Chapter 96

Keesha sat up in bed as Jax closed the door-leaving her in the bedroom alone.

Sometimes, she didn't understand him.

She understood that he worried about her, especially since she had been kidnapped.

She understood that he had a fear that something would happen to her, and she would die, leaving him alone.

She understood that he could not control that fear.

But what she didn't understand is why he couldn't see that she had the same fears.

Her greatest fear was that one day Jax would get too deeply involved in the wrong scheme, with the wrong person, against an enemy he had underestimated-and she would lose him.

And that was why she had started working so closely with Stefan. To stop Jax from getting involved in things that could take him away from her-and their children.

She told him the truth-Stefan never asked her to put herself in danger. But he wouldn't think twice before asking Jax to do so. So why couldn't he understand that?

"Son?"

Jax turned away from the fireplace. "Hi Dad." he smiled. "What's on your mind?"

"What's on yours?"

"I was thinking about how lucky I am...and what you and Jerry told me-that it's never good to push one's luck." he went back to staring at the mantlepeice once more.

John walked over to Jax, placing his hand on his back. "Elaborate."

Jax picked up the picture of him and Brenda. "You still have this."

"Of course. We adored Brenda. We adore Keesha too. We love anyone who makes you happy."

Jax nodded, sighing before replacing the picture.

"Brenda is up in heaven, smiling-knowing that you're happy as well." John added.

"I know. I miss her."

"I know. Is that what you mean...about not pushing your luck?"

Jax sighed once more, leaving the fireplace to sit down on the couch. "Not me so much as Keesha. She's taking...unnecessary risks. And I can't stop her. She's going to do what she's going to do. But...how many more favors can I ask God for, Dad? I've already almost lost her once...Jocelyn is a miracle...but I am lucky. Not everyone is so lucky...I don't think Keesha actually realizes just how important her life is to me. Or just in general. I mean, I know she understands that I worry, but..." he shook his head, looking at the floor. "She's involved with Stefan." he explained.

"Stefan Cassadine?!"

"The one and only. Miranda's involvement in the Cassadines was what turned her into...the person she was. Bobbie's life was almost destroyed when she got involved in between the war between him and Spencer. Katherine falls off a parapet. Helena tried to kill Alexis. I shudder to think how many people she has killed. And Keesha acts like hanging out, working with Stefan is the most logical thing in the world. Doesn't she even think?!"

"Jax..."

Jax stood as his anger continued to grow. "We're lucky, Keesha and I are lucky that we found each other, we're lucky that we have our children...we're LUCKY. Brenda never...Brenda never got that chance..." His voice lowered to a whisper. "How can Keesha be so selfish, Dad? I don't understand..."

"He has been found."

Keesha sat down on the bed. "Thank you Stefan. Should I call Carly?"

"No. I want to watch him."

"Where is he?"

"In Puerto Rico. Why I am not sure. But Spencer is there."

"Luke?"

"Yes...you are still in Alaska?"

"Yes."

"When you return to Port Charles it is imperative that I see you. I require help."

"Okay..." Keesha looked up as the door opened. Jax stood in the doorway. "Thanks again."

"Thank you. Had you not called I never would have known that Morgan and Spencer were meeting. You are far more valuable and helpful than you know." Stefan actually smiled. "And I trust you." His smile faded. "There are not many people I trust, Keesha."

Keesha blinked slowly, looking away from Jax. "I understand."

"I hope so. Because it is not a wise thing to betray such a trust," Stefan finished.

Keesha closed her eyes, listening to the dial tone. Finally she hung up and turned back around. "Why are you standing in the doorway?" she asked Jax.

"I want to show you something."

"Are you warm?"

"Barely." Keesha smiled. Jax walked over to her, wrapping her scarf tighter around her. "Why do you want to show me...nothing?" she looked around, seeing nothing but snow and a few empty, condemned buildings.

Jax bent down running his fingers through the snow. "We lived here, when we first came to Alaska. Right where we're standing, is in the middle of a parking lot. And that place there..." Jax pointed to what was left of a tall brick building. "Was our first home in Alaska. 2 rooms. Shared bathroom with three other floors."

Keesha stared for a moment, and then looked back at Jax.

"My life has changed quite a bit, you see....I have been extremely lucky most of my life." Jax closed the space between them, wrapping his arms around her. "You know what my father always said?"

Keesha tightened her hold, closing her eyes.

"Never push your luck."

His words sunk in slowly, and after a long while she pulled away. "This is about Stefan."

"Yes. I...want..." he began, though he would rather have said need "...you to stay away from him."

"Look, I know that you're worried about me, but you really have no reason to. I am well aware of what I am doing, and I would never do anything to put myself in danger. I wouldn't do it."

"Keesha..."

"Can't you trust me? I am doing what is best."

"I do trust you..."

"Okay then." Keesha smiled, hoping the matter would drop. "Thank you for bringing me here...it means the world to me."

Jax nodded, smiling softly. "Let's go."