Chapter 10
Thank you to Trini12180 and guest for your reviews.
A/N: I'm making Carly a little more slutier, and self-absorbed. There will come a time when several men are potential fathers of her unborn baby, and Carly tries to manipulate the results. The timeline of events is off due to Jason's initial accident and romance with Robin. Robin is more assertive. Certain events have been changed to fit the story. Don't worry, Liason is still 'endgame,' and Elizabeth will return to Port Charles. Elizabeth is more like she was when she first appeared. She is more kickass and self-assured, refuses to be a placeholder, and fights to be first. There are more surprises to come.
Elizabeth keeps in touch with her Port Charles Family and finds out that her parents are divorcing. Steven keeps up the rent on her studio and occasionally uses it as a place to crash instead of going home.
Port Charles, New York
3/16/95-5/1/95
Jason and Robin forge a friendship. She helps him to understand and learn new things. She guides him to care about others and be responsible. She reveals her HIV status, and he is sympathetic and shows feelings for her. Over time, her heart opens up to him. Jason is still learning and cannot relate to emotion and relationships when it comes to casual sex with strangers because the girl you care about is worried about infecting you. Jason hooks up with a girl who he rescued from a drunk patron. He didn't get her name and never saw her again. She satisfied his urges, but he really wanted to be with Robin. He didn't care about the risks but respected her choices.
With Robin's encouragement, Jason visits and forms a relationship with his Grandmother, Lila. He loves to see her smile. She is always gracious and accepting. If Alan and Monica are home, Jason will share a meal with them. His verbal communication is limited to answering their questions more than asking about their life, but they take what they can from the son who doesn't remember them.
AJ and Steven would go to Jake's a few times a week. AJ would catch up with his brother and Steven because even though Elizabeth told him she didn't want to hear about Jason's life, he wanted to know. He liked the young man when he was a Quartermaine, and he enjoyed getting to know the man as Jason Morgan.
Carly Roberts gets close to Tony Jones. Her plan is working. She creates a wedge between Bobbie and Tony. She has convinced herself that Tony will leave Bobbie for her. They get into a fight over his leaving her for a family engagement. She thinks, "If only Tony knew I was more family than him."
Carly heads to Jake's to play pool and hopefully meet a guy who will make her forget about the renowned neurosurgeon.
AJ is sharing a beer with Jason when Steven walks in. Jason waves him over. "I have that part for your bike. My shift is over; we could look at it together and test drive it once I install it. AJ, are we good?"
"Yeah, go. I'll finish your beer for you."
Carly walks in and eyes the cute guy at the bar. She remembers seeing him from the hospital. She heard he was one of the Quartermaines. She thinks, "Quartermaines are rich."
Carly says, "Hi! Can I interest you in a game of pool?"
"Sure. It had been months since Juila Barrett, Brenda's older sister, left town. They had a brief relationship before she left and sold him her shares in the PC Hotel. The young woman in her early 20s was attractive and dressed a little slutty. AJ didn't mind. He was intrigued when she wouldn't tell him her name. They play and drink beer. Carly wants to stick it to Tony.
Jason returns, and Jake asks, "Where is Steven?"
"He went home. Did AJ go home, too?"
Jake stammers, "Uhh, Jason. AJ took the master keys from the register and took a girl upstairs to your room. I didn't think you'd mind."
"That's okay; I'll call and see if Robin wants to go for a ride," Jason calls Robin and writes a note, "AJ, change the sheets before you leave."
Jason picks Robin up at her Uncle Macs'. They end up on the bridge, and he kisses her for the first time. After an hour of talking and his arms holding her, he drives her home. He shows one side of him to her, Lila, and Emily, and another to everyone else. He has a side where he shows kindness, patience, and love to some, but to others, he shows no emotion and uncontrolled anger. Jason doesn't mind working at Jake's. He gets to let out his frustrations, but the job doesn't challenge him.
