Forgotten Acquaintances Chapter 12

by Susan on March 05, 19100 at 14:58:55:

Not sure if anyone remembers this. It's been awhile. I had this on my disk drive and decided to finish it. It only took an hour or so. Thanks Rhonda for the constant emails. I know you asked for trying to forget last and I've gotten a few emails for it from other people but I have I only have like half a page of it for the next chapter and I won't have time to work on it since I have to study today. I may have magic of you next if anyone remembers that one.

Forgotten Acquaintances

Recap: Brenda returned from her trip to L.A a day early much to Allysa's delight. Jax was surprised to see her but not unhappy. He's still trying to decide what their future might be and if they have one.

It's not that I can't live without you
It's just that I don't even want to try
Every night I dream about you
Ever since the day we said goodbye
If I wasn't such a fool
Right now I'd be holding you
There's nothin' that I wouldn't do

Back to Your Heart-BSB

Chapter 12

Port Charles,

Allysa awoke the next morning between her parents in the master bedroom of Jax's penthouse. She let out a cute little yawn and tumbled out of bed, careful not to awaken her parents. Her little mouth curling into an impish grin that was reminiscent of her mother but even more potent with the irresistable Jacks charm combined. Her aquamarine blue eyes twinkled. She grabbed her Big Bird and went into the den to retrieve her other toys before heading into the living room without a glance back or she would have seen Jax's arm snake around Brenda's waist when she rolled over, pressing herself against him.

She murmured and laid her head against his naked chest, her soft breath tickling him but neither fully awoke yet.

Allysa sat on the couch, playing with her brand new teddy bear that John had bought her the other day on their shopping excursion. Jane had mockingly scolded him when he nearly bought out the whole store for her while he claiming that he was merely trying to make up for all the birthdays and holidays they had missed.

Allysa was about to finish coloring her picture when she heard a phone ring. She bit her bottom lip and quickly answered it before it awoke her parents.

"Hello ?"

"Allysa ?" A rick accented voice on the other end said.

"Unca Jerry ?"

Jerry smiled, on a high since last night. He had a remarkably good night considering he spent it physically alone but he had had the most wonderful dreams.

"The one and only. Listen angel, is your father around ?"

"Daddy's sleeping. Are you going to come over soon Uncle Jerry ?" Allysa asked.

"Why ? Is something wrong ?"

"No, I don't want to wake up Mommy and Daddy yet."

Oops. She covered her mouth.

"Um, can you come up and play with me ?" She continued in a rush.

Jerry rose an eyebrow. Brenda was back ?

"We aren't going to watch Little Mermaid again are we ?" He asked, the questions floating around in the back of his head.

She giggled.

"No."

"Play tea party ?" He asked, looking for reassurance.

"No, I want to go to the park and play on the swings."

Well, that didn't sound bad and not girly in the least bit.

"Okay niece o' mine. I'll be right up."

Allysa hung up and ran into the guest bathroom. She washed her face, brushed her teeth and combed her hair then dressed with lightning speed.

She jumped into his arms when he appeared. He laughed and barely had time to write a note to leave Jax and Brenda before she tugged him towards the elevators. She had more energy than he or Jax ever had at that age. She must get it from Brenda.

He was pushing her on the swings a few minutes later, asking her about her friend Lucas when he helped Allysa hop down.

She smiled, showing her dimples and chatted on about Miss Bobbie and her best friend Lucas, how they played soccer, how she always beat him at video games and did practically everything together at school while she climbed the monkey bars.

He stood nearby, watching her carefully in case she slipped.

Allysa paused and climbed down, her eyes sparkling.

"Lucas !"

A little boy with dark hair, the same height as Allysa came towards them. He was kicking a soccer ball around.

Jerry glanced up and saw Bobbie walking towards them. He grinned.

"Your ears must be burning." He said, seeing that Lucas and Allysa were otherwise occupied playing with his soccer ball.

Bobbie smiled in spite of herself. She had to admit that she was enjoying his attention, fleeting as it may be. It made her feel....just feel something again.

"Should they be ?"

"They could be." He told her, eying her appreciatively.

She laughed.

"You are nothing if not subtle."

"Subtlety is overated." He told her, shrugging. "How about dinner, tonight, just you and me ? I'll show you how I like things."

