by Joan R.
The scene opens with Jax sitting by Brenda's bedside at General Hospital.
When gunfire erupted at the Dock's Renovation party, Brenda was hit. The bullet only grazed her shoulder, but falling to the ground had resulted in a nasty concussion that kept Brenda fading in and out of consciousness. Her mind raced through past feelings and sensations of danger and death. She could remember screams, lights, sirens and voices telling her to remain calm. Where was she ?? These scenes were all too familiar...doctors, tubes, rhythmic beeps, she'd been in this place before. She wanted to awaken, to have it all be a bad dream. Try as she might, her eyes would not open and she slipped back into the darkness.
Jax sat by her side, in his rumpled suit, stained by the blood from from Brenda's wound. He held her hand tightly and spoke to her, trying to will her awake.
"Brenda...It's Jax. Your safe, honey. It's OK to open your eyes. I'm the only one here and I promse I'll take care of you. "
He looked so tired, so confused. He blamed himself for not taking the threat against him more seriously. He'd never knowingly put Brenda in the line of fire. The timing...oh that couldn't have been worse. They were just beginning to find their way to a new relationship, one based on mutual love and trust. Sure things were going slowly, but Jax was determined not to let past mistakes ruin the future for them.
Brenda began to stir again as those visions returned, this time more frightening...a shower, a speeding car, rocks,dust and labored breathing, then the gunshots......danger and death...again. A shadow moves through her vision, slowly emerging from the darkness. Brenda immediately recognizes Sonny as his face comes into focus.
"Sonny...Sonny..." Brenda whispers as she reacts to the vision.
"Brenda ! Brenda ! What did you say ? Brenda, wake up !" Jax pleads as he sits upright and then leans in toward her face.
"Sonny" is all that Brenda manages to whisper before the darkness descends again.
The look on Jax's face is heartbreaking. In the farthest reaches of his heart and mind it was the last word he wanted to hear Brenda say and yet, once said, it was hardly a surprise. He knew how angry she had been with Sonny, leaving her at the altar, disappearing from her life. He also knew far too well, that as hard as it was for Brenda and as cowardly as Jax viewed Sonny's action, it had been for Brenda's own good. Jax was one of only a few people who knew that Brenda had been prepared to leave her entire life behind to follow Sonny. She had tried to find the words to tell Jax, but they wouldn't come. Sonny's warnings had been crystal clear...no one was to know of their plans. Their safety depended on it.
Jax also remembered well the last time he sat at Brenda's hospital bedside. It was after the hit and run two years ago. It had nearly cost her life and he had decided then and there that he would take her away from that life, the life of criminals, and obsessions, and danger. On his own Jax had done some investigating and tracked the car to one of Rivera's cohorts. The hit and run had been no accident and Jax vowed to keep Brenda from further harm, to show her a new way of life. So... Here they are.....having come full circle in a flip-flopped kind of way. Jax had tried to give Brenda what he thought she needed to be happy. For awhile he thought it was enough, but time and circumstances pulled them in opposite directions and Brenda chose the dangerous, obsession that was Sonny. Now, when it seemed that perhaps she was beginning to understand and fight for a healthier life, she's injured standing at the side of the only man who had truly provided a safe and nurturing haven for her to find herself.
Once again Jax leaned in close to Brenda.....
" I love you Brenda with all my heart. I always have and I always will. I have to leave you for a little bit, but I'll have a nurse come in to stay with you. Stay strong Brenda.....and please come back. I need you more that you could ever know. See you soon."
Jax gently kissed her hand and then her lips. He slowly stood and gently
pulled Brenda's covers up to tuck her safely inside. He turned and sighed
as he walked to the door. He had told her he would never do what he was about
to do. Brenda meant everything to him and he knew the time had come to put
his feelings aside for one last time.............
Part 2
The knock on the door brought Jason's nose out of the sea of envelopes layed out before him on the desk. He quickly pushed them into some semblence of a pile and walked to the door. The look of surprise and irritation could not be disguised when he found Jax on the other side. His guard up, Jason turned around, took a deep breath and motioned for Jax to enter.
"I wondered how long it would take you to show up at my door. Did you come to add your accusations to everyone else's ?? " Jason didn't bother to try and mask his disdain for the conversation he thought he would be having with the man standing in front of him.
Jax held up his hand in a weary attempt to silence Jason.
