Carly helped Jason clean up the mess the party had made.Jason had a
surprise welcome home party for Carly when she got
home.Luke,Bobbie,Lucas,Emily,Monica,Michael,and even Robin were
there.Carly was so happy to have so many people welcome her home.See
was a little surprised to see Jason was trying to get along with Monica.Carly
was also glad to know that more than one person actually kind of liked
her.She was most of all happy to see Michael.She got a certain since of
satisfaction out of the way Jason had stuck by her side all night.Robin had
been talking with everyone else for most of the night.Jason was so happy to
have her home.He walked into the room where Carly was cleaning up,"So
did you have fun?"

Carly smiled and walked over to him,"Thank you.It was absolutely
perfect."Carly hugged him.

Jason pulled away and grinned,"You deserve it.You've been through a lot the
past few months."

Carly finished picking up the last of the trash and threw it away.She sat at the
table,"I am so glad it's over."

Jason sat next to her,"What was it like?"

Carly laughed slighty,"It was hard and long on my part.It was horrible you
know.Sometimes I felt like the walls were closing in on me,the light would
fade,and hope was lost."

"What kept you going?"Jason asked.

"You'd think it was crazy."Carly turned away.

"No I wouldn't,Carly.Tell me."

Jason's thoughtful look made Carly want to tell him everything,"After a week
of being up at Ferncliff I saw something."Carly closed her eyes and
explained,"One day the sky was really gray and my room was really dark.I
went to the window and looked up at the clouds and couldn't turn away
because something.It was a face and it smiled."Carly opened her eyes and
redirected her attention back to Jason,"My mother's face.Virginia she was
there.And I know it sounds nuts but it helped.It was she was trying to tell me
that everything would be ok."Jason looked like he was amused Carly
giggled,"I told you you'd think I was crazy."

"I don't think your crazy.Whatever helped you--I'm just glad something
helped you through it."Jason took her hand in his,"It's good to have you
back."

"It's good to be back."Carly felt er heart pund ten times faster when Jason
took her hand.There was a long pause and all they did was look into each
other's eyes until Michael began to cry.Jason began to get up but Carly sat
him back down,"Let me get it."Carly started to jog up the stairs,"I'm
coming,Michael."

Jason sighed,"Carly's home."Jason whispered.
 

The next morning Carly woke up in her own bed.Her blinds were open
because she had to see the moon to feel safe and to be able to sleep.She
was so use to looking at the sky now.It was one of the few things she could
enjoy.She felt like she never really appreciated it until it was all she had.She
walked to her window and looked out at everything.There was a surprising
knock that made Carly jump a little but Jason walked in,"Hey you ready?"

"Ready for what?"Carly didn't know what he was talking about.

"I planned a picnic for us in the park.Me,You,Michael,Bobbie,and Lucas."

"You did!?"Carly ran to hug him,"Thank you.I'll get ready right now."Carly
said.

"Ok Michael and I will be downstairs.Hurry."Jason rushed her.

Carly put on a long sleeved dark blue shirt that revealed her waist and long
overalls.She put her hair in a ponytail and put on her shoes and ran
downstairs.Jason was holding Michael while he was on the phone.He was
talking to Bobbie.He told her they would meet her in the park in a little
while.Jason hung up,"You look nice."

Carly posed joking,"Why thank you.I'm ready to go if you are."

"We're ready aren't we,Michael?"Jason walked out with Michael and Carly.
 

Carly,Jason,Michael,Lucas,and Bobbie spent most of the day at the
park.Bobbie and Carly talked for awhile when Jason and Lucas went to play
catch.Bobbie saw that it would be horrible right when Carly got home but it
wasn't,"So,Carly is everything ok?"

"She wasn't there last night,Bobbie."Carly told Bobbie.

"That's not going to last for long.You have to figure out how to take care of
this situation."Bobbie urged Carly.

"I knowI just don't want to think this is going to end you know.I thought
maybe after I got out I wouldn't want Jason anymore.But now I want him
even more.Him and Michael.I want us to be a family.And trying to imagine
that it won't happen doesn't help it hurts.I just want to enjoy whatever time I
have with them before Robin takes over my role as everything to Jason and
Michael.Can you just let me do that?"Carly was shocked at how much she
had just confessed to Bobbie.

