Fairy Tale-63 to 77
by: Belle
"You have one phone call." Taggert announced to Brenda, passing her a black cordless phone. "I suggest you call your lawyer."
"Thanks." Brenda said sarcastically, grabbing the phone and dialing Jax's phone number. She checked her watch. It was three thirty-seven a.m. "Oh god - he's going to kill me." she murmeredd. "He's probably turned his ringer off." He answered after two rings.
"Brenda - this is getting ridiculous." he said in a sleepy voice.
His knowing who it was startled her, and Brenda delayed for a moment before responding. "Jax - this isn't what you think it is."
She heard him sign and moan, "Bren - it's 3:30 and at this point I don't really care what it is. Do you want to come sleep on my couch again?"
"No - Jax-"
"Well, then if I can't sing you a lullaby or read you a bedtime story, I'd appreciate it if you let me go back to sleep." he interrupted her.
"Jax - I'm calling from the police station. I've been arrested." Brenda spoke quickly, to ensure that she got it all in before he hung up the phone. She held her breath, waiting for him to reply or at least say something. All she heard was silence. "Jax? Are you still there?" Panic filled her - what if he had hung up when he suspected her of being a convict?
"Yeah - I'm here." he sounded much more alert all of a sudden. "I'm just getting dressed. I'm going to call my lawyer, and get over to the station as soon as I can. Whatever the bail is, I'll pay it and get you out."
Brenda nearly burst into tears right then and there she was so relieved. "Jax, thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you but-"
"Don't worry about it." His voice suddenly became quiet and concerned. "Are you okay? No one has hurt you or anything?"
"I'm fine." Brenda reassured him. "I'll be waiting for you."
"Okay - stay safe. Be careful, I'll take care of anything."
Brenda didn't say anything for a moment. She was just about to hang up the phone when she whispered, "I'll be thinking about you. Come soon."
Jax was about to respond that he'd be thinking about her too, but all he heard was a dial tone."Brenda, Brenda, Brenda." he thought shaking his head, what had she gotten herself into now?
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"There's someone here to see you." the warden shouted in Brenda's tiny cell.
"Thank god, Jax is here." Brenda had only been in the cell for an hour, but it already seemed like eternity. She had spent the entire hour, pacing back and forth in front of the door, much like a tiger paces in it's cage at the zoo.
"She's right this way." Brenda could hear the warden leading someone down the long, dark hallway, and she bounced up and down in eager anticipation. "Second cell on the left."
"Thank you officer." All of a sudden Jax was standing outside of her cell, looking sexy as hell in a pair of jeans and white waffle shirt. He grinned when he saw her, and shook his head."Well, well, well.....if it isn't my favorite little convict."
"I'm glad you find this so amusing Jax." Brenda felt slightly miffed by the fact that he found her arrest so humorous. "Believe me, if you were behind bars laughter would be the furthest thing from your mind."
"I'm sorry sweetie." Jax replied, not sounding truly sorry at all. "Actually Brenda," he began, looking somewhat disgruntled. "what I don't find amusing is your breaking into Sonny and Lily's penthouse. What were you thinking?"
Brenda winced. Although Jax had rushed down to the station to bail her out. She could tell that he was *not* happy with her. Ever since the tag game the previous morning when she lied and said she wanted things to stay the same between them, he had distanced himself from her, and now he seemed a million miles away. "I ummm...well...." Brenda searched for an explaination, but she couldn't find one. Truthfully, she didn't even understand why she'd broken into the apartment.
"Okay - well, you can try to figure all this out once I get you out of here." Jax gave her a tiny smile, yet she could still see the distance in his eyes. He shook his head, "Let me tell you, Detective Taggert is a real piece of work. It seems that he can't even press charges on you since he had no proper authorization to be in the Corinthos' penthouse. However, I think he brought you down here to try and get information on Sonny. My lawyer worked everything out. Taggert is going to let you out on bail without pressing charges as long as you don't report him to Mac."
