Chapter 15
"Cupid's End"
Room 508

As Gianna unlocked and slowly opened the door to their room Liz instinctively took Jason’s hand. Thinking they would be staying in a standard motel room an unexpected surprise greeted them as they entered the room. In the middle of the room sat a huge canopy bed draped with sheer white fabric occupied the center of the room. White and ivory candles of all shapes and sizes stood lit through out the room as rose petals of various hues lay strewn across the bed. Without realizing it Liz tightens her hold of Jason’s hand.

Gianna- Oh, I’m sorry. I should have warned you. But with the name of this place being Cupid’s End this is how every room is.
Liz- That’s ok. The room is supposed to fit the name I take it.
Gianna- Yeah, our motto is "Cupid’s End…the place where old love ends and new love begins again".
Liz- [quietly speaking] Oh…
Gianna- Well…if there is anything you need, we are just a call away.
Liz- Everything will be fine, thank you. [As Gianna left she realized she was still tightly holding Jason’s hand] Oh I’m sorry [quickly releasing his hand]
Jason- That’s ok…[not sure what else to say they were quiet for a few seconds] Do…do you want me to blow out some of these candles?
Liz- No they…they’re fine. Really Jason they’re ok.
Jason- Liz, if you want we can always go and try to find someplace else…
Liz- No the room is fine, just a little more than what I thought it would be but it’s ok. We’re only gonna be here for one night. Besides there’s no other place we can go to, everything else was closed and even if it wasn’t your bike is not running and we wouldn’t be able to get there even if there was.
Jason- I know you’re tired of constantly reassuring me but I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable here with me.
Liz- Jason I will never be uncomfortable around or with you. [she smiled touched by Jason’s concern] And I know you are only asking me because you care, but I promise you everything is fine.
Jason- Ok, but if you feel the least bit uncomfort…
Liz- [smiling] I won’t.
Jason- [he smiled relived that Liz was ok with the room. Despite himself he muttered] Cool room though.
Liz- Yeah it is. [She sighed as she slowly walked around the room taking in all of it’s splendor] Very romantic…it is a lover’s escape.
Jason- [noticing her sudden change in attitude] I uh…never really asked you, but what were you trying to get away from when you saw me on the docks?
Liz- [sighing again] The same as always…Lucky. [She paused as she stopped beside the bed and lightly touched the rose petals strewn across it. She softly continued] Something has changed between us and nothing I do seems to help.
[Sensing Liz needed to talk Jason quickly moved a chair closer to the bed in case she needed to hold hid hand. As he sat in the chair he softly asked] Jason- Changed…changed how?
[Liz sat on the end of the bed near Jason. She lowered her head as she pulled her legs close to her chest] Liz- [whispering] I don’t think he loves me anymore.
Jason- Of course Lucky loves you, he would be a fool not to.
Liz- I know…I mean in my heart I know he loves me but…
Jason- But what? [She paused not answering. Jason realized Liz was quietly crying and he suddenly felt guilty for bringing her unneeded pain. Feeling the need to apologize he lowered his voice as he quickly said] I’m sorry that my questions made you cry. You don’t have to answer them.
Liz- [slowly shaking her head] You didn’t make me cry, as a matter of fact you are the reason I haven’t been crying the day away.
Jason- [speaking softly] We…we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.
Liz- I know but I’m gonna have to face it sooner or later.
Jason- Well I’m always here when you need me…
Liz- [quickly wiping away her tears she looked up at Jason and softly smiled] I know and thank you. [She paused as she took another deep breath and slowly continued] I know Lucky loves me and I love him too, but lately when I look at him…it’s like I’m looking at a stranger.
Jason- He still hasn’t recovered yet?
Liz- That’s just it, he has. Once Helena’s brainwashing was discovered Luke, Laura, and Nikolas did everything they could to help him and somehow the old Lucky came back. But this great love, our great love I thought would come back too hasn’t.
Jason- What has Lucky said about it?
Liz- Nothing he goes through the motions and says he loves me but it isn’t the same. It isn’t there.
Jason- Then why are you still with him. I mean if everything has changed and you don’t feel any love from him, why are you staying?
Liz- Because…
Jason- Because what?
Liz- He stood by me and helped me when I was raped and I couldn’t leave him…I mean I had to stay by his side and help him through this.
Jason- So you feel obligated to stand by him?
Liz- [speaking quietly ashamed to admit the reason she was still with Lucky] In a way yes…
Jason- Even it if means you get hurt in the end?
Liz- How am I being hurt? I’m choosing to stay by the man that helped me, the man that loved me when I thought no one else would. How can doing that hurt me?
Jason- Elizabeth everyone deserves to be loved.
Liz- But Lucky does love me, just not the same way I…

