Goodbye Forever
Chapter Two

August 12, 2003

”So are we going to the PC Grille?” Courtney asked, sitting in her seat beside Jax, who was driving

“Actually no” Jax replied in a thick accent, “I planned out something, and my luck is you wanted to go out”

“Well, I just needed sometime out, me and Jason had this talk and I….” Courtney began, suddenly stopping

“What? You and Jason what?” Jax asked, turning his head

“Nothing…Me and Jason are over with, we just had one of our talks where we try to convince our selves were done with each other and ended up hurting each other even more” Courtney replied, sighing

Jax pulled into one of the park’s parking lot and turned off the engine. Courtney got out And just as she closed the door, a masked man pulled her from behind

“HEL…” Courtney muffled

Jax walked around the car and step in front of Courtney, all the while limping

“Sorry Courtney, but I have to keep you from Jason, even if means costing everything you love” Jax said, taking out a needle filled with a clear substance.

“Jax…no…please…don’t do this…” Courtney sobbed, trying to pull away from her captor

“I’m sorry…” Was the last thing Courtney heard before Jax jabbed the needle into her neck, not knowing Jax had a plan.

“You know what to do next…then you get your money” Jax told the masked man as he got in his seat, beside Courtney


“Right…” The masked man replied

The masked man got in his car and drove away, letting Jax linger at the parking lot for a moment…

“Soon Courtney…Soon you will be all mine” Jax said, with a deathly emotion laden in his voice

A Few Minutes later,

Jax was driving a usually populated road just a few miles outside of Port Charles City Limits, when he saw the car driving at full force towards them. He sped up a little so it would Courtney’s side directly.

CRASH

The car impact forced Jax’s car to tumbled over and into the sidewalk, which dozens of teenagers were walking on. Jax could hear distance someone calling 911…

“Yes…there was just a car hit and the car toppled over onto the side walk… I think their hurt really bad….” A distant voice said, as Jax started to blackout


GENERAL HOSPITAL

“34- year-male, victim of a head on collision…” a nurse faded out as they wheeled in Jax

Monica Quatermaine, who was walking through the ER to the other set of elevator due to one being out of order, past by as they wheeled in Jax.

She turned when another paramedic said the passenger of the car Jax was in, was DOA; Monica got a quick glimpse of a lock of blonde hair.

“ID says Courtney Matthews…” The paramedic told the nurse

That made Monica confirm her feeling and walked up to the gurney…

“May I please look…it may be someone I know…” Monica asked, feeling a sickening feeling in her stomach

“If you are sure…” The nurse said…pulling the soaking red blanket up…

“Oh my…” Monica gasped as she stared at the woman who still held her youngest son’s heart…”No…it can’t be…”

“Dr.Quatermaine, emergency contact says a Mrs. Carly Corinthos…should I call her?” Nurse Anne Kendall asked,

“Um…yes…I have to call someone” Monica excused herself as she heading towards the elevator, preparing to tell her son the worst news he needs to her, not knowing someone was going to beat her to it.

HARBOR VIEW TOWERS ~~ PENTHOUSE 2

Sonny, Carly and Jason all sat in the living room after they eaten a family dinner. Michael and Morgan both respectively in bed, sleeping the night away. Carly and Jason sat on the couch and Sonny in the armchair. They just sat around, talking, more like Carly, about Morgan’s upcoming birthday, which was still 2 months away. Then the phone started to ring.

RING RING

Carly got up and answered the annoying phone

“Hello?” She answered

“Yes, is this Mrs. Corinthos?” a voice asked

“Yes, this is she. How may I help you?” Carly replied back

“Mrs. Corinthos, My name is Anne Kendall, I’m a nurse at General Hospital. I’m calling in regards to a Miss Courtney Matthews” Anne said

“Yes, I know a Courtney Matthews, is something wrong?” Carly asked, worry entering her eyes. Sonny and Jason, from their positions on their seats, turned to look at her, each with the same look

“I’m sorry to inform you, Miss Matthews died early tonight in car accident,” Anne answered, with guilt laden in her voice

“What? No…No…not Courtney…you must be mistaken” Carly started, mumbling in hysteria

“I’m sorry. She had her id and some other personal effects with her. I’m so sorry for your lost, Mrs. Corinthos” Anne said, hanging up the phone

Carly dropped the phone and fell to her knees

“She’s dead…she’s dead…no…it can’t be” Carly said to herself, but loud enough for Sonny and Jason to hear.

