Sunday, October 14, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 3:15pm

As Brenda stood in front of the open window in the family ("Angel") room, the sound of Serafina's performance of "Lyra Angelica" echoed throughout the room. It was at least the thirtieth time Brenda had listened to the melody over the past two days. During that same time period, the only thing Brenda had spent more time doing was watching Snowflake from the family room window. Jillian's "Angel room" had provided the perfect spot to watch and listen to their own angel.

The bird was sitting atop the pine tree which had been planted in loving memory of Jamie almost ten months before. The little tree was getting bigger and stronger every day and now it was home to Snowflake. The bird had been perched atop the tree continuously since Jax and Brenda had finally recognized the significance of their dreams. Now as Brenda gazed down into the yard, Snowflake fluttered his wings as he sang along with the music of the concerto.

As the music ended, Brenda gently massaged her abdomen as she felt a series of swift kicks from the tiniest angels in her life. The twins were growing stronger every day and so were their kicks as Brenda often wondered if she had become the arena for a World Cup soccer match. Brenda took a deep breath and slowly exhaled just as she felt Jax's arms move around her waist.

Jax nuzzled his lips around her right ear. "Hey there, sweetie."

"Hi," Brenda whispered as she placed her hands over Jax's. "Did you pass Julia and Jillian when you were coming in?"

"Yes, at the gate." Jax lowly moaned at the smell of the vanilla scent in her hair. "I'm sure they both will enjoy their afternoon together."

"They will," Brenda answered with a bob of her head. "Jillian has been talking about the trip to the movies all week."

Jax smiled as he looked over Brenda's shoulder and saw Snowflake still sitting in the tree. "Still there I see."

"Yes," Brenda responded as she nodded her head against Jax's strong chest. "I still have to keep looking to see that he is there."

"He's there, my love." Jax rested his cheek on top of her head. "He's been here for us the whole time."

"I know." A soft sigh fell from Brenda's lips. "Last night I dreamt about my trip home from Carmel." Her small hands gently caressed Jax's hands as they remained around her waist. "He was in the tree then...It was the first time I had ever seen him."

Jax stepped slightly away from Brenda and then turned her around to face him. "Someone knew we were going to need some help." Jax reached up and stroked the soft skin of Brenda's cheek with his right hand. "Even before we knew it ourselves."

Brenda turned her cheek into Jax's palm and then tenderly kissed it. "I can almost feel them in my arms."

Jax wrapped his left arm around her back. "You will." A bright smile formed on his lips as he looked over at the collage of family pictures. "They're going to be in this room with you. That wall is going to have a whole new set of pictures, sweetie."

Brenda wrapped her arms tightly around Jax and rested her head snugly against his chest. "I would do anything for that."

He rubbed her back and then dropped baby kisses on top of Brenda's head. "You're doing everything you can do, sweetie." He stepped back from her embrace and took Brenda's hand and led her to the couch.

Brenda laid her head on the pillow sitting on Jax's lap and then stretched her legs out on the couch. "The next several weeks still terrify me."

"I know, baby," Jax murmured as his fingers gently massaged her temples. "But after this week, you won't be working any longer and Lynn will have you under close watch. You'll be off your feet more and you and the twins will get the rest you need and that is all anyone can do."

"I just want them to be strong and healthy and to be home." She exhaled sharply. "Jax, I want that dream. I want to see our angels in your arms at that window looking out into the snow." Brenda looked up at Jax with love emanating from her eyes. "I want that dream to be real."

"So do I, my love." His thumb wiped away a tear from the corner of Brenda's eye. "More than anything."

He watched Brenda as her eyes surveyed the room. The beautiful room seemed to have become even more bright and warm and happy over the past few days. But the memories of the months the room had remained dark and empty would never be completely forgotten. Nor would they ever be that far away, especially with the last few months of the pregnancy ahead of them.

Jax read Brenda's thoughts as he ran his hand through her thick, silky hair. "Sweetie, we're not going to do anything you aren't comfortable with."

"Jax, I just can't do that again." Her voice was laden with emotion. "I can't have a room waiting and then...."

"I know," Jax responded as he kissed Brenda's forehead. "We'll manage."

Brenda cleared her throat. "Do you think I'm crazy?"

"No." Jax tilted her chin so that Brenda was looking up at him. "You're not anything of the kind." His fingers stroked the skin under her chin. "You can't change what you feel."

Brenda sat up and took Jax's hand in hers. "A big part of me truly believes that everything we have seen in our dreams is going to happen but I still hear that little voice inside me sometimes."

"I hear it too, Brenda." Jax brought her hand to his mouth and kissed each finger. "Like Melanie told us months ago, she would be worried if it wasn't there. Together, we'll get through this one day at a time."

She shook her head slightly in amazement. "I don't know how it's possible but I love you more every day."

A lopsided grin appeared on his face. "Well, Mum always did tell me that I was the special one."

Brenda cocked her head to the side. "Oh, she did?"

"All the time," Jax replied with a smirk. "She just did not want to give Jerry a bigger inferiority complex than he already had or make others think less of him than they already did."

She laughed softly. "Oh, I guess that explains why I have never heard Jane mention it."

Jax nodded his head. "You know Lady Jane, always trying to protect the problem child." He then chuckled as he patted Brenda's stomach. "Don't worry, we will make sure Uncle Jerry has no influence on either of you."

Brenda elbowed him. "Stop! They can hear you."

"Good, I want to give them an early start." Jax spoke through his laughter. "We didn't get to Jillian soon enough, she actually likes him."

Brenda grabbed the pillow from Jax's lap and swatted his chest. "Jax!"

"I'm serious." A smug smile covered Jax's whole face. "The only saving grace is that she already sees right through him and never fails to tell him that." A deep chuckle fell from his lips. "He can't hold a candle to the little princess."

The veracity of that statement prevented Brenda from holding back her own laughter. "That I will give you." She shook her head. "She has had Jerry wrapped around her little finger since the first day he laid eyes on her."

"Yes," Jax uttered with an extended sigh. "Of course she had to inherit the enchanting qualities of her mother making her completely irresistible."

Brenda put down the pillow and traced Jax's jawline with her right index finger. "Is that so terrible?"

"Of course it is," Jax answered with a nod. "In connection with Jillian, it will give me ulcers and with regard to you, Aphrodite..." Jax did not finish his statement but instead rolled his eyes and exhaled sharply.

Brenda bobbed her head in understanding. "I'm sorry. After next week, Lynn has already told us that another item will be added to the list of forbidden fruits." A low moan fell from her lips. "All those `S' prohibitions -- no sugar, no salt, no sex -- are one day going to lead to no sanity."

Brenda wrapped her arms around Jax's neck. "But it certainly does wonders for my ego to know that you still find me enticing at this stage."

Jax gazed intently at her. "Brenda, pregnancy has never looked so beautiful or alluring on any woman." He kissed Brenda on the corners of her mouth. "I'll just have to suffer with frostbite from all the cold showers I will be taking until the end of next winter."

She took a deep breath. "I don't know, honey. Do you really think with two newborn babies we will be making love before at least next summer?"

A resonant groan escaped from deep within Jax. "Please don't say that out loud. Are you trying to kill me here?"

"We'll manage." Brenda kissed the tip of his nose. "I need you and want you too much to do otherwise." Her lips moved to the side of his face where they left a trail of kisses. "In the meantime, we'll be creative."

Jax's eyes twinkled as he winked at her. "Aahh yes. With those succulent and tantalizing feasts for the senses. How I do love it when you're creative."

"I know you do," Brenda whispered as she gently touched his lips with the tip of her finger.

Jax returned Brenda's gentle caress with one of his own as he pulled her to him and then traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. "Are you tired?"

Brenda shook her head. "No." She smugly smiled at Jax. "Do you have something in mind?"

"I'm sure we could think of something." His eyes blazed with desire. "We do have a few more days to enjoy those soon to be forbidden fruits but..."

Their statements were made in unison. "The clock's ticking." Brenda laughed as she nuzzled her nose against Jax's.

Jax chuckled out loud. "I guess I need a new line."

"No," Brenda stated with a shake of her head. "But I'd better not hear you using it on any other woman." Her fingers tugged at the back of Jax's hair. "Especially during the long, cold winter."

Jax bit the bottom of his lip to control his mirth. "Not even then?"

"Not even then." The smirk on her face was priceless. "Aren't you lucky you had all that practice growing up with the long, cold winters of Alaska?"

"So now you're a comedian?" Jax began tickling Brenda's sides. "Well, you need to join in on the laughter since no one else is."

Brenda tried to swat his hands away as she giggled. "Jax, no. You started it."

Jax grabbed her hands and held them against his chest. "And now I'm going to finish it." He then moved both hands beneath her legs and lifted her up as he stood up from the couch.

Brenda wrapped her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers through the back of his hair. "Two months from now, you'll give yourself a hernia carrying me."

"Then you'll really have to get creative," Jax responded with a raise of his eyebrow.

Brenda laughed and then captured his lips with her mouth as they headed to the master suite. There they spent the late afternoon indulging in a plethora of fruits and other feasts to quench their mutual hungers and thirsts. Each moment and every morsel was savored as the clock ticked onward toward the long, cold winter.