Brenda sighed with relief. "Well, Jax, we need to talk because there's something I'm really worried about.."
"Oh yeah - "Jax added cutting her off. "I made sure that he won't tell Sonny anything either. Your little 'break-in' will be completely confidential. Lover-boy will never know a thing."
"Actually, Jax, Sonny finding out wasn't my worry. I was thinking about your being angry with me." she smiled weakly. "Please tell me that someday you'll forgive me." she stared up at him hopefully, her dark eyes brimming with tears.
Jax reached through the bars and took her small hands in his. He shook his head. "Brenda, Brenda, Brenda....don't you see?You should want your own forgiveness - for degrading yourself, and making yourself miserable over a man." he stared into her eyes. "You are intelligent, beautiful, tenacious, funny, sexy....you don't need to be climbing out on ledges to get attention from a man. It makes me sad watching you throw yourself at him like this. Now, before I post your bail, and get you out of this little hell-hole, I want you to promise me that there will be no more breaking into Sonny's apartment, and that you're going to value yourself enough to have a little dignity."
Overwhelmed by what Jax had just said, Brenda tearfully swore, "I promise - with all my heart."
"Good." Jax smiled, he gestured for the warden to come unlock the door. "Now let's get you out of here."
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"Ruby - are there any phone messages for me?" Brenda asked hopefully, leaning over the counter at Kelly's. It was two days after she had been released from jail, and she hadn't heard from Jax. After he'd paid the bail, he had announced that he had a lot of work to do, and then he'd dropped her off at Kelly's suggesting that she spend some time thinking about where her life was headed. Yes, he'd still seemed very upset with her, but she had never imagined that he would never call or visit her again. At first Brenda had held out (for about 45 minutes), not calling him and waiting to hear from him. But the waiting had made her crazy, and she'd called Addie hundreds of time, yet Jax hadn't returned any of her calls. The thought of his hating her made her want to die. She wasn't sure what she would do without him. Somehow over the past two weeks, Jax had become an essential part of her life.
Ruby shook her head. "No - I'm sorry Brenda, Jax hasn't called yet." Ruby gave her hand a tiny squeeze and smiled. "But I'm sure he will sweetheart. He's probably just busy with work. He is a corporate raider you know. He can't spend all his time playing with you."
"He used to..." Brenda thought to herself. Outloud she said, "Ruby - why do you think I'm waiting for Jax to call? I have plenty of friends, Lois, Robin, Lucy...." Brenda hated the way her voice came out. It was obvious to her that she was lying, that was how unconvincing she sounded.
"Lucy, Robin and Lois don't make you pace around the room looking like your world is about to end. No, you are definitely waiting for Jax to call. What's wrong? Did the two of you have a fight?" Ruby walked around the counter, and led Brenda over to a small table so that they could have a talk.
"No.....yes.....oh, I'm not sure." Brenda moaned, covering her face with her hands. Leaning on one elbow, she confessed. "The last time I saw him he wasn't very happy with me. You see - we've been getting really close.....closer than I've ever been to anyone, and I could feel myself, and see him....." Brenda tried to explain that she could feel herself falling for Jax, but she was scared to say the words.
Ruby smiled understandingly. "You've begun to have romantic feelings for him."
"Well, maybe...." Brenda confessed, looking down at her hands. "but I still love Sonny and Jax was supposed to help me make Sonny jealous. So, the other day we were talking, and the change in our friendship came up, but I lied and said I didn't see any change, and ever since then Jax has been really distant."
"I see." Ruby looked at Brenda intently. "It seems to me that you need to stop convincing yourself that you love Sonny, and follow your own heart. Because I have a feeling that it may be saying something very different right now. These past two days since you and Jax fought - who have you been fixated on - Jax or Sonny?"
"Jax." Brenda answered cautiously. "But Ruby - it doesn't matter what my feelings for Jax are. He only sees me as a friend. He's the kind of man who'll never settle down or fall in love."