"Ok."Bobbie wiped away a tear that was slowly sliding down Carly's cheek.

That day was one to remember.Everything went right not one bad thing
happened.Carly was smiling and laughing all day.Bobbie was happy to see
the way Jason was paying attention to Carly.Right now they were thumb
wrestling on the blanket they placed on the ground.Carly's laughter echoed
through out the park.Finally,Jason got sick of Carly beating him so he started
to tickle her side.Carly was very ticklish so her face grew red quickly.Bobbie
was enjoying Carly's happiness but she also noticed the change in Jason's
expression.He looked as though the whole world had been lifted off his
shoulders since Carly came home. As much as she hated to think it Bobbie
thought that this wasn't going to last forever.Robin wasn't planning on being
second choice for long.Jason had told Bobbie he was not going to make
Carly feel she wasn't wanted because he couldn't hurt her after everything
she had been through.He was going to keep Carly as long as he could he
promised it to Bobbie and Michael.

They came home around seven o' clock.Robin was waiting for Jason by his
desk.Jason and Carly came in chatting away.Carly was carrying
Michael.Michael had fallen asleep there and Carly didn't mind.Jason saw
Robin and his smile faded.It was time for the confrontation he just knew it.So
did Carly.

"I'll go upstairs."Carly spoke softly to Jason.

"Thanks."Jason watched Carly go upstairs and cleared his throat.

Robin stood and crossed her arms,"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah,Carly and Michael were very happy today which makes me
happy."Jason replied but Robin still looked mad,"But I can see your not
happy."

"No.I'm not.I am so sick of this.These past two weeks haveall about Carly."

"She's only been here for two day."

"Jason,you've talked about her constantly.It's like I don't exist!I don't feel
included in your life anymore."Robin uncrossed her arms,"What am I
suppose to do?Wait awhile and hope you pay attention to me."

Carly listen from the top of the staircase.They couldn't see her because she
was standing behind the wall.

"Robin,I love you but Carly just got back.I can't lay the fact of you moving in
on her right now."Jason argued.

"She's nothing,Jason.She left her son,she ruined Tony,she shot him,she is a
basketcase she wasn't even around when Michael first got home!I don't
understand why stick up for her.She's never done anything for you.She only
causes trouble!"Robin shouted.

"That's enough!"Jason yelled but then lowered his voice,"Carly may not be
the best person in the world but she is important to me she's a very special
friend and she gave me Michael."

"That's her hold on you.She GAVE you Michael.She didn't give you anything
but a problem."Robin cried.

Carly sobbed quitely hearing Robin's words.It was all true.Jason had done
so much for her but she never gave him anything in return.She continued to
listen.

"She doesn't have a hold on me."Jason said.

"Oh really.Then this should be simple make her move."Robin
suggested.Robin knew she was pushing but she had to get Carly out of the
picture before she won.

"What?!"

"Do it.Prove it.Prove that she doesn't have a hold on you."Robin looked
scared to Jason.

"I can't and I won't kick her out.I will stop ignore but I won't do that to
her."Jason stated.

"Then I can't be here.I can't be the other woman in your life.We can not all
live in the same place.It won't work."Robin grabbed her coat and left.

Jason thought about it for a second and went after her.

Carly came down to the last step and continued to cry in her lap.The
Honeymoon was definitely over.

