Chapter 63
~ Kelly’s ~

For a full week Elizabeth woke feeling ill. Mistakenly at first she thought she had come down with some type of virus but by the fourth day she knew something was wrong. And as she stood behind the counter at Kelly’s she finally realized just what might be ailing her.

Tammy- Liz…Liz are you ok?
Liz- Huh? I’m sorry…what did you say Tammy?
Tammy- I’ve been talking to you a couple of minutes now and you weren’t responding.
Liz- I’m sorry…
Tammy- Liz is everything ok?
Liz- [sighing] Yes…
Tammy- Sweetie…you don’t sound too sure.
Liz- I’m just a little tired but I’ll be ok…
Tammy- Well if you need to go and lay down or something just let me know.
Liz- I will, but I think I just need to get some fresh air and I’ll be all right then.
Tammy- Ok…it’s pretty slow in here…why don’t you go ahead and take your break now.
Liz- Ok…I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.
Tammy- Take your time honey…
Liz- Ok…

Liz stepped outside breathing in the fresh air. It couldn’t be what she thought…that would change everything. Her life and the people around her. How would she be able to deal with all the complications this might bring? Liz suddenly clutched her stomach and covered her mouth as nausea washed over her. The smell of the nearby food was making her ill, it had been all day and how she had make it this long she did not know. She had to go and get away from Kelly’s before anyone she knew came in and noticed how she was feeling. She wasn’t ready to answer the questions and explain everything that might be going on. Liz couldn’t face Emily, Nikolas, Gia, Juan, or Lucky just yet…at least not until she knew for sure. Lucky…how would he react to this? There would be no more denying his questions or accusations. Since they broke up she and Lucky had very little interaction but if she was what she thought she was she was sure she would never hear the end of it from him. As the wind gently blew, the smell of the food drifted in her direction again disturbing her stomach yet again. She hurriedly placed her head between her knees to quell the queasiness that came over her. As she looked up she noticed Emily and Juan walking hand in hand into Kelly’s oblivious to those around them.

Liz- [whispering] I can’t let Em see me like this…I can’t…

She gathered herself together and quickly left hoping no one else saw her. She had to think, she had to decide what she would do next just in case… Walking around aimlessly, her mind heavy with her problems, she found herself outside of PCU’s art department. At point this meant so much to her. but when her life slowly began changing her art and PCU became less and less important. Warm tears stung her eyes as she slowly began to cry. Sometimes she wished she could go back in time and make different choices. She wished she could go back and think about the things she was doing instead of leaping into the moment. But by going back also meant Jason would not have a place in her life and she wondered if that was what she truly wanted. She wished Jason was there now, maybe then she would have someone to talk to. Someone who would listen without preaching. Now she felt alone and in truth she was. She couldn’t turn to Emily like she once could. She couldn’t go to Lucky for obvious reasons and going to Nikolas was pretty much like going to Lucky. How did she expect anyone to help her anyway? This was her problem, no one else’s and she had to face the consequences and repercussions alone. Elizabeth sat on a nearby bench as the tears came to her again. These were supposed to be some of the best years of her life. She should have been spending her time laughing, loving, living and enjoying life. But instead it seemed as if her life was in shambles and all she ever did was cry. She buried her head in her hands letting her grief overtake her. In the midst of her despair she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Deanna- [softly] Are you ok?
Liz- [slowly shaking her head] No…
Deanna- [quietly] Liz…
Liz- [looking up] Deanna…
Deanna- What’s wrong? Is there something I can do? Do you need…
Liz- [quietly as she begins to cry] I don’t… no…no one can help me…
Deanna- Elizabeth can I call someone for you?
Liz- [shaking her head] No…I…I’ll take…I can handle this…
Deanna- [softly] Are you sure?
Liz- No… but I have no choice.
Deanna- I’m going to call Lucky…
Liz- [shaking her head] No…I don’t…I don’t want to talk to Lucky about this…
Deanna- [softly] I know you two are not really friends now but if you need some help he will no questions asked…
Liz- [shaking her head] No… I have to think first…I [looking down Elizabeth slowly wrung her hands as her tears began again]

Heading home after class Gia came across Deanna and Elizabeth.