Jason, startled by hearing Courtney’s name, got up

“Carly? Carly? Who was that? Who’s dead?” Jason asked, as he kneeled beside her

Sometime, Sam entered the penthouse, wanting to talk to Jason, when she saw Carly sobbing on the floor

“Carly? What is going on?” Jason asked, worried what put Carly in this state

“Courtney…”Carly sobbed out…gasping for breath

“What about Courtney, Carly? Is she hurt?” Sonny asked, coming up to the duo, when he heard his sister’s name

“She…. She…She’s dead!” Carly exclaimed, more tears taking over her

‘Dead…dead…’ the word swam through Jason Morgan’s mind

‘She can’t be…I was just talking to her a few hours ago’ He thought

“She was crying when she left…’ Jason thought, pain shooting through him.

Sam who was quiet through the whole time, stood in shock what she was hearing…

‘I can’t believe it… the bastard went through it…’ Sam thought, feeling a little quilt, knowing she was also behind this

“I got to go…” Jason said, stumbling up, walking towards the door

“Jason…Jason wait…” Sonny said, trying to stop him…

Jason didn’t hear anything, just hearing ‘dead’ over and over in his head. He punches the button to the elevator waiting for to open. When it open, he step inside, now he started sobbing when the doors closed.

Jason stepped out of the elevator, determined to find out if it was true. He got on his motorcycle and started it up, driving towards General Hospital.

GENERAL HOSPITAL…

Monica sat in her office, not being able to reach Jason, wondering how things got this way for those two. When Jason told of his engagement to Courtney last year, he was genuinely happy. What had happen?

“Dr.Quatermaine, A Jason Morgan is here to see you…” was all the secretary got out before Jason pushed through…

“Did you hear? Is Courtney really dead?” Jason asked, starting to sob again

“Oh Jason…” was all Monica said as she took her son in her arms

“She can’t be…why…mom…why…?” Jason sobbed out

Monica was in shock, in the years following the accident; Jason made no attempts to get close to any of the Quatermaine’s, except Lila and Emily. She tightens her hug and let Jason cry.

“She’s in the morgue, I went to see her before you came here. It really is her…” Monica sobbed, as she cried with Jason

The mother-son pair just stood there in silence basking in the news of a death.

An hour later,

After much comforting from Monica, Jason finally got enough courage to go to the morgue and try and believe the news…

Jason walked into the morgue of General Hospital and asked to see Courtney’s Body

“Are you family?” An attending asked

“Yes” was his only answer

“Follow me.” The Attending said, walking into a bright room

The attending walked to one of the steel slab gurney with a blanket on it and pulled it back.

Jason suddenly realized he was looking at his love’s face

“Oh God…Courtney…no…I was hoping it wasn’t true” he said, starting to cry as he leaned his face to Courtney bruised and bloody one.

“Why…? Why did you leave me?” He begged, crying into her blanketed chest

“Mr. Morgan…I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your lost…and wanted to inform you that Miss Matthews companion, Mr. Jax made it through surgery” The attending said

“What?” Jason said, startling back up

“Yes, Mr. Jax was also in the car, he was driving. The car hit Miss Matthews’s side, killing her instantly and critically injuring Mr. Jax…” The attending said, as Jason got up and started leaving

“Mr. Morgan…” The attending asked, suddenly scared of him

“Where is he?” Jason asked

“He’s up in recovery on the 8th floor…” The attending said as Jason rushed out of the morgue

“Poor Girl… so young… I bet left a lot of loved ones behind,” The attending said, as he went back and covered Courtney body

Jason stalked to the elevator in fury, anger filling every pore in his body… the elevator ding, opening up. Jason went inside and pushed the button for the 8th floor.