"Maybe Jax is just as scared to admit his feelings as you are." Ruby suggested. "I've seen the two of you together, and he seems awfully smitten to me. He looks at you with love in his eyes, sweetheart. He's hurt right now, and to protect himself, he's pulling away. Now - go get yourself dressed and looking beautiful and go to his apartment and find him."
"Thank you Ruby - you're the best." Brenda gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and ran up the stairs to change.
"You're welcome." Ruby smiled and shook her head. "Ahhh....young love."
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"Jax? Jax are you in there? It's Brenda. Open the door." Brenda stood outside the door to Jax's penthouse knocking impatiently. She was dressed to kill in a short black form-fitting A-line dress with her hair pulled back in tiny barrettes. "Jaaxxx....come on...open up. I have something important to talk to you about." After a few minutes of knocking, Brenda realized that he wasn't answering. Pressing her ear against the door, she could here the shower running. Relief flooded over her. He wasn't ignoring her - well at least at the moment - he was in the shower. Sighing, Brendda pulled out her cell phone and called the front desk. The concierge answered.
"Edward? This is Brenda Barrett. Hi - how are you? I'm fine. Actually, I'm standing outside of Mr.Jacks' penthouse, andI need to get my appointment book of his desk, but he's in the shower so he can't answer the door."Brenda lied."Are you sure that won't be too much trouble?" Edward volunteered to send someone up to open the door. Brenda was well-known at the PC Hotel, and she and Jax were always together, so there was much speculation of romance. "Thanks." Mission accomplished Brenda thought to herself smiling.
Two minutes later, Brenda tip-toed into Jax's penthouse, heading directly upstairs where she was sure he was almost out of the shower. "Jax! Hurry up and get out of the shower!" she cried outside the bathroom door. "I need to talk with you about something." Brenda crossed her fingers and prayed that he wouldn't be too angry with her about sneaking into his apartment.
"Is that you Jax?" a female voice rang out from the bathroom door. "I didn't expect you back so soon."
Brenda's mouth dropped open in shock. There was a woman in Jax's bathroom? Taking a shower? Brenda looked over at the bed which was still unmade. A sick feeling grew in her stomach as she looked at the wrinkled sheets and tossled blankets and pillows. "That jerk." she murmered. She was about to turn around and leave, when the bathroom door flung open and a tall woman, wrapped in a white silk-robe and, drying her long blond hair with towel walked out. Brenda tried to hide herself, by jumping behind the door, but she was too late. She'd already been spotted.
"Can I help you?" the woman asked. She was young, probably in her early twenties just like Brenda, and she had a similar accent to Jax - Australian. Her eyes were wide and deep green, framed with dark blonde lashes. She was unbelievably beautiful, and seemed perfectly sweet and nice. Brenda immediately hated her with an intensity she'd never felt before.
"I was just looking for Jax. But apparentely he isn't here right now." Brenda stated bitterly. "I'm sorry that I disturbed you. I didn't realize anyone was at home." Brenda turned to leave, when she heard the girl cry happily.
"You must be Brenda!" Hearing her name, Brenda whirled around and the woman began to laugh. "I can't believe I didn't realize it immediately." she looked Brenda over. "You're exactly the way both Jax and Kieron described you. Jax was right - you are gorgeous, and what was the word he used - tenacious? He likes that in you.In fact - he talks about you all the time."
Brenda unknowingly wrinkled her nose in disgust. She hated the way this woman spoke Jax's name so easily. The word rolling off her tongue with ease and her delicate little laugh ringing out. "Well - unfortunately, I can't say the same for you." Brenda huffed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I really must get going." Tossing her hair over her shoulder, Brenda turned on her heel, and stalked out of the room, scurrying down the stairs as quickly as she could, fighting back the tears and rage she felt inside of her. "Don't cry." she ordered herself. "At least wait until you get into the elevator." She was concentrating so hard on not crying, that she didn't hear the front door open, or see Jax walk into the penthouse.
