-Chapter 2

*************************************
" All alone, at last." Jerry Jacks says. " You know, when your nephews
moved in, I didn’t think it was such a good idea. But, I have to say,
having two babysitters so close is pure genius.", Jerry croons.
" Oh, Jerry...don’t stop.."
Bobbie Spencer practically moans.
" You are a wicked man, Jerry Jacks."
" I have to be, to get your attention. How does that feel."
" Ooohh...ahh..over a little to the right.."
" Your wish is my command."
The Erykha Badu is on in the background.
" How is this?"
" OWW!"
" You’re tense, Miss Spencer."
" And, you are a sadist deep down."
" Nonsense. Let Uncle Jerry kiss it and make it all better." Jerry
lowers his lips to Bobbie’s shoulder blade and caresses it oh so
slightly.
" Where did you learn how to give a massage like this. I’ve been to a
spa, and they weren’t this good."
" Let’s just say on my travels, I met a lot of Swedes...and it’s so cold
there that they have to learn how to do something to keep them
occupied." Jerry takes the oil and pours it over Bobbie’s bare back. His
hands get into a rhythm. Bobbie can’t remember the last time it was that
she was this relaxed.
" You’re pretty tense, Bobbie."
" I don’t know why I would be...my ex-hubby is hounding on my door,
trying to get my son. My daughter has made a mess and is now in danger
of losing her son. My brother’s life is in an awful limbo. I don’t know
why I would be stressed."
" My offer still stands to take you away from all this."
" Alaska?"
Jerry leans down to plant kisses up and down Bobbie’s back. "
Hmmm.hmmmm."
" Jerry....oohh...." Bobbie reaches her hand back to swat him as his
hands begin to wander down.." Stop it. Not yet, Jerry."
" Tease."
" Tease you call me?" In an instant Bobbie has flipped over and is
facing Jerry, without her towl on. She leans up to kiss him and he is
going to meet her. As their lips are about to greet one another, she
turns her head and grabs the towel. She bursts out laughing, and Jerry,
despite himself, laughs with her.
" Cruel wench."
" Yep. Jerry, come on, I just can’t up and go with you to Alaska. I’m
sure your parents will want to have you all to theirselves."
" Luv, the only one who lights up when I come through the door, is you."
Jerry said it in his usual mocking manner and tone, but, Bobbie realized
that the smile never reached his eyes, but, let it seem as if it did.
" Well, whatever. I have to deal with Tony. I can’t give him anymore
ammunition against me."
" And, I’m ammunition?"
" For now, yes." Bobbie reaches out and places her hand on Jerry’s
chest. " I know you’re sorry that you are...but, Tony continues to be on
a roll..and the noose seems to be tightening around my neck."
" Did you do as we talked about...offering visitation with some
supervision?"
" I didn’t get a chance. He sprung on me that he’s going for visitation
WITHOUT supervision. AND, now, he’s got a wife. Me giving him an offer
like we talked about would make it seem that he was right. I have to
stay at my position as a bargaining point."
" I know...I was going to talk to you about your bargaining position.
And, I think that it would be stronger if you could go into the court
and tell them that I wasn’t here anymore."
" WHAT?"
" Bobbie, I’ve rented an apartment at the Sterling Towers."
" Sterling Towers? Jerry, that isn’t exactly cheap. "
" I know. But, look, I can’t risk you losing Lucas. And, I’m a blemish
on you. I don’t wanna be, but, it’s time to face some facts."
" So, you’re breaking up with me?"
Jerry leans in and kisses her passionately. " Hell, no. But, we’ve got
to be smart."
" I hate it that Tony’s run you out."
" I’m not fond of it either. But, if he doesn’t have me as a club with
which to beat you..that’s one less strike for him."
" Why Sterling Towers?"
" Because, it looks like I’m staying in town. That I’m putting down
roots. That I don’t intend to be this flitting part of yours and Lucas’
lives."
" Is that true?"
Jerry takes her hand and kisses it. " Me lady, it’s very true. Jax asked
me once if I had a home....not the rooms that I rented from you, but, a
home. I never believed in the concept of home before I met you.You’re
the first person who wasn’t looking for someone else to come after me. I
like the feeling."
" I’m glad."
" So...I’ll have my own place. And, I know that when you come over,
you’ll be mine."
" Yours?"
" ALL MINE!" He grabs Bobbie and kisses her. She leans back on the
masseuse table and Jerry joins her the table. He’s nuzzling her and
she’s in the midst of full giggles and groans, so they don’t hear the
door close. They are still very involved with one another , when...
