2:00am
Jax’s Suite

“Do you believe we go to a better place after we die?” Jax asked Brenda after a period of uncomfortable silence. Brenda was
sitting pleasantly on the coffee table.

Brenda crossed her arms across her chest “Yeah I do. I believe your wife is up there right now. No more hurt. No more pain. I
like to believe it’s a beautiful happy place.”

Jax smiled as he placed his left leg over his right knee “I sometimes wonder about that. If there really is a place like that.” Jax
paused for a brief moment “You know you don’t have to stay”

“I know” Brenda said softly “I want to be”

Jax twisted his wedding band around his finger “I’ve never told anyone that story before. It’s a little hard to re-live.”

“You mean no one knew?”

Jax shook his head “No. Everyone figured it was just an accident and I left it that way.”

Brenda hesitated for a moment “Why?”

“I didn’t want everyone to know she died by taking her own life. The people who knew her, thought she was a happy lively
person. I wanted people to remember her as that type of person, not as some crazed woman who killed herself.”

Brenda smiled “That’s very sweet”

Jax rubbed his forehead “I like to think of it more as the least I could do for her.”

Brenda slid her hands under her upper thighs “I am glad you were able to confide in me.”

“Me too” Jax said giving Brenda his best smile “I figured I’d keep that secret for the rest of my life. I like having a...” Jax
stopped himself and smiled shyly “I like having someone to talk to.”

“That is not what you were going to say.” Brenda said.

Jax raised an eyebrow “Yeah? What makes you say that.”

“I think you were going to say you like having a friend” Brenda suggested.

Jax stood up “Well I know better”

Brenda smiled and stood up to meet Jax “I happen to think it’s a pretty safe thing to say.”

“To say we are friends?” Jax questioned

“I’d say we are off to a good start, wouldn’t you?” Brenda asked

“Yeah...we sure are” Jax smiled.

........

3 days Later
11:30am
Kelly’s

“...So can you believe her?” Robin asked playing with the straw in her milkshake.

“Sounds like Carly” Brenda said rolling her eyes “I wouldn’t worry about it too much though, Jason loves you.”

Robin nodded “I know, but god she doesn’t know when to back off!”

Brenda laughed “Don’t let her get to ya Robin. She is only out to make you mad.”

“I suppose you are right, but man!” Robin groaned “I just want to rip her head off sometimes!”

“Try and refrain yourself! I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail.” Brenda laughed.

Robin smiled “I’ll try. I got to go though. I have a doctors appointment”

Brenda checked her watch “Oh, I should go too. I have a shoot this afternoon.”

“I’ll call you” Robin said as she headed out the door “Good luck with your shoot!”

Brenda smiled at her friend “Good luck with Carly!” Robin waved as Brenda gathered her things and threw some money on the
table. She dug through her purse and looked around her chair and on the table. “Shoot” she said to herself “Where are my
keys?” Brenda
dumped some things off onto the table. “I couldn’t have lost them” she said to herself.

“Looking for something?” Jax said approaching Brenda who was still bent over looking through her purse.

“Jax?” Brenda said turning around quickly “You scared me”

“Sorry” Jax said scratching his chin “So are you looking for something?”

Brenda nodded looking back to the table “My keys”

Jax looked around and bent down “These keys?” he said standing up holding the ring around his finger.

“YES!” Brenda said smiling as she grabbed the keys off Jax’s finger “I can’t believe I didn’t see them there.”

Jax shrugged “I’m sure it was an oversight.”

Brenda started gathering her things as Jax sat down “Can I buy you lunch?”

Brenda shook her head “No, I actually am running late.”

Jax nodded “Well then can I ask you a question?”

Brenda finished shoving her things into her purse and sat down “Sure”

“About the other night, I was hoping you wouldn’t say...”

“Consider it forgotten” Brenda said waving her hand in the air.

Jax smiled “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“That is what friends are for” Brenda smiled “I should run though”

“Ok” Jax said standing up “Listen I want to make up for the other night and I have this boring business party tonight and I was
wondering if you’d like to help brighten it up with me?”

Brenda grinned “You want to make up for the other night by taking to a boring party with you? Gosh it’s tempting”

“Come on” Jax pleaded “I think it could be fun if you came with me.”

