Replay by Tyra

Chapters  21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Chapter 24

~ Jax's hospital room - January 1, 1994 - 2:45 P.M. ~

Brenda peeked out from under the blanket and squeaked out, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Jacks" She was so mortified as Jax's parents continued to stared at them in shock. She had managed to tug her tube top back over her chest and Jax's pants back up to a respectable position under the cover of the blanket.

The silence was broken as Jerry burst into the room speaking without even looking about the room. "That's it Jax, I decided to swear off women for good!", he shouted into complete agitation. "At least those of the intelligent variety. Too much work, for too little reward!" He first noticed Jax and Brenda's odd position on the massage table. "Well, hello there little Brenda! I see you don't share the same views as your prudish sister. You aren't heartless and unfeeling are you? You see that Jax is in pain, so being kind and giving, you are willing to soothe his discomfort. Not your cold as ice, harpy of a sister! No she's get a man all worked up, all hot and bothered, and then she gives him -- -- -- lunch! LUNCH! How's that suppose to satisfy my appetites. Let me tell you that I'm not going to waste my -- -- --"

"Shut up Jerry", all three Jacks' ordered at once.

Jerry finally noticed everyone in Jax's private room. "Well I see it's all gang up on Jerry again. Is there some reason that you can never just say 'Hello' when you see me? Is there some reason you all have the need to tell me to shut up all the time. If I didn't know better I'd think you all didn't respect me or something."

Lady Jane approaches Jerry and hugs him tightly. "You know I love you Jerry, but can't you see that we are all in the midst of an uncomfortable situation here. Your father and I rushed here to check on Jax after you contacted us and told us about his fall. You told us it was serious Jerry, that Jax was badly hurt. So you can imagine our surprise when we entered, and found your brother cavorting with this woman right here, on that table, in Intensive Care!"

John ever the diplomat interceded, "Now Lady Jane, let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe it wasn't what it appeared to be."

"How could what they were doing be mistaken for anything else, John? Who are you again? Brenda .. ?"

Brenda had now gotten off of the table and had shrugged back into her shapeless lab coat, while Jax was attending to his own state of disarray. "Barrett, Brenda Barrett, Mrs. Jax. I'm his physical therapists."

Lady Jane looked at Brenda in disbelief, "So you're saying we walked in on a physical therapy session?"

"Exactly! You see Jax was experiencing cramping from the massage. A TOTAL body cramp, so I got on the table to try to work the worst of the cramps loose. You see I'm too short to get enough leverage for that, so I had to get up on the table, purely for professional reasons."

Jerry grinned at both of them, enjoying her squirm under their mother's unbelieving gaze.

Jax attempted to help, "That's right mum she was just working out a few kinks that knotted in my shoulders and neck, that's all"

"She was working out a few kinks all right, but they weren't in your neck. And this total body cramp of yours seemed to be focused in one particularly area of your body and it wasn't anywhere near your neck!"

Jax blushed quickly, "Mum!"

John chuckled and pulled Jane towards him, "Now mother, pull in your fangs. Jax is a grown man now and she didn't appear to be doing anything to him that he didn't want to be done."

"That's not the point John. She could have hurt him. Jerry told us that he couldn't move his legs. How do we know that she wasn't doing something he didn't want to do, he has no way to escape her!"

"But look at her mother, she barely weighs more than a feather! Jax could have kept her off him with one hand tied behind his back if he hadn't wanted her there."

"A few minutes later and that's probably what we would have walked in on. She's probably into -- -- what to they call it Jerry? Bondage?"

Jax pushed himself to a sitting position on the table, "Mum, stop it now! Brenda will think I'm from a family of loons! Now sit down, and calm down! Jerry. Help me back into my bed please."

As Jerry assisted Jax into his bed he couldn't resist egging everyone one. It wasn't often that he wasn't the center of the family storm. "So Jax? When did Brenda suddenly become a physical therapist? On Fiji last year, she was a singer and a record company owner. She must be a true Renaissance woman!"

Lady Jane immediately stood, "You see John, nothing but a gold digger. She's been chasing our Jax around the globe for months!" She took a few steps towards Brenda, who held her ground but was poised with her hands crossed in front of her chest. "Therapist/singer/record producer? That's a strange combination of talents, isn't it Ms. Barrett?"

