Thanks for everyone's patience. It's been nuts of late. I do have another story started for when this one concludes so I will be working on that, also. Thanks for all the great reviews and please keep up the good work.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Q's but think I should
GENERAL HOSPITAL ER
The ER was in chaos after the explosion. Hospital personnel were re-directed to other entrances as it was not yet determined whether there were any injuries with the accident.
Monica came out of her patient's cubicle and walked over to the ER Nurses station. She had taken charge in Alan's absence, ordering everyone on standby for victims and business as usual until a cause for the explosion could be determined. She was determined that Alan would have his day off with his grandchildren unless it was absolutely necessary for him to come in.
While she was updating her patient's chart, Bobbie was making notes while on the phone. After a minute, she hung up and turned to Monica with a serious face.
"Bobbie, any news yet?" Monica asked.
"The fire is out finally. They think it was a bomb.+"
"What!"
"That's what I was just told, but they're not yet releasing that information to the media" Bobbie shuddered for a moment, shook it off, and then continued. "There was one victim in the car. From that update I received, Jaws of Life got the driver out. They suffered severe 3rd degree burns and thoracic injuries, but a faint pulse was detected, and they're on their way up. It's bad, Monica."
"Oh God."
"Someone else was caught in the crossfire down there. They're bringing that patient up also. What's the verdict with Mr. Hale?"
"Heartburn. Ignoring post op instructions, he ate a Wendy's Baconator with extra bacon. All that grease and fat rebelled against his system. After getting a strong lecture from me about following protocol after triple bypass surgery, I got a sworn oath to, and I quote, 'never eat that shit again!'"
Both women released a needed laugh. "Instructions, Doctor?" Bobbie asked
Monica finished giving Bobbie her instructions when she saw Emily, who had a cut on her head, being wheeled into the ER on the stretcher. Monica ran over. "Emily, what's going on?"
"Mom, my SUV exploded. Skye—"
Suddenly, the doors burst through as the paramedics brought someone Monica could see with horrific burns all over their flesh. As the patient passed the Quartermaines, Monica realized it was Skye, barely recognizable. In areas where she was not burned, she was either bloodied or white as a ghost. She also had a large wound in her thoracic cavity.
A moment later, Robin came running up with Amy. After a cursory examination, Robin gave instructions to Amy and the paramedics. "She's unresponsive and going into shock. Take her to Trauma One." She looked to Bobbie. "I'm going to need a trauma surgeon and OR prepped yesterday. The burn unit will also needs a heads up."
She then looked to Monica. "She has several 3rd degree burns and is in severe shock. She also has a large wound in her chest cavity. I need someone from your staff as a consult. I do need to ask since she's unconscious if she would have any objection to me stabilizing her until the trauma surgeon gets down here."
"No, she's not my favorite, but she's not ignorant." Monica turned to her friend. "Bobbie, call Dr. Boardman down here"
The cardiologist then turned back to Robin. "I'm observing, Robin"
"Fine, Monica. I'll see you in there" Robin said before she rushed off while Bobbie made the arrangements Robin ordered.
Monica turned to Elizabeth, who was standing by looking at Emily's cut and badgering her to get examined. "Elizabeth, will you see that my daughter and the babies get checked out"
"Mom, I'm fine" Emily said exasperated
"Emily, don't argue with me" Monica turned back to Elizabeth. "Please call Alan and let him know what's going on" She rushed to scrub for Skye's surgery.
TWO HOURS LATER
After being hooked up to the fetal monitor and being examined by Kelly, it was determined that Emily's fall from the impact of the bomb caused no injury to the babies. She had no concussion, but she had to get stitches to close the laceration above her left eyebrow.
After Emily was treated, she and Alan headed to his office, where Nikolas was forced to wait because he was still very contagious from his cold. Both were ordered home by Alan.
"Dad, no, I'm fine. I want to be here for you while Skye is in surgery"
Alan's nerves were shot and he was not in the mood to argue. "Emily, your husband is ill with a contagious head cold. You had a very serious fall which led to you getting 10 stitches above your left eye and you've just entered your second trimester. Kelly and I are both recommending you go home to rest."
"I don't need rest. I need to be here for you."
Alan finally lost his temper. "Damn it, Emily! I don't need another child to worry about right now!" He immediately regretted his words when he saw his daughter turn white and Nikolas sit up like a shot. He quickly grabbed his daughter and hugged her. "Oh Sweetheart, I'm sorry."
Emily knew her father was trying to keep it together and understood. "Dad, it's okay. If you're sure you're going to be fine, I'll go home"
"Reginald will take you home. I don't want either of you driving, especially your husband who is hopped up on Nyquil and God only knows what right now"
Nikolas opened his mouth to speak, and then stopped. Emily hugged her father tightly, wanting to offer him some of the comfort that he always shared with her through the rough spots she had experienced in her life. "Dad, Dr Hunt and Dr. Boardman are going to do all that they can for Skye. Mom is observing, so let's keep the faith, okay?" Each didn't want to voice what the other knew. "I want an update as soon as possible."
"Okay, I promise. Now, both of you get out of my hospital!" Alan said with forced cheer.