One afternoon, he sees a rail train moving fast. He loves his motorcycle as he can ride fast on it, but he sees the cars hooked up, one after the other, and he gets a thrill watching it go by. The following day, he watches the trains slowly go through town and hops on the end. The train picks up speed, and he climbs up the ladder to the top. Jason starts running and jumps over each car. He screams and laughs. A few onlookers see a man hopping over the trains and several cars and call the PCPD. When the trains slow down to pick up freight, Jason hops off. Two officers are waiting for him and place him under arrest. Jason is allowed one phone call. He only knows three numbers, and he won't call the Quartermaines. He doesn't want to involve Jake in his personal life. The other number he knows is Robins. Mac tries to question Jason and explains how dangerous and illegal train surfing is. Jason stays silent and waits for Robin.
Robin arrives and stops her uncle from questioning Jason. All of Jason's money is in his room at Jake's. Robin tried to get him to open an account at a bank and get checks and a credit card, but when he stopped using his trust fund, he wanted nothing to do with banks.
Robin says, "Uncle Mac, could you release Jason? He'll pay the fine."
"Train surfing is a serious offense. It's dangerous."
Jason says, "Your uncle is the police commissioner?"
"Yes, Mac, could you let this slide?"
Mac shakes his head. He knows better than to argue with his headstrong niece. She's told him about Jason and how he's changed, is learning new things, and doesn't understand rules and laws. "Okay, fine. Jason, I'm letting you off with a warning. I don't ever want to see you train surfing again."
Robin says, "Thanks, Uncle Mac. Jason, do you want a ride back to your bike?" She laughs and grabs his arm, and they walk away.
Jason is headed to Jake's when he hears gunfire. He hides in an alley and watches two men fight over a backpack. One man gets away; the other is dead with the case next to him. Jason kneels and opens the bag. At first glance, he sees the stacks of $100 bills and guestimates about $100,000 inside. He grabs the bag and takes it to his room above Jake's. Jason dumps the bag on his bed and says, "Holly Shit!" Jason doesn't know what to do with the money. He wants to keep it and spend it on something nice for Robin. Jason thinks finder's keepers, but he needs Robin's advice.
When Robin arrives, Jason points to the bed. She says, "Jason, where did you get that?" Jason explains how he found the money. "Jason, this money is illegal. You cannot keep this."
"What should I do with it?"
Robin says, "Sonny Corothinos would know what to do."
Jason takes the money to Sonny and discovers it is Sonny's money. Sonny offers him a reward and a job. He warns Jason that his world holds power that the Quartermaines can't touch. Jason likes that idea.
Milan, Italy
3/16-5/1/1995
During the flight, Elizabeth opens the rest of her gifts. Gramp and Gram gave her a 'Learn to Speak Italian' book. Steven gave her an English-to-Italian slang phrasebook. Alan and Monica gave her a guidebook of places to visit.
The Cassidine Jet lands safely in Milan, Italy. Nikolas arranges for a car to take them to the International Hotel for the night. In the morning, they will go to the villa, and a staffer will explain how to get around the cities.
After Nikolas helps Elizabeth settle in, he heads back to the airport. They embrace, and he wishes her luck. "I'll check back in a few weeks. Call if you need anything."
"Thank you, Nikolas. Please thank your uncle for me."
Over the next few weeks, Elizabeth immerses herself in Italian culture and language. She found a café near the villa, and while she usually favors hot chocolate, she has grown to enjoy a morning cappuccino. She sketches along the Naviglio della Martesanacanal. Word got around about the young, beautiful, petite woman from America. Young to middle-aged men would approach Elizabeth and flirt with her every day. She would blush and politely reject them from the Italian phrases she'd learned from Steven's translation book. Elizabeth would use the ATM Milan's public transportation services to get around, and Chloe Morgan's company was one of the places.
Elizabeth sent postcards, letters, and pictures to PC, USA. Despite the support she's gotten from strangers, this is the first time she's been on her own without family. She loves the sense of independence she never had in Sarevjo or during school in Boulder.
One morning, as she's drinking her coffee, a young man approaches her. He says, "Bella?"
"No, my name is Elizabeth."