Gia- [speaking softly] Elizabeth… [As Elizabeth looked up her face full of pain tears slowly cascading down her face Gia’s voice changed to anger as she looked at Deanna] What did you do to her?
Deanna- [shaking her head as she spoke softly] Nothing…I…I found her like this.
[Quickly sitting next Elizabeth and gently taking her hand] Gia- Liz sweetie…what’s wrong?
Liz- [lowering her head] I…I…
Gia- [softly] Come on…let me take you home.
Liz- [furiously shaking her head] No…no I have to go back to work… I can’t go…I can’t go home… I have to…
Gia- [softly] Ok sweetie… wait here for one second… [ as Liz sat slowly nodding her head she knew she needed to get here out of there quickly. Motioning towards Deanna] Can I talk to you for a second?
Deanna- [looking at Elizabeth’s state she slowly nodded her head] Yeah…
[They a few feet away from Elizabeth to speak yet never taking their eyes off of her]
Gia- [quietly] What’s wrong with her?
Deanna- [softly] I don’t know… that’s how I found her.
Gia- [looking at Elizabeth] How long has she been sitting there like that?
Deanna- [slowly hunching her shoulders] I don’t know… I got here right before you did.
Gia- [softly] We have to get her out of here…
Deanna- But where are we going to take her?
Gia- I don’t know… it’s obvious she doesn’t want to go home.
Deanna- I can call Lucky… [knowing that Deanna knew Lucky’s and Elizabeth’s recent history Gia looked at her strangely.] I know it’s crazy but I thought…
Gia- [shaking her head] Whatever she’s going through I’m sure the last thing she needs to deal with is Lucky’s attitude. Deanna- But they were friends at one point…
Gia- [softly] But not anymore…
Deanna- [softly] I know… [sighing] you think we can take her to the cottage?
Gia- [shaking her head] No… I’m not sure when Nikolas will be returning beside if and when he returns Lucky might be with him…
Deanna- [softly] We…we can take her to my apartment…
Gia- What about Lucky?
Deanna- Don’t worry about Lucky… he thinks I’m still in class so he won’t be over until later besides I can call him and come up with something if I have to…
Gia- You sure?
Deanna- Yeah… [looking at Elizabeth] it’s obvious she needs some help and she can’t stay out here…
Gia- Ok… [returning to Elizabeth and softly stroking her hair] Liz honey… come on… we’re going to take you to Deanna’s house ok…
Liz- I…I…
Deanna- [gently touching her arm as she spoke softly] Elizabeth… everything will be ok… you can figure out whatever you need to at my apartment…
Liz- [unable to fight anymore she slowly nodded her head as she quietly spoke] Ok…

They quickly walked in silence to Deanna’s apartment confused as to what is causing Elizabeth so much anguish. Gia knew Elizabeth was heartbroken when Jason left but lately she seemed to be coming around. Since the incident in the park when she first took up for Elizabeth she and Gia slowly became friends. And being friends she was determined to do all that she could to help her. As they neared Deanna’s Elizabeth seemed to have gathered her senses and was now able to think about what she might have to do.

Deanna- [softly] Ok… we’re here now. We…we won’t be bothered here.
Liz- [softly] I…I’m ok now… I don’t need…
Gia- [shaking her head] No you’re not…
Liz- [softly smiling to cover her pain] Thank you for caring…the both of you but…
Deanna- [softly] Why were you crying? What’s wrong Elizabeth?
Liz- [voice wavering] Because I…I…
Deanna- [softly touching her arm] Come on…

As they slowly climbed the stairs to Deanna’s apartment Elizabeth was again lost in silence and thought. How could she everything without destroying what was slowly building in her?