"Brenda!" Jax cried in a surprised voice.
Brenda stopped in her tracks, and looked up at him. There he was. Standing in the doorway, dressed in black jeans and a grey button-down shirt, carrying a bag of bagels and two coffees. The sight of him sickened her, because as much as she hated him, at that moment, she realized how much she truly cared about him. "Morning Jax." she gave him a quick fake-smile, and tried to squeeze past him out the door.
Jax stepped out in front of her, and blocked her way. "Where are you going?" he asked curiously. "Why don't you stay and have breakfast with us?" Jax offered, holding up the white bag."Julie and I will never finish all these bagels."
Julie. The blond-bitch's name was Julie. How ironic that it was so close to her sister Julia's name. "Well, I hope you and *Julie* enjoy yourselves." Brenda glared at him. "Move away from the door Jax." she ordered.
"What is wrong with you?" Jax asked. He was confused. He had no idea what he'd done. The last time he'd seen her he'd bailed her out of jail. Now she was acting like he was Satan himself.
"You really don't want me to answer that question Jax. I might embarrass you in front of Julie or whoever the hell she is." Brenda pointed towards Julie who was watching them argue.
"Brenda!" Jax cried. "What -"
"Jax. Stop." Julie practically yelled, interrupting Jax, and causing both Jax and Brenda to turn and look at her. "Thank you." she sighed. "Brenda - I think there's been a little misundderstanding."
"There's been a misunderstanding alright." Brenda agreed angrily."But it isn't your fault. It's*his* fault."
All of a sudden Jax understood everything. Brenda was jealous. She'd walked into the penthouse and found Julie there in a bathrobe and flipped out. She thought he was seeing another woman. He looked at Brenda. Rage and jealousy danced in her eyes, causing them to sparkle like diamonds. She looked asthough she was ready to claw Julie's eyes out with her finger-nails. He just shook his head and laughed.
His laughter enraged Brenda even more. She knew he saw her jealousy and it sickened her that he was enjoying it. "Brenda - this is Juliet." he took his sister by the hand and led her over so that she was standing directly across from Brenda."my baby sister. Julie - this is Brenda Barrett, the woman I've been telling you all about."
"You're Juliet Jacks?" Brenda whispered. She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. "Oh my god-" she moaned. "I am *so* embarrassed. I can't believe I exploded like that."
"Don't worry about it." Juliet smiled sweetly at Brenda. "Although I hope you didn't really think Jax and I were lovers." she covered one side of her mouth, and whispered to Brenda just loud enough so that Jax could hear, "I mean - it's obvious that I could do *so* much better."
"Hey!" Jax cried, "I think it's the other way around pest." he shoved his sister playfully on the arm and they both burst into laughter. Brenda joined in, not only because they acted like twolittle kids arguing, but because she was so relieved that Jax wasn't in love with someone else. Not that she wanted him to be in love with her, but she just wanted him to stay single....so he could be her friend.
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"Hello darling. How are you doing? Are you still in Port Charles with Jax?" Jane Jacks sat down on the white couch in the large den of her Alaskan mansion. She was delighted to hear the happy voice of her only daugther.
"Yes - I am." Juliet answered, lying down on the couch in Jax's penthouse and giggling to herself. "And guess who I just finished eating breakfast with? Brenda."
"Really? So - what was she like? Do you think Kieron was right? Has my darling Jax's heart finally been stolen?"
"Stolen and locked away. The funny thing is - Brenda doesn't seem to realize that she holds the key." Juliet smiled. "Wait until you see them together Mum, they're hysterical. Kieron was certainly right about one thing. Brenda is a goddess. And she equals Jax in every way. He fights with her, and she fights right back. Often winning, I might add."
Jane sighed. "So....has Jax admitted his feelings to you? Kieron mentioned that Jax has been insisting they're only friends, but I was hoping that they'd given up that charade by now."
