Journey Online

Summary: Courtney comes back to college to a shocking surprise. How will everything play out for her??

Today was unlike any other, yet the same, in many ways. Sonny again went on a rampage, daring to diminish anyone who crossed his path.

“You don’t know anything about anything!” Sonny shouted when I had helped Carly after a near fall down the stairs. As if shouting at me not to help was going to change anything. I didn’t understand and I probably never will.

“Jason can’t protect Carly from falling down a flight of stairs anywhere, Sonny. Let alone in her club. Just give up!” I argued. I had become sick and tired of his meaningless unreason ability. He was just picking a fight to try to prove a point that wasn’t there. That was when he slapped me, my brother, tough mob boss Sonny Corinthos, slapped his younger sister. I could barely believe it, yet I had to because of the sting that lingered on my cheek.

And who better then to notice the slap then Sonny’s ex-best friend and my boyfriend, Jason Morgan. He had walked into the club just as Sonny’s hand crossed my face, and I guess something inside of him totally snapped. I couldn’t believe his reaction, yet in some ways I could.

Jason rushed over to my side, glaring at Sonny and he just let go. He screamed like a wild man, and I realized I had never seen this side of him. It felt good to feel loved and protected. As we walked out he touched my cheek with a solitary o-so-gentle fingertip, as if I were porcelain and would break.

I could see in Jason’s eyes that he needed Sonny; his brother, mentor, and best friend. I had made the decision that had been ripping at my heart since I had fallen in love with Jason. I was torn.

“So, we’re going to be staying with your brother? That will be so much fun! I can’t wait, Courtney!” Courtney’s best friend, Sara Whitaker exclaimed.

Courtney had to laugh at that one. “Two weeks with Sonny? Trust me, Sara; you’ll be dying to get out of there!” Courtney told her. She set her bag down on her bed and sighed. It had been two years since she had seen any of them, her family, old friends, and Jason. She had missed Jason with all her heart. She knew that this visit would do; either rekindle an old flame of love or leave everybody hurt. Sure, she had received the occasional letter and had sent a post card here and there, but now she was returning, even if it was only for two weeks. This would undoubtedly effect her life from here on out.

“Courtney? Are you ready to go? I don’t mind driving, but it’s starting to snow,” Sara informed Courtney. She raised her head and stared out the window at the swirling snow with wind. The perfect ingredient for a magical Christmas, yet Courtney could already tell this would be a holiday to remember anyway.

“Yes, let’s go home, Sara,” Courtney said, the unfamiliar words formed in her mouth. She barely knew she spoke them until it was done.

“I’ll drive for the first half, but if it gets too hard to see then we have to stop ok?” Sara asked. Courtney nodded her head and sat down in the passenger side of her black Chevy Malibu. She shivered as sat down and realized that she was nervous. What would everyone be like? Would things still be the same between Sonny and Jason? She hoped they were friends again; otherwise her leaving would have been in vain. Sara kept glancing at Courtney, knowing something was wrong, but she just brushed it off as anxious excitement.

“I have no idea what my family is like now, Sara, and I’m scared. Everything is probably completely different from what I remember it as,” Courtney confided her fears to Sara. She sighed sympathetically.

“Don’t worry about it. Are you trying to say that Sonny and Carly may not love you anymore? Courtney, family never stops loving,” Sara comforted. That was when Courtney explained her situation. She told everything, about the growing friendship into relationship, the breakup, the reunion, Sonny and Jason’s split, and then her decision to leave Port Charles. It was as if a dam deep inside her heart had finally broke, and she needed to tell someone of the past, and now the future.

“Hey, everything will be okay, Courtney, really. Everything will be figured out soon enough.” Courtney nodded weakly and looked out the window at the scenery rushing past. It was amazing how a simple vacation could make her think so much.

When they arrived at Harborview Towers, where both Sonny and Jason lived in separate penthouses Courtney was filling a little more relaxed. It’ll be like old days, she told herself. She hoped that it would; she hoped with all her heart.

“Courtney! It is so great to see you! Hi, Sara, I’m Carly,” Carly said after Marco had let Sonny’s little sister and her friend in. Courtney knew that if Sara thought the guard outside the penthouse door was strange or terrifying; she didn’t voice her opinion. Courtney smiled then, as she noticed Sonny making his way down the stairs with Michael dashing in front of him and Jason; her sweet Jason, following behind.

“Aunt Courtney!” Michael cried, throwing his arms around her waist.

“Hi, Michael,” Courtney said. Everyone had grown so much in the past two years, and now Courtney felt guilty because she hadn’t bee there.

“Courtney,” Sonny said, walking over and kissing Courtney on her cheek. It appeared that Sonny and Jason had patched things up, and so she let out a sigh of relief. Jason slowly walked over to give her a hug, almost afraid that the picture perfect part of the whole thing would shatter, and Courtney was left disappointed. She understood that it could never be the same between them again.

“Sonny, Jason, Michael, this is my best friend, Sara Whitaker. Sara, this is my brother Sonny, his son Michael, and his best friend slash brother, Jason Morgan,” Courtney introduced everyone.

“Where are you girls staying, Courtney?” Sonny asked them, his concerned inner brother was coming out.