Deanna- I’ll…I’ll go get something to drink…
Liz- [quickly] No alcohol…
Deanna- Of course not…

Gia watched as Elizabeth nervously paced and then sat again wringing her hands. Whatever was bothering her was something major and she hoped that somehow she would be able to help her.

Gia- [softly] It’ll be ok Elizabeth…
Liz- [softly and she slowly nodded] I hope so…

Deanna came back carrying a tray of drinks. As Elizabeth nervously took her glass her hand shook and she knew she would be unable to drink it.

Gia- [gently taking the drink from Elizabeth’s hands] Liz…what’s wrong?
Liz- [shaking her head] I…I…
Deanna- Take you time…
Liz- [taking a deep breath she quietly spoke] I think…I think I might be pregnant.
Deanna- [shocked] Pregnant… I mean I know you and Lucky…

As Elizabeth suddenly looked away unsure of how she could explain things a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Deanna- [softly] Elizabeth…
Liz- It’s…it’s not Lucky’s…
Deanna- Are you sure… I mean he told me…
Liz- We never… I didn’t…we didn’t sleep together.
Deanna- [softly] But he told me…
Liz- I never slept with Lucky…
Deanna- Then who’s…
Liz- I…I can’t tell him…
Deanna- [realizing Jason was the possible father] He would wanna know…I mean he deserves to know…
Liz- [softly as she began to tear up] He…
Gia- [finally snapping out of her shocked stupor speaking softly] Elizabeth… that’s not important right now. We…we need to find out for sure if you are.
Liz- I can’t tell… no one can find out…
Deanna- They’ll know eventually…
Liz- [shaking her head] If I am… I have to figure out some things… I gotta… [she lowered her head as tears came to her again. Gia quickly came and sat next to her as she took her hands in hers again.]
Gia- [softly] We’ll figure something out…
Liz- [her head still lowered] But Lucky and Nik…
Gia- [lightly squeezing her hand for reassurance] He won’t find out until you are ready to tell him yourself. And I’m sure Lucky won’t either…
Deanna- [softly] He won’t find out anything…
Liz- [whispering] Thank you…
Deanna- Do you want me to call Emily or...
Liz- [shaking her head] No…I can’t handle her disappointment right now.
Deanna- Why would she be disappointed? I mean… [she stopped as Gia looked at her giving her a look that told millions. Realizing that this was a complicated situation and that further questions would only make things worse she relented] Never mind… we’ll play this how you want to.
Liz- [softly] Ok…
Gia- We…we’re going to need a pregnancy test… I’ll…I’ll run to the store…
Deanna- I…I have one already.

Gia looked at Deanna wondering if it was wise to trust her. Everything told her to be weary of this girl but this was not about Gia or her assumptions this was about Liz. And if Deanna could help Elizabeth who was she to stop her.

[Sensing Gia’s distrust] Deanna- This isn’t about me… everyone has issues they can’t quite explain. I…
Gia- I understand… [looking again at Elizabeth] Elizabeth sweetie… we… you have to know for sure before you can make any decisions.
Liz- [nodding her head] I know…but what if…
Gia- [softly touching her face] I’ll be here for you…no matter what you decide…whatever you need I’m here…
Deanna- [softly touching her arm] So am I…
Liz- [taking a deep breath] Where’s…where’s the test?

Deanna slowly placed the test on the table in front of Elizabeth. No words were spoken as she took the test and disappeared in the bathroom. Deanna and Gia exchanged quick looks not sure what to say losing themselves in their own thoughts. Would she be able to not tell Nikolas what Elizabeth was going through? They promised each other that they would always tell each other everything and how could she go against that? She and Elizabeth were finally friends and she didn’t want to do anything that would change that… until she found out for sure if she was pregnant or not it didn’t make much sense to worry over something she couldn’t control. Deanna was torn too. She and Lucky were just starting out but knowing how he reacted over anything concerning Elizabeth she knew he still had some feelings for her. Deanna knew if she told Lucky about Elizabeth’s situation it would either effectively break all remaining ties they had or either push him completely over the edge. Lately she wasn’t sure how he would react to anything and she didn’t want to be the catalyst to push him in either way.

