Storybook

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

Jax woke up as the sunlight streamed through the window. He smiled as he looked at the beautiful woman lying next to him. He never would have imagined that him and Alexis would be where they would, engaged to be married.

 

It had been a strange year. Helena kidnapping Alexis while she was pregnant with Natalie. Natalie, Sonny and Alexis' daughter. He didn't think he could get beyond Alexis sleeping with Sonny, but when Alexis was kidnapped he realized it didn't matter. All that mattered was getting her back, and along with Sonny and Stefan, they did and Alexis was where she belonged, and best of all was that Helena was dead.

 

Alexis stirred slightly and looked up into those gorgeous blue eyes. Jax leaned down and kissed her passionately, interrupted by the morning cries of Natalie. Alexis groaned slightly at the interruption and Jax smiled.

 

"I'll go get her," he smiled. "Why don't you go get dressed?"

 

"Dressed?" Alexis pouted.

 

"I've got to go to work," Jax laughed. "But I'll be sure to be home early tonight," he winked.

****

Alexis put on a pair of jogging pants and a shirt. As she pulled her hair into a ponytail, she found herself remembering what had happened over the past year. She smiled at the thought of Natalie. She and Sonny had never planned on sleeping together, but they would never take that night back because it resulted in a beautiful baby girl.

 

Sonny and her thought about a relationship. But his heart lie with Carly. She knew that and didn't want him to feel trapped. Carly. Carly hadn't reacted well to the news that Carly was pregnant, but Sonny had managed to assure her that what happened between her and him was a one-time deal. Besides, Alexis's heart lie with Jax now.

 

She bounded down the stairs and picked up a sticky six-month-old Natalie who was giggling as she flung Jax's homemade baby food in his face.

 

"Come here baby," she cooed as she reached for Natalie.

 

'Right away sweetie,' Jax joked.

 

A knock at the door interrupted another kiss between the two. Alexis walked over and opened the door to see Sonny.

 

"Hey there," he smiled, tickling Natalie beneath the chin. "I see my daughter doesn't like Jax's food?" he laughed as a frown crossed over Jax's face.

 

Alexis walked took a washcloth from Jax and began wiping the food off of her face. Sonny watched as Alexis delicately handled Natalie. "I was wondering if I could take Natalie to the park today?" he asked.

 

Alexis nodded without thinking. "That works out perfect. I have to go buy some baby food and it's easier to shop without her. It would be a great help," she paused. "I was wondering if you could take her for the night too? Jax and I were hoping for a night alone."

 

Sonny grinned causing Alexis to blush. "Hmm well who am I to stop a night of passion?" Alexis rolled her eyes. "That's fine."

 

Alexis took a bag full of Natalie's things and playfully shoved them into Sonny's arms. "Get out of here," she joked. "Bye sweetie," she said gently running her fingers through Natalie's hair.

 

"Bye gorgeous," Sonny said as he walked out the door, gently bouncing Natalie.

 

Alexis rolled her eyes at the sense of humor of the two men in her life. "Good bye Sonny," she said shutting the door.

 

"I hate it when he touches you," Jax said, half joking, half serious.

 

Alexis sauntered over and kissed him deeply. "Ahh but you are the one I love. Now go shower."

 

"Care to join me?" Jax asked mischievously.

 

"Such a tease," she laughed. "I'm going to go for a jog. I'll be back before you know it."

 

Jax kissed her again. "I somehow doubt it."

 

Alexis smiled as Jax went into the bathroom. She was so lucky, she thought as she began her jog. She had everything she wanted. A beautiful daughter and the chance to start a family with the man she loved.

 

Alexis was so deep in thoughts that she never noticed the car spinning out of control toward her. She never felt the car hit her.

 

Chapter 2

 

Jax wrapped a towel around his waist as he rushed to the phone. Dripping from the

shower, he pushed his hair out of his eyes as he picked up the receiver.

 

 

''Hello?'' he said with irritation.

 

''Jax?'' '

 

'Bobbie?'' Jax asked in confusion. ''Is everything okay?'' he asked with concern. Ever since Jerry was forced to leave, he had a softspot for Bobbie. Plus he knew Jerry would kill him if anything ever happened to her.

 

 

''Jax, I'm at GH. You need to get down here. Now,'' Bobbie looked around the

hospital. She didn't want to talk to him on the phone. This wasn't something to be discussed on the phone.

 

 

''Bobbie what's wrong?'' Jax asked, the fear rising in his voice. ''Did something

happen to Natalie?''