[Jason reached out and took Liz’s small hands in his so that she looked at him] Jason- Elizabeth you deserve as much love, if not more, as you give. Never settle for anything else than that.
Liz- [whispering] I know…but that’s easier said than done. When Lucky came back and we were still not together I told everyone I was fine with it because I was strong and I could be by myself. But I lied. I lied because I don’t want to be alone. I want someone who will hold me through the night and tell me that he loves me. I want somebody who can wipe away my tears when I cry and make me laugh when I don’t want to.
Jason- And you deserve that and more.
Liz- I thought Lucky was the person who would do that. And when he came back to me and finally told me that he loved me, I thought I was getting all of that back but…but I don’t…

Slowly tears began to flow again and Jason’s heart hurt to see Liz in such pain. He gently reached out and wiped away her tears. He stood and took her in his arms comforting her as best he could. When he crying stopped Jason stepped away from her and wiped away one last tear.

Jason- [gently smiling as he looked at Liz] Ok, the next time I talk about something other than my bike…ignore me.
Liz- [seeing the serious look on his face she could not help but laugh] I’m ok. I guess it was just building up for so long.
Jason- [smiling] You sure, cause I can launch into a talk about gear shifts and fuel lines on my bike if you want me to.
Liz- [finally smiling] That’s ok…maybe next time though.
Jason- Ok…
Liz- [reaching out to softly touch his face] Thank you…
Jason- For what?
Liz- Being you...
Jason- [smiling] It’s not that hard.
Liz- [smiling] If you say so… [her smile quickly disappears]
Jason- What’s wrong?
Liz- I…I just remembered I uh need to call home.
Jason- I can stay in here with you while you make your call if you need me to.
Liz- No I’ll be all right, I think I need to be myself when I make this call.
Jason- Ok, I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.
Liz- I know…

Taking a deep breath she reached for the phone and slowly dialed Lucky’s number.

Chapter 16
Phone calls
~Liz~

Lucky- Hello…
Liz- Hey Lucky, it’s me Elizabeth.
Lucky- Liz where are you? I’ve been looking for you all day.
Liz- I…I went for a ride with Jason on his bike and…
Lucky- Jason, why am I not surprised?
Liz- Don’t start…
Lucky- Where are you now? Are you on your way over here?
Liz- Um…well
Lucky- What now?
Liz- The bike broke down while we were riding and it wont be fixed until the morning.
Lucky- What has that got to do with you? I’m sure Jason doesn’t need you to hold his hand until it’s fixed.
Liz- Well, we were not close to Port Charles when it broke down so we just decided to stay the night…
Lucky- Stay the night? So you’re telling me that you are spending the night with Jason in some other city nowhere near Port Charles.
Liz- Yes, but it’s not like we have much of a choice.
Lucky- [trying his best to keep his growing anger from his voice] You always have a choice Elizabeth and I can see what yours is.
Liz- [not understanding his reaction] Lucky it’s not even like that…
Lucky- Like what?
Liz- Like you are suggesting…
Lucky- I didn’t suggest anything, you must be feeling guilty about something.
Liz- [shocked] What would I have to feel guilty over?
Lucky- Nevermind…
Liz- No, what was your last comment about?
Lucky- Liz the only thing that keeps coming between us is Jason, and it’s just too convenient that you two got stranded somewhere together.
Liz- [confused] Coming between us? I told you the bike broke down and there was no way for us to get home.
Lucky- All Jason has to do is pick up the phone and you could be home in an instant. So you should come up with a better excuse.
Liz- Excuse…it wasn’t supposed to be an excuse. Look Lucky I didn’t call there to argue…
Lucky- Then why did you call?
Liz- [fighting to hide the hurt his attitude was causing her from her voice she continues] I was calling to tell you where I was so you wouldn’t worry.
Lucky- Whatever…
Liz- Lucky…
Lucky- I’m sorry….where exactly are you?
Liz- We’re about 2 ½ to 3 hours outside of Port Charles. We’re staying at a hotel by the name of "Cupid’s End" and the number here is…
Lucky- [as he angrily hung up the phone] "Cupid’s End" huh… thanks but I don’t think I need the number. I’ll see you when you and Jason get back.

