My Mother's Photo Album

by gigirat1

Imagine if Lila really had adopted Luke and Bobbie as children when their mother died of appendicitis. Can the Quartermaine's and Spencers survive each other? Bonds and alliances are formed, lives changed forever. This is an AU story using General Hospitals original storyline of how Luke and Bobbies's mom died and not the whole Fluke fiasco.

6. Rock Problem or Play-doh Problem

Chapter 6

***General Hospital***

**Wednesday Morning **

Gail stood at the nurses desk on seven making notes in a chart and trying to collect her thoughts, today was going to be an extremely busy day. She was scheduled to have appointments with every member of the Quartermaine clan as well as Ruby, Luke and Bobbie followed by a group session with all and after witnessing Lukes emotional break at the funeral on Friday she had no doubt his would be the most challenging, however his mood seemed so much better at Lila's birthday party Sunday. She spotted Alan stepping off the elevator and finished up her notation, she closed the chart and handed it to Jessie to file than walked over to the young man "Good morning Alan you are right on time" she smiled "Shall we?" She added as she motioned in the direction of her office.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Alan asked as he sat back in a comfortable chair across from Gail

"Well we can start wherever you'd like, college, Rae, your family all come to mind" she suggested

"Okay… I suppose that'll work. College, that one is easy I am excited to start college. I know medical school is not what my father had in mind for me but we have come to an understanding you might say."

Alan said as he shook his head well grinning

"And what understanding is that?"

"I will major in medicine, become a doctor, a neurologist to be specific but also minor in business. I believe it is his way of preparing me for taking over ELQ"

"And how does that make you feel? That he is planning an alternative future for you other than the one you have in mind?" Gail questioned

"Alan let out a small laugh "Honestly Gail, it doesn't bother me at all. You see in his eyes he is preparing me in business to take over ELQ and I suppose in a way it is true, but I choose to see it as if I am preparing myself to one day become chief of staff at a major hospital, like Dr. Hardy himself and that requires some business experience. Let's just say I am more of a glass half full kind of guy, something I have certainly inherited from my mother. I've worked hard my whole life for this. How can I be anything but excited?" He stated as more of a statement than a question.

"And what about Rae? The two of you seemed awfully close for quite sometime and than suddenly it was over." Gail inquired

"Yeah I suppose that's what happened. It's funny because a month ago if anyone would have said Rae and I were going to break-up I would have laughed at them and if we were sitting here talking about it a month ago I think I would have been devastated, or at least I think I would have thought that anyway." He took a deep breath "But it wasn't like that… I mean I was upset, mad more like it, that she wasn't honest I mean. It's like I had this vision in my head that we were suppose to live happily ever after and I think I was more in love with the happily ever after than I was with Rae." When Gail nodded as if she understood he continued "Looking back I realize I cared about her very much but I don't think it was ever really love and I'm thankful that she realized that, because I do want to fall in love get married and have children but I want to show my wife and our kids real love not some imitation. I suppose its like Monica said, I am a hopeless romantic."

Gail noticed the difference in his smile and a slight blush at the mention of her daughter "You and Monica have been spending a lot of time together. I know she cares deeply for you."

"And I care about her. She is my most trusted friend and…"

"And?" Gail smiled

"And I can't imagine my life without her in it. She's the first person I want to call when something good happens and the first person I want to call when something goes wrong. Her friendship is invaluable to me. I probably don't tell her that enough."

"Trust me Alan she knows, and the feeling is mutual" Although Gail sensed there were deeper feelings there for Alan and from Monica she decided it was not for her to pry, she would leave that to the two to figure out and explore on their own "What about at home? Luke and Bobbie have been with your family for almost a month and although Bobbie has spent most of that time in the hospital their presence must be having an impact."

"Yes it definitely has, but not in a bad way. I know Luke has been acting out a bit this last week but I think he has some heavy stuff going on in his head. I do think he opens up to Tracy and she opens up to him. I think they are a positive influence on each-other, at least as positive as two moody teenagers can be" he smiled "Maybe they were thrown together for a reason. I don't know that's such a hard emotional age at least from what I can remember. Either way, I'm happy they have each-other."

"And Bobbie? It must feel strange to have a five year old in the house they are a whole different energy"

Alan smiled brightly "They certainly are. I never in my life thought I could love someone so much on site but with Bobbie I did and it was so easy.. Loving that little girl is so easy. She really is a whole different energy a strong beautiful energy and I can't imagine or would ever want to imagine our lives without her in them. She makes us better just by looking at us, all of us even Tracy, not that I think she will ever admit it. I don't know what is going to happen with the whole custody thing but I do know that in the short time we have all been together we've all made each-other better. Maybe I'm selfish Gail, but I hope the judge sees how much better we all are together. I hope he grants my parents custody of both of them."

As Gail waited for Tracy she thought about her visit with Alan, he had grown into such a smart sensitive young man with such insight. She was happy he was there for the Quartermaines, she was sure he would be a positive guide and great comfort to all of them. She even mentioned he should give some thought to going into psychology before committing to neurology his smile told her that was not going to happen. She heard a knock and saw Tracy peek in "Come on in. It's wonderful to see you." She said with a smile

"Hello Gail How are you?" Tracy smiled sweetly

"I'm good thank you for asking. And how are you?"

"I'm great, just not sure why I am here?" Tracy probed "You know it's not like I'm crazy"

Gail smirked at her "I have no doubt about that Tracy, I just need to speak to every member of your family it has been requested by the department of social services"

"Well okay but don't ask me to tell you any of Lukes secrets, I won't do that." She responded with a very serious look

"I certainly would never want that" Gail assured "I just want to talk about how you are doing, how school is going and even how you are adjusting to having to new siblings in your house and anything else you may want to talk about" at Tracys skeptical gaze she added "This is not an interrogation Tracy it's just a visit and anything you say here will stay between us so why don't you start by telling me about school"

"School is going great only a week left and I have straight A's my friends and I are all looking forward to summer break. It will be nice to sleep in and spend the days hanging out at the lake or by the pool."

