Chapter 65
San Bernardino, California

Jason sat on the beach watching as the sun slowly descended into the ocean his mind thousands of miles away. He couldn’t continue on like this. Thinking distance would be enough to keep the hurt from coming he was wrong. Because everywhere he looked he thought saw and felt Elizabeth.

Kallie- Hey Jason…
Jason- [without looking up] Kallie…
Kallie- [hearing the tone of his voice] I’m sorry… I can leave… I disturbed you …
Jason- [shaking his head] You didn’t…
Kallie- Mind if I sit?
Jason- No… as a matter of fact I could use the company.

They sat silently continuing to watch as the sun slowly set.

Kallie- [softly] I have more than a penny this time…
Jason- [looking at her] Huh?
Kallie- [smiling] Remember I offered you a penny for your thoughts and you asked if I had more… this time I do.
Jason- [smiling] Well I’m sure my thoughts aren’t even worth that…
Kallie- Why don’t you tell me and I…I’ll let you know if they are.
Jason- [shaking his head] Thanks… but I wouldn’t want to put them off on someone else.
Kallie- Hey no buts… [as Jason softly began to laugh] what’s funny?
Jason- "No buts…" I remember telling someone that once…
Kallie- Did it work with them?
Jason- [softly smiling as he whispered] Yeah it did…
Kallie- Jason maybe you should talk about it…
Jason- [shaking his head] It won’t change anything…
Kallie- It’ll lesson whatever burden you’re carrying.
Jason- Talking about it won’t bring her… talking about it won’t change anything.
Kallie- You never know…
Jason- I know.
[Standing as she rose to leave] Kallie- Well if you ever change your mind… [slowly walking away]
Jason- [softly] You remind me of her…
Kallie- [turning back to Jason] Remind you of who?
Jason- [softly] Elizabeth…
Kallie- [sitting beside him again she spoke softly] Who is she?
Jason- Someone who I thought…
Kallie- What happened to her?
Jason- Life and circumstances…
Kallie- I’m sorry…
Jason- [quietly] Not more than me.
Kallie- What was she like?
Jason- [a soft smile playing across his face] Amazing… [quietly as if he was speaking to himself] When she smiled…when she smiled nothing else mattered. Regardless to what I was thinking or how I was feeling when she smiled… I knew everything would be ok.
Kallie- Wow…
Jason- [smiling as he looked at her] Yeah she was…
Kallie- [surprised by the tenderness in his eyes and smile] How… how did you meet her?
Jason- [looking back at the water] In a bar. I came to her rescue… at least I thought I was rescuing her but in the end…
Kallie- [softly] She ended up rescuing you…
Jason- [smiling] Yeah something like that… [as Kallie slowly digested Jason’s words he continued] I wasn’t… we weren’t supposed to be together…
Kallie- What do you mean?
Jason- Elizabeth and me… we shouldn’t have been together.
Kallie- Why?
Jason- She was my kid sister’s friend.. our lifestyles… we should have never crossed.
Kallie- But you did…
Jason- Yeah… and look where I am now…
Kallie- You don’t regret it do you?
Jason- [shaking his head as he spoke softly] No… no I don’t regret it. It’s just…
Kallie- How long ago did she… I mean… how did she…
Jason- [softly as he continued to look at the water] She’s not dead…
Kallie- [confused] Then why…
Jason- [slowly shaking his head] Because it’s for the best…
Kallie- Why… I don’t understand…
Jason- Me being with Elizabeth… it wouldn’t work out…
Kallie- Says who?
Jason- There are things… I didn’t want to be the cause of unnecessary pain as far as she was concerned.
Kallie- Jason I don’t understand… if you loved…
Jason- I love her… I always will…
Kallie- Well if you love her you should be with her…
Jason- I can’t…
Kallie- What do you mean you can’t?
Jason- It’s best for her if I’m not a part of her life.
Kallie- That’s crazy… you said it was best for her… but what about you?
Jason- What do you mean?
Kallie- What’s best for you? Is missing her good for you? Is not being with her good for you?
Jason- [softly] No… but I don’t want to cause her any more pain.
Kallie- If she loves you as much as you obviously love her don’t you think her not being with you is causing her pain.
Jason- I…
Kallie- Jason listen… I used to watch…I still do… I used to watch and wait for you to come into The Deli because I knew by just looking at you that there was something special about you…
Jason- [shaking his head] There isn’t…
Kallie- Let me finish… and when you used to talk to me I knew for sure there was. I used to say to myself whoever was lucky enough to be with you was a lucky person and I was right.
Jason- You don’t understand…
Kallie- No you don’t understand… everyone is not fortunate enough to find love and the fact that you have you should be praising and cherishing it everyday.
Jason- [shaking his head] I… people…they never accepted it and when she stayed with me regardless…
Kallie- [shaking her head] What other people think shouldn’t matter. If you love her and she loves you in return that’s all that counts…
Jason- It’s not that simple.
Kallie- It is. Are you better off without her in your life?
Jason- She’ll always be in my life…
Kallie- Well are you better off without her with you? Are you happier away from her?
Jason- [quietly] No…
Kallie- You should call her…
Jason- I can’t…
Kallie- You can and you should.
Jason- [softly] What difference would it make?
Kallie- Because you’ll be able to hear the love in her voice when she speaks to you like I hear now.
Jason- Maybe…
Kallie- [softly] Trust me Jason… she’ll want to hear from you.
Jason- How can you be so sure?
Kallie- [she slowly leaned over and tenderly kissed him his cheek] Because I am.

