Chapter 24 "Coma" Part 1

(Lucky just learned from Bobbie that Elizabeth has BV, or Bacterial Vaginosis. If she doesn't wake up from her coma within the next 48 hours, she and the baby might not make it)

Lucky: (gasps) "Bobbie, what….what do you mean….what do you mean if Elizabeth doesn't wake up in 48 hours, her & the baby might not make it?"

Bobbie: (sighs) "Lucky, Elizabeth is in a coma right now. Remember what I told you about her condition?"

Lucky: "Yes. But, I mean, it's still possible that she'll wake up and the antibiotics will work and she'll get better."

Bobbie: "I'm not gonna make you any promises that I can't keep, Lucky. All we can do is hope…hope that she'll get better."

Lucky: "What I'm wondering is….can Elizabeth get rid of this…I mean…will she get better?"

Bobbie: "Right now, we don't know. But Elizabeth…she's a strong woman. Hopefully she can beat this."

Lucky: "Wait a second. You said hopefully."

Bobbie: "There's no guarantees."

(Lucky starts to get tears in his eyes)

Lucky: "I…I…I can't believe this is happening. One minute…she was fine. The next…Bobbie…can't you do something to fix this? I mean….can't you?"

Bobbie: "Honey, I wish I could. I really wish I could fix…do something. But, it's out of my hands."

Lucky: (cries) "Oh, my god."

Bobbie: "Do you want me to get Nicholas for you?"

Lucky: "He's…he's with Michelle right now. I don't want to disturb him."

Bobbie: "What about Luke & Laura?"

Lucky: "Oh" (sighs) "I forgot all about them."

Bobbie: "I'll call 'em for you."

Lucky: "Thanks."

Bobbie: "I'm gonna call Audrey, too, because I'm sure she'd want to be here for you as well. I know it's her day off, but I know she'd wanna be here."

(Bobbie leaves the room to call Luke & Laura. A half hour later, Luke, Laura, & Audrey arrive. Bobbie shows them where Elizabeth & Lucky are. Laura, Luke, & Audrey take turns hugging Lucky)

Audrey: "Oh, Lucky, darling, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I am here for you. Anytime you need me, day or night."

Lucky: "Thanks, Audrey. I know Elizabeth appreciates it as well."

Laura: (tears in her eyes) "Oh, honey. We're so sorry. How is she doing? Any better?"

Lucky: (sniffles) "Not too well. No, she's not any better. I…I don't know what to do, mom."

Luke: "What's wrong with her exactly, Bobbie?"

Bobbie: "She's in a coma, Luke."

Luke: "Will she come out of it?"

Bobbie: "Your son asked that too. Through a pregnancy, women can get sick like this, where they develop infections. We've given Elizabeth antibiotics to get rid of the infection. It may or may not help. If we don't get rid of the infection, Elizabeth may not make it. Being she's in a coma, and if the infection doesn't go away, we may have to induce…meaning Elizabeth may lose the baby because the baby is not fully developed yet. She also has high blood pressure and we're trying to lower that and we have to be careful of the medication we give her that it doesn't interfere with the antibiotics. She's taking the antibiotics through the IV of course. If she doesn't wake up within 48 hours, there's a slim chance of her & the baby to make a full recovery. Sometimes not even the best doctor can do anything. I'm sorry."

Laura: "Oh, my god."

(Laura goes to Lucky & puts her arms around him. Luke then puts his arms around Lucky & Laura)

Bobbie: "I'll leave you two alone. Let the nurse at the front desk…or me if I'm available know if you need anything."

(Bobbie then leaves)

Laura: (crying) "This can't be happening. Elizabeth…she doesn't deserve this."

Luke: "No, she doesn't."

(They all break free)

Luke: "I assume you'll be staying with Elizabeth here at the hospital?"

(Lucky nods)

Laura: "Where-Where's Elizabeth's parents? Are they here as well, maybe in the waiting room?"

Audrey: "Uh, no. I'm afraid not, Laura. They're still at their home in Illinois."

Luke: (kinda angrily) "Why aren't they here, Audrey? They should be here for Elizabeth. They're her parents."

Laura: "Maybe they don't know that Elizabeth is in the hospital?"

Audrey: (stutters) "Uh…um…"

Lucky: "They know she's in the hospital, mom. I called them when I called you, dad, & Audrey."

Laura: "Okay. Well, being they know she's in the hospital…?"

Lucky: "I told them not to come."

Luke: "Why would you do that, Lucky? I-I know Elizabeth is not exactly close to her parents, but they have a right to be here."

