The Wayward Son and The Docile Daughter
As the town awakens bright and early Monday morning, many of the town's residents find themselves preparing for the hearing, anticipation sending shockwaves through the town. The Quartermaines being the Quartermaines, police presence is required atop of the already present court and hospital security.
"I'll see you at the hospital later," Mac Scorpio says to his niece as he prepares to leave the house for work. "I know you feel for them, but don't let them play you on the stand, okay?"
"You worry too much," Robin smiles softly. "Stay safe out there."
"Do the same," Mac says as he secures his jacket around him. "Love you."
"Love you."
Watching him walk out of the house, Robin lets out a soft sigh, knowing that this hearing was going to be a lot bigger than anyone had anticipated. Once the news outlets caught wind of Jason taking his parents to court, it was to be expected, really, given the Quartermaines' prominent stance in society. She can only hope that whatever outcome comes from this hearing, today will kick off the healing process and help move everyone forward from the accident.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in," Elizabeth voices as she runs a brush through her curls, nervous for today's proceedings. "Good morning."
"Good morning," Alexis smiles softly. "You ready to head out?"
"Just about," Elizabeth replies, turning in her seat to face her. "Today's going to be a long one."
"It's looking to be the case," Alexis admits. "Have you had a chance to look over those listings I left for you?"
"I have," Elizabeth admits. "The idea of owning a place, though, I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet."
"Fair enough," Alexis accepts. "If you want to start slow, I have apartment listings, as well."
"You're worried about me."
"I just want you to start off on solid ground," Alexis explains. "And the offer still stands. You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need to."
"Thank you," Elizabeth says wholeheartedly. "My whole life, every single step I made was planned out for me, set to the beat of my parents' drum. Being in charge of my own life, my steps no longer preset before me, it's going to take some getting used to, but I'll find my way. You don't have to worry about me."
"There's no doubt you're capable," Alexis replies simply. "Just know that you don't have to do it all on your own."
"I know," Elizabeth assures. "You'll never know just how much that means to me."
"I'll get the apartment listings for you," Alexis voices, feeling her emotions getting the better of her in that moment. "Meet you at the car in five?"
Smiling softly, she nods her agreement, watching as Alexis makes her way out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Elizabeth knows that once she gains her inheritance, she will need to start planning for the future, for what comes next, but she just can't see herself buying a house right now. She still isn't sure what she's going to do as far as going to school goes. Does she continue on the path to becoming a psychiatrist or does she follow her heart to her art? She doesn't know and - until she does - buying a house just isn't logical.
"We should get to the hospital early," Monica says to her husband as they get ready to leave. "Showing up ahead of schedule will help show the judge that we're serious."
"Right," Alan agrees, pulling open their bedroom door for her to walk out. "Keesha should be waiting for us downstairs."
"What about Robin?" Monica questions as they walk downstairs. "Have you heard anything from her?"
"Not since she agreed to go see Jason," Alan concedes. "She's his best friend, she'll come through for us."
"I hope so," Monica sighs. "The last thing we need is for her to join his defense."
"We've done everything we can to build our case," Alan reminds her. "We just have to trust it'll be enough to get the judge to see reason."
"Today has to go in our favor," Monica says seriously. "We can't lose our son, Alan."
"We won't," Alan assures. "Jason needs us. The judge will see that."
Finding Keesha in the family room, the three make their way to the car, all set to make their way to the hospital and get this hearing over and done with. They have all reached out to people, working their connections to build their case in hopes that the judge will see their side and understand that they only want what's best for Jason. Despite the opposition, they must have faith that the judge will see through all the smoke and mirrors to the truth.
"Don't worry," Emily says with a soft smile. "They're all new. I even took the liberty of having it washed and pressed for comfort."
"Thanks," Jason replies, sitting up in the bed as she hangs up the suit she got for him to wear to the hearing. "Em?"
"Yeah?" Emily voices, turning to face him. "What's up?"
"You don't have to testify."
"What?" Emily looks at him curiously. "Of course I do."
"No, you don't," Jason counters. "I know you're on my side. You don't have anything to prove."
"I'm not doing it to prove anything to anyone," Emily says gently, moving to sit down next to him on the bed. "I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do."
"They're your parents..."
"And they will still be my parents when all is said and done," Emily says simply, meeting his gaze. "I appreciate that you're worried about me, it means a lot, but - for right now - your situation takes precedence. Everything else is just going to have to wait for another day. Okay?"
"Okay," Jason accepts her choice, leaning over to place a gentle kiss upon her temple. "Thank you, Em."
"We're family," Emily replies, leaning against his shoulder as they brace themselves for what's to come. "That means I'm by your side unconditionally. Something the others have seemed to have forgotten."
