Second Chances-Chapter 2

by: Alicia

Once again Brenda found herself on Jax jet, and once again he was handing her a little bag. This time instead of clothes, Brenda found a miniature wooden kayak. "Awwwwww, Jax. This is so cute."

"Well, I wanted you to have something to remember our rapids by."

"Let me guess you had it hand carved by some little old man who lives in a shack on the banks of the river and makes his living carving kayaks right?" Brenda teased.

"Actually he lives in a house, and he carves all kinds of wooden miniatures."

"Oh Jax, this is so sweet............... Hey, you know what? This will match our yacht perfectly. We can put them next to each other. Hey, we could build our own fleet."

"Oh no! I've created a monster!"

"Alright maybe a fleet would be a bit excessive." she said with a smile. "But you can't blame a girl for trying." Brenda felt so good. It was just like old times, it gave her hope that maybe they could get back to the wonderful relationship they had had before. Jax had given her a little trinket just like he used to. The kayak was so amazing. It was so small yet the detail was so exact. Brenda knew that this kind of workmanship was very expensive. But it didn't matter how much Jax spent, he could have taken a pocket knife out and cut off a piece of the rope in the kayak and it would have meant just as much. Looking back Brenda realized how much she had taken for granted.

Never before had she realized how special her time with Jax had been. Everyday was an adventure. Every minute a new experience. She had been so caught up in expecting the worst back then that she had missed the forest for the tree. In her life Brenda had always lost the things she most wanted. Everything that was good always disappeared. At that time Jax had been so wonderful and so good that Brenda constantly worried that he would disappear too. She had always been afraid that Jax would learn something new about her and just stop loving her like everyone else in her life. That was why the pills had been so easy to take. When she was on one she could just sit back and enjoy Jax, she didn't have to worry about loosing him. Now she knew how foolish that fear was. Jax loved her and would love her no matter what. Look at where they are now, look at the things she'd done, and he was still here. Today they were together, and for the last two months Jax had never really left her. He had just given her the space she needed. Brenda looked up at Jax full of hope for the them and what they could have.

Jax sat and studied Brenda. As he watched the torrent of emotions play across her face, he wondered what she could possibly be thinking. He could see elation, then dismay, then a wistful look that tugged at his heart. Jax hated seeing that look on Brenda's face. It was like she was looking back at something that she could never get back, but something that she wanted and would fight for. It was full of sadness, but then it left just as quickly as it had come. Then she took his breath away when she looked up at him with all her hope and love in her eyes.

"Thank you Jax. I really love this kayak, and I will never forget today or our rapids."

Jax knew that she meant it. She meant every word of it. He knew that she would cherish their time today in her heart always. He couldn't help it..

Jax slowly leaned down closer, closer. Their gazes locked, Brenda watched him knowing he was going to kiss her. Her lashes slowly lowered as she felt his lips first brush hers. The kiss wasn't intense, wasn't demanding,.... but bittersweet. It was so tender, Brenda had never felt such tenderness. She had never felt so cherished. Never known it was possible to convey so much feeling in a single kiss. She tasted Jax's love for her on his lips, and in his embrace as he wrapped his arms around her. Sheltering her from the world and everything that was wrong in it. His mouth gently covered hers over and over again, showing her just how much he had missed their intimacy these last two months. Each kiss was its own beginning and end. Slow. Seductive. And oh so tender. She couldn't think. She didn't want to think. Only wanted to be overwhelmed by Jax. That was the last thing that crossed her mind as she wound her arms around Jax's neck and gave herself up to the magic of his kiss.

Jax hadn't meant for the kiss to go this far, but it was just that he had wanted her for so long, and this kiss was so special and sweet. Brenda opened herself up to him, giving him her heart, and trusting him to take good care of it. Jax pulled her even closer, engulfing her with his size. Their bodies melted into one. But still there was no rush. The kiss wasn't demanding, it was just incredible. Jax could feel his control slipping further and further away as Brenda's soft, sweet lips moved under his again and again . It was as if their lips were loath to part. As if they couldn't breath unless physically attached to the other. Before he lost all control, Jax slowly pulled back. Keeping their mouths in contact until the last possible second. Then he pulled back slightly and looked deep into Brenda's eyes.