Brenda headed toward the door “What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at 6” Jax said smiling.

...........
Brenda’s Cottage
6:00pm

“You look great” Jax said as Brenda spun around.

“I sure hope I can impress your business friends.” Brenda smiled “So where are we going?”

“Some country club at the edge of the town. It’s a stockholders meeting for a Swiss Company.”

Brenda arched her eyebrow “Gosh, could that sound any more exciting?”

Jax grabbed Brenda’s arm and slid it through his “It will be. And I promise we won’t stay long, unless of course you find
yourself having fun.”

Brenda grabbed her purse “I wouldn’t place bets on that.” Brenda smirked as Jax and Brenda headed out the door.

............
Country Club
8:00pm

Brenda and Jax were mingling as Brenda swiped a shrimp puff off a tray. “So are you having fun?” Jax leaned over and
whispered in Brenda’s ear.

Brenda bit into her shrimp and let out a little laugh “Oh yes, a bunch of stiff old rich men
always excites me.”

Jax nodded “I’m bored as hell too. What do you say we make a break for it?”

Brenda smiled “I say it’s about time!”

Jax and Brenda were headed toward the door when an elder man approached him “Mr. Jacks?”

Jax turned “Daniel” Jax extended his hand “Long time no see! I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”

“I have been away for awhile.” He turned to face Brenda “You must be his wife. I have heard so much about you Ms. Morgan,
or shall I say Mrs. Jacks.”

Brenda coughed uncomfortably as Jax bit his lip “Actually this isn’t my wife.”

Daniel placed his hand on his chest “Oh I’m sorry.”

“My wife died about a year and a half ago.” Jax said quietly

“Oh Mr. Jacks, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. The wife was sick and we spent some time in Europe. I never heard.” The man
placed his hand on his face “Gosh me and my big mouth.”

Jax waved his hand “Don’t worry about it.”

Brenda gently touched Jax’s arm. “It was nice meeting you again” Daniel said trying to make the mood a little lighter “I hope to
see you again sometime soon.”

“Yes.” Jax said “Soon.”

“I hope to see you at the annual stockholders meeting in September. Missed you at the last one.”

Jax smiled “I’ll be there.”

Jax lightly placed his hand on the small of her back to direct her out of the room. After they were outside Brenda looked up at
Jax “I’m sorry about that” Jax said frowning.

“Hey you couldn’t have done anything.” Brenda said calmly “He was just trying to be nice.”

Jax smiled and grabbed Brenda’s hand “Wanna go for a walk?”

“Sure” Brenda said looking up at the sky “It’s a beautiful night.”

Jax looked over at Brenda “It sure is.”

...........

Park
8:45

Brenda and Jax were walking through the park and Jax’s hand gently brushed over Brenda. Even though it was a warm
summer evening, Brenda felt a chill run down her
spine. She bit on her lip as they continued walking. Jax bent down and picked a wild pink flower and handed it to Brenda.
Brenda lightly closed her eyes as she smelt the flower “It’s really pretty. Thank you.”

“I saw it, so beautiful and delicate, just like you.”

“Pink is my favorite color” Brenda said twirling the steam of the flower in between her fingers.

“Imagine that.” Jax said smiling as he placed his hands in his pockets.

“You know my father used to have tons of flowers around the house, but he would never let me pick them. But I did anyway.”

“A rebellious child” Jax laughed “I like that.”

“I was usually just trying to get some attention, but it never worked.”

“I take it you and your father were never close.”

Brenda shook her head no “I was never, what do you call it...a daddy’s little girl.” She looked over at Jax as they were still
walking “Were you a mama’s boy?”

Jax laughed “My mum and I are close. My whole family is all pretty close.”

“You mentioned a brother before?” Brenda questioned.

Jax smiled as he nodded “Jerry. Yeah he’s something, but I can’t imagine my life without him. We’ve been through alot together
and we still manage to come out stronger.”

Brenda started drifting away and looked up at the stars “I always wished my family was close. I used to want that so bad.”
Brenda smiled “I used to have this friend and I loved to go to her house. I tried to spend as much time as I could at her house
without begging to be adopted! She had the family I always dreamed about, the Saturday morning pancakes, everyone sitting
down for dinner talking about their day, and just the general love in the house. The little things used to make me get so jealous.”