Gia- [unable to stand the silence any longer] How long does the test take?
Deanna- It’s instant… she should have learned one way or the other by now. Do you…do you think we should go and check on her?
Gia- [shaking her head] No…there must be a reason she’s still in there. Maybe…maybe we should give her a few more minutes and if there’s still no sign of her we… we’ll go and check then.
Deanna- Ok…
[Slowly emerging from the bathroom] Liz- [softly] I’m…I’m finished…
Deanna- Come…come sit down…
Liz- [smiling weakly] Thank you…
Gia- Is everything ok? I mean did the test…
Liz- [taking a deep breath] I’m…I’m not pregnant. The test came out negative.
Deanna- [quietly] Negative… are you ok with that? I mean…
Liz- [nodding her head] I’m…I’m ok with it. I mean if I were pregnant I would…I would have to answer too many questions I can’t even answer to myself…
Gia- Elizabeth… sweetie you should sit down…
Liz- [softly] But I’m not pregnant…
Gia- You should still sit down.
Liz- Really…I’m ok… I just need to ask…
Gia- Sit down…
[As she sat down she took another deep breath as she sat down] Liz- I…I… I need to ask you both for a favor.
Gia- Whatever you need…
Deanna- Yes…whatever you need…
Liz- Please don’t tell anyone about what happened tonight. I know it’s a lot to ask but…
Gia- Are you sure that’s what you want?
Liz- [nodding] I know I shouldn’t ask either of you to keep things from Nikolas and Lucky but… I can’t…I can’t deal with another barrage of them telling me how big of a mistake I almost made…
Gia- Nikolas wouldn’t do that…
Liz- You can’t be sure… [Deanna looked down knowing how Lucky would react if he found out Elizabeth’s near pregnancy] and I’m not trying to say that that is how Lucky would automatically act either but I can’t chance the hurt…
Gia- Don’t worry about them…
Deanna- [softly] I understand…
Liz- [softly beginning to cry again] I know but… no matter how many times I try to explain they never will understand about me and Jason. I loved…I love Jason and when I made love to him… Despite how things turned out I never wanted to hurt Lucky but…
Deanna- [quietly]You were confused…
Liz- [shaking her head] No…I know that I love Jason. I love him with everything that I have and that I am. But Lucky…
Gia- [softly] How does Lucky play into this?
Liz- He doesn’t… I know it’s stupid but regardless of how we are now I think some part of me will always love Lucky but the way he treats me now hurts. And I don’t think I could handle missing Jason considering what almost just happened and Lucky constantly telling me how I was used and how big of a fool I am for loving Jason. I mean he constantly tells me that Jason never loved me and after today… after today I just can’t handle it anymore.
Deanna- [softly] Lucky was…Lucky is hurting too…that’s why he acts that way…
Liz- I know but…
Gia- But…
Liz- I don’t mean to sound ungrateful about the things Jason and I shared because he is the reason my heart beats now but… the difference between Lucky and I is he has someone to hold him at night when he’s hurting. He has someone to comfort him after an encounter with me… but I don’t…
Gia- Jason will come back to you. He loves you…
Liz- [weakly smiling] I know… but him loving me from far away doesn’t make the pain hurt any less.
Deanna- I’ll try…I’ll try and keep Lucky from confronting you and causing you more pain…
Liz- [softly smiling] Thank you but that’s not necessary. I remember after Lucky and I finally broke up and Jason took me away I the happiest I had been in a long time. I told Jason that regardless to who objected I would still be his… [wearily laughing as she tried to block out the pain of Jason being gone] and I still am. I know people will look at me and think to themselves that I made a mistake by being with Jason but it wasn’t. Being with Jason for even that short amount of time makes everything I’m going through now worth and I know that someday…someday… [wiping away tears that continued to fall] I’ll be with him again.
Deanna- I won’t tell Lucky…
Liz- Thank you…
Gia- I won’t say anything to Nikolas either…
Liz- I know you need to…
Gia- [shaking her head] Nikolas won’t know anything unless you tell him yourself…
Liz- Thank you… [wiping away the last of her tears] I know right now Lucky and Nikolas wouldn’t understand but I know in time… maybe in time things could be like they once were...
Gia- [softly squeezing her hand] Everything will work out Elizabeth…
Liz- I know… just keep making them happy… [taking a deep breath] I need…I need to go.
Gia- Maybe you should wait…
Liz- [shaking her head] No…I’m ok… I…I just want both of you…I don’t know what I would have done if I had to do this alone…
Gia- You’re not alone…
[Quickly rising and hugging both Gia and Deanna] Liz- [softly] I know…