"I'm sorry, Bella is Italian for Elizabeth. My name is Max."
Elizabeth smiles politely and says, "Buongioro Singor, Max."
"People at the café tell me they've seen you sketching along the canal. Do you paint, too?"
"Yes. I need to find a place nearby that sells oils."
My sister Francesca has a shop. She also displays local artist's pieces. If you want to bring a few paintings, she can try to sell them."
"I don't know if they are that good, but I'll take the address for the oils."
Max nods and writes the address of his sister's shop. He asks her where she is from. "I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, spent a year in Sarevejo, Bosnia, and, more recently, lived in Port Charles, New York."
Max says, "My Pop has business associates in Port Charles. What can you tell me about Sonny Corothinos?"
"Not much. I was only in Port Charles for three months, and for two of them, I was either in the hospital or home-bound."
"My apologies. I hope you are feeling better. Would you like to have dinner with my family this week?"
Elizabeth shakes her head and says, "I'm flattered, but I'm not in the right place to see anyone right now."
Max's face turns red. "Again, my apologies. I was not hitting on you. I'd like you to meet Francesca, and maybe you could provide information to my father."
"I'll meet your sister and let you know about the rest."
Max smiles and says, "Ciao Bella."
Elizabeth collected her sketch pad and bag and asked a server about scooter rentals.
Elizabeth checks out Francesca's shop and discovers a friendship she never had with Sarah. Francesca would join Elizabeth for morning coffee, follow her, and watch her sketch. Elizabeth invited her to the villa and showed her the paintings. Francesca eventually convinced Elizabeth to come to dinner with the family. Max became a younger version of Steven, and Milo was like a puppy dog following his older brothers' every move. The father, Maximus, was overbearing and a little scary. He asked several questions Elizabeth couldn't answer. She found a few friends in Port Charles but only knew about Sonny from what Robin said regarding Stone. Her other friend is Nikolas Cassidine, whose vila she's staying at.
Francesca persuaded Elizabeth to display some of her pieces at her shop. Elizabeth received several offers and sold some of her paintings.
Nikolas came for a visit, and Emily tagged along. Emily avoided talking about Jason. Elizabeth gave Emily a tour and introduced her to Francesca. Every night after Emily went to bed, Nikolas and Elizabeth would drink wine. He told her what he knew about Jason and Robin. He couldn't bring himself to tell her about the rumors that Jason was working for the local mob boss, Sonny Corothinos.
One night, after too much wine, Nikolas makes a pass at Elizabeth. He leaned in for a kiss, and Elizabeth responded. She pulled away, explaining she hadn't gotten over Jason and was not ready for anyone else.
Nikolas says, "Elizabeth, Jason doesn't remember you. He likes Robin Scorpio. He's moved on."
"Nikolas, that isn't fair. I still remember Jason. I'm fine. I like my life here. If this causes a problem, I can find other living arrangements."
"No, I'm sorry for being forward. I'm fine with our friendship. You can stay here as long as you want."
Nikolas and Emily return to PC laden with presents from Italy.
After Nikolas and Emily return to the US, Elizabeth confides in Francesca about the love she lost due to an accident and her miscarriage. Francesca expresses more sympathy than her sister ever did.
Port Charles, NY
5/2/1995-8/30/1995
AJ fights Ned for control over ELQ and wins. Whenever Carly would argue with Tony, she would call AJ, and they would meet at a suite at the PC Hotel. One night, when Carly couldn't reach AJ, she ran into Steven at Jake's.
Jason starts at the bottom, working as a courier for Sonny. He quits his job as a bouncer but continues to help Jake with the books. He and Robin become frequent guests at Sonny's PH. Sonny and Lily dance after dinner one night. Sonny asks Robin to dance. Jason watches them when Lily, Sonny's wife, asks him to dance. Jason says he doesn't know how.
Lily says, "I'll teach you, it's easy."
Sonny teases Jason as he continues to dance with Robin.
Lily shows Jason a few steps, and he picks it up quickly. Lily says, "I thought you didn't know how to dance."