"You really are persistent."

"I prefer to call it sheer-will."

"Well, I have a few choice words to describe you."

Jerry merely smiled.

"Well ?"

"Well what ?"

"Let's hear em. Come on luv. Don't hold back. I can take it."

Her laughter was like music to his ears.

"Handsome as the devil himself. Gorgeous. Muscular. The perfect specimen of man. Witty. Smart. Silver-tongued. Feel free to jump in anytime."

"Oh yes. All of those things, not to mention humble and modest." She added, trying valiantly to keep a straight face in front of this far too tempting Aussie rogue.

"Modesty is overrated. Run away with me." He whispered, taking a step closer.

Bobbie shook her head, feeling those all too buried sparks arising.

"Why do I get the feeling that I'm not the first woman you'd uttered those words to ?"

Jerry leaned in flirtatiously.

"You may not be the first but you will be the last. We can be in Vegas by the break of dawn."

"How you say that with a straight face in beyond me. Your mother must be so proud."

Jerry's response was interrupted by a voice behind him.

"I don't think that is the word I'd use when refering to my eldest. I can't tell you how many gray hairs he's given me with all the stunts he's pulled over the years. He has nothing on my Jax who was quite the handful in his youth."

Jerry grinned and gave his Mum a peck on the cheek.

"Just in time Mum. Can you watch the kids while this lovely lady and I get a cup of coffee. We have a lot to discuss."

Allysa squealed and ran over to Lady Jane, hopping up and down with Lucas standing right next to her albeit with not so much enthusiasm.

"Grandmum !" She said, adopting part of what her father and Uncle called this dynamo she had quickly come to love though giving up on trying to mimick their accent as well.

Jane looked down at her lovingly, smoothing her hair. She never thought she'd see the day where she would love hearing that word applied to her.

"Hello darling." She said softly, glancing at the little boy next to her after studying Jerry and Bobbie intently.

Allysa grasped her hand and Lucas's in the other, talking a mile a minute while Jerry looked on in amusement.

"They're getting along smashingly. I think that's our cue to leave." Jerry said, offering his arm to Bobbie who smiled indulgently.

"I think I'll pass once again." Bobbie responded, greeting Jane and retrieving Lucas who she had to drop off at Felicia and Mac's before she was set to start her shift at GH.

Jerry walked Bobbie to her car while Jane and Allysa started heading back to the hotel.

"What time do you get off ? I could take you out for dinner. Better yet, I'll bring dinner to you." He volunteered after Lucas climbed into the car.

"Thanks for the offer but I'll take a raincheck."

She was not prepared for the full effect of that patented Jacks smile complete with dimples and those mesmerizing blue eyes that were a standard trait as evidenced in Allysa.

"I'm wearing you down Barbara Spencer." He assured her, walking her to the driver's side door and shutting it behind her.

She couldn't resist the laughter bubbling to the top as she drove off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brenda murmured with soft intakes of air, snuggling even closer to the warmth that was so sweet and tender that she was sure she was dreaming. She didn't want to risk waking up so she didn't even open her eyes for fear of wiping away any trace of sleepiness and tranquility with it. She felt a strong hand stroking up and down her back. She sighed with a drowsy contentment and ran her hand along the smooth surface that her head rested atop of. It curiously tightened under her touch but her fingers kept wandering searchingly, running along the contours of his face before running through his blonde locks.

His mind reeled when he felt her soft curves brush against him. That all too familiar scent.

He sighed inwardly, pulling her into his arms.

"Jax ?" She murmured.

"Right here luv."

"I'm tired."

He chuckled.

"I think that what we get if we have a four year old that inherited your energy and gift for talk. I can't believe we finally got her to go to sleep. How many stories did we tell her anyway ?"

She giggled.

"I don't know but yours were truly inspired. Allysa was in awe. I don't know how you managed to turn your childhood adventures into fairy tales. I'm sure Thomas would love to hear how you made him into a magician. She's going to want you to take her to Australia and Alaska now."

"Well, I do have a small confession to make. I took Allysa up in my plane but we only went to the city. I showed her my office and let her play with my games. She's really good. She won all my stuffed toys as prizes."