" Mama, can Michael and I stay with you?" Jerry looks up. Bobbie, with
nothing but a towel on looks upside down from the table. Carly is
standing there, smirking and holding Michael. Latecia is blushing and
looking down at the floor. The Cabbie is all smiles and nods and winks
at Jerry.
*******************************************
Jason is sitting on the couch, holding one of Michael’s favorite toys.
" See. I told ya. I told ya that she was no good. That she’d sell you
out in a minute. You should have taken Michael when you had the chance.
She was rotten from the moment that you met her. She’s nothing but a
user and an abuser. She did it to her own mother. Dr. Looney. AJ. Robin.
Now you. You’re just the latest in her long line of victims. Next time
you see the kid, you should take him and leave. She was bound to sell
you out. Skanks like her are always looking for a better deal. For a
better trade up..."
" Sonny.."
" You see now the path of destruction in her wake. She’s probably sittin
up in some room at the Q’s, counting the briefcase full of cash that she
got from Edward to give up the kid.."
" Sonny.."
" And, I bet he already has jewels and furs ready for her.. Closets full
of clothes, just her size. She’s been planning this for weeks...has that
smell, don’t it?"
" SONNY!"
" Yeah?"
" Shut up and leave. "
" Excuse me."
" You heard me. I gotta think and I can’t do that with you around."
" What’s there to think about? She sold you out. Case closed."
" No. I don’t think the case is so closed. Please go. "
Sonny looks at Jason as if he’s sprouted horns. He throws his hands up.
" Fine. I’ll go."
Sonny leaves and Jason picks up his phone and dials the number.
" Hi Jase."
" Em, how did you know it was me?"
" Easy. Only 4 people know that I have a cellphone. Thank, by the way.
It’s very convenient. And, I just finished talking to the others."
" Oh." There was a silence on the phone.
" Jase...is there something wrong?"
" Em...have you seen Carly?"
" Carly? No. Why would I have seen Carly?"
" I dunno. Well, Em, I gotta go."
" Jason, when can I see Michael again? I miss my godson."
" Emily, can I call you back about that?"
" Sure."
" Bye."
Emily hangs up her phone, oblivious to the fact that her part of the
conversation has been overheard by AJ. As soon as Emily is safely
upstairs, AJ goes to the den where Edward is reading some reports.
" Well, I have news for you."
" What? The judge has given you custody and Michael’s on his way?"
" Not that."
" Then, what other news could I possibly want to hear from you, AJ?"
" Maybe that Carly’s left Jason?"
" Hmm? No! What, is this some rumor?"
" Nope. I just overheard Emily talking with Jason, and he has no idea
where Carly is."
" Maybe, she left Michael with him."
" Grandfather, this is Carly. She’s not going anywhere without Michael.
No, Carly’s left Jason."
" Then, maybe we out to air out Katherine’s suite here. I think Carly
would like it there, don’t you?"
" Yes. And, with a little more appreciation, we can have Carly on our
side, and cut Jason off at the knees."
" Plus, you have the Pferncliff threat right?"
" Yep. It’s always there. But, using it isn’t really an option I want to
exercise."
" Nonsense, AJ. The CEO of ELQ better be willing to go the extra mile to
get what he wants."
" Grandfather, I want Michael in this house more than anyone. He’ll be
here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" Hello Carly." Bobbie deadpans. Her foot kicks into Jerry and she
mouths ‘robe’ to him. Jerry obliges and gets up to get it.
" Hi Jerry.", Carly says through an ear to ear grin.
" Carly...nice seeing you...all of you.." Jerry says with a smirk, going
over to Bobbie and putting the robe over her.
" Jerry, could you pay the man?", Carly says, pointing to the cabbie.
Jerry walks over to him.." Why don’t we get the luggage, eh, mate?"
Jerry takes the cabbie and goes outside.
Carly gives Michael over to Latecia. " Latecia, you remember the rooms
where Michael and I stayed here the last time. You can take him there."
She looks over to Bobbie, who nods with confirmation. As soon as Latecia
is out of earshot, Bobbie starts in,
" What the hell are you pulling?"
" I’m not pulling anything, Mama. I’m here because....well, Jason and I
need to work out some things. "
" Work out some things. Meaning that you’re playing Jason for a fool."
Before Carly could say anything Jerry and the cabbie came back in.
Bobbie nodded her head as Jerry looked over to her for confirmation that
the luggage should indeed have been left.
" I’ll be right back. You settle things, Carly. We have to talk."
