Chapter 3
Kelly’s

Rushing into Kelly’s Emily see Elizabeth at the counter and goes to her beaming.
Liz- Well what has you so happy today?
Emily- You will never guess who I heard from this morning.
Liz- Who? [Liz smiles figuring Emily was talking about Jason]
Emily- Jas…you know don’t you?
Liz- [laughing] I know what?
Emily- You talked to Jason too? You know Jason is back don’t you?
Liz- Of course, I saw him last night…
Emily- When?
Liz- As usual I was at the docks thinking and he came up behind me and surprised me.
Emily- Wow, why didn’t you call and tell me?
Liz- Thought he would want to get in touch with you himself.
Emily- He did…early this morning. Made my day before I was barely awake.

They both laugh excitedly talking about Jason and how much they had missed him. Laughing and talking so much they didn’t notice Jason come inside Kelly’s.
Jason- And what are you two talking about?
Liz- You of course.
Jason- Well should I be concerned?
Liz- Yeah, we’re trying to figure out how to get those bike keys…
Jason- Good thing I asked then…better hide my extra set too.
Emily- Well you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll leave the riding to you and Liz. [she rose to hug Jason] I missed you.
Jason- [he smiles at Elizabeth] That seems to be going around…
Emily- Am I missing something?
Liz- Just Jason’s attempt at being funny.
Emily- Oh, is that what he was doing? [They all laugh as the continue to chat at the counter.]

Lucky and Nikolas meet up outside Kelly’s to talk before the enter.

Nikolas- Did you talk to her?
Lucky- Yeah, but it didn’t help.
Nikolas- What do you mean?
Lucky- She didn’t tell me anything, she just left out her studio crying.
Nikolas- Did you go after her?
Lucky- Of course, but I couldn’t catch up with her. I tried to call her later to make sure she was ok but she never answered.
Nikolas- Well, we’ll soon see if she is…
Lucky- Yeah we will [Lucky and Nikolas open the door to see Liz laughing and wearing a rare genuine smile on her face]
Nikolas- I see she’s better.
Lucky- Yeah and I see why [Lucky angrily mutters as he sees Jason sitting at the counter next to Emily]
Nikolas- What is he doing back?
Lucky- Don’t know, but I’m about to find out...
Emily- Hey Nikolas, hey Lucky...
Nikolas- [while kissing Emily on the cheek] Emily…Elizabeth...
Liz- [she hesitantly said noticing Lucky and Nikolas’s expression] Hey Nikolas...
Lucky- What is going on in here?
Emily- Jason just got back in town and we were treating to some breakfast.
Lucky- Oh [he pauses as he looks from Emily and finally to Elizabeth] Elizabeth...
Liz- Lucky…[still unable to read his expression]
Lucky- Well when you ‘finish’ up here can I talk to you Elizabeth?
Liz- Ok, but Lucky aren’t you even going to say hello or something to Jason?
Lucky- Didn’t notice him there. [Jason laughs knowing Lucky was upset that Liz was spending time with him]
Nikolas- Something funny?
Jason- Yeah, but you wouldn’t find it so. I’ll see you two later. I have a couple of other people I need to go and see. [Jason hugs Emily and lightly touches Liz’s hand resting on the counter. He leans in and whispers to her] I’ll see you later ok, but I’m still hiding those keys.
Liz- [laughing she whispers in return] Ok, but I’ll still find them.
Jason- We’ll see [he laughs as he turns to leave nods his head and says] Nikolas, Lucky.
Nikolas/Lucky- [in unison] Jason
[As Jason leaves Lucky turns and angrily says] Lucky- What was he doing here?
Liz- Eating breakfast.
Nikolas- That’s all?
Liz- What else is there?

Juan and Gia enter Kelly’s and the subject of Jason is dropped. From time to time Lucky would look at Liz noticing that this was the happiest she’d been in a long time. And he could not keep from wondering if it was because of the things he said to her last night or if it was because Jason was back. Lucky lingered around until everyone left hoping to get the chance to speak to Liz alone.