Jason looked at her and she softly smiled. She stood and began to walk away when she turned and looked back at Jason.

Kallie- Call her Jason… call her before it’s too late.

As Kallie quickly turned and walked away Jason sat thinking about what she just said. Despite how he left would Elizabeth really be by the phone waiting for his call. And if and when he did call what would he say to her. How could he explain that he left for her happiness? How he speak with her without begging her to come to him? Come to him… if he asked would she even consider it?

Chapter 66
Kelly’s

They stared at each other not really sure what to say. Emily had promised to stay by her side after Jason left but she hadn’t. Disillusionment and resentment clouded her heart and slowly they grew apart. But now in front of her Elizabeth knew this would be her last chance to say goodbye.

Liz- [softly] Hi Emily… hi Juan.
Juan- Hi Elizabeth…
Emily- Liz… [Juan nudged Emily knowing how badly she missed Elizabeth] how…how are you doing?
Liz- [softly smiling] I’m ok now… I…I’ve thought…I’ve been thinking about you.
Emily- [softly] I’ve been thinking about you too...

They paused neither knowing what to say next.

Liz/Emily- [in unison] I…

They both laugh trying to cover the awkward feeling they both were experiencing. Elizabeth pointed to a nearby table where they could sit.

Liz- [tentatively] I just wanted…
EMily- [shaking her head] Me first… I’m sorry.
Liz- [softly] You don’t have to apologize.
Emily- I do… I still want… its not that I don’t to be friends I just… Elizabeth I’m sorry.
Liz- I didn’t want Jason to leave…
Emily- It wasn’t your fault. Jason left for his own reasons. You shouldn’t put that on yourself.
Liz- I’m trying not to but…

They both looked away still unsure how to say the things they wanted to say. Her opportunity to say goodbye dwindling.

Emily- [still looking down] I miss hanging out with you…
Liz- So do I…
Emily- Elizabeth you are my best friend and…
Liz- Emily I…
Emily- And if I could take back the things I said I would…
Liz- I know…
Juan- [noticing Elizabeth’s expression] Liz is everything ok? You look…

His words cut off by Gia and Nikolas entered Kelly’s. Gia and Elizabeth exchanged looks and Gia knew she was struggling with her good-byes. Quickly saying their hellos Gia made her way to Elizabeth lightly taking her hand in hers.

Gia- [smiling] Do you all mind if I steal Elizabeth for a second?
Nikolas- [noticing Elizabeth obvious uneasiness] Go ahead…
Emily- [noticing it as well] No… go right ahead.
Gia- [smiling] Thanks… Elizabeth I need to talk to you if you don’t mind…
Liz- Oh…ok…

Quickly going outside Elizabeth tried to gather herself before she had to face them again.

Liz- [shaking her head] I don’t think I can go through with this…
Gia- [softly] Then don’t…
Liz- [sighing] But I have to…
Gia- Liz… if you change your mind it’s ok…
Liz- [shaking her head] No… I have to do this…it’s the only way…
Gia- Only way for what?
Liz- I know I’m putting you in a bad spot with everything and if you want to stop helping me I’ll understand…
Gia- [lightly touching her hand] No… I told I would help you and I will. But if you change you mind just say so.
Liz- [nodding] Ok…
Gia- We…we better go back inside before they get suspicious…
Liz- [quickly hugging her] Thank you Gia…
Gia- You don’t have to thank me… we’re friends and anything I can do to help you…
Liz- Thank you…

They quickly reentered Kelly’s hoping no one suspected anything.