"I remember those days. They go by too fast, so enjoy them while you can." Gail was interrupted by a low growling in Tracy's stomach

Tracy laughed to cover her embarrassment and placed her hand on her abdomen "Sorry, I guess I was kind of nervous about this whole thing and didn't eat much for breakfast"

"Don't apologize" Gail smiled "I have an orange if you'd like or I'm sure I have a granola bar in my purse"

"No, no thank you, I will grab something in the cafeteria when we are done" wanting to change the subject as fast as possible she went on 'So school is good, my friends are good and Bobbie is home so I suppose the family is good to. Anything else"

Years of training told Gail exactly what Tracy was trying to do but knew well enough that if she pushed to hard Tracy would shut down "Yes, how about we elaborate on the family for now. You said you suppose the family is good can you tell me more about that? How is your relationship with your parents?"

"It's good, actually it's better than good my mama stays pretty busy now that there are two more kids in the house especially with Bobbie, she's kind of a handful" at Gails nod she added "Mama spent a lot of time taking care of her at the hospital and now she has to keep a close eye on her to make sure she doesn't run or jump around and I Know she worries about Luke and tries to make sure he knows she is there if he needs her and for some reason it just feels like it is brining us all closer it kind of feels like she sees me as more grown up, our relationship seems to be changing but in a good way. Does that make sense?"

"Yes it does. Perhaps she sees you growing into a well adjusted young lady. Truthfully Tracy you are adjusting to this new situation with a lot more grace than expected. In fact you seem to enjoy having two new siblings" Gail applauded "How about your father are things going well with him?"

"Yes he has been working a lot, not more than usual but a lot. He's pretty much the same"

"The same?" Gail questioned

"Yeah, you know my father, he works and takes care of us. Same as always."

"What about Alan? How are things with him?"

That's pretty much the same too, he irritates me and I irritate him but we love each-other same as always. He'd have my back if I need him and vise-versa. Not really much to tell"

"Okay what about Luke?" Gail held up her hand "I'm not asking for his secrets I am just asking about the relationship in general, you two have become pretty close."

"I suppose we have, he's…he's my confidant and I am his. It's nice to have someone to talk to. It's like we can tell each-other things we can't tell anyone else. He listens when I tell him about my dreams for the future and he doesn't judge me when I say or do something he doesn't agree with and I wouldn't judge him either. He's more than my brother or foster brother whatever they call it, he is my best friend. I would do anything for him."

"I'm happy to hear that. I think everybody needs someone like that in their life." They smiled at each-other "What about Bobbie? I know she hasn't been in the house much with her hospital stay but what are your feelings there?"

"Just between us?" Tracy questioned and at Gail's nod she added "She's okay, I mean when she first showed up all cute and orphaney like I hated her on site but she kind of grows on you. I really am not all into little kids but if I had to choose one, I suppose I'd choose her. Just between us though, I don't want her all up in my business and stuff" Tracy added

Gail laughed "Just between us, I promise"

"Anything else?" Tracy asked

"Gail's face turned serious as she leaned closer face to face with her "Yes, Tracy why don't you tell me how long you've been starving yourself?"

"Tracy looked down swallowing hard "What makes you think I'm starving myself?"

"I've been doing this a long time. Your stomach has growled this whole session you are bone thin your hands are shaking should I go on? Are you going to tell me I'm wrong?"

"And if I did?" Tracy asked defiantly

"Than I wouldn't believe you. Our agreement was I will not share anything you say to me with anyone but if you refuse to talk to me and I know you are in danger I have no choice but to talk to your parents. So the choice is yours it's me or them Tracy? But know this will not be a one time meeting."

"I think that's called blackmail!" Tracy sneered

"You can call it what you want Tracy, but I have known you since you were born and I will never sit back and watch you kill yourself like this." When Tracy looked at her skeptically she continued "Starvation is a slow painful death Tracy it is very serious and the more you try to convince yourself you are in control, the less control you actually have. It's a dangerous slippery slope…. Tracy anorexia usually has less to do with weight and more to do with control."

"Tracy raised an eyebrow at Gail "Control? I don't understand"

"Yes the need for control is thought to be the reason behind anorexia but it's an illusion you may think you are in control of what you eat but in fact it's the eating disorder that has control over you and the longer this continues the more control it will gain. Eventually it will start to gain control of every aspect of your life and the more control it has the less you will have. So be honest with me please, how long has this been going on?" Gail pleaded

"Only a few months, but it's NOT anorexia. I just started a diet, lost a little weight and it was so easy at first." Tracy whispered "I just wanted to be perfect. What's wrong with perfection?"

"It's not attainable, that's what's wrong with it. Oh Tracy, You are so beautiful and smart you have the potential for so much." Look at me "You are the perfect version of you and some people including myself think that its our perfect imperfections that make us perfect"

As the tears started to slowly fall from Tracy's eyes Gail went to her and knelt in front of her taking Tracy's face in her hands she looked into her eyes "I know it doesn't feel like it now but this is a good thing, because this is the first step in really taking back control. Tracy leaned forward wrapping her arms around Gail hugging her for all she was worth. As Gail rubbed her back Tracy hoped with all her might that Gail was right.