"Jax won't admit a thing. He's as stubborn as a mule, and Brenda is also. I haven't had a chance to talk with her alone yet, so I'm not sure how she's feeling, but Jax is acting really peculiar. One second he's moping, the next minute he's laughing. Tumultuous doesn't begin to explain the change in his emotions right now." Juliet suddenly burst into laughter. "Oh Mum - when I got here, he and Brenda were fighting so he wouldn't take me to meet her or anything. Then, this morning, when I was in the shower, and Jax was out getting breakfast, she snuck into the penthouse to see him, and she found me in his shower. She freaked out, and started yelling at him. You should have seen the jealousy on her face. Even if Brenda hasn't realized it yet, she and Jax are definitely madly in love. But don't worry - I'm on a mission, and Brenda and I are having dinner tonite."
"Good work." Jane suddenly became serious. "So, Juliet - what about you? Has this little vacation given you time to think things over? Or are you still being plagued by thoughts of Troy?"
Juliet's green eyes misted at the reminder of her love. "Did you really expect me to forget Mum? All I want to know is whether it will ever end."
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"Hi Jax - it's Brenda. Is Juliet there?"
"Good-morning to you too Ms.Barrett." Jax said sarcastically. "Do I still get a hello, or am I simply 'Juliet's older brother' to you now?" he teased.
"Jax! You'll never be Juliet's older brother to me. You know that. I want to talk to you too. It's just that I *really* have to speak with Juliet about something. It's an emergency."
"Okay - one moment." Jax shook his head, and looked over to the couch where Juliet was sitting. He held up the phone. "It's for you - the other pest."
Juliet rolled her eyes, and walked over to the desk where he was typing on his lap top. "Hi Brenda. What's up?"
"Not much. I was just wondering if you wanted to go shopping with me at Wyndhem's. They're having a huge sale today on summer clothes, and I wanted to pick out some new sundresses and outfits. Jax had told me he was working all day, so I thought we could have some girl time."
"That would be great. I actually need some new clothes also." Juliet glared at Jax when he mouthed - 'this is the emergency - a shopping trip?' "Yeah - 11:30, that sounds perfect. See you then." 'Here - she wants to speak with you.' Juliet handed the phone back to Jax, and went upstairs to take a shower.
"I guess coming in second is better than not at all." Jax joked, referring to Brenda's wanting to speak with Juliet before him.
"Oh sweetie - are you feeling ignored?" Brenda purred.
"A little." Jax responded honestly. Ever since Juliet and Brenda had gone out for dinner three nights ago, they'd been joined at the hip. It seemed that they were kindred spirits. Immediately confiding in and understanding one another. It made Jax sort of nervous the way they were always whispering to each other; especially since he sensed that a lot of their whispering had to do with him. Although Juliet was the baby of the family, she had always been the most intuitous, and he knew that she could tell there was more to his and Brenda's relationship than friendship. He had tried to explain to her that he and Brenda were just "pretending" to be interested in each other to make Sonny jealous, but Juliet had just given him a look that said "yeah right" and then laughed. Needless to say, Jax had missed his quiet time with Brenda these past days, and he was happy to speak with her.
"Well don't. I'd never ignore you Jax - you've become my closest friend. I need you."
"You do?" Jax asked, smiling to himself, and walking into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"Yeah - which is why I need to talk to you about what I found in Sonny's apartment. I can't tell anyone else about this. Not Lois, or Robin or Lucy or...Julie - none of them know about my little mistake."
Jax's good mood disappeared with her mention of Sonny. Must this man plague every conversation and thought she had. "Of course he does," he realized. "she loves him - and she always will." Jax sighed. "Okay - what is it? Did you find a private shrine that Sonny has dedicated to you? A box of love letters he's written you? What?"
"No, no, none of that....I found out that Lily's going away for vacation a week from now!"
"That's nice."
"Don't you understand what this means?" Brenda asked excitedly. Not noticing Jax's sudden bad mood.
"Do I want to?" Jax asked impatiently. He was getting tired of discussing Sonny and Lily's marriage.