They stood there in silence for what seemed like an eternity, but Brenda knew it had really been only a few seconds. She knew he could see her soul like she could see his. Brenda had never experienced anything like this. Not even at the beginning of her's and Jax's relationship when they were so close. Reluctantly Jax dropped his hands to his side and stepped back.

"We had better get out of these wet clothes."

Brenda had completely forgotten that both she and Jax were soaked from their wild ride over the 'Big Cohuna'. If Jax hadn't reminded her she would have stood there looking at him until she caught pneumonia.

"Right. That's all we would need is for one of us to catch a cold." Brenda agreed. Funny, she didn't feel cold at all. In fact she was wondering where the controls to the air conditioning were as she went to change back into her clothes.

Once Brenda had stripped down and was reaching for her clothes she realized they weren't her clothes at all. At least not the ones she had been wearing. Jax! Once again he had surprised her.

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Jax had just slipped into a new pair of black silk boxers when the phone rang. At first he didn't hear it because he was lost in his thoughts, thoughts of Brenda and the kisses they had shared today. Finally on the fifth ring he picked it up. "Yeah, Jax here."

"Mr. Jax, we were just wondering when we should bring out lunch?" a member of his crew asked.

"We'll be ready momentarily. Mrs. Jax," he paused. Mrs. Jax. That's right Brenda was still his even if there were a few legalities in the way. "Excuse me. Mrs. Jax and I are just changing into dry clothes. Go ahead and bring the lunch out in about three minutes." He replaced the phone to its cradle and finished getting dressed. "Damn where did I put my shirt?" Jax began riffling through the cabin looking for his shirt. He was sure it had to be here. He had double checked his bag to make sure he had everything. "Where is that bloody shirt?"

Brenda stepped out of the bathroom and admired the view of Jax minus his shirt. She had thought he looked good earlier, when he was wet and his t-shirt was plastered to his chest. But now she realized that didn't do him justice. Although her memory did. It had been perfect in all of her fantasies of him. His chest was still impeccable as it tapered down to his wash-board stomach. She had always loved his abs. Jax really had a great body. It looked as if he had been working out more in the past two months. She knew she had, it was what got her through. If she was exhausted she didn't have to think about another pill, she just fell asleep at night. Apparently Jax had used the same method to cure insomnia. I wonder if he'd go running late at night. Judging by the way he had looked in those shorts earlier, his legs definitely had taken part in his new work out.

Just then Jax turned around and saw her. Oh, he was beautiful! "I seemed to have misplaced my shirt." Jax told her sheepishly.

"Check the a..... the um....... chair to your left there."

She had forgotten how cute and boyish Jax was when he blushed. He hastily grabbed his shirt and put it on. He was in the middle of buttoning it up when a man walked into the cabin pushing a cart with silver trays on it.

"Ah, lunch is served milady." Jax said in a mock British accent

"Yum, it smells good what are we having?"

"What else?"Jax asked as he lifted one of the lids.

"Oysters!" she said on a long dramatic sigh. "Are they from Ireland? You know I have a strange penchant for oysters from Ireland." she joked.

"Where else? I too love Irish oysters." Jax wiggled his eyes brows in a comical overdone flirtatious manner.

"You're incorrigible!"

"Yeah, but I'm not dull!"

Brenda burst out laughing, and Jax took immense delight in her joy. "Come on, let's eat. Otherwise you won't have enough energy fro the rest of the day. And trust me we have a long to-do list!"

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"Madeira? What or should I say where is Madeira?" Brenda asked totally confused. Jax had to laugh at the incredulous look on her face.

"Madeira is both a "what" and a "where". It's the biggest island in a cluster of islands called the Madeira Islands. They're just off the northwest coast of Africa, and buckle up cause we'll be touching down any minute." Knowing she wouldn't listen Jax buckled her seat belt.

"We're going to Africa?" Brenda's eyes grew wider.

"No, we're going off the northwest coast of Africa" Jax corrected her. "But actually the islands belong to Portugal. Hope you brushed up on your Portuguese." he teased.