Together the two ladies continued to talk about coping techniques and the journey they would share together, Gail set up another appointment for the following day and again reassured Tracy that as long as she continued to keep her appointments and work on getting better she would not violate her confidence. The session didn't end until there was a knock on the door indicating Gails next appointment had arrived. Tracy dried her tears and made herself presentable before the ladies opened the door. She pasted on a smile on her face and hugged her mother before leaving as quickly as possible.

Lila watched as her daughter waltzed out the door than turned back to Gail "Good morning, I hope I did not cut your session short."

"Oh you did no such thing. You are right on time. How are you today?" Gail smiled at her friend while motioning her over to the chair

Lila smiled warmly "I am doing wonderful today considering all the appointments, how are you? I hope everything went well with Alan and Tracy."

"I am doing wonderful as well. I do appreciate you getting all the children, Edward and yourself here, I know it cannot be easy. Alan and Tracy had really good sessions, sometimes I still think of them as little kids and here they are so grown and incredibly wondrous. You have a lot to be proud of, where they are concerned" Gail leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. "So tell me, How are things at home? How do you see the children coping to each-other and to you and Edward?"

"I think things are going better than I expected, I never in my wildest imagination thought Tracy and Luke would grow so close and so quickly especially after the explosive start they had. Alan he's so incredible so helpful with everything he seems to truly enjoy having the children with us and his relationship withTracy is less antagonist now, I think I have Luke to thank for that. Alan is not near as close to Luke as Tracy is but I do see Luke approach him when he has questions about his studies, theirs is more a fun quick witted relationship." Lila leaned in as if sharing a secret "They both share a lighthearted sense of humor that is sometimes lost on the rest of us." At Gails bright smile she continued "He adores Bobbie, I think my son is going to love fatherhood someday, the way he dotes on that little girl… and the feeling is mutual all day long I hear Alan said this or Alan did that, They share a very special bond."

"What about the girls? How do they respond to each-other?" Gail inquired

"They seem cordial enough" Lila laughed "There are times Tracy seems annoyed by Bobbie always asking her questions and follow up questions but she answers as best she can and I have even caught Tracy leaning in and listening intently to some silly story Bobbie is telling one of us. For Bobbies part she seems to not even notice when Tracy acts annoyed she just goes about chattering away."

Lila's face fell a little "I do have a few areas of concern"

"Go on" Gail pressed

" Well Luke for one, he started acting out a bit when we agreed not to discuss the children's living arrangements in front of Bobbie."

"Acting out how?"

"They day after we talked to him, he was late for class with his tutor, kept him waiting almost an hour, and than that night he didn't do the assignment he was given to complete for the following day. A few days later he snuck out of the house by way of the window. Oh he didn't leave the grounds or anything he just went down to the lake, but he could have been hurt climbing down. I spoke with Ruby and together along with Edward we explained to him that behavior like that was not acceptable we also tried to get him to open up but he said there was nothing to open up about." Lila looked to her friend for help

"I will talk to him, perhaps he will open up to me or after accessing where Bobbie is we can talk about their living arrangements again." Gail took a deep breath "Has Ruby said anything more to you about wanting to take Luke with her and leaving Bobbie with you?"

"No. As far as I know that is still where she stands"

"So at this time we are pretty certain You and Edward will get custody of Bobbie and it is only Lukes adoption that is up in the air." Gail clarified

"Yes and Andrea has said there is no reason she can see that any judge would deny us her custody, but getting Luke to understand that." Lila shook her head "I Just don't know how to make him understand that Ruby is not going to take Bobbie. You know Gail, at first I was appalled by the thought that she didn't want that little girl, but I get the sense she is breaking her own heart trying to give Bobbie a better life. To do right by her somehow." Lila quietly collected her thoughts before continuing "I know how selfish I must sound, but I am so thankful for whatever situation it is that is causing her to agree to let us keep Bobbie with us… Gail I just cannot imagine not having that little one in my life, all the time we spent together in the hospital and having her home now. But I cannot imagine how empty our home would be without Luke either." Lila paused in quiet contemplation "Who would have known that when I found these two beautiful orphans roaming around the park or I should say when they found me they would change everything we all are for the better"

"It's funny how they can do that isn't it?" Gail spoke from experience "You said a few concerns, tell me what else"

"The night of the funeral Bobbie asked me about what Luke had said about their mother, I tried to reassure her that her mother loved her but she hasn't spoken of her since, not one word. Before that incident she would mention her at least a handful of times a day. I keep waiting for her to say something, anything and when she doesn't… I just wonder if I should mention her, to get her to talk about Lena"

Gail sighed quietly "That's a tough one. There are a couple reasons she may not be mentioning her mother. 1. She could be confused by what Luke said and is unsure how that makes her feel, she could be unsure of how to process it at all and 2. Maybe she is mourning, as adults funerals are hard. Saying goodbye is hard and we know that, we understand there is a process, but to a five year old, their thought process is so different. But this I can definitely help with. Today when I meet with her I will approach the subject, at least than we will know what we are dealing with and once we figure that out we can decide what course of action if any needs to be taken."

Lila smiled happily, it was good to have Gail to help "Thank you, I appreciate that more than you know"

"You are welcome, don't worry to much, so far everyone seems to be adjusting better than we originally hoped. We knew there would be bumps in the road but I don't see it being anything we cant handle together. Anything else?"