Elizabeth quickly left knowing things would soon change whether she wanted them to or not. Gia and Deanna exchanged one last look as Gia left both lost in their thoughts and concern for Elizabeth. What could come because of this night none of them knew for sure but they would be forever bonded because of it.

Chapter 64
~ Kelly’s ~

Elizabeth stood somberly at the counter realizing the things she would face today. In the wake of her pregnancy scare Elizabeth came to several decisions that ultimately would change her life. Jason had promised to return to her and though she held steadily to his promise she knew it was time she continued with life. In the weeks since he had gone she had put her life on hold afraid to live without Jason. But as she remembered the talks they would have she realized she was ready to live out some of the things she whispered to him in the quiet of the night. She was ready to do and see the places she always dreamed of. She wanted to sing from the highest mountaintop and draw the deepest valleys and she knew to do this she would have to leave Port Charles. Elizabeth told no one of her decision to leave except Gia and although Gia did not want her to leave she promised to stand by her and help when it was time to go. Elizabeth slightly smiled realizing how it was ironic that the one person she thought she would never be a friend to turned out to be one of the best she ever had. With the help of Gia she planned on saying her good-byes one by one at Kelly’s. And although they knew not that she was leaving this was the only way she could think of saying goodbye without causing unnecessary pain. This was her way of saying goodbye to them.

Bobbie- [smiling as she approached the counter] Hey honey…it’s been a while since I’ve seen you…how are you doing?
Liz- [smiling] I’m ok…
Bobbie- [concerned] You sure?
Liz- [nodding] Yeah I’m fine… um do you think it would be possible if I could take a little time off?
Bobbie- Sure…what’s up?
Liz- Uh…Chloe… I got a lot of things I have to take care of… She’s setting to launch a new line and well we’re gonna be swamped with work and…
Bobbie- [smiling] Oh… of course you can have whatever time off you need. But promise me you won’t work yourself too hard though.
Liz- [softly smiling] I won’t…
Bobbie- I gotta get going…just came to check on things. Tammy or Luke should be here soon enough…
Liz- [softly] Um Bobby…
Bobbie Yes sweetie…
Liz- I just wanted to tell you thank…thank you…
Bobbie For what?
Liz- Everything you did for me. From the rape to everything else… you were like a mother to me when I didn’t have one…
Bobbie- [coming back to hug Elizabeth] Oh Liz…
Liz- [hugging her tightly knowing it would be her last for some time] I just wanted… I wanted to tell you that while I had the chance.
Bobbie- Thank you… [smiling] you just made my day. Come back here if you ever get tired of Chloe or clothes.
Liz- [smiling] I will… I…I’ll see you ok…
Bobbie- [smiling] I’ll see you…

As Bobbie left Elizabeth quietly cried to herself realizing goodbye would be harder than she thought. Leaving was something she knew she had to do but it still hurt in her heart knowing that while others were making vows to see her again and to stay in touch she was saying goodbye. Goodbye to the dreams she might’ve shared with them and the life they thought she was happy with. Quickly wiping away her tears she prepared herself to say yet another goodbye.