“At the Quartermaine’s. Don’t even give me that look, Sonny. Lila offered and Emily really wanted me to,” Courtney added, so Sonny wouldn’t blow up at them for choosing not to stay in the penthouse.

“I think it is a fantastic idea, Sonny. Especially with, well you know,” Carly stated, glancing toward the stairs. Screaming had erupted somewhere in the back of the penthouse; a toddlers screaming.

“Aw, you have a baby?” Sara asked. Courtney’s mouth dropped open. They hadn’t even told her!

But Sara was proved wrong as Elizabeth Webber walked down the stairs, holding the toddler and saying, “Does my perfect angel want to see Daddy,” as she put the baby in Jason’s arms.

Courtney was dumfounded, but held her tongue, while inside she was screaming.

“Hello, Courtney, how are you doing?” Elizabeth asked, her voice syrupy sweet. Courtney felt as if she would hurl then and there, but decided not to start out on the wrong foot.

“Just fine, Elizabeth, and you look that way too. This is my friend from college, Sara Whitaker. Sara, this is Elizabeth Webber.” That was the only explanation. She couldn’t say “family” or “friend” because Elizabeth was neither.

“Nice to meet you,” Sara said, shaking Elizabeth’s hand, although Sara knew perfectly well who she was shaking hands with.

“Well, now that everyone has met and we are together, would you and Sara like to join us at The Cellar, Courtney?” Carly asked, noticing that Courtney was fighting the verge of tears.

“We’re sort of tired. We’ll just have a nice, quiet, friendly supper with Lila. But thank you,” Courtney replied, staring hard at Sara as she nodded her head enthusiastically.

They left in a hurry; for Courtney’s sake. She just didn’t understand. Elizabeth Webber! With Jason! It amazed her, and she would never know why, because once she was in college she was probably dead to him.

“Do you want to talk about it, Courtney? I remember what you told me about Elizabeth,” Sara comforted.

“I just don’t get it, Sara! I mean, Jason swore he would never leave me, and then I had to go and leave him! But going back to Elizabeth was definitely something I thought that he would never do. I always thought that he would at least put up a fight, or try to come after me, but he has shown me who he really is. Now, let’s go meet Emily at Kelly’s.”

Emily smiled broadly and jumped up when her best friend and her friend entered Kelly’s Diner. Emily had only seen Courtney once and met Sara over the course of the past two years, and she had missed her confidante, as she knew Courtney had missed her. But Emily had never had the heart to mention Elizabeth and Jason, and by the looks of Courtney, she had found out.

“Hi, Emily, you remember Sara Whitaker?” Courtney asked, trying to keep her emotions under control.

“Of course and how was the drive from Mancelone?” Emily replied, sitting down across from Courtney and Sara.

“Just fine,” Sara told her.

Emily and Courtney spoke at the same time. Courtney started.

“How come you didn’t tell me about Elizabeth and Jason, Em? When you visited me, I could tell there was something wrong. Were they together when you came to Mancelone?” Courtney demanded she know.

“Yes, Courtney, they were. Listen to me, though, and try to understand, please. Jason didn’t want you hurt, but what was he supposed to do? Throw away all the love you gave him, turn his emotions off that you taught him how to use? You gave him the greatest gift of all, greater then any baby that Elizabeth Webber Morgan could ever spawn,” Emily announced. Sara’s mouth dropped open, beginning to feel for Courtney.

“The-they’re married? Why would someone like Jason marry her?” Sara asked, shocked for one of the rare moments in her life.

“I’ll tell you why, Sara. Because when I was here in Port Charles Jason and I were so much in love, but that ruined Jason, because Sonny dropped him once he found out about our “secret” love. And seeing Jason so upset left me in a terrible disposition, you see, because I couldn’t let either of them hurt, so I made the decision to leave so they could be friends again. And my leaving did prevail. I achieved my goal, they’re friends again. But if that’s what I wanted then why am I left so hurt?” Courtney said the last part quieter then the rest.

“Hey, let’s go home, Courtney. Please, come on Sara,” Emily suggested, getting up from her chair and pulling Courtney to her feet. They walked slowly to the door, stepping out into the cold, winter wonderland, each pondering the many questions of life.

They got in Emily’s car and headed toward the Quartermaine mansion. As they drove by Harborview Towers, Courtney looked up to Jason’s apartment and saw the light in his bedroom was on.

“You will always be the light in my darkness, Courtney. I love you more then life itself. No one could ever replace you. This love is forever,” Jason said.

“You have always known the right things to say to make me believe you. I love you so much, Jason,” Courtney replied.

“When you fall in love, Courtney, its forever,” Jason assured her.

“Courtney, we’re home. Come on,” Emily prodded Courtney along out of the car. She showed Courtney and Sara to the guest room where they would be staying.

“Sara, how come this happened to me? Jason and I had so much love, so much compassion, between us. And he threw it out the window as if it meant nothing to him,” Courtney said as they were lying in their beds.

“Don’t think about it, Courtney just try to rest. We have to go back to Sonny’s in the morning anyway. Just go to bed. Things will look brighter in the morning. Good night,” Sara answered.

Courtney was startled awake the next morning by Sara’s alarm clock. She buried her head under her pillow and moaned.

“Wake up, Sleepy, we have to leave in about an hour,” Sara urged. Courtney nodded and sat up groggily.

