One year Later...
Elizabeth's POV
Miranda, Grayson, Jason, and I all sat in Patrick's office, listening to him talk to Dr. Abrams, Oncologist, about the continued care for Elena. "I think it is time to discontinue Elena from chemotherapy. In my best medical opinion, chemo is doing more damage to her than the cancer. It is just cruel to keep putting her body through this." Dr. Abrams said, looking between all of us.
"The chemo hasn't done anything?! Is there anything else we can do?" Miranda questioned with desperation.
"Besides continuing the treatment? No, there isn't. The good news is that the cancer hasn't gotten any more aggressive than it already is. If we stop the chemo, Ms. Gilbert has the chance to bounce back. She could have another year, maybe 2 years to live." Dr. Abrams argued.
I bit my lip, trying not to cry at what I was hearing. I looked over at Jason, who was sitting as still as humanly possible. His eyes were straight forward, but they daze as if he wasn't even there. I reached over and took his hand that was gripping the arm of the chair.
His eyes blinked twice, before he looked over to me. His hand turned over, intertwined our fingers. His weary eyes went back to the two doctors. "I know I don't have a right to say anything, but Elena is still lucid. We should ask her if this is the end of the road for her." I said, looking over to Miranda and Grayson.
Grayson gave an empty smile, before nodding. "Yeah, you know how much she hates being decided for. Dr. Abrams and Dr. Drake, we thank you for everything you have done for us." Grayson said, holding his crying wife.
My attention wavered over to Jason as he got up from his seat. He tugged on my arm lightly, signaling to come with him. I grabbed my purse, but stopped to tenderly clasped my hand over Patrick's arm. Patrick has been feeling so guilty for not being able help, but I wanted to make sure that he knew I didn't blame him. "Tonight?" I asked.
Patrick nodded his head, saying "Tonight." I smiled, before following Jason out of the office. The small click of the door echoed in the quiet hallway as Jason and I walked away.
"Are you okay, Jason?" I asked, but it was a stupid question. The little tells that Jason was exuded told things were not right with his soul.
"We expected this to happen, Elizabeth." Jason said, not answering the question.
"Expecting and knowing are two different things, Jason." I sighed as I tried my hardest not to cry. "I'm scared. I'm sooo scared for her, Jason. When I thought we lost Jake, it was the most painful experience in my entire life. She's in… pain and I can't make any of this better." I choked on my words, wiping at the tears that spilled over. Jason steered us to the nearby bench. He wrapped his arm around me, cradling my head to his shoulder. The familiar leather pressed against my nose, grounding me. "We had soo much faith that this was going to work." I sniffled.
Jason took a deep breath, not saying anything. I sighed, before pulling away. Jason looked at me and I looked at him. "How will she take this, Jason?" I asked, not really expecting an answer.
"It doesn't matter, because we will be there to deal with everything with Elena." Jason said. I nodded, agreeing with him. We sat for a while, before Jason spoke up. "Want to go see her?" Jason asked.
"Yeah, that would be nice." I said, getting up from the bench. My back cracked, causing me to wince.
"You okay?" Jason asked, walking alongside of me.
"Yeah." I said simply. Jason and I walked the bridge to get to the cancer center. We took the elevator to the fifth floor. We got off and walked to room 5510. I stopped as the blinds were open enough to see Stefan and Elena sitting up in her bed. I smiled seeing Stefan adjust her beanie, before going back to reading 'The Fault In Our Stars' to Elena.
Her head was lazily tucked into Stefan's shoulder, stuck in a tired daze. Elena has lost too much weight, causing her face to sink into itself. Dark rings circled her eyes and her once lively brown eyes were always dull and tired.
Before a year ago, Stefan and Elena had a budding friendship, a little crush here and there, but now… Stefan looked at Elena as if she hung the moon herself and Elena exerted the last of the energy to smile whenever he was around or when she heard his name.