Carly all night trying to think of something.Something to solve all their
problems.She paced her bedroom floor.Something had to be done this
wasn't fair to Jason.He had so many things to think about and take care
of.Carly was determined not to be one of them.She brainstormed for awhile
but then got thirsty.She grabbed a glass from one of the cupboards.She just
happened to glance at the hallway floor.She saw the t-shirt Robin had been
wearing ealier lying on the floor.She stepped into the hallyway and saw
clothing leading to Jason's room.She felt a like someone had just stabbed her
in the heart.She forgot the drink and went back to her room.She slowly
closed her bedroom door.She leaned her back against it for a second and
slowly fell to the floor.She cried there for a few mintues but then looked at
the writing pad where she had written her ideas.She circled one and nodded
to herself.It was her only option.It would help all of them.Jason wouldn't
have to kick her out and Robin wouldn't blame Jason for everything.The only
problem was if she did it she would have to give up her fight for Jason's
love.She felt as though it was her only option.She threw the writting back on
her bed.She dropped to her bed and looked out the window.She stopped
crying.Crying wasn't going to help her anymore she had to start taking charge
of her life.Jason didn't want her so she would have to learn how to let
go.Holding on was to painful.Holding on to something-a dream that would
never happen just killed her slowly.She put the pad on her nightstand and
turned off her light.

The following morning Carly woke up early.It was a Monday and she got
dressed quickly.She went to Michael's room to see him before she went to
see Bobbie,"Michael,mommy is going solve everything.You watch."She
kissed her fingers and gently pressed it against Michael's cheek.Michael
wiped his nose and continued to sleep.Carly was hoping she wouldn't see
Jason when she came downstairs and he wasn't.She let out a sigh of relief
and walked out the door.

Bobbie looked at her watch again.Bobbie had got paged by Carly to meet
her at a small restraunt on the corner of Fifth Street and Academy
Street.Bobbie waited at a table looking out the window now.Carly entered
the restraunt and sat down with Bobbie,"I'm glad came."

Bobbie gave her a happy/worried look,"I hope everything's ok."

"It's not.Like you said it wasn't going to last forever.Robin demanded that
Jason kick me out last night."Carly held back the tears choking her in her
throat.

"Oh,Carly,I'm so sorry."Bobbie felt bad for her.

"It's ok.I think I found a solution."Carly smiled.

"Oh,Carly,you're not going to shoot someone again,are you?"Bobbie joked.

"Just one more time."Carly laughed along with Bobbie,"No,um..it's--I have a
question for you.Actually it's favor."

"You want me to shoot her?"Bobbie grinned.

"No."Carly giggled,"The question I have to ask may seem--I can completely
understand if you say no to what I'm about to ask you."

"You got me worried,Carly.What is it?"Bobbie asked Carly tilted her head
back so her tears wouldn't fall,"I wanted to know if I could live with you.I
have to get out of that house,Bobbie.I can't stay.I can't keep thinking worst
of Jason.I can't make lose Robin.She means a lot to him.Unlike me."Carly's
tears fell when she faced Bobbie again.

Bobbie was dumbfounded by the question,"Carly,what about Michael?"

"I was thinking that Jason could have him one night and I could have him the
other you know like that.I would never take Michael away from
Jason,Bobbie,I swear."

"I must admit this is very mature of you."Bobbie handed Carly a tissue from
her purse.

"Really?"Carly wiped her tears away with the tissue.

"Yes it is."Bobbie didn't have to think any longer,"I would love it if you came
to stay with me and Lucas.It be nice to have you in my house."

Carly squealed and hugged her mom,"Thanks,Bobbie.You won't regret this."

"Have you talked this over with Jason yet?"Bobbie questioned Carly.

"Not quite.I wanted to make sure it was ok with you first.I'll tell him tonight I
promise."Carly shook her head.

"And I'll tell Lucas."Bobbie felt overjoyed,"I can't believe you'll be living with
me as my daughter."Bobbie mumbled but Carly hurt.

"I know,mom.Me too."Carly squeezed her hand,"I'll talk to you later."

Bobbie watch her daughter wave good by from the window before
disappearing.Her son and daughter under the same roof.

Carly walked in and Jason was standing by the window with Michael.She
took a deep breath and greeted them,"Hi and how are my two favorite guys
today?"Carly took Michael from Jason.Carly started to bounce Michael and
stopped when she saw Jason smiling.She had to tell him now.She placed
Michael in his playpen.

Jason looked at her confused,"Something wrong?"

Carly bit her lower lip,"I don't think there's something wrong just something
has changed."Carly looked at Michael and then back at Jason,"I accidently
heard your conversation with Robin last night."

"You were spying!"Jason shouted but lowered his voice since Michael was
there,"I would never kick you out."