“I had the most horrific dream,” Courtney insisted as she pulled jeans and a maroon shirt out of her suitcase. Sara nodded in agreement.

“That was indeed the weirdest night I have ever had. I guess I’m just not used to sleeping somewhere so fantastic,” Sara declared as Emily walked in.

“Good morning!” Emily issued brightly as she flung open the curtains.

“Hey Em,” Courtney said.

“You look better today,” Emily stated, laying a reassuring hand on Courtney’s shoulder.

“Thanks, we have to go to Sonny’s. I promised him we would be having breakfast with him,” Courtney told Emily as Sara’s cell phone rang.

“Oh no,” Sara cried as she sank to the floor. Once she hung up she immediately began packing again.

“What is it, Sara?” Emily asked. Sara glanced up with tears in her eyes.

“My little brother; he has cancer and it appears as if he has relapsed!” Sara cried. Courtney nodded, understanding that Sara must go to her family.

“You go take care of your family. I’ll be okay here,” Courtney said. When Sara looked skeptical she assured her by saying, “I have Emily and my family.”

Sara nodded, looking eternally grateful to Courtney.

“Thank you so much,” she said as she shoved the last bit into her suitcase. Courtney and Emily hugged her in turn and then walked her out to her car. They said their goodbye’s and wished Sara luck.

Courtney turned to Emily once she was gone.

“Would you like to have breakfast with me?” Emily laughed as Courtney asked the question

“Sure, I don’t think Sonny would mind,” Emily said. The girls finished getting ready then headed off to Sonny’s.

“Oh, hello Emily, it’s always so nice for you to come. How are you Courtney?” Carly asked sympathetically when the girls arrived.

“Better,” Courtney told her truthfully.

“Oh, by the way, Courtney,” Carly started as she put a bite of egg in her mouth, “my mother wants you to sing at the Nurses’ Ball this year.”

“I don’t know,” Courtney said hesitantly.

“It’ll be fun, Courtney. Dillon and Georgie even persuaded Zander and me into performing a skit with them,” Emily encouraged.

“Alright,” Courtney sighed, accepting defeat.

“You’ll have a good time,” Sonny informed her. Courtney smiled sheepishly. Elizabeth then walked down the stairs and Courtney almost choked on her eggs.

“Courtney, could I talk to you for a minute?” Elizabeth asked sweetly. Courtney gave an exasperated sigh and followed Elizabeth out the door.

“I couldn’t help overhearing that you’re going to be in the Nurses’ Ball this year. (“I bet you could!”) I think that’s great, and I have a fantastic idea,” Elizabeth began.

“What makes you think I want to hear anything you have to say?” Courtney demanded testily.

“It’s about Jason,” Elizabeth said, grabbing Courtney’s arm as she had started to walk away. Courtney stopped cold. Tears sprang into her too-blue eyes. She mouthed his precious name.

“Yes, you are going to get Jason back. I don’t want him.”

“I thought you were in love with him. You have a child together,” Courtney stated with a confused look on her face.

“I can’t explain here. Meet me at Kelly’s for lunch at one. Bye,” Elizabeth said then stepped into the elevator.

“What was that about?” Sonny asked when Courtney returned.

“The Nurses’ Ball,” Courtney replied half truthfully.

Courtney was distracted for all of breakfast. Only Emily noticed, luckily, and didn’t mention anything until they were back in their car on the way to the Quartermaines’.

“I’ve just been wondering, what all has happened since I’ve been gone?” Courtney came up with that one quickly. It wasn’t really even a lie.

“Stop trying to think about that. Any idea’s for what you’re going to do in the Nurses’ Ball?” Emily asked, trying to find a more cheerful subject.

“Even if I did I wouldn’t tell you,” Courtney teased.

Emily and Courtney watched a movie before Courtney announced she was going out to have lunch at Kelly’s; alone to have time to think.

She immediately noticed Elizabeth sitting alone in a corner table as she walked into Kelly’s. “That’s convenient,” she thought to herself. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with Elizabeth.

“Okay, what did you have to say to me?” Courtney asked as she sank into her chair.

“First you must give me your word that you will not mention this to anyone, Courtney. Not one word,” Elizabeth told her crossly.

“Why not,” Courtney asked defiantly.

“This is stupid. I’m wasting my time,” Elizabeth declared. She stood up to leave, but Courtney’s curiosity won out. She pulled her back down.

“I won’t, now just tell me,” Courtney said. She had to know, because this had to deal with Jason.

“I’m still not sure I can trust you with this,” Elizabeth stated hesitantly. She looked genuinely nervous.

“You can, now please tell me. I have to know because I love Jason so much Elizabeth. Please, just give me a chance to hear you out.”

“I’m living with Jason because of Faith Roscoe. My family is in danger, Courtney. I don’t want Matt to get hurt, I love him to much,” Elizabeth started, referring to her son.

“What does this have to do with Jason? You know he is a dangerous person,” Courtney told her.

“It’s not that. Faith was after me and Matt when he was about a month old. It was for something that I did. And at the time I didn’t believe I had done anything wrong,” Elizabeth continued. Courtney finally understood that she was trying to string this out.

“Okay, but I still don’t know what you are trying to say, Elizabeth,” Courtney said, feeling just an ounce of sympathy towards her.