The Jacks Residence -- 5:45pm

Brenda finished buttoning her ivory blouse just as she felt Jax's arms come around her again. She closed her eyes and softly moaned as he kissed the side of her face. Her body still felt as if it were floating as the bliss of their lovemaking seemed to be preventing her feet from actually touching the floor. Brenda did not think she had ever felt so loved as she did at that very moment. Like Jax had so correctly noted years before, they had fit perfectly in bed together since the first moment but this was even beyond that.

Their lovemaking had always been an incredible display of love and passion but pregnancy seemed to bring even more tenderness to it. That fact had never been as evident as with this pregnancy. As the pregnancy had progressed, the loving gentleness had escalated. Each soft caress and affectionate nuzzle had bonded Jax and Brenda in an even deeper love. Those gentle touches had served to reassure each of them in the moments of anxiety while further strengthening their union. Their lovemaking continually proclaimed their joy and jubilation for the anticipation of the tiny miracles created in their love.

Jax rested his chin on Brenda's shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you back," Brenda replied as she reached up and touched his face.

He brushed his cheek against Brenda's. "Are you sure you don't want to get some more rest?"

Brenda turned around to face him and placed her hands on the material of his unbuttoned shirt. "I'm fine." Her upper lip curved into a smile. "I think I should be asking you the same question."

"I'm fine as well," Jax responded as a snicker fell from his lips.

"You can say that again." She spoke in a purring whisper as Brenda slowly moved her fingers up and down the skin of Jax's exposed chest. "So very fine."

Jax kissed the tip of her nose. "If you keep this up, we'll be right back in that bed."

Brenda nuzzled her nose against Jax's cheek. "As delicious as that sounds, Julia will be back with Jillian very shortly."

He reached down and stroked Brenda's stomach. "And we need to feed the little ones." A sly smile crossed Jax's face. "Especially since something tells me their mother is quite ravenous."

Brenda lifted her right eyebrow as she spoke. "This coming from their father who has quite an insatiable appetite himself."

"What else would anyone expect since I share my life with such a temptress." He sighed dramatically. "And to think that Lady Jane always warned me about such enchantresses and I go and pledge my life to Aphrodite."

She spoke in a throaty whisper as she fastened the buttons on his blue shirt. "Poor you."

He exhaled sharply. "Now it is poor me, two weeks from now it will be miserable me."

"I'll have to find you a hobby." A devilish grin lit up her face. "I know the perfect activity for you -- yoga."

Jax gave her a glare as she took a step back from him. "Brenda..."

"It would be perfect, honey." Brenda bit the inside of her lip to refrain from giggling. "You have already had some practice and I've definitely heard some aahhs and oomms from you when that appetite was in overdrive."

"You are in for it now." Jax retorted as Brenda started for the door. He caught up with her and swatted her on her backside. "How about this for a hobby? Dispensing punishment for a naughty vixen."

"Vixen's here?" Brenda laughed as she fled down the hall toward the stairs. "Jillian will be thrilled. Is Rudolph here too?"

"No, only a very naughty Vixen." Jax swatted her butt again as they reached the steps. "And there's more where that came from."

A smug smile crossed her lips. "Don't tease me, Adonis."

Before Jax could respond, the doorbell rang. Jax rolled his eyes as he took Brenda's hand and they walked down the steps. "Saved by the bell."

Jax opened the front door expecting Julia and Jillian but he was met be Jerry instead. "Jerry."

"I was when I looked in the mirror this morning," Jerry answered as he walked into the house. He turned to Brenda who was standing behind Jax. "Hello Brenda."

Brenda let go of Jax's hand and hugged Jerry. "Hey. I'm glad you're back."

Jerry looked between Jax and Brenda. "Did I interrupt something?"

Jax closed the door behind Jerry. "No, this is just a surprise."

"Sure it is," Jerry said as he shook his head. "Rabbits have nothing on the two of you."

Brenda cleared her throat. "How was your trip?"

"Long but productive." Jerry darted his eyes around the main floor of the house. "I'm on my way to the club and just stopped to say hello."

Brenda smiled at him. "Jillian loved the kangaroo postcard. She told Roo-Roo it was his brother."

Jerry listened for any sound of Jillian but only heard Lady's barks from the back yard. "Where is Roo?"

Before Brenda could answer the sound of a car door was heard. "I think she's right here now."

Jax opened the front door and they saw Jillian skipping up the sidewalk holding onto Julia's hand.

Jillian saw him in the foyer and squealed. "Uncle Jerry's here." When they reached the porch, she let go of Julia's hand and raced inside. "Did you come to see me, Uncle Jerry?"

Jerry avoided Julia's eyes as he lifted Jillian into his arms. "I came to say hello to you and Mommy and Daddy."

Jillian hugged him. "And Aunt Julia too. She took me to see the movie."

"What movie did you see?" Jerry briefly glanced at Julia as she came into the foyer.

"Winnie-the-Pooh," Jillian responded happily. "I saw Kanga and Roo and they had to help Winnie climb out of a big hole."

Brenda walked over and touched Jillian's arm. "Did you like the movie, sweetheart?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Oh, yes, Mommy. I wanna see it again tomorrow." She turned to Julia. "Aunt Julia liked it too."

Julia nodded. "Yes, I liked the movie too."

Jillian grinned as then she spoke to Jax. "Daddy, I had lemon drops just like you. I saved some in the box for you."

"Thank you princess," Jax winked at her as he spoke.

"Aunt Julia ate some licorice." She looked at Jerry. "Just like you like, Uncle Jerry, the black kind."

Jerry flashed Jillian a small smile as he lowered her to the floor. "Yes, I like the black kind."

Jillian walked over to Brenda. "Mommy, we only had a little candy just like you said so we can eat roast beef."

Brenda tickled Jillian's chin. "Thank you for remembering. Are you ready for dinner?"

"Uh-huh." Jillian turned to Jerry. "Uncle Jerry, you can eat too, we get to eat roast beef with lots of mashed potatoes."

A deep sigh was expelled from Jerry's lips. "Roo, thanks but not tonight. I have to go to the club now."

"Pleeaasse, Uncle Jerry." A small frown crossed Jillian's face. "We have pudding for dessert."

Jerry chuckled softly. "That sounds wonderful but I have to go." He reached into his pocket. "But I came to bring you this."

Jillian's frown immediately became a beaming grin. "The kangaroo whistle. Look." She showed it to Jax, Brenda and Julia. "Thank you. Roo-Roo's gonna be so happy."

"You're welcome," Jerry said with a nod. "Now just don't let that beast anywhere near this one."

Jillian bobbed her head. "Lady won't chew this one up." She blew the whistle and Brenda cringed slightly at the high pitch. "It's just like the other one."

Jerry stroked Jillian's curls. "I'm glad you like it." He met Julia's gaze and Jerry suddenly felt his mouth go dry. He knelt down next to Jillian. "Okay, Roo, I'm going to go now but I will talk to you later."

Jillian hugged Jerry. "Bye Uncle Jerry."

"Bye Roo." Jerry rose to his feet. "Good-bye Jax, Brenda." His face seemed to become pained as he completed his thought. "Good-bye Julia."

Julia spoke softly. "Good-bye Jerry."

Brenda exchanged glances with Julia and then touched Jerry's arm. "Good-bye Jerry. I will talk to you soon."

Jax cleared his throat. "Good night. I will see you in the morning."

Jerry left the house and Jax shut the door. He turned and saw Brenda give him a slight nod of her head motioning toward the stairs. Jax nodded back and then spoke to Jillian. "Princess, let's go upstairs and wash up and put away your whistle for safekeeping."

"Okay, Daddy," Jillian replied with a smile. "I wanna show Roo-Roo."

Brenda watched Jax and Jillian disappear up the steps. Once they had, Brenda walked over to Julia. "I'm sorry."

Julia took a deep breath. "This is where we are now."

She exhaled sharply. "Julia, this is so wrong."

"I can't push him now," Julia answered with a sigh. "I pushed him away for so long and it has led to this."

Brenda looked directly at Julia. "What are you going to do about it?"

Julia shook her head slightly. "Sometimes I wonder if there is anything that can be done."

"Don't say that." Brenda's voice almost sounded pleading. "Please don't."

Julia felt the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I don't know what to do."

Brenda put her hand on Julia's shoulder. "I know I've said this before but I'm going to say it again. Have you thought anymore about talking to someone? I'm sure Melanie can recommend someone."

A ragged sigh fell from Julia's lips. "I don't know if that is the answer for me."

"Please just think about it." Brenda squeezed Julia's shoulder. "It certainly helped us."

Julia nodded as tears brimmed her eyes. "I will."

Jax and Jillian then appeared on the stairs. Jillian held her hands out to Brenda. "See, all clean."

Brenda flashed her a smile. "Good girl."

Jillian reached the bottom of the stairs and reached out for Julia's hand. "Time for roast beef, Aunt Julia. You can sit next to me. Will you cut my meat?"

Julia sniffed back her tears as looked down at Jillian. "Yes, I will cut your meat."

Brenda gave Julia a reassuring smile and then took Jillian's hand. "Sweetheart, Aunt Julia will come in a few minutes and sit next to you at the table."