"I thought I didn't, but maybe Jason Quartermaine did. There are some things that he knew that are like muscle memory. I have retained some medical knowledge, and I'm good with numbers. That had to come from somewhere."
Robin asks Jason to dance. He enjoys dancing with Robin but doesn't understand why he is thinking about dancing with Elizabeth.
Jason wants to take Robin away for the weekend. Sonny recommends Montauk. Robin hoped she'd be over her worries about infecting Jason, and Jason was worried about being second to Stone. Robin assured him he was not second but separate. Once Robin explained to him her worries, Jason understood. They made love without the physical act of intercourse. Jason confessed his one-night stand, and Robin felt she was not enough for Jason. Jason told her after the night they had, she was more than enough.
They had dinner at a restaurant Sonny recommended. Another courier found Jason and asked him to complete one of his assignments. As the man the courier was to meet was instead Jason, he was attacked and sent to the hospital. Alan was alerted to Jason's admittance to a local hospital, which led to his transfer to GH. Robin was waiting for him back at the motel when she received a call about Jason's condition. Sonny arranges a car for Robin, and she hurries to see Jason.
Meanwhile, Carly checks Jason's vitals to record in his chart. She notices his physique. She comments that maybe she chose the wrong Quartermaine. Jason says, "My name is Jason Morgan, not Quartermaine. I'm not interested. You should stick with my brother."
Robin arrives, and Carly asks, "Who are you?"
"I'm the girlfriend."
Carly mutters, "We'll see."
After a reunion with Jason, Sonny asks Robin for privacy. She leaves to check on Brenda and Jax. Sonny reems Jason for taking a job he wasn't prepared for. He was attacked because the contact didn't know him. Sonny insists Jason listen to him regarding future jobs. I'm cultivating contacts in Italy. If you plan on continuing employment, do not stray from my orders.
Milan, Italy
5/2/1995-8/30/1995
Elizabeth grows closer to the Giambetti family. Francisca invites Elizabeth to art functions and nightclubs, giving Elizabeth opportunities to wear Chloe Morgan's designs. She's asked out on a few dates, and with Franciscas urging, she accepts.
Elizabeth joins Francisca for their morning coffee and pastries. Elizabeth says, "Frannie, why did I listen to you? Last night was the third loser I had a date with."
"What was wrong with this one? Bad breath, body order? Bad table manners? I swear, Bella, you are way too picky."
"Too handsy. I might have broken one of his fingers. He was lucky it wasn't his hand."
"Is that how you held off the guys in Sarevjo?"
Elizabeth laughs, "My nickname was Beautiful Warrior. Most of them knew not to go after the nurse, who could flip them and pin them down if they were too forward. I was grateful for the self-defense courses I took."
"So this guy, does he have a name? I could ask Max or Milo to pay him a visit."
"Ha, ha. I can take care of myself."
Port Charles, New York
9/1/1995-10/31
Robin and Jason grow closer. He rescues her from an emotional moment at the Nurses Ball. Carly observes and wonders if she should still pursue Jason because she thinks he's been exposed to HIV. She still has Tony to manipulate, has sex with AJ, and enjoys an occasional romp with Steven. Steven brings Carly to the studio, and Carly walks around the room, turning her nose up in her surroundings. She runs her fingers on top of the dust Steven neglected to clean. "Why did you take me here?"
"It's my sister's place. She's in Italy. You said you wanted privacy."
"Your sister was the nurse who was in the hospital?
"Yes, she's better now."
"She paints too? What is she doing in Italy? How does she know the Quartermaines?"
"You ask many questions for someone who wants to get laid. Why do you care?"
"I heard rumors of her and Jason Morgan."
"Carly, I like you. You are good in bed, but my sister and her friendships are off-limits. If you have problems with that, I'll take you home, and we can call it quits."
"Relax, I was making conversation. Don't get your panties in a twist over your…." Carly clears her throat and stops commenting on a personal attack against Steven's sister. "I'll respect your choices." Carly wanted to say, "Your porcelain princess sister." Carly didn't understand how Elizabeth could be in Italy without connections, even with the money from the Webber/Hardy family.