 

 

Bobbie spoke slowly and deliberately.

''Natalie..no Natalie's fine, as far as I know, but Jax..It's Alexis. There's been an accident. Jax?'' There was silence on the other end as Jax dropped the receiver. He could feel his world spinning out of control.

 

 

''I'll be right there.'' Jax put his hands to his temples, trying to figure out what to do

next. He needed to get to the hospital. But Natalie, what to do about Natalie. He went to Alexis's desk and looked through her phone book for Sonny's cell phone number. '

 

 

'Corinthos,'' Sonny answered the phone, gently bouncing Natalie on his knee while

Carly and Michael played in the sandbox.

 

 

''Sonny, it's Jax.''

 

Sonny heard Jax's voice and knew something was wrong. He

stood up. ''Jax, what's wrong?Where's Alexis?'' Carly heard Sonny's voice rise. She walked over to him and took Natalie from his arms. '

 

 

'There's been an accident. I've got to get to the hospital. I..I need you to watch

Natalie for a while. I..I don't now what's going on,'' Jax rubbed his head. Sonny nodded. ''Just go man. I'll meet you there.''

 

 

Jax hung the phone up and grabbed his jacket. God, he prayed, please let her be

okay.

 

 

Carly looked over to Sonny. Something was wrong, she could tell by how he was

biting his lip and had this far away look in his eyes. ''What's going on?'' '

 

 

'There's been an accident. Alexis. Jax asked,'' the sentences failed to form as Sonny

tried to figure out what to do next. '

 

 

'Go,'' Carly nodded. ''I'll take Michael and Natalie home. Go make sure she's okay.''

'Are you sure?'' Sonny asked. He knew there was no love lost between the two. '

 

 

'It's fine. You need to go,'' Carly said.

 

Jax ran into the hospital, his hair still wet from

the shower, his eyes scanning around the hospital, looking for someone who could give him answers.

 

 

''Jax'' Jax turned around to see Bobbie.

 

He didn't need her to say anything. He saw it

in her eyes. ''No,'' Jax whispered, slowly sitting down on the stiff waiting room chairs. '

 

 

'Jax,'' Bobbie said closing her eyes, hugging him. ''I'm so sorry. She was hit by a car

and..'' she knew she didn't need to say anything more. '

 

 

'I want to see her,'' Jax said. '

 

'Jax, I don't think that's a good idea. The car hit her

hard, she's..'' Bobbie stopped before telling him that other than the wedding ring on her finger and the identification in her purse, the body was unrecognizable. She handed him the wedding ring taken from the body. ''I'm so sorry,'' she whispered and continued to hug him while Jax's body went limp. The elevator doors opened and Sonny rushed in. Jax's back was to him, but he saw the look in Bobbie's eyes. He couldn't believe it. He didn't believe it. Closing his eyes and putting his head back he let out a deep sigh. ********************************

 

 

The tv blared as he sat back in his leather chair. ''This just in,'' the newcaster began.

'Famed attorney Alexis Davis, enaged to billionare Jasper Jax, was killed by a hit and run accident earlier this afternoon. more on the story when the details become clearer.''

 

 

Laughter filled the room as Stavros Cassadine smiled. Things were working out just

as he planned.

 

Chapter 3

 

Jax stood at the docks, running his hair through his fingers. He thought about the time when he was ''married'' to Alexis. God how he wished he could go back.

 

 

The docks. Jax is standing looking out at the river. Alexis comes up behind him

and covers his eyes with her hands.

 

 

Jax: That was quick.

 

Alexis: How did you know it was me?

 

Jax: Because I left you a

message, and you are very responsive to my needs.

 

 

Alexis: Oh. Which are?

 

Jax: This. (he kisses her passionately)

 

Alexis: (whispering)

Where is she?

 

 

Jax: Who?

 

Alexis: Aunt Gertrude.

 

Jax: Oh, that wasn't only for Gertrude.

 

Alexis:

Somebody else is following us?

 

 

Jax: Make a list. You got Edward, my family, Gertrude's spies. I want everyone to

see us kissing in public all the time. I want everyone to see how much I adore my

wife. (he kisses her again)

 

 

Alexis: Any special reason?

 

Jax: Yeah, I kind of have plans tonight that run counter

to that little concept.

 

 

Alexis: Oh, I get it. Does this have something to do with a fashion designer and a

long-overdue night of passion?