Julia watched the three of them walk toward the dining room as Jax put his arm around Brenda. He gave Brenda a comforting smile and she leaned her head against his shoulder as she counted her blessings for all the gifts she had been given.

As Jax, Brenda and Jillian disappeared into the dining room, Julia took a deep breath as she leaned her head against the foyer wall. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the photo sitting on top of the credenza at the entrance to the foyer. It was a picture of Julia and Jerry from Jerry's fortieth birthday party. Julia exhaled sharply at the memory of what had been. She whispered into the empty room. "I'm sorry."

What am I going to do to make you love me
What I am going to do to make you care
What do I do when lightning strikes me
And I awake to find that you're not there
What do I do to make you want me
What have I got to do to be heard
What do I say when it's all over
Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Tuesday, October 23, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 2:00pm

The quarterly board meeting of J & J Jacks had ended an hour ago and the emissaries from the various sectors were making their exit from the corporate office. The schedule of conferences had begun two nights earlier with a black tie dinner and then had consisted of all day meetings yesterday and then concluded with the final meeting this morning. All quadrants had been represented so Teddi and Kim had traveled to Port Charles in connection with the Asian holdings. Kim was leaving later this afternoon to return to Hong Kong while Teddi was heading across the Atlantic to Rome for a meeting later in the week.

Teddi logged some notes into her laptop as she sat at the table. The small conference room had become her makeshift office for the past two days. Jax walked by the door and Teddi looked up from her computer screen and smiled. He then walked inside the conference room and handed Teddi a file.

"This is what I have on Giovanni and the Primavera subsidiaries," Jax stated as he stood beside Teddi. "It should be of some help to you."

"Thank you very much." Teddi returned Jax's smile. "It will be very useful I am sure."

Jax nodded. "And I know you have been forewarned about Giovanni."

Teddi rolled her eyes slightly. "Yes, the Casanova of the Mediterranean, at least in his own mind."

"Exactly," Jax responded with a bob of his head. "But I have no doubt that you will put him in his place within the first thirty seconds."

"I'm a bit out of practice but something tells me it will come back to me." Teddi laughed softly. "Brenda gave me a bit of insight at dinner the other night."

"I bet she did." Jax chuckled out loud at the memory of Brenda's first meeting with Giovanni years earlier. "She and that tray of pate certainly made a lasting impression on him."

Teddi tapped her perfectly manicured nails on top of the conference table. "I will remember Brenda's performance should the lothario overstep his bounds." She smiled to herself. "It was so nice to see her again at dinner."

"She enjoyed seeing you as well," Jax responded as he sat down at the conference table. "And Jillian continually talks about Tron."

"As he does about her." Teddi shook her head in amusement. "And Tron is still so enamored of the dog."

"Lady would be so thrilled," Jax retorted with a huge grin.

Teddi laughed. "Is Jillian excited about the twins?"

Jax nodded his head. "Very. The last three months are going to seem interminable to her I am sure."

"For all of you I'm sure." Teddi looked up at Jax with a smile. "Brenda looks wonderful."

Jax's face lit up as he spoke. "Yes, she does." A soft sigh escaped his lips. "And after this weekend, the Ball will be over and she can relax for the next few months."

Teddi tucked a strand of her ebony hair behind her ear. "The Ball certainly is a considerable amount of work and the last minute details must be overwhelming."

"She is working on them today." Jax leaned back in his chair. "Fortunately she has a great deal of help."

"Jane was filling me in about all the plans Brenda has for Kanga's Kradle over the next two years. Those are quite lofty goals." Teddi's mouth curved into a smile. "Port Charles is fortunate to have Brenda and such a facility."

His face beamed with pride. "Brenda has put her heart and soul into Kanga's Kradle from day one and that has paid off tenfold."

"That's wonderful for everyone involved." Teddi sighed contentedly. "Doing something you love makes all the difference in the world."

Jax bobbed his head in agreement. "That's right and Brenda loves it. If you can get back here from Rome before Saturday, Brenda would love to have you attend the festivities."

"I will definitely try." Teddi softly laughed. "It has been quite awhile since I have been to a masked ball. They are not exactly commonplace in Beijing or Hong Kong."

"I guess not," Jax replied with a big grin. He then looked at his watch and saw that it was about time for he and Julia's conference call concerning the east coast dock renovation project. "I have a conference call in a few moments but I will see you before you leave for the airport."

Teddi nodded in acknowledgment. "I will see you then."

Jax then stepped out into the hallway just as Julia rounded the corner to reach the larger conference room next door. She looked up at Jax. "Scott will be ready in a moment. Is everything still set for the call?"

"Yes." Jax then motioned toward his office. "Let me just grab the file and I will have Addie patch Walters into the main conference area."

Jax headed down the hall back to his office and then Julia moved toward the conference room. She paused as she heard the sound of Jerry's raised voice coming from the outer office of his office suite two doors down. He was extremely agitated and Julia quickly realized that he was on the telephone with the supervisor of the oil field outside of Anchorage. Julia had recognized that Jerry's renowned short temper had become even shorter of late. It was just another addition to the list of changes which had occurred over the past several months to one or the other of them.

After a few more moments of listening to Jerry's frustrated discourse, Julia heard the sound of the receiver being slammed against the phone. That was then followed by Jerry storming back into his private office, more agitated than ever. As a sigh of exasperation fell from her lips, Julia walked into the conference room and sat down in the chair. It was going to be a very long and upsetting afternoon.

Thirty minutes passed and Jax, Julia and Scott were finishing up the conference call with Tom Walters and the union representative. Meanwhile Jerry's irritation with the last two telephone calls from Anchorage was causing his blood pressure to rise. He escaped from his office and went to find Jax. When Jerry reached the closed door to the main conference area, he heard Jax and Scott's voices and discerned that the teleconference was still underway. Jerry exhaled sharply as he continued up the corridor and then reached the open door to Teddi's makeshift office. Jerry silently walked inside the room and sunk down into a chair.

Teddi closed up her laptop and looked at him. "Do you suddenly have laryngitis or are you just on a break from the latest tirade?"

He exhaled sharply. "I'm still deciding."

"I see." Teddi then moved the phone to the other side of the desk and looked up at Jerry. "Just protecting my profit sharing. Electronic equipment can be so expensive."

Jerry folded his arms in front of him. "Smart ass."

"Well, that's better than being a dumb one," Teddi retorted with a loud sigh.

Jerry rolled his eyes. "Theodora, that's enough."

"Waving the white flag already, Jeremiah?" Teddi shook her head in mock incredulity. "You're really slipping I see."

Jerry glared at her and then looked at his watch. "Shouldn't you be heading for the airport about now?"

A sly smile covered Teddi's face. "I have plenty of time, but thank you for your concern."

"Don't mention it," Jerry replied as his upper lip involuntarily turned up into a smile.

"Okay, I won't," Teddi said with a sigh.

Jerry groaned. "It's nice to see some things don't change, you are still as maddening as always."

A huge grin crossed her face. "Thank you, I try."

Jerry leaned back in his chair. "I suggest you stifle that infuriating charm around that miscreant, Giovanni. It will completely beguile the cad and we don't want to have to send in reinforcements."

Teddi shrugged. "I've had my share of cads and reinforcements were never necessary."

A deep sigh escaped from Jerry's lips. "I guess you have a point. You were never much for being taken care of."

Teddi shook her head. "No, afraid not."

"I do seem to recall a few times someone tried and they suddenly were more in the hot seat than the rogue." Jerry began to chuckle loudly just as Julia walked out of the conference room next door. "Damn, that time in Nairobi I thought you were going to kill Akeem and I."

She exhaled softly. "Well, you know me. I always had something to prove to myself and the hell with what anyone else thought."

"I remember...I remember that well." Jerry took a deep breath before he continued. "Teddi, don't ever change."

"I don't plan to." She moved her hands slightly out to the sides of her. "What you see is what you get." Teddi then laughed softly. "Even if I do have to wear a mask at the Ball."

Jerry shook his head as he laughed in return. "You are still a lunatic but thank heavens for that too."

Teddi joined in his laughter as Julia watched the scene from the hallway. The din of the laughter sounded like clamor not music to Julia's ears. Suddenly the afternoon had just become more upsetting.

It's sad, so sad
It's a sad, sad situation
And it's getting more and more absurd
It's sad, so sad
Why can't we talk it over
It seems to me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word

The Jacks Residence -- 5:45pm

With only four days remaining before the Masquerade ball, the den was serving as the temporary operations center as Brenda coordinated the final details for Saturday's gala. Susan Martin and Lois had spent most of the day at the house while Keesha and Gina had spent their second day in charge of the executive offices of Kanga's Kradle. Brenda had commenced her maternity leave from the office as of the end of the past week but she was overseeing the last week of activities for the fundraiser on behalf of the foundation.

Brenda and Lois picked up the notes and lists spread out all over the coffee table while Anthony pushed his dump truck along the carpet. When he reached the large window next to the French doors, Anthony stood up and pressed his chubby little hands against the glass and babbled to Brooke and Jillian. The girls were jumping rope on the terrace and Lady was laying down in front of the doors. Snowflake was perched atop the terrace wall looking down at them all.