Lucky: (angrily) "I know, dad. They probably do have a right to be here, but I don't want them here. They lost that right the day they chose not to come to their own daughter's engagement party. And all those other times when Elizabeth needed her parents, but they didn't come. I may not have the right to make that decision, but Elizabeth is in a coma, dad, and I don't want them around because I'm afraid if I see them, I'm gonna say something I'm going to regret."

Laura: "Oh, Lucky."

Luke: "Lucky, I understand you're upset with Elizabeth's parents. Hell, so am I. What kind of parents don't support their child or who aren't there for them when they're child needs them most? But it wasn't your choice to make, cowboy."

Audrey: "I'm afraid I understand what Lucky is saying, Luke. When Elizabeth was a teenager, granted, she wasn't the most responsible child. She was a bit of a rebel. That's the reason my son chose to send her to live with me, because he thought I'd be able to guide her better through life and he thought maybe she'd listen to me more. But, in the short time she was a teenager staying with me, she showed so much maturity, that I was proud to call her my granddaughter. I still am proud to call her my granddaughter. But…." (sighs)

Laura: "But what, Audrey?"

Audrey: "I love my son dearly, and always will, but…but I'm so very disappointed in him. No one is perfect. Not Elizabeth, not my son, no one. But it's like….it's like I don't even recognize him anymore. I-I wish I understood, but I don't."

Laura: "But, what about Sarah? Don't they speak to her?"

Audrey: "Yes, they do. Quite frequently, actually. But it's like they don't have enough room in their heart for their other daughter."

Lucky: "Now do you understand why I didn't want them to come, dad? I know they have a right, but if they haven't cared enough for their daughter before, why start now?"

Laura: "I just think it's sad that a parent doesn't care when their own child is going through situations, especially like this."

Lucky: "I told them it was up to them if they wanted to come or not, but I also said if they truly loved Elizabeth, they would have come a long time ago. Not just now, but a long time ago. Elizabeth told me many times she didn't think her parents loved her because of the way they've always treated her. I wanted to cry when she told me that because of how close I am with my parents. But Elizabeth also told me for as long as she can remember, she's thought of Luke and Laura as her true parents, even though they're not blood related."

Laura: "And we will continue to be like her parents, just as we've always been. Aside from Lulu, Elizabeth is already like a daughter to me."

Luke: "And to me as well. If I ever do see her parents in the future, they will certainly get a piece of my mind."

Audrey: "Well, there's nothing we can do about it now, Luke. All we can do it worry about what's going in the present, with Elizabeth now."

Luke: "You're right, Audrey. You're absolutely right."

Lucky: "Has anyone heard from Sarah? I know Elizabeth would want her here."

Audrey: "Oh, that's right. I almost forgot. I'm sorry. Sarah is at a conference in San Diego. It's one of the requirements of her job. She said she'd get here at soon as she could and to send her apologies."

Lucky: (nods) "Ok. Thanks for telling us, Audrey."

(Laura goes to sit by Elizabeth)

Laura: (caressing Elizabeth's cheek) "Elizabeth…we miss you so much. We're all here…waiting for you to wake up. Please….please open your eyes."

Luke: (goes to stand next to Laura) "Liz, honey….we're all praying for you." (sniffles) "Lucky will be here until you wake up. Lucky, don't you have to be at work?"

Lucky: 'Rick said he'd find someone else until everything with Elizabeth gets better."

Luke: (nods) "Ok."

(Lucky goes by Liz. He opens his mouth a little where you can see his teeth. He starts crying)

Lucky: "Elizabeth, can you hear me? I love you…so much. God, please wake up. I'm begging you. Wake up, Elizabeth."

(Audrey stands by Lucky and sits down and caresses Elizabeth's cheek)

Audrey: "Oh, honey. If only you knew how many people really loved and cared about you."

(A nurse comes in the room)

Nurse: Excuse me."

(Lucky, Luke, Laura, and Audrey move over so the nurse can go by Elizabeth. She's about to inject something when Lucky stops him)

Lucky: "What…what are you…what are you giving her?"

Nurse: "Oh, it's just like prenatal vitamins that we give pregnant woman when they're like this. Dr. Spencer had me give them to her. Don't worry."

Lucky: "You also gave her the antibiotics, right?"

Nurse: (nods) "Yes, I did that earlier."

Lucky: "Ok."

(Just then, something comes into Lucky's mind)

Lucky: "Oh! I forgot to tell you. Nicholas is here at the hospital with Michelle."

Laura: (surprised) "Michelle? What is she doing here?"

Lucky: "Michelle passed out at Nicholas' house earlier. Somehow, the baby got hurt or something, so Nicholas brought her here. She passed out in the process. They're also trying to detect a heartbeat for the baby."

Laura: "Oh, my dear. What…what room are they in?"