After his daughter and son-in-law got their coats on, he walked with them out the door and to the limousine, which was parked at the front entrance because the underground garage was cordoned off by the PCPD. He sent them home with orders for Nikolas to go back to bed for another 24-48 hrs and Emily to get some rest, leaving Spencer at the mansion with Big Alice until the family returned. When the vehicle pulled away, he wiped a tear from his eye and walked back to go to the waiting area where the family was.
As they were being driven home, Nikolas hugged Emily while attempting to keep from breathing on her. "I'm so glad you're all right, Em" he said in a raspy voice strained from laryngitis.
Emily felt a tear come down her face. "I feel terrible for saying this, but part of me is relieved. If it wasn't for Skye, I would be the one in that OR right now, and our babies….."
Nikolas held his wife tighter again, trying to get the images of Emily and his unborn children in an explosion out of his mind. "Emily, honestly, what are Skye's chances?"
Emily left Nikolas's embrace and looked at him square in the eyes. "She wasn't responsive when they were finally able to get her out of my SUV. She had 3rd degree burns all over her body. Thoracic injuries….Oh God, Nikolas. It's not good at all"
She leaned on her husband's chest, ignoring her husband's cold as they rode home together, each grateful to have the other.
FOUR HOURS LATER
The Quartermaine family maintained a vigil in the OR waiting room. Even Tracy came, maintaining restraint at the warning of Luke.
Alan stood looking out the window, thinking back to the conversation he had with Skye several days earlier.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Skye and Alan were in the Quartermaine Den having tea and watching Lila. A few seconds later, the child came over to Alan, who picked her up and put her on his lap. "Come here, Sweet Pea" Alan said as Lila began to eat his tie to their laughter.
Skye's face merged into a serious look on her face as she sat her tea cup down. "Alan, there's something I want to talk to you about"
Alan saw her face. "What is it, Skye?"
Skye hesitated for a second, but knew she needed to say what she had to say. "I went to see Alexis yesterday."
Alan kept his face neutral, but began to worry. "What about?"
Skye exhaled. "After what happened with Lorenzo, I decided I do not want to be caught off guard again."
Alan was perplexed along with concerned. "Skye, you're starting to worry me. What's going on?"
"I had Alexis draw up papers regarding Lila. I wanted to let you know that should something happen to me, I want AJ to assume legal custody of Lila."
Alan became very scared. "What is going on? Is there something you need to tell me?"
"No, Alan. AJ and I have been discussing this at length for the last couple of weeks and he felt I should go to Alexis and make it legal."
She took a breath and then continued. "After what happened last month, I had to do this for my daughter. My childhood was chaotic and without a steadying influence. I don't want my daughter to go through the same thing. As much as I love Adam Chandler, I don't want him to be the main influence in my baby's life. His love, while well meaning, is poison. My mother and I are barely on speaking terms and she's always busy with her life. The Quartermaines may rip each other apart, but I know that AJ will look out for Lila's best interests and stand up to Edward when necessary. I just hope you're not offended that I didn't name you and Monica her legal guardians."
Alan was slightly put out, but was okay with her choice. "I'm sure you had your reasons, Skye."
"I want to tell you why." She waited for a second, and then continued. "I put you and Monica through so much when I came to town and you two have been through hell and back. Your presence in my life and Lila's is something I will always be grateful for. I want you and Monica to be able to enjoy each other and to spoil your grandchildren.
Alan smiled. "We already do both of those, quite often, but okay, I guess I can accept that."
Skye wiped a tear from her eye. "I love you, Alan"
"I love you, too Skye. Now can we change the subject? It's getting very depressing, especially when my granddaughter is eating my tie. What is it with my grandchildren eating my ties?"
Skye and Alan laugh as they enjoy Lila's antics.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Alan came back to the present with a heavy heart. "God, Skye, I hope that your preparations are not necessary. You have a daughter to be there for"
AJ watched his father's torment, so he got up and walked to him. He put his hand on his father's shoulder. Alan turned around and grabbed his son in a fierce hug, holding in all his emotion. Even his son's comfort wouldn't allow Alan to let go.
A moment later, Monica came out into the OR waiting room. She was covered in blood and was drained physically and emotionally. When she saw Alan, tunnel vision kicked in as she came towards him.
Alan saw his wife's eyes and knew in his heart before she said a word what the outcome was. Keeping himself composed, he waited until Monica told the rest of the family of Skye's surgery. A few minutes later, Monica held out her hand and he took it as they walked through the OR doors.
A few minutes later, Monica was talking to Alan as they walked past the OR suites. "Since her records indicated she was an organ donor, Boardman and other doctors harvested what organs could be viable, but her heart and lungs were too severely damaged."
Seeing that they arrived, Monica stopped and turned to Alan and squeezed his hand. "I'll be out here, Darling."
Alan nodded numbly as he squeezed back before he turned to the OR suite doors. When he opened the doors, he focused on the sight in front of him.
