The Wayward Son and The Docile Daughter
Sitting at her vanity, Elizabeth absentmindedly runs a brush through her hair, her mind clouded with thoughts of the man she had spent the last week with. His parents demand a report on their time together, but she just can't find it in herself to report back to them. Not that there was much to report but what little there is to report just doesn't seem like something she should share with them. Most of the day is spent sketching in her sketchbook while he's being examined or while he sleeps, the small moments that happen in between, well, that's not exactly something she can put into words.
"Elizabeth," her mother voices from the other side of her bedroom door. "Dr. Collins is on the phone for you."
"Got it, thank you!" Elizabeth replies before lifting the receiver off the hook. "This is Elizabeth."
"Hello, Elizabeth, I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time," Kevin voices on the other end. "I can call back if that's the case."
"No, you're fine, I'm not doing anything important," Elizabeth assures. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, I'm calling because I was made aware of the Quartermaine's proposition," Kevin explains. "If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you before you go in to see Jason today."
"Yeah, okay," Elizabeth accepts. "I was just about to head over, so, I'll see you soon."
"See you then."
Ending the call, Elizabeth makes her way into her closet, grabbing her bag to switch out her sketchbook. Pulling out her finished sketchbook, Elizabeth sets it atop of the pile that sits on the top shelf, grabbing a brand new sketchbook from the second pile, ready to start a whole new chapter in her artwork. Making her way down the steps, she's about to walk out the door when her father calls out to her, stopping her from leaving.
"Yes, father?" Elizabeth questions when she walks into the family room.
"What did the doctor want?" Jeff questions her, lifting his gaze from his newspaper to meet her gaze.
"He wants to talk before I sit with Jason," Elizabeth explains. "I told him I'd stop by."
"Ah, very well," Jeff says before returning his gaze to the newspaper. "Don't forget that the Quartermaines expect a report from you soon."
"Yes, father," Elizabeth replies simply, heading out before he thinks of something else to say.
She knows what's expected from her and it's usually easy for her to oblige them, but something just feels wrong with this whole thing. She's offered them advice in approaching him from a different perspective, but they simply dismiss the very thought. Like it was the most absurd thing they've ever heard of.
Instead of listening to her, they find it necessary to remind her that she's been tasked with helping to bring back their son and to not forget what's on the line for her. All her life, she admired the Quartermaines, they just seemed like an honorable family, but each passing day proves to her just how wrong she was.
It seems to her that the Quartermaines are a whole lot like her own parents, they want what they want when they want it, who cares if what others want contradicts what they desire. Letting out a deep breath, Elizabeth accepts that, at the end of the day, she's no professional and it wasn't really all that surprising for them to ignore her suggestions.
"Elizabeth, you can go right in," the receptionist says to her when she gets to Dr. Collin's office.
"Thanks," Elizabeth replies before walking into the office, smiling softly when the doctor rises to his feet at the sight of her. "Hi, Dr. Collins."
"Elizabeth, thank you for meeting with me," Kevin says, gesturing for her to walk in. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, that's okay," Elizabeth declines before joining him at the seating area. "I'm not in some kind of trouble, am I? I swear, I'm not passing myself off as a psychiatrist or anything. I was surprised by the Quartermaine's proposition as I'm sure you are."
"Relax, you're not in any trouble," Kevin assures. "Honestly, I'm actually impressed by what you've been able to accomplish."
"How so?"
"From the moment I took on Jason's case, I had trouble reaching him, much like everyone else, I'd wager," Kevin explains. "But then these last few sessions Jason has been much more receptive. It confused me, to say the least, for such a huge change to occur almost overnight. That was until Bobbie told me you were assisting him at the request of the Quartermaines."
"I didn't do much," Elizabeth says honestly. "If I'm being honest, I really spend most of my time sketching."
"And the time you don't spend sketching?" Kevin challenges, smiling softly when she falls silent. "Whatever you're doing, it's working and that's really the most important part of all of this. Your presence in his life has opened him to treatment and, for that, I'm thankful. I do have to ask, though, with all things considered, how are you handling having this kind of responsibility placed upon you?"
"I try not to think about it," Elizabeth admits. "My parents feel like this is my best option."
"That's all well and good for your parents, but I asked how you are handling it?" Kevin counters, seeing the hesitation in her features, he says, "If you'd like, we can consider this a session, if it'll help you to talk freely."
"That would help."
"Very well, give me a moment," Kevin says gently, walking over to turn on the light that signals he's in a session, grabbing his notepad before returning to his seat. "Okay, everything you say now is privileged, so, tell me how you're handling things?"
"Honestly, I'm struggling to decide what the right thing is for me to do," Elizabeth replies. "The Quartermaines expect me to report to them about my time with their son. My parents expect me to do whatever it takes to ensure that the Quartermaines give me their letter of recommendation. Meanwhile, the mere idea of doing that makes me sick to my stomach, like I'm betraying not only Jason but myself by doing so."
"We spoke a lot about others' expectations, back when you first started seeing me, do you remember?"
