Chapter 11 Monday Morning Jason sat alone at the table reading the newspaper and eating his breakfast. Things had been quiet around the penthouse for the past few days. After telling Robin to stay out of his relationship with Carly and Michael, Robin had practically disappeared from the penthouse. She'd thrown herself into her classes at PCU and was working even harder over at L&B, almost running the company herself. The only time he saw her was late at night when she climbed into bed or early in the morning on her way out. Jason guessed she was sulking. Over what, he didn't know. There was a knock at the door. “Enter.” He called out. Renaldo came in. “Mail's here, Boss. It all checked out okay.” Renaldo dropped the bundle on the table in front of Jason and left. Jason put the paper down and reached for the first envelope. He pulled out and unfolded the piece of paper. It looked like a drawing of some kind. All brightly colored and jumbled lines. There was a note attached to it. “Jason, I know you can't see drawings but Michael really wanted his Uncle Jason to have this. Don't worry about not knowing what it is. I had no idea until Mikey explained. According to him it's a picture of him, Brook Lynn, and Cook. You can either keep it in a drawer or put it up on the fridge. Whatever. Mikey and I will see you later in the week. Carly.” Jason looked back at the picture and smiled. Robin came into the room. “What are you looking at?” she asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee. She picked up the drawing. “What is this?” “Michael drew me a picture and Carly sent it to me. Why would someone put a drawing up on a refrigerator? “People do it to show off their kid's work. The kitchen is usually the place where a family hangs out together.” Robin quickly dropped the paper. “You know Jason, I've been thinking.” Jason couldn't help groaning. “About what?” “Well this thing with Carly and Michael…” Jason sat straight up. “What did I say about Carly?” Robin fidgeted in her chair. “This doesn't really have to do with Carly, it's more about Michael.” Jason slumped back into his chair. “What about him?” “Well, after we get married, I think we should think about having or adopting a child immediately. That way, we could have our own child and you wouldn't have to spend so much time with Michael? What do you say?” Smiling, Robin reached out for his hand. Jason drew his back. “Hold on, who said we were getting married?” Robin blinked rapidly. “But Jason I assumed that we would be getting married. It's only natural, we've been living together forever, it's the next step!” Jason stood up and grabbed his jacket from off his chair. “You shouldn't assume things.” He strode towards the door. Robin stood up. “Wha… Where are you going?” “It's business.” Jason threw over his shoulder as he walked out. Robin almost growled, she was so mad. She didn't like the ways things were going. First Jason is being mean to her all of a sudden, then he claims they're not getting marred. Now blatantly lying to her just to get away from her. Robin slammed her hand down on the table in frustration and then clenched her fist. She didn't even realize that she was crushing Michael's picture. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Monday Afternoon Q Mansion Emily sat in the living room hoping that Deenie would get the hint that she didn't want to talk to her. Emily had been surprised when Reginald had called her down and found Deenie sitting in her living room. She didn't know what to think. Deenie had been more Sarah's friend than hers. Deenie had babbled, “Hi Emily! I know we don't talk anymore but I just heard and I just wanted to see how you were doing? Wait, do you want me to bring this up because maybe that isn't the right thing to do now and…” Deenie had gone on and on without taking a breath. All Emily could do was sit down and nod. Reginald came in. “Nikolas Cassadine here to see you, Emily.” Emily shot off the couch. “Great! Deenie you gotta go.” Deenie looked confused. “Huh? What's Nikolas doing here?” “We have something… important to discuss. Privately.” Emily added. Emily hustled Deenie out to the hall. Deenie waved to Nikolas as she went by him. “Hi Deenie. Bye Deenie. I didn't know you two were friends.” He said after Emily closed the door after her. “I didn't either. She just showed up and started talking. Thank goodness you showed up when you did.” “Always ready to help a friend.” Nikolas grinned. “So what do you feel up to doing today?” “You play tennis?” “Of course.” “Great! Let's head out back to the courts.” “But I don't have my racket.” Emily waved a hand. “Don't worry. I have an extra one.” Emily started running up the stairs. “But I'm not dressed for tennis!” He called out after her. He gestured to his T- shirt and khakis. Emily paused at the top of the stairs. “So you look like a commercial for the Gap. Nobody said that you *have* to wear tennis shorts when playing tennis. You'll be fine.” Emily dashed off to her room. “But shorts would be a lot cooler.” Nik muttered. Emily came back. “Found em! “ She held up two rackets and a can of tennis balls. “Let's play!” Emily dashed down the stairs and opened the door. She looked back at Nikolas. “Come on.” She started to reach out to grab his hand but stopped. Nikolas looked down at her hand and grasped it. “Let's go.” He smiled at her. They went out to the courts. ~~~~~~~~~ Two and a half Hours Later Emily wiped the sweat off her forehead and grinned triumphantly. “I won again!” She waved her racket in the air and did a little dance. “Wooohoooo!” Nikolas couldn't help laughing. “I take it, you really like winning?” Emily shrugged. “I hate to loose.” “Really? I couldn't tell.” Nikolas joked. She'd done that same dance each time she won. “Uh-huh. Let's play again. I promise I'll go easy on ya!” Emily grinned. “Maybe.” Nik held up a hand in surrender. “No, I give. I crown you Queen of Tennis. I can't play anymore.” Emily jumped over the net. She was bristling with energy. “Aw, Nik, I never took you for a weakling.” Nik gave her a fake glare. “I haven't played tennis in a while and it's very hot today.” He complained. Emily wiped more sweat away. “Yeah, I picked a bad day to be out in the sun. Geez, you look like you need a shower more than I do!” “Well if I knew we'd be playing tennis today, I would have dressed appropriately.” Nik gave her a real glare this time. Emily got a mental picture of Nik in shorts. Mmmmm. She reached up and tousled his hair. “Aw, quit your crabbing. Let's go up to the house and see if we can sneak a couple of glasses of Cook's Special Lemonade.” They started the walk back. “You're in a good mood today.” Nik observed. “I don't know why. Maybe it's the beautiful weather or beating you at tennis,” Emily grinned wickedly. “There's just something about today. I haven't had one bad thought yet.” “That's great.” “Well, I think so.” Emily grinned smugly. “You're not too tired out, are you?” “I have a suggestion. Next time I come over we'll do something relaxing, like rent a video or something?” “I'll take pity on you. Sure.” Emily grinned again. “And I'll make sure it's a nice *calm* video.” She laughed. She was having a great day. Nothing could bring her down. They got to the front steps and saw Monica waiting outside. “Emily, I was wondering where you were. Hello Nikolas.” “What's up, Mom?” “Your father is coming home on Friday.”