"It means that Sonny's going to be home all alone!" Brenda cried. "And guess who's going to go visit him? Me!" Jax could practically see her doing her little Brenda dance over the phone.
"Well that's great Bren - I'm really happy for you. So, I guess you won't be needing me after next weekend."
Brenda was confused. Jax was acting really odd. "Of course I'll need you. Jax! Weren't you listening to anything I've been saying? I just said you're one of my best friends."
"Right. Well, you're one of my best friends too. I'm sorry - I'm just a little distracted by all my 'work' - can I call you back later?" After hanging up, Jax sat at his computer and tried to work. But he kept seeing images of Brenda in the Bahamas. Laughing, dancing, kissing...."best friends, huh?" he whispered to himself. "well, what if I want more?"
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"Julie - what do you think of this dress? Does it say sexy or slutty?" Brenda whirled around in front of Juliet wearing a fire-engine red spaghetti-strap mini-dress. The dress was made of clingly silk material; the top of which was covered with tiny beads the exact same shade of red as the dress. On anyone else it would have looked hideous - on Brenda it was amazing.
"I'd definitely have to say 'sexy'. "Juliet announced assuradely, "Now - what do you think about this?" she held up a
a pale green floor-length gown. It also had spaghetti straps, but the dress went straight down to the floor and had a high-slit up one side.
"Ohhhh....." Brenda touched the soft material. "This is beautiful. And it will look perfect with your eyes and coloring." Turning back to the mirror, Brenda bit her lip. "You know - I'm not so certain about this dress."
"Really?Why not?" Juliet asked while busily looking through other racks of dresses.
"Well.....since right now I usually go places with your brother....."
"Yeah....." Juliet murmered, holding a black pair of shorts up to herself.
"And you know - this dress is a little 'showy' - Jax is more the elegant, mysteriously sexy type. Not loud and flashy. Yes, I definitely want to find something different."
"Brenda - if it's Jax you're thinking about, I'm sure he'll love the dress."
"Oh! It's not Jax I'm thinking about."Brenda tried to assure her. "Well, maybe I am - I just want to find a really, beautiful dress. Simple, elegant, something that will take his breath away." As she said this, Brenda got a dreamy look in her eyes, and Juliet bit back a smile.
"How about this?" Juliet volunteered. Holding up a pale lavender evening gown. It was made of a clingy-silk that reached the ground. The back was completely cut out and daringly low, but undoubtably Brenda could carry it off. The dress was very simple, but amazingly sexy.
"Perfect." Brenda did a little dance, snatched the dress and ran to the dressing room to try it on.
"I haven't had an ice cream sundae in ages." Brenda announced, rubbing her hands together hungrily, and devouring a huge spoonful of whipped creme, oreo ice cream and hot fudge from the brownie sundae she and Juliet were sharing at Kelly's. After three and a half hours of shopping, they had just arrived at Kelly's for a snack and were busy swapping "guy stories."
"So - how long were you and Sonny actually happy for?" Juliet asked, licking whipped creme and hot fudge off her long fingers.
"Truthfully?" Brenda asked.
Juliet arched a slender eyebrow and smiled.
"Okay, okay.....about three minutes." Brenda admitted.
"Three minutes!" Juliet cried. "And this is the man you're madly in love with?"
"I know how it sounds." Juliet looked skeptically at her. "What can I say? Love is hard to explain." Brenda shrugged her shoulders. "I just know that Sonny and I are meant to be together. And someday we will be. It's as simple as that."
"I admire your determination Brenda. I just hope that your obsession with Sonny doesn't keep you from missing your true destiny." Juliet looked at Brenda and saw the deep blush spread over her cheeks because they both knew that Juliet was referring to Jax.
Brenda stared down at her hands for a moment, playing with the spoon. "Jax isn't very happy with me right now." she murmered. "I'm not sure exactly what I've done, but I can feel him slipping away from me - creating distance between us. It's terrifying me because I'm not sure how I'll live without him."