“Courtney’s dead because of this bastard”

The elevator ding again, Jason exited the elevator on the 8th floor and asked a nurse where Jasper Jax’s room was…the nurse told him Room 235 and he stalked off…

When he got to Room 235, he noticed Jax was awake and talking…to Sam. Feeling no remorse for the injured man, Jason stalk up to his bed and lifted Jax by the collars of his gown…

“Hey! Just had major surgery here!” Jax yelled in pain as Jason picked him up

“Courtney’s Dead! Your Alive! Who Do Think Is In Pain! At Least Your Alive!” He yelled, throwing Jax back on to the bed

“JASON!!! STOP IT!!! YOU’RE HURTING HIM!!” Sam yelled, her 6 month pregnant stomach in her way, pulling at Jason’s Arm

“So What! At least he’s alive! Courtney’s Dead! DEAD! And he’s alive! In what justice does that make him worthy not to be in pain” Jason yelled, tears streaming down his face

He turned and left, leaving a grimacing Jax behind, not knowing Jax and Sam were actually behind everything

Jason left the hospital getting on his bike and riving mindlessly.

Chapter Three

Jason left the hospital getting on his bike and riving mindlessly.

He drove aimlessly for an hour before stopping at the loft, Just days before, and a sniper shot into Courtney’s window. He went there because one of his informants told him Faith put a hit on Courtney; he was more the happy when he saw Courtney wasn’t hurt.

He pulled his bike in a shaded area, where no one would see the bike and went up the steps. He jimmied the door and walked in; reliving the memories they had there.

Flashback

[Courtney is sitting on her bed, writing in her journal]

Courtney's voice: "I'm alone, waiting here for him, afraid he'll be arrested on his way -- here. I almost wrote 'home.' 'Don't think, just keep writing.' That's what I tell myself. Writing in my journal keeps me from going crazy. I don't know what's going to happen or how to help. I wish this would all disappear and that everyone would leave us alone here in our place and everything would be quiet. No phones would ring. Nothing bad would happen, and I would find the courage to tell Jason how I feel, to tell Jason that I love him."

[Door opens and Jason comes in]

Courtney: You got here.

[She runs into his arms]

Jason: Yeah. Hmm. I'm ok. Ok.

Courtney: Oh, I just -- I can't help but get scared. I mean court was so terrible.

Jason: What is it? What are you doing?

Courtney: It's -- it's just my journal.

Jason: What are you writing?

Courtney: Nothing.

Jason: Can I see it?

Courtney: No.

Jason: Why?

Courtney: Because it's private.

Jason: Come on --

Courtney: No!

Jason: Come on.

Courtney: No, no, no, no, no.

Jason: Come on, come on. How private? [Jason grabs the journal from her and holds it above her head. They laugh and tickle each other for it.]

Courtney: Give it back.

Jason: No, no, no.

Courtney: Give it back.

Jason: You want to see this --

Courtney: It's private!

Jason: You got to get it back from me. Here you go. Here you go. Take it.

Courtney: Give it back!

[They land in an embrace]

Courtney: Give it back!

Jason: All right. I would --

Courtney: God.

Jason: I would never read your secrets.

Courtney: Yeah, I know.


END

“God…why…why did you have to take her…she did nothing to you…is this your way of punishing me? Huh?! IS IT?! “ Jason yelled, his voice vibrating around him

Jason collapsed on the floor, sobbing reliving the endless memories that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Jason saw on the bottom self, the picture of him and Courtney from when they first started dating. He still couldn’t believe that Courtney would keep it.

He got up and went to the bed he shared with Courtney for those month where the only two people in the world, he slipped off his jacket and went to Courtney side and laid down, smelling her pillow. As he fell asleep, a lone tear escaped his eye.