"Yes, just one more thing, Ruby and I both wanted to discuss something with you. When the children first came to stay with me, they were so close and now they appear to be drifting apart and we don't know what to do to help stop that" Lila worried

"Honestly, I don't know if there is anything you can do." Gail reached out and took Lila's hand "When you first found those children they were alone beaten and broken down by what life had dealt them. They were in full survival mode and probably had been their whole lives. It's not an easy way to live, and it sounds like all they ever had was each-other." At the distressed look on Lila's face Gail gave her hand a squeeze "That's not where either of them are anymore and that's a good thing… No that's a great thing. Luke may be acting out, and that might be out of anger or fear or maybe he's testing you and Edward, trying to see what your response will be, but I believe he feels safe enough not just for himself but for his sister as well to test the waters, to NOT walk on eggshells. He feels safe enough" Gail repeated making sure Lila heard that part "And Bobbie she doesn't want to be anywhere else but with you and Edward and she doesn't have the intellectual maturity to carry around what Luke carries around she remembers the past or parts of it but not the way Luke does. All she knows is the present and near future, she can't comprehend long term the way we all do. So to her here and now and the future is you and Edward and the love she feels for you both and from you both. I guess what I am trying to say is, given the age difference the way they see and comprehend life, its only natural that they might gravitate in different directions. I don't know if that helps at all I hope it does"

"I suppose when you put it out there like that, it makes perfect sense. I will let Ruby know. We are going to have coffee in the cafeteria while you talk to Bobbie. Again Thank you I really do appreciate everything you are doing to help us all." Lila took a relaxing breath, feeling better about things

Gail was sipping some tea trying to prepare herself for her next appointment, both Alan and Lila's sessions had gone amazingly smooth, Tracy's had been a bit more challenging and revealing but Gail had hope that they could overcome the hurdle they faced. Her next meeting was the one she had the most concern about. Thinking back to previous meetings with Luke they were either hit or miss, sometimes he would open up to her and they would make great strides other times he would refuse to talk to her about anything significant or worse he would clam-up altogether and say nothing. She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a lyrical knock. Smiling to herself she hoped that was the sign of a good mood. "Hello Luke, you are right on time. I was just having some tea, would you care for some? Or perhaps a soda?"

"Sure I wouldn't mind a soda" he eyed her with a smile, wondering how much was mentioned about his misbehaviors "Thanks" he said as he took the drink she offered and took a seat in his usual chair. "So where do you want to start?"

She beamed brightly at him "That is entirely up to you, A lots happened the last couple of weeks and you didn't say much last week, so why don't you lead the conversation."

'Okay" he considered "Well you know from last week Bobbie came home. You brought it up, but we didn't, well I didn't really talk about it" he watched as Gail nodded "I'm glad she's out of the hospital, I worried when she was here and I couldn't keep an eye on her…. She seems to be… well its like she was never gone. I mean she was only at the Q's a couple days before she was admitted to GH but now that she's back, it's like she never left." Luke's smile faded and a serious look crossed his face "She's happy there, not just a little happy but really happy. She laughs and sings and plays, she makes up stories. It's like she's home, and I don't mean some temporary place we're staying I mean really home. More home than she was when we had a home."

"And how does that make you feel?" Gail questioned

"I don't know" Luke answered "I mean it's a good thing for her. She should be happy, she deserves to be happy. You know when I think about all the times I laid next to her rubbing her back as she cried herself to sleep or rubbed her head because she had some nasty bruise on her back… That was horrible because I knew she hated our home as much as I did, that she was as trapped as I was." Luke let out a deep breath and said with certainty "She deserves to be happy and feel safe, So I am happy about that." Gail sat quietly to let Luke ponder what he said. "So what now? I mean what am I supposed to do now?"

"What do you mean?" Gail asked

"I mean what do I do now? I promised Bobbie I would never leave her, that no matter what we were a package deal. I won't break that promise no matter what."

"So does that mean you are rethinking Florida?" Gail inquired

"How can I? We belong with Aunt Ruby and she lives in Florida. Plus what if Florida is safer?"

Gale looked puzzled "Safer? I suppose I don't understand Luke. What do you mean by safer?"

Luke stood up and walked to the window looking out he replied "I mean safer… Gail look out there" Gail stood up walked over and looked out as well "He's somewhere out there ya know! I don't know where but somewhere."

"Your father" Gail guessed

"Yes" Luke said sullenly "Port Charles is a small city, what happens if he finds out where we are? What if he decides he wants us back or worse he finds out we are with the Quartermaines and decides he can get money from them? He's not like Edward or Lee he's an evil man, What if he thinks he can use us to get money and Edward, Lila, Alan or Tracy get hurt?" He looked directly in Gails eyes "What if Bobbie gets hurt? Florida is far away and its big, he'd never find us there"

Gail took several deep breaths, reaching up she touched Luke's shoulder "Have you been having nightmares again?"

"A few" Luke acknowledged before bringing his hand up and rubbing his forehead

"Why don't you tell me about them" Gail suggested walking Luke back to their chairs

"What's to talk about? It's the same nightmare I always have, mama is lying on the couch with her eyes open staring at the ceiling she's not dead but she won't get up and help us and my dad is running after us taunting us. He has a metal pipe in his hand and we are running down the hall, I keep tripping so he keeps getting closer when I finally catch up to Bobbie she has the window open and is on the fire escape getting ready to jump. I scream at her no but she just looks at me and says 'Don't worry Luke I can fly'…. Than she jumps but she doesn't fly, when I step out onto the fire escape I wake up. " Luke looked at Gail with haunted eyes "I know we've talked about it, I know its just my fear and stress manifesting into my dreams, but it still seems so real when I wake up."

Gail rubbed her thumb and forefinger on her chin as she contemplated, reoccurring dreams were certainly not uncommon especially in Lukes situation as they usually indicate unresolved issues or trauma "I know these dreams are upsetting scary even and I know I said it before but I do want to reiterate that this dream is another way for you to process everything that you fear most, and it makes perfect sense that your brain may need extra time to work through it, but the more you open up the more you face and deal with what has happened in your past the less fear you will have. You cant stay in flight mode forever. You cant run forever. Our dreams bring to life our emotions even the ones we try to hide deep within ourselves. I think its time for us to truly acknowledge and break down this dream one piece at a time. I think it's a sure fire way of dealing with your fears and anxiety. I think dealing with every aspect of this dream will not only help you but also stop the dream…. And I think we do that here and now."