"You and Grandmother," Jason says simply. "You're the only family I need."
"Well, you've got us," Emily says wholeheartedly. "No question."
Her entire life, she was raised to follow her heart and do what's right, no matter how difficult it may be or the personal sacrifice that would result from it. Do right for the sake of what's right. Even if her parents can't see it, Emily is honoring them by honoring her heart and the choices that she feels must be made for the sake of doing what's right.
The accident made Jason a victim, an unpredictable and horrible incident, one that she couldn't prevent. The last thing she's going to do is let her parents make a victim out of him again, regardless of their intentions and beliefs. Jason has been through more than enough to last a lifetime. If testifying will help him find his footing and lead him to the path of recovery, so be it, whatever it takes.
"Ready?" Alexis voices as they stand outside the conference room. "The judge has already made her ruling. This is just to make things official."
"I know," Elizabeth smiles softly. "I'm ready."
"Elizabeth, I'm glad I caught you before you went inside," Scott calls out as he makes his way down the hall to them. "If I could have a minute..."
"Go inside," Alexis instructs her, pushing the door open. "I'll be with you shortly."
"Wait!" Scott bellows as he watches her walk into the room before the door is shut firmly behind her, Alexis blocking his path to the doors. "It's not enough that you take a client out from under me..."
"For Elizabeth to have been your client, you would have had to have acted with her best interest at heart, something you clearly didn't do," Alexis states firmly. "And, unless you want to face harassment charges, I suggest you stay away from MY client. Do I make myself clear, counselor?"
"You have no basis for such charges," Scott counters in frustration. "I will speak to Elizabeth. If not today, tomorrow, but I will get my message across."
"You already lost, Baldwin, despite your every belief you wouldn't," Alexis states. "You want to gamble with your freedom, you go right ahead, but - make no mistake - if you come anywhere near Elizabeth, I will throw every last book at you. So, I suggest you cut your losses and move on, counselor, because I'm not above pulling favors to ensure you serve the maximum sentence when convicted."
Ending the argument there, Alexis instructs the guard at the door to deny Scott access to the room before pushing open the door and walking inside, the sound of Scott grumbling aloud cutting off as the door closes. Alexis doesn't know what Scott's angle is, but she'll be damned if she's going to just let him have his way.
He had his chance to do right by Elizabeth, that ship has officially sailed, now he'll be smart to keep his distance. Alexis isn't afraid to go to bat for Elizabeth and she will take Scott down a hundred notches if he pushes her to it. Returning her focus to the moment before her, Alexis takes a deep breath in and out to settle herself before joining Elizabeth at the table.
"Have a seat," Judge Russo voices when they rise to her entrance. "You must be Elizabeth Webber."
"Yes, ma'am," Elizabeth replies respectfully. "Thank you for coming to a decision so quickly."
"After months of patience, I believe a posthaste decision was the least you deserved," Judge Russo replies simply, gesturing for the guard to set the box down in front of her. "Everything you are entitled to have been packed in this box for easy transport. Anything of monetary value has been transferred to your account on record. Given the amount, it'll take a few days to become available, but you can discuss specifics with your bank."
"I understand," Elizabeth replies. "Thank you."
"Typically for people your age, coming into such large assets, I would suggest consulting with an accountant, but your file speaks for itself," Judge Russo comments. "You have quite the reputation in the charity circle, so, I have no doubt you understand the weight of your inheritance and the importance of using your money wisely. However, given the reason this case landed in my chambers, I will recommend counseling. I have a list of psychiatrists if you need a recommendation."
"Thank you, but I've already scheduled appointments with Dr. Collins," Elizabeth explains, elaborating at the slight surprise on the judge's face. "I'm at a crossroad and therapy tends to lend me clarity when I need it most. I appreciate the offer."
"Of course," Judge Russo smiles slightly. "If there are no further questions, I believe we can adjourn, the court wishes you the best of luck for the future, Ms. Webber."
"Thank you for everything," Elizabeth voices before shaking the judge's hand and following Alexis out of the room. "I knew the verdict, but I was still so nervous."
"That's normal," Alexis assures her. "I'm going to assist with setting up the room for Jason's hearing. You going to be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Elizabeth replies, gesturing to the hall. "I'm gonna go see if Jason's ready for the hearing."
Walking the halls to Jason's room, she can't help but be thankful to the people keeping the media off this floor, knowing that Jason didn't need reporters with cameras in his face trying to go for the big story. Getting past them in the lobby was hard enough, thankfully the hospital security has teamed with the police force to keep the reporters at bay.