GENERAL HOSPITAL MORGUE

The attending who saw Jason Morgan sobbed over his ‘dead’ love’s body, made preparations for Mr. Jax’s third step in the plan; Mr. Jax was paying him a lot of money to go along with this, but the attending knew he had to leave as soon after since he was afraid Mr. Corinthos and Mr. Morgan would have him killed if they figured out what he had done.

The attending called Victor Brothers Funeral Home; the one Mr. Corinthos picked to have the funeral. One of Mr. Jax’s friends worked there and agreed, also influenced by Mr. Jax’s money, and helped along. Afterwards, he made a call to the Corinthos Home.

“Hello?” Sonny answered

“Yes, Mr. Corinthos? This is Dr. Jameson, from General Hospital Morgue” Jameson replied

“Yes, Doctor. What do we owe this call for?” Sonny asked, his voice still evident of grief, still reeling in the new of his sister’s ‘death’

“I wanted to inform you that your sister’s body is being transferred to Victor Brothers Funeral Home, tomorrow morning.” Jameson said

“Thank You” Sonny said, hanging up

Dr. Jameson hung up the phone and turned off the lights. He knew the drug that Courtney had been injected with would keep her in a ‘dead’ like state for another 4 days, all the while, she was till breathe, just not evident to the naked eye.

Chapter Three (Part Two)

THE NEXT DAY

Carly walked into the Victor Brothers Funeral Home, her instead of Sonny since he couldn’t get up and feel the huge guilt he had since he last conversation he had with Courtney was nearly forcible. She walked in looking at all the casket that lined up the hall, seeing two doors, one going to where employees worked at and another going to funeral services halls.

“Mrs. Corinthos, I’m Gabriel Victor, co-owner of the Home. I’m so sorry for your lost” A middle age man with thinning hair and blacked hair with streaked grays.

“Nice to meet you Mr. Victor” Carly replied

“I thought Mr. Corinthos was coming to set up the funeral?” Victor questioned

“Mr. Corinthos couldn’t make it, his sister’s death is taking its toll on him” Carl replied, moving a piece of hair out of her eye.

“Yes, yes…once again I’m sorry…now getting to business” Victor said, getting his clipboard out

“I…um brought something for Courtney to be buried in…um…Sonny picked it out…it was her favorite dress” Carly interrupted, bringing a big shopping bag

“Um…I’m okay… Mrs. Corinthos…I need a notice on Miss Matthews…” Victor started

“Morgan…its Morgan…Mrs. Morgan” Carly said

“Oh…Mrs. Morgan, well, I need a notice for her, to put in the obituaries” Victor said, pulling a piece of paper out

“Oh…um…out down, Courtney Leigh Matthews Morgan, 26, loving daughter of Mike Corbin and Janine Matthews, beloved sister to Michael ‘Sonny’ Corinthos and Sister in law to Carly Corinthos, Wonderful Aunt to Michael and Morgan Corinthos, and Beloved Wife to Jason Morgan. Mrs. Morgan died in a Car Accident August 12. Funeral Services will be held August 15,2004 at Queen of Angels Church. A wake will be held later at Kelly’s Diner, which will be closed due to this unfortunate sadness.

“Okay…also I need the information to put on the grave marker and what kind you would like…” Victor stated

“Get a traditional marble with an angel on top…keep it simple…Courtney didn’t like flashy or noticeable things. It should read… Courtney Leigh Matthews-Morgan, April 20th, 1978 ~ August 11th, 2004, A Beloved Friend, Sister, Aunt and Wife, She’ll Be in Our Hearts and Souls, She’ll Never Be Forgotten.”

“Okay…that is all…also, I must inform you, because of the accident, I suggest, the funeral be a closed casket service…. Once again…I’m sorry,” Victor said, before taking the bag out of Carly’s hands and walking away

Inside the Employee Room

Gabriel Victor set the bag down on the table and turned to his brother, John who did all the funeral arrangements. Unbeknownst to Gabe, was that John was in the plan to fake Courtney’s death.

“That was Mrs. Corinthos for the Matt…I mean Morgan Funeral…” Gabe said, picking up he bag and giving it to John “This is what the brother want her buried in”

“Okay…” John’s only reply

Gabe left, feeling the cold attitude from his brother, noting that something was wrong.