"What if we do that and I still have the nightmare?" Luke asked

"While than we keep trying until you don't." Gail reassured " So your mother is laying on the couch her eyes open but she is not dead but won't help you. Can you tell me what you think that means?"

"Maybe that I am afraid or angry that she died"

"I am sure that is part of it, but perhaps there is more to it. Think about what you said at her funeral" Gail challenged

Luke looked at Gail ashamed of his outburst at the cemetery "That she didn't love us.. That she let it continue to happen… So than maybe I am mad no not just mad I'm pissed off that she stayed with him that she thought staying with him was more important than us. Bobbie could have died because of what he did, she could have been the one lying on the couch dead because mama choose to stay. Or I could have died and then who would have taken care of Bobbie? So yeah I'm mad!" Luck said wiping away angry tears that started to fall

"You said it. You said it out loud and nothing bad happened" Gail reassured him " so your mother let you down, first by not finding a way to protect you and than by dying, so now you have to figure out a way to forgive her, maybe try to understand her. But you don't have to carry her mistakes with you, they don't belong to you. They belong to her. That might be something you have to remind yourself everyday until you believe it." Gail decided to push forward she knew they would have to spend more time on this subject but right now her objective was getting through the dream addressing each issue. If they could do that than Luke could have it all in the open "Your father is chasing you both with a pipe taunting you and you keep tripping. We know already the fear your father has instilled by physical abuse, It's a subject you try to avoid we need to address it. I think that is something else you carry that doesn't belong to you. You did NOTHING to deserve it and you don't have to own it he should own it. But you do have to deal with the emotional scars it left you with."

"I hate him Gail. I wish he was the one who would have died. And what if I grow up to be just like him? My grandfather beat my grandmother and him and Aunt Ruby, what if I'm the same?" Luke questioned fearfully

"That won"t happen" when he looked skeptically at her she added "We won't let that happen, we are not just here to probe into your past but to give you a better future and if we have to meet every week for the rest of our lives to insure that never happens, than that is what we will do. But I don't think that is going to be necessary." She smiled "Tripping or Slipping what do you think that could mean?"

"I haven't a clue. I wouldn't even know how to guess on that one" Luke shook his head

"Okay let me take a guess and you can tell me if you think it fits" When Luke nodded she said "when you trip or slip or stumble whatever words you use it means to loose your footing. Maybe with everything going on, loosing your mother, your home, your school, maybe it feels like the foundation you built your life on no matter how unstable it was to begin with feels less solid. Everything you knew has been shaken up and you lost your footing… What do you think?"

"I think you are a pretty smart lady, that actually makes more sense than you know. When we first moved in with the Qs Lila was talking about my room and I told her it was her house and her room and she said I was wrong that it was my room and that meant something it mattered. So what you just said does make sense. So what about Bobbie thinking she can fly and jumping off the fire escape? What do you think maybe I'm afraid to loose her? That she will end up with the Edward and Lila and I'll end up in Florida? And if that's it than why did she fall instead of fly?"

Gail smiled at Luke and raised an eyebrow "I think you are pretty smart too! I think that is EXACTLY what that means. When your mother died you lost everything except Bobbie, it's only natural you would be afraid of loosing her too. AND that isn't going to happen, even if you were placed in separate homes I know Lila well enough to guarantee she would NEVER let that happen. Nothing has been decided Luke. Have you talked to Ruby about why she is choosing to leave Bobbie behind?"

"She said it wouldn't be a good environment for her. She wont say anything more?" Luke stated flatly

"You want to live with Ruby because you feel safe with her?' Gail asked and Luke nodded "Than that means you must trust her…. So trust her! Trust that she knows what she is talking about"

Gail and Luke continued to talk until she had diverted the subject to things a little more light-hearted but she did mention to him with a smile on her face that she expected him to show up for his lessons and do his assignments and hoped he would think twice about sneaking out of the house. When he smiled back at her bashfully she counted his session as a win.

As Gail sat on the floor across from the little red head she smiled watching her choose brightly colored crayons as she drew her picture "That's a pretty fancy house" she said before pointing to the smiling stick figures next to it. "Who are all those people?" She asked

"Can't you tell?" Bobbie questioned "That's Luke, and that's Tracy see they are telling secrets" She explained and than pointed to another "That's Alan and That's Mama and that's Daddy and that ones me. And see over here under the tree is Darling and Ruby… Look they are holding hands" She smiled

Gail froze for a moment at the mention of Mama and Daddy "Oh very nice, but what about Edward and Lila?"

"I told you silly, right there and there" Bobbie pointed back to the picture

"Oh your right I am silly, Lila didn't tell me you call her mama"

"I don't yet, I'm just practicing" Bobbie picked up another crayon and began drawing leaves on the tree "she's going to dopt me than I can and no one will get mad"

"Who do you think would get mad if you called her mama and Edward daddy now" Gail picked up a crayon and handed it to her

"I don't know" Bobbie stalled

"Maybe Alan or Tracy" Gail pushed and Bobbie shook her head no "Maybe you think it would upset Ruby or Luke"

Bobbie looked up at her "Ruby doesn't want me" she said matter of factly

"Who told that?" Gail asked shaken and upset "Bobbie look at me! Who told you that?" she asked again when the little one looked up

"The nurse in the hospital told the lady who brought my tray in."

