscoe."
"Fuck, let's go!"
They spend several hours searching, and Zander is pissing Jason off. Jason wishes he did not have to rely on Zander's word that it was one of Roscoe's men. He says, "You fed information to Roscoe about Sonny for 10k; how can I trust anything you say? Go home. Sonny has people looking for her, too."
Zander wants to go off on his own, and Jason tells him he needs to calm down. They find a note on the wall with instructions to be at Elm Street Pier by noon. Jason tells Zander to let him handle it, and Zander tells him he no longer takes orders from him. Jason reminds Zander whoever took Elizabeth was trying to get to him.
Zander replies, "No way. I'm the one who told you what happened. You got me thrown out of Sonny's organization. I can make it up to him."
"Zander, I don't have time for this. They are sending me a message. They could be watching us. You will only get in the way." Jason runs to the address and waits by the payphone, hoping for a call.
The men push Elizabeth into a dark room and slam the door shut. She screams and can't get out. She feels like she is underground. She gave up smoking years ago, but she checks her pockets for the matches she always snags at Jakes to use for candles at the studio. She lights one and can't figure out where she is. The flame burns out, singeing her fingers.
The man who kidnapped Elizabeth forces her to call Jason. She yells that it's a trap. The man says, "I'll call in one hour. Next time, follow instructions; come alone, and maybe she'll live."
"Just tell me what you want." The line goes dead, and Jason slams the phone down. Zander appears, and Jason punches him. "I told you not to come! That was them, and they said I didn't follow instructions. If something happens to Elizabeth because of your fuck-up, I'll kill you."
Zander returns the punch, furious his input is being ignored. Taggert, on cue, arrests both of them. Jason calls Sonny and tells him he's been arrested and needs to get out ASAP! An hour passes, and the pay phone rings and rings. Jason wishes he'd have killed the kid when he betrayed Sonny. He tells Zander if he's not waiting by that phone, something could happen to Elizabeth. Zander finally understands and is blubbering; he is the one who swung first, not Jason, but the PCPD doesn't care. Jason glares at Zander and prays for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth paces the floor, feeling claustrophobic. She's scared, but she believes Jason and Sonny will find her.
After Sonny threatens legal action for false arrest, Taggert gives up on playing with his prey and releases Jason and Zander. Back at the PH, after hearing Zander whine the way there, Sonny wishes they would have left Zander in lock-up. Jason worries that Zander would have revealed to Taggert what happened to Elizabeth. Zander leaves, convinced he can rescue Elizabeth without help from Sonny or Jason. Jason knows Zander is a screw-up and will make him pay if he hurts Elizabeth.
Thinking he can find Elizabeth, Zander screws up and gets taken and thrown into the crypt, too. He tries to calm a panicky Elizabeth. He accidentally breaks a gas line, and there isn't much time left.
Jason gets clues about where Elizabeth might be, and Benny provides some old mob history of a family with a crypt. Jason gets to the crypt and smells the gas. After several attempts, he gets inside and finds an unconscious Elizabeth. He carries her outside and pleads with her to wake up. Jason holds her and kisses her. She tells him that Zander is still inside. Sonny attempts to enter, and flames explode in the sky. Jason shields Elizabeth with his body.
While this part of the OG storyline ends on 7/8/2002, in this one, Elizabeth is rescued by 6/30/2002. The remainder of the Crypt continues in July.
6/26-30/2002
Rick Webber is back in Port Charles and happily reunites with Laura, Lesley, and his brother. Alan is upset to see Rick talking to Monica. He claims to be there for his daughter and Luke's wedding, but he's a month early.
Laura walks into Kelly's and tells Bobbie about Rick returning to town and finding her wedding dress in the upstairs garage attic. She says she is missing memories she feels she should have. Maxie teases LuLu about ghosts in the garage attic. Later, Laura tells her stepfather that she couldn't remember the attic room until a few days ago.
A/N:
Should Zander survive or perish?
Should Laura stay sane or go crazy?
Should Rick get a happy ever after?
July 2002