Sonny- [smiling] Do you think it would be possible for me to order a cup of coffee from my favorite waitress?
Liz- [smiling as she looked up at him] Hey Sonny… I’m glad you came in but um… you can have all the coffee you want for free. You do own a coffee warehouse.
Sonny- [smiling] I know, but I’m just checking out the competition. Then again it could be the waitress.
Liz- [smiling] Let’s hope it’s the waitress…
Sonny- [smiling] It is. How…how have you been?
Liz- I’ve been…I’ve been good. Thank you for asking.
Sonny- [noticing her slightly puffy eyes] Is everything ok Elizabeth?
Liz- [smiling] Yeah why do you ask?
Sonny- I don’t know…it’s just…
Liz- [shaking her head] I’m…I’m just glad to see you. I sorta miss seeing you.
Sonny- I miss seeing you too…
Liz- [smiling] Don’t worry… I won’t tell Carly…
Sonny- [laughing] Thanks…
Liz- [laughing] No problem…
Sonny- [softly] I’m happy to see you smiling. With Jason being gone…
Liz- [looking intently at Sonny] Do you… have…have you heard from Jason?
Sonny- [softly as he slowly shook his head] No… after he left I…
Liz- [slowly shaking her head] It’s…it’s ok I’m not looking for him. I just wondered if he thought… I wondered if he was doing ok…
Sonny- I’m sure he is…
Liz- [softly] Well if by chance you do talk with him tell him… tell him… [looking away] nevermind…
Sonny- I’m sure he’s thinking about you too…
Liz- [looking again at Sonny] Thank you…
Sonny- For what? I didn’t do anything…
Liz- [softly smiling] Jason used to say that…
Sonny- [smiling] Yeah I know…
Liz- [smiling] I’m gonna miss you…
Sonny- Are you going somewhere?
Liz- [realizing what she just said she quickly tried to cover her slip] No… uh I’m just…I’m not going to be working at Kelly’s anymore.
Sonny- Why?
Liz- Well Chloe is about to release her new line of clothing and since I work for her I’m going to be spending most of my time with her. That and school starting again…
Sonny- Oh…then that cuts Kelly’s off my list…
Liz- What do you mean?
Sonny- Well if my favorite waitress is not here…
Liz- [smiling] Thank you…
Sonny- Take care of yourself ok…
Liz- [softly] I will…
Sonny- And if I see you out somewhere I’ll make sure I stop and say hello to you
Liz- [softly touching his arm] I’ll…I’ll be looking forward to it.
Sonny- Good…so will I…[gently patting her hand that rested on his arm] I’ll be looking forward to it. [He sensed Elizabeth was holding something back and hopefully in time if she needed him she would come to him] I’ll be seeing you…
Liz- [a bittersweet smile now on her face] Goodbye Sonny…

Carly in search of Bobbie witnessed the tender scene between Elizabeth and Sonny and her blood was boiling. Despite all her warnings Elizabeth still did not listen. She would have to tell her once and for all that her husband was off limits and to stay away from him. As Sonny rose to leave Carly quickly hid before he could spot her. Sonny told her to stay away from Elizabeth but there would be no protecting her this time. She did all she could to keep her away from Jason and there was no way Sonny would fall under her spell. As Sonny disappeared around the corner Carly quickly rose to give Elizabeth a piece of her mind. Swinging the door open with major attitude Elizabeth watched as Carly stomped her way to the counter.