"I remember," Elizabeth replies. "As much as people expect from us, we must first consider our own expectations because we are the ones that must live with the decisions we make."
"Precisely," Kevin confirms. "It's easy to get lost in what others expect from us. Our innate desire to please others can often cloud our decision-making process especially when it comes to parental figures. At the end of the day, however, you have to ask yourself if those choices you're about to make are choices that you yourself can live with."
"Right," Elizabeth lets out a slow breath. "If I do this, I can pretty much kiss the letter of recommendation goodbye."
"You have more than enough achievements, as it stands, to make it into whatever college you desire," Kevin says kindly. "With or without the Quartermaines, I have a feeling you will achieve whatever it is that you desire because you are a hard worker and you are more than capable to make it on your own merit. Whether that be psychiatry or something more passion-based."
"My art."
"Passion for the job is what makes a career less of a job," Kevin explains. "If psychiatry is your passion, I say go for it, we need all the compassionate people we can get. Like all things in this life, make the choice that's best for yourself because you'll be the one to live with your decisions. Okay?"
"Okay," Elizabeth smiles softly. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good, that's all I can really ask," Kevin says, rising to his feet as she does. "If you're ever in need of a session, don't hesitate to make an appointment, it's what I'm here for."
"I will," Elizabeth assures. "Thank you, Dr. Collins."
Leaving his office, Elizabeth plays through her choices in her mind, taking all of them into consideration. She loves her parents, for better or worse, she loves them and she knows that they're pushing her to ensure she has a stable future, she knows that.
She also knows that the Quartermaines are under heavy emotional stress with what they are going through. They just want their son back. She truly feels for what they're going through, she couldn't imagine ever being in their shoes, but Jason is the one that has lost the most.
Jason is the one that was in a car accident that left him comatose. Jason is the one that woke up without his memories. Jason is the one that must pick up the pieces of what's left to build something for himself. As much as she loves her parents, as much as she feels for the Quartermaines, none of them are in Jason's shoes. None of them can say what the best choice is for him because they aren't him.
"Hey," Jason voices when she walks into the room. "You're late."
"He notices my absence," Elizabeth counters, pulling up a chair to sit next to his bed. "And here I thought you hardly notice me."
"I notice you," Jason says, his eyes meeting hers.
"Good to know," Elizabeth replies with a soft smile before changing the subject. "What are you reading?"
"Medicine and law," Jason says, showing the book to her. "It's a good read."
"I'm sure," Elizabeth says, flipping through the pages. "There's a lot of technical speak in here. You understand this stuff?"
"Yeah, one of the few things that remain from Jason Quartermaine," Jason explains. "Apparently he was studying to become a doctor."
"Makes sense, I guess," Elizabeth replies simply. "So, what have you learned so far?"
"I can regain control of my medical decisions."
"Really?" Elizabeth looks at him curiously. "How?"
"Well, first off, I need a lawyer," Jason explains. "Which I can't afford because I'm broke."
"You never know," Elizabeth points out. "There are a lot of high-priced lawyers that take on cases pro bono."
"Know of any?"
"Maybe," Elizabeth mulls it over for a moment. "You sure you want to take your parents to court?"
"They're not my parents, they were his," Jason states plainly. "And I'm sure."
"Did something happen while I was gone?"
"You mean other than the usual?" Jason counters before retracting at her arched eyebrow. "I asked Alan why he loved his son, do you know what he said?"
"Enlighten me."
"He listed the guy's achievements, saying that he made him look good," Jason states. "What father wouldn't love a child like that?"
"Okay," Elizabeth says after a long moment. "If this is really the path you want to take, I'll walk it with you."
"I can't ask you to do that," Jason counters, causing Elizabeth to look at him curiously. "You stand at my side, they won't give you that letter."
"So they don't give me the letter, it's not the end of the world," Elizabeth says simply, opening her bag to pull out her sketchbook and a pen, setting it in front of him. "The lawyer I know of, her name's Alexis Davis, she's a district attorney, but she does some pro bono work if the case appeals to her. State your case and I'll take it to her."
Taking the pen into his hand, Jason meets her gaze for a long moment before turning his focus to the sketchbook, accepting that she has made her choice. Writing out his case, he signs the bottom before handing it back to her, more than ready to be in charge of his life again. For as long as the Quartermaines are in charge of his care, he will ultimately only receive care that lends to what they want.
"Ms. Davis is out of the office at the moment," the secretary states. "If you leave your contact information, I'll be sure to get it to her."
"She has my contact information," Elizabeth replies simply. "My name is Elizabeth Webber. I'd appreciate it if she could get back to me as soon as possible."
"Elizabeth?" Alexis voices as she steps off the elevator. "I'm surprised to see you, is everything okay?"
"I'm fine," Elizabeth assures. "If you're not busy, I could use a minute of your time."
"Of course," Alexis replies without hesitation, pushing open her office door. "Go on in and have a seat. I'll be right with you."
"Thanks," Elizabeth says before walking into the office.
"Hold my calls," Alexis says to the secretary. "Unless it's life or death, I don't want to be disturbed, understand?"