“I’m sorry you couldn’t have that.” Jax said “I could never understand why kids aren’t all able to grow in a happy home.”

“You and me both! But I am not about to wallow in my self pity. I can’t change what happened and I am not going to let it ruin
any more of my life.”

“That is very admirable.” Jax said as they stopped walking.

Brenda smiled “Nah. Besides if I were to wallow I wouldn’t wallow about that.”

“Then what would you?” Jax asked.

“Oh probably Sonny. I could talk about him for hours and make him sound like the worst man to ever walk the earth and make
me sound like some sort of angel, but I am not going to.”

“Why not? It’s not like I haven’t mentioned Chloe before.”

“I’m not sure. I guess I feel like I am too strong now to let him get me down. For a long time, I felt so needy and dependent on
him and when he left me, I thought someone had taken my oxygen and expected me to still survive. Then I slowly began to
realize that I
was a good person and I mattered in life even if I wasn’t with Sonny anymore.”

“Can I ask you something?” Jax asked politely.

“Sure”

“What was it like living in that world?”

Brenda closed her eyes and smiled “Hell.” she opened her eyes and laughed “The limos and the bodyguards and the nice
house, they were nice at first, but all that wears off. You start to realize you aren’t in a limo with bodyguards because you are
some big celebrity
but because your boyfriend is a mob boss and you need to be protected in case some of his enemies decided to seek revenge.
You realize that the nice house is bullet proof...just in case. It really loses it’s appeal, you know. And Sonny, well he was very
controlling and demanding. His way or no way. Don’t think you could ever tell Sonny what to do. Don’t get me wrong, it
wasn’t all bad. I loved him and he was my life for a long time. I told myself I would die for him if I had to, I would throw myself
in front of bullets to save his life. I figured it was better to die for someone then spend the rest of my life without
him.” She hesitated before she continued “In a way I am glad I didn’t marry Sonny because I know now that I would have
never been completely happy or secure.”

“But weren’t you considering going to be with him long after that?”

Brenda smiled “Yeah, I was. I think my head and my heart weren’t at the same spot. My head was telling me one thing and my
heart was saying another. I’m lucky to have good people in my life to slap me when I start wavering.”

Jax laughed “Robin.”

Brenda nodded “Yeah, she’s the best.” Brenda glanced around the park and saw an empty swing set “Swings! Oh Jax, I love
to swing!” Brenda walked toward the swing set and turned around and called to Jax “Come on! It’s alot of fun!” Jax smiled
and threw his
head back “Oh what the hell?” Brenda sat down on a swing and Jax walked around behind and gave her a few pushes. Brenda
giggled with happiness as Jax sat down in the swing next to her. Jax lightly ran his feet across the ground as he rocked back and
forth in
the swing.

“Gosh, the stars are so beautiful.” Brenda said staring at the sky “There must be trillions
of them.”

“They sure are beautiful” Jax said glancing up at the sky.

Brenda and Jax gradually began to swing at the same pace. “I never thought I would enjoy this.” Jax said turning his head to
Brenda “But it is kind of fun”.

“Isn’t it so amazing?” Brenda laughed as the wind blew through her hair and she pumped her legs harder to go higher.

Jax and Brenda’s laughs echoed throughout the park as they lost all track of time and place. They were together and they were
very happy.
 

......

“Thank you Jax” Brenda said as Jax walked her up to the door.

“I hope the evening wasn’t a total bore.”

Brenda opened her purse and found her key “Not at all.”

Jax smiled “I’m glad.”

Brenda unlocked the door “Well I guess this is good-night.”

Jax lowered his head “Good night Brenda.”

“Good night Jax.” Brenda slowly stepped inside but quickly stopped “Jax?”

Jax turned “Yeah?”

“Thanks for being my friend.” Brenda smiled slightly as she quietly closed the door to her house.