John turned when Gabe left and made a phone call to Jax.

“Its all set, Gabe informed Mrs. Corinthos for a closed casket so we can fill it with junk, I’ll have Ms. Matthews body delivered to your safe house tonight” John said, hanging up

A Few Days later…

Queen of Angels Church

Mourners alike came into the church, where just a year ago, Courtney and Jason planned to hold their first wedding here. Sonny stood along with Mike and Janine, who for once was not yelling at him. When Mike called Janine and told her of Courtney’s death, she blamed Sonny right away, but when Mike told him that Courtney died in a car accident, she flew down from Atlantic City, and mourned with the rest of the family.

Jason sat in front, staring at the casket that held the body of the love of his life. A while ago, he placed a flower on top and placed a kiss on top. Suddenly Jason was thinking about his grandmother’s death, and how it affected him. He remembered silently making a promise to Lila that he would try to win Courtney back before it was too late. He failed in keeping that promise, knowing it would haunt him forever.

The priest stood up on the podium and began the service.

“Today, we are here to say goodbye to a beloved friend, sister, and daughter." He began, as everyone in the room, all with tears in their eyes sniffed and some sobbing to themselves

“She was a young vibrant woman, who in the prime of her life was taken from her family and friends.”

“Courtney was loved by many people. Many who she touched and left a mark in their lives, that she’ll never be forgotten”

After a few minutes, the pastor stepped down and Carly walked to the podium, walked up to the mic, and saw all of Courtney’s friends and her family. Mike holding a crying Janine, Sonny holding Michael in his lap, and Jason…well, he wasn’t mentally there.

“Courtney…well, I never thought I had to say something about my best friend at her funeral…its hard for me to be up here…talking about the great things of Courtney…when she can’t be here to see it…” Carly started, then sobbed out loud as she started again
“…She always got me through the tough moments I had. She never gave up on me or Sonny or anybody. She thought everyone had a good side to him or her. That’s the way she was…”

Jason sat there, not believing he was sitting at Courtney’s Funeral. He still didn’t believe she was dead. Not even after he saw her body…he would never believe Courtney was dead because she wasn’t, not in his heart anyway.

Jason turned, dropping Carly’s voice from his mind and spotted Jasper Jax, in the back, bandaged up.

‘How dare he come here! Courtney’s dead because of him’ Jason thought angrily, Jason made motion to get up, but Sonny put his hand on his leg, motioning him not to move, silently telling him to leave Jax alone for now. They were here to say goodbye to Courtney.

Jason turned in his seat, watching Carly stepped down and Mike stepping up…

“Courtney was my little girl. I remember the day when I first saw her, in the nursery…” Mike started, as Jason started droning out, a new memory flashing through his mind

“She was the tiniest baby there…swaddled in her pink blanket. When I picked her up, she latched onto my finger and didn’t let go. She had a look of serenity as she held my finger, and I knew she was mine and someday she was going to be a wonderful lady who touched people with her heart. That’s what she loved to do, help people” Mike finshed, before stepping down, trying to wipe the tears as they flowed.

A Few Hours Later
Jason walked the path to the cemetery; a newly fresh turned ground signified a recently burial. Jason kneeled down in front of the new polish marble and read what it said

Courtney Leigh Matthews-Morgan
April 20th, 1978 ~ August 11th, 2004
A Beloved Friend, Sister, Aunt and Wife
She’ll Be in Our Hearts and Souls
She’ll Never Be Forgotten

“I Just came by to say I Love you and How Sorry I am I couldn’t protect you” Jason sobbed as her rested his head on top of the headstone.
“I’m Sorry…So Sorry”

Jason was surprised when Carly told him that on the headstone they put Morgan. He never thought she would do that. Mike apparently knew because at the wake, Mike told him that he trusted him with his little girl, even through they were divorced

He remembered at the wake, Carly walked up to him, where her was standing by the window and told him but the grave marker.