Brenda wanted to explode with anger. She knew that they had shocked Jax's parents, but there was no reason for the outright attack that she had been receiving from his mother. Finally, her family environment was turning out to be a godsend! She took a deep breath before she let this woman have it with both guns. "Well to be perfectly blunt with you Mrs. Jacks -- --"

Jax seeing the fire in Brenda's eyes interrupted, in a desperate attempt to stop the near nuclear explosion that was sure to destroy the Upper East Side, if Brenda said what she was about to! "Mum, I told you to stop this! This is Brenda Barrett of the "Barrett Industries" Barretts. She's also a volunteer therapist here at Mount Sinai, while she's attending NYU as a marketing major. She also is part owner in a growing music business, an enchanting singer, and has a mighty good roundhouse kick according to the museum guard! This woman you're abusing without cause, has saved my life on three different occasions. Twice on Fiji and again just yesterday. I will not stand for you treating her like one of Jerry's girls. She deserves your respect and your thanks."

Jax's parents were again stunned into silence as Jerry looks on with a disgruntled expression distorting his lips. He throws his hands up in the air, "Fine! You catch Jax in the sack with Brenda, and MY morals are thrown up in my face again. I don't see why every argument always ends back up on my doorstep!"

"Jerry, don't take it so personally. I'm just trying to tell mum and dad that Brenda doesn't deserve the -- --"

"I can speak for myself Jax." Brenda's eyes told Jax to be quite, that she would handle the situation. She turned towards his parents and let her arms relax down at her sides. Jax noticed that she was unconsciously clenching and unclenching each hand as if she was pushing back the urge for violence. She reached out with her right hand and extended it toward his father.

"Hello Mr. Jacks, It's nice to meet you" She felt her hand gripped firmly, as John returned the greeting. "Mrs. Jacks" Brenda nodded as she again extended her hand. Lady Jane reluctantly extended her hand not knowing how to gracefully refuse. She noticed that Jane's hand was soft and without warmth but at least she returned the gesture.

She looked at both of them as she began, "First of all let me apologize for what you saw here, and my clumsy attempt to tell you otherwise. Jax and I have known each other for over a year now. We met on Fiji when my sister and I were investing in a resort on Ngau. We met and became good friends. I'm not at all what you seem to think I am. As Jax said I'm a serious student at NYU, I part own a music company, and I'm about to start fulfilling a modeling contract I just signed with 'Deception'. I don't want or need your son's money, I just want and need to be with him. I don't have any intentions to hurt your son, physically or mentally. I have his best interest at heart."

Jax's parents remained silent, studying her every move and expression. She glanced at Jax and gained strength from his look of pride. She released a slow cleansing breath and continued, laughing softly, her eyes beaming with joy. "This all started out innocently enough. I was performing a therapeutic massage on Jax and he told me that he could feel both of his legs! We were both so happy and excited. We were celebrating and I leaned in to give him a congratulatory kiss, and one thing just led to another and, I guess we lost control. I'm so sorry that I had to meet you in this way. But I do care about your son and I will do everything in my power to speed his recovery. I'm sticking by him regardless what you think of me, because I know that he needs and wants me. So let me have it! Let's get this over with, so I can get back to my main concern which is Jax."

Jane's arms were cross over her chest as she studied Brenda. John was standing slightly behind Jane with his hands in his pockets waiting to see her response. Lady Jane took two paces towards Brenda standing just inches from her face. John looked like he was poised to pull her away from Brenda, should she try to attack. Both boys watched in silence to see what the family matriarch was about to inflict on poor Brenda.

Jane looked Brenda up and down with a critical eye and began her response on a somewhat derisive note. "Let you have it, should I? You're such a little thing, you look like a puff of wind could blow you away. No I don't think I will, you wouldn't stand a chance against me. I raised two boys in the back of a car in the middle of the Outback before my husband made a good life for me and my boys. We forged a life for ourselves in the wilds of Alaska at the beginnings of the oil rush. I had to work hard beside John, with my bare hands, to pull this family out of the circumstances we started with. I wasn't raised in a life of luxury, cared for and protected, as you most likely were."