"I know for a fact that is NOT true. Your Aunt Ruby loves you and does want you, she just wants you to be with Lila because that's what you want. Okay?...Okay?"Gail asked again when she didn't get a response

"Okay! Do you want to know a secret?" Bobbie smiled mischievously

"Sure" Gail smiled back

"Aunt Ruby had tea with my Darling yesterday and I heard them talking about going on a picnic"She leaned in and whispered "I wonder if they will share a kiss and get married"

"Bobbie Spencer, that is gossiping and we are not here to gossip" Gail scolded while trying to hide a smile

"What's Go-sup-ing mean" Bobbie inquired

"Gossiping is when you tell someone something about someone else that is nobody's business" Gail tried to put it in terms Bobbie would understand

"Ooohhh than can we gossiping instead today?" She grinned

"It's Gossip and No! It isn't nice to gossip about people, it could hurt someone's feelings make them sad. You wouldn't want to do that would you?"

No no no I never want to make my Darling sad. Or Aunt Ruby either" She said seriously

"Bobbie, tell me do you think Luke would be mad if you called Edward daddy and Lila mama?" Gail tried to get the little girl back on track

Bobbie looked at Gail very seriously for a few seconds as if pondering her answer "Yes"

"What about your mama? I mean your mama Lena?" Gail studied the little girl closely waiting to see any signs of distress but didn't

"What about Lena she's dead" Bobbie pointed out "Sides she didn't love us enough anyway" Bobbie said without emotion "Do you think if I draw a puppy daddy and mama will let me get one" she added as she picked up a brown crayon

"It couldn't hurt to try" Gail answered "What makes you think your mama Lena didn't love you"

"ENOUGH!" Bobbie emphasized "She didn't love us enough. Luke said so at the funeral remember"

"I do, but maybe he was wrong" at Bobbie's bewildered look she quickly added "We can't always know what someone else feels."

"Luke doesn't lie to me, sides she's dead so why does it matter? I don't care if she loved us enough anyway" Bobbie stated and grabbed a fresh piece of paper "Can Scotty come over and play today?"

"Probably not today because we have another meeting later after I talk to Edward and Ruby, but tomorrow if it is alright with Lila" Gail assured her "How are you getting along with Luke, Tracy and Alan?"

"Good, Alans funny him and Monica make me laugh and they are teaching me how to swim. Annndd they said they would take me and Scotty to the picture show Saturday." She said excitedly

"Well that's fantastic. How is Edward do you like having him around?"

"He's so silly! Sometimes when he talks about business his face turns all red and he gets grumpy and Alan and Tracy say things on purpose to make him more grumpy than we all laugh and he waves a hand at us and tells us someday we will wish we listened o him." Bobbie giggled as she told the story

Gail giggled along with her having witnessed Edwards rants before she remembered trying to hold in her own laugh at him. "And hows Darling?" Gail put up her hand to stop the on coming rant "Not his love life with Aunt Ruby!"

"He's so super amazing and he tells the bestest stories in the whole wide world. I think he was a magician or a spy or maybe a super hero. He's done so many neat things. Look he gave me this necklace, it's from France and his mama gave it to him, to give to his daughter but they don't say mama like we do they say maman. I think I will marry him someday if Aunt Ruby doesn't" she said with that same mischievous look

"You seem happy Bobbie, and that makes me happy, Why don't we finish up our pictures and we can give them to Edward and Lila when they get here"

Gail was writing some notes in Bobbies chart noting the need for follow-up conversations about her mother before adding that conversations about her father should wait until after the adoption if possible.

Gail smiled knowingly as she sat across from Ruby, she couldn't get Bobbie's tidbit of information out of her mind "It is so nice to see you again Ruby, how have you been?"

"Oh it has been a busy couple of weeks, but I am doing well. I suppose I have forgotten how much I missed Port Charles well I was away. How are you?"

"I am just fine thank you, busy as well" Gail smiled "Port Charles would be easy to miss, I grew up here and never had a desire to live anywhere else." Gail saw the far away look on Ruby's face "Have you ever thought about returning for good?"

"Only about a million times" Ruby smiled sadly "But it just isn't possible, I wish it was, but circumstances won't allow it"

Gail sensed something raw and painful in Ruby's voice "Perhaps you would like to talk about it" she prodded

"There really isn't much to talk about, I made choices when I was younger, that cost me dearly. I am still paying for them"

Gail saw the same fear on Ruby's face as she saw on Luke's when he spoke of his father "Choices? What choices?" Gail asked and at Ruby's silence she asked "Perhaps as an eighteen year old young beautiful girl, you feel in love with Prince Charming, only after awhile he really wasn't all that charming?"

Ruby looked at her completely dumbfounded "How? How did you know?"

"Generational abuse… Abuse can be a universal influence one generation passes on to the next. Family traits are often passed down from parents to children. Oh Ruby this is a cycle that has been repeated for thousands of years. Your brother obviously took the traits of your father, but you…. You, I am guessing learned your traits from your mother"

Ruby sighed "He was so handsome, the captain of the football team in high school, and every girl wanted to date him. But he choose me. And when he proposed I was sure we were going to be happy forever. Don't get me wrong, I am a realist, I knew it wouldn't always be easy… But one day wham I woke up and realized I married my father, my brother. I saw the life my mother lived, the lives Tim and I lived. I also saw the life Lena and Luke and Bobbie were living and I knew I had to get away. I begged Lena to bring the children and come with me, but she refused. So when he left for work one morning after a horrible evening the day before I watched him walk out the door rushed to my room, packed my bags and walked to the bus station. I took the first bus heading out of town and ended up in Florida… I've been there ever since"

You aren't 18 years old anymore. You can come home if that's what you want" Gail said empathetically

"I don't understand, I left, I DID break the cycle" Ruby said with a confused look on her face

"You started to yes, but you are still running. You are still a victim. You are still afraid" Gail challenged "You said you want to come home to Port Charles but it seems to me you are afraid, which implies he still has power over you." Gail let what she said linger before continuing "Unless perhaps there is something else keeping you away from Port Charles or perhaps something keeping you in Florida? A career or someone special in your life?"