FLASHBACK
“Jason?” Carly asked quietly outside of Kelly’s
“Yeah?” Jason replied back
“I just wanted you to know that if you visit Courtney, you’ll be surprised by her headstone.” Carly said
“Why?” Jason questioned
“Because me and Sonny put Morgan on the stone. Courtney always told me that even if you weren’t married on paper, you’ll always be married in Heart” Carly replied

END OF FLASHBACK

Jason sat on the ground in front of the newly turned ground and sobbed for all the times he missed caused he was stupid enough to let someone like her go. Now he would pay for the rest of his life.

Jason stood up and walked out of the cemetery, a little less distraught but more assure of himself that he would be able to go on, since Courtney was always with him, in his heart.

A YEAR LATER

Jason walked to Courtney Headstone.

Jason kneeled down and put down a dozen red roses, her favorite flowers, and kissed the stone.
“I miss you Court, I’ll never forget the love we had. I’m honoring you the best way I can, I keep Sonny and Mike in order, knowing you would want them to get along. We all miss you. Just remember Court, even through we weren’t together, I’d always did love you”

Jason got up and gave one last kiss. He walked away with what was left of his family, never forgetting that soon enough he would be joining her and they will together again.

Kelly’s

After Jason left the cemetery he went to Kelly’s to get some lunch and something for Michael. Carly and Sonny went with Mike to Atlantic City and get Janine down to Port Charles for a small family dinner in Courtney’s Honor.

It was amazing how a tragic moment taught a family they could no longer fight with another. A month after Courtney’s death, Sonny and Carly made agreements that they would never lie to another again and try to keep their relationship as honest as possible. Sonny and Mike started to try and tolerate each other and soon Mike was coming over every weekend to spend sometime with the boys and have a family dinner. Mike and Janine together mourned for Courtney, their only child, and later were able to move on as long as they promised to always update on each other.

Sam, well, Carly still didn’t get along with her, but Courtney’s death gave Jason enough courage to tell Sam he really wasn’t okay naming her baby after Lila. Sam had her baby in November and named her Anne, or Annie by her.

On what would have been the 1st birthday of Courtney and Jason’s baby, Jason went to the cemetery and had a small cross placed next to Courtney saying “Baby Morgan July 2003 -August 2003 Through you didn’t get to see the world, all you need is your mama who is holding you in clouds, watching over your family”. Michael came up with the inscription at school and thought it would be a nice gift for the baby.

“Hi Jase” Penny greeted

“Hey. Can I get some mac & cheese with a small spirit and a turkey & cheese sandwich with a large coffee?” Jason ordered

“Yeah. And Jason, I remember what day it is. I’m sorry, its been a year and it still hurts” Penny said, as she turned and left

“Yeah…it does” Jason replied

Jason thought back afterwards from the funeral. Jax left town abruptly, feeling he was in danger for living and not Courtney. Jason and Sonny both felt with Jax gone, they could heal easier.

Penny returned with Jason order and Jason paid and left. He heading towards the Harborview Towers not knowing somewhere just a few miles away was the object he was thinking.

“I…um brought something for Courtney to be buried in…um…Sonny picked it out…it was her favorite dress” Carly interrupted, bringing a big shopping bag

“Um…I’m okay… Mrs. Corinthos…I need a notice on Miss Matthews…” Victor started

“Morgan…its Morgan…Mrs. Morgan” Carly said

“Oh…Mrs. Morgan, well, I need a notice for her, to put in the obituaries” Victor said, pulling a piece of paper out

“Oh…um…out down, Courtney Leigh Matthews Morgan, 26, loving daughter of Mike Corbin and Janine Matthews, beloved sister to Michael ‘Sonny’ Corinthos and Sister in law to Carly Corinthos, Wonderful Aunt to Michael and Morgan Corinthos, and Beloved Wife to Jason Morgan. Mrs. Morgan died in a Car Accident August 12. Funeral Services will be held August 15,2004 at Queen of Angels Church. A wake will be held later at Kelly’s Diner, which will be closed due to this unfortunate sadness.