Liz- Oh hey, I didn’t know you were still here. I thought you left with Nikolas.
Lucky- No I umm…wanted to talk to you alone so I made myself scarce until everyone left and it thinned out a little in here. You got time now?
Liz- Yeah it’s a little slow, you wanna sit down?
Lucky- Ok…[pausing] I’m glad to see you smiling again...
Liz- Yeah I’m sorry I ran out on you. I…I had a lot on my mind…
Lucky- It’s ok, but are you…I… are you ok now?
Liz- Yes [smiling] what you said to me...
Lucky- I meant every word.
Liz- I know…
Lucky- I mean if you need me to do anything, say anything, help you with anything…tell me and I’ll do it.
Liz- I know and I appreciate it.
Lucky- Umm…I called you last night but you never answered your phone. I was worried…
Liz- Oh I’m sorry about that too. When I left my studio I walked around for a long time just thinking and I ended up on the docks…[she paused not sure if she should mention seeing Jason there] and by the time I got home it was late and I went straight to bed.
Lucky- Oh…ok
Liz- [lightly touching his hand she apologized] Sorry didn’t mean to make you worry.
[As she touched him he instantly thought of how Jason had touched her hand as he was leaving] Lucky- What was Jason doing here? Liz- Eating breakfast…he’s back in town and…
Lucky- Did you know he was back in Port Charles before he came in here?
Liz- Well, yeah…I mean I ran into him on the docks last night and that’s how I found out he was back
Lucky- Last night? Is that why you were so late getting back to the studio?
Liz- No I told you…I was walking around and the time got away from me. After I saw Jason I talked to him for a little while I came here and went to sleep.
Lucky- I thought you said you slept at the studio.
Liz- If I did, then I’m sorry. I slept here last night. Lucky…I hope Jason being back won’t change anything between us. There’s nothing going on between us, he’s my friend and I like spending time with him that’s all. Lucky- Liz, I can’t tell you who you should and shouldn’t have as friends but…
Liz- But what?
Lucky- Nothing…[noticing her apprehension] Jason will not come between us. I know he’s your friend so…
Liz- Thank you Lucky. [She leaned over the table and lightly kissed him on the lips] I couldn’t imagine him being back and me not talking to him.
Lucky- Liz are you having…
Liz- Hold on Lucky…Tammy must be busy and I gotta go take care of that customer. I’ll be right back… Lucky- Don’t worry about it. I gotta go anyway. I’ll see you [kissing her again]
Liz- I love you too.

She gives him one last kiss as he leaves, whatever he was about to ask her would have to wait until they saw each other again. As she went to help the customer she couldn’t help but wonder if Jason would be coming in there to lunch. As much as she scared to admit, she surely hoped so.
Chapter 4 ~
Birthday Wishes
Kelly’s ~ Closing Time

Jason had been thinking about Liz a lot lately. In the last two weeks since he had been back he had not seen a lot of her, but thoughts of her never left his mind. So tonight as he traveled towards Kelly’s he was determined to if not spend some time with her to at least speak to her. Especially considering tonight’s importance. Liz was cleaning up ready to close down Kelly’s for the night. Jason stood outside watching her through the window. He laughed quietly as she pushed at her hair that did not seem to stay out of her face. Finally tired of fighting she threw her hands up in disgust and just let her hair fly where it wanted to go. Jason could watch her for day never tiring of her beauty. She looked up and noticed Jason standing outside and she excitedly motioned him inside.