"Oh yeah! I whip it out all the time back in Port Charles."

"Very funny. You better be nice or else I just might have to tell the locals some of your secrets."

"What secrets?"

"The ones I'm gonna make up." he didn't even blink as he made that outrageous statement.

"Well, that would be very 'undull'. Buuuuut I think I'm going to have to pass tempting as the offer is and all. Besides when did you learn to speak Portuguese, and why didn't I know that you could?"

"It never came up in conversation. Besides it was a very long time ago. Jerry and I just sort of picked it up on a trip." If you could call two weeks of hell a trip, Jax thought to himself. Brenda got the distinct feeling Jax didn't want to talk about it. Every now and then she would find a gap in his past that he avoided like the plague. What wasn't he telling her? What secret was he keeping? She decided not to dwell on it. Today was too special to get hung up on technicalities.

"Ok, so we're going to some Portuguese isle off the coast of Africa and you're going to speak Portuguese. What are we going to do there?"

"Brenda, how many times do I have to tell you? It's-"

"A surprise. I know, I know. I was just hoping you would slip up."

"Don't hold your breath!" Jax leaned down and gave her a quick kiss to prevent Brenda from protesting. Of course this kiss chaste as it was took Brenda's breath away so she couldn't possibly hold her breath! Jax was always so cocky. His arrogance was one of the things Brenda loved best about him. It made him such an easy target for jokes!

Before she knew it Jax was escorting her off the plane and into an oxen-pulled sleigh. Whoa! Wait a minute! Brenda's brain complained. Oxen, as in animals that look like really big cows! What on earth is going on here? Her voice echoed that thought, "Jax what is going on here? Oxen?"

"It's part of the island's charm, now come on. Just get in you'll love it. It's fun. Like you stepped back in time or something."

"Okay?" She answered unsurely. Jax noticed that she didn't look very convinced. So before Brenda could do anything he swept her up into his arms and placed inside of the sleigh. As he joined her Jax pushed on her jaw and said "Close your mouth honey. People are beginning to stare." He had to chuckle inside at the look on her face. She was so off-balance.

Brenda was in shock. What did Jax have planned for her on this crazy island? Actually "crazy" wasn't the word, "beautiful" was more like it. As they drove through the city Brenda noticed tons of little terraces filled with all kinds of exotic flowers and plants. Everything was so green and lush. It took her breath away. "Jax look at this place, it's beautiful."

Jax noticed the awe in her eyes and replied "Yeah I know. I've only been here once before but I fell in love with the scenery. I decided I had to have a little place here."

"Little place" sure! That's what he had said about his house in Malibu, and that turned out to be a mansion. Brenda couldn't wait to see this.

As they came to the top a hill that had a spectacular view, Brenda noticed that people were sledding down the hill. They were in basket-like sleds and were speeding down the hill. It was like they were trying to recapture winter. Except Brenda had certainly never sledded down any hill this big. All of the sudden a light came ion in her brain as they pulled to a stop, "Jax we're not gonna................I mean.......You and me we're not going to ........you know. ........actually do that" she pointed at the others going down the hill. "You know............ride down this hill in .......in ........in a basket?"

"Oh yes we are."

"Jax, are you insane?????? This hill is huge! I mean really huge!"

Jax just grinned and Brenda saw that look in his eye. That look that she used to love but right now was beginning to dread. That look that said I-know-full-well-that-this-is-dangerous-and-insane-but-we're-gonna-do-it-anyway! Brenda decided she no longer liked that look, that look was trouble. It was the same look that had come into Jax's eyes right before they went over the Big Cohuna". "We're gonna die! We are going to die!"

Jax put his arm around her and laughed. "Come on Bren, you wanted 'undull'. Besides I thought you loved doing crazy, insane things?"

"Yes, but generally my crazy, insane things guarantee that I'll stay in one piece."

"This coming from the woman who suggested we go skinny-dipping in the middle of the Mediterranean without anyone around to help if we got in trouble, on our wedding night? But I guess if you can't handle it....." Jax let the rest of his comment remain unsaid. Because what Brenda didn't know was that if she decided she couldn't handle it, which Jax was fairly sure wouldn't be the case, he would just pick her up, chuck her in the sled, hop in and go down anyways.