"I didn't come hear to discuss the hit on the docks. If you remember, you owe me a favor and I've come to collect it."
Jason's curiosity was certainly peaked. It wasn't everyday that Jasper Jacks came by to collect on a favor. It must really be a big one. Jason was at once intriqued and a bit apprehensive. He knew this would not be an ordinary request and for one of the few times since he took over Sonny's empire, he silently questioned if it would be something he could indeed supply. Jax was a very powerful man in his own right and had been so for many years. Jason had learned that Jax bent alot of rules doing business, but in the end it was usually legal and mostly ethical. That was something that he learned after Sonny left...that Jax was not the unethical monster Sonny had portrayed. It still didn't mean he'd learned to like Jax."OK Jax, I'm listening. What do you need me to do that you can't do for yourself."
"I can do it for myself...I 'm just not sure I have the time it would take. You can do it immediately and that's what I need. "
"If time is important, why don't you just tell me what you want. " Jason snapped, he wasn't going to let Jax push him around.
"I want Sonny" Jax's request was so curt and cold that Jason immediately sprung back into his best defensive mode.
"WHAT......, what makes you think I'd ever give you access to Sonny ?" Jason was stunned. What did Jax need with Sonny ? "Look, he didn't have anything to do with the docks shooting. You're going to have to look elsewhere for your villans. I'm not telling you where Sonny is...no way !"
"I don't want to know where he is. I don't even want to see him. I just want you to get him to Port Charles, now !"
"Why ? Are you trying to set him up or something ? What makes you think I'd help him walk right into that ?" Jason's mind was spinning. What's Jax's game ? Why is he here?
"Don't argue with me ! Just get him here and let me know when it's done." Jax was too tired to argue with the errand boy. Brenda was at the hospital and Jax had seen all of the mini-mobster's face that he could stand for long time. He turned and walked to the door.
"You still didn't tell me why I should hand Sonny to you ? I need to know why you think I should bring him here. " Jason desperately wanted to know what Jax had in store for Sonny.
"I've heard all about the mob's code of honor...favor for a favor.....that's why you'll get him here. You are a man of honor, aren't you Jason ?"
The steely look that shot from Jax's eyes as he whirled around caused Jason to catch his breath. Jax meant business, the challenge had been issued. What was happening, what would Sonny be walking into ?
Jax slammed the door as he left. How he hated dealing with that wanna-be. Sonny had been so wrong. Jason had learned the motions, but he would never have the soul of a criminal. Robin knew that, so did Jason's family. Jason was so far in over his head. Jax could only hope that honor amongst themselves was the one quality Jason did share with the mob.
Jax returned to the hospital and resumed his place at Brenda's side. She
had continued to come in and out of conciousness, but had not been lucid
enough yet to string together any meaningful words. Jax told the nurse he
would be staying with Brenda through the night. She smiled and after checking
all the appropriate monitors, left him alone with Brenda. He looked at her
small body and ached to make everything better. He felt some comfort seeing
that she was resting quietly now, no signs of the turmoil she experienced
earlier. He sighed and pulled a chair up close to the bed, put his arm around
her and layed his head softly on the pillow next to her. The events of the
day were finally taking their toll on him. He knew there were mountains of
questions waiting (and hopefully some answers) about the choas on the docks,
but now all he had room for in his mind was Brenda. The peace he felt being
near her finally overrode the day's tension and he drifted off to sleep.
Morning would come far too
soon.......
Part 3
As quiet settled over the penthouse, Jason tried to slow his mind and figure out where Jax was going with his request for Sonny's presence in Port Charles. Contacting Sonny was no problem, but what was he walking into if he came back. Jason knew there was no love lost between the men and this could be a trap, but Jax had saved Sonny's life, not once but twice. He knew Sonny hated Jax, but Jax's behavior toward Sonny had been far more complicated to understand. Jason liked things neat. For or against, with the mob or not, in his "family", outside "the family". Jason didn't think too much about legal or illegal...it muddied the water. Jax didn't like muddy water. Would this be the exception ? Could Jason take the chance ? Would Sonny ? The more he pondered the more he knew he had to discuss this request with someone. That posed even more dilemnas. Who could he trust? Sam had been a traitor in his own ranks...were there more ?? Would they turn on Sonny if anyone knew for sure that Jason was bringing him back ? Would Jason be in danger if someone thought they could bring Sonny back to power ? The question kept coming back to..... who could he absolutely trust? This was all so much easier when he had been an underling...Sonny would have known what to do, he would have known who to trust. But then Sonny had been wrong with Rivera......and Harry. Jason's life had become very complicated and only now was he beginning to realize what he had so willingly chosen for himself. He'd had several moments lately where he found that his "business" has seriously hindered the choices he wanted to make for his life. Decisions had to be made...he reached for the phone.