Nikolas- So what do you have up for today Elizabeth?
Liz- I have…I have a painting I have to finish and then I’m…I’m free.
Emily- Then we should do something tonight… all of us.
Liz- [looking down beginning to feel guilty speaking softly] Yeah… that sounds cool.
Juan- Elizabeth are you ok?
Liz- [nodding as plastered a fake smile on her face] Yeah… I’m ok… just remembering how things used to be.
Emily- They’ll go back like that eventually.
Liz- Yeah I know.
Emily- [looking at her watch] I hate to go but we have to leave. The Q’s have requested our presence today.
Liz- [softly] Ok…
Emilyy- I’m glad we talked Elizabeth. I really missed you.
Liz- [smiling] I missed you too.
Emliy- Next time we won’t do this. No matter the problem we will never lose touch with one another. No matter what it is we’ll talk it out ok.
Liz- Ok… [she quickly stood and hugged Emily tightly] I love you Emily.
Emily- [smiling as she hugged her in return] I love you too… we’re best friends right?
Liz- []holding back her tears Right… [looking at Juan] you take good care of her ok.
Juan- [smiling] I always do.
Liz- [quickly hugging Juan] Good. Bye you guys.
Juan- [smiling] I’ll see you Liz…
Emily- [lightly touching her arms as she headed towards the door] Bye Liz… I’ll see you later ok.
Liz- [nodding] Ok… [As Emily and Juan left Elizabeth watched as they departed from Kelly’s window. whispering] Bye Emily…

Noticing her behavior Nikolas leaned over to Gia questioning what was going on.

Nikolas- [whispering] Is she ok?
Gia- [whispering] She will be.
Nikolas- [softly] Do you think I should say something?
Gia- [shaking her head] No… if she wants you to know something she’ll tell you.
Nikolas- [nodding] Right… and I’ll be there if she needs me.
Gia- [smiling] I know and that’s why I love you.
Nikolas- [taking her hand and quickly kissing her] I love you too.
Liz- [softly smiling as she returned to the table] Hey stop it you two.
Nikolas- [smiling] I can’t help myself… she just does something to me.
Liz- [softly] I’m happy for you two…
Gia- [softly] Thank you…
Nikolas- [as Liz quickly wiped away a stray tear] Elizabeth is everything ok?
Liz- [nodding as she looked down] Yeah… I uh just tend to get a little sentimental from time to time…ignore me.
Nikolas- [smiling] Never that.
Liz- [smiling] That’s good to hear.
Nikolas- [looking at his watch] I hate to do this too but I have to get to work.
Liz- [smiling] That’s ok.
Nikolas- I can stay if you need me to.
Liz- [smiling] Don’t let my tears fool you. I’m ok… go to work.
Gia- I’ll stay with her…
Liz- [shaking her head] No… you go to. I’m ok really.
Gia- [softly] Are you sure?
Liz- [nodding] Yeah… I’m um sorta meeting somebody and um I don’t want them to think this was a setup or something.
Nikolas- Who are you meeting?

They all turned as the door slowly opened and Lucky walked in.

Liz- [taking a deep breath] Lucky… I asked Lucky to meet me here. I needed to say a few to him.
Nikolas- Are you sure you want to be alone because I can stay.
Liz- [smiling as she lightly touched his arms] I’m sure. I need to do this alone.
Nikolas- Ok I’m just a call away.
Liz- I know and thank you but I…
Nikolas- I know… I’ll call you later...
Gia- [softly] You can do this…
Liz- Yeah I know…

As Nikolas turned to leave Elizabeth stopped him to hug him tightly. Holding back her tears as much as possible she whispered to him.

Liz- [whispering] I’ll see you Nikolas. I love you.
Nikolas- [hugging her tightly] I love you too.
Liz- [softly] Always remember I love you ok?
Nikolas- [smiling] How could I forget?
Liz- Just in case… Keep telling Gia you love her.
Nikolas- Of course.
Liz- Ok…

As Nikolas started to pull away Elizabeth held on to him tighter knowing it would be her last time.

Liz- Take care of yourself…
Nikolas- [kissing her quickly on her cheek] That’s what I got you and Gia for.
Liz- Ok…

She and Gia quickly held hands knowing their goodbye would be coming later that night. She waved as Nikolas turned back smiled at her one last time before he headed out the door.

Nikolas- [as he was headed out the door] Lucky…
Lucky- Nikolas…

They nodded at each other saying no other words. Nikolas and Gia let hand in hand both lost in their own thoughts about the goodbye they just shared with Elizabeth. Once Nikolas and Gia were out of sight Lucky slowly walked over to Elizabeth.

