Chapter 7 - One Last Goodbye

"Okay, Ms. Webber," Epiphany said walking into the room. "I have your release papers."

Liz turned over and smiled. Epiphany could tell she had been crying.

"You just need to get some rest and you should be as good as new the next few days." She removed the IV.

"Thanks, Epiphany."

"Lord knows, I'll be glad to have you back. If I find one more chart misfiled, heads are gonna roll." She left the room.

"It must be very slow around here if you have nothing better to do than visit me," Liz said catching a glance of Felix coming towards her room.

"Please. I'm the highlight of your day." He made a face. "So what was up with that creepy dude visiting you last night?"

"Oh, I'm not sure."

"Your milkshake just brings all the boys to the yard."

They started laughing.

"So, why have you been crying?" He grabbed her hand.

Liz sighed, this was much heavier of a conversation than they were used to having. "Do you really want to know?"

"Do I stutter?" he said moving his neck.

She smiled and then looked away. "I just have some choices to make about Michael."

"Why? I thought you were happy."

"I have been, but some things have changed."

"Go on."

"I think that Michael wants to be the head of the Corinthos organization now."

Felix stared at her for a moment stunned. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure. Carly wants me to stand by him, but I'm concerned about the boys."

Felix rubbed her hand hating to see her so conflicted. He likes Michael and they are a good fit. "Maybe there is some way you can make it work. Michael is not Sonny. "

"I know that. It's not even just about the boys. It's also about Michael's safety."

"I get it, but the real question is if you are willing to give up everything that you have based on what-ifs."

Epiphany entered the room and stared at Felix as she cleared her throat.

"Shit, I have to go. We will talk about this later."

Liz grabbed the phone. She needs to find a ride to the funeral.

"AJ?"

"Liz? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

"Anything…"

"Can you pick me up and take me home so I can get changed for the funeral?"

"I'm on my way."

Michael is going with Carly, so AJ doesn't have to worry about escorting his son.

Liz got up and went into the bathroom to change.

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Michael looked out of the window of the limo. He felt his mom take his hand and squeeze. He can't wait until this day is over. As they drove through the cemetery, he could see the white canopy and chairs set up. Some people had already arrived. The sun glittered off a piece of metal from the casket. They had requested that the casket be there already when the family arrived. He kept telling himself that he could make it through this but wished Liz was the one beside him.

They got out of the car and walked towards everyone. As the time came to start, they took their places as people touched their shoulders; some crying silently.

Michael felt a hand on his shoulder and took in the smell of her perfume. He stood and turned toward her just as Liz reached out and pulled him into her embrace. A few tears fell as he was comforted by her energy. After everyone was in place, Father Tony started to speak. He was no longer in the priesthood, but everyone still called him Father and he is a close friend of the family.

Michael listened to him speak and when it was time, he stood and thanked everyone for coming. When people started placing roses on the casket and paying their last respects, he sat was stunned to see who was standing in front of him.

"Starr?" He said stood.

"Michael, I'm so sorry," she said before embracing him. She had missed him so much and while she is aware that he has moved on, it is hard seeing him knowing they can't be together. "I wanted to pay my respects and make sure that you are okay."

They pulled apart. Liz slipped away so they could have some privacy.

"It was very nice of you to come." She turned to speak to Liz but noticed she had gone.

Michael turned to look for and finally saw her standing off to the side with Carly and AJ.

"I should go," Starr said softly.

He grabbed her hands and thanked her again and watched as she walked away. It was good seeing her. It had given him some closure because he realized he was completely over her.

He placed his rose on the casket and then started walking towards Liz but then stopped when he heard a loud sob coming from behind him.

Kristina was sitting on the ground sobbing her eyes out. Alexis was trying to calm her but nothing she said was working. Michael grabbed Alexis's arm and she moved backward so he could kneel next to Kristina.

"Kristina," he said softly. She looked up at him and then flung herself into his arms. The force knocked Michael on his butt and he sat there and held her. When she finally calmed down a bit, he helped her stand. He motioned for Milo and he came over and swept Kristina into his arms and took her back to Alexis's car.

Kristina was doing the worst out of all of them and Michael was worried about her. She didn't make the best decisions when she is a wreck.

He felt Liz take his hand, so he gripped it and motioned for his mom desperately needing to get out of there.