After he slammed the receiver down Liz quickly redialed his number ready to question him as to why he hung up on her. But he never answered the phone and she knew he was purposely avoiding her call. He was angry and did not want to talk to her and there was nothing she could do. Knowing Jason was listening in case she called out to him she buried her face in her hands and silently sobbed for what she and Lucky was slowly losing.

~Jason~

He needed to get this call over with as soon as possible, from the sound of Elizabeth’s voice during her conversation with Lucky he knew she would need someone to lean on. after several rings the phone was answered with an annoyed "Hello?"
Jason- Carly?
Carly- Yeah…
Jason- What are you doing answering Sonny’s cell phone?
Carly- He told me to answer it, what do you want?
Jason- Is everything ok there?
Carly- Yeah, but we were kinda in the middle of something.
Jason- [realizing what Carly was talking about he spoke hurriedly] Oh…um I need to talk to Sonny though.
Carly- What is it? What’s wrong now?
Jason- Carly I need to talk with Sonny.
Carly [angered that Jason would not tell her what was up…she’ll just get out of Sonny later] Fine…whatever…make it fast.
Sonny- Hey Jason, what’s wrong?
Jason- Nothing, I was just calling to tell you I’ll be out of town until the morning so if something comes up get Johnny to deal with it. You can’t call me on my cell phone…most of the battery is gone and…
Sonny- Jason is everything ok…you don’t sound right.
Jason- Yeah I mean no….yeah everything is fine.
Sonny- Jason what is it?
Jason- We…the bike broke down and I’ll be out of touch until the morning that’s all.
Sonny- [catching what he said] We?
Jason- Yeah, Liz…Liz is with me and we…we gotta stay over night but we’ll be back in the morning.
Sonny- [knowing Jason’s growing feelings for Liz] You sure it’s a good idea to stay? You know I can send…
Jason- It was her choice to stay.
Sonny- Is that safe? I mean…
Jason- Nothing’s going to happen, I would never do anything that would cause her pain. Besides she’s going through enough with Lucky that I wouldn’t dump what I was feeling on top of that.
Sonny- [knowing Carly was listening he chose his words carefully] I know, but you know…I know you are doing what you think is best. If there is anything…
Jason- I know Carly is nearby and eventually she will get it out of you…just make sure she doesn’t do anything with this…make sure she don’t anything that in the end might hurt Liz….that’s all I’m concerned with.
Sonny- I know and I’ll take care of it…be safe Jason…be safe with everything.
Jason- [touched that his friend was concerned with him as well as Jason he slightly smiled as he ended the conversation] I…we will be…thanks. [he took a deep breath to gather himself before he went to Liz]
Sonny- [slowly hanging ending the call wondering what if any he would tell Carly] Don’t… [hoping that would keep her from asking questions he wished he didn’t have to answer]

[Curious to know what Jason and Sonny were discussing, she knew it had nothing to do with business because the look on Sonny’s face told her it was something completely different and she had to find out]