Brenda gazed up at the clock on the mantel and then slipped her shoes back on her feet. "Where did this day go?"

Lois looked out the window and saw the twilight sky. "I don't know but they seem to be moving at warped speed these days."

"Jax should be here any minute," Brenda said as she stood up from the couch. "It's been a long few days."

Lois straightened the pile of folders. "Ned should be as well so we can eat and get the kids home."

Brenda heard the sound of loud giggles from the terrace and turned to see Brooke and Jillian laughing at the sight of Lady chasing her own tail. Brenda smiled as she shook her head. "Speaking of kids." She walked over to the French doors and knocked on the glass as she held up five fingers. "Five more minutes."

Lady yipped and Anthony began jabbering again as he tapped his hands against the window glass. Lois walked over to the window and moved Anthony a few steps away from the window. "That's enough of that, young man."

Anthony began pointing at the window as he babbled. "Buuddee." The term was Anthony's attempted pronunciation of "birdie" and he had been repeating it continually throughout the day.

A few seconds later Snowflake hopped alongside the top of the terrace wall and moved to the corner just outside the window. At the sight of Snowflake staring at him in the window, Anthony began squealing and then the bird began his daily lilt. Anthony chattered along with the serenade and then clapped his hands to signify how proud of himself he was. Jillian and Brooke started laughing again on the terrace as they watched Anthony move to the glass again and press his nose against it.

Lois took a step toward Anthony again and Brenda reached out and touched her on the arm. "Please don't." Brenda's words were filled with emotion. "They were supposed to be buddies."

Lois heard a deep sigh fall from her own lips. "As in buuddees?"

"Yes," Brenda replied in a loud murmur. "They have responded to one another from the first moment. Just like it was with Jillian."

Lois nodded. "Anthony has been mesmerized from the beginning."

"It's as if somehow they knew." Brenda took a deep breath. "You probably think I'm crazy?'

"No, I don't," Lois responded with a shake of her head. "And Ma has been dancing her way all the way to Mass every morning since you told her."

Brenda exhaled slowly. "It's not something that I could even fathom discussing with most people but Gloria was an exception. After all those notes and prayers and rosaries she sent, I knew Gloria would understand."

"You made her year," Lois said as she waved her glittered fingernails. "Maybe her decade." She laughed out loud. "Now she is the talk of St. Vincent's, I'm sure."

Brenda shook her head as she laughed. She then moved to the door and opened it. "Okay, girls, five minutes is up."

Jillian and Brooke grudgingly picked up their jump ropes and came inside. Jillian let out a dramatic sigh. "Five is sooo small."

Brenda nodded her head as she closed the door behind them. "I know, sweetheart, but that is the way it is sometimes."

Brooke shook her head. "Sometimes it isn't, I'm five and I'm not small."

Lois muttered to Brenda as they helped the girls off with their sweaters. "She's been five since yesterday and she already has down the routine."

Brenda smiled at Brooke. "Did everyone sing in school yesterday for you?"

Brooke bobbed her head up and down. "Yes, just like at my party with the Barbie cake and all the balloons."

"Yum, that was so good." Jillian patted her stomach. "And Daddy tied my glitter balloon to my desk so it doesn't fly away to the ceiling again."

A lopsided grin appeared on Brenda's face. "Yes, Daddy did." She then turned to Brooke. "You had such a nice party on Sunday and then another one at school yesterday."

"But only one birthday for me," Brooke said in response. "Everybody only has one birthday."

Brenda nodded as she sat down on the couch. "That's right, only one birthday every year."

Jillian stood in front of the couch and touched Brenda's stomach. "When are the babies gonna have a birthday?"

"Their birthday will be whatever day they are born at the hospital." Brenda brushed a curl from Jillian's forehead. "On that day, we will know when their birthdays are."

An inquisitive look crossed Jillian's face. "How do we know what kind of cake they want?"

Brenda grinned at Jillian's question. "Sweetheart, little babies can't eat cake. Remember they only drink milk."

Jillian pointed to herself. "I can eat their piece."

"Me too," chirped Brooke. "I can eat two pieces."

Jax's voice came from behind them. "I think I'll have the cake since I am the sweetest."

Ned chortled. "In your dreams. Bottom feeders only get the scraps."

Jillian and Brooke turned around and spoke in unison. "Daddy!" Both girls were then lifted into the arms of their respective fathers. Jax mouthed the word, "Sweetest" to Ned and Ned murmured back, "bottom feeder."

Lois rolled her eyes. "I see you two have come in from the playground again."

Ned shrugged as he lowered Brooke to the floor and picked up Anthony who had teetered over to him. "Life's a playground, Lois."

Jax flashed Ned a Cheshire grin. "Too bad, you have not graduated past the kindergarten games."

Brenda cleared her throat as Ned glared at Jax. "Okay, boys, recess is over."

Jax smirked as an exaggerated sigh escaped from his lips. "It's that mean principal again."

"And don't you forget it," Brenda replied as she grabbed Jax's tie and pulled him to her for a lingering kiss.

Ned groaned. "Do you two want some privacy?"

Brenda reached over and swatted Ned on the arm. "That's enough or you will have to stay after school." She then looked down at the girls. "You two need to wash your hands and then we can all have dinner."

Jillian and Brooke headed down the hall to the powder room while Lois took Anthony from Ned. "I'm going to go change him and we will be right back."

"I'm going to go make sure Josee is ready for us," Brenda remarked as she patted Jax's hand. "You can fix your playmate a drink."

Brenda walked out of the den as Jax picked up a glass and gestured to Ned. "Name your poison."

"Scotch," Ned answered with a smug smile. "And make it from the twenty year old bottle in the back."

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Jax's upper lip curved into a smile. "Kindergartners aren't accustomed to such smooth spirits. Maybe some of Jillian's lemonade would be more suitable?"

"You wouldn't know smooth if it washed over you." Ned waved his hand. "Give me the damn scotch."

Jax chuckled as he poured two glasses of the liquid gold. He handed one to Ned. "What a waste of special reserve on an amateur."

Ned laughed out loud. "You're so green, you don't even know the meaning of the word." He drained his glass. "Aahh, now you can just sit back and watch a master at work."

"A master at what?" Jax could barely speak amidst his mirth. "Making a bloody fool of oneself?"

Ned loosened his tie and took off his jacket as he sat down on the sofa. "Jax, with the exception of your ego, I would be a master of anything as compared to you."

"So young to be senile already," Jax murmured as he sat down in the chair next to Ned.

The sparing contest was curtailed as Jillian and Brooke skipped into the den after washing their hands for dinner. Jillian and Brooke climbed up onto the sofa and Brooke sat next to Ned. "All done, Daddy."

Ned winked at her. "Thank you Brooke." He then patted her knee. "How was school today?"

"Good," Brooke answered with a bob of her head. "Caitlin's mommy is gonna have another baby just like Aunt Brenda."

Ned smiled as he looked down at Brooke. "That's very nice, honey."

Brooke pressed her hands together in front of her. "Daddy, I need you to tell me something so I can tell Taylor tomorrow he isn't right."

He gave Brooke a curious look. "What Brooke?"

"Daddy, you always know the answers," Brooke said as she moved her hands in front of her. "And when you tell me now I can tell Taylor so he'll know he isn't right."

"So another person who believes I know all the answers?" Ned flashed a smirk at Jax before speaking to Brooke again. "What do you need to tell Taylor?"

"Well," Brooke exclaimed with a long sigh. "He says the stork is bringing Caitlin's mommy her baby but that's not right. The baby is at the hospital not in the stork's nest."

Ned nodded his head. "Yes, the doctor helps the baby be born in the hospital."

"I told him but he said no." Brooke began patting Ned's arm. "The baby is in the mommy's tummy not in a nest."

Jillian smiled as she turned to Jax and rubbed her stomach. "Mommy has two babies in her tummy."

Jax returned her smile. "Yes, Mommy does."

Brooke rubbed Ned's arm again. "But how did the babies get there, Daddy?"

Jax bit the inside of his mouth to suppress his snickering. "Yes, Ned, how did those babies get there?"

Ned cleared his throat. "Brooke, it's about time for dinner so we can talk about this later."

A curious look appeared on Brooke's face. "But Daddy, how can a baby get into a tummy and then grow? Is it like a flower?"

Jax moved both of his hands over his face as he turned to hide the laughter threatening to erupt. He could not have scripted the conversation better himself.

Jillian sat up on her knees. "Not like a flower, Mommy said we aren't supposed to eat dirt." She scrunched up her face. "It tastes yucky cause I ate some."

Brooke looked up at Ned again. "What about like the bag of popcorn that gets big in the microwave? Is that how the babies get big too?"

Ned looked over at Jax who looked as though he were going to explode in hilarity. "You think you have all the answers, you explain."

"Why?" Jax choked back his laughter. "You are the master and you are doing such a good job of it."

Brooke touched Ned's face. "Daddy, can you tell me now?"

Jillian joined in on the inquiry. "Uncle Ned, we are listening."

Brenda and Lois then walked into the den and Brenda immediately noticed Jax's mirth and Ned's uneasiness. She queried Jillian. "Sweetheart, what are you listening to?"