"Jax, I can handle anything." Why did this feel like deja-vu? Hadn't they already had this conversation today? Brenda decided she had to prove to Jax that she could take anything he threw at her. "So Mr. I-think-I'm-'undull', let's go." She stepped back and gestured toward the sled.

I love her tenacity. She just can't let a challenge go, she has to conquer everything. We're so alike? Those thoughts made Jax smile as he got into the sled, making room for Brenda to sit in front of him.

Brenda took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and followed Jax over to the sled. Once he was situated Brenda crawled in and settled into his lap. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad? After all she did get to have Jax arms around her the whole way down. She closed her eyes and snuggled a little closer as Jax motioned for their driver to push them off.

Then they were flying down the hill. Brenda could have sworn that the bottom of their sled never touched the ground they were going so fast. She let out a little scream as they started, but then she began to realize that she liked it. It was fun. No, it was really fun. A big smile stole across her lips and Brenda began to laugh. She wished this could go on forever, and they weren't even half way down.

At the sound of Brenda's laughter Jax's smile increased ten fold. He loved the sound of her laughter. He had missed it so much. They had been far too serious the last two months. Every time they saw each other or spoke it was always so serious. They never cut loose and had any fun. Today was definitely just what the doctor ordered! Jax pulled Brenda closer, and put his head forward so they were cheek to grinning cheek.

By the time they reached the bottom you couldn't have pried Brenda's smile off with a crowbar. It was that amazing mega-wat smile that made his breath catch in his throat.

"Let's do it again! Please, Jax can we? Please, please, pretty please?"

She looked like a little kid at an amusement park begging her mom and dad to take her on the scariest ride again. Just then their ride pulled up. "Sorry sweetie, but if we go again we'll miss our ride and I'm pretty sure you don't want to miss this."

"Alright. But your next surprise had better be good." Brenda said in a serious tone, but the giggle that escaped her mouth right afterward ruined the serious effect.

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Wouldn't you just know it? Jax's next surprise was good, in fact it was great. It was his "little" place, a.k.a. the "New Jacks Mansion". "I can't believe you call this a little place? What's normal sized the Taj-Mahal?"

"Ok, ok. So maybe I understated it's size a bit. Buuuuut, it is homey like a little place."

Brenda just smiled. She loved this house. It was perfect, from it's fireplaces right down to its spiral staircase, and love seats that were big enough and fluffy enough to fit two comfortably. Very comfortably. As she starred at the couch Brenda couldn't help but picture her and Jax making love on it all night long. And fitting on it quite nicely.

The flight had taken longer than Brenda had realized because the sun was just getting ready to set. "So, what's next?" she asked.

"Dinner of course. But actually we have about an hour before it will be ready so why don't you go and freshen up. Take a nap maybe. Here allow me to show you to your room." He gallantly offered his arm and Brenda was all too happy to take it. After taking her up the stairs Jax turned to his left and showed her to the first room on the left. "Here we are. Everything you need should be in there."

Jax turned towards her, "Ok, great. So I guess I'll see you in an hour?" Brenda questioned. Jax leaned closer. "Yeah, one hour." he agreed. Then he leaned even closer and Brenda leaned in too. "Ok, one hour." Theirs eyes locked onto each other. Jax moved closer and Brenda met him half way to take part in a single luxurious kiss. "I'll meet you downstairs. Don't be late!" then he turned and walked down the hall to the next room. He went inside and closed the door. Brenda decided she should do the same.

The room was incredible. Decorated in forest green and a soft cream, with a unobtrusive floral design containing mostly yellows and sage greens. The bed was huge, and on top of it Brenda noticed a white dress. The dress was exquisite. It was white silk with spaghetti straps, a low back and a full skirt. So simple, yet so elegant. Along side it on the bed were all of the accessories she could possibly need. Brenda hurried to take a quick shower and then proceeded to get ready.

Brenda knew that tonight was going to be special. She wanted it to last forever, and decided it was fitting that Peter Cetera's and Crystal Bernard's song "Forever Tonight" should come on the radio.