Jane's hands were now outstretched, as memories of the manual labor that she endured to insure a good life for her family, played through her mind. She looked about the room and her family, before returning her piercing gaze towards Brenda. Jax unconsciously held his breath as his mum went in for the death blow. "All I have to say is .. . .. That it's about time a son of mine found a woman with a backbone and genuine spirit!" She embraced a completely shocked Brenda with a warm firm hug. She pulled back holding Brenda by the shoulders as she smiled warmly, "I was so tired of all the little wisps of things they both brought home on a regular basis, each one worse than the one before. Nothing in their tiny brains but what my sons could do for them. When I first saw you I thought, Oh my God this one is the tinniest of all, what has Jax gotten involved with this time?! But I can seen now that you are made of sterner stuff. You're exactly what Jax needs. Someone who can keep him grounded, someone who will look out for his best interests, not the interest in his bank accounts. Welcome to the family Brenda!"

Jax was now in full panic mode. How had everything turned so completely around! This was almost worst than mum thinking Brenda was some kind of streetwalker! "We are just friends mother. You don't need to be welcoming her into the family. I have no announcements to make here."

Lady Jane walked over to Jax and kissed him on the forehead, "Yes Jax, you just go right ahead thinking that. Your father said much the same things when we first started seeing each other. Didn't you John?"

John's laugh was rich and hearty, "Right you are mother. Didn't stand a chance once you set your sights on me. Thought I was swimming free and clear when she tugged on the line and reeled me in, didn't know I was hooked the entire time."

Brenda couldn't help but laugh at this family's interplay. She wondered if this is what family life was suppose to be like. It wasn't at all like the tortured existence that she and Julia endured. This family could argue with the best of them, but you could see there was a deep affection and love between all of them, including Jerry. Oh he liked to play the wild cavalier brother, but she knew that he would be there in an instant if anyone in his family needed his help. The room was alive with people all talking and once, laughing, shouting, teasing. What would the doctor think if he walked in now? As that moment the door swung open and in dashed, Julia!

"Oh my! I didn't realize so many people would be here. How are you feeling Jax?"

"Much better thank you Julia. Julia Barrett, these are my parents Lady Jane and John Jacks."

Julia looked a little agitated, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Jacks, nice to meet you finally. I've worked with, and against your sons on many deals over the years. Jerry, do you have time to speak with me in the hall for a moment. You left so suddenly, that I didn't get to tell you something."

Jerry stood presenting a stubborn front, but he secretly was grinning from ear to ear inside. "Whatever you need to tell me, you can tell me here. I have nothing to hide from my parents."

"No offense to your family Jerry, but I think this is something we need to discuss between us, alone."

"Believe me Julia, there is nothing you could say that would shock this family. Not after what mum and dad caught Jax and Brenda doing when they arrived."

Julia looked confused but persisted, "I don't care what they don't have a problem with, it's what I feel comfortable with. I need to explain something to you in private."

Lady Jane's eyebrow quirked with worry. She didn't like the sound of this as she glanced towards Julia's shapely figure resting on her stomach region.

Jerry was adamant about not acceding to Julia's request as Jax and Brenda looked on in growing interest! "If you have something to tell me Julia tell me now, because I'm not stepping out into the hall with you."

Julia glanced at her watch, her agitation growing as she was running out of time. She sighed in frustration, "Very well Jerry. I have to leave for a meeting in 5 minutes and I don't know if I'll be seeing you again. So if this is how it has to be, so be it. I've really enjoyed being with you these past six months Jerry and I'm sorry if you're upset that I'm not ready to have sex with you just yet. I'm really close to feeling like it might be right for us. I was hoping that you would be willing to wait just a little bit longer for me to feel right about this. When you left after our lunch today, you seemed so angry, that I was worried that you had decided to call an end to us. Is that all you've been hanging around me for Jerry? Just because we haven't had sex yet? Because I thought we were more than that. We've had so much fun these past six months. You bring out a lighter more carefree side of me. A side I didn't know existed. And I thought I was giving you something you needed too, but I guess I was wrong if all you were chasing after me for was sex. Well, I guess it's been fun Jerry. I don't want to keep you from your family matters. Goodbye, I guess the next time I'll see you is in the boardroom, instead of the bedroom."

On that note, Julia left without so much as a backward glance. (except for a slight wink she directed at Brenda as she departed).

Jerry looked around the room with a great deal of embarrassment. Jax and Brenda were on the verge of outright laughter. John looked like he was about to bust a gut. Lady Jane was the first to speak.

"Six months Jerry? That's unheard of for you. She's seemed quite enchanting."