Carly nodded,"I know that's why I'm moving."

Jason's eyes widen,"What?!"

"Bobbie's going to let me live with her.I'm not leaving the country don't
worry."Carly tried to loosen the tention but it was still there hogging all the
air.

"No,your not leaving the penthouse."Jason couldn't believe this.

"Jason,"Carly tried to protest but Jason stopped her.

"No,Carly.It's not fair.It's not right.You and Michael belong here this is your
home."Jason looked sad.

Carly was surprised by his hurt expression,"Jason,I'm trying to help.This is
my one chance to fix every horrible thing I have ever done to you.This is my
chance to pay you back for all the favors you have done for me.This way
you and Robin can be together.I'm trying to be reasonable."Carly's eyes
overflowed with tears,"I only want to do what's right."

"This isn't right,Carly.It just doesn't feel right.It doesn't seem right.How can it
be right?"Jason asked.Jason didn't know he felt like this for Carly.He didn't
want her to leave.

"It's right.It works out for everyone and you don't have to worry about
Michael.I'll have stay the night with me every other night."

"Like joint custody?"Jason was even more confused.

"Yeah."Carly wiped away her tears but Jason's began to fall.

"It just doesn't seem like the right thing."Jason shrugged,"I don't want you to
leave."

"I 'm sure you don't but I'm doing this for me and you and Michael.I don't
want him struggling.He will if he sees how you try to take care of everyone's
problems.It's not fair to you."She began to get teary again,"I'm doing this for
you.You can't stop me and you can't change my mind.That's it."Carly raised
her arms and then took Michael to his room.Carly laid Michael down and
looked up at the ceiling.That was one of the hardest things she had to do.

Carly didn't come back downstairs all night.Jason couldn't believe it.Carly
was leaving.After everything she was leaving.Jason had thought Carly would
always be there.She was still going to be close but it wouldn't be the same.

Moving On - Chapter 5

After talking with Bobbie on the phone most of the nightCarly finally went to
sleep.When she woke up the next day she got ready to pack her
stuff.Bobbie was coming over in a little while to help.Carly couldn't help but
think it was happening fast but it had to be done.She had never felt really
connected with Bobbie until now.She was so grateful to Bobbie for letting
her do this.She felt weird when she thought about leaving Jason
volunteraly.She sat on her bed and cupped her face with her hands for a
second.Jason stepped into her room,"So,your really going to do this?"

Carly jumped up trying not to let Jason see how much this was killing
her,"Yep.Bobbie's coming over in a little while with boxes and stuff that sort
of thing."She put her hands in her back pockets.

"Carly,you don't have to do this."Jason assured her.

Carly smiled,"Yea,I do.I have to do this."

"Carly,"Jason's blue eyes held so many emotions,"I don't want you to leave."

Carly blushed a little,"Good."Carly looked away from him,"It'll work out for
the best you'll see.After a couple of days you'll forget I was ever here."

"I don't think so,Carly.This is all too weird.Too frustrating.You say you want
to help but your not.Your just causing me more problems."Jason
complained.

"Jason,things will get so much better and easier for you.I know you don't
think do but they will.I think the first couple of days will be hard on all of
us.Me,you,and maybe even Michael.But weeks will past and then months
and so on.We'll still share all the bonding experiences with Michael you
know.His first day of school,first report card,first crush or heartbreak,his first
girlfriend,and his driving lessons."Carly laughed.She slipped her hand into
Jason's,"I am not giving up on Michael or you.You are still my
family,Jason.That will never change no matter what."Carly's words made
Jason feel better and worse.

Jason wanted her to stay even more now,"I just wish you didn't have to
leave."

"It's for the best."Carly added.

Jason still didn't want this to be happening he was going to ay something
more when Bobbie came into the room,"Carly,I have tons of boxes.You
ready to start?"

"Yeah."Carly patted Jason's knee and got up.

Jason left the room and went downstairs.He could hear Bobbie and Carly
talking and joking upstairs.Jason didn't know what to do.Carly was
determined to leave.When she set her mind to something she usually got it
done.Robin came into the penthouse and Jason really didn't want to see her.