Meanwhile upstairs...

"Carly,what the heck is this?!"Bobbie started to laugh loudly.

It was a picture of one of her old pets.Carly grabbed it,"Oh that's Toby.I had
him when I was little."

"Carly,it's a scorpion!"Bobbie exclaimed,"Their evil."

Carly's mouth dropped,"That's so not true,they are just misunderstood.Come
to think of it I can relate to them a lot."

"I hate to ask this but how did you get Toby?"Bobbie couldn't believe how
odd Carly was at times.

"I found him.I was on one of my usual walks.I use to do it a lot to kind of get
away from everything.I found him on the ground.He was so scared.Poor little
guy.Anyways I kept him as a pet needless to say Virginia freaked!It was
actually sort of funny.Whenever a date got on my nerves though I'd bring
Toby out of my purse and show them to the guy.He'd most likely freak out
and not bother me again."Carly explained.

Bobbie was still surprised by it all,"You brang him on dates!?"Bobbie
couldn't help but keep laughing.

"Only first dates."Carly said with such a straight face.Bobbie fell to the
ground laughing so hard.Carly couldn't help but laugh with her,"What?!It's
true I tell ya!'

"Carly,you have so much stories to tell me."Bobbie's laughter died down.

"You'll hear them all,Bobbie.I promise."Carly shook her head.
 

Back downstairs...

Robin placed her hand on Jason's shoulder,"How are you doing?"

Jason little shrugged her off,"I'm fine."

"Jason,I know your upset."Robin watched him as he looked up at the
staircase as though he was anticipating something incredible or just
remonising.

"So why did you ask?"

"I wanted you to confide in me."Robin couldn't help but feel happy that Carly
was leaving.

"Ok,Carly is upstairs packing right now.She's leaving her home."Jason
looked at Robin but then turned his attention back to the staircase,"She
doesn't want to leave I know it but somehow she feels as though it's her
responsibility to solve everyone else's problems."

Robin laughed,"Nothing like you."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Come on you try to solve everyone's problems except your own.Jason,she
is doing you a favor."Robin tried to touch Jason again but he ducked.

"I told you kicking Carly out was never an option."Jason was angered by
everyone.They all tried to figure out what was best for him.Did it ever occur
to them that he could make desicions for himself?

"Jason,your emotional right now so I'm going to leave.I'll be back
later."Robin let go of his current actions and left.
 

Finally after hours of packing Bobbie and Carly were ready to start shipping
Carly's stuff to Bobbie's house.Carly passed Jason tons of times but chose
not to say anything.Bobbie gave Jason a sympathatic look when passing
him.They finished loading stuff into Bobbie's small moving truck.Carly picked
up her backpack which was the last thing and took one last long at her
room.She was going to miss her pink laced curtains,her bed,her dresser with
the mirror,and even small things like chipped paint on the corners of the
walls.She sighed and smiled.She shut the door slowly and quietly.She
skipped down the stairs and Jason stood by the closed door.Carly slowly
approached him,"This is it."

"Yea."Jason scratched the back of his neck,"It's weird I don't know what to
say."

Carly opened her backpack and pulled out a necklace that had a small silver
cross on the end,"My mother gave this to me before I left.It's important to
me.It's um--it's always kept me safe and I want you to have it."Carly slipped
it around his neck and they both cried softly.She kissed him lightly on the lips
and then pulled away.She took a couple steps back,"I'll see you
around."Carly opened the door and flashed Jason a sad smile before
leaving.She stepped on to the elevator where Bobbie waited.Carly wrapped
her arms around her mom as she cried.Bobbie kept reassuring Carly it would
be ok.Carly knew it would be.It was just going to take sometime.
 

On the ride over to Bobbie's Carly started to feel better about what she had
done.She was repaying Jason not matter how hard it was.Bobbie pulled into
the driveway,"Carly?"

Carly smiled and looked at her mom,"Hi."

"Hi.We have to started unloading your stuff.This is the easy part.I have your
room all ready.Ok?Now come on."

They unloaded her things and Carly's new room was a little smaller than her
room at Jason's.All her boxes they didn't need to be unpacked fit in her
closet.She hung up her clothes and set up her bed.By the end of the day
Carly was completely out of Jason's house.Carly nodded,"The faster the
better."She said while looking around at her new room.Carly had put up a
picture of Virginia and herself together,a picture of Jason and Michael,and an
empty frame up which hoped to have Bobbie and her's picture.She collapsed
onto her bed and scooted herself into her new bed.For once in her life she
had done the right thing.
 