“Jason has protected Matt and me since he was very little.”

“I bet he has, Liz. Now what is it you are trying to say?!” Courtney pushed.

“Matt-Jason-Jason’s not the father!” Elizabeth blurted out.

Courtney’s mouth dropped open at this bit of news.

“Ric Lansing is. So Ric, Jason, and I came up with the idea for me to marry Jason to protect me and the baby. Ric had figured out that Faith was after him and didn’t want to endanger his family. And I know how upset that I was about you and Jason, but I truly am sorry,” Elizabeth informed her. All Courtney could do was stare. She was amazed.

“How could you do this to me?” Courtney cried, standing up. Elizabeth stood and pushed her back down.

“You have to listen to me, Courtney. I have the perfect way for you to let Jason know you still love him. Sing the song *whisper**whisper*. Have you ever heard it?” Elizabeth asked. A glint of recognition flashed across Courtney’s face. She nodded her head yes as the wheels began to turn. Maybe she really could have Jason back. Better yet, maybe he had never stopped loving her. Courtney unwillingly gave Elizabeth a gratifying look then ran out the door. She ran all the way back to the Quartermaines’. She burst through the door then slowed down. She couldn’t tell anyone about this. Not even Emily. And she had to stay away from Sonny’s at the risk of seeing Jason. At least this year the Nurses’ Ball was on Christmas Eve.

“Courtney, is that you? Oh, you’re home,” Emily said as she entered the front room. “What is up with you? Did you see Jason?” Emily asked sympathetically.

“No, I’m just tired. And I have a lot of preparing to do before the Ball,” Courtney said then rushed off to her room. She dug through her CD’s and discovered the one she was looking for. She put it in and began to sing with the music. She discovered it flowed so nicely. She fell right in with the beat.

“I can’t go on living without you knowing. And I can’t keep anything from you. This is the hardest and easiest thing I have ever said. I love you,” Jason told her, “and that is the honest truth.”

It was the first time he had said those words.

“I love you too, Jason. I have for a long time, but I was afraid that you felt differently. And I will love you forever,” she assured him as he leaned down to kiss her.

“Courtney? Are you awake?” Emily and Dillon Quartermaine stood over her. She jumped up from her dream.

“Oh, it was so real!” She exclaimed. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. We were wondering if you wanted to come out to eat, the whole family is going,” Dillon told her.

“No thanks, I think I am just going to stay here to work on my song and rest,” Courtney told them.

“Okay, well don’t exert yourself too much. You still have two days to the Ball,” Emily reminded her. Courtney nodded then hugged them before they left her room.

Once they were gone her mind immediately went back to her dream. The first time he had declared his love for her. It was the most amazing moment of her life when she realized she would be in love with Jason forever. She was startled when her cell phone rang.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Courtney? Hi. This is Bobbie, Carly’s mom. Carly told me that you don’t mind singing for me in the Nurses’ Ball,” Bobbie started off.

“Yeah, I have a plan I don’t really want to discuss with anyone,” Courtney told her.

“Okay, well I am sure it will be great because you have an amazing voice. Thank you for doing this Courtney. Bye-bye now.”

“Your welcome, good-bye,” Courtney said. She lay back on her pillow and smiled. It most likely wouldn’t be too terribly long until she was lying in Jason’s arms again. She loved the comfort of his strong embrace. It was wonderful but frightening how her mind wandered to the finer things so often.

“Good morning sleepy head,” someone announced, causing Courtney’s eyes to flutter open.

“Jason?” She asked.

“You’re hopeless, Courtney,” Emily laughed throwing a pillow at her. Courtney sat up.

“What’s going on? Why so early?” Courtney moaned.

“You are coming to eat with me at Kelly’s. And I have some last minute Christmas shopping, as you probably do too,” Emily insisted.

After a delicious waffle and egg breakfast at Kelly’s, Emily turned her car toward the Port Charles Mall. The girls spent half the day there. They left when Courtney realized she wanted to practice and Emily’s arms were so overfull with shopping bags that she couldn’t hold another.

Courtney shut herself into her room as soon as the girls arrived back at the mansion. She wanted to get this song perfect, for the sake of love and relationships. She was working on the performance part so much she barely noticed she had fallen asleep.

“I’m going away to college,” Courtney announced.

“I-I don’t understand. Why?” Jason asked, taking her hand in his.

“I love you, so try to understand. I know that you need Sonny, and he needs you. I can’t live knowing I’m the reason for your troubles. But I meant what I said before, Jason Morgan, I will love you forever. This love-our love has to be forever. Always remember that so we can find our way back,” Courtney said.

“Of course I will remember. I love you so much,” Jason stated, caressing her hand and kissing away her tears.

“Courtney, you fell asleep while you were working again,” someone said. She cracked open one eye then sat up.

“What time is it?” She asked frantically. Emily adjusted her watch then said,

“Almost eleven. You have it down, Courtney. Please take a break. Oh, and not to worry you but Jason is coming.”

Courtney laughed it off nervously. She ate some breakfast with the Quartermaine’s, sang through the song two more times, then left to the hospital. When she arrived she discovered Bobbie was issuing out orders right and left.

“Courtney, you’re the first act. Can you do it?” She asked. Courtney nodded her head confidently.