Skye lay on the operating table, motionless. She was barely recognizable with burns and emergency dressings covering most of her body. He found a stool nearby and wheeled it over to her. Alan sat down and took her hand gingerly. Parts of her glove had melted onto her hand, but Alan needed the contact with the woman he loved as his daughter.
"You knew…you knew when we talked that day about Lila's guardianship, didn't you? Mother and Monica always told me that a mother's intuition was never wrong. You knew deep down that your time was limited and you wanted to make sure we knew how you felt about the family and that Lila Rae was taken care of."
Alan inhaled sharply, ignoring the smell of burned flesh, medicine, and death, and continued to voice his thoughts.
"The road I have traveled with you has been very rocky, young lady. You were my daughter, and then you weren't. You were again, then once again not, but in the end, we were father and daughter. I wanted to say 'I told you so' when you realized the truth about Lorenzo, but I never wanted you to come to your senses by almost dying in a house fire."
Alan bowed his head for a moment, and then continued. "We were coming to a good place, you and I. I am forever grateful that you and I were able to patch up our differences and opened our hearts to each other. I am also thankful that you brought that beautiful child into our lives. I promise you, Skye. Lila Rae will be taken care of and never want for love. She is and always will be a Quartermaine, just like you were"
The person watched the scene from the sidelines outside. General Hospital was surrounded by media and police. When the police commissioner called a press conference, the person waited with bated breath. He couldn't wait to hear about the death he planned so well. It would make up for the first two mistakes.
The individual watched as Mac Scorpio addressed the news media. "We have determined that a bomb was the cause for the explosion in the parking garage at General Hospital. There was one injury and one fatality. The fatality has been identified as Antoinette Skye Quartermaine. Dr. Emily Quartermaine, the sister of the decedent, was injured in the blast, but was treated and released. That is all at this time." Mac said before he was mauled by the news media.
The person stood there in shock. Keeping themselves calm, they walked to their car, got in, and sat quietly. A few minutes later, an object was pulled out of their coat. It was a switchblade.
On the seat was a picture of Emily. A few seconds later, the person let all their rage out. "NOT AGAIN! NOT AGAIN! BUTCHERS!" he yelled as the knife was thrust into the picture until it was torn into shreds.
After the person was able to calm themselves down, a hand reached into the glove compartment. A Sig Sauer .226 was pulled out of it. The person caressed the gun like a lover. "The butcher must pay. I guess this is a sign. I can't pussy foot around anymore! The butcher took away my life….now I'm going to take away theirs!"
A few moments later, the car drove away and was lost in the chaos that was Port Charles.
AJ sat in his office, too stunned to grieve. The woman he came to know as his sister was dead. Now, on top of that, he was trying to comprehend the fact she was killed by a bomb in his other sister's SUV and that he had the responsibility of raising her daughter in the chaotic existence of the Quartermaine family.
Unable to take the quiet any longer, he turned on the radio in the office. As he listened to the lyrics of the song playing, the words began to get to his emotional core and tears fell down his cheek.
All this talk of getting old
It's getting me down my love
Like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown
This time I'm comin' down
And I hope you're thinking of me
As you lay down on your side
Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again
The song continued to play as the actions shifted back to the OR.
Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again
Alan reached up and looked at Skye. Most of her left side of her face had remained unharmed and she lay there peacefully, her serene expression belying her final moments of life.
But I know I'm on a losing streak
'Cause I passed down my old street
He gently kissed her brow with a father's love. Slowly, he got up and walked out of the OR.
And if you wanna show, then just let me know
And I'll sing in your ear again
Monica was waiting for her husband. Seeing him emotionally spent, she took his hand and led him away.
The action cut back to AJ, who dialed a number and waited.
At the gatehouse, Emily answered the phone while Nikolas lies on the couch.
Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again
Nikolas watched Emily's expression change as she listened to what her brother told her. A few moments later, she hung up the phone and slowly sat on the couch. She tells Nikolas what has happened and breaks down in her husband's arms.
'Cause baby, ooh, if heaven calls, I'm coming, too
Just like you said, you leave my life, I'm better off dead
The action then moves to the OR Waiting Room, where Tracy walked to Edward.
All this talk of getting old
It's getting me down my love
Like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown
This time I'm comin' down
Without a word, Tracy sat down and hugged her father. Edward breaks down in his daughter's arms.
Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again
When Alan and Monica arrived at her office, she locked the door and led Alan to the couch where they sat for several moments in each other's embrace.
'Cause baby, ooh, if heaven calls, I'm coming, too
Just like you said, you leave my life, I'm better off dead
Finally, Alan broke his walls of stoicism down to the one person he was able to do so with.
But if you wanna show, just let me know
And I'll sing in your ear again
Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again
As Alan broke down, Monica took him in her arms and comforted him. If she could take away his pain and carry the burden herself, she would, but she knew she couldn't. However, she would do what she could now. Let her husband grieve for the daughter he had gained and lost and pick him up again when he fell, just as he did all those years ago when she lost Dawn.
Yeah, I know I'll see your face again
Yeah, I know I'll see your face again
Yeah, I know I'll see your face again
Yeah, I know I'll see your face again
I'm never going down, I'm never coming down
No more, no more, no more, no more, no more