Jax shouted "Unheard of? More like Guinness World Record worthy. I'll contact them immediately!" That was all Brenda could stand, she exploded with laughter.

Jerry's mind was a whirl. For a woman who wouldn't have any with him, she didn't have any trouble using the word in a sentence. If they had experienced it as many times as she had said it, he would be a happy man. My God, she said she was nearly ready! "Mum, Dad, I'll see you in a bit." He could hear everyone laughing as he dashed down the hall to stop her.

Lady Jane was beside herself, "Six months! John, It must be love!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Kronos - March 27th ~

Jax disembarked off the Isabella on somewhat unsteady legs. He had been walking unassisted for almost two weeks now and changing from sea to land wasn't as easy a transition as it normally was for him. The doctors were confident that he would eventually regain all the mobility that he had prior to his fall.

They were coming here for him to build up the strength in his legs. They were planning on runs along the beach, some horseback riding, maybe some scuba diving. He wished he could teach her to surf, but he was still trying to balance on his two legs on dry ground, let alone trying to hang ten on a wet moving surfboard. They would have to do that some other time. This was their first vacation together and he wanted it to be special. Brenda followed behind him carrying their bags to the shore and handing them off to the staff.

"Honey, wait for me. You don't want to lose your balance on this sand and hurt yourself. I want you totally healthy this week. I'm going to love working out with you here. This is spectacular Jax! Feel the sand, it's so warm and smooth, it feels like silk! She placed his arm over her shoulder and nestled herself in the hollow where his arm met his shoulder. She fit so comfortably there these past few months, he felt as if a piece of him was missing when she wasn't there. She had been the most beautiful crutch a man could have.

Brenda had been a constant, during the past three months. He didn't know how she managed it all. Modeling, L&B, School, and him. She was a wonder, so full of energy, so anxious to help, so happy with each bit of progress he had made in his rehabilitation. He didn't' know how far along he would be now, if not for her pushing him, encouraging him, loving him. This trip was his way of thanking her for all her help. And if he were lucky, she would be happy with the surprise he had planned for her.

She was on Spring Break and they had two weeks to spend together, with nothing but sand, surf, sun, and each other. He had cleared off his business calendar and Brenda wasn't needed on Eddie's tour in Palm Springs with the band. Lois had said to enjoy her self that things would run without her hovering. Brenda had one 'Deception' photo shoot that she was obligated to do, but Lucy had agreed to move the shoot here. The crew would be here tomorrow and when they were done, their vacation would begin! He could hardly wait. His birthday gift to Brenda was practically burning a hole in his pocket and he was anxious to see if she liked it. He hoped he could wait until Thursday to give it to her.

Brenda looked up at Jax with an expression of pure contentment on her face. "Jax! I love this place! I can't believe you don't come here very often. How romantic, just a 30 minute cruise from Venice!"

Jax eyes gleamed as they looked about the island. "That's why I haven't been here more often. No use coming to a romantic place, unless you have someone you want to be romantic with."

"Awwwe! You say the sweetest things to me Jax. I can't believe that we've managed to be together without something awful happening for the last three months. I was beginning to think I was cursed. I never really believed I deserved any happiness. Never thought I was worthy, until you taught me otherwise. I'm so lucky you game me another chance Jax."

"I'm the one who's lucky that you looked my way when I passed. If it hadn't been for you, I would have been dead three times over by now. You know, Thomas told me once that souls are matched in heaven and the reason we are all placed on Earth is to find the match that was predetermined before we were born."

Brenda laughed softly, "I knew there was a reason I loved Thomas! I really miss talking to him Jax. He is so wise, so together, so at peace. It's as if he's lived this life before and he knows all the answers, before the questions are even asked."

Jax and Brenda had now reached the porch of his mansion and they lied down on a large hammock for two that looked out towards the beach. "You know, that's exactly what Thomas says about you. He told me that he felt you had lived life before, but it had turned out all wrong. But because you were a good person, you were sent back to make things right this time. I thought he was crazy at the time, but now I'm not so sure. You are so poised for a mere soon to be 19 year old. I've never met a woman who's opinions and feelings I respect more than my mum, until you."

Brenda was surprised with Jax's revelations. He had not yet told her that he loved her though she had told him that on numerous occasions. She didn't mind, because she could feel that he did, through his deeds and actions. That was more important than all the poetic phonies she had dated in her early teens. She felt so in tune with him, each day brought them closer and closer together. They practically lived together now. Julia had taken to forwarding her mail to Jax's Penthouse suite in Manhattan. She could honestly say that she had never been happier! It was as if all her fondest dreams had finally come true.