Liz- [taking a deep breath] It’s good to see you too Carly…
Carly- [sneering] You never learn do you little girl.
Liz- As usual what are you talking about Carly?
Carly- Still throwing yourself at Sonny huh? When will you learn that he doesn’t want you little girl?
Liz- [softly] I know…
Carly- [shaking her head] If you know why do you continue to throw yourself at him?
Liz- I don’t… I was telling him goodbye…
Carly- Goodbye? What… are you thinking about running after Jason?
Liz- No… I have a new job…
Carly- Good because he doesn’t want you either…
Liz- [shaking her head] Whatever Carly…
Carly- I don’t want to see you sniffing around my husband again…
Liz- [smiling] I’m gonna miss you too Carly...
Carly- The feelings are not mutual… next time I see you with Sonny…
Liz- You won’t… like I said goodbye Carly…
Carly- [shaking her head] I almost wish were leaving for real…
Liz- And why is that?
Carly Because that way I would know for sure that Sonny and I would be rid of you for good.
Liz- [shaking her head] Carly you have nothing to worry about. I don’t want Sonny… never have and never will.
Carly- [sneering] And I’m supposed to trust you?
Liz- Carly… open your eyes…
Carly- They are open…
Liz- Then look and see what everyone else sees…
Carly- [angrily tired of Liz’s constant talking] What are you talking about?
Liz- Sonny loves you.
Carly- [matter-of-factly] I know that…

[Sensing something was wrong with Elizabeth Sonny turned around and quickly headed back to Kelly’s]

Liz- Then act like it. No matter how many times you think I’m batting my eyelashes it him or throwing myself at him Sonny will never do anything with me.
Carly- That’s because he has taste…
Liz- No… [shaking her head] that’s because for whatever reason he loves you. And after what I’ve gone through I would not try and take that away. Not even from you…
Carly- And I should be grateful?
Liz- [shrugging her shoulders] You know what Carly… I don’t care what you are. I was trying to offer you an olive branch and end this stupid war of words we always end up in but if you don’t want to take it then so be it…
Carly- I don’t want or need your olive branch… just stay the hell away from my husband…
Liz- [shaking her head] Whatever you say Carly…
Carly- Good now don’t make me come back in her and tell you again…

Sonny entered Kelly’s instantly seeing the confrontation between Carly and Elizabeth. He quietly walked toward them interested in what they were arguing about this time. Carly had accused him of never listening to her side of any argument between her and Elizabeth and this time he needed to be sure he conscience of their disagreement.

Liz- Ok Carly…
Carly- [sneering as she stood to leave] You know… it was really too bad about your studio…
Liz- What about my studio?
Carly- [shaking her head] All that hard work down the drain… you really should be more careful…
Liz- [her anger rising] What are you talking about?
Carly- If only you had listened…
Liz- To what?
Carly- [angrily] I told you to stay away from Jason and you didn’t did you?
Liz- You did that to my studio?
Carly- [smirking] Maybe… you’ll never know for sure…
Liz- [angrily] Why would you do that?
Carly- [laughing] Because you needed to learn that everyone does not bow at your feet. I know the truth about you… you are a lying bitch that will do anything to get what she wants.
Liz- I can’t believe you… First you bring in this Bridgett girl trying to break up Jason and me...
Carly- [smiling] Lucky helped…
Liz- I don’t care… now you’re telling me you destroyed my studio…
Carly- [smiling proud of her actions] Yes… yes I did. And I bet you thought Lucky did it huh?
Liz- [quietly] Yes I did…
Carly- [shrugging her shoulders] Oh well… Lucky used me as far as Bridgett was concerned… I know he put the blame on me and I was just returning the favor. The fact that I got Jason out of your life was a bonus. That’s the thing about Jason… he’s noble to a fault. He won’t let the people around him to be hurt because of him. And if that means leaving them…
Liz- [softly] How could you do that… how could you destroy my life and not even care?
Carly- Easy… because you deserve it.

With a satisfied smirk on her face Carly placed a crisp fifty-dollar bill on the counter as she turned to leave.

Carly- [smugly] Keep the change…

As she turned to leave she came face to face with an angered Sonny.