"Maybe we can wait a little while to see her. It's very rare to see that kind of smile out of her now." I said. I looked over at Jason, seeing him stare at Elena. His face didn't display a physical emotion, but his eyes told me everything I needed to know.
"Jason, go home and get some rest. You've been by Elena's side faithfully and I would guess that she wouldn't want you to run yourself ragged." I said, nudging his elbow.
"Yeah… I might do that. Are you going to be okay?" Jason asked, looking over to me.
I knew I could have lied, but it would have been pointless to do so, especially with Jason. I gave a dim smile, shaking my head. "No, I don't think I'll ever be okay, not with this, but Elena is alive. That is all that matters. I'm sure you feel the same way." I said.
Jason 'hmmed', scratching at his cheek. We stood in silence, looking into the window of Elena's hospital room. "Are you okay getting home?" Jason asked, his eyes turning over to me.
"Yes. I'm staying here for a little while, head out with Robin. Go home, Jase." I said. Jason nodded before heading to the exit. I jumped when I heard Elena's door open, Stefan peeking his head out the door.
"Mrs. Cassadine, why are you standing out here? Come in." Stefan said, opening the door wider.
I smiled, politely. "Thanks. Elena looked tired and I didn't want to bother the two of you. You just missed Jason a few moments ago." I said, before turning my attention to Elena. She had a soft smile on her face as she looked at me, but she could barely keep her eyes open.
"Elizabeth, you guys don't bother me. Stefan is leaving to meet Michael and Sonny, so I could use the company." Elena said. Stefan went over to help Elena sit up straighter. He leaned her gently forward, before sliding her pillow behind her back.
"Better?" Stefan asked, tucking her covers around her.
Her trembling hand struggled to reach his cheek, so he leaned down closer to meet her hand. "You're such a sap, you know that?" She mumbled, a sleepy smile crossed her face.
Stefan rolled his eyes, before kissing her palm. "Says the girl who has watched 'Walk To Remember' over twenty times, then cries hysterically as if it is the first time." Stefan smiles back at her. "I'll see you tomorrow." Elena hums in agreeance as he places her hand back on the bed, before grabbing his jacket. "Bye, Mrs. Cassadine."
"Bye, Stefan. Tell Sonny I said Hi." I said. Stefan gives a quick nod, before leaving me alone with Elena. I put my purse down on the counter, before taking a seat next to her bed. "How are you, sweetie?" I asked, taking a hold of her hand.
"Tired, but I'm okay. I thought today was your off day?" Elena asked, looking over at me.
I nodded my head yes, leaning forward. "I was off, but I had lunch with Steven. Now, I'm just waiting for Robin to get off. We have plans for tonight." I said.
"That's nice. Did you want to watch a movie before you go?" Elena asked. She could barely keep her eyes open, but now thinking I wouldn't always have these little moments.
"With my favorite daughter in the world? I wouldn't pass that up." I smiled.
Elena chuckled. "Help me scoot over, please." She said. I held onto her, pulling her towards me. I let up the bed rail, then stuffed pillows between her and the rail.
"Good?" I asked, moving around onto the other side of the bed. I kicked off my shoes, before getting on top. "What do you want to watch?" I asked, picking up the Fire stick remote.
"The Good Doctor. You have to switch over to the Hulu account."Elena explained, sinking into the bed. It didn't take me long to navigate to the show. I turned off the overhead light, then tucking Elena into my side. The show wasn't it on for ten minutes until I heard light snores coming from Elena. I kissed her forehead, letting a few tears escape.
Jason's POV
Eleven months ago…
Sonny and I hid our smirks as we marched behind Diane as Taggert glared at us from the bottom of his soul. Cody was successful in getting the plant and making it look like suicide. We walked Diane to her car. She pivoted to face us, hands tucked around her briefcase handle. "Boys, do behave while I'm on vacation." Diane said, looking between the two of us.
Sonny smiled as he opened her door for her. "Vacation on me, Diane. Just send me the bill. You've definitely earned it." Sonny said.