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One hour later Jax stood at the bottom of the spiral staircase waiting for Brenda. She looked like an angel as she descended the stairs. Her hair was swept up in a french twist with a few tendrils escaping to soften the line of her face. The dress looked even better than Jax had imagined it would when he picked it out. The white made her skin look tanner, and smooth as honey and cream. The delicate spaghetti straps emphasized her slight build, making her shoulders look tiny. The neckline showed off her assets while the scarf that draped in front of her neck and down behind her shoulders drew attention to her soft collarbone and kissable throat. The dress tapered down and accentuated Brenda's petite waist, a waist Jax knew fit perfectly in the crook of his arms. Then the dress flared slightly at her hips to give it a full skirt, accentuating but not over emphasizing. As she came down the stairs her skirt flowed out around her giving the idea that she was indeed a heavenly creature. Jax wished he could freeze this moment in time forever.

"I love the dress. As always you know my taste." Brenda said when she reached the bottom step.

"I know what I like to see on you. Lucky for both of us we tend to agree."

Brenda laughed at that remark, and noticed how good Jax looked in a tux. He looked like her own personal James Bond, all decked out in black and white. Jax looked good in anything, but the man sure cleaned up well. He just oozed sophistication and charm, exuded confidence. And when he looked at her like that with such adoration in his eyes Brenda found him absolutely irresistible! The jacket of his tux pulled just a bit at his shoulders emphasizing their width. And as Brenda looked at his crisp white shirt she couldn't help but remember the incredible chest and washboard stomach that lurked underneath. Jax truly was her Adonis come to life. Seeing him in black-tie attire just made Brenda more aware of that fact.

Jax took her hand, led her across the room and out the back door. There was terrace set up with a small table complete with a single candle, a single rose, and a bottle of champagne on ice. It was the most romantic thing Brenda had ever seen.

"I thought moonlight and the soft flicker of a candle would set your dress off perfectly." Jax said as he escorted her to the table and held her chair out for her.

"I love it. It's so beautiful, I've never seen anything more romantic. It's like a scene out of a storybook. Every little girls fantasy. Thank you!"

"The smile on your face in thanks enough, and I'm just glad you like it. Now, shall we eat?" With that Jax took the lids off of the silver platters.

Dinner was delicious, and Italian, Brenda's favorite. Then the two of them sat and drank champagne as they talked for hours. It felt so right to be like this again. The companionship the two of them shared had always been the best part of their relationship. For the first time in a long time Brenda felt like she had her best friend back. It was the best feeling in the world, and the best present Jax could ever give her.

Celine Dion's "Love Doesn't Ask Why" started on the stereo, and Jax stood, "Care to dance?"

"I'd love to."

As Jax drew Brenda into his arms and started swaying to the music, she began to listen to the lyrics of the ballad

Love doesn't ask why

It speaks from the heart, and never explains

Don't you know that love doesn't think twice

It can come all at once, or whisper from a distance

Don't ask me if this feelings right or wrong

It doesn't have to make much sense,

It just has to be this strong

Cause when you're in my arms I understand

We don't have a voice

When our hearts make the choices

There's no plan

It's not in our hands

Love doesn't ask why

It speaks from the heart and never explains

Don't you know that love doesn't think twice

It can come all at once, or whisper from a distance

Now I can feel what you're afraid to say

If you give your soul to me, will you give too much away?

But we can't let this moment pass us by

Can't question this chance, or expect any answers

But we can try

Baby, we can try

Love doesn't ask why

It speaks from the heart and never explains

Don't you know that love doesn't think twice

It can come all at once, or whisper from a distance

So let's take what we found

And wrap it around us

Love doesn't ask you why

It speaks from the heart and never explains

Don't you know, don't you know that love doesn't think twice

It can come all at once, or whisper from a distance

Love doesn't ask you why

That song expressed her feelings for Jax perfectly. As the last strains of music died away Jax kissed her, then asked if she's like to take a walk on the beach. Brenda couldn't think of anything more perfect. So they both took off their shoes and set off down the beach. Their walk was wonderful. They walked hand in hand in the moonlight for almost half an hour before they decided to come back.