Mike hesitated as he reached the penthouse door. Jason had sounded so strange and distant when he called. Once Mike knew it concerned Sonny he came right away, but now he wondered...would bad news be waiting on the other side. Jason 's flunkie announced Mike and he quickly walked in and closed the door.
"Okay, I'm here. What's going on with Sonny? Is he hurt...Is something wrong ? " Mike demanded to know.
"Uh ....no, he's not hurt, Mike. I think he's just fine. Whether something is wrong, I'm not sure. That's why I asked you here. Jax came by and demanded that I bring Sonny back to Port Charles, right now. He won't tell me why that's necessary. I'm not sure what to do."
"Why do you give a flying fig what Jax wants ? Why would he think he could make a demand like that of you ? " Mike was confused, both by the demand and Jason's indecision.
"I had some problems in February with a traitor in my ranks. Jax helped expose him and I owe him. Otherwise I would have told him to take a flying leap, then thrown him out. If Jax was trying to set Sonny up there are other ways he could go about it and not get his hands dirty. There seems to be a time critical element with this. I'm just trying to figure out why. Have you heard anything on the streets....particularly about the hit on the docks today. Whoever shot Brenda was probably aiming for Jax. He said this wasn't about the docks. I don't know if I trust him on that. What do you think Mike ? " Jason sank down onto the sofa, not at all the tough guy he pretends to be. Mike and Robin were the only two people in PC with whom he could let down his guard. Mike thought for a moment then began choosing his words.
"Wow, that's a lot to digest, but I'll take a shot at some answers. The only thing I've heard on the streets is that there were some outside people asking alot of questions yesterday about the plans for the party. I assume you weren't a part of this since you're asking me ???"
Jason nodded in the negative and Mike continued.
"As for Jax, he's been at the hospital with Brenda. Quite frankly, I'm surprised he'd leave her to come and hassle you. One thing about Jax that I'm absolutely sure of is that he loves Brenda completely. Maybe this request involves her. I know there's no love lost between he and Sonny, but ........" Mike let the thought dangle.
"That's what I've been thinking, too. That this is all about Brenda. I couldn't figure out whether he blames Sonny or the mob for what happened today. Would he would hurt Sonny if he had the chance, Mike."
"That's certainly the $64,000 question, but Jax has been in a position where he could have let Sonny die...and he chose to save him. Jax isn't my favorite person, but murder doesn't seem like his style. Maybe Brenda is asking for Sonny, although I heard she's been unconscoius since the shooting. Could you have your people check that out Jason ? "
"They already have and yes, she's pretty much out of it. I'd really like to resolve this debt, but I don't think Brenda would be asking for Sonny right now, even if she was awake. "
Mike turned quickly around, surprised by Jason's last comment.
"Why do you say that? I know she kind of had that meltdown after he left, but she seems better now. I thought Sonny was the love of her life. "
"He used to be. We had a long talk when Robin was missing. She was furious with me when she thought the disappearance was related to me and my associates. She was so afraid that Robin had been killed and I was the closest punching bag. She ranted and raved for awhile and when she finished I told her that I'd tried to keep my distance from Robin, precisely to keep her safe. I tried to explain that Robin came to me, in the same way she went to Sonny. I finally told her that Sonny left and didn't take her because he didn't want to watch her die, and he knew that where she was emotionally at the time, that she wouldn't have accepted it had he offered a truthful explanation." Jason gazed at the ceiling as he talked, lost in the memory of their conversation.
"That must have been hard for her to hear. How did she react? " Mike was surprised Jason had been so candid.
"She was quiet for a long time, Then she said I was right. She would have gone looking for him if I said Sonny still loved her, but didn't want her hurt. Then she got quiet again and finally said ' Here I am again, still scared to death and Sonny's no where in sight, but his former associates may have Robin. I've been through this too many times and I kept going back for more. I don't recognize that girl anymore. This isn't exciting...this isn't sexy....wondering if Robin is facing her last moments...wondering if she's already dead....I can't believe I almost chose this willingly.' and then she wrapped her arms around herself and walked away from me. I think she'd make very different choices now."