Jax and Brenda had lapsed into a comfortable silence and were slowly being lulled to sleep by the gentle motion of the hammock, when Georgio came out onto the porch.

"Excuse me sir, but your bags have been unpacked, your dinner is warming in the oven, and the provisions have been stocked. Everything you requested has been completed to your specifications sir. Will there be anything else, before the staff and myself depart?"

"No Georgio, everyone can leave. Enjoy your vacations. Brenda and I will be fine here."

"Very well sir. Have a Happy Easter sir, miss." He nodded and left, with a retinue of servants behind him.

"So are you ready for dinner Miss Barrett?"

She looked up at Jax and stretched up to kiss his lips. She murmured, "I am hungry, but not for food. Where's your bedroom Jax?"

"OUR bedroom in on the upper floor sweetie. Do you want the grand tour of house or do you want to run straight away to bed?"

With her back lying against his chest, she could feel Jax's heart rate begin to escalate. She loved lying with her ear just above his heart. She knew what answer he wanted to hear, without even turning to look at him. "What do you think Jax?"

Their eyes met relaying their unspoken answer to each other. They rose and ran up the stairs, as Brenda's giggles echoed down to the marbled entryway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Kronos - Bluff overlooking beach - March 30th ~

"Jax! Come on step it up! Just fifty more yards to the top Jax! I'm going to beat you Jax. You're going to lose to a girl. What are you made of Jax? You're going to lose a race to a little 5' 3" -- -- -- Oouff" Brenda was face down in a fern as Jax raced past her to the fallen tree atop the bluff. Brenda pulled a weed out of her hair as she stood. "You cheated Jax! You tripped me. How could you trip a poor innocent -- --"

Jax was laughing between gasps for air. "Let it go Brenda, you were taunting me. Besides, you tripped yourself. If you hadn't been so busy looking over your shoulder teasing me, you would have seen that branch sticking out that you tripped over! All you did was bruise your ego, come over here. I want you to see this view. This is the reason why I bought this island."

Brenda walked over while brushing all the loose leaves and dirt off her legs. Jax couldn't help but admire them as she approached. They had spent a wonderful couple of days exploring Kronos. She had made all his workouts enjoyable, challenging, fun, and strangely arousing. He had been pretending to have trouble keeping up with her with each activity, mainly because he enjoyed trailing behind her admiring the view. But he had also admired her energy, her joy in trying anything. Biking, running, horseback riding, swimming, spear fishing, sailing, rock climbing.

They had been having a marvelous time. He couldn't ever remembering having so much fun with a woman, out of bed before. He had never met a woman who approached everything with the same zest as him, who treated each obstacle as a challenge. She was more than his equal, she was his better. The only thing she absolutely refused to do was take a sip of his health shakes. He had told her they made of yogurt, full of nutrients with a dash of wheat germ. She had scrunched up her face, covered her mouth and nose, and ran. He had chased her down and had tried to get her to take a sip and all he managed to do was pour it all over her face and down her neck. She had made him clean it all up, which he gladly performed with his tongue.

His last thought as sent his mind into fond remembrances of last night and how he had never enjoyed one of his heath drinks more! Brenda nudged him with her shoulder as she sat down. "Penny for your thoughts."

Jax placed his arm around her, hugging her tightly towards him. "A penny is not near enough for my thoughts. In fact they're priceless, because my thoughts were consumed with you."

Brenda eyes were sparkling as she gazed at Jax. He had to be the most romantic man she had ever met. She didn't care if he never said he loved her. She knew it in her heart. With his every look, and deed and touch and taste, she knew he was hers. She nestled her head into the crook of his arm as they looked out over the bluff. "Oh, Jax. This is beautiful. This is even better than the view from the dance studio in Ngau." They smiled at each other as memories of their encounter in the dance hall, created a pleasant warmth.

"I knew you would love it up here. I especially love looking out across the Adriatic to Venice. This place is perfect, so secluded and private and yet we're only a few minutes away from one the most romantic places on Earth. How would you like to sail to Venice for your Birthday tomorrow?"

Brenda just beamed. He had remember her birthday! She had hoped that he would remember! "I'd love to go there Jax, but for the record the most romantic place on this Earth is anywhere, as long as I'm in your arms."