"Oh, that's where she got all those new toys. I thought you were spoiling her."

"Well, I have to do that. She's my little girl but she did win the crocodile, the bear and dragon fair and square."

Brenda smiled. He was a wonderful father. Allysa clearly adored him.

"She must have had a great time. I always did love going flying with you."

She opened an eye and rose an eyebrow when she saw the look in his eye.

"Wait a sec. You didn't let her fly, did you ?"

Jax merely grinned.

"You didn't. Jax, she's a child."

"Hey, I'll have you know that she was a natural. She must get it from me."

"Jax ! Tell me you didn't."

"She was so adorable. She reminded me of you and the first time I took you up. The way your eyes lit up and the uncontained joy."

Brenda groaned and her face lost its reprehension. She didn't know what she was going to do with him.

"You can stop working me over and buttering me up. I know she was safe with you but she's still too young to be learning to fly."

"Well, I wasn't really trying to teach her. I just let her take the wheel for awhile and she was in my lap the entire time but she could become the world's youngest pilot."

"Jasper Jacks, you -"

Her words were drowned out when his mouth descended on hers, stealing both her ability to speak and breath. She was entirely irresistable just then and the temptation of her lying there in his arms was too enticing especially for him. He kissed her endlessly for a long time.

He took a deep breath and pulled away, knowing he had to stop then.

He wanted to lose himself in her, to rediscover her. He brushed his fingers against her silky skin. Her brunnette locks were even softer than he remembered. Her lips lusher and more round.

Her hands lazily teased his chest before he moaned, not able to take it. The sound that came out of him next was a mixture of groaning and laughter as he rolled over and off the bed.

He stood, mentally kicking himself when he saw her lying there gazing up at him as if he were her entire world and her lips swollen from their kisses.

"We can't Brenda." He said, hoping he sounded more convincing than he felt.

"I know," She said smiling up at him teasingly, unable to help herself. "But are you sure you don't want to ?"

She giggled at the scowl on his face and fell back on the bed.

"I'm sorry honey but you deserved it. I'm wide awake now and I haven't even had my cup of coffee yet. Can you order breakfast ? I'm just going to lie here for a few more minutes."

Jax started tickling her but she swatted his hand away.

"I see you are still the notoriously late riser."

"Am not. I just never get a chance for 5 extra quiet minites with Allysa running around underfoot. Can you check on her for me ? She's probably in your study playing." She mumbled into her pillow.

Jax shook his head at her antics and went in search of his just as incorrigible daughter. He found the note from Jerry in the living room by the phone. He dialed room service and had them send breakfast up then he called his parents' room but there was no answer.

Unsurprisingly, he found Brenda still lying there when he returned to his bedroom.

"How did I know that you wouldn't have moved from that spot ?"

Brenda stuck her tongue out at him and threw a pillow at him which missed him as he shut the bathroom door behind him.

She finally got up after she heard the shower turn off. She knew he'd be shaving then so she flounced in there. He was standing in front of the sink just as she thought. She smiled at him before turning on the water in the shower.

"What are you doing ?" He asked, his mouth dry.