Weeks past.Carly and Jason switched days with Michael like they
agreed.Jason eagerly waited Carly's arrival and dreaded the moments when
she said,"I better get going."or "It's getting kind of late."Jason loved the cross
Carly had given him he rarely took it off.Jason and Robin's relastionship
hadn't survived Jason's constant rambling about Carly.Robin eventually left
Jason.She had thought that now that Carly was gone she and Jason could go
back to the way things were.That wasn't true at all it was as if Robin had
invaded Carly's territory and Carly decided to just change spaces.Robin was
left out.She moved back into Brenda's but Brenda was gone a lot.Robin
regretted not moving on with her life when she had the chance.Carly and
Jason had grown closer in a sense.Jason still didn't like the idea of Carly
living somewhere else.Carly and Bobbie's relastionship had improved entirely
it was like all the bad things Carly had done to Bobbie never
happened.Bobbie had become Carly's mother and best friend.Carly felt that
she was kind of freeloading off her mom though since she didn't really have a
job.Carly was going through her boxes seeing if she had forgotten anything in
them.She was going through the boxes and found some old stories she had
written when she was a teenager.She pulled them out and went over
them.They weren't that bad.Just a few touch ups and they'd be perfect.Carly
got this great idea.She had loved writing so why not be a writer.She just had
to find some way to get herself published.
 

Months and Months of turn downs.Carly knew it would be hard but not this
hard.She met with Jason and Michael even more.Jason supported her in her
writing idea but Carly wouldn't let him read any of her stories until they were
published.Carly was growing more and more discouraged by the way no one
wanting her stories.She was eating dinner with Bobbie and Lucas one night
when she got a phone call.Bobbie handed her the phone.Bobbie and Lucas
watched Carly talk on the phone,"Hello.This is her speaking can I help
you?Really?"Carly eyes widen,"Los Angeles?Uh huh.Ok.Thank you so
much!"Carly hung up the phone and squealed while she jumped up and
down,"They want to see me about my stories!"

"That's great!"Bobbie hugged Carly.

"That's cool,Carly."Lucas added.

"They want to meet with me this weekend.I get to stay there two days and
they'll pay for everything.I have to tell Jason."Carly said and grabbed her
coat,"I have to go see him.Bye."Carly was so excited.

Bobbie and Lucas cleaned up both excited for her.
 

Carly knocked on Jason's door quickly.Jason stumbled to the door.He had
fallen asleep and Latica was watching Michael.He was surprised to see
Carly.Carly jumped up to give him a hug,"It happened,Jason!Well,it's not for
sure but they liked my stories.This is like a wonderful dream.If I am sleeping
don't you dare wake me up."

"I won't."Jason smiled.

"I can't believe it.I get to go to L.A. and meet with the publishers."

Jason didn't want to ruin her happy moment,"Are you sure that's a good
idea?"

"I'll take self defense classes if you'd like.Don't worry I'll be fine,Jason."

"Maybe I should have a guard go with you."Jason began to worry.

"Jason!It's just a weekend.I'll be back before you know it."

"I'd really feel better about it,Carly."Jason said.

"Jason,"Carly looked him in the eyes,"I'm going to be fine!Trust me.I want to
take one last look at Michael before leaving.So if you'll excuse me."She ran
up to Michael's room.Carly explained everything to Michael.She gave him a
goodnight kiss and left for her home.
 

The next day Carly and Bobbie went to look for two business suits.Carly
didn't have anything to wear otherwise.They spent all day and went to tons
of different stores finding nothing.While they were walking down a street
Carly saw a beautiful suit on window display.It was baby blue and had
buttons to the side.She then saw a black suit in the same store.Finally,she
had found what she was looking for.Bobbie was so happy they had finally
found what she wanted it was becoming a real pain until she found that
paticular suit.She packed them along with two other outfits for when the
meetings were over.She also brought her picture of her and Virginia with
her.Bobbie wished her luck before she boarded her flight.On the plane ride
she felt as though she was about to meet her destiny good or bad.She tried
to stay positive in her mind.She looked out at the clouds and couldn't believe
how much and how little she had one in the last months.She had done a lot
for Jason but little for herself.Now was her chance to change her life.This
was her one chance to be somebody.She was going to their socks off.
 

Jason held Michael by the window at the window the two nights Carly was
gone.He explained to Michael where she was and that they should hope for
the best for Carly's sake.Jason was still worried since she was gone.His
feelings for Carly had just gotten stronger since she had left.He had
memorized everything about her.Her face,her presence,her smile,her
expressions,and even her scent.He was looking at the cars passing by below
when Rinaldo walked in,"Ms.Spencer is here to see you."

Jason turned,"Send her in."Jason walked over to the playpen for Michael.

Bobbie walked in and grinned at Michael,"Hi there."

"Hi Bobbie.What are you doing here?"Jason asked not meaning to sound
rude.