“Okay…also I need the information to put on the grave marker and what kind you would like…” Victor stated

“Get a traditional marble with an angel on top…keep it simple…Courtney didn’t like flashy or noticeable things. It should read… Courtney Leigh Matthews-Morgan, April 20th, 1978 ~ August 11th, 2004, A Beloved Friend, Sister, Aunt and Wife, She’ll Be in Our Hearts and Souls, She’ll Never Be Forgotten.”

“Okay…that is all…also, I must inform you, because of the accident, I suggest, the funeral be a closed casket service…. Once again…I’m sorry,” Victor said, before taking the bag out of Carly’s hands and walking away

Inside the Employee Room

Gabriel Victor set the bag down on the table and turned to his brother, John who did all the funeral arrangements. Unbeknownst to Gabe, was that John was in the plan to fake Courtney’s death.

“That was Mrs. Corinthos for the Matt…I mean Morgan Funeral…” Gabe said, picking up he bag and giving it to John “This is what the brother want her buried in”

“Okay…” John’s only reply

Gabe left, feeling the cold attitude from his brother, noting that something was wrong.

John turned when Gabe left and made a phone call to Jax.

“Its all set, Gabe informed Mrs. Corinthos for a closed casket so we can fill it with junk, I’ll have Ms. Matthews body delivered to your safe house tonight” John said, hanging up

A Few Days later…

Queen of Angels Church

Mourners alike came into the church, where just a year ago, Courtney and Jason planned to hold their first wedding here. Sonny stood along with Mike and Janine, who for once was not yelling at him. When Mike called Janine and told her of Courtney’s death, she blamed Sonny right away, but when Mike told him that Courtney died in a car accident, she flew down from Atlantic City, and mourned with the rest of the family.

Jason sat in front, staring at the casket that held the body of the love of his life. A while ago, he placed a flower on top and placed a kiss on top. Suddenly Jason was thinking about his grandmother’s death, and how it affected him. He remembered silently making a promise to Lila that he would try to win Courtney back before it was too late. He failed in keeping that promise, knowing it would haunt him forever.

The priest stood up on the podium and began the service.

“Today, we are here to say goodbye to a beloved friend, sister, and daughter." He began, as everyone in the room, all with tears in their eyes sniffed and some sobbing to themselves

“She was a young vibrant woman, who in the prime of her life was taken from her family and friends.”

“Courtney was loved by many people. Many who she touched and left a mark in their lives, that she’ll never be forgotten”

After a few minutes, the pastor stepped down and Carly walked to the podium, walked up to the mic, and saw all of Courtney’s friends and her family. Mike holding a crying Janine, Sonny holding Michael in his lap, and Jason…well, he wasn’t mentally there.

“Courtney…well, I never thought I had to say something about my best friend at her funeral…its hard for me to be up here…talking about the great things of Courtney…when she can’t be here to see it…” Carly started, then sobbed out loud as she started again
“…She always got me through the tough moments I had. She never gave up on me or Sonny or anybody. She thought everyone had a good side to him or her. That’s the way she was…”

Jason sat there, not believing he was sitting at Courtney’s Funeral. He still didn’t believe she was dead. Not even after he saw her body…he would never believe Courtney was dead because she wasn’t, not in his heart anyway.

Jason turned, dropping Carly’s voice from his mind and spotted Jasper Jax, in the back, bandaged up.

‘How dare he come here! Courtney’s dead because of him’ Jason thought angrily, Jason made motion to get up, but Sonny put his hand on his leg, motioning him not to move, silently telling him to leave Jax alone for now. They were here to say goodbye to Courtney.

Jason turned in his seat, watching Carly stepped down and Mike stepping up…

“Courtney was my little girl. I remember the day when I first saw her, in the nursery…” Mike started, as Jason started droning out, a new memory flashing through his mind

“She was the tiniest baby there…swaddled in her pink blanket. When I picked her up, she latched onto my finger and didn’t let go. She had a look of serenity as she held my finger, and I knew she was mine and someday she was going to be a wonderful lady who touched people with her heart. That’s what she loved to do, help people” Mike finshed, before stepping down, trying to wipe the tears as they flowed.