Bobbie leaves for her bedroom and Carly goes to her rooms. Jerry knocks
on the door to Bobbie’s bedroom. He enters even though he’s gotten no
affirmative from Bobbie. When he opens the door, he sees Bobbie throwing
things around the room , putting on random clothing and muttering to
herself. She picks up a shoe and throws it in frustration, barely
missing Jerry.
" Hey...when I get objects thrown my way, I usually deserve them."
Bobbie lets go a deep sigh. " Jerry, I’m sorry. But,....but..."
" Carly."
" Yes. Carly. WHAT is she thinking? Scratch that, she’s not..that’s why
she’s here. You know,...she just raises my blood pressure..How can she
be THAT...."
" Because, she is. She’s your daughter."
" Tell me something I don’t know."
" OK. How about I remind you of something you told me once."
" Uh-oh. I’m about to be hit with previously stated words. I know I’m in
trouble now."
" You once told me that you were once Carly..or rather she was you..
were you lying?"
Bobbie stares at Jerry. She rolls her eyes at nothing in particular, and
sits down on her bed. Jerry sits by her and takes her hand.
" You know...I thought I’d get to your inner sanctum under different
circumstances."
Bobbie looks up and sees his goofy grin and begins to smile.
" You’re going to leave tonight, aren’t you?"
" Well, you’ll have your hands full here, now that Carly and her mess is
in your house. And, the sooner I visit John and Lady Jane, the sooner I
can return."
Bobbie kisses him. " I hope you have a good trip. I don’t know what to
say. I know things weren’t the best between you and your parents when
they left last time."
" That’s true. But, I have to face the music sometimes. I’ve given you
my number in Alaska. If you need me, for ANYTHING Bobbie, call. I’ll be
here in 12 hours..tops."
" You know, it’s good to have someone on my side."
" I’ll always be there....you can believe that."
" It’s taken me awhile, but, I do."
Jerry kisses Bobbie and leaves. Bobbie looks at the mess her room is in
and decides to clean it all up before confronting Carly. She’s too upset
to deal with Carly now...plus, petty as it may be, she wants Carly to
wait for HER.
***************************************************
Carly is sitting on the couch in the living room, in front of the
fireplace. Enough time has elapsed so that Carly has made a pot of tea
and it’s all laid out on the tray.
" Comfy Carly?", Bobbie says with more than a trace of hostility and
accusations in her tone.
" Sure, Bobbie...home sweet home..", Carly slams back. " I saw Jerry
leave. Did I do that?"
" No. Jerry was planning on taking a trip. Your arrival just sped it
up." Bobbie sits on the couch across from Carly.
" So...wanna tell me why you’re here?"
" No, how are you Carly?"
" Nope."
" Ok. I moved out of the Penthouse."
" What’s the angle this time, Carly? This isn’t exactly the most
opportune time for you to play games with Jason."
" Great. Fine. ANGLE, Bobbie? You know..you have your lips plastered so
hard to Jason’s ass that I’m surprised that you can breath half the
time."
" Ok. You’re blaming me for you being here and possibly alienating the
ONLY person that’s on your side."
" Gee, I thought that is where MY MOTHER came in."
" Carly, you wanna pull out that ‘ I abandoned you at birth crap’? You
can bundle up Michael and deliver him to Tony’s doorstep for all I care,
cause, that card was used up long ago, Sister. Actually, it was used up
the day you used the day BJ died to mail me papers trying to take my
other child from me. Capiche?"
Carly shifts on the couch. " Fine."
" So....what’s the deal."
" Things had gotten unbearable at Jason’s."
" Why? Robin’s gone."
" But, Sonny’s taken her place."
" Oooh.."
" Yeah. He loved Robin. Hates me. Treats me like garbage and calls me
all sorts of names. I don’t have to like it, and I finally realized,
Jason’s best friend or no..I sure in hell don’t have to take it."
" What did Jason say when you told him that you didn’t like Sonny
talking about you like that."
" He just says that Sonny and I better not fight around Michael. He has
no concept how it upsets me to be insulted in what I consider my home."
" So, you do still consider Jason where you ought to be?"
" Well, yeah, Bobbie....WHAT? You think that I’ve switched on Jason?
Sold him out?"
" Carly, it crossed my mind."
" Well, you’re wrong. Michael and I belong with Jason. THAT hasn’t
changed. But, I’ve decided that there are worse things than not being in
the Penthouse. And, that’s being in the Penthouse with someone who shows
me no respect and I believe would do it in front of my child. I’m
Michael’s mother, and if for no other reason Sonny should be civil, it’s
that."