Bobbie knew he wasn't,"Well,Lucas is spending the night at a friend's house
and Carly's away so I got of lonely and came to Michael."Bobbie took
Michae from himl.She played with him for a few mintues.Jason watched until
Bobbie put Michael down.Jason gestured for her to sit down.She sat on the
couchand Jason sat in one of his chairs next to the couch,"Have you heard
from Carly?"

Bobbie nodded,"She is really nervous.She didn't call you?"

"No.Not yet I mean."Jason was little jealous of Bobbie.

Bobbie smiled slighty,"Does it bother you that she called me?"

Jason let out a slight laugh as though his trying to deny it but Bobbie gave him
a look like she knew he was about to lie so he told the truth,"Maybe a little."

Bobbie's slight smile turned into a huge grin,"Thanks for making me feel
superior to you."She laughed but she didn't see Jason's expression change.

"It's weird I see her everyday and I have no idea what's going on with her.I
mean she tells me about her writing and Michael but we just don't talk like
we use to.She's not as open.I miss what we use to have."Jason said feeling
even worse inside.

"Jason,if I didn't know better I'd think you were in love with her by the way
your talking."Bobbie joked but noticed Jason got even more
uneasy,"Jason,your not serious are you?"

"I don't know what I am."Jason sighed into his hands.

Bobbie thought for a second,"Tell me how you feel about her."Bobbie
waited to hear him but he hesitated.Bobbie shook him,"Tell me.I can make a
good judgement."

Jason took a deep breath,"I don't know.I--I miss when she's gone,I can't
wait for the time when she comes to see me and Michael,I think about her a
lot,and sometimes I swear that she's going to come walking down the stairs
complaining about something."

"You've got it bad.When you start to enjoy someone else's complaining ou
have definitely got it bad."Bobbie made an ouch face for Jason.

"Yeah,but I know she doesn't want anything to do with me."Jason got up and
started to walk back and forth.

"That's not true."Bobbie got up and stopped him,"She moved out of here for
you.She's trying to be a better person for you."

"Really?"Jason seemed surprised,"Does she talk about me?"

"To tell you the truth I think she's trying to ignore anything she feels for
you.She only talks about her writing and Michael."

Jason wasn't sure what to think,"I don't what to do."

Bobbie searched her mind for a second and thought of a solution,"Do you
really love her?"

Jason smiled,"Yeah.I do."

Bobbie had to be a mother to Carly,"Wait."

"Wait?"Jason frowned.

"Wait for her to establish herself.She's going to want to find herself out you
know.I'm not going to tell you to let her go because that didn't work for you
and Robin.Just wait for her she's going to be on her own for awhile her own
place,her own job,and her life."Bobbie suggested.

"I know,"Jason grinned with the corner of his mouth,"But can I wait is the
question right?"

"Tis the question."

"I think I can."Jason replied.

"Doesn't this seem like an unlikely situation."

"What do you mean?"Jason questioned.

"I mean Carly being for you 'the one that got away' and for me 'my long lost
daughter'."Bobbie pointed out.

"Come to think of it this is unlikely."Jason agreed.Jason looked at his
watch,"Would you mind watching Michael?I have to go take care of
something and I'll be right back fifteen mintues tops."

"Sure I don't mind."

"Thanks."Jason said and left.

As soon as he left the phone rang.Bobbie let the answering machine take it:

     Hi,Jason.It's me,Carly.I'm sorry I didn't catch you I probaly
     should have called you sooner--

Bobbie picked it up,"Hello?Carly?"

"Mom?"Carly was surprised to hear Bobbie,"Hi!"

"Hi,Carly.Jason just stepped out."Bobbie told Carly.

"Oh,your kidding me.Ok,well,can you tell him I called?"Carly then shook her
head,"Why are you there?"

"I came over to see Michael and Jason.Lucas spent the night at a friend's so
I was kind of bored."

Carly giggled,"Mom,if your bored now what are you going to do when I
move out?"

"Your moving for sure?"Bobbie got a little disappointed she wanted Carly to
get this job but she would miss Carly being under the same roof as her.

"Not yet but I have another meeting with them tommorrow and it looks
good.I don't want to jinx it though!"Carly said warning her mom not to say
congratulations yet.

"Ok.Get a good night's rest so you'll be great tommorrow."Bobbie
instructed.

"Ok,night mom."Carly said.

"Goodnight,Carly."Bobbie hung up.

Jason entered the penthouse again,"Forgot the papers."

"Carly called."Bobbie told Jason.

"She did?Just like me to miss it right?"Jason tried to laugh at his misfortune.

"Maybe she'll call again.Just wait."Bobbie said.

"Maybe.I better get going talk to you later."Jason said and left.