 

 

Jax: Oh, they might. Still I want people to see how crazy I am about you. (he leans in

to kiss her, but she leans away)

 

 

Alexis: How crazy?

 

Jax: Oh, crazy. (he kisses her again)

 

Jax sighed. He was late for

the funeral. There was nothing he wanted to do any less than go to the funeral. He wanted to remember Alexis how she was. Her smile. Her laughter. The light in her eye. Shaking his head, Jax began the walk to the church.

 

 

Carly gently touched Natalie's hair as she changed her. ''I want you to know that I

never wanted your mother to die. I mean I didn't like her, but I'd never want a child to grow up without a mother. I mean, I got to know my mother,'' Carly bit her lower lip. ''I wanted to hate you. You could have broken up my family, but when I saw you...I realized I was tired of hating. I promise you that you will never hear anything bad out of my mouth about your mother.'' She slowly kissed Natalie's head, taking in her scent.

 

 

Sonny walked in, having heard Carly's speech. He wrapped his arms around her

waist and kissed the back of her neck. ''We should go.'' The church was filled with people. Nikolas sat up front, the only representative of the Cassadine family. No one knew where Stefan was. Laura sat next to him for support, silently concerned about Stefan's whereabouts. Bobbie and Luke sat behind them, Sonny and Carly behind them. Nikolas stood up and walked to the pulpit. He lifted his head to notice everyone's head turned to see Jax walking in.

 

 

Nikolas began, describing his aunt in the personal stories. Not a dry eye could be

found when he finished. Jax walked up to Sonny and Carly after the service. He took Natlie, who barely stirred, from Carly. ''Jax, do you really think..'' Sonny began with concern, but stopped when Carly put her hand on his arm. He nodded and handed Jax Natalie's things.

 

 

Back in Alexis's penthouse, Jax stood at the window, gently rocking Natalie. He

closed his eyes trying to imagine that Alexis was in the room. When his eyes were closed he took a deep breath, allowing the scent Alexis had to invade his senses. He looked at Natalie. She would never know her mother, but he would never let her forget. ''You're all I have left,'' he kissed Natalie and stood for the rest of the night at the window.

 

 

The next morning, Carly walked out of the penthouse. Sonny was at work, Michael at

school. As she waited for the elevator, she heard the faint cry of Natalie. Pausing outside the door, she knocked. When she didn't hear an answer, she opened the door slowly and saw Jax standing at the window, seemingly oblivious to Natalie's cries. Carly walked upstairs and took Natalie from the crib, gently rubbing her back. ''Shhh,'' she soothed. Walking downstairs to the couch where Jax now sat, Carly sat next to him.

 

 

''I didn't even hear her,'' Jax said vaguely. ''How are you doing?'' Carly asked,

continuing to pat Natalie's back. ''That's a stupid question. Never mind.'' Jax didn't answer, so Carly continued. ''It's going to be okay Jax. You'll get through this. I promise you.'' Jax remained silent. ''I'm pregnant.'' Carly said looking at Natlie. Jax looked up stunned. ''I'm sorry, you probably didn't need to know that. It was stupid of me to tell you that. I mean..'' she paused as Jax hugged her. ''Congratulations,'' Jax smiled meekly.

 

 

Carly nodded, feeling horrible for blurting that out. ''I should go. Do you want me to

take Natalie for a few days?'' Jax shook his head with such vigor, and Carly understood. Giving him one last hug, Carly left, leaving Jax alone and miserable.

 

 

Chapter 4

 

Carly sat in the penthouse nervously patting her knees. She was going crazy waiting for Sonny to come home to tell him she was pregnant. She couldn't wait to see his reaction. She patted her stomach. She had everything she wanted. So where was Sonny?

 

 

Sonny sat at Luke's nursing a drink. He had everything, a wife, an adopted son, a

beautiful daughter, but it was all wrong. He couldn't believe Alexis was gone. He didn't believe it.

 

 

''What can I do for you partner?'' Luke said shaking Sonny's hand. Sonny didn't reply,

he just kind of shook his head scrunching his face. ''Can't believe she's gone either huh?'' Luke said, sitting next to Sonny.

 

 

''It just doesn't make sense Luke,'' Sonny said said. ''It doesn't make sense.'' Luke

nodded, drinking a shot.

'

'No, it doesn't. After years of Cassadines, being hit by a

car doesn't seem to do justice.'' '

 

 

'Do you think it was a set up?'' Sonny said, a thought occuring to him. ''The

Cassadine's are gone Sonny,'' Luke sighed. ''Helena's dead, Mikkos is dead and Stavros is dead. They're the only ones who had any real interest in Natasha.''