Jason has a few brushes with the law for minor offenses. He's been involved in many altercations with Sonny's enemies. He is soon promoted from mid-level courier to enforcing Sonny's demands and protecting him and those he loves. Sonny's wife is killed in a car bomb meant for him. Sonny has a near breakdown, and Robin is there for him.
Robin's friends and family are concerned about Robin spending time with Jason and the dangers it brings.
Sonny refuses to allow drugs to be shipped through the waterfront piers he owns. This causes problems with people who want to traffic drugs in Port Charles.
Dr. Pierce Dorman created many problems for the staff during his tenure at GH. Despite his bigoted behavior toward Stone when Stone was a patient, Dr. Hardy did not have enough cause to fire him. He was accused of sexual harassment, but when questioned, the nurses refused to testify out of fear and implied threats. A friend of Emily's dies of a drug overdose, and Emily asks Jason to find out where it came from. Dorman overheard the request and, to cover up his involvement, slipped Emily drugs, which caused an overdose and Emily wanting to fly off the Quartermaine roof. Jason traces it back to the hospital and eventually to Dorman. Jason stops Monica from killing Dorman, and he gets away. Dorman's associate panics and kills him. The hitman tries to kill Jason, wounding him and Robin.
Robin and Jason break up due to the danger. Sonny rekindles his romance with Brenda and, while on vacation, kills the hitman known as the Tin Man in defense of Brenda.
Sonny tells Jason to take his place in a meeting with associates in Italy. Sonny says, "Maximus Giambetti controls the international organization. He wants to send his sons to Port Charles to learn the business. I need you to meet with them and broker an arrangement. Jason agrees and checks on his family before leaving town.
Jason meets AJ at Jake's and says, "I'll be out of the country for at least two weeks. Keep an eye out for Emily and make sure Grandmother is happy. Could you please bring her flowers from me? If you need to use my room for any hookups, remember to clean the room and change the sheets."
Jason runs into Robin at the Outback before leaving for the airport. Despite their breakup, they've remained friends, and he wishes her luck in her interview for admission to Yale.
Milan, Italy
9/1/1995-10/31
Francesca, Max, and Milo gave Elizabeth a Ducati motorcycle and told her it was time to ditch the scooter rental. Maximus pulled strings and got Elizabeth the certification to work in a local clinic to offer her nursing skills. Elizabeth enjoyed helping people. Elizabeth also treated a few of Maximus' associates when they didn't want to go to the Ospedale.
Francesca joins Elizabeth's kickboxing classes. In her spare time, Elizabeth continued to sketch and paint. She offered painting classes to the local children.
Elizabeth joins the family for dinner, and Maximus says, "Bella, I'm entertaining Mr. Corothinos next week. I'd like you to join the family in welcoming him to Italy."
"Maximus, I've told you I don't know Sonny Corothinos. I don't know how I could help."
"Bella, you will leave us one day and return to your home. I want you to have the protection Mr. Corothinos and his organization can provide. Please indulge an old man in his request. Max and Milo may travel soon, but until they do, Corothinos will watch out for my Bella." He kisses Elizabeth's each cheek.
Elizabeth blushes, laughs, and says, "Old man mi' culo."
Francesca says, "Poppa, Elizabeth is strong; please allow her to make her own decisions."
"Oy vey!" He laughs. "My women are killing me."
Max says, "So said your last ex-wife." Maximus pretends to smack his eldest son but stops himself and chuckles.
"Bella, Francesca will inform you of the next gathering."
Francesca and Elizabeth leave to go nightclubbing before returning to the villa. Francesca spends the night and promises to let Elizabeth know when Maximus requests her presence.
One afternoon after working at the clinic, Elizabeth receives a message from Francesca inviting her back for a reception to welcome Sonny Corothinos to Italy in three days. She wants to go dress shopping with Elizabeth for one of Chloe Morgan's designs.