Jason- Hey Liz, how are you?
Liz- [smiling] Jason… [she rushed over to hug him] Tired…I can’t tell you how happy I am to be closing Kelly’s for the night.
Jason- Oh…then maybe I should leave so you can finish up so you can get some rest.
Liz- Are you kidding? I haven’t really seen you since you got back, and if you think you are going to come in here just to say hi and bye, you gotta another thing coming. [smiling] If need be I’ll kidnap you and lock you in here with me.
Jason- [smiling] That doesn’t sound half bad.
Liz- What are you doing here?
Jason- I came to see you actually. Thought you might want to get away and I was here to offer my services.
Liz- [smiling] Really? What do you have in mind?
Jason- I don’t know…maybe a ride on my bike?
Liz- Do I get to steer this time?
Jason- [laughing] No…but you can still get that ride if you want to. Liz- Where to?
Jason- That’s a few all depends on if you say yes or no.
Liz- Well how can a girl refuse an offer like that?
Jason- [smiling] Are you ready to go?
Liz- Not really…[pausing] I gotta finish cleaning up Kelly’s or I’ll never hear the end of it. After that I’ll be ready…
Jason- I’ll help you.
Liz- That’s not necessary, it’ll only take a minute…
Jason- Well if I help the faster you’ll get your gift.
Liz- [smiling broadly] Ooh, I get a gift too? Well if that’s the case here’s the broom. [They smile at each other and work in silence quickly cleaning Kelly’s. as Liz shut off the lights and locked the door Jason made a quick phone call careful to keep his conversation low so Liz would not hear.]
Liz- Ok, do I get to steer or not?
Jason- You don’t know where we are going.
Liz- Right, right…it’s a surprise. Is that what that call you just made about?
Jason- You’ll just have to wait and see. Don’t you trust me?
Liz- Of course I do [they pause as they smile at each other] Come on, what are we waiting on?
Jason- Nothing…bundle up though it’s a little could out here.
Liz- [smiling] As long as I am on the bike with you and we are going as fast as you can take us, I won’t be cold.
Jason- [smiling in return] That’s what I like to hear…let’s go.

Liz happily strapped on her helmet and climbed on the bike behind Jason. As she wrapped her arms around his waist Jason revved the bike and pulled off. She loved the feeling riding the bike with Jason gave her. Although she wasn’t sure what she loved the most. Maybe it was the speed, the rush of the wind when it whipped around them. Or maybe just maybe it was Jason, her arms wrapped around his waist feeling the strength of him. and on those rare occasions when he let her steer the motorcycle and she felt his hands on her, that was the biggest thrill of them all. Lost in her thoughts it took Liz a second or two to realize they were slowly to a stop. She thought they were close to the bridge but for some reason Jason chose not to go there tonight.

Liz- Where are we?
Jason- It’s a surprise. I need…uh…you need to cover your eyes.
Liz- Why?
Jason- It’s part of the whole surprise…
Liz- This better be something really special…
Jason- [smiling] It will be…now close your eyes.
Liz- [smirking] Ok…
Jason- No peeking…
Liz- Ok, ok…but how am I gonna get to where we are going if I can’t see?
Jason- [smiling] I’ll lead you…give me your hand. [Liz looked into Jason’s eyes and she knew all would be fine. Jason was with her and neither he nor anyone else would ever harm her as long as he was there. She smiled softly at Jason and as she placed her gloved hand in his she whispered…]
Liz- Lead away…
Jason- Come on… [-- They travel a short distance and as they stop Jason to Liz ready to see her expression] First of all, sorry it’s so cold out…
Liz- That’s not your fault…
Jason- [smiling] Ok…open your eyes.
Liz- [smirking[ Here goes…

As Liz slowly opened her eyes she was greeted with a birthday picnic set up by the bridge that was slowly becoming theirs. There were balloons of every color tied all around. ‘Happy Birthday” streamers and decorations littered the blanket and surrounding area.

