Alexis stood in the middle of the crowded room marveling at how much life had changed in the last several months. She, Sonny and Jillian were now living together, with Jillian spending most weekends at Jaxs new house in the country. Sonny and Jax were civil, most of the time. Once Alexis had caught them having an almost friendly conversation. When Alexis and Jillian moved in with Sonny, Courtney had moved in with Kristina. Both Sonny and Alexis enjoyed having their sisters close by.
Suddenly Alexis realized Jillian was trying to get her attention. She was holding up the most recently unwrapped present to show her. So far Jillian had received an antique necklace and earrings from Stefan, a collection of porcelain dolls in designer gowns from Nicholas and Gia. Actually Gia had chosen the dolls; Nicholas had included a couple video games. Courtney had given her a CD that was obviously appreciated judging from Jillians reaction. She was now opening the present from Kristina and Max.
"A make-up case," Jillian exclaimed excitedly.
"You're too young for make-up!" Sonny and Jax spoke at the exact same time and now looked rather annoyed, probably because they had just agreed on something.
"Relax guys, its just nail polish and lip gloss," Kristina assured them. "Man, what are you guys going to do when she starts dating?" The identical looks of horror on their faces were enough to make everyone laugh. Before long the party was over and most of the guests had left, only Jax, Kristina and Courtney remained.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to wait for your present from me until we get to the house." Jax was telling his daughter.
"Can't you give me a hint?"
"A hint?"
"Yeah, like is it furry?" Jax laughed, Jillian had been begging him to buy a dog for months.
"You know," Alexis told her, "the sooner you go upstairs and get your stuff together the sooner you can find out what it is." Jillian quickly bolted up the stairs and into her room to pack.
"She's certainly in a hurry to find out what you got her," Courtney remarked to Jax.
"Well I am a notoriously good gift giver." He replied smiling. "You got her the dog, didn't you?"
"Maybe." Sonny came over and interrupted them, explaining that he needed to speak to Courtney. Jax came over to Alexis.
"I swear that man a some sort of sensor on his sister, every time I try to have a conversation with her, he shows up." He stated with frustration. Alexis however, wasn't really paying attention and Jax quickly noticed how tired she looked. "How are you doing?" He asked worriedly.
"I'm fine."
"Liar." She glared at him. "You look tired."
"I am, I've been working a lot lately."
"Sure, why don't you let Jilly stay with me for a couple extra days, my parents are coming in and they'd love to have her at the house with us. It would give you a chance to relax, spend some time with Sonny, let him in on your secret."
"Jax."
"You have to tell Sonny what's going on, he has the right to know."
"And I have the right to decided when and how he finds out."
"Alexis..."
"I mean it Jax, I will tell Sonny in my own time, just like I'm sure you want to tell him in your own time that you're dating Courtney."
"Are you trying to blackmail me? He asked somewhat shocked.
"No, I'm just suggesting it might be in our mutual best interests to keep quiet." She replied carefully.
"Careful, your Cassadine roots are showing, besides which I am not dating Courtney." She gave him a look that was clearly skeptical. "She's had dinner at the house a couple times after taking Jillian to a movie, that hardly constitutes dating."
"Of course not," she agreed smiling.
"Alexis..."
"Hey, what's going on?" Kristina asked joining them.
"Your sister is blackmailing me."
"Because of the Courtney thing?"
"There is no Courtney thing." Jax insisted a little too loudly.
"If you don't keep it down Alexis won't have to tell Sonny. So why are you blackmailing him?" She asked turning her attention to Alexis.
"Jax was just telling me what I have to do."
"Really, and are you listening to him?"
"Look I appreciate your concern but I will tell Sonny in my own way and in my own time and I would..." Alexis had noticed the room begin to spin a little as she was talking but she was unaware how dizzy she was until she found herself collapsing in Jaxs arms.
As he caught her, Jax called her name. It was enough to catch Sonny's attention and within seconds he had taken her from Jax's arms and carried her to the couch. By this time Alexis was fully conscious.
"Sonny I'm fine," she tried to reassure him but his eyes were filled with concern.
"No you're not, I'm going to call a doctor."
"That's really not necessary." She told him gratefully accepting the glass of water that Jax handed her. Sonny caught Jax's eye and saw something he hadn't noticed before, was is guilt, pity? Kristina was looking at him the same way.
"Okay what the hell is going on here?" Sonny asked with controlled anger. "What is it no one's telling me?"
"I'm all ready to go Dad." Jillian exclaimed as she bounded down the stairs oblivious to the tension in the room.
"Great lets go, ladies can we walk you out?" Kristina and Courtney all but ran to the door abandoning Alexis to Sonny's questioning glare.