Jillian gave Brenda a big smile. "About the babies."

Brooke finished the thought. "And how they get into the mommy's tummy."

Brenda and Lois both turned to the other and shook their heads. Lois murmured aloud. "In four minutes, we have gone from washing hands for dinner to this?"

Brooke sighed in frustration. "Mommy, how do babies get into a mommy's tummy?"

Jillian added in her question to Brenda. "And how do they grow without dirt like the flowers?"

Lois handed Anthony to Ned and rolled her eyes at him. She then took Ned's place on the couch and sat next to Brooke. "Honey, we are going to have a very long talk about this when you are older but for now, the most important thing for you to remember is that babies are born because their mommy and daddy loved each other."

Brenda sat on the other side down on the opposite end of the couch next to Jillian. "You were in Mommy's tummy because Daddy and Mommy loved each other so much that they wanted someone very special to love together and that was you. And the same thing happened when Aunt Lois and Uncle Ned loved each other and wanted someone very special and that was Brooke and Anthony."

Brooke nodded her head. "And the same with Caitlin's mommy and daddy?"

"Yes, the same." Lois gave her a smile.

Jillian pondered for a bit. "And babies don't need dirt to grow?"

Brenda shook her head. "No, they don't but it is hard to understand right now how the babies grow. It is very special and one day you will be able to understand it all. But the babies are being taken care of just like you and Brooke and Anthony were before you were born."

"Oh, special like the angels who fly in the air but we can't see?" Jillian's face lit up. "I know now, Mommy. God helps the babies grow without any dirt."

Brooke smiled broadly as she nodded. "Just like Grandma says, God takes care of everyone, even the icky ants."

Lois shook her head as she hugged Brooke. "Yes, even the icky ants."

Jillian sighed happily. "I like that, Mommy. The angels are so good. They are better than a stork."

Brenda hugged Jillian and beamed at Jax. "Yes, the angels are perfect."

"Can we eat now?" Jillian smiled as she looked up at Brenda.

"Yes, we can eat now." Brenda held Jillian's hand as they rose from the sofa.

Lois took Anthony and she and Brooke followed Brenda and Jillian out of the den. Jax snickered as he and Ned reached the door together. Jax held out his hand. "After you, master of all."

Ned glared at him. "Put a sock in it, Jax."

"Better than putting a foot in one's mouth." Jax smirked at him. "I just had a front row seat for your performance."

He exhaled sharply. "Jax, you are so..."

"Charming, handsome, talented, incredible, skillful." He flashed Ned a smug smile. "Which one were you thinking of?

Ned rolled his eyes as he walked out of the den. The sound of Jax's chuckles echoed behind him. It was just a typical night on the playground.

Saturday, October 27, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 6:15pm

Brenda slipped her foot into the silk stockings as Jillian sat next to her on the bed. Jillian then looked up as Jax walked out of the master bathroom. Jax winked at Jillian as he removed the crisp white tuxedo shirt from the hanger.

Jillian scooted off the bed. "I wanna do the snaps on your arms. Grandpa let me snap his."

"They're called cufflinks, princess." Jax tweaked Jillian's nose as she stood next to him. "You can fasten them."

Jillian rubbed her palms together as she turned to Brenda. "I'm helping Daddy get pretty too."

Brenda gave Jillian a beaming smile. "Handsome, sweetheart."

"Handsome Daddy," Jillian echoed as she faced Jax again. "Mommy's gonna let me squirt her when she's all dressed."

"Then Mommy will smell as beautiful as she looks." Jax stroked the top of Jillian's head. "You are being such a good helper tonight."

"It's fun," Jillian responded with a huge grin. She then looked at the box of colorful accessories sitting on top of the dresser. "Daddy, what ones are you gonna wear?"

Jax pulled the box to the front of the bureau. "Jillian, you can pick."

A muffled giggle was heard as Jillian covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh, boy, I get to pick."

"Yes, any pair." Jax tickled the skin under her chin. "Remember they need to match."

Jillian's fingers lightly touched the glistening adornments. "They're so sparkly."

Brenda laughed softly. "Yes, they are but Daddy can only wear one set tonight."

Jillian picked up the pair of onyx and diamond cufflinks. "This one, Daddy."

"They are perfect, princess," Jax said as he leaned down and kissed Jillian on the cheek. "You are a wonderful helper."

A radiant smile illuminated Brenda's face. "Those are Mommy's favorites too. You did a great job, Jillian."

Jax clutched the material at his right cuff. "Okay, all ready."

Jillian moved the cufflink over the material as Jax guided her fingers to the clasp. "All done, Daddy."

"Great, now we just need to put the other one on." Jax held out his left arm and Jillian fastened the other cufflink.

Jillian clapped her hands together. "Now your arms look handsome too."

"Thank you Jillian," Jax responded as he began to knot his tie.

Brenda stepped into her slippers and walked over to the dresser. "Now it's my turn to be Daddy's helper." Brenda reached up and straightened Jax's tie. "There you go."

"Perfect, my love." Jax kissed Brenda tenderly on the mouth. "Thank you darling."

"Now you have to wear your pretty dress, Mommy," Jillian exclaimed as she looked up at Brenda.

Brenda sat down in the chair in front of the dressing table. "Does that mean you want me to skip the perfume?"

Jillian shook her head. "No, I want to squirt you."

Brenda lifted Jillian's chin. "I thought so." She picked up the atomizer and handed it to Jillian and then Brenda held out her arms. "Little sprays."

Jillian beamed as she squirted the pulse points on Brenda's arms. "It smells so pretty."

"Very pretty," Brenda replied as she turned her head so that Jillian could spray behind her ears. "Thank you sweetheart."

"Welcome Mommy." Jillian grinned proudly as she gave the atomizer back to Brenda. "You smell good."

Brenda squirted a mist of perfume on Jillian's neck. "Now we both smell good."

Jillian giggled as she watched Brenda finish applying her make-up. "Daddy, me and Mommy smell the same."

Jax massaged Brenda's shoulders as he nodded to Jillian. "Both of my beautiful girls smell wonderful."

Brenda caressed Jax's hand as she took one final look in the mirror. "I just wish I could wear your bathrobe but somehow I don't think that would work."

"No, I don't think so," Jax answered with a chuckle as he moved toward the closet to get Brenda's gown.

Jillian giggled again. "Mommy, you can't wear Daddy's robe outside."

"Oh, well," Brenda sighed as she stood up and untied the belt to Jax's robe. "It was worth a try." She then took off the robe and handed it to Jillian.

Jillian put the robe on the chair as Brenda stood there in her slip and stockings. Jillian pressed her hand on Brenda's abdomen. "Your tummy's sooo big now." She then gasped out loud and covered her mouth. "OOPS."

Brenda flashed Jillian a lopsided grin. "What's the matter, sweetheart?"

A sheepish expression covered Jillian's face as she looked at Brenda and then at Jax as he stood behind Brenda. "Daddy said I shouldn't say your tummy was big."

She motioned for Jillian to come closer to her and then Brenda spoke in a loud whisper. "For this time it's okay because Mommy's tummy is BIG."

Jillian smiled. "Mommy, but now it's like my pillow."

"Putting it nicely, yes." Brenda retorted. "But soon my tummy will be bigger than Santa Claus' tummy."

A resounding snicker filled the air as Jillian laughed. "You're funny, Mommy."

Brenda tilted her head as she looked up at Jax. "Maybe I should use that in my opening remarks tonight?"

Jax rolled his eyes slightly as he chuckled. "Now there's an idea."

Brenda took the dress from Jax and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Okay, Jillian, you can help me since I can't see my feet."

Jillian sat down on the floor and took off Brenda's slippers. "All off, Mommy."

She then stepped into the dress while Jillian pushed the material over Brenda's stocking feet. Brenda stood up and slipped her arms into the black satin and taffeta gown. "Okay, Daddy, now it's your turn."

Brenda pushed away her spiral curls as Jax zipped up the back of the dress. "There you are, sweetie."

"Thank you, kind sir." Brenda turned around to face Jax and smoothed out the material of the gown. "Do I look all right?"

Jax grinned as he nodded his head. "You look absolutely stunning." His eyes were drawn to the slight plunge in the neckline of the dress which provided a glimpse of her fully blossoming breasts. "Ravishing actually."

Brenda lifted her eyebrow as she spoke. "I told you that you would be glad I made sure the dress had a matching jacket."

Jax stoked his chin. "I am but I can tell you that there will be about a hundred men tonight who won't be."

Brenda swatted his arm and Jillian touched the satiny material of the dress. "Mommy, you still need your shoes and your mask."

"You're right," Brenda answered as she sat back down on the bed. "Will you go get the shoes for me from the closet?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Yes, what color shoes?"

"The black ones that have little sparkles," Brenda responded. "They are in the first box on the low shelf."

Jillian scurried into the walk-in closet and a few moments later appeared with a pair of shoes in her hands. "Here are the sparkly ones."

Brenda winked at her. "Thank you. Now you can be my really special helper and put them on my feet."

Jillian handed Jax the shoes and then stood in front of Brenda and him as they sat on the bed. "Mommy, which foot?

Brenda held out her left foot and at the same time touched Jillian's left hand. "This foot which is the same as your hand. Which one is that? Remember what Daddy taught you?"