The room had been filling up for the past half hour and the income of outsiders and patients was still relentless; Courtney discovered as she peeked around the curtain. She found her family but still could not find Jason.

“He’ll be here,” she reassured herself.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending the 2003 Nurses’ Ball! We have a very talented group here ready to perform for you. I hope you enjoy them. And without further adieu, here is Port Charles’ very own next Cher, Courtney Matthews!” Bobbie told the crowd. Courtney chuckled lightly as she walked onto the makeshift stage. She noticed Jason in the back.

As she stepped onto the stage he drew in his breath. She looked beautiful. Her dress was deep wine red with a hint of sparkle to it and she was barefoot. He barely remembered a time, however, when she wasn’t beautiful. He stared up at her and when she began to sing her lovely voice filled his heart and mind.

“You took me by surprise, when I saw you standing there; close enough to touch, breathing my same air. You asked me how I’d been and I guess that’s when I smiled and said just fine, but baby I was dying” Courtney sang. She made her down and the crowd parted before her. Jason knew at once that she was going to him; singing to him.

“What I really meant to say, is I’m dying here inside, and I miss you more each day; there’s not a night I haven’t cried. And baby here’s the truth; I’m still in love with you, that’s what I really meant to say.” As she sang the end of the first chorus she was in his arms, dancing and singing her heart out. She sang on to the end and when she did Jason took the microphone from her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Courtney Matthews,” he announced, then leaned down and kissed her. She collapsed in his arms and broke down in tears, for she was crying with joy.

“I love you, Courtney,” He whispered in her ear.

“I love you too,” she replied as she clung to him. She knew this moment would last forever, because with love, the million wonders were forever.

They were standing blind to the world as the Ball went on, not knowing Sonny was watching them like a hawk. He finally walked over and pulled them apart.

“What is this?” He asked, staring Courtney in the eye. Immediately they filled with tears as she remembered the reason they had ever been apart in the first place.

“Sonny, stop it. Accept it. I love Courtney. And you have known all along that Elizabeth and I were only faking our marriage!” Jason announced to Sonny; but at that moment the performers act ended and the whole room discovered the well covered plan of two years.

“Why can’t you love someone other than my little sister?” Sonny asked.

“Because, I promised her I would love her forever. And I could never break that promise, because I know what is in my heart. I don’t care what you say, Sonny, because we are going to be together,” Jason insisted, grabbing Courtney’s hand and pulling her behind him.

“Do you feel like going for a ride?” He asked once they were outside.

“Um, Jason, look at me,” she said.

“I am and you are beautiful. Now get on,” Jason commanded. Courtney laughed and sat down behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head against his back. She was so close to him and she loved it. They stopped at the pier where he had first declared his love for her. They sat down together on a bench and talked about the past few years.

“I would have visions of this place. And of you telling me you would always love me. This is the place where you first told me that you would love me forever,” Courtney reminded him. He nodded his head knowingly.

“And I will,” Jason said getting down on one knee. Courtney knew what was coming and she held her breath. “I love you with all my heart and soul. I have known since I first saw you that you were the one I could-and would, finally settle down with. You have showed me how to love and accepted my love in return. This isn’t easy for me, since I am not big on talking, but my love, will you marry me?” Jason asked. Tears were flowing down Courtney’s cheeks.

She nodded her head vigorously. “Yes!” She exclaimed and threw her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. “Of course, oh I love you so much Jason!”

They went back to his penthouse. Courtney called Emily.

“Emily, I’m going to be staying with Jason. He had Max go and get my belongings. Thank you for everything, Em, and I will be seeing more of you,” Courtney promised. Jason sat down on the couch. Courtney could tell he was tired, and she discovered she was too. She leaned against him and he touched her cheek gently. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

“What the hell is this?!” Sonny cried as he entered the penthouse the next morning. He shouted so loud that he startled Jason and Courtney awake.

“You should have taken us seriously, Sonny. Elizabeth and I are getting an annulment and Courtney and I are to be married,” Jason informed him. Sonny’s mouth dropped open.

“It’s true, Sonny. We love each other. I’m sorry, but if you can’t live with that then that’s too bad,” Courtney told him.

“I can live with it,” Sonny declared grimly. “But what about college?”

“We’re going to have me transferred to PCU,” Courtney told him.

“Fine, but Jason, if my sister gets harmed in any way, you live and deal with the blame,” Sonny explained.

“Whatever,” Jason replied defiantly, knowing he could keep Courtney out of harms way. This was good enough for him, however, since he had the chance to be with Courtney. He stepped next to her and put his arms around her.

“What about Matt, Jason?” Sonny asked. Now they had to tell the truth.

“Matt is Ric’s son. We were only trying to protect him by me marrying Elizabeth. I’m sorry we lied to you, but it was the only way. Faith was after them,” Jason explained.

“Whatever,” Sonny declared then stalked out.

“That went well?” Courtney said. Jason sat beside her and put his arms around her.

“You know Sonny is going to be bitter about this,” Jason reminded her. She nodded her head.

“But this is for real, Jason. You said it yourself and so did I. This love is forever. It always will be. I love you and it’s about time we get to spend our life together. Who cares what anyone else thinks?” Courtney asked him.

“Not me-“he began as Marco ran in. “What is it?”