Bobbie felt a little bad for Jason but got an idea,"Jason,why don't you pick
her up when she's get back."

"I thought you were suppose to."

"I am but I might be working that day you know?"Bobbie was sick of being
the motherly figure she had said her part as a mother know it was time to be
a friend to Jason.

"Thanks,Bobbie."Jason was grateful to her for that.

Carly was really tired when she was getting off the plane.She walked slowly
with the crowd of people.When she walked out into room were people
waited for people to deboard the plane she saw Jason and Michael.She
smiled and

picked up the pace.She rushed over to them and grabbed
Michael,"Hi,sweety."She looked at Jason,"Hi!"

"Hi."Jason grinned at her excitement.

"I have to get my suitcase and then we can go."

They grabbed her things and got into Jason's car waiting outside.Carly rolled
down her window,"It's too nice outside to have your windows closed."

"So how'd it,"Jason paused when Carly yawned and laid her head on his
shoulder,"Go?"

"Same old same old."Carly slowly closed her eyes.

"You got turned down?"Jason asked.

"I tell you everything later in detail I promise.I'm just really tired I barely got
any sleep in L.A and you know I can't sleep on planes.Plus..."Carly trailed
off.

Jason saw that she was asleep and wrapped his arm around her,"You can
tell me later."
 

Carly walked into the penthouse where Bobbie and Lucas waited.Carly
went upstairs to her old room to change she was still wearing the blue suit
she had worn to her last meeting.She changed into blue jeans and a light
longsleeved brown sweater.She came back downstairs,"Ok now I have
good news and bad news about the trips."

Bobbie and Lucas sat on the couch.Jason chose to stand.Carly was to
excited to sit.

"Bad news first."Bobbie said.

"Ok the bad news is that they want me to move to Los Angeles to get the
deal."Carly told everyone.

Bobbie gasped,"Are you going?"

Carly pointed to Bobbie,"That's where the good news comes in.I told them I
had to stay in Port Charles.They agreed to buy me a place here in Port
Charles and furnish it,I get some cash on the side,and they want me to do a
whole series!"Carly's smile was the biggest Jason had ever seen.Carly
hugged him before Jason could say anything.

Bobbie and Lucas said in unison,"Carly,that's great!"

Carly pulled away from Jason and hugged both Lucas and
Bobbie,"Tommorrow I have to go see some real estate agent."Carly pulled
out the card from her pocket and looked at the name again,"This was the
best thing to ever happen to me and I want to thank all of you for your
support."She smiled at all of them and turned to Jason,"I have a real family
now."

"I'm glad it worked out but now we have to pack again!"Bobbie was a little
mad about that."

Carly giggled,"It won't be as bad this time I have a lot of my things still in
their boxes."

"Yeah and you have also obtained a lot since then."Bobbie stood,"We
should all go and celebrate."Bobbie suggested.

"That sounds great mom but I don't know if Jason's busy are not."Carly
shrugged.

"I am free for whatever."Jason grinned at Carly.

They all went out and celebrated.Carly had some pretty weird stories about
her trip.She wasn't use to seeing a lot of things anymore.In Florida she had
seen just about everything but when she got to Port Charles it wasn't
outrageous on the outside although the history in Port Charles was as
different as it could be from Florida.She missed all the ridiculous clothing and
make up that big city's held.She spoke about the meetings and how her
stomach tied in knots before she entered the meeting room.She was so
nervous that her hands would shake a little.She said her hotel room was
horrible though.It wasn't neccesarily a bad room just her neighbors were
horrible.One of her neighbors partied all night and the other were newlyweds
and all they did was argue and make up.Carly got abosolutely no sleep.She
apologized to Jason for falling asleep on his shoulder but he assured her he
didn't mind.Carly blushed but then continued with her story.Then she said
one of the bell boys was really nosey he was constantly on her floor spying
on people pretending as though he was really doing a job.Carly said her
room was nice looking but she didn't like some of things especailly a story
about it being haunted so Carly was constantly listening and watching for
signs of ghosts but nothing happened.During Carly's rambling Jason just kept
think of his converstaion with Bobbie.Carly seemed to glow.He knew for
sure right then that he would have to wait awhile.Bobbie was thinking of the
same conversation.She watched the way he looked at Carly.He was in
awe.He looked like he was love sick.Bobbie was happy inside soon Carly
would have everything she possibly wished for.She just didn't know it.Carly
was so preoccupied with her knew life to realize what was going on.Carly
was so amazed that this was happening.She was so happy
Jason,Lucas,Michael,and Bobbie were all in her life and she had never felt so
complete in her whole life.She couldn't wait to move into her own
place.Tommorrow she would go look at her options and find a home that
she could call her own.