Jillian held out the thumb and index finger of her own left hand so that it made the shape of an "L". She then turned to Brenda. "It's the `L' hand."

Brenda nodded her head. "And what does the `L' hand mean?"

"Uhm, `L' is for Lady and for left since it has the same sound." Jillian held out her left hand. "This one's my left one."

She squeezed Jillian's shoulder. "That's perfect. It is the left one."

Jillian beamed as she faced Jax. "Daddy, Mommy wants me to get her left shoe. I made my `L' with my fingers just like I write for Lady's name."

Jax touched Jillian's cheek. "I'm very proud of you, princess." He handed her Brenda's left shoe. "Here's the left shoe for Mommy."

Jillian sat back down on the floor and slid on the shoe as Brenda held out her foot. Jax handed Jillian the right shoe and Jillian slid that one onto Brenda's foot as well. "All done."

"Thank you for being such a wonderful helper, Jillian." Brenda hugged Jillian and then stood up. She slipped on the matching jacket to her gown and then walked over to the dresser again.

Jax stood up and lifted Jillian into his arms. "You are such a sweet girl, princess."

Brenda made one final look in the mirror at the sparkling diamond combs securing her soft curls. She then picked up the diamond and onyx choker from her jewelry box and fastened it around her neck. "Okay, I guess I'm ready."

Jillian looked at Brenda's necklace and then at Jax's cufflinks." "Mommy matches your arms, Daddy."

Jax nodded his head. "Yes, Mommy and Daddy are a perfect match."

"Absolutely perfect." Brenda's eyes glistened in radiance and love.

A bright smile covered Jillian's face as she pointed to Brenda. "Mommy, now you have to spin."

"Like this?" Brenda laughed and then slowly twirled to give Jax and Jillian a complete view of her appearance.

"Uh-huh, Mommy." Jillian then rubbed her cheek against Jax's. "Mommy looks like a princess too. Her hair sparkles."

Jax kissed Jillian's cheek. "Yes, Mommy is a fairy princess too." He then gazed devotedly at Brenda. "And I couldn't be prouder of either of my princesses tonight."

"Thank you, thank you." Brenda curtsied and then picked up the masks.

Brenda then sighed contentedly as Jax met her in the center of the bedroom. She put her arm around him and they left the master suite to head downstairs. A prince and his two princesses surrounded by a kingdom of love and joy. Some days, life was even better than a fairytale.

The Versailles Room -- 9:45pm

The ballroom was adorned with candles and flowers as the Masquerade Ball was fully underway. The only things more beautiful than the embellishments surrounding the room were the perfectly coifed and appareled members of Port Charles society attending the gala. As the guests ate, drank and danced, Brenda and Keesha mingled around the room. The music provided a melodious backdrop as the silent auction continued.

The Mayor as well as several Kanga's Kradle families, the entire hospital board, the major business leaders of the area, and numerous other integral members of Port Charles society were in attendance. The offices of J & J Jacks and ELQ had purchased tables and Teddi had returned from Rome in time to join in on the festivities. Keesha and AJ had sat with the entire Jacks family and Robin and Matthew at the center table. Jerry and Julia had sat on opposite sides of the table and had spoken only briefly. The rest of the Quartermaines were at the table beside them. Gloria and Carmine had come into town to join Lois and Ned at the gala.

As Jax watched Brenda and Keesha introduce one of the Kanga's Kradle families to Mayor Ryan and his wife, John and Jane moved beside him. Jane smiled as she looked at the light on Jax's face. "It looks like she has another person wrapped around her little finger."

"And he doesn't even know it," Jax murmured as his mouth curved into a bigger grin.

A deep chuckle escaped from John's lips. "I knew that lovely lady had the mettle of a champion from the first moment I laid eyes on her." He shook his head in amazement. "I just thank the stars that the spirited sheila is on our side."

Jax nodded as he laughed. "Yes, Dad, she certainly would be a force to be reckoned with as an enemy."

John took a sip of his champagne. "Sometimes I think Brenda is a truer Jacks than any one of us."

A proud smile covered Jane's face. "And give Jillian a few years, she is definitely her mother's daughter."

John nodded his head. "That little Roo managed to clean me out of all of my quarters this evening by guessing how many I had in my pocket." He began chuckling out loud. "Only later did the little operator tell me that she had already counted the seven of them in my pocket." John clapped his hands together. "Talk about a chip off the old block."

"I told you that she's been spending too much time with Jerry," Jax retorted.

John rolled his eyes. "Nice try but your past precedes you."

"At least it wasn't opals," Jax responded with a Cheshire grin. "At least for today it wasn't. But tomorrow, I don't know."

Jane's eyes twinkled as she spoke. "Son, you will never have to be worried about ever having a dull moment with that one. Jillian is something else."

"That she is, Mum." Jax's entire face beamed as he caught sight of Brenda again now holding onto the hand of a six year old Kanga's Kradle resident. "And I know how lucky we are."

Jane stroked his arm. "I know you do, Jax."

A half hour later, AJ had asked Julia for a dance and they were out in the center of the room with Robin and Matt, Lucy and Kevin and Dara and Justus. Brenda looked over at Jerry standing at the next table with Scott, Francesca, Brian and Teddi. There were moments when Brenda was certain that Jerry's eyes were following Julia's movement around the dance floor. Julia's had done the same when Jerry had danced with Teddi earlier in the evening.

Carmine, Gloria and Lois walked up from behind and greeted Brenda. "Bren, everything has worked out perfectly."

Brenda sighed contentedly as she turned to Lois. "Yes, and I can't thank you enough for all your help."

"What else are best girlfriends for," Lois replied with a wave of her hand.

Jax then joined them and he pulled out a chair for Brenda. "Sweetie, why don't you sit down for a few minutes?"

Brenda sighed dramatically. "If I do, I'm not sure that I'll be able to get back up."

Jax took her hand. "We'll manage." He then turned to Carmine and Gloria and grinned. "I saw you two out on the dance floor earlier and Fred and Ginger would have been proud."

Carmine nodded. "When you have the same partner for forty years, you manage to get a flair for it."

"Awww," Brenda murmured. "Aren't you sweet?"

Gloria laughed. "Yes, all those cannolis I have made for him over the past forty years have done wonders."

Jax chuckled. "Gloria, maybe you can give your recipe to Cook for Edward." He then shook his head. "No, the old coot could live on a sugarcane plantation and still be a sourpuss."

An echoing laugh was heard from Carmine. "I'm waiting for that face to freeze in that sourpuss scowl."

Brenda saw Edward and Lila approaching and whispered to Jax. "Time-out on the abuse, please remember that you are talking about one of my chief benefactors this evening."

Jax flashed her a lopsided grin and turned to speak to Edward and Lila. "Good evening Edward and Lila."

"No insult?" Edward raised his eyebrow at Jax. "This must be your latest ply to get ELQ since even that renegade brother of yours did not mock me. Thankfully he is not his typical offensive self this evening."

Brenda looked over at the table at Jerry. Everyone was now noticing how different Jerry seemed to be of late. The halt to his bantering with Edward was just a small part of it. Misery changes everything.

Reading Brenda's thoughts, Jax squeezed her shoulder as he kissed Lila's hand. "Lila, you look enchanting."

"You are very kind," Lila responded with a radiant smile.

Carmine nodded his head. "Very enchanting. Everyone looks incredibly beautiful this evening." His eyes moved to the next table where Teddi sat in her sapphire blue silk gown. "In fact, one of the waiters about dropped his tray of champagne glasses when that stunning woman entered the room."

Jax looked over at the table. "Yes, she is lovely. That's Theodora Kwan, head of our Asian offices."

"She is something to behold." Edward then stroked Lila's shoulder. "Of course, she does not hold a candle to you, my dear."

Lila shook her head as she smiled at Brenda. "He still has a few attributes."

"I guess he's a keeper," Brenda retorted with a laugh.

Lila looked over and saw Scott and Teddi move out to the dance floor. "Mrs. Kwan is certainly a regal beauty."

Brenda nodded her head. "She most certainly is. And Teddi is a very delightful woman."

Jax caresses Brenda's shoulders. "But still nowhere near as bewitching as you are, my love."

A twinkle glittered from Lila's eye. "I guess you have a keeper as well."

"Yes, I do, Lila," Brenda replied as she lifted her hand to stroke Jax's fingers. "And we are two very lucky ladies."

Meanwhile, Julia left the ballroom to find the women's lounge. As she rounded the corner, Julia ran smack into Jerry. Her purse fell to the marble floor but Jerry was able to grasp her upper arms before Julia lost her balance. Jerry's fingers held tightly to the warm bare skin of her arms as their eyes met. Their faces were mere inches from each other and suddenly it became silent as even their breathing seemed to have ceased.

A moment later, Jerry took a sharp intake of air and broke eye contact with Julia. Without a word, he bent down and picked up her evening bag and handed it to Julia. Julia lowered her eyes as she took the bag from Jerry. When she did, Julia's fingers brushed against the outside of Jerry's hand. It was if a bolt of lightning had hit as both of their hands seem to jerk away from the other.

An uneasy sigh fell from Julia's lips. "Can you not even look at me anymore?"