“Faith and a new associate are on a spree. Sonny thinks now is right. He needs you now,” Marco informed Jason.

“Will you be okay here by yourself?” Jason said as he turned to face Courtney. She nodded. He ran out and she wasn’t even alone for five minutes when everything went black.

“Aaaoww, where am I?” Courtney moaned when she awoke. She looked around and discovered Carly at her bedside.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked.

“My head hurts. Why am I in the hospital?” Courtney replied.

“You fainted. Or at least that’s what it looks like. What do you remember before being here?” Carly said.

“Um, Jason ran out. Then everything went black. I don’t know, I feel really drowsy,” Courtney told her. Carly shook her head.

“I think, Courtney, that you were knocked out,” she predicted.

“Ms. Matthews, Mrs. Corinthos, the results of Courtney’s tests are back,” Tony started as he entered the hospital room, “it appears that you were hit in the back of the head with something, Courtney. However, this cannot be proven since you may have hit your head when you fell.” Carly jumped up.

“To hell with that! Somebody is trying to harm her! I know it! It’s that little Faith-uh- when I get my hands on her,” Carly cried, pacing the room.

“Carly, calm down. I’m fine, and anyway, Jason ran out to look for Faith and that’s when I was alone. How could he be looking for her if she was in the penthouse?” Courtney asked. Her own question was answered by herself though, but Carly voiced it first.

“They called to say that so they could get you alone!” Carly was near hysterics by that time and Jason and Sonny ran in.

“We got here as fast as we could,” Jason explained.

“I’m fine,” Courtney said.

“She can leave the hospital as soon as you want her to,” Tony offered. Jason looked at him gratifyingly and went to sign papers. Carly went with him so Sonny could be with his sister.

“I keep seeing you in a bed in the hospital, Courtney. But Jason is always here too. And that shows me he truly is dedicated to you. All he cares for is you, and he doesn’t care what it does to everyone else. So, I am going to say this, I want you two to be happy. Please, don’t let me stop you. This will be good for you, Courtney. I hope you two can learn to live in sync and start a real life together,” Sonny told her. Courtney began to cry silently, finally receiving her brother’s approval meant a lot to her and she hugged him tightly.

“Oh, Sonny, thank you so much!”

After Courtney got home she wanted to go for a walk alone to clear her mind.

She sat, humming to herself, oblivious to the fact that someone had come upon her.

“Hello,” someone said from behind her. She turned around and saw a blond haired man who appeared to be around thirty-something.

“Hi, can I help you?” Courtney asked. She knew not to talk to strangers because of Jason and Sonny’s enemies.

“I was just walking by and heard a lovely humming and looked to see a beautiful lady,” he replied.

“That’s charming. Can I do something for you? If not then I have to get home,” Courtney told him.

“I just wanted your name so I could hear you sing sometime for me again. I own a bar on the other side of town where bands play. Here’s my card. I hope to see more of you,” the man said then walked off. Courtney went home after that.

“Hey, baby,” Jason said when Courtney walked in. “Did your ‘thinking’ go well?” He asked.

“Yes,” she laughed, “I met some guy on the pier. He said he owned a bar on the other side of town. I guess he heard me humming so he said he wanted me to sing there some time. He gave me his card.” Courtney handed Jason the tan card.

“Patrick Rychter, huh?” Jason asked. “I’ve heard that name somewhere before.” Jason sat on the couch and Courtney sat down next to him.

“I don’t know, Jason. It’s a little weird that he approached me, calling me beautiful. He was a complete stranger to me,” Courtney said, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning into him.

“Let’s think more tomorrow,” Jason said, kissing her forehead. He reached over and turned out the light. They made their way upstairs, to bed. But neither one got much sleep, except toward the early hours of the morning. (if you know what I mean…). When Courtney awoke the next morning Jason was gone.

Two days later Jason returned.

“Where have you been?” Courtney asked. Jason could tell she hadn’t slept much in the past two days.

“Didn’t you find the note I left you? Obviously not. I had to go and do something for Sonny. I’m sorry. I should have called, you know,” Jason said, putting his arms around her and hugging her tightly.

“It’s fine. But I did run out of food, and I was sick while you were gone. So could you run to the drug store for me and get a few things?” Courtney asked sweetly.

“Sure, what do you need?” He replied, his voice full of concern.

“Some orange juice, eggs, and a pregnancy test,” Courtney told him. “Oh, and thank you Jason,” she said as he walked out the door.

“Okay, she needs orange juice, eggs, and a pregnancy test. Wait a minute… pregnancy test?” he said to himself then ran back inside.

“Do you think? Could you really be? Are you sure?” He stammered.

“That’s why I need a pregnancy test, to find out. Now go,” Courtney said, kissing him gently. He left again, in a daze. Courtney may be pregnant. He may be a father! This was the best thing he could think of.

“Jason? What are you doing here? Oh yeah, Courtney told me she sent you to get some things for her. Ooh, a pregnancy test, eh? You guys sure don’t waste any time!” Carly laughed then walked away. Jason stared after her. When he arrived home Courtney went to take the test by herself.

“Jason?” She called from the bathroom. He jumped up off the couch and came running.

“What is it? Are you?” Jason asked.