Despite herself, Bobbie found herself nodding in agreement. If Carly
truly believed that the Penthouse was HER home, then no one, including
Sonny, had the right to disrespect her.
" So, when do you think Jason will be here?"
" I don’t know. Whenever he puts it together that I’m over here."
" You didn’t tell him?"
" Nope. I told him that he had some things to think about, and that when
he thought about them, he would know where I am. Now, that’s great
talk...but, I don’t know what’s gonna happen when 11 p.m. rolls around
and Michael doesn’t get his midnight hour lecture from Jason. We’ll see
how tough I am then."
Bobbie moved her hand to cover Carly’s.
" Then, we’ll take shifts with Michael, if Jason doesn’t get it in
time."
" Thanks, Mama."
" Carly, can we talk about that?"
" About what?"
" You calling me Mama. I don’t think it’s right. I loved it at first,
but, I’m not your Mama. That’s Virginia. You know what I mean?"
" Yep. So, what about Mom?"
" That’s better."
" So, Mom...what exactly did I interrupt when we came in? Jerry looked
very happy.."
" Carly, I am NOT going to discuss my..."
" What? Huh? Huh?"
Bobbie laughs... " My relationship with Jerry."
" Awe come on, Bobbie. He seems pretty attentive to you."
" He is. He’s kind, attentive, thoughtful. He actually seems as if he
listens to me. He’s sweet underneath all that rugged smart-ass exterior
and..."
" He’s great in bed..."
" CARLY!"
" Oh, come on, Bobbie... a man THAT fine has to be..."
" You know...this is SO weird..this conversation..but, what the
hell..You’re right!"
They both burst out in laughter.
" He’s great with Lucas too.."
" Where is Lucas?"
" Well, he is out on the town with Nikolas and Lucky. Audrey Hardy is
out of town at a Nurses Convention and Elizabeth wanted Lucky to stay
over and keep her company."
Carly almost choked on her tea. " You’re telling me Audrey Hardy was
cool with Lucky staying with her ALONE.."
" Hell no. Which is why Nikolas, and Emily Quartermaine also volunteered
to housesit with Elizabeth. Audrey was still hesitant, though. I think
she saw on the surface 4 teenagers= Wild Parties and Orgy."
" Orgy? Does she know that cousin Nikolas was hitting the sheets with
Katherine Bell?"
Bobbie groaned. " No....thank God. And, you’ve been out of the loop my
dear. It’s not Katherine Bell anymore. It’s Katherine Bell JONES."
" JONES? As in...."
" As in , it is now Dr. And Mrs. Anthony Jones. "
" No WAY!! HOW could Katherine go from that young studmuffin, Nikolas to
Toe-Nee."
" Carly!"
" Come on, Bobbie. Nikolas is young, brooding, hot and 18..which means
he’s always raring to go. Toe-Nee on the other hand...."
" Carly, this is one of those areas that we just shouldn’t go there.."
" Ok...got it. So, about Lucas?"
" Well, when the boys said that Lucas was coming..Audrey rationalized
that with a small child in the house, they might be deterred from any
wild behavior."
" I’m glad she still has those illusions.."
" Carly!"
" Sorry..But, I know what’s possible even in a household of kids. How is
it, having both of Luke and Laura’s sons here?"
" Odd. We’re trying to fashion something here that’s workable. Both of
them are SO independent, and I have the urge to mother them. But, we’re
trying."
" Good."
" So, how’s your custody case going?"
" Bobbie...I thought we were going to talk about only nice things."
" Carly.."
" OK. It’s in the crapper and it’s spinning out of control. I can’t talk
to Jason, because, not only are we on the outs with one another right
now, but, Jason is fearful for the first time in his life. I look to
Jason for strength and support, and now he needs it from me, but, I
don’t think he knows it yet. But, I can’t talk about this with him, you
know? He’s too close to it to be objective. Yet, I have no idea about
what to do. I need a fresh view..but, it’s not like I have a boatload of
friends to discuss anything with."
" How about me?"
" Nope. You’re too close and too involved."
Bobbie took a sip of her tea. And her eyes brightened.
" Luke."
Carly looked up at Bobbie as if she had lost her mind.
" Have you lost your mind? Your brother isn’t exactly my greatest fan."
" Your UNCLE will have an objectivity to the situation that you don’t.
Go see Luke. You know he won’t tell anyone what you talk about. And, if
anyone can give you ideas, it’s Luke."
Carly looks at Bobbie for a few minutes.
" You’ll watch Michael?"
" Sure. I made sure I wouldn’t be wanted at work, remember?"
" I’ll be back as soon as possible."