Just as she's about to get to Jason's room, Elizabeth stops in her tracks at the sight of the doctors Quartermaine and Keesha who are arguing with a couple of security guards blocking the entrance. Confused for a moment, Elizabeth then remembers that Alexis had mentioned putting security on Jason's room for today, to ensure that no one tries anything before the hearing.
"I know who you are and I can appreciate your situation, but I have my orders," the guard says seriously. "Unless you're on the list, you can't see the patient until after the hearing."
"How do you know we're not on the list if you haven't bothered to check a list?" Alan counters, growing frustrated with this whole situation.
"It consists of three names," the guard replies. "Now, please, let us do our jobs and wait until the hearing to see the patient."
"Excuse me, hi," Elizabeth voices, gaining the guard's attention. "I'm here to see Jason. I'm Elizabeth Webber."
"Right, of course, do you mind if I check your ID?" the guard questions, all but ignoring the irate trio, checking Elizabeth's ID before stepping aside. "Thanks, you can go right in."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replies, ignoring the angry words that fall from their mouths, knowing they couldn't do anything to her because it'll only reflect poorly on them at the hearing. "I'm sorry about them."
"Part of the job," the guard shrugs. "I've dealt with worse."
Smiling softly, Elizabeth walks past the guards, thankful to know that Jason won't have to deal with them directly until the hearing. As much as they preach about doing this all for his sake, they continuously prove that they only care about themselves and what's best for them. Getting to his room, Elizabeth finds herself stopped in her tracks yet again, but for an entirely different reason.
Standing in the middle of the room in one of the best looking suits she has ever seen is none other than Jason, a soft smile touching his lips when his gaze meets hers. If not for Emily standing to the side, Elizabeth would swear this was some kind of lucid dream, Emily's words breaking through the fog and bringing her back to reality.
"Told you she'd approve," Emily voices before grabbing her jacket. "I'll leave you guys to it."
"Just a heads up, I ran into your parents and Keesha on the way in," Elizabeth says as she pulls open the door for Emily. "They weren't exactly happy with the guards in the hall."
"Of course not," Emily shakes her head. "Thanks. I'll take care of it."
"Good luck," Elizabeth replies before closing the door and walking over to Jason. "I see the physical therapy has been paying off."
"Yeah," Jason admits before wrapping one arm around her, reaching up the other hand to gently grip the side of her face and claiming her lips soundly. "I hate this suit."
"I know," she whispers, her eyes still closed as he places a lingering kiss upon her forehead. "It's just for today."
"How did your meeting go?" he questions as they move to the bed to sit facing each other, their hands joined between them.
"Good. They were nice enough to box everything for me," Elizabeth explains. "Alexis has it now. She's going to go over the contents and help me figure things out later on tonight."
"That's good."
"Yeah," Elizabeth replies. "What about you? How are you feeling about today?"
"It hasn't started and I already want it to be over," Jason answers honestly. "There's something I need to tell you."
"Okay."
"I had Alexis print out a petition to change my name," Jason explains. "If the ruling lands in my favor, she says the judge is willing to sign off on it."
"First and last?" Elizabeth questions curiously. "Or just last?"
"Just my last name," Jason replies. "I was thinking I'd take my grandmother's last name, but I wanted your opinion on it."
"Why?" she counters. "It's your last name. It only matters what you think of it."
"Not if I intend to make it your last name," Jason counters. "When we get married, it'll be your last name, too."
"I don't know what to say to that," Elizabeth looks at him curiously, truly amazed by the way his mind works. "You want us to get married?"
"Not right away, but eventually," Jason replies honestly. "You said I should think about the future. That's the only part I know for sure."
"Okay," Elizabeth smiles softly. "Let me hear what your name will be."
"Jason Morgan," Jason replies. "What do you think?"
"I think it's perfect," Elizabeth says honestly. "Jason and Elizabeth Morgan...I think I like the sound of that."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth whispers, smiling as his lips touch hers. "Emily know you're changing your name?"
"She approves," Jason replies simply. "Said she just might be tempted to do the same."
"Wouldn't blame her," Elizabeth laughs softly. "We still have some time before your hearing. How about we take that time to just relax? Lord knows we won't have any time to relax during the hearing."
"Sure."
Scooting back on the bed, Jason lays back as she moves to lay beside him, both knowing that they are in for a fight with this hearing. Holding each other close, they allow themselves the time to relax and just live in the moment there with each other. They'll have more than enough time to worry and stress over the proceedings later. For right now, they'll leave it at the door and exist in the peace while it lasts.
Author's Note: The hearing will be in the next update. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one. Till the next one, take care and know you are appreciated always. A million virtual hugs to you all.