"No" Ruby whispered

"Ruby what would you think about meeting with me a couple time a week until the final adoption hearing?" At Ruby's hesitant look Gail quickly added "Perhaps this isn't fair of me but I think you are strong enough to stop the generational trauma that has plagued your family. Luke fears it, I fear it for Bobbie. There is no one in a better position to stop this dangerous cycle than you. You are perfect for this task."

"Me? I thought you said I was still a victim?" Ruby questioned

"I believe to a point you are, BUT Ruby If you know what generational abuse and generational trauma is and you are willing to own up to it, to truly face it's impact. To be the change in the cycle. If you can rid your family of the toxin, than you are going to do amazing things. You will set yourself as well as Luke and Bobbie up for joy, prosperity and peace….And if you still decide to go back to Florida than hopefully you go back heading to something, not running away from something."

"Okay, for Luke, for Bobbie….For me, okay I will meet with you." Ruby agreed.

The ladies spent most of their time left speaking about abuse and fear as well as Luke and Bobbie and their future, by the time her session was over Ruby felt a great deal more confident that she could be the hero the Spencer's needed to truly stop the horrific cycle the plagued them for so long.

Gail tried hard to keep the smile off her face but seemed to be failing, from the moment Edward trudged through the door forty-five minutes ago ranting about time being money until now, sitting here while he was explaining to her the importance of a CEO's ability for strategic thinking and problem solving she tried to hide the humor she felt. She instantly regretted not using the words FAMILY concerns when she asked if he had any concerns he wanted to talk about, but after everything he's done bringing Luke and Bobbie into his home and running the household while Lila was with Bobbie in the hospital, if he needed a sounding board, than a sounding board she would be.

"Now that brings us to an employees ability for innovation and complexity… I'll tell you Gail, asking some people to think critically is like trying to pull teeth. I pay my employees top dollar to deal with some of the most basic issues and you would think I was asking for a vital organ. I worry about where this country is headed, people today just don't have the work ethic and drive that was instilled in us." Edward shook his fist before taking a deep breath "Now where was I?" He asked

"I think you were just about to tell me how things are going at home. With Lila and the children" she grinned

"Oh yes, yes, Lila is fantastic she's always fantastic. That beautiful lady can handle things most men can't and she does it with such grace and always with a smile on her face and love in her heart. I am such a lucky man" he said with such pride and at Gails nod of agreement he went on "And Alan, while you know he is going to be starting college in a couple of months" he waved his hand dismissively "A doctor!" He huffed "That boys education has been centered around business for a reason..TO TAKE OVER ELQ! And he chooses medicine, its enough to keep me up at night, I'll tell you."

"You aren't even a tad bit proud?" Gail questioned with a raised eyebrow

"Of course I'm proud" Edward said grouchily "It's just hard when you envisioned one future for your child and they choose another. I had hoped he would step up and take over as CEO of ELQ when I retire"

"Well you do have two maybe even three, if the court awards you Luke, more children who might be interested in that job." Gail offered "Tracy is the first that comes mind "There is something about her, she's extremely intelligent and reminds me very much of you"

"Yes yes yes, I suppose so. Oh Tracy has everything a company would want as a CEO but that's a lot of pressure to put on a young girl"

"As opposed to a young man?" Gail questioned

"Oh, now don't you start with this women's liberation thing, I don't even want to hear it. I have no problem with Tracy going into business if and only is she is willing to make the sacrifices it takes. Do you have any idea how many sporting events or ballet recitals and school activities I have missed in order to give my family the best life possible? Don't get me wrong I would do it over again, because they are worth it a hundred times over, but you can never get those times back, and I want more for Tracy. I want better for her. She deserves better" Edward said sadly

Gail nodded, this was the side of Edward she liked best, but he showed least. A sensitive gentle side "it"s natural as parents to want better for our children, but don't underestimate your daughter, she just may end up surprising you."

"Oh trust me I would never underestimate that child… And I know she is hiding something even now!" And just like that Mr. sensitive was gone Gail thought as she watched Edward shaking his finger in her direction "And you mark my words I am going to find out what it is!"

Changing the subject quickly in the hopes of giving Tracy the space she needed for her own healing Gail asked "How are you getting along with Luke?"

"Fine, just fine, he is a a remarkable young man, especially with everything he has been through. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments, but most Quartermaines do. He had an issue with his tutor one day, but it was just one day and his tutor informs me the boy is very bright. Questions everything but is very bright" Edward beamed with pride

Gail caught the Quartermaine name Edward used when referring to Luke but decided to leave it be "I agree with the tutor, I've gotten to know Luke very well the last few weeks and he is certainly a very bright young man... What about Bobbie? Has it been difficult adjusting to having a five year old running around your home?"