Jax shoved one of his hands in his pocket and touched the door lightly with the other “Thanks for letting me be” he said quietly
outloud. He ran his fingers along the door and smiled as he stepped off the porch. He carefully tossed his keys in the air and
caught them as he glanced back toward the cottage. There was only one light on in the whole cottage and Jax figured it
was her bedroom. He gently crossed the lawn to his car.
 

Waking up alone
In a room that still reminds me
My heart has got to learn to forget

Brenda was changed into her pajamas and was brushing her hair. She stopped her gaze as she looked at a picture of her and
Sonny that was still sitting on the nightstand. She set down the brush and slowly picked up the picture and traced her finger
along the outline of his face.
 

Starting on my own
With every breath I am getting stronger.

Jax was sitting on his bed looking out a window. He played with his wedding band and took it off for a moment and looked at
his bare hand.

This is not the time for regret
Cause I don’t need to hang out to heartbreak

Brenda opened the drawer of the table and held back tears as she slid the picture into the drawer face down. She gradually
shut the drawer and ran her hand over the blank nightstand.
 

When there’s so much of life left to live

Brenda wrapped her arms around her knees and smiled at her simple flower that Jax had given her that was sitting in a small
vase across the room.

Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know it’s true, I feel it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don’t know when
But love will find me again

Jax reluctantly slid his wedding band back on his finger as he slipped down under the covers of his bed. He rested his hands on
his chest and stared at his wedding ring.

I am not afraid
Of the mystery of tomorrow
I have found the faith deep within
There’s a promise I have made
There’s a dream I’m gonna follow
There’s another chance to begin
And it’s coming as sure as the heavens
I can feel it right here in my heart

Brenda slowly pulled back the covers of her bed and sat down as she looked at the vacant spot where the picture of her and
Sonny used to be. She reached over and shut off her lamp and laid her head against the pillow.
 

Jax turned onto his side and pulled the covers under his arm and shut his eyes.
 

Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know it’s true, I feel it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages

The song in this chapter is called “Love Is on the Way” by Celine Dion
 

A Few Days Later
5:00pm
Jax's Suite

Jax was sitting at his desk going over some paperwork when there was a knock on the door. Jax lifted his head and got an
irratated look on his face as he stood up. His face brightened when he saw Brenda standing outside the door.

"Brenda!" he said smiling "What are you doing here?"

Brenda held up two shopping bags "I was watching this cooking show on TV today and I got a sudden urgue to cook! I didn’t’
want to eat alone and Lois and Robin are both busy tonight so I though you might be free."

"Why did you assume I was free?" Jax asked rubbing his chin "I’ll have you know that I am a very popular guy with a very busy
schedule."

"Well Mr. Popularity are you busy tonight or can I be sequezed into your busy schedule?"

Jax bowed his head and pretended to think for a moment "I think I’m free. At least for awhile."

Brenda giggled "Excellent. So should we go back to my place or..."

Jax stepped aside "My kitchen works" he paused "I think so anyway! So you can use it if you would like"

"Take out?" Brenda questioned "That’s my speciality."

"Actually room service. One of the many perks of living in a hotel."

Brenda glanced around "Right. I almost forgot. Well anyway point me in the direction of the kitchen."

Jax raced in front of her "Follow me" They were at the top of the stairs when Jax stopped and turned "Didn’t you mention once
that you couldn’t cook?"

Brenda grinned "That was the old Brenda, but the new and improved Chef Barrett actually knows the difference between a
microwave and a stove!"

Jax held up his pointer finger "Why do I have a feeling this is not the best idea?"

Brenda plowed in Jax as he let out a slight groan and continued on their journey to the kitchen.

............
30 Mintues Later

Jax was sitting on the couch reading over some papers when the fire alarm went off and Jax set his papers to the side and stood
up. "Brenda?"

Brenda voice boomed from the kitchen "Jax?"

Jax started toward the kitchen when Brenda emerged covered in food looking sluggish and upset "I will never ever set foot in
another kitchen for the rest of my life!" Brenda reached up and pulled a piece of food from her hair.

Jax started laughing "Do I dare see what my kitchen looks like?"

"I wouldn't." Brenda said quickly.

"I take it there is no meal?"

"I couldn't save even one egg!"