"Taking a shower. Lois and I are having our final fittings for our dresses. Allysa is going to come too because she needs to try on her flower girl dress. She's coming right over and we have a ton of things we need to do because the wedding is right around the corner not to mention all the things we have to do for L&B because she and Ned are going to be off on their honeymoon. Everything has to be perfect so nothing can go wrong because I'll be busy with the new campaign Lucy is coming up with. She's so funny Jax. She called me while I was in LA and..." Brenda prattled on as she stripped and jumped under the pulsing water while Jax tried to look anywhere but at her.
He couldn't even register what she was saying.

```````````````````````

Allysa launched herself into Jax's arms as soon as he opened the door.

"Hi Daddy. Where's Momma ?"

"Getting ready. Aunt Lois is coming over to take you two to try on your dresses for the big day."

Allysa slid down to the floor.

"Yeah ! I get to throw flowers at my Godparents' wedding Grandmum. They're already married but they're going to do it all over again with everybody there this time." Allysa began talking animatedly as she turned to Jane then turned back to Jax.

"Uncle Jerry took me to the park. We went on the swings and he pushed me high and he got to watch me play on the monkey bars. I'm really good at gymnastics too Daddy. Momma takes me to the classes each week and ballet too. I have a pretty pink dress I get to wear."

Jax scooped her up and held her.

"Wow. You must be really tired at the end of the week."

"Nah, it's fun."

"That's good. I'd really like to take you one time and watch."

Allysa smiled at him, beaming.

"Really ?"

"Yes."

"Can Uncle Jerry come too ?"

Jax grinned.

"I'm sure he'd love to come. Isn't that right Uncle Jerry ?"

Jerry forced a smile.

"Sure pumpkin. I'd...like to sit through your class and all that nice music."

Allysa smiled at him, her big blue eyes sparkling and he melted. Ah, bloody hell. She had to turn those eyes one me. Now I'm never going to be able to back out of this one.

"You'll have fun. Maxie is in my class too. Sometimes Miss Bobbie picks her and me up so we can play with Lucas." Allysa waved a hand and leaned towards Jax's ear in mock whisper. "Uncle Jerry has a crush on Miss Bobbie."

Jax rose an eyebrow and turned his gaze to Jerry.

"Is that so ?"

"Uh-huh Daddy. He was talking with her as soon as she came to the park with Lucas and he smiled at her. Ask Grandmum."

Jerry cleared his throat and reached for Allysa as Jane covered her mouth to keep from laughing.

"Isn't it time to eat yet ? I'm starving." Jerry asked when Jax kept his daughter out of his grasp.

"Jerry, are you using my daughter to pick up women ?"

Jerry let out a disbelieving snort and smirked.

"Please Jax, I'm not you. I can pick up women without any help."

Jane let out a laugh and took Allysa from Jax, leading her into the kitchen.

"I don't think this conversation is for little girl's ears."

"Come on Jerry, you know that your ugly mug isn't as irresistable as you claim. You need a beautiful little girl to help attract women now."

"Shut up Jax. I'll have you know that ..." Jerry trailed off, a big grin forming on his face as he glanced at Allysa. He began laughing much to Jax's surprise.

"What is so funny ?"

"You. As much trouble as Brenda is then you have it tripled with Allysa. You get both of them day in and day out. That's worth more than any barb I can throw your way. Just wait 'til she hits her teens. You know she's just like Brenda in every way. They both have you wrapped around their little pinky when they bat their big eyes at you. You're past gone. That daughter of yours will be conning you into letting her do anything she wants. She is a Jacks after all."

Jax scowled at him and slapped his shoulder.

"Shut up Jerry. I'll have you know she isn't dating until she's fifty."

Jerry chuckled.

"I'm sure Brenda already told you how that isn't going to work so I won't go over that again but I will help you scare the boys away. I mean, if we can't then who can. How about good old J18 ? It works every time."

Jax laughed.

"We want to scare the pubescent hormonal boys away, not give them heart attacks. We can save that plan for Edward. Speaking of which, you'll never guess who's best man at the next Quartermaine wedding."

Jerry gave him a skeptical look.

"No ?"

"Yes. Ned's remarrying Lois, Brenda's best friend. Allysa's flower girl and Brenda is 'best person slash maid of honor.' "

"Am I invited ? I'd love to see the look on Eddie's face when we both show up."

"When has a little thing like an invitation ever stopped you ?"

Allysa skipped back into the room and jumped onto the couch, sitting next to Jerry and chewing on a donut.

"Hi munchkin. What's up ?"

"Can I ask you somethin' ?"

Jax hid his grin. He could tell from the inquisitive and hopeful look on his daughter's face that Jerry wouldn't know what hit him. He smiled when he saw the camera Jane had left on the mantle last night. She couldn't get enough snapshots of her Grandaughter.