Liz- [she muttered as the tears quickly came] Oh Jason..
Jason- [surprised by her response] What you don’t like it?
Liz- No…I love it. Thank you [she hugs Jason elongating their embrace] This is one of the sweetest things someone ever did for me. Jason- Well I knew your birthday was coming…
Liz- Yeah, it’s tomorrow.
Jason- I know…
Liz- You remembered?
Jason- [smiling] Of course… [Liz gently reached out and touched his cheek moved by all that he did for her] I knew you would be busy celebrating your birthday with Lucky and your friends…
Liz- You’re my friend too.
Jason- I know…but I’m sure Lucky would appreciate not seeing me tomorrow.
Liz- I guess…
Jason- [slowly smiling again] I still wanted to give you something and this was the best way I could think of giving it to you and making it special at the same time. Even if it is cold out here… Liz- [smiling] You didn’t have to do all of this, but I’m glad you did thank you.
Jason- You’re welcome. Now lets get this birthday celebration going, we can’t have you freezing out here for nothing. [She smiles at him as they sit and eat Liz’s birthday picnic. They laugh and joke trying their best to ignore the cold] I tried to get some heat generators but..
Liz- This is fine, I’m not cold really. Besides if need be we’ll just have to sit closer and share a little body heat with each other. Jason- [devilish smile as he started moving closer to Liz] That doesn’t sound half bad.
Liz- [laughing] Ok…where are my presents?
Jason- Coming right up…
Liz- I was only kidding…there’s more?
Jason- Of course, you can’t have a birthday party without presents. Liz- This was more than enough…
Jason- You have to open at least one gift and don’t forget about the birthday cake…
Liz- [smiling] I have a cake too?
Jason- [smiling] Of course.
Liz- Wow!
Jason- We’ll see…give me one second, don’t move an inch. [Jason quickly rises and goes behind a secluded bush fumbling around for something he hid.]
Liz- [yelling curious to what Jason was doing] What are you doing?
Jason- It’s almost ready…close your eyes…
Liz- Jason…
Jason- [shouting in response] Close them…or I’m keeping the surprise. Liz- [laughing] Ok, ok hurry up! [She could hear commotion all around her and she did her best to keep her eyes closed] Are you done yet? Jason- Almost…give me one second….
Liz- Ok [Liz sat with baited breath anxious to see what new surprises Jason had in store for her]
Jason- [a smile in his voice he softly said] Ok…open your eyes…
Liz- [she could sense him smiling as she slowly opened her eyes. Before her sat brightly wrapped boxes all in varying sizes] Wow…all of these are mine?
Jason- I only know of one birthday girl…
Liz- [smiling as she reached for a gift] Thank you…
Jason- Don’t open them yet… You have to blow out your candles and make your wish first.
Liz- [still smiling] Nothing that I wish for could be better than this.
Jason- I’m happy you are enjoying it.
Liz- [nodding her head in agreement] I am…
Jason- You ready to blow out your candles?
Liz- Yes… [Jason carefully places a large white box in front of Liz.] Jason- This cake was sorta hard to find, but I thought it was perfect for the occasion. [As Liz slowly opened the lid of the cake box she burst into laughter when she saw the cake Jason had picked. The cake is shaped like a motorcycle and in the bike’s exhaust she read “Happy Birthday Liz”]
Jason- [smiling] I wanted to get the cake made with you riding the
bike, but they could do you justice so we like the bike rider free.
Liz- [laughing] This is too much…I don’t think I can cut this cake…my very own motorcycle.
Jason- [smiling at Liz] Yeah…I thought you would like that.
Liz- [trying to contain her laughter] I do…Now I never have to ask to steer a bike again.
Jason- Awww, never thought about it like that…I sorta like you asking me.
Liz- Really…well it’s not like I can really drive this bike so…
Jason- I guess I’ll start saying yes a little more often.
Liz- Ok, I’m gonna hold you to that.
Jason- I’m hoping you do… [They look longingly at each other realizing they are talking about more than who would be steering the bike in the future. Soft smiles come across their faces] You don’t have to open the presents now…I didn’t realize it would be this cold out.
Liz- [teeth clattering] I’m not really all that cold…
Jason- [laughing softly] Really? You look pretty cold to me.
Liz- [trying her best to keep from shivering] I’m ok really…
Jason- Let me take you someplace a little warmer…[sensing her apprehension] please…
Liz- [smiling softly] Ok…but how are we gonna take all of this on the bike? We can’t just leave it here…
Jason- It’s ok, I got it all under control. Someone is headed over here now and they will take care of everything.
Liz- How?
Jason- All your presents and everything will be taken to your studio. Liz- Are you sure?
Jason- Yes… now can I get you out of the cold…[as he held out his hand] come on…
Liz- [she hesitated a second before she smiled softly at Jason and placed her hand in his] Lead the way…
Jason- Ok, let’s go…