Diane's excitement peak, coy expression on her face. "On the other hand…. I do need a new pair of Louboutin heels." Diane said, milking the situation.
Sonny rolled his eyes, closing the door behind her. "I'll have Carly pick you out two. Enjoy your vacation." Sonny said, stepping back.
"God, I love my job!" Diane said, before driving off. As soon as Diane drove off, Francis pulled up right in front of us. I got in after Sonny entered the SUV.
Francis put the car in park, before turning to face us. Sonny's face dropped while I let out a sigh at Francis's face. "Can it wait?" I asked, just wanting to go home and get in my bed.
"Do you want the good news or bad news first?" Francis asked.
"Good news." Sonny said, yanking off his suit jacket.
"Well, Francello got Damon down in Miami, but helped him cross over back to Italy to Silvio Salvatore. Silvio sends his regards." Francis said.
Sonny sat back quietly, looking back at Francis. Sonny nodded, not looking anymore relieved than before. "What's the bad news?" Sonny asked.
Francis' face turned grim as he handed over a tablet to Sonny. "Mikaelson son went missing, maybe a week after the first time you were arrested." Francis explained.
"Please, tell me he didn't do what I think he did." I said, looking over at the tablet.
"Worse." Francis said, turning back forward. He started the car, before moving along.
Sonny opened the tablet to show that it was on a picture that showed a young male, bruised and sweaty, but very much alive. "The son?" Sonny asked, looking up briefly.
"Niklaus Mikaelson, the fourth oldest of the kids." Francis said.
"He used to date Elena's best friend." I added, sliding over to another photo. My eye twitched to see the boy's face swell from the beatings. He had a dark spot on the crotch of his pants. I shook my head at the sadistic nature of Damon. The pictures just got even more disturbing, so Sonny put the tablet down. "Did he kill the boy?" Sonny asked the question that was on our minds.
Francis sighed, nodding his head. "He disemboweled the boy, leaving him in his mother's garden. She's the one to find him. Then, he sent a link to the rest of the family to a video of him killing him, posting the video on the internet." Francis shook his head, while Sonny cursed.
"Shit! Do you think that video was sent to Elena?" I asked, gripping the seat with anger.
"Cody had Spinelli hack Elena's phone to watch incoming texts and calls. He was able to catch the link before it was sent to her. He was able to stop the text to her parent's, but they are aware that Niklaus is dead. Cody told me they haven't decided whether to tell Elena or not." Francis said, pulling into Sonny's garage.
I sighed with relief. "Remind me to get Cody something when this is all over." I said. I looked over to Sonny, who had a blank look on his face, staring off to the side. I nudged his shoulder, knocking him back into reality.
"Francis, tell Spinelli to send a message to Mikaelson that I want to meet. Alone." Sonny said, sliding the tablet to the front. "Make sure this is wiped clean." Sonny got out of the SUV, before I could protest his idiotic behavior.
I got out of the truck, rushing around to the otherside. "Sonny, are you off your meds again, because that would explain why you would do something reckless." I grouched, walking in front him. I was taken back by the haunted look that was on his face.
"Jason… this is between Mikael and I and I intend to handle it. If things go sideways, I know what I built and my family is in good hands. I haven't done this in a long time, but… I'm ordering you to stand down. Go be with Elena, Michael said her body is not really taking to the chemotherapy yet. I'll be fine." Sonny smiled, before patting on my shoulder and walking away.
I turned, watching Sonny enter his house. Francis walked up to me, a worried look on his face. "What are we going to do?" Francis asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"Pull Cody off Elena and put him on Sonny. He is not to leave his sight, not for a second. Let me know when they set up a date."
Present
I sat on my balcony, sipping on my sixth beer before I heard the familiar clicking of Sam's heels. "Jason?" I heard her call out to me, I couldn't even bring myself to say a word, a ball of anger stuck in my throat.