“I just remembered something about the day I blacked out. I saw that Rychter guy, he had been following me and he watched me come into Harborview Towers,” Courtney told him then looked down at the test.

“So it was him then? Is that what you’re saying?” Jason replied.

“I think so. Oh my god. Jason… I’m pregnant!” Courtney cried, jumping into his arms. He just held her tight. He couldn’t think of anything suitable to say. They stood like that for a few minutes.

“I love you so much,” Jason told her, patting her stomach.

“I love you too, Jason. But you know what we have to do now, don’t you?”

“Get revenge?” Jason laughed.

“Find Patrick Rychter and get him to leave me the hell alone,” Courtney said.

“Right, besides that though,” Jason offered.

“Tell Sonny?” Courtney suggested. Jason nodded his head. He grabbed her hand and they walked across the hall to Sonny’s penthouse.

“Hey, you guys. What’s up?” Carly asked when they walked in.

“Nothing, is Sonny here?” Jason replied. “We all need to talk.”

“Yeah, sure, Sonny, come here!” Carly called. Sonny walked down the stairs with Michael.

“What do you need?” Sonny asked.

“Jason and Courtney want to talk to us,” Carly told him. He nodded then sat down next to Carly on the couch.

“Well, Sonny, you said it yourself, you want Jason and me to be happy,” Courtney began. “And so we will be. Sonny, you are going to be an uncle and Carly, you’re going to be an aunt!”

“Congratulations,” Jason said.

“Same to you,” Carly stated. Sonny sat there quietly, appearing to be in deep thought.

“Sonny,” Courtney asked.

“That’s great. I am happy for you two. Sorry, it is just taking a while to sink in. But I think we need to increase safety around you because you’re going to have a baby,” Sonny informed.

“Well, how about you guys talk safety while Courtney and I go for a walk?” Carly suggested. Courtney nodded her head. As they walked out the door Sonny yelled for Max to go with them.

“I am so happy for you, Courtney. This is great, really. And if I can’t have another child then at least I can be an aunt, right?” Carly asked.

“Oh, Carly, you will be more then that to my child. I want you to be a major part of he or she’s life. I mean that too,” Courtney said.

“Thank you so much,” Carly said as she hugged Courtney.

“Oh, I don’t know if Jason told you, but I think I’m being stalked again. This man named Patrick Rychter. And Jason thinks it’s pretty bad. I don’t know though. But he had been following me the day that I blacked out. He saw me walk into Harborview Towers,” Courtney told her.

“That is serious. I really hope that it isn’t true though. Courtney, they are going to bug you about a guard for nine months, but you need to stay safe, and I know you will be hearing this from Jason and Sonny but I really want to stress the fact that some people will go after you like they already have in the past,” Carly reminded her.

“I know,” Courtney replied. They walked for a little longer then returned to Harborview Towers. There they discovered something shocking.

“We have to get you, Carly and Michael out of here,” Jason told her as they walked into Sonny’s penthouse. “Now.”

“What is it? What’s happening?” Carly asked as she watched Sonny throw some of her clothes and other belongings into a suitcase.

“We can’t talk about it right now, Carly. You, Courtney, and Michael are going to the island,” Sonny demanded. All she could do was stand there and look at Courtney.

“Come on, Courtney, let’s go get your stuff together,” Jason said and led her away by the hand.

“I don’t want to leave you, Jason. We just found out today that I’m going to have a baby. And we have a wedding to plan! What is it? Please, just tell me,” Courtney begged.

“We don’t have time. I’ll be to the island in a few days to explain everything. Please, babe, just cooperate with us,” Jason pleaded.

“Fine,” Courtney replied. She followed Jason out of the penthouse and into the hallway where Sonny was standing with Carly and Michael.

“We’re sorry we can’t ride with you. But Jason will be there in a few days to explain everything,” Sonny told them. They said goodbye and were on their way.

“This is crazy,” Carly sighed as they took their seats on Sonny’s jet.

“I know,” Courtney agreed, “But what can we do?”

“Nothing, I guess. Jason will tell us everything,” Carly decided as the plane took off.

When they landed on the island Max carried their things inside. Courtney stood outside to look at the beach. She had only been their once before, when she and AJ had gotten married. She shook that memory out of her head. She was going to marry Jason. It was just a case of the wrong brother. But that didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered to her was getting back to Jason and getting married and getting to live a normal life, waiting for her baby to come.

“Are you okay?” Carly asked, walking up behind Courtney.

“Yeah, but for some reason I have a weird feeling. I am thinking that this whole thing is involving Faith somehow. But I don’t know, I also think Patrick Rychter is connected also,” Courtney said.

“You know what? Hang on and I’ll be right back,” Carly said then ran into the house. She came back carrying a photo album.

“I want you to see something.” Carly came back with a photo album.

“What is this?” Courtney asked as she flipped through the pages. They were filled with pictures of her.

“I found it in Jason’s closet. He had someone taking pictures of you while you were away. He couldn’t seem to get over you, Courtney. And I swore I wouldn’t tell, but he told me thousands of times how he would love you for the rest of his life no matter what. He couldn’t move on; he wouldn’t move on. His love for you is so amazing, Courtney. And this is how I know everything will be okay. Because he will make sure you two are together at all costs,” Carly informed her. Courtney was getting teary eyed. She thought he had given up on her when she first came back, but she was foolish to think that. Now they were getting married, she was pregnant, and she would be staying here.