 

 

Sonny nodded. His cellphone rang stopping him from continuing the converstaion.

''Corinthos.''

 

 

''Sonny, it's me,'' Carly said, nervously twisting the cord of the phone around her

finger. ''I miss you.''

 

 

Sonny smiled, the first smile in a long time. ''I miss you too.'' ''Come home...soon,''

Carly said. ''I have a surprise for you.'' Sonny groaned. ''You always assume the worst in me,'' Carly said with a hint of a whine.

 

 

''I'll be home in a while, I'm in the middle of something,'' Sonny said. ''I love you

though.''

 

 

''I love you too,'' Carly said exasperated. Sonny closed his phone and rubbed his

eyes, trying to figure out what to do next.

 

 

''My niece givin' you trouble,'' Luke grinned as Sonny laughed. Luke grew serious

after a moment. ''So what happens next?''

 

 

''With?''

 

''Well let's see,'' Luke sighed. ''You're married to one woman, have a child by

another. A woman who's dead and was engaged. You've got quite a complicated situation on your hands partner.''

 

 

Jax stood at the window. He had been spending a lot of time there lately. He held

Natalie, letting her look out the window onto the city. He wasn't sure he could do this anymore. He kissed Natalie's forehead. When he looked into her eyes, he kept seeing Alexis, and he didn't know if he could keep doing this.

 

 

It was well after midnight when Sonny walked in the door, Carly was sleeping on the

couch curled up into a ball. He slowly closed the door, trying not to wake her. As he walked away, Carly sat up. ''So where have you been?'' Carly asked, the hurt evident in her eyes.

 

 

Alexis opened her eyes. At least she thought she did. Everything was dark. She

went to stand up, promptly hitting her head. Extending her arms, she hit the walls. Alexis felt her heart begin to race as she realized the room couldn't be more than 5x5, not to mention the lowered ceiling.

 

 

She hated small spaces, whoever put her here knew that. It reminded her of her

childhood, when Helena used to punish her putting her in a closet or a celler,

anywhere where she couldn't stand or move. Alexis stopped thinking. Someone was there, she could sense it. '

 

 

'Who's there?'' she cried out. ''You're not going to get away with this,'' she moved

around on her knees, her hands out. She stopped at the touch of a wool coat. ''Who are you?'' '

 

 

'Ahh little Natasha,'' Alexis felt the touch of a hand petting her head. ''No one is

looking for you, don't you get it?'' Alexis felt the blood rushing to her head. She knew who it was.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

Despite having no awareness of her surrounding, Alexis began to fill dizzy. Her mind flahed back to a younger version of herself; urgently banging on the celler door, tears streaming down her dirt-stained face. The memories disappeared almost as quickly as they came and Alexis found herself struggling to speak.

 

 

''But you're dead,'' Alexis stuttered in disbelief. ''You can't be real.''

 

A match was

struck and Alexis scooted her back against the wall, reality striking her. ''Well well well little cousin or is it sister, you look as if you've seen a ghost,'' Stavros grinned. ''I just can't seem to remember.''

 

 

Alexis didn't respond causing Stavros to laugh. ''Mousey as ever. Well, I'll be back. I

eave this for your enjoyment.'' He threw the pack of matches on the ground along with a manilla folder.

 

 

She watched as he slammed the metal door, leaving her in shock. Striking a match,

Alexis looked in the folder. The folder was filled with newspapers telling the story of her death and funeral. She began to cry when she saw the picture of Jax holding Natalie. The match went out, but the image of Jax's haunted eyes and her daughter lasted much longer than any match.

 

 

Jax sat in the rocker in Natalie's room. The gentle movement calming both of their

nerves, until Natalie's cries became nothing more than a quiet wimper. ''I need to go away for a while Natalie,'' Jax whispered, his voice struggling to explain this. ''I just can't be what you need right now. I'll be back though, but right now I need to get away. Take some time to think,'' Jax smiled as Natalie's tiny mouth opened for a yawn. ''Well I hope I'm not boring you.'' '

 

 

'I love your mom so much,'' Jax sighed, thinking of Alexis. ''I never got to tell her that

enough. All the wasted energy and wasted time we spent arguing about Sonny or me running off angry. I miss her so much it hurts to breathe,'' the tears rolled down Jax's face as he spent the reaminder of the night rocking back and forth. '

 

 

'I asked where you were Sonny,'' Carly said watching as Sonny walked over toward

the window. As he stared out into the distant, Carly walked over. ''I wanted to talk to you.''