"So....you're in love with Sonny - but you can't live without my brother?" Juliet pointed out, half teasing and half questioning Brenda.
"What about you - who is your great love that Jax is always teasing you about?" Brenda ignored Juliet's question and tried to change the subject. For a moment, the two woman looked at one another. Both acknowledging the dilemma, but Juliet letting it go.
"Ahhh, yes - Troy Montgomery. Jax despises him. As does the rest of my family." Juliet leaned across the table, and smiled. "you know the type - dangerous, exciting, handsome, sexy - the nightmare of every father's dream."
Brenda laughed. "I'd say I'm more than 'well-aquainted' with the type. Go on....this is getting good."
"Well -" Juliet said. "He broke my heart. I should have taken my family's advice." Her beautiful green eyes filled with tears. "That's why I'm here visiting Jax. I was so unhappy after Troy and I broke-up that my Mum sent me here to be with my favorite brother. I needed some cheering up. So, when I got here, Jax took me away skiing for a couple days - that's why you hadn't heard from him. Jax said I needed time away from everyone. He didn't take any phones or computers or anything. It was just me and him." Juliet shook her head. "He's such a wonderful guy. He always has been. Eventhough -" Juliet added laughing. "He and my brothers terrorized my parents when they were young. Actually - they still terrorize my parents. I, on the other hand, was always the *angel* of the family." Juliet batted her eyes innocentely and giggled.
Brenda laughed at her antics."So - what happened with you and Troy?"
"We just wanted different things from life. He was an *artist* and he wanted to control everything. Mainly me. He would order me around and tell me what to do, wear, say....and I fought back which enraged him. So, finally, I left him. It was the hardest thing I ever did." Juliet looked down at her hands. "I still dream about him every night."
"Wow!" Brenda said. "I'm impressed. That must have been really hard for you."
"It was." Juliet confessed. "I still love him, and I probably always will. But I know that he isn't good for me. I truly believe that somewhere out there is the perfect man for me. So now, all I have to do is live my life until I find him."
Brenda was silent for a few moments, thinking about what Juliet had just said. "We're going to be great friends Juliet Jacks." Brenda declared, grinning. "I can tell, and I know that things are going to work out for the two of us."
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"So Jax - where's your better half?" Kieron joked, joining Jax at his table at the PC Grill for their business/friendship lunch. "Somehow I thought that she'd be here."
Jax gave Kieron a half-smile/half-smirk. "Brenda is out shopping with the pest."
Kieron looked surprised. "Juliet's here? Wow - what happened? I thought she was still living in London with that Devil-Montgomery guy. The 'artist'." Kieron rolled his eyes at the word "artist." Troy's paintings had been nothing better than crayon scribblings on white canvas.
"Nope." Jax took a sip of his water. "They broke up, thank god. But Juliet was so upset afterwards, that my Mum sent her to stay with me for awhile."
"So Julie-the-pest finally got to him. The poor guy. Did he run like a mad-man from their apartment? They were together, what? Two years. Man, I'm surprised he lasted that long.
Kieron's negativity about Juliet disturbed Jax, and he glared at his friend. "Actually - it was Juliet who left him. Honestly Kier - I don't understand what your problem with my sister is. You haven't even seen her in five years. Maybe more." Jax thought for a moment and then started laughing. "Actually, I do remember the last time you two were together. At Julie's high school graduation party, when she pushed you over the side of the yacht because you told her boyfriend at the time that she still slept with her blanket."
Kieron laughed. "Ahh.....those were the days." he shook his head, remembering all the quarrels and arguments he and Juliet had as children."I don't know why we don't get along Jax. It's just a fact of life." Kieron leaned over the table, and punched Jax in the arm. "Just like the fact that you - old buddy, have fallen hook, line and sinker for a Ms. Brenda Barrett."
"What!?" Jax cried, nearly dropping his glass of water in shock. "Me? In love - with Brenda? That's absurd."