A Few Hours Later
Jason walked the path to the cemetery; a newly fresh turned ground signified a recently burial. Jason kneeled down in front of the new polish marble and read what it said

Courtney Leigh Matthews-Morgan
April 20th, 1978 ~ August 11th, 2004
A Beloved Friend, Sister, Aunt and Wife
She’ll Be in Our Hearts and Souls
She’ll Never Be Forgotten

“I Just came by to say I Love you and How Sorry I am I couldn’t protect you” Jason sobbed as her rested his head on top of the headstone.
“I’m Sorry…So Sorry”

Jason was surprised when Carly told him that on the headstone they put Morgan. He never thought she would do that. Mike apparently knew because at the wake, Mike told him that he trusted him with his little girl, even through they were divorced

He remembered at the wake, Carly walked up to him, where her was standing by the window and told him but the grave marker.

FLASHBACK
“Jason?” Carly asked quietly outside of Kelly’s
“Yeah?” Jason replied back
“I just wanted you to know that if you visit Courtney, you’ll be surprised by her headstone.” Carly said
“Why?” Jason questioned
“Because me and Sonny put Morgan on the stone. Courtney always told me that even if you weren’t married on paper, you’ll always be married in Heart” Carly replied

END OF FLASHBACK

Jason sat on the ground in front of the newly turned ground and sobbed for all the times he missed caused he was stupid enough to let someone like her go. Now he would pay for the rest of his life.

Jason stood up and walked out of the cemetery, a little less distraught but more assure of himself that he would be able to go on, since Courtney was always with him, in his heart.

A YEAR LATER

Jason walked to Courtney Headstone.

Jason kneeled down and put down a dozen red roses, her favorite flowers, and kissed the stone.
“I miss you Court, I’ll never forget the love we had. I’m honoring you the best way I can, I keep Sonny and Mike in order, knowing you would want them to get along. We all miss you. Just remember Court, even through we weren’t together, I’d always did love you”

Jason got up and gave one last kiss. He walked away with what was left of his family, never forgetting that soon enough he would be joining her and they will together again.

Kelly’s

After Jason left the cemetery he went to Kelly’s to get some lunch and something for Michael. Carly and Sonny went with Mike to Atlantic City and get Janine down to Port Charles for a small family dinner in Courtney’s Honor.

It was amazing how a tragic moment taught a family they could no longer fight with another. A month after Courtney’s death, Sonny and Carly made agreements that they would never lie to another again and try to keep their relationship as honest as possible. Sonny and Mike started to try and tolerate each other and soon Mike was coming over every weekend to spend sometime with the boys and have a family dinner. Mike and Janine together mourned for Courtney, their only child, and later were able to move on as long as they promised to always update on each other.

Sam, well, Carly still didn’t get along with her, but Courtney’s death gave Jason enough courage to tell Sam he really wasn’t okay naming her baby after Lila. Sam had her baby in November and named her Anne, or Annie by her.

On what would have been the 1st birthday of Courtney and Jason’s baby, Jason went to the cemetery and had a small cross placed next to Courtney saying “Baby Morgan July 2003 -August 2003 Through you didn’t get to see the world, all you need is your mama who is holding you in clouds, watching over your family”. Michael came up with the inscription at school and thought it would be a nice gift for the baby.

“Hi Jase” Penny greeted

“Hey. Can I get some mac & cheese with a small spirit and a turkey & cheese sandwich with a large coffee?” Jason ordered

“Yeah. And Jason, I remember what day it is. I’m sorry, its been a year and it still hurts” Penny said, as she turned and left

“Yeah…it does” Jason replied

Jason thought back afterwards from the funeral. Jax left town abruptly, feeling he was in danger for living and not Courtney. Jason and Sonny both felt with Jax gone, they could heal easier.

Penny returned with Jason order and Jason paid and left. He heading towards the Harborview Towers not knowing somewhere just a few miles away was the object he was thinking.