Sam dashed out of the apartment, a shocked look on her face. "Jason?! Why in the hell are holes in the wall?" She asked, before her eyes fell onto my hands. Her soft hands prodded at the bloodied fist that was holding onto my beer bottle. Her face turned into a look of concern as she looked back at my face. "Jason, what happened?" Sam asked, pulling up the other patio chair.
I went to take another swig of my beer, but Sam snatched it out of my hand and put it out of reach. "Is it Elena? I know you were going to the hospital to have a sit down with the Oncologist." Sam prodded.
"Chemotherapy is not working, so they are taking her off the regimen. The doctor estimated she has about another two years at least." I explained, focusing on the pain in my hands instead what was going on inside of me. I huffed, placing my head in my hands, rocking just a little bit.
"Jason, I'm so, so sorry this is happening. Is Elena okay?" Sam asked, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Far as I know, her parents haven't told her yet. She's going to be devastated and that is on me. I knew the chance was small and she trusted us-"
Sam lifted up my head, making me look her in the eyes. "This is not on anyone, Jason, especially not you. Having hope is not a crime. This might devastate Elena, yes, but we all have each other to get through this. One step at a time." Sam said, before getting up. "Don't move. I'm going to go get the first aid." Sam left to go back in the house, but stepped back to grab the pack of beer.
I wasn't alone for a long time, before Sam came back to take her seat. She set the kit on the table, opening it up. She grabbed my hand, putting it on her lap. We were quiet for a while as she tended to my hands. "How are you, Jason? Honestly." Sam sat the dirty swabs to the side.
"Useless. When I have a problem, I always have a way to solve it. I can't threaten or shoot cancer out of her body. I don't want to lose her." My face burned as it itched from the sparse tears that allowed myself to spare.
"I wish I could lie to you and say everything will be alright, but you hate that unrealistic bullshit line." Sam said, before going quiet. "You will hurt for a long time, Jason. That scar never fully heals." Sam rubbed at her stomach. "That is why this time is precious and not to be taken for granted. Don't… start pulling away." Sam looked me over, before sighing. She cleaned up the table, before getting up. "Try to get some sleep, Jason. You've barely slept any this week." Sam kissed my forehead, before going back into the house.
Elena's POV
"This the end of the road?" I mumbled finally after watching my mom for the past hour, knitting a blanket. She didn't even realize I was awake, seeing her tear up on and off. Mom just didn't know how much of an open book when it came to her emotions, especially when the only time she knitted when she was stressed.
She jumped, startled as she looked over to me. "What?" She asked, putting down her blanket.
"I said this is the end of the road? Meaning chemotherapy isn't working." I said, watching her slightly tense at my words. I watched as she started to gear up to lie to me, but I shook my head. "Mom, don't. I've known for a while. I've been dealing with doctors long enough to read between the lines." I said, neither sad or angry.
Mom's face reddened as it scrunched into distress. She buried her head into her hands as she cried, her shoulders shaking. "I've let you down again." Mom exclaimed.
"Mom, you are not Jesus." I mumbled, scooting over to her. I tugged at her sweater sleeve, making her look at me. "I'm okay, but I'm not doing any more miracle trips. I'm done and I mean that." I said, firmly. She nodded, leaning her forehead against mine.
"You and Jeremy have been the best blessings in my life, you know that? Your Dad used to work second shift and he would get to the house about 12:30 p.m. and that would be the time you would wake up every time. Big, baby brown eyes staring back at him when he would come check in on you." Mom smiled, brushing her thumb against my brow. "And when I brought home Jeremy for the first time, you were enamored by this little creature. You always wanted to hold him, even though you were no taller than my lower leg." Mom said, sucking a breath. "What do you want to do? Did you want to go back home?" Mom asked.
Time has flown fast, yet made an undeniable foundation here in Port Charles. My heart ached at thought at leaving this behind. "I want to stay here, Mom." Stefan popped into my mind, sadness flooding my heart. My silly fantasies slipped through my fingers yet again, but I wouldn't deny me this last chance of happiness if he didn't go running for the hills after I tell him the bad news.