Chapter 3
The birds chirped to the rising sun. Ric drank his coffee as he strategized for the day. He needed to stay busy so he wouldn't think about Elizabeth. He couldn't sleep last night due to his sweet dreams of her turning into nightmares. Frustrated, he went to see his daughter. As soon as Molly spotted her dad, she ran to him squealing. "Daddy! You're here! I'm so happy to see you!" "How's my little girl? You're more beautiful every day you know?" "Come on in, I want you to meet my boyfriend. Dad, this is my boyfriend TJ. I've told him all about you." Ric shook his hand. "Oh this is the one that cheated on you?" "Dad! I thought I explained everything to you." Ric stared at TJ before smiling, "I'm just messing with you TJ. I understand making mistakes when you think a relationship is over," Ric said sadly. Embarrassed, TJ didn't quite know what to say so he politely excused himself to leave. "So, now that we're alone, how have you been?" "Dad, we talk every day." "I know but seeing you in person is so much better than video chatting with you." "I know. I have so many plans for us. Let's go ice skating. I'll send my friends a text to meet us there." "Is TJ coming?" "Of course." "Good, I can keep an eye on him." "Dad don't worry. Give him a chance, you'll love him." "I guess he's better than the poetic vampire kid." "Dad, Rafe is not a vampire kid! He's been through a lot you know?" "Yeah whatever, let's go."
Hours later, Molly and TJ rushed Ric into the E.R. at General Hospital. "Please somebody help. My dad is hurt!" "Molly please don't worry. I'll be fine." "No Dad, you need a doctor." Elizabeth arrived shocked to see Ric. At that moment, he wished he could disappear. "Elizabeth please help my dad. He's hurt." "Sure let's get him into the examination room." "Molly helped him into the room. When Dr. Silas Clay arrived, she and TJ excused themselves. "So what happened?" Elizabeth pretended to study his chart but was clearly listening. "Look I was trying to show off for my daughter. We were playing hockey and I got a little overzealous. I slipped and fell. My daughter insisted on bringing me here." "Well don't worry, it doesn't look too bad. We'll let Molly know she doesn't have to worry." "Thanks." Dr. Clay took xrays and left to study them. "Ric how did you do this? You always did pretty well on the ice." "This is what happens when you compete with a teenage boy for your daughter's affection." "Ah, so you were showing off?" "Yeah, she's my little girl. Even though she's not so little anymore. Elizabeth, I've missed so much time with her since I've been gone. "Well you know kids grow like weeds around here. I still can't believe how big Cameron is." "My main man Cameron! How is he?" "He's great. The sweetest kid and he even likes art!" "Taking after his mother, I see. You were a great artist you know?" "You always encouraged me as an artist. Thank you for that." "Thank you for sharing your gift with me. Do you still paint?" "No unfortunately. Between work and the kids, I don't have the time." "Well when you do promise to paint me my own Elizabeth Webber original." Dr. Clay returned with the results. He informed Ric that his ankle was sprained and the precautions he needed to take for the swelling and pain to go away. Ric thanked the doctor. Elizabeth wrapped Ric's ankle and updated his chart. As she wrote he stared at her not sure what he was feeling. He reached out to touch her cheek. Ric felt no pain as he moved closer to her. "You're the one thing I didn't count on. Meeting you, falling in loving you, losing you in such a horrific way. It's damaged me more than you can ever imagine. My heart still lives for you. I don't really know how to bury my feelings for you," Ric said lovingly. He closed the gap between them and kissed her as if his life depended on it. It had been years but their kiss held the same magic. Startled by his actions, Ric stopped the kiss. "Ric it's ok. I didn't mind the kiss," Elizabeth said.