Jason and Liz quickly mounted the bike and sped off. While they were headed to their next location Liz was able to think. She couldn’t believe that Jason even remembered her birthday, let alone took the time to do something this special for her. He was concerned about her being cold, but she wanted to tell him that no matter how cold it was she would have stayed by his side because of all that he did. Jason cared and no other gift she got would or could ever compare. And now as they sped through the streets of Port Charles with her arms around him nothing else mattered. They slowly came to a stop by the boxcar. As the got off the bike he explained.

Jason- I know you probably didn’t want to come here but I couldn’t think of any other places we could go where we wouldn’t get strange looks…
Liz- This is ok.
Jason- Are you sure because…
Liz- [softly smiling] Anyplace you take me to tonight or any night is fine. I’ll go wherever you want me to as long as I’m with you.
Jason- [grinning] Well if that’s the case…[he took Liz’s hand pretending to go elsewhere] just kidding… [laughing] You know what you gotta do…
Liz- What?
Jason- Close ‘em….close your eyes…
Liz- Why? There couldn’t possibly be another surprise…
Jason- [smiles] You’ll have to wait and see…now close them…
Liz- [she smiles up at him] Ok [she places her hand in his again as he leads her to the boxcar]
Jason- I’ll help you up…

When she enters the boxcar she slowly opens her eyes to reveal yet another birthday celebration set up for her. Balloons filled the boxcar and ‘Happy Birthday’ decorations were hung all around. Jason- Well I has both places set up just in case. I chose the bridge first thinkingt would be warmer tonight but…
Liz- [speaking softly] I can’t believe you went through all of this trouble for me…
Jason- This wasn’t trouble for me, I wanted to do this.
Liz- Why?
Jason- Well…I wanted to help you celebrate your birthday the right way. Last year…
Liz- Last year’s birthday was not the best…[smiling] but if I remember correctly you made it better.
Jason- [smiling] Thank you…I just wanted to make sure this one was definitely better…
Liz- It was…
Jason- Your birthday have not even come yet…how can you know this one is going to be better?
Liz- [whispering softly] Because you are here with me…[she paused when he smiled realizing what she just said to Jason.] [quickly trying to change the subject] Wow…how did you get it so warm in here? Jason- [still smiling touched by what Liz just told him] Those heaters/generators I was bragging about.
Liz- Well they definitely are working.
Jason- Too warm?
Liz- You’re perfect… I …I mean this is perfect…it’s fine.
Jason- [smiling] I’m glad you like it. [He paused as he took in her smile. He could not understand how she became more beautiful the more he looked at her] I…
Liz- Too bad I didn’t get to cut my cake and make my wish…
Jason- Or open any presents…
Liz- Yeah I know…but it’ll be like Christmas, and you know how much I love Christmas, when I get back to my studio later. So I’m not too disappointed…but I didn’t even get to make my wish, we left too soon.
Jason- Well if that’s all you want to do, we came to the right place…
Liz- Huh? I didn’t bring my cake…
Jason- Is that all… [he goes to the corner and come back with a huge white box and holds it out in front of Liz] open it…
Liz- What is this…
Jason- [smiling] Open it and find out…[Liz slowly opens the box and finds a duplicate motorcycles cake and she smiles brightly] I got two just in case.
Liz- [smiling] You are amazing…
Jason- Thank you…but come on its time you make that wish. [They slowly sit on the floor of the boxcar and Jason quickly lit the candles on Liz’s cake] Close your eyes and make a wish and it’ll come true.
Liz- I already think it has… [Liz closes her eyes thinking hard what she wanted most and she knew her last statement spoke of what was in her heart. She wished for Jason and prayed silently that he would be with her forever. But not knowing if that could be she would savor every moment she had with him. She slowly lifted her head after her silent prayer to see Jason smiling back at her and she wished instead that this night would last forever.]