"Don't, Julia," Jerry answered with a look of agitation. "This is not the time nor the place."

"That we agree on." Julia's voice was filled with emotion. "I just didn't think it was going to hurt this much."

Jerry shook his head as he briefly glanced at her. "Who would have ever known how excruciating it would be to have a stake driven through one's heart?"

Pain shot through her heart as tears welled up in Julia's eyes. "Excuse me."

"Julia..." Jerry tried to reach out for her hand but Julia bolted down the hallway without a backwards glance. He closed his eyes as a murmur escaped his lips. "I'm sorry."

It's sad, so sad
It's a sad, sad situation
And it's getting more and more absurd
It's sad, so sad
Why can't we talk it over
Oh it seems to me, sorry seems to be
Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Jerry accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and downed it in one gulp before taking another. He needed some air so he walked down the side corridor and opened the double doors to the terrace. As he walked onto the terrace, he saw Teddi standing in the corner looked up into the night sky. The trees edging the terrace were decorated with tiny white glittering lights and the reflection bounced off her sable locks like diamond dust.

Teddi was unaware of Jerry's presence until he stood right beside her. She was startled momentarily. "Jerry.... I didn't realize you were out here."

Jerry turned to face her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she murmured with a nod of her head. "I just needed a few minutes."

The air was still but it was typically crisp for late October. Jerry took off his jacket and covered Teddi's shoulders with it. "It's cold."

"Thank you." Her voice was wistful as her eyes roamed the star-filled sky again. "It's been a long time since I've had a tuxedo jacket wrapped around me."

Jerry leaned against the etched iron grill bordering the terrace wall. "How long, Teddi?"

"Almost three years ago." Unshed tears glistened from Teddi's eyes as she turned to Jerry. "February 22nd." She was looking at Jerry but in her mind she was in a very faraway place. "It was a balcony and the moon was just about full...."

"It sounds beautiful." Jerry put down his champagne glass and brushed back a loose tendril from her face.

Teddi swallowed the lump which has formed in her throat. "It was." She took a deep breath. "It was our last night together, a grand ball just like this. Tsao left the next day for Bangkok and the accident happened two days later."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." He moved behind Teddi and squeezed her shoulders as she continued to watch the stars.

"It didn't even hit me until I left the dance floor with Scott and the orchestra began playing Tchaikovsky." Teddi sniffed back her tears. "I just needed a few moments of reminiscence with myself."

Jerry rested his cheek in top of her head. The silkiness of her tresses felt like velvet against his skin. "Of course, you did." He pulled her deeper into his embrace and Teddi closed her eyes as her head rested against his chest.

A few moments passed and Jerry released Teddi from his arms. He moved beside Teddi again and she looked up at him as the twinkling lights illuminated her face. In that instant, it seemed as though their past had merged into the present. Wordlessly, Jerry moved his hands to Teddi's porcelain cheeks and cradled her face. Without thinking, Jerry moved his lips over hers. Involuntarily, her lips melded with Jerry's in response. A moment later, lucidity had returned and Teddi pulled away from the kiss.

Teddi covered her mouth with her hand as she stepped away from him. "Jerry...."

Jerry caught his breath. "Oh God, I'm sorry."

"I don't think this is the best time to talk about this," Teddi said as she took the tuxedo jacket from her shoulders.

Jerry moved toward her. "Please know that I..."

Teddi interrupted him. "Later, Jerry, when we both have all our wits about us." She handed him the jacket back and headed for the doors. "I'm going to say good night to everyone and then head upstairs. Good night Jerry."

"Good night Teddi," he whispered as Teddi walked back inside the hotel. Jerry leaned against the terrace wall and he covered his face with his hands. His muttered words seem to echo throughout the night air, "I'm sorry."

It had been some evening, he had sent two woman fleeing from his presence. As he stood there, Jerry could see the light inside the ballroom and hear the sound of laughter and music. It was the converse of the silent and dark terrace. He suddenly knew what it felt like to be an outsider looking in. Tonight it really seemed that life was moving ahead without him.

Sunday, October 28, 2001
The Port Charles Hotel -- 11:30am

Teddi was lost in thought as she sipped her jasmine tea in front of the huge window in the suite. The sun was glistening off the Port Charles River below and the brisk breeze rustled the few leaves that remained on the trees along the water's edge. The light of day brought back a flood of memories from the past evening and Teddi was caught up in each of them. It was not until a few seconds had passed that she realized that someone was knocking at the door to the suite.

She put down her cup of tea and crossed the room to reach the door. When Teddi opened it, she found Jerry standing in the hallway. She took a deep breath. "Hello Jerry."

"Teddi." Jerry put his hand on the door frame. "I'm surprised you didn't slam the door in my face."

"I thought I'd try a novel approach," Teddi said as she folded her arms in front of her. "I happen to know that you're an expert at having doors slammed in your face."

Jerry nodded his head. "Quite true." He looked directly at Teddi. "Does your novel approach include letting me inside to try to apologize for last night?"

Teddi moved back from the door and motioned Jerry inside. "Come in."

"Thank you." Jerry walked inside the suite and sat down on the chair as Teddi sat down on the couch.

She looked at the tuxedo shirt and trousers Jerry still wore from last night's Ball. "You look like hell."

"I've been trying to make some sense of last night." He exhaled sharply and then paused before speaking. "I'm sorry, Teddi. I was out of line."

Teddi bobbed her head in agreement. "That you were."

He muttered in frustration. "We were out on that balcony and I wasn't even thinking. You were upset." Jerry moistened his dry lips. "It was as if we were on that beach again."

"Eight years was a lifetime ago." A soft sigh escaped from Teddi's lips. "Jerry, you're not in a position to go down this road again."

Jerry lowered his eyes to the floor. "I wasn't trying to."

"Yes, you were," Teddi said with a nod. "And last night was not about me, it was about Julia. I'm not her."

"I know you're not." Jerry brushed his fingers through his hair.

"Do you?" She exhaled slowly. "I'm not about to be anyone's substitute."

He stood up and started pacing around the living room area. "Teddi, you could never be anyone's substitute."

"You're still in love with her." Teddi's eyes met his across the room. "And Julia loves you."

Jerry cleared his throat. "I don't know about that."

"Yes, you do." Teddi's tone had a slight edge to it. "You're just running again. Believe me, I recognize that first hand."

A ragged sigh fell from Jerry's lips as the events of eight years before came rushing back to him. "I never meant to hurt you."

"But you did -- immensely." Her voice exhibited a hint of emotion. "And you're doing the same thing now to Julia."

Jerry shook his head. "It's not the same."

"But neither are you." Teddi folded her hands together on her lap. "You finally let somebody in and now you're trying to push her away without even a fight."

Jerry swallowed the lump in his throat. "Sometimes you have to know when to walk away."

Teddia shook her head. "Jerry, the mind and the heart don't always lead us to the same place. You listened to your heart when you allowed Julia inside it, don't stop listening now."

"You were inside it too." Jerry's eyes met hers. "I did love you." He paused a moment before continuing. "I just couldn't admit it to myself or to you. I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Teddi held his gaze. "I loved you so much and when you left me in the garden, I didn't think I could ever hurt that much again. But I was wrong." Her voice trembled with emotion. "When Tsao died, I thought I had as well."

Jerry heard the conviction in her voice as Teddi continued. "But it then made me realize just how precious life is and just how determined one has to be in holding onto every moment of happiness that they are given." She admonished him with her eyes. "Don't you two see what you are doing?"

Jerry rubbed his temple. "It's not that simple."

"The hell it's not," she snapped. "How can either of you just walk away from everything you have built together?"

Jerry had no response as Teddi proceeded. "Obviously I only know what you have told me about your troubles but I know you, Jerry. And I know enough about Julia to know that she shares your determination and staunch tenacity to get what she wants." Teddi took a deep breath and gave him a curious look. "Don't you see that Julia is as frightened as you are?"

"Teddi, this is not some high powered business deal," Jerry replied with a frustrated sigh. "This is so much more than that."

"Of course it is," Teddi responded with a nod of her head. "You have to trust one another." A pensive look crossed her face. "I know how difficult that issue can be for you especially for matters of the heart."

Jerry closed his eyes as Teddi's words hit close to home. "Yes, you know."

"But you found a way to do so with Julia." She took a deep breath. "How long did it take?"

Jerry sat back down in the chair. "Months and months."

"But you did." A small smile appeared on her face. "Jerry, that means something. It means a lot." Teddi sighed softly. "Now you just have to figure out what you want?"

"I know I do," Jerry nervously rubbed the back of his aching neck and then looked up at Teddi again. "What about us? Have I screwed that up too?"

Teddi shook her head. "No, but I can't be your consolation and you can't be mine." She exhaled sharply. "Even after everything we have been through, you still mean too much to me for that to happen."

"You mean too much to me as well." His mouth curved into a smile. "I promise there won't be a repeat of last night."

Teddi bobbed her head. "Okay. And the past stays where it belongs -- in the past."

"Agreed." Jerry looked at his watch. "I'm sure you have some things to take care of before your flight this evening so I will leave you to them."

She rose from the sofa and followed Jerry to the door. "I'll talk to you during the week."