Jax threw Brenda a towel as she came down and collapsed on the couch and laid the towel over her face "I'll pay for takeout"

Jax laughed as he sat down on the opposite couch "I live in a hotel remember? We have room service."

Brenda peeled the towel off her face and sat up "Even better!"

"I'll call right now."

Brenda smiled as Jax walked toward the phone and dialed downstairs.

......

Jax and Brenda were finishing up there meal "This was much better." Brenda said dabbing her mouth with a napkin.

Jax piled the leftovers onto one plate "I'm glad you stopped by."

Brenda groaned "Right. But it was nice of you to say."

"What can I say? I'm a nice guy."

Brenda nodded and stared at Jax for a moment then stood up "I guess I should go."

"Why don't you stay? We could watch a movie or something."

Brenda nodded slowly "Ok."

"Great" Jax said "I'll go make some popcorn"

Brenda sat down on the couch and put her feet up on the coffee table when Jax's voice screamed "BRENDA!"

Brenda shut her eyes tight "The kitchen." she opened her eyes and threw her head back laughing.

........

Late
 

The movie had ended awhile ago but Jax and Brenda were still sitting together on the couch talking. Jax stroked the top of
Brenda's head as she gently laid her head on his shoulder. Brenda munched on some more popcorn "Where does popcorn
come from?" Brenda asked.

"What?" Jax asked wrinkling his face.

"No seriously because certain things you know where they come from like French Toast."

"You are assuming France?" Jax repeated.

"Yeah!" Brenda said holding up a piece of popcorn "But you just don't know about popcorn."

"Brenda just because French Toast has French in it does not mean it automatically comes from France."

"No?" Brenda asked "That would be cool if it was though. I love most of that stuff."

"Like?" Jax asked smiling.

"French Toast" Brenda said again.

"French Bread!" Jax added.

"Ohhhh that's so good!" Brenda said smiling "French Fries! Those are the best."

Jax suddenly looked at Brenda and placed his hand on the side of Brenda's face and slowly brought her face to his. Brenda put
down the popcorn box and stared into Jax's eyes. Brenda felt her heart pound in her chest as Jax's breath felt warm against her
lips. She gently closed her eyes as Jax whispered "French Kiss" and pressed his lips to hers in one swift motion.

You can kiss me in the moonlight
On the rooftop under the sky
You can kiss me with the windows open
While the rain comes pouring inside
Kiss me in sweet slow motion
Let's let everything slide
You got me floating, You got me flying

.......

Jax pulled back "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

Brenda placed her hand on Jax's shoulder and slid it down his arm "It's ok."

"You mean you aren't upset?"

Brenda shook her head and gently placed her hand behind Jax's head and brought his face to hers "I couldn't be more happy."

Jax smiled as they leaned in for another kiss.

.......
1:30am
Brenda's Cottage

Brenda opened the door to her cottage and laid back against the door and closed her eyes as she rubbed her lips with her
fingertips. She smiled as she started up the stairs when a voice shot out "Glad to see you made it home."

Brenda stopped dead in her tracks and panicked as she turned around. She flipped on the light and saw Sorel sitting on her
couch with a drink "Hi Brenda. Miss me?"

Brenda's hands shook as she remained planted on the stairs "What...What are you doing here?"

Sorel finished his drink and smiled "We have a mutal acquaintance I believe."

"Sonny" Brenda said without emotion.

Sorel stood up "Now Ms. Barrett, let's just keep this visit real short and productive shall we?"

"What do you want?" Brenda said cooly.

"What else? Where is your boyfriend hiding?"

"I don't know." Brenda said "So please leave."

Sorel shook his head "Wrong answer Ms. Barrett. Try again."

Brenda reached into her purse as she grew angry "I am going to the call the police if you don't get the hell outta my house right
now!"

"Gosh Brenda, I'm starting to get a little angry here." Sorel said his voice turning angry "Just tell me where Sonny is and I won't
bother you again. I swear it."

"You are a liar and I don't believe you." Brenda said with her eyes flashing hate and her voice full of anger "I have no idea
where Sonny is. He left me at the altar and I haven't seen or heard from him since."

Sorel pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at Brenda "Strike Three."
 

The music in this chapter is part of 'This Kiss' by Faith Hill
end chapter 5