 

 

Sonny nodded distantly. '

 

'You're thinking about her aren't you?'' Carly said closing her

eyes, her emotions growing to the surface. ''God Sonny she's gone. There's nothing you can do to change it.''

 

 

''Don't sound too upset Carly,'' Sonny said, pulling his hand out of hers. ''Things must

seem much less complicated now huh?''

 

Carly stared at Sonny in disbelief. ''You

think this,'' she said gesturing to the penthouse. ''Is uncomplicated? Me raising your daughter that you had with your lawyer. Wow you know me so well,'' Carly walked up the stairs gently waking Michael. ''Come on baby, we're going to go stay with grandma.'' '

 

 

'Carly don't do this,'' Sonny said, rubbing his face. ''I'm sorry. I thought we had been

through this.''

 

 

Carly picked up Michael, who had fallen asleep on her shoulder. ''No Sonny, we never

went through this, we just swept it under the rug.''

 

 

She slammed the door, causing Sonny to grimace. Carly paused outside of Alexis's

apartment. It was too late to go to Bobbie's. She knocked hesitantly. Jax opened the door, his eyes red and puffy.

 

 

''I'm sorry this is a bad time,'' Carly said, realizing this was a mistake. ''I just didn't

know where to go.''

 

 

''No no,'' Jax said taking Michael from her and placing him in Alexis and his bed.

''What's going on?'' Jax asked noticing Carly's tear stained face.

 

 

''It's nothing. Sonny and I just had a fight,'' Carly said, sitting on the couch.

 

''Can I ask

what it was about?'' Jax asked with concern.

 

 

Carly hesistated and decided not. ''It was nothing. Is it okay if we spend the night? I

need some time to think.''

 

 

Jax nodded. ''Why don't you just sleep in the bed with Michael? Did you tell him

you're pregnant?''

 

 

Carly stopped mid-stair. She had completely forgotten. Things were so messed up.

She shook her head. ''Thanks Jax, I appreciate this. I'm going to talk to him tomorrow.''

 

 

''Stay as long as you need,'' Jax smiled and lowered his head to kiss her slowly on

the cheek. ''Good night.''

 

 

************************************

The morning sun peeked through the drapes as Carly

opened her eyes. Michael lay sound asleep, but she could hear the tiny cry of Natalie. '

 

 

'Where's Jax?'' Carly said aloud. She walked into Natalie's room, slowly picking up

the crying baby. ''Shh,'' she cooed walking down the stairs.

 

 

An elegant breakfast was spread out on the table. A note card sat amid the fruit and

breads. Carly picked it up.

 

 

Carly,

I need to get out of here. I don't know for how long. Take care of Natalie for me.

Please. I'm sorry to do this for you, but I just need some space.

 

Jax

 

Carly barely had any time to comprehend the letter, when she heard a knock at the

door. She knew it was Sonny.

 

 

She opened the door. Sonny stood there, a boquet of flowers in his extended hand.

Carly smiled despite her instinct to be mad. '

 

 

'I'm sorry,'' Sonny said. ''I didn't mean to snap at you. I know how hard this is for

you, I'm just trying to sort things out right now.''

 

 

Carly nodded. If Alexis's death taught her anything it was that life was too short to be

angry about this. She kissed him on the cheek. ''It's okay. I understand, but we've got a situation on our hands,'' she handed him the note left by Jax.

 

 

''Damn,'' he groaned.

 

Alexis struck another match, wanting to see the picture of

Natalie another time. She knew she should ration the matches, but her heart ached that the picture seemed to remedy.

 

 

The door opened and Stavros walked in. ''Enjoying yourself?''

 

Alexis didn't reply. '

 

'You

know, I was surprised. For being such an ugly duckling as a child, your own child was quite beautiful,'' Stavros stared at Alexis watching her reaction. ''I'm going to have to go and visit my little niece. Any idea what I should bring her?'' '

 

 

'You bastard,'' Alexis said lunging toward him.

 

Stavros laughed as he slammed the

door in her face. He stuck his head back in. ''One thing little Natasha. A compansion,'' the guards threw someone in.

 

 

Alexis watched as the door closed, the emotions overwhelming her. Crawling over to

the lifeless figure, she turned it over, revealing the face. '

 

 

 

'Stefan!''