Once they returned Jax escorted Brenda up the stairs and took her to her door. "Jax, today was so amazing. Everything was so much fun. It was one of the best days of my life."

"Mine too." then he leaned down and their lips met in a sweet kiss. His mouth slanted over hers once, twice, three times before Jax gave up and softly pulled Brenda into his arms. No matter how good his intentions were Jax just couldn't seem to keep his hands off of her. She was so soft and willing and it had been so long since Jax had been able to take her in his arms. As Brenda opened her mouth for him their tongues met in a tender duel. She reached up and plunged her hands in his hair at the back of his neck. She had always loved how soft his hair was. She sighed into his mouth and Jax moved her even closer. Their bodies were pressed together, touching from chest to hip. It was wonderful. Jax kisses could always sweep Brenda off her feet and today was no exception.

Finally after many long moment s in each others embrace Their lips parted. "Goodnight Brenda, Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight Jax." Brenda walked into her room, shut the door behind her and then leaned against it with a sigh. 'Sweet dreams' Brenda knew her dreams tonight would be some of the sweetest. The kind that she would cherish always, all of them featuring Jax in the starring role. She loved him so much!

Jax entered his room and began to get ready for bed. He was standing in his slacks, naked from the waist up, his thought kept returning to all of the unforgettable moments he and Brenda had made today. He knew he would cherish all of his new memories forever. He loved her so much!

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CHAPTER 3

Meanwhile back in Port Charles...........

"What do you mean 'They left on his jet'?" Sonny furiously asked.

"Just what I said." Jason replied.

"How did this happen?"

"I went over to Kelly's to keep an eye on Brenda like you said. They ran into each other when she was walking out the door. They both went back in, sat down had some food. Then Jax left and Brenda was all excited. About an hour after that he came back, they both got in his limo. I tailed them to the airport where they got on his jet. I couldn't follow them after that. So I came back here."

"Did you find out where they were going?" as Sonny asked this his door opened.

"Alright Sonny, what's so important that I had to ditch Katherine and rush right over?" Miranda didn't even bother with 'Hi' she just right to the point.

"We've got a big problem." Sonny held up hid hand to silence Miranda when he saw her open her mouth to protest. "Now Jason did you find out where they were going?"

"Yeah, I checked with a guy I know there. He said they were leaving for Jackson Hole, Wyoming. But he knows a guy that works for Jax and the guy said that Wyoming wasn't their final stop. They were just going to be there for about two hours then they had a six hour flight to some little island off the coast of Africa. Ma.... Madeira something. I don't know. But he said they were staying the night, then probably flying back the PC in the morning."

"Probably? Probably? Where the h.....where are they going to go after that." Sonny was not a happy camper.

"Could be anywhere. Jax loves spontaneity. It'd be just like him to whisk her away for the rest of the week." Miranda spat jealously.

"Down girl. Put those claws away it's not my fault. Besides green isn't a good color for you." Sonny chided.

"You're one to talk. The smoke is coming out of your ears." She gasps "And what do you know it's green." She gave Sonny a smug smile. "Look, our jealousy or lack there of is beside the point. We have bigger fish to fry. What are we going to do? For the last two months we've both been biding our time. But that won't work anymore. If they went away together they could be serious about a reconciliation. I didn't think Jax would take her back."

"Oh, Jaxy boy doesn't know what's up. I can't believe she went away with him. She should be with me!" Sonny couldn't believe it. He knew Brenda wasn't serious when she told him that she didn't love him anymore. It was just a game. She was playing hard to get and punishing him for marrying Lily. Punishing him for all of the time he made them be apart. It was just pay backs, that's all she couldn't possibly love Jax. Could she?

"Hello! Earth to Sonny. Where did you go? Never mind it's not important. Now we have got to come up with a plan. What would drive them apart forever? What would make Jax loath her?" Miranda was desperate. She had to have Jax! He was hers. He always would be. Miranda was positive that Jax was just deluding himself with Brenda. Transferring his feelings for her to Brenda. He couldn't love her! Jax and Miranda were meant to be together, they always had been. When they met on that beach, it was Fate! And it was forever!