Jerry faced her at the door. "Please tell Tron hello for me."

"I will." Teddi then cleared her throat. "And please let that heart of yours get a word in edgewise."

"I'll try." Jerry grasped her hand. "Thank you Teddi for everything."

She squeezed Jerry's hand in return. "You're welcome." Teddi gave him a bright smile. "What are old friends for?"

Jerry wished her a safe trip and left the suite. Teddi watched him step onto the elevator and Jerry waved good-bye as the elevator doors closed. As the elevator descended, Jerry leaned against the mahogany paneled side and sighed in relief. At least he had been able to salvage one relationship from the evening before. Julia was another hurdle and one that he was sure he would ever be able to tackle again. Maybe one day, he would be able to trust himself to answer that question too.

The Jacks Residence -- 4:30pm

As Brenda got out of bed from her nap, the upstairs was quiet. She stepped into her shoes and left the master suite. As she did, Brenda smiled as she heard Jillian humming to herself from the Angel room. When she reached the door to the room, Brenda found Jillian on the floor playing with her doll house as Jane read in the rocking chair.

"Hello you two," Brenda murmured as she walked into the room.

Jillian beamed as she held the little girl figurine from the doll house. "Mommy, you're awake."

Brenda nodded. "Yes, I'm awake, sweetheart. Did you have a nice nap?"

"Yes, Mommy," Jillian replied with a bob of her head. "And Daddy said we had to whisper so you wouldn't wake up."

She winked at Jillian. "You and Daddy are so good to Mommy."

Jane put down her book. "Did you get some rest, my dear?"

"Yes, thank you." She sighed softly. "Yesterday took more out of me than I realized."

"The past two weeks have been exhausting for you," Jane responded in a nurturing tone. "I'm glad that you can get some rest and time to relax now."

Brenda laughed to herself. "I see Jax has recruited you too."

"You know how this family operates," Jane retorted with a smile. "You deal with one, you deal with all."

A bright smile crossed her face. "Thankfully, I know that and I am more grateful every day for being considered a part of it."

"We're all thankful." Jane reached out and patted Brenda's hand. "You're the best thing that ever happened to my son. He's so proud of you, Brenda, all of us are."

Brenda took a deep breath to control the emotions flooding through her. "Thank you....For everything, especially for Jax. He's the most precious gift I could have ever received."

Jillian looked up at Brenda and Jane. "Mommy, are you and Grandmom gonna cry?"

"Maybe a little," Brenda answered as she wiped away the tear from the corner of her eye. "But it's because we are happy not sad."

A beaming smile covered Jillian's entire face. "Smiley tears are good."

"Yes, they are." Brenda smiled at Jane and then walked over to the doll house. "It looks like someone is having a party in their house today."

"Uh-huh and they get to wear sparkly dresses just like you and Grandmom." Jillian licked her lips. "And have baby chocolate cakes too."

Brenda softly laughed. "Did you like the little cake the we brought home for you last night from the Ball?"

"It was yummy." She then gave Brenda a bewildered look. "But was it really like Mickey and Minnie?"

"What, sweetheart?" Brenda's face displayed the same look of confusion that Jillian's did.

"Daddy said it had a mouse in it." Jillian scrunched up her face. "A mouse cake?"

Brenda suppressed her mirth as she shook her head. "No, Jillian, it was mousse not mouse." She fingered a curl on top of Jillian's head. "Mousse was the fluffy chocolate inside, it's like pudding."

Jillian's mouth formed a huge "O" as she spoke. "Ooohhh, that was soo good." She then sighed in great relief. "I'm so glad it wasn't mouse, I didn't want to eat any of Mickey and Minnie's friends."

"I understand." Brenda stroked Jillian's cheek and then sat down on the couch. "Where are Daddy and Grandpa?"

"Playing pool," Jillian answered as she stood up. "I'm gonna go see them and tell them you're up."

Brenda smiled at her. "Okay, sweetie. Remember to hold onto the railing." She watched Jillian head out the door and then turned to Jane. "Have you been able to reach Julia yet?"

Jane shook her head. "No, I've called the loft and left her a message but no word."

"I had left her one this morning as well." A frustrated sigh fell from Brenda's lips. "I don't know what happened but something upset her last night. She said good-bye and just disappeared before I could speak to her."

"I know, I saw her rushing out of the ballroom and then she was gone." Jane shook her head. "I only saw Jerry briefly after that and he was in no better shape."

She exhaled sharply. "Jane, I'm really frightened for them right now. They've been apart two months and they're pushing each other further away as each day passes."

Jane nodded her head. "It scares me as well. Jerry has those walls up again that took years to come down in the first place."

"Julia put them up first and I know how much that hurt him," Brenda exclaimed in a sorrowful tone. "The same way it hurt Jax when I shut him out after we lost Jamie. Now I really can see firsthand what we could have lost."

"Even in those torturous months, you and Jax were still fighting to hold onto something." She gave Brenda a reassuring smile. "That was the difference, something inside both of you refused to give up and that made you stronger in the end."

Brenda swallowed the lump in her throat. "It did do that." She then rested her hand on her stomach as the twins' late afternoon play session had begun. "And it's provided us the strength to make it this far with this pregnancy."

"And it will get you through these last three months." Jane then turned her head to the window as she heard the faint sound of Snowflake's singing. "That and some special help."

Brenda's smile returned. "Very special help."

A moment later Jax walked into the room alone. "Hey sweetie."

"Hey yourself." Brenda raised her head to accept his tender kiss. "Where's Jillian?"

Jax chuckled as he sat down on the couch beside her. "Taking quarters from Dad."

"This I want to see." Jane rose from the rocking chair. "I will see you both shortly."

Jane left the study and Jax took Brenda's hand and kissed it. "Are you all right?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes, and I promise I will get plenty of rest and relaxation."

"You'd better," Jax replied with a teasing smile. "Or I will just have to stay home and ensure that you do."

A smug grin appeared on her face. "With the threat of that torture, I will be sure to rest and relax."

"Come here you," Jax retorted as he grasped Brenda in a bear hug. Brenda's arms wrapped around his neck and held him even tighter than his own embrace of her. Jax kissed the side of her face. "You okay, sweetie?"

"Yes," Brenda whispered to him. "I'm just so glad I have you."

Jax smiled as he nuzzled his lips behind her ear. "Right back at ya."

They then heard Jillian's voice in the hall and she then walked into the room holding Julia's hand. "Aunt Julia's here."

Brenda flashed Julia a smile. "I'm so happy to see you."

Julia gave Brenda a weak smile in return. "I know you and Jane called.... I just wasn't up to talking."

Jillian then moved in front of Julia. "Aunt Julia, look at my new picture." Jillian pointed to the bottom row on the collage. "It's my birthday."

"It's beautiful, honey," Julia said as she touched Jillian's shoulder.

"Look at all the pictures now." Jillian beamed as she looked at the assortment of family photos. "They make Mommy have smiley tears."

A soft sigh escaped from Julia's lips. "I bet they do."

Jillian pointed to the photo from Jerry and Julia's wedding day. "There's you in your pretty dress like Cinderella. And Uncle Jerry's laughing."

Memories from that day flooded Julia's mind and tears stung her eyes. A small frown appeared on Jillian's face as she looked up at Julia. "You don't have smiley tears, you're sad, Aunt Julia."

Julia brushed away her tear with a nod. "You're right, Jillian."

She wrapped her arms around Julia's legs. "Do you feel better now? Mommy says hugs are like medicine."

Julia smiled though her tears. "Yes, I feel better. Thank you honey."

"Uncle Jerry's sad too," Jillian said with a long sigh. "If you hug him and he hugs you back, you will be all better."

"That would be nice, Jillian." Julia fought to maintain her composure.

Jax got up from the couch and lifted Jillian into his arms. "Princess, why don't we go downstairs and see if Josee has finished cooking dinner."

"Okay, Daddy." She wrapped her arms around Jax's neck and then turned back to Julia. "You can eat with us Aunt Julia and I can hug you some more. Roo-Roo too."

"That would be perfect." Julia managed a small smile. "Thank you Jillian."

Jax carried Jillian out of the room and Brenda grabbed a handful of tissues from the box on the table. She walked over to Julia and handed them to her. "Here you go."

Julia blew her nose. "Thank you."

"If you want to talk, I'm here," Brenda murmured as she rubbed Julia's back.

"I've hurt him so much and I don't know how I will ever make that up to him. Her voice was choked with emotion. "How do you ever say you're sorry?"

Brenda took a deep breath. "You fight to find a way." She paused for continuing. "But you hurt yourself as well. You have to find a way to forgive yourself first."

Julia nodded. "I know." She looked directly at Brenda as she spoke. "I need some help. Do you really think Melanie can help me find someone to do that?"

A huge smile covered Brenda's face. "Yes, I do." She hugged Julia. "We'll call her tomorrow morning and you can begin."

"I hope so." Julia hugged Brenda back. "And then just hope it isn't too late to say I'm sorry."

What do I do to make love you me
What do I gotta do to be heard
What do I do when lightning strikes me
What do I got to do
What do I got to do
Sorry seems to be the hardest word

SONG CREDITS: "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" by Elton John