Jax was speechless at her response. She had said it so matter-of-factly. He wished he could be as open about his feelings. His experience with Miranda had left him gun-shy and afraid to love. She had betrayed him so deeply that he was reticent to open himself up like that again. However, he was falling more in love with Brenda every day and he was on the verge of finally telling her so. He wanted to wait for the perfect moment. He had decided that the perfect time would be tomorrow on her birthday.

He had found the most spectacular diamond teardrop necklace for her. It consisted of 40 perfectly shaped blue-white teardrop cut diamonds with a diamond encrusted heart shaped locket in the center. He was going to give it to her after dinner tomorrow. He had made reservations at the best restaurant in Venice, and had arranged for his friend Agustine to be there to sing a song to her as he presented her with her present. Then he was going to take her on a gondola ride through the canals and stop where they could see the moon and stars. He would open the compartment of the locket and show her his real present to her. The engagement ring his mother had shipped to him prior to their departure for Kronos. Mum and dad had been ecstatic! He had a note from them to Brenda welcoming her into the family. He was under strict orders to see that she read their note to her after she said yes. Immediately after she said yes. He was tempted to peek at their note but mum had said he was not to even think about it. He had learned early in life never to disobey his mother, so he had to go on faith that nothing they had written would embarrass him for all time.

"What are you so quite Jax? Did the run up here take too much out of you? I shouldn't have worked you so hard. I forget that you're still healing. Maybe we should get back."

"Brenda will you stop worrying about me. I'm as good as new, better than new. You haven't even come close to working me hard. But I'm open to the challenge. Race you back to the house." He took off down the hill leaving Brenda in the dust.

She chased after him immediately, "Jax! You are such a cheat!" She ran into him as he came to a sudden halt.

He kissed her quickly once on the lips and another on the forehead, "And when we get back to the house, we can shower, dine, dance, and then you have my permission to work me hard."

Brenda stood there watching him run down the hill laughing at her. She smiled as her thoughts wandered off to fantasies of the evening to come. Maybe she would take her time and jog down the hill. She had a feeling she would need to conserve her energy for tonight.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Bedroom - March 31st - 7:00 A.M. ~

The sunlight had risen to the point where it now was making a path across the floor towards their King sized platform bed. The pink silk sheets had been pushed down during the warm evening and was lying low across Jax's hips and just covered everything beneath Brenda's bikini underwear. Even in slumber she was vision. Her hair sprayed out against the pillow in the shape of a silk fan. With no makeup she was still breathtaking. Her long lush lashes fluttered against her rosy complexion as her eyes moved slightly as if in the midst of a dream.

Jax had already been awake for an hour waiting for her to wake up. Today was her birthday and if his plans went as expected, she would have the most joyous birthday ever. He was beginning to grow impatient for her to wake. She didn't have any trouble waking early on Monday, the day Lucy was here for the photo shoot. She had gotten out of bed at the crack of dawn and work with Lucy and her photographer Vince for nearly six hours. That had been an eye opening experience. He had not realized that modeling wasn't really a glamorous professional. Lucy had come up with the grand concept for Brenda. 'The Look of Deception, She'll Never forget him' They had Brenda in full makeup by 6:00 A.M. standing in the chilly surf pretending to bath in the warm summer sun with only the flash from the camera to keep her warm. She had endured twelve costume changes and six different location shots around his island that morning. He had admired how she could look so fresh, so awake so full of life at that hour of the day under those conditions.

How could this be the same woman who was laying here like a lump of clay? He slowly watched the sunlight creep up onto their bed. It would only be another fifteen minutes or so before it hit her square in the face. That would have to wake her up, and her birthday would begin! He reached to the floor finding his black silk boxers and put them on. He tiptoed downstairs and started a pot of coffee. While he was waiting he cut a few roses in the garden and placed them on a tray and carried them back to their room. The sun was just inches from her eyes as he set the tray on the floor and got back into bed, waiting for the witching hour to end. He took one of the roses and gently brushed it against her face. She wiggled her nose as her hand brushed her face where the rose had touched, but she still did not wake. Jax turned as the radio came alive. Brenda must have set the alarm on radio last night.

He turned back to his task of tickling his sleeping princess as the sound from the radio filled the room.