"I know, I know we need a plan. There has to be a weakness there somewhere? We need to hit them it hurts, and we need to do it now!" Miranda agreed with Sonny. They needed to take immediate action, and it needed to be good.

"What if you made it so he didn't trust her." Jason suggested from the background. "I mean that's what screwed up yours and Brenda's relationship. She couldn't trust you so she wore a wire. And after Miranda didn't bother to tell Jax that she was alive, he lost his faith in her. It seems pretty simple to me."

At first both Miranda and Sonny were mad at Jason for pointing out their mistakes. Both shot him deadly glares. "What'd I say?"

Once they both got past themselves, however they started to see that this plan had definite possibilities. "You know? He's right. Jason you're a genius! Their trust is already on shaky ground after the whole cave episode." For a second Sonny faded into his own world to fondly remember his and Brenda's time in the cave. A time that later she blew off with the excuse that she was going through withdrawals, and the intensity of the moment, and the situation. "If we make Jaxy boy think that Brenda betrayed him again......"

"He'd be heartbroken. Turn his back on him, and I would rush in from the wings to comfort him like I did when you two were in the cave." Miranda also stopped to remember the time she spent with Jax during the cave saga. How many times had she called herself a fool and kicked herself for not taking advantage of the situation and making love to him when he was vulnerable.

"And Brenda, who doesn't know what went wrong, turns to me for a shoulder to cry on." Both conspirators were very happy with this happy-ending they were painting.

"Now we need some details. How are we going to make Jax think that Brenda betrayed him. And how do we make Brenda think that Jax doesn't trust her?" Miranda called a temporary halt on their parade due to a downpour. Their smiles dimmed for a moment. Then Sonny snapped his fingers.

"I've got it! Golden Boy hates me, and is still a bit insecure where me and Brenda are concerned. If we make him think Brenda and I are going behind his back, he'll get on his little jet and jet right away from her. Bye-bye Jaxy."

"I like it as long as we fix it so I'm on that jet with him."

"That's your part sweetie. You have to start worming your way back into his life. Brenda isn't too fond of you either since you crashed her wedding."

"Me? Please Mr. Corinthos, you were the one who brought me to Port Charles and dropped me on Jax's doorstep right before his wedding."

"You're right! I do deserve the credit for destroying that one." Sonny's ego puffed up even more as he proudly thought of his handiwork that day.

"At any rate," Miranda brought him back to reality, "how are we going to make it look like you and Brenda are going behind Jax's back?"

"Once they get back in town, you stick to him like glue. And I'll create a little problem to take up Brenda's time. If I make it look like I have a big problem, Brenda won't be able to stop herself from worrying and trying to come to my rescue." Sonny was so sure that he still had Brenda's affection and hopeless devotion. They were addicted to each other. She wouldn't be able to stay away!

"It's perfect! Let me know when they get back. I believe there's a slight problem with mine and Jax's divorce papers. Funny how they can get lost in the system. Guess he and I will just have to figure out what happened." she let out a dramatic sigh with an innocent look on her face. Simultaneously Miranda and Sonny burst into laughter. They exchanged knowing glances, then Miranda spoke. "I hate to break up the party, but I have to get back to Katherine's then I have to go create a problem with my divorce. Call me when you have some information." With that she walked out the door.

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Jax and Brenda arrived back at Kelly's late in the afternoon the next day. "Sorry we got back so late. I really had meant to leave the island a lot earlier." Jax apologized.

"Hey, I'm not complaining. Anytime you want to take me away for an incredible day, shower me with gifts, and not brign me back til the next afternoon. Feel free. Really I don't mind."

"Well, I aim to please. I take it this means yesterday was not dull?"

"Not by a long shot. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. Thanks Jax." Brenda stood up and tiptoe and reached behind his neck to pull his head down to hers. Jax wrapped his arms around her, and bent down to her level. Their kiss started out sweet, but quickly developed a much different feel. Suddenly Jax lips were hard and hot and everywhere at once. Brenda's fingers were driving him crazy as they threaded through his hair and pulled his mouth down harder. Fitting their lips more firmly together. Neither wanted to let go of the other, or the time they had spent together. Jax slowed the pace and they kissed lazily as U2's song "All I Want Is You" danced towards them from inside Kelly's

You say you want diamonds and a ring of gold

You say you want your story to remain untold

But all the promises we make

From the craddle to the grave

When all I want is you.