Lucky: "Room 10."

Luke: "We better go see them & see how it's going."

Laura: "Do you mind us leaving for a little bit?"

Lucky: "No, it's okay."

(Laura kisses Lucky on the forehead. Audrey excuses herself and leaves the room. Luke & Laura then leave & head for Michelle's room. They see Nicholas in the room. They whistle to him. Nicholas leaves Michelle & goes to Luke & Laura)

Laura: "Hey, honey. How's Michelle?"

(Nicholas looks like her like how she knew Michelle was here)

Laura: "Lucky told us. Can the doctor detect a heartbeat yet?"

Nicholas: "Yeah. They were finally able to. It's not a strong pulse, though. They gave her some type of medicine to hopefully help bring up the baby's heartbeat. I don't know all the details."

(Nicholas looks at her)

Nicholas: "She's resting now. She was finally able to."

Luke: "Well, you know we'll pray for her."

Nicholas: (smiles a little) "Thanks. So, how…how's Elizabeth?"

Laura: (shakes her head) "No change, unfortunately. Hopefully before 48 hours is up, Elizabeth will be awake."

Luke: "But it doesn't look good."

Nicholas: "I…I just…I can hardly imagine what Lucky's going thru. So, basically if Elizabeth doesn't wake up, her & the baby have a slim chance of a full recovery?"

Laura: "That pretty much sums it up, yeah. I'm going to go see if Lucky wants anything to eat." (to Luke) "You gonna stay here?"

Luke: "I'll stay here with Nicholas, yeah."

Laura: "Ok. If you need me, Nicholas, you know where to find me."

Nicholas: (nods) "Okay, mom."

(Laura leaves)

Luke: "So, what happens to Michelle's baby if the heartbeat doesn't go up?"

Nicholas: "I….I didn't want to say it in front of Michelle, but if the medication she got earlier doesn't help, there's a chance the baby may not make it. I was told by the doctor away from Michelle that they might have to do an emergency cesarean so they can treat the baby properly, but they want to see if the medication helps first. I'm worried for Michelle and the baby. "

Luke: (shakes his head) "Unbelievable."

Nicholas: "Yeah. Once the heartbeat goes down, it'll keep going down. They're waiting about a day or so to see if the medication takes effect."

Luke: "Hmmm. There's something I've been meaning to tell you. Well, the past few months, that is."

Nicholas: "What's that?"

Luke: "What were you & Lucky talking about the night of Lucky & Elizabeth's wedding?"

Nicholas: (sighs) "Luke – "

Luke: (puts his hand up, then puts it down) "Look, I know you two don't want anyone to know, but you know – well, at least I hope you know – that I wouldn't tell."

Nicholas: "For one thing, Luke, Lucky & I already discussed it. And another thing, it has nothing to do with you."

Luke: "Does it have to do with Michelle?"

Nicholas: (stutters) "What?"

Luke: "You heard me. Does it?"

Nicholas: "No. No, it doesn't."

Luke: "Are you telling me the truth?"

Nicholas: "I'm…I'm not gonna answer that."

Luke: "Why not?"

Nicholas: "Ask Lucky…when the time is right."

Luke: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nicholas: "Luke, incase you haven't noticed, Lucky is kinda busy right now."

Luke: (gives him a look) "I know that. That's why I'm asking you."

Nicholas: "I don't know what to tell you, Luke."

Luke: "You could start by telling me the TRUTH."

Nicholas: "Listen, Luke, Lucky & I are handling this. So, it's not your concern."

Luke: "NOT my concern? Nicholas, Lucky is my son. And you are Laura's son, my stepson. So, I'm MAKING it my concern."

Nicholas: (sighs) "So what if I tell you, Luke? There's nothing you can do about it anyway."

Luke: "Well, I could at least try to help. Just tell me this one thing before I stop…for now."

Nicholas: (sighs) "Ahem. What?"

Luke: "Does this in any way have to do with Michelle?"

Nicholas: (pauses) "If I answer this, will you stop with the questions?"

Luke: (nods) "For now."

Nicholas: "Yes, Michelle is involved. Now, the rest you'll have to ask Lucky…later."

Luke: "Ok."

(Luke starts to go, when Nicholas stops him)

Nicholas: "I don't want mom knowing about any of this."

Luke: "Yeah, ok."

Nicholas: (seriously) "Luke, I mean it. Or you can forget about knowing more of it later."

Luke: "I won't."

Nicholas: "Luke!"

Luke: (sighs) "I said I won't, okay?"

(Luke leaves. Just then, Michelle wakes up & calls for Nicholas. Nicholas hears her & goes by her side)

Nicholas: "Hey, there."