"Yes, Ms. Davis."
"Thank you," Alexis says before shutting the door and walking over to where Elizabeth's sitting. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, that's okay, thank you," Elizabeth smiles slightly. "I was hoping I could cash in that favor."
"You need a lawyer?" Alexis looks at her skeptically. "What did you do, volunteer too many hours?"
"If that were an actual crime, I'd definitely need your help with that," Elizabeth laughs softly. "No, I'm here on behalf of a friend. He could use your help."
"You've caught my interest," Alexis says as she turns the other chair to face Elizabeth. "Tell me about this friend. What kind of trouble is he in?"
"No trouble, not exactly anyway," Elizabeth says before pulling out the page from her sketchbook and handing it to her. "Here, this should explain things. He wrote it out himself."
Alexis eyes her curiously before pulling out her reading glasses and turning her focus to the letter. For a long moment, Elizabeth felt nervous, wondering if Alexis would really take on Jason's case. It was no secret the history she has with the Quartermaines, but she had to chance that she would because she's one of the best lawyers in town. Finally, Alexis sets the letter down, removing her glasses before meeting Elizabeth's gaze.
"You understand what you're asking me to do?"
"I do," Elizabeth shakes her head. "I understand if you don't want to. I hope you can understand why I had to try."
"I get it," Alexis explains. "And I'm always up for testing my abilities outside of prosecution, but are you sure you want to use that favor on this?"
"I'm sure," Elizabeth says without hesitation. "Jason deserves to be in control of what happens to him. If cashing in that favor will get him that much closer to having that, I'm willing to do it."
"I admire your willingness to help a friend," Alexis says, truly impressed with the girl sitting in front of her, seeing how she's grown since they met last. "Save that favor for yourself. I'll help your friend."
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth questions. "I really don't mind."
"I know you don't and I'm sure," Alexis rises to her feet, prompting Elizabeth to do the same. "I'll meet you at the hospital so we can get introductions out of the way before I delve into his case. From his letter alone, I don't think it'll take too much for the court to rule in his favor. I'll get a clearer understanding once I meet with him. Of course, I make no promises."
"Of course," Elizabeth smiles slightly. "Thank you, Alexis, really."
Making her way to the hospital, she waits outside for Alexis to arrive before showing her up to Jason's room, where she waits outside to preserve client/lawyer privilege. Alexis had to admit that for an amnesiac fresh out of a coma, he's very logical and he speaks with enough knowledge to prove he's capable of handling his own medical decisions. It would help his case further if his doctors can confirm his competency.
"Well?" Elizabeth asks when Alexis walks out of the room.
"On his own, he has a good chance, but it'll help more if his doctors agree with his ability to make those choices," Alexis explains. "I'm going to meet with Dr. Collins to see where we stand on that. As for a court date, I have some pull with Judge Russo, if she agrees to oversee this case, it'll be a step in our favor. She's not swayed by big money, so, she'll give Jason a fair hearing."
"That's good," Elizabeth agrees. "A fair hearing is all he needs."
"It's all anyone deserves," Alexis says simply. "Go on in. I'll call you guys the moment I know anything."
"Thanks," Elizabeth says before walking into the room, retaking her seat by his bedside. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay," Jason assures. "She thinks I have a good chance."
"Yeah, she told me," Elizabeth replies honestly. "I'm glad she decided to take your case."
"I got the feeling she did it for you."
"How so?"
"Just the way she spoke about you," Jason explains. "You have history."
"You can say that," Elizabeth concedes. "She was the prosecutor on my case a few years ago. We spent a lot of time together preparing for the trial."
"You don't have to tell me," Jason voices, seeing her discomfort.
"It's okay, I don't hide from my past," Elizabeth says with a slight smile. "I was raped in the park when I was fifteen. With help from the police and the district attorney's office, I was able to put that monster where he belongs. Alexis stood by me through it all."
"Not your parents?"
"They couldn't bear to face what happened," Elizabeth gives as an explanation though it never sat well with her that they couldn't stand by her side. "You look tired. Why don't you get some rest?"
"Yeah, okay," Jason replies, finding that he can't stand her parents any more than he can the Quartermaines. "You'll let me know before you leave?"
"Of course," Elizabeth assures. "If you don't wake up before then."
"Okay," Jason says as he settles into the bed. "And...thanks. I don't have many people that believe in me. I appreciate that you do."
"Yeah, well, you make it easy," Elizabeth says simply. "Get some rest. I'll be right here."
Meeting her gaze for a long moment, Jason finds that he can't fathom what he could possibly have done to warrant her unconditional acceptance of who he is, but he's thankful for her in his life. As she gets settled with her sketchbook and pencil set, Jason relaxes into the bed, closing his eyes as she starts to hum, allowing the melody to lull him into a peaceful slumber.
Author's Note: That was resounding yes to continue. I appreciate your excitement for this and I hope you enjoyed this update. Let me know your thoughts in the review box below. Till the next one, take care of you and yours, plus a million hugs to you all! You are all appreciated, I hope you know that.