You say you'll give me a highway with no one on it

Treasure just to look upon it

All the regions in the night

You say you'll give me eyes in the moon of blindness

A river in a time of darkness

A harbor in the tempest

But all the promises we make

From the craddle to the grave

When all I want is you

Jax backed Brenda up so they were pressed up against the wall and lifted Brenda up to his height. Then his tongue touched her bottom lip. She thought she was going to faint. Jax wasn't in a much better condition.

You say you want your love to work out right

To last with me through the night

You say you want diamonds and a ring of gold

Your story to remain untold, your love not to grow cold

But all the promises we make

From the craddle to the grave

When all I want is you.

Brenda was thankful that Jax was holding her so close as she slid down the length of him, because her knees were so weak she knew she wouldn't have been able to stand on her own. She moved her hands over his shoulders, maping the feel and contours of his muscles once more. Commiting them to memory. Jax hand traveled up and down her spine in an incredibly erotic yet tender caress.

You, all I want is you!

All I want is you!

All I want is you!

Ever so slowly Jax lifted his head. Both of them smiled, laughing at their behavior. They were on the street in the middle of the day acting like a couple of teenagers who were parked in dad's car. Jax brought his hand up to her cheek and alternated between playing with Brenda's hair and running his finger along her jawline and cheek.

"Maybe we should continue this later? In a much more private place." Jax suggested as he gazed longingly into Brenda's eyes.

"Definately. We will definately have to continue this."

Just then someone knocked on the window of Kelly's disturbing Brenda and Jax. Brenda jumped a little and grabbed onto Jax shirt. Ruby was motionign for them to come inside while pointing at the phone. Jax laughed at Brenda's reaction and the look on her face. She jumped a good ten feet when Ruby knocked on the window. Jax was torn between being thankful for the interuption, and being disappointed because he knew he wouldn't have stopped it on his own. "Looks like someone is on the phone for you Bren. Guess you should go find out who it is."

"Yeah, guess I should." Brenda didn't want to go inside because she knew that as soon as she entered the room reality would come back and she would have to deal with it. Being with Jax was so much easier, all of her problems just went away when she was with him. She hadn't wanted a pill at all yesterday. The whole day! She went the whole day without a craving, all because she was with Jax.

"Hey Jax, I didn't get a craving yesterday." a huge smile spread across Brenda's lips lightign up her whole face and Jax's world.

"What?" he asked. He had been too busy watching her to pay attentionto what she said.

"A pill. I went all yesterday without wanting a pill once. Jax, that's the first time that's happened. I didn't get a craving. I didn't want a pill. Oh my gosh, Jax!"

She jumped into his arms and Jax eagerly caught her. He swung her around in a big circle and they both broke out laughing. "Brenda I'm so happy for you. Honey you're doing so great. I know yo're going to beat this thing for good." Jax squeezed her tighter then set her gently on the ground. He was so excited for her and for them. Brenda was getting better and Jax was sure now that when she was totally clean they'd be together again. The past didn't matter. Both of them had screwed up, but they could get past it. They would get past it. Their relationship was too special to let slip away.

A flash of brown caught Jax eye and he noticed someone duck back behind the corner of the building. "Brend, you had better go answer that phone, I think Ruby's goign to strain something soon if you don't."

"Oh m'gosh I completely forgot, the phone. Ok Ok, so I'll see you when I see you?"

"I'll call you after I take care of some business." Unfortunately Jax got the distinct feeling he wasn't going to like that business. He was pretty sure he knew who ducked behind the building, and he was not pleased.

"Ok, so later then."

"Later, I promise." Jax gave her a quick kiss then opened the door for her. Once Brenda was across the room and had the phone in her hand he walked over to the corner of the building . "You can come out from behind those boxes now Miranda. I already saw you."

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