"Maybe" Mike said softly. "I remember how scared she was in the hospital after Jax's dad had that heart attack. Her whole world was falling apart, courtesy of Sonny and Miranda. There was so much passion and pain in her voice as she spoke about losing Jax. He really can give her a life she deserves and Sonny never could."
"I know, and so does Sonny, most of the time. The question is does Jax trust that enough to leave Sonny alone. Thanks for your help Mike." Jason rises.
"Anytime, Jason. Let me know if there's anymore I can do to help. Tell Sonny I'm thinking of him."
Once Mike had left, Jason reached for the phone. He punched the second line, the one only he was to use. He dialed a number and waited for a voice on the other end. Sonny answered promptly and Jason tentatively began his message.
"Sonny, I need to you come to PC for a short visit. I can't explain the reason right now, but I can provide for your safety. "
"What's going on Jason. I heard that there were some fireworks on the docks today. It made the evening news. Is someone trying to move in on the territory ? "
"I don't think so Sonny. All the information I've received points to someone outside the organization. The target may have been Jax. I think you should know that Brenda was hit....."
"WHAT !...and you're just telling me now. " Sonny interrupted Jason with a flurry of comments. "How is she...you'd better find out who did this......Figures, she doesn't like what I do, but standing next to Jax gets her shot, too......How is she ????"
Jason buts in at the first breath....."She was just slightly grazed. She hit her head though. that's problematic."
"I want to see her. I'm coming back. Set things up."
"I think you should know something else...." Jason tried to interject.
"Just tell me when I get there." Sonny hung up.
It had been driving Sonny crazy being away from the day to day decisions. he hated leaving the details to others and the process of doing it had left him chronically agitated. The man who had been so able to control his feelings and emotions was not handling the apperance "of life outside the loop" too well.
Sonny had slipped in and out of PC several times since last fall, known only to Jason. He hurried to set the routine in motion. He needed to see Brenda again............
Part 4
Morning brought sunlight through the window and a faint tickle to Jax's
forehead. He reached up to brush the wayward curl from his brow and crashed
right into Brenda's retreating hand. The movement startled him awake. He
blinked and rubbed his face as he sat up. Ugh...his arm and shoulder were
stiff from the awkward position in which he'd slept. It wasn't important,
he would never have been anywhere else.
Brenda just looked at him, capturing every feature of his sleepy face. She
had pulled the lock of hair down to his forehead on purpose. She always thought
he was the most handsome man when dressed in a tux, but she loved the natural,
tousled look best. Ummm...Jeans, sweater and no hair brushes or mousse in
sight.. that was her favorite look. Well, almost !
"Hi there sleepy head "
Jax was startled again by her voice. His eyes had just finished focusing and the sight before him was everything he had hoped for. Brenda was wide awake and smiling.
"I thought you were going to sleep the day away, big guy. Are you going to challenge me for the title of latest riser ? " She spoke very softly and followed her comment with the tiniest chuckle. "Ohhhh... they're right. It only hurts when I laugh ! "
"OH...I guess I should stop staring long enough to wish you a good morning and ask if there's anything I can get you ? You're every wish is my command ! " Jax joked and finished with an exaggerated sweep of his hand.
"Hey ! Wait just a minute, sir. I'm the genie in this room ! Are trying to take away my new job? "
Brenda laughed again as she put on her cutest pout. Jax's heart melted. He was so very glad she was awake, and that her sense of humor was in tact. No permanent damage here ! He reached over and gingerly gave her a hug, not wanting to disturb any tubes or aggravate any bruises. The last thing he ever wanted to do was cause Brenda pain.
"How long have you been awake ? Has the nurse been in to see you, yet. Can you have anything to eat ? Do you want anything to eat ? "
Jax surprised himself with how silly the stream of questions sounded. He was just so glad things seemed fine. The door to Brenda's room opened and her nurse walked in carrying a breakfast tray. She pulled a rolling table over and placed the tray in front of Brenda. Simultaneously a chorus of "EEWWWWW" rang out. This time it was the nurse's turn to be startled. Jax and Brenda erupted in a volly of laughter.
"What's wrong? What happened? I'm missing something here ? " The confused nurse surveyed the room. "What's going on ? Can I help ?"