Kieron cocked an eyebrow. "Is it? Because I saw the two of you in the Bahamas, and let me tell you, deal or no deal, it was looking *awfully* cozy."
"Yeah - well, there *is* a deal Kieron, and nothing you say or think changes the fact that Brenda loves Sonny." Jax practically shouted this statement, his eyes filling with a coldness and hatred that Kieron had never seen before.
Leaning back in his chair, Kieron frowned. "Something tells me you and Brenda are having problems."
"I don't think so Kieron." Jax lied. "Now - can we..."
"No...no - I have an idea. And for once - you are going to listen." Kieron interrupted. "You and Brenda are going to join me on a short trip to my ranch in Colorado."
"Really?" Jax gave Kieron a look that said "make me."
"Yes." Kieron stated.
"Well - what about the pest?" Jax grinned.
"The pest can come too - as long as you keep her far away from me."
"I'm sure that won't be a problem." Jax assured him. "I don't know Kier - let me think about it. Maybe."
Kieron was just about to explain that maybe wasn't good enough when Brenda walked into the grill, and pulled up a chair at their table.
"I was hoping I'd find you here." she smiled brightly at Jax, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Kieron! It's great to see you again. Jax didn't mention that you were coming to Port Charles."
Kieron gave her a little pout, and tapped his cheek with his finger, indicating that he wanted a kiss also. Brenda giggled and kissed him quickly. Satisfied, Kieron answered, "well, it was a last-minute visit."
"Well this is wonderful!" Brenda declared. "Jax is so lucky to have two guests - both you and Juliet. Why, I might haave to sleep over also so I won't be missing any fun."
"One things for certain," Jax said dryly, "if you don't sleep over, we'll be getting phone calls all night long."
"You're so *very* funny." Brenda rolled her eyes. "So - what are the two of you up to? Planning on taking over the world?"
Kieron laughed and shook his head. "Actually, Brenda, I was just talking with Jax about how you, he and Juliet should come with me to my ranch in Colorado tomorrow. I have to meet with some clients in Denver, and I would love to have the company. I believe Jax was just about to accept my invitation. So what about you beautiful? Are you game?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Brenda cried excitedly, bouncing up and down in her chair. "I *love* Colorado. We can go for hiking, and horse back riding. Maybe we can even go camping!"
Jax snorted, nearly snarfing her sparkling water. "You? Camping and hiking? Where are you going to hook up your hair dryer and curling iron?"
Brenda glared at Jax, and got out of her chair. Standing next to him, she placed one hand on her hip and poked him on the chest with the other. Arching one eyebrow she declared, "For your information Jasper Jacks - I happen to be an excellent camper. I was even a girl scout when I was a little girl."
"Is that a fact?" Jax teased. He saw the fire ignite in her dark eyes and he had to hold back his own laughter. She was amazing. He couldn't get over how passionate and rambunctious she was. He loved watching her moods change as suddenly as the wind. She was like fire and ice. One second she was all sweetness and smiles, the next she was burning with anger, eyes flashing and insults pouring out of her delicate and completely kissable mouth.
"Yes. It *is* a fact. You know what else? I was the best in my troop. I had more badges than anyone else." Brenda lied. "So - *what* do you think of that?" Brenda gave Jax her most dazzling smile, and sat down on his lap.
"I think you're going to take us all on a camping expedition." Jax said, returning her smile, and giving her a quick kiss on the head. "Because your camping skills are something I definitely want to see."
Brenda giggled and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Well good." Kieron rubbed his hands together."Then it's settled. We are all going to my ranch, and then Brenda will take us camping." Brenda gave a happy shriek and even Jax smiled. Brenda whispered something in Jax's ear and he laughed, whispering back to her. Kieron smiled. They looked happy and excited.This trip of his was a great idea. Now all he had to do was keep Juliet far away and everything would be perfect.....
To be continued...
- Belle
J&B Reuniters - Sonny never, Jax forever!
IRFC
J&Bangels