"It's time to rise and shine folks. It's a beautiful Thursday morning! And for the romantics out there, here's a song for the lover in you. It's a new release by Monica Wilson and it's burning up the charts like wildfile!"

 

Listen to Real Audio of 'I Love You More' Click Here

Ask me how much you mean to me

And I wouldn't even know, where to start

Ask if this love runs deep in me

And you won't find a deeper love in any heart

You could say you couldn't live one day without me

You could say all of your thoughts are about me

You could think no other love could be as strong

You'd be wrong

You'd be wrong

 

This is the song Agustine was going to sing to Brenda tonight. How ironic to hear it first thing this morning! The same day he would ask her to be his wife! Monica was a friend of Agustine's, that must be how he came to suggest this song for tonight.

 

If you say that you love me

More than anybody

Than anyone's ever been loved before

As much as you love me

Baby I'll still love you

Baby I'll still love you more

I'll still love you more

Jax leaned over and brushed the rose against Brenda's cheek once more. Giggling softly like a schoolboy about to play a prank on a fellow schoolgirl. Brenda still sleeping soundly, brushed her hand trying to find this phantom pest.

 

Ask me just what I'd do for you

And I'll tell you I would do anything

Ask if this heart beats true for you

And I'll show you a truer heart could never be

You could say there's not a star that you won't bring me

You could say there'll be no day that you won't need me

You could think no other love could last as long

But you'd be wrong

You'd be wrong

 

He was really ready to tell Brenda how he felt. He was going to place his heart in her hands. He knew that she would care for it, protect it, love it for all time. The sunlight was just now beginning to touch her chin. She had to wake soon!

 

If you say that you love me

More than anybody

Than anyone's ever been loved before

As much as you love me

Baby I'll still love you

Baby I'll still love you more

I'll still love you more

 

Throwing the rose over his shoulder, he decided on another tactic. He got on all fours and leaned over her and place soft whisper like kisses along the hollow between her breasts.

 

And for every kiss

I'll kiss you back a hundred times

And for everything you do

I'll just do more

And for all the love you give

I'll give you so much back

You'll see

Got so much love for you inside

 

His kisses had now worked their way up her neck and across her cheek till he finally placed a kiss on each eyelid. The bed was now shaking slightly as his silent laughter was causing it to move.

 

If you say that you love me

More than anybody

Than anyone's ever been loved before

No matter how much you love me

Baby I'll still love you

Baby I'll still love you more

I'll still love you more

 

Brenda began to move about restlessly as if a dream would not release her to the real world. He sat beside her trying to decide what to do. He had heard it was not good to abruptly wake a person from a dream. That it could shock them to heart palpitations. As he was deciding what to do, she spoke.

"Lois, it's the perfect plan! And the beauty of it is that no one gets hurt, except Lily, and she means nothing to me anyway." Brenda face was animated with happiness but she was still in deep sleep. "I mean she doesn't deserve Sonny anyway. She stole him from me. Everyone knows that we were meant to be, not them! But Jax is going to help me! He is going to romance me and make Sonny so jealous that he'll dump Lily and come back to me, where he belongs. What did you say Lois? No Jax, doesn't mind. We're just friends, he doesn't love me, so he won't get hurt."

Jax's smile froze on his face ,as he stared down at her. She looked so precious and perfect, like a porcelain doll. But porcelain is delicate and so easily broken. As he watched and listened, her value to him crumbled away before his eyes. She had used him for some foolish teenage whim! To make that mobster jealous! He closed his eyes as the pain wracked through his body and pierced his soul. When he opened his eyes, they had hardened to an icy blue stare. He knew what he had to do. He would show her that two could play at twisting people hearts into dust.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Bedroom - 8:00 A.M. ~

Brenda stretched like a kitten lying in the sun. She rolled over and found the place beside her empty. Jax's pillow was cool. She looked at the clock and figured that he got up early for a run without disturbing her. She smiled to herself about how sweet Jax was about not forcing her awake on her birthday. She got out of bed and padded over to the bathroom and noticed crushed roses on Jax's side of the bed along side two cold cups of coffee. On closer inspection, on the coffee tray, under the linen napkin was a box and a note. Brenda sat on the bed as her heart made it's way up her throat as she tried to swallow back the fear, the dread.

Dear Brenda,

Happy Birthday! In the box is a token of my thanks for all your hard work in helping me through my convalescence. I couldn't have accomplished my recovery this quickly without your help.