"No, I'll take care of it" Jax said as he lifted the tray and placed it on the counter outside the door. "Miss Barrett here is emotionally allergic to yogurt and bananas." Jax explained in his most physician-like voice and with almost a straight face. This sent Brenda into another volley of laughter which the nurse was able to understand and share.
"Is there something else that you would like ? " she asked
"Not really, thanks. Maybe just some juice. "
"OK...I can get that for you." The nurse was still chuckling as she left.
"Ohhh..Jax. I hat to say this but I think we better curb the laughter for a few minutes. I feel like I got hit by a bus. What exactly happened at the docks? "
"I'm not really sure. I've been here with you, so I'm out of the loop right now. Where exactly does it hurt, I'll give it a kiss. "
Brenda smiled and brought her finger up to a spot just behind and above her ear. Jax bent over and gave her a lingering kiss. He loved the silkiness of her hair. Brenda had another thought in her mind and quickly pointed to the area near her temple. Jax followed her lead and gently kissed her again. She slid her finger down to her cheek and Jax kissed the edge of her lips... then sat upright.
"Hey, how big was that crate you fell onto ?" He said with a twinkle in his eye.
Brenda knew he remembered.....and she held up her hands about a foot apart.
"But it moved around alot !"
She laughed and tried to sit up. Jax took the cue and again shared the laughter. He slipped his arms between her hands and around her back and helped her up, then lingered for a long, gentle hug. He so loved the memory of lying on the couch in each others embrace. She'd surprised him that day, flying home for a little R&R in the middle of the Jax Cosmetic tour. That was the kind of surprise Jax enjoyed best....Brenda just wanting to be with him. They'd had such fun kissing away his sore cheek. Sonny had punched........yeah, .back to reality, ugh !
Jax glanced at his watch. It was almost noon. he wondered if enough time had passed. He sat back from Brenda and said......
"I think maybe you should lie back down and get a little rest. I sure don't want to overdo the celebrating. It was pretty scary last night when they couldn't wake you up. I don't want any relapses. If you're going to insist on being the only genie around here, the I'm going to insist that you get well soon and get out of here. Robin told me there's a new costume I've yet to see, and my "genie fantasy " definitely has a costume in it."
Brenda wrinked her nose. "Oh the cotumes are almost alike, nothin' new. Please stay."
"Nope, I want you to try them both on...I'll decide. My wish is your command...right ? Are you saying you want to rethink this genie arrangement ? "
"Well, maybe we could alternate days of the week. And.......you I could give some thought to your costume. Yeah...I kind of like the idea of you in ...ummm.. those white sweatpants you wore in Malibu. And you can definitely throw away the shirt and vest. My genie wouldn't have either. I might have to give some thought to those gold slippers with the curled up toes. Yeah...I think the genie in the Aladdin ads had those. Yeah , definitely think he did. Think you could find a pair of those Jax ??"
"Well, I'll see what I can do. You look dangerously close to laughing again and I seriously need a change of clothes. I'm going to take off and give you time to settle back and get some sleep. I'll be back soon. "
"Jax, while you're gone, find out what you can about what happened yesterday. The uncertainty is what scares me most. Be careful, too. I couldn't bear to have anything happen to you."
"Tell me about it. " Jax said sadly. "I'll find out what I can. Promise me you'll try and get some rest. "
"I will. The kisses helped the pain a lot !"
"Yeah, I remember....."
Jax kissed her again and quickly left. Jax knew his mind. He thought he knew hers. It was time to find out if Sonny had arrived.
Jax found a deserted stretch of hall and placed a call to Jason.
"This is Jax. Is Sonny in town? "
"He will be any moment. I'm waiting to hear from him now. What do have planned for him."
"Bring him to the penthouse. He never had any problem getting people up through security. I'm sure he can manage it for himself. I'll be there in 20 minutes, make it as quickly as you can after that. "
"I'm coming with him, Jax. "
"Bring the whole entourage, I don't care. Although it's harder to stay hidden that way. I get two hours of time with him alone. He'll be fine. "
Jax hung up and headed for the elevator. He wasn't sure how the next few hours would play out. He knew he needed to stay focused.
Jason hung up as puzzled as the moment he'd opened the door to Jax. He still didn't have a clue what Jax wanted with Sonny. If he doesn't care who comes, Jax can't be planning anything too drastic. Still, Jason would've felt better having at least a clue. Control is such a relative term, and Jax was definitely beyond Jason's sphere of influence...........