Michelle: (mumbles) "Hey."

Nicholas: "How are you feeling?"

Michelle: "Uh…numb, I guess."

Nicholas: "Yeah, the doctors had to give you some medication."

Michelle: (more awake) "They…they didn't harm the baby, did they?"

Nicholas: (shakes his head) "No, they didn't. You remember how the baby's heartbeat is a little shaky?"

(Michelle nods)

Nicholas: "Well, they gave you some medication to try helping make the heartbeat stronger b/c it's still a little weak."

Michelle: (nodding) "Ok. Ahem."

Nicholas: "But you should try getting some rest."

Michelle: (sighs) "I just got some rest, Nicholas. I'm tired of resting."

Nicholas: "Michelle, listen to me, ok? You need all the rest you can get. That means no stress. If you need anything & I mean ANYTHING, let me know. Or you can use that little switch you have beside you & call a nurse. They'll come."

Michelle: "So, to change the subject, what's been happening with Lucky & Elizabeth?"

Nicholas: "You mean you haven't…..oh that's right. You've been here in the room the whole time."

Michelle: "What's going on?"

Nicholas: "Elizabeth…Lucky told me that he was walking in the park & saw Elizabeth passed out. Now she's in a coma, & if she doesn't come out of it within 48 hours, the chances of her & and the baby making it are slim."

Michelle: "Wow. I can just imagine what Lucky's going through."

(All of a sudden, Michelle gets a little angry)

Michelle: "So, Lucky's been in Elizabeth's room the WHOLE time, huh?"

Nicholas: "He came here earlier. Well, actually he wasn't in the room. He was in the hallway, but he could see you."

Michelle: "He could have come in here to see me & the baby."

Nicholas: (getting annoyed) "What's that supposed to mean?"

Michelle: "Nicholas, I told you the night of Lucky & Elizabeth's wedding. He's the father of my baby."

Nicholas: "Yeah, well, I still don't believe it."

Michelle: (a little annoyed) "And why not?"

Nicholas: "Michelle, okay, you could have come here to Port Charles or whatever to tell Lucky MONTHS ago, but you didn't, okay? So how do we know that some other guy didn't father the baby?"

Michelle: "Don't you remember, Nicholas? We had a paternity test done & it could've endangered the baby because he or she hasn't been born yet."

Nicholas: "Whatever, Michelle."

(Nicholas realizes that he shouldn't be talking to Michelle about this)

Michelle: "What's your problem now?"

Nicholas: "The doctor specifically said that he didn't want the baby endangered in any way. So we're ending this conversation right now."

Michelle: "Fine. But we WILL talk about it when I'm well enough to or when the baby's born."

Nicholas: (getting annoyed) "Fine. Whatever. I'm gonna go see Elizabeth since I haven't done that yet."

Michelle: (slaps hands on the bed) "Ugh! What is it with precious little Elizabeth that everyone's practically all surrounding her for?"

Nicholas: "Gee, I wonder why? Oh, yeah! Maybe it's because Elizabeth is in a coma. Gosh, Michelle, what do you expect? Everyone always around you?"

Michelle: "Don't ask a question you don't want the answer to."

(Nicholas walks around the room, disgustedly)

Michelle: "What's your problem?"

Nicholas: "You're pathetic, you know that? Do you know where Elizabeth is right now? She's in a hospital bed fighting for her life, and the life of her & Lucky's unborn baby."

Michelle: "Nicholas, what about me, huh? My baby is fighting for his or her life too."

Nicholas: "Well, Michelle, Elizabeth is in worse condition than you are. You're talking. Elizabeth can't."

Michelle: "You know she'll get better."

Nicholas: "Do I? We won't know for another 20 hours."

Michelle: "Oh, poor little Elizabeth. Makes me want to cry."

(Michelle chuckles a little)

Nicholas: (disgustively) "And you wonder why I don't feel as sorry for you right now?"

(He starts to walk out of the room)

Nicholas: "I'll be back later."

(As Nicholas leaves, Michelle yells his name)

Michelle: "Nicholas! Nicholas! Ugh! How the heck am I supposed to keep Nicholas by me if he's always running to Elizabeth?!"

(Nicholas walks into Elizabeth's room. He sees no one in there. He goes by Elizabeth's side & sits down next to her)

Nicholas: "Hey, Elizabeth. It's Nicholas. I heard you're not doing so well. I wish I knew what to say to wake you up."

(Just then, Elizabeth's hand moves a little. Nicholas gasps)

Nicholas: (stutters) "Eliz…Elizabeth! You…your hand moved!"

TO BE CONTINUED….

Chapter 25 Preview: "Will Elizabeth wake up from her coma?"

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