Please accept this gift as payment for going above and beyond your duties as my therapist during these past three months. I'm sorry I couldn't take you to dinner tonight, but business concerns has called me back to Manhattan. Please make yourself at home for the rest of your school break. The number for my pilot is by the phone in my office. Call him whenever you are ready to depart.

Again, my thanks for your services during this difficult time in my life.

Jax

Brenda was stunned. Services and Duties? Is that all I was to him. I was his nurse/therapist/call girl? Now that he's healthy again it's Adios Brenda? Leave her an expensive gift on the nightstand for services rendered? Her hands shook as she opened the velvet covered box. Inside was a diamond necklace with a heart shaped pendant. The pendant was lying open. It was hollow inside, like her heart.

She was startled as the phone rang. She ran to the phone and snatched it up, "Jax?"

"No honey, it's Lucy! Something awful has happened. The pictures that Vince took, all came out looking so ordinary. It's not at all what I was looking for, so I fired him and burned all the pictures and negatives. I've hired this new photographer, Tom Baker. He's not a name like Vince, but I can tell he's going to big some day. I've seen his portfolio and it's fabulous! He's just what I need to capture the essence of the 'Look of Deception' Brenda, I know you're on vacation and all, and that I'm probably imposing by asking you, but can Tom and I fly back to Kronos and retake the shoot? I know that you want to be alone with Jax, but this is really, really important to me. And actually it's important to you too, since you're just getting your start as a model. You really don't want the pictures that Vince has taken to be seen by everyone. They were so icky and plain Brenda, really they were. So what do you say?

"Sure Lucy, fly back over. You can have me all day tomorrow." Brenda responded with a dull listless tone that was totally unnoticed by Lucy.

"Brenda! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, and Jax too. Love you lots, kiss, kiss. See you tomorrow!"

.. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Jax docked the Isabella and tied her down. He had contacted Agustine to cancel his plans for the evening telling him he'd explain it later. He leaned over the railing of the Isabella looking back toward Kronos. It was so unbelievable! He was such an idiot! He had come within hours of making a total fool of himself over that silly schoolgirl. He thought he had come across every variety of scheming conniving woman in is life, but Brenda she was something special. He had never seen this coming. She had captured his heart before he knew what hit him and it was only dumb luck that had saved him from making his pronouncements of love tonight . My God, he almost had Agustine sing it out for everyone to hear. She and Lois would have laughed about it afterwards.

How could someone have angel dust in her eyes, and the ashes of hell in her heart? Jax sighed and placed his hands in his pockets as he continued to stare back a Kronos. She should have found his letter by now. He hoped it had the desired effect. He wanted her to hurt as badly as he. That should teach her to try and play with a man's emotions. His finger was scratched by something in his pocket, it was her engagement ring. He held it out and watched the morning sun sparkle off the marquis cut diamond. He placed it on the tip of his pinkie and held it out as she might have tonight. In disgust, he yanked the ring off his finger and threw it into the sea. He watched as it hit the water with a tiny splash and then a series of rings began to radiate from the center. He watched until the rings slowly faded away from the surface of the sea, hoping that someday this pain would fade away from the surface of his heart.. .. ..

Floating by in a gondola, was a strange little man with a clipboard. He checked off another of his boxes and threw his clipboard to the floor. How many times were these two going to stumble about? He was beginning to doubt if they were really meant to be. How many misread messages, misunderstood actions were going to pry them apart? This assignment was turning into a nightmare! But it was too soon to panic, he shouldn't let his emotions get the better of him. They still had four more years till her contract came due. He had his work cut out for him to get them over this latest hurdle. He could just kill his brother for causing all this trouble. They were so close to having it all. A few more hours and Jax would have declared his love, and his job would have been done. He would have been on to the next assignment. But no! Mr. Sandman had to step in and cause his mischief again. Well he would just pay his brother a visit to make sure this didn't happen again! If and when they got back together, it wasn't going to be shattered apart by another of his dreams. He was going to put a stop to his foolishness now. As he flew off in search of his reckless brother, the bag of arrows he carried on his back tilted slightly and a few hearts floated to the waves below, joining the fading rings in their expression of sorrow for the lost of true love

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

*Song Credits - Album - "Where Your Road Leads" Song - "I'll Still Love You More" performed by Trisha Yearwood

~ to be continued ~

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