Carly- What’s wrong with Jason?
Sonny- [hoping his one word answers would be enough to dissuade her] Nothing…
Carly- Don’t lie, I could tell by the way you were speaking to him something was up.
Sonny- Carly…
Carly- Come on Sonny, is it that bad? I mean if Jason’s in trouble I…
Sonny- His bike broke down outside of Port Charles and he has to stay the night.
Carly- That’s all? [She could tell Sonny was holding something back. What was secretive about Jason’s bike breaking down and why would he feel obligated to call and tell Sonny that? It quickly came to her] He’s not alone is he?
Sonny- Carly, that’s none of your business…what Jason does…
Carly- [reaching for Sonny’s cell phone] I’ll call him back and ask him myself. Maybe she’ll answer the phone and I’ll get my answers then…
Sonny- Don’t Carly…
Carly- Then tell me.
Sonny- No he’s not alone…there’s someone with him.
Carly- [smiling] Who?
Sonny- Why do you need to know?
Carly- [fanning her hand at Sonny telling him not to worry] I’m just curious, I’m happy Jason has found someone…
Sonny- It’s not like that, they’re just friends.
Carly- [smirking] Just friends huh? What ‘friends’ do you know stays the night with you and…[pausing as she turned to look at Sonny’s face with nostrils flaring] Don’t tell it’s Little Miss Lizzie. [when Sonny did not answer her she yelled] That tramp! She has Lucky and she is still throwing herself at Jason. I tried to warn…
Sonny- [yelling tried of Carly’s rantings] Enough! This is not your business. Stay out of it, leave Jason and Elizabeth alone. And do not go to Lucky with anything. Do you hear me?
Carly- Whatever you say Sonny…

~Lucky~

Later that night after he thought long about he and Liz and the things she told him…

Lucky- I found her…
Nikolas- [still half sleep] Huh…hello who is this?
Lucky- Its Lucky…I found…I talked to Liz.
Nikolas- [walking with phone to the end of the bed to keep from waking Gia] Where is she? Is she ok?
Lucky- [angrily] She’s with Jason, what else is there to say?
Nikolas- [softly sitting at the foot of the bed] Jason…are you sure?
Lucky- Yes, she called and told me herself.
Nikolas- Maybe there’s a logical…
Gia- [voice heavy with sleep] Nikolas come back to bed…
Lucky- Oh man, I’m sorry…sounded like I interrupted something.
Nikolas- Well…
Lucky- [smiling knowing Nikolas finally gave in to his feelings he tried so hard to hide for Gia] Who is that? She sounds sorta like…
Nikolas- [trying to cover his own laughter at Lucky’s direct question] I’ll talk to you in the morning. Come over and we’ll talk about everything.
Lucky- [laughing] Oh…sorry about that.
Nikolas- Don’t worry about it…
Lucky- [smiling] Are we gonna talk about that too?
Nikolas- [unable to hide his laughter any longer] Yes, we’ll talk about that too.
Lucky- [laughing] Ok…you know I got a lot of questions...
Nikolas- I know…
Lucky- [laughing] Goodnight Nikolas, tell Gi…tell your friend I said goodnight as well…have fun.
Nikolas- Goodbye…
Gia- Who was that?
Nikolas- [smiling] Lucky…
Gia- [covering her mouth as she came up behind him wrapping her arms around him] Oh, I’m sorry…was I too loud?
Nikolas- [smiling] Yes and no, he heard you and I think he recognized your voice, but then again Lucky has been suspicious of us for a long time.
Gia- [softly placing her chin on his shoulder] I’m sorry…if I had known…
Nikolas- No, don’t apologize. I’m glad I can tell someone. I’m glad someone knows.
Gia- Why?
Nikolas- [standing stretching his arms out wide] Because I’m happy. I want to shout it to the world that I’m the happiest man alive.
Gia- [smiling] Me too…

He looked at Gia once more and could not keep from smiling at her beautiful face. From the moment she came into his life he knew he would be changed by her and because of her. He loved her and for once the love he held for someone was given back to him in full.

Nikolas- [he smiled at her again as he came to join her on the bed again] I don’t know about the rest of the world, but are you ready to do a little shouting now?
Gia- Shouting? What would I be shouting about?
Nikolas- [with a devilish grin] Don’t tell me you forgot all ready?
Gia- [smiling widely from his play on words as she went along with his game] Yeah, I did…I mean I think you are gonna have to refresh my memory or something.
Nikolas- [as he gently covered her body with his gently kissing her] I like the sound of that…
Gia- [as their kisses deepened] So do I…
Giggling they disappeared under the covers as Nikolas refreshed her memory over and over again.