"What is it squirt ?"

"Can I be flower girl when you get married ?"

Yep, the look on Jerry's face was priceless. Jax burst into laughter as the flash went off. Jerry was about to lunge for him when he saw Allysa still watching him curiously and chewing on her donut.

"Uncle Jerry doesn't get married sweetie." Jax explained to Allysa.

"Why not ?"

Jax smiled at Jerry.

"Yeah Jer, why not ?" Jax asked, knowing that Jerry would like to murder him right then and there and would have happily done so if Allysa weren't there.

"Well, uh. Hey, I know. Why don't you go see if your mum is ready because the pancakes are going to get cold."

There was a knock at the door and Jax laughingly answered it.

"Hi Lois."

"Hiya Jax. Where's my best person ?"

"Right here." Jerry replied, grinning as he eyed the beautiful blue-eyed dark haired woman.

Lois was saved a response when Jax interceded.

"Lois Cerrulo Ashton, meet Jerry Jacks. My ershtwhile brother. Allysa just went to get Brenda. Why don't you have a seat ? Can I get you anything ?" Jax introduced them, carefully pronouncing her last name.

"No thanks Jax but since you are Ned's best man, I'd love it if you could make sure he got to the tailors to try on his tux for the wedding and make sure he gets to the church on time. Oh and I would prefer to have a non-drunk or hungover groom so no wild bachelor party."

"Who me ?"

"Yes you. You'd probably think it was funny if Ned showed up at the church unfit to be married but my Ma wouldn't and neither would I. My father might go after my Nedly with a shot gun on principle."

Jax snickered, a playful glint in his aquamarine eyes appearing.

"Well, we wouldn't want that, would we ?"

Lois crossed her arms in front of her and rose an eyebrow.

Jax relented under the scrutiny. Boy, CEOs of major Fortune 500 companies had nothing on this Brooklyn born dynamo.

"All right. I'll have Ned delivered safe and sound to the church on time and I won't even annoy Edward until after the ceremony."

Lois grinned.

"Now gorgeous, you know that your mere existence annoys Edward, let alone your presence in the same room."

Jax chuckled.

"Is that why Ned asked me to be his best man ? To stick it to the old goat."

Lois laughed.

"I'll never tell. Now if we really wanted to cause Gramps to bluster then we'd have Nedly married in leather pants. His picture should be in newspapers all across the country. Of course, his best man would have to match." Lois teased, smiling at him appreciatively.

Jax blushed while Jerry looked on with mock indignation. Was he invisible or something ? This just wasn't his day. He couldn't be losing his touch, could he ? Nah.

Brenda appeared on the landing with Allysa close on her heels. Jax felt all the air go out of him when he saw her. With her hair was pulled up in a ponytail and barely any make-up on, she could never fail to take his breath away. She was wearing a pink sundress too. He always loved her in pink. How was it that she grew even more beautiful than he remembered ?

Lois looked at Jax with interest. Yup, girlfriend has got him hooked. Those two definitely belong together. Now if only I could hurry it along so they figure it out too. Maybe Ma can figure something out since my Ned's not going to be of any help there. She always thought subtlety was over-rated and Ma was never subtle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brenda smiled at Jax and their little girl as he tickled her, causing her to collapse in a fit of giggles.

"All right. Say good-bye to Daddy. We have to go with Lois now and try on our pretty dresses." Brenda said to Allysa when she managed to wriggle away from Jax. Brenda leaned down to help her put her coat on.

"Bye Daddy."

"Bye sweetie."

"Bye Uncka Jerry."

"Bye squirt." He responded affectionately. "And be careful. You're going to be loose in the mall with your Mum. Don't let her get too crazy with that gold card of hers."

Allysa looked at Jerry questioningly while Brenda rewarded his crack with a pillow in the face.

Lois cleared her throat.

"Come on sweetie pie. We'll let your parents talk while we wait for the elevator and I can teach you how to play some more patty cake."

" 'Kay. I like cake."

"I know you do. You can have a big slice at the wedding party but this is a different kind of cake, remember ?" Her voice faded down the hall with Allysa as they stepped onto the elevator.

Jerry wisely faded into the background while Brenda gazed up at Jax.

"I guess I'll talk to you later."

"I'll call you. Maybe we can have dinner or something."

"Okay. Allysa's things are still here. I'll come get them later."

"It's no problems."

"All right."

"Bye."

"Bye Jax." She said softly, kissing him on the corner of his mouth before hurrying out of the penthouse. She never saw Jane come out of the kitchen.

Jerry nearly snorted at the hopelessly lovey dovey look on his little brother's face. He purposely and noisily went through the dishes of food that room service had brought up earlier. Jax scowled at him.

"What ? What did I do ?"