Carly- [shocked] Sonny...
Sonny- [quietly] Carly… please tell me…
Carly- [knowing what would soon come] Tell you what?
Sonny- Tell me that I did not here you say the things you just said. Tell me that you were not the reason Jason…
Carly- Sonny I…
Sonny- Just tell me I was imagining the things I heard…
Carly- I…I…
Sonny- I told you Carly no more. I told you if you pulled one more stunt…if you did one more thing to purposely hurt someone that I was done.
Carly- Sonny you can’t…
Sonny- [looking at Elizabeth] I’m sorry…
Liz- [shaking her head] You don’t have to apologize…
Sonny- [shaking his head] She shouldn’t have…
Liz- I’m ok… really… a few ruined paintings…they don’t matter. Don’t let that come between…
Carly- [mumbling angrily at Elizabeth] I don’t need you to defend me…
Sonny- Regardless I’m sorry…

Sonny turned and slowly walked out of Kelly’s without another glance at Carly. Despite her shouts of his name he continued to walk away refusing to give in to her pleas. Carly looked at Elizabeth on last time tears unshed tears ready to fall and ran after Sonny. Elizabeth slowly shook her still not believing the events that just played out before her. Carly destroyed her studio in revenge for her not leaving Jason and Jason loving her in return. And because of her actions she may have lost Sonny as well. Even on her worst days she did not wish the fate Carly had set for herself on her worst enemy. Sighing she slowly put Carly’s fifty-dollar type in the extra tip jar. Maybe the money will come of some good for anyone who might need it.

Luke- We’re not working you too hard are we darlin’?
Liz- [smiling as she saw Luke] No… as a matter of fact for a last day it’s pretty light…
Luke- Last day? What on earth did we do to run you off?
Liz- [smiling] Nothing…it’s just…Chloe is ready to launch her new line and she’s raring to get started so…
Luke- Clothes right… [making a funny face] are you sure you want to do that because…
Liz- [smiling as she nodded] Yeah… besides it’s something I want to do.
Luke- Well… we hate to lose you but…
Liz- [smiling] You’ll still see me…
Luke- I’m hoping so… [pausing as he contemplated his next words] Elizabeth…
Liz- Yes?
Lucky- [softly] It’s not because of Cowboy is it?
Liz- No… Lucky…Lucky…this has nothing to do with Lucky.
Lucky- Ok… because I would hope that because things between you and Lucky are different…
Liz- [nodding] Things have changed between us but that’s not why I’m leaving.
Lucky- Ok… [smiling] Is Tammy in because if we need a cook…
Liz- No… [laughing as she shook her head] She’ll…she’ll be back before it gets too crowded…
Luke- Ok… because I’m always ready to pitch in if need be…
Liz- [smiling] I’m sure…
Luke- Ok then… I’ll get out of your hair and get back to the club while I got the chance.
Liz- [smiling] Ok…[as Luke neared the door] Luke…
Luke- [turning back to Elizabeth] Yeah darlin’

Elizabeth quickly goes to Luke and gives him a quick hug.

Luke- What was that for?
Liz- I just wanted to thank you… I wanted to thank you for everything…
Luke- [shaking his head] You don’t have to thank me… it was my pleasure. It still is. You know if you ever need anything…
Liz- [nodding] I know and thank you…
Luke- Like I said it has been my pleasure. [smiling] Next time you make a pan of brownies you are willing to share…
Liz- [smiling] I know who to call…
Luke- Good…. [hugging her one more time] I’ll be seeing you darlin’… don’t become a stranger.
Liz- [softly] I won’t… goodbye Luke.
Luke- Bye honey…

She nodded as Luke disappeared from Kelly’s. Goodbye was becoming to be more than she thought it would be. Slowly walking back to the counter she wondered what she would learn and deal with during her next goodbye. The opening of Kelly’s pulled her out of her thoughts as Emily and Juan slowly entered.