“Thanks for telling me all this, Carly. But I still don’t want to be stuck here,” she said. They went inside and found Michael jumping on a bed.

“Hey, kiddo, let’s get something to eat,” Carly said and opened the freezer. “Ah, frozen pizza, my favorite!” Courtney laughed at that one. Food was probably what was bugging Sonny the most about them being at the island. Luckily, Courtney shared her brother’s cooking talent.

“We need more then just pizza,” Courtney insisted and looked in the cupboards. She heard her cell phone ringing.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Where are you?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Stop calling me! Leave me and my family alone!” Courtney cried then hung up the phone.

“Who was it?” Carly asked.

“I have to call Jason,” Courtney whispered. “Jason? Patrick Rychter just called me. He asked me where I was but I didn’t say anything,” Courtney said into her phone. Then she hung up without saying goodbye or “I love you”.

“What happened?” Carly asked.

“Jason thinks he may be on the line. I don’t know what this guy wants with me!” Courtney cried, burying her face in her hands.

“Don’t worry, Courtney. Jason and Sonny will find out. And when they do Rychter will be finished. Everything is going to be okay. Just stay strong,” Carly comforted. After they ate they found rooms close to each other that suited them then went to bed.

The next morning a knock on the door awoke Courtney with a start. She got up and put on her robe. She walked lazily to the door. After hesitating before opening it, she opened it a crack. She was thrown back against the wall whenever a man pushed the door open. The early morning sun revealed Patrick Rychter. Courtney screamed, but he threw his hand over her mouth to muffle the noise. He picked her up over his shoulder and hauled her out of the house.

“I don’t know, Jason! I woke up and she was gone! What do you want me to do? Yes, Max and Johnny were here but they were sleeping! Calm down!” Carly cried. She had called Jason the minute she discovered that Courtney was missing.

“Fine, but Michael and I are leaving, because now that Courtney is missing I want to help!” Carly insisted. Jason had no choice but to give in. He told her the plane would be there within the hour.

“What do you want with me?” Courtney asked. She wiggled her hands behind her back; they were aching from being tied in the rope.

“Where have you seen me before, Courtney?” Patrick asked.

“I know you were following me home one time,” Courtney answered.

“I have been following you for the past two years. I was in a class with you for about a year. But you never noticed me. So I followed you. I have been friends with Faith Roscoe for quite a while. So when you came back here we formulated a plan. I wanted you, so I will get you,” Patrick replied. Courtney shuddered.

“I’m engaged,” she informed him.

“So I see,” he countered, flicking the ring on her left hand. “But that will not stop me from having you.”

“You’re crazy. When Jason and Sonny find me they will have their way with you and I will stand there and watch. You are sick! Now please, let me go!” Courtney shouted.

“Don’t struggle,” he warned. “I will untie you if you promise to stay here like a good girl,” he teased. Courtney nodded, and then added, “I feel sorry for you, your life will be short-lived.” He laughed at that. He untied her hand. Courtney went blind under rage. In one swift movement she had wrangled his gun from him. The next thing she knew, Jason was standing beside her.

“How did you find me?” Courtney asked. She was still shaking.

“Faith, she told us. Courtney, you have to remain calm. I know you’re scared but just go along with everything. You killed Rychter in self defense, which is true,” Jason told her.

“I love you so much, Jason. Please, can we not talk about this right now? Let’s work on wedding plans. The wedding has to be soon, before I start to show,” Courtney said to distract herself.

“Alright, when do you want to have it?” Jason asked.

“Next month. Carly and I will do the rest of the planning. You take care of Rychter,” Courtney said.

“Okay, you girls get to that,” Jason said as they walked into Sonny’s penthouse. Carly and Courtney went to the kitchen while Sonny and Jason worked on the Rychter murder.

(This will be a short one! Just their wedding! Enjoy!)

“The bride and groom have prepared their own vows,” announced the priest. “Jason will go first.”

“Courtney, I knew the first time I saw you it was destined to be. But I tell you, this relationship has taken us on one hell of a journey, and it will go forever on, just like my love for you. You are one of a kind, the most special girl I have ever known. I realize now when I look at you, your beautiful face and loving eyes, and think of our child inside of you that I have been waiting for you all my life. You have changed me, and it was for the better. You have given me stability and ground, with the means to build upon. You have let me confide in you, and I have listened to you. Now when people say a love will never die, I know they are true, because Courtney, I love you, and this love is forever.”

“Jason, everything you just said goes the same for me. You have stood by my side through the worst, and laughed with me through the best. You have always known my needs, and always accepted my wants. You treasure me for who I really am and treat me equally. But the best of all is that you love me, and I wanted you to so bad. Now that you do, I couldn’t be happier. And I love you too, more then the world. And when the baby is born, I hope he or she has your eyes and loving heart. You mean the world to me, and I want to give the world to you. You said it yourself, this love is forever.”

( I will be writing a sequel explaining everything not said but the reason they went to the island was because of Patrick and Faith in case you didn’t get that through my mixed messages LOL. I hope you enjoyed this story and the sequel will come soon Thanks so much everyone and please give me lots of feedback!)