Gail instantly noticed a softness appear on Edward's face a lightness she has never seen him wear "Difficult? No not even a little." He smiled "The night Lila brought those children home, I thought for sure she had lost her mind, I mean what were we supposed to do with two damaged abused orphans? But that little girl… sometimes I look up or turn around and there she is with this smile, this big beautiful trusting smile and those big brown eyes looking at me like I hung the moon and everything else in the world falls into place. When I think about Alan or Tracy at five they were so different than Bobbie" Edward leaned in as if sharing a confidence "In my mind Bobbie is the little girl I picture Lila as at five. We talked about Tracy taking over ELQ and I could see that I could also see her running it side by side with Luke, but Lila is the true heart of our family the love and gentleness and that is what I see when I look at Bobbie the future heart of the Quartermaines. That little girl is everything good and pure and innocent this world should be I can't imagine how her father could have ever done her har. How anyone could ever do her harm. No she is not difficult"

Gail sat at the conference table waiting for everyone to settle in, her office was not meant to hold so many people comfortably so she was thankful when Steve said she was welcome to use the main conference room as it would be the most comfortable. She watched as everyone choose their seats than observed them for a few moments, Tracy and Luke sat together at the farthest end leaning in whispering as if sharing a secret, while Lila sat talking with Ruby at what appeared to be something lighthearted. Bobbie sat in between Edward and Alan who seemed to be enjoying entertaining the small child by spinning her softly in the oversized chair and Andrea sat to her right observing the group as she herself was. After a few minutes Gail got up grabbed a small bag and walked around the table handing each person a small smooth stone and a ball of play-doh, than went back to her seat. She asked everyone to set the play-doh aside and hold onto the rock. "Now I want you to roll the rock in your hand, squeeze it as hard as you can.. Try to bend it.." she waited and watched "Is anyone able to change the rock?" At everyone's no she continued "Okay set the rock down and pick up the play-doh" when she saw everyone had she went on "Squeeze it as hard as you can. Bend it… Roll it between your hands. Are you able to change the play-doh?"

"Yes" was heard in unison around the table

"I met with all of you today and each one of you talked about at least one thing that was concerning you so whenever you find yourself thinking about things that may leave you feeling anxious, nervous or frightened I want you to think of the rock and the play-doh. The rock represents situations out of your control, it's hard and cannot be changed. But The play-doh represents situations. You can change, you have the power to shape it. " Gail looked around the table now I would like to go around the table and have each of you give me one general situation you cannot and one you can control. One rock and one play-doh And it can be about anything in the world, it doesn't have to be about anything we talked about privately. Let's start with you Ruby and work our way around."

"The rock umm what other people say or do and the play-doh what I say or do" Ruby said

Gail smiled and nodded "Yes exactly, Lila your next"

"The rock Getting older, the play-doh living healthy"

"Indeed" Gail giggled along with Ruby and Andrea "Luke your up"

"The rock… I guess my past would be a rock and the play-doh is dealing with it head on" Luke smiled remembering his session and how Gail said it would help him with his nightmares and anxiety. Lila grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently, letting him know he was not alone.

"Very good, and I have no doubt you can do just that" Gail gave him a look of confidence "Tracy, your turn"

"The Rock…. I guess how other people respond or act toward me, The play-doh is how I respond or act toward other people."

"Excellent Tracy! Alan how about you?"

"The rock.. Change itself I suppose, and the Play-doh how I respond to change"

"That's a big one. Good Job. Bobbie what do you think?" Gail prodded knowing this most certainly went above her head but with a little help she was sure Bobbie could give some input on at least a part of it

"I think I would like to keep the play-doh if that's okay" Bobbie said with all seriousness

When everyone chuckled "Yes, of course but can you tell me something anything in the whole world that you can't change" Gail asked

"Ummm I can't change rain into snow" Bobbie said trying to figure that one out

"The weather That is FANTASTIC! You are correct you can't change the weather, can you tell me something you can change?"

"Well I bet I can change Edwards mind about letting me get a puppy!" She said as she giggled and leaned closer to Edward

"Don't be so sure about that one." Edward laughed

Gail smiled at the exchange "My money is on Bobbie! How about you Edward?"

"The rock well that's easy the economy" as everyone shook their heads laughing he said triumphantly "The play-doh where I invest my money"

Gail laughed "Excellent, everyone did excellent "What I was hoping that everyone would take away from this is that change is inevitable and knowing what you can or cannot change is very important. Too many people refuse to accept there are things in this world they cannot change or have absolutely no control over, and as humans we tend to focus on these things rather than what we can change what we do have control over. Things out of our control are going to happen to each of us all the time. What we need to do is learn how to tell if it is something we do or do not have control over and if so what can we do to shape it the best way possible and if not how to shape ourselves to handle it. Does everyone understand?"

"Yes" was the general concessions "But what if we don't know how to shape ourselves to handle it?" Tracy asked

"Well that's easy than you have a whole bunch of people sitting right here who will help you" Gail said as she waved her hand around the table. "Even as adults we sometimes need help trying to figure out what can and what can't be changed. When anyone of you is struggling you need to reach out ask for help, that's what we are here for. Your siblings, your parents, me, Ruby and Andrea we are all here to help each and everyone of you.."

"Okay, so what your saying is that if I needed help I could go talk to… I don't know let's say I wanted to talk to Ruby I could? Even though she is Luke and Bobbie's aunt and not mine?" Tracy tested

"Of course you could" Ruby answered softly looking Tracy in the eye to let her know she meant it "Night or day if you needed me I would drop whatever I was doing to help you"

Tracy gave Ruby the first real smile since the two met. "Groovy that sounds groovy. Thank you" Tracy said and Lila reached out touching Ruby's arm gently

Gail did several creative fun group therapy activities with the family that focused on communication, trust and dealing with emotions and by the time the session which went an hour and a half longer than planned was over she saw a genuine smile on everyone's face, she spoke with Andrea and the two decided that this would be worth repeating every other week. They spoke to Edward, Lila and Ruby and the adults seemed to eagerly agree. She walked back to her office picking up the phone she dialed a familiar number "Hello sweetheart, Yes I am sorry I am so late. Yes it was a busy day, but very productive. I am on my way home now. I love you to" She turned off the light and closed the door feeling victorious.