Lucky- [softly] Elizabeth…
Liz- [taking a deep breath] I’m glad you came.
Lucky- You said you needed to talk…
Liz- We do…
Lucky- [looking down] I know it won’t make up for some of the things I did but I’m sorry.
Liz- [softly] I know…
Lucky- [quietly] I only wanted to see you happy.
Liz- And for a while I was and I will be again.
Lucky- [his voice wavering] If I could I would take back the things I did.
Liz- [softly as she touched his arm] I didn’t ask you down here for you to apologize.
Lucky- What do you want?
Liz- [softly smiling] I just wanted to know if you were happy?
Lucky- [looking down] I’m trying to be.
Liz- I’m glad for you. Don’t let what happened in the past change that ok?
Lucky- [quietly] Ok… Elizabeth… I’m really sorry.
Liz- So am I.
Lucky- [shaking his head] You have nothing to be sorry for.
Liz- [nodding her head] Yes I do and if I could do things over I would…
Lucky- You wouldn’t have to… I was the reason behind all of this… I changed and there was no going back…
Liz- We both changed.
Lucky- I’m still sorry…
Liz- [smiling as she lightly touched his arm] Lucky… be happy ok…
Lucky- I will be…
Liz- [smiling] Good… you deserve it.
Lucky- [shaking his head] How can you stand there and be nice to me… I know you hate me for what I did…
Liz- [shaking her head] I don’t hate you Lucky… I never will. It’s just… we grew apart and we didn’t exactly handle it well.
Lucky- Well I hate myself…
Liz- Don’t… like I said I want you be happy.
Lucky- [nodding his head] Ok…
Liz- [smiling] Can you do me a favor?
Lucky- Anything…
Liz- [smiling] Hug LuLu and your mom for me… I sorta miss them…
Lucky- [nodding] Ok…
Liz- [smiling] That’s not it…
Lucky- What else do you want?
Liz- Stop blaming yourself…
Lucky- [shaking his head] I don’t know if I can…
Liz- You can…

As Lucky nodded and turned to leave Elizabeth stopped him. Surprising him and herself she quickly hugged him. Returning her hug they stood silent for a moment.

Liz- [whispering] Be happy Lucky. [nodding he quickly walked away once out of sight she whispered] Good bye Lucky.

The rest of her day passed by in a blur. Knowing she would be unable to face her grandmother without breaking down she wrote her letter explaining why she had to leave. As she slowly closed Kelly’s memories of times flooded her. Moments from when she first met Lucky to memories of Jason loving her as she laid tightly in his arms. A soft knock on the window pulled her out of her thoughts. Quickly letting Gia in she tried best to compose herself.

Gia- [smiling] You don’t have to do this…
Liz- [slowly nodding her head] Yes I do…
Gia- [quietly] Are you sure?
Liz- Yes… this is something I have to do.
Gia- [unable to stop the tears that suddenly came] I’m gonna miss you.
Liz- [no longer fighting her own tears] I’m gonna miss you too.
Gia- [crying] I wish… I wish there was something I could say to make you stay…
Liz- I can’t stay…
Gia- Why not?
Liz- It hurts too much being here without Jason…
Gia- [wiping at her tears] You know what this means right?
Liz- What?
Gia- [sighing] I’m gonna have to become friends with Emily now…
[Despite herself she laughed] Liz- She’s not that bad…
Gia- [smiling] I know… look at her best friend.
Liz- [smiling as she hugged her] Thank you.
Gia- [trying not to cry again] No problem…
Liz- Take care of Nikolas…
Gia- [nodding] I will… you know he’s gonna try and look for you.
Liz- [nodding] I know and I want you to tell him not to. I’ll come back when it’s time.
Gia- Thank you for being my friend…
Liz- Thank you… I was blessed with two best friends…
Gia- [crying] Liz…
Liz- Be there for Emily too. She won’t understand why I didn’t go to her…
Gia- [softly as she looked down] Ok…
Liz- [fighting back her tears] It’s time…it’s time for me to go.
Gia- Are you sure?
Liz- [nodding] Yeah… could you give this to my Gram… I couldn’t say goodbye to her. Tell her…tell her that I love her and I’ll be back.
Gia- [nodding as she wiped away her tears] Ok… [handing her a envelope of money] I want you to take this…
Liz- [confused] What is it?
Gia- It’s some extra money that I have…
Liz- [shaking her head as she tried to give the envelope back to Gia] I don’t…I don’t need it… I have enough.
Gia- [shaking her head as she refused to take the money back] Take it from me there is never enough… Besides I don’t want to see you turn to blackmailing…
Liz- [smiling] Thank you Gia…
Gia- [nodding] You be safe and you come back to us ok…
Liz- [quietly] I will

Hugging each other tightly they walked out of Kelly’s together.

Gia- Do you know where you are going?
Liz- No… I’ll find it when I get there…
Gia- Ok… be careful…
Liz- I will be… [hugging each other again Liz whispered] I love you Gia…
Gia- [quietly] Oh Liz… I love you too
Liz- [taking a deep breath] This’ll work…
Gia- Yeah it will…
Liz- [softly] Goodbye Gia…
Gia- [smiling] If I remember correctly I think the right thing for me to say is see you later.

Gia quickly turned and left trying to spare Elizabeth the pain of guilt over her leaving. Turning to look back into Kelly’s through the window as tears fell Elizabeth quietly said goodbye to her life in Port Charles. Running her thumb slowly over the lucky quarter she had taken from Jason a long time ago Elizabeth quickly wiped away her tears and set out to find a new place to call home.