My Slumbering Heart - Chapter Two
It was silent. No one said a word. Suddenly, everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Realization had finally hit. The helicopter had crashed, four people were most likely dead, and their only mode of transportation to escape the deadly toxin and fire blazing below was gone. And the one person, the only person, who usually took charge when disasters like this happened, was lost like everyone else, slumped against the concrete wall, unable to focus, unable to move.At first, no one dared to approach him. All had witnessed his uncharacteristic display of emotion towards the petite brunette who, most likely, was now lost to him forever. But, as silent as Jason was, none of that curtailed the tempestuous thoughts swirling rapid through the minds of the other participants on the roof. Patrick, Nadine, Olivia, Sam, Sonny, Carly and Lucky were all processing what had just happened and how it personally affected them.
Patrick, who had worked so diligently to save everyone since the horrific events had started, began to cry quietly, privately, not only for the loss of a very good friend, but because he was thankful for the fact that Robin and Emma had not been the ones on that helicopter. It was selfish, he knew that, but Patrick's family was still here and alive, and he could not be sorry for that. And, in some way, he thought maybe Elizabeth was better off, because, if she had lived, then her life would constantly have been in danger as a target to get to Jason. Why such a beautiful, caring person would align herself with mobster, he didn't know, but, again, in some ways, maybe, he couldn’t help but wonder, that this was somewhat of a fitting end for the mother of two.
Nadine was trying to keep it together, to hold on to the fact that she was still here and that Nikolas had not been on that helicopter. Nikolas… Who was she kidding? It was becoming painfully clear during the disastrous events of that evening that he would never give himself to her completely. He was still stuck in the past with a memory. And, while the young nurse didn't belittle her heart's desire’s emotions, she couldn't be burdened with them any longer. She may not be perfect, but she deserved better than that, and, with great sadness, she thought that the one person who probably could have helped her get a handle on her conflicting feelings was gone. And it was then that the sadness she felt was not for a lost love but for a lost friend who was very special and dear to her.
Olivia stood in shock, her eyes caught like a deer in headlights, tears starting to form in her big, brown eyes. After everything they had been through, for her cousin to die like that was unthinkable. If only Connie hadn't come to Port Charles; if only she hadn't found Sonny Corinthos again. She wouldn't have been there at the benefit, rambling on and on about some stupid thing she had to tell Sonny. Was it really worth it to lose her life over yet another secret? Granted, no one could have predicted what would happen that evening, but Olivia couldn't help blame a part of it on Sonny. But, as much as she mourned the loss of her cousin, a part of her was also relieved that her secret concerning Dante would never be revealed. Sonny would never know that he had a son, and, for that, she was very thankful. Her thoughts then turned to Elizabeth Webber. Such a sweet young woman, to lose her life at such an early age and for her two young sons to lose a mother… But, really, what kind of life would she have had if she survived? Giving herself and her sons to Jason Morgan and the life he lead was not a healthy choice. Regretfully, Olivia found herself believing that the children would be better off as far away from the mobster as possible.
As the shock wore off for Sam, the con artist continued to transition her gaze from Jason to Lucky and then back to Jason again. She watched carefully, observing as the two men that were both linked to her and Elizabeth processed what has just happened. And, as she scrutinized their reactions, a big part of her just knew that she was relieved the little waif was gone. As much as Sam tried to ‘play nice’ with Elizabeth, she would never forget how it was Elizabeth who had ruined her life, how, if the manipulative, seemingly innocent girl hadn't of slept with Jason and gotten pregnant, he would still be hers, and she would never have had turned to Lucky as a pathetic substitution. Inserting herself in Jason's life again had been the smartest decision she had made in months, and, now, with Elizabeth gone, he would realize, once again, how good they were together and turn to her for comfort.
Sonny kept looking to Jason to get up and start taking action. What was wrong with him? Kate was on that helicopter. It may have seemed like the weather had played a factor in the crash, but Sonny would bet everything he owned on the fact that someone had tampered with the helicopter. He knew deep down that this was Anthony's attempt, once again, to control him. The crazy old man wouldn't care that his own daughter was on board; he just wanted to get to Sonny through Kate, and, if there were other, collateral casualties, who cared. The man was sick, and he needed to be stopped. Jason needed to step up and take care of Anthony Zacchara NOW! No matter what deal he made to help that foolish, socially inept computer hacker, the crazy old man had to be dealt with, and someone needed to remind Jason of just that.
Carly, she didn't know what to do. Jax, he was her life. She was finally going to get him back, and, now, he was gone. It was that stupid Princess Purity’s fault, too. She had distracted Jason, delayed the helicopter from taking off by clinging to him like some pathetic, needy child, and, now, her husband was gone. What was she going to do without Jax, and how was she going to get Jason to realize that he was better off without his little, waifish angel? Oh my god. And then there was Jake. She would need to help Jason get Jake; he needed to claim his son. With Elizabeth gone, her best friend could finally have everything he wanted, to be a father to his little boy, and, with Jax gone, Carly needed to focus on something, and helping Jason raise his only child was the best possible solution for everyone.
Lucky was angry, so angry, angry enough to punch someone or, really, angry enough to go down to the hospital pharmacy, if it hadn't already burnt down, and dull the pain he was now feeling with just a few pills. How could she? How, after everything they had been through together, after everything he had been through because of that brain damaged thug, how could she turn to him in her last moments of life? Why did all the women of Port Charles rejoice him a hero? He was a nothing, a nobody, a mobster who would have gotten her killed anyway if she had gone back to him. Well, at least now Lucky would finally be able to get the best of Jason Morgan, because there was no way he was going to allow the criminal to take his son from away from him. Jake would be raised a Spencer, and, for once, Jason Morgan was going to lose.
And then there was Jason who still hadn't moved. His expression was the same, one of loss and despair. It was probably the most emotion anyone had ever actually witnessed on the stoic mob king. He was usually cold and ruthless, but, in that moment, he just didn't care. Nothing really mattered anymore. It wasn't until he heard a new helicopter approaching that he looked up, but, even then, he didn't really see his surroundings. He knew people were talking, but, again, it – they - didn't matter. Elizabeth was gone, and there was no bringing her back. All he wanted now was to claim her body and give her the burial she deserved. If he couldn't honor her while she was living, he sure as hell would honor her in death.
It was then that Jason felt something touch his shoulder. He shifted to see what it was, and then, all of a sudden, he finally woke out of his stupor. He stood up, knocking the object down that had drawn his attention from his melancholy thoughts in the first place, and screamed, "DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Taking a deep breath, Jason tried to calm down, but his despair was now turning to anger. "Don't you ever touch me!"
He then walked away from Sam, to wait for the helicopter alone, leaving her on her bottom on the snow covered deck, watching him stagger away without even attempting or offering to help her up.