Have not had a dream in a long time
see, the life I've had
can make a good man bad
So, for once in my life, let me get what I want
-Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths
To build a mother's confidence.
That was typed in bold and italic font across the Lamaze flyer with an image of a woman happily embracing her pregnant belly – join us…Tuesday at 11 AM. How would learning breathing techniques help build her confidence as a mother? She was not sure. Maxie's s journey into motherhood has not been what she has imagined for herself. She wonders where she will be if choices were made differently. Then Maxie regrets that thought because while Maxie is sorry for the pain her actions caused others, she can never regret her baby.
Even though Maxie was unsure about Lamaze class, Robin recommended it as a doctor. Then Carly recommended it as a mother, so she signed up. Georgie was supposed to attend the first Lamaze class with her. Unfortunately, yesterday morning, she woke up with a bad case of the flu – fever, cough, runny nose, the works. Maxie planned to skip the class, but Georgie, with a coarse voice, called Diego, who immediately said yes. She does not mind that Diego attends the class as her Lamaze partner. It is Diego's constant support that is has been contributing to Maxie's confidence as a person. His ability to see past her mistakes and never leave her side has slowly chipped away her abandonment issues. His affections have made her feel special, loved, and wanted, something she has not felt in a while.
"Maxie, where should we set up?" Diego's question pulls her from her thoughts.
"Uh, good question; I guess that corner by the window is good," she responded while also noticing the table-filled snacks conveniently located by the window as well.
"The window or the table of snacks" Diego smiled while proceeding to lay out the yoga mat and pillows.
"Window has a great view of the outside of GH, but I won't be opposed to eating a cookie," she said back with a sly grin.
"Chocolate-chip or sugar," he asked. He walked over to the table, grabbing a small white plate decorated with flowers.
"Why must I choose" she joked. Diego laughed and proceeded to grab two of each. He handed her the plate and then proceeded to open one of the Poland spring bottles to go with her cookies.
"So, who's giving this class," Diego asked.
"Epiphany, according to Robin," Maxie answered.
"She scares me, sometimes, once I –" as Diego begin to tell Maxie of his encounter with the nurse, he was interrupted by a woman's voice.
"She's not that bad, just passionate about nursing."
Diego and Maxie turn their heads to the voice to see Elizabeth Spencer. Maxie was suddenly overwhelmed with nausea, the cookies she was eating no longer of interest. Diego remains cool and calm while pondering a polite way to treat a pregnant woman but making sure to defend the woman he loved if needed. Elizabeth wore a smile, the kind of smile you give to someone in passing to be polite. She was also wearing sky-blue scrubs with a white under-scrub top and black clog shoes, clearly on a shift at General Hospital.
"Hi, Elizabeth," Diego greeting Elizabeth out of politeness, "how are you?"
"I am okay, thanks for asking; I am attending the class in between shifts," she replied while looking directly at Maxie.
"Oh, um, we can leave if you want," Maxie said hesitantly.
"Um, no, that's not necessary; I am mean, it's your first so, you should stay. And Epiphany is good at giving this class," Elizabeth said sincerely.
Maxie and Diego were unsure what Elizabeth meant by first. Is she implying that it was Maxie's first Lamaze class, which it was, but how would Elizabeth know that information? Or was she implying it is Maxie's first baby? As a mom and nurse who probably had experience with Lamaze class, does Elizabeth think it would be good for Maxie to take the class? Nonetheless, Elizabeth was being courteous, which did not help or ease Maxie's guilty conscience.
The awkward pause left between the three adults made a few seconds feel like an eternity.
"Can we talk," Elizabeth and Maxie both said at the same time, leaving Diego to laugh awkwardly.
"Diego, do you mind giving Maxie and me a moment alone," Elizabeth asked. Diego looks towards Maxie, waiting for the response of okay. When Maxie nodded her head and let him know it was alright, he agreed to leave.
"Sure, um, I'll just take a short walk before class starts," Diego said, squeezing Maxie's arm gently in comfort before leaving.
Maxie was still holding her unfinished plate of cookies. She realizes that Diego took the bottled water and how a drink will be helpful for the dry mouth she was currently having. She looks down at her plate, pondering if she should finish the cookies. Elizabeth, who must have been very observant, or perhaps it was her nurse skills, realized Maxie seemed under the weather of nausea. Elizabeth took a water bottle from the table, handing it to Maxie while also taking the plate of cookies from her hand.
"Thanks," was the only reply that Maxie can make say.
"You're welcome, nauseous suddenly? I remember with Cameron, it would come out of nowhere even after the morning sickness stage ended," Elizabeth stated with a small smile.
"I had that morning sickness pretty bad as well. But, even at night which made me wonder why it is called morning sickness," Maxie stated in return, "thankful Diego always had a ginger ale or peppermint tea at hand for me."
Elizabeth smiled at that statement, "Probably some man who thought he knew it all. Seems you Diego and pretty are close?"
"Yeah, he's been pretty amazing," Maxie smiled, thinking all the time Diego has continually been there for her these past few months.
"I am glad to hear that hear. Listen, Maxie, I…um…I just want to let you know that Lucky informed me that you guys discussed adoption and –"
Maxie cut Elizabeth off quickly, "we didn't discuss. He suggested it after Lulu mentioned an abortion."
Maxie's smile fell, now reminiscing of the horrible encounter at the rehab center that day. Lulu, to this day, has yet to even apologize for the words she spoke to her.
"Oh, well, I just wanted to let you know I didn't agree with Lucky," Elizabeth started to say, "I told him that adoption was a decision not take lightly. And for what is it worth, as hurt as I am about the affair, I do understand that your baby will be a part of our family too. I mean, he or she will be Cameron and my new baby's brother or sister."
Maxie looked at Elizabeth's eyes, searching for sincerity. She is in utter disbelief at how understanding and courteous Elizabeth is being. People in town always joked about her being a Saint or too good of a girl. Perhaps the town of Port Charles was correct. Maxie wishes Elizabeth would yell at her, call out of her name, do anything to ease the guilt she had over the affair.
"Why, are you so nice? If the shoes were reversed, I do not think I will be nice in return," Maxie asked, genuinely curious to know.
"Oh, believe, I was furious when I found out. I had nothing but hateful thoughts. But after some time, seeing you from a distance, and how you didn't hound after Lucky after his rehab, I realize that you were remorseful," Elizabeth explained.
"I am. You have no idea how sorry I am. I was in just a dark place, not that excuses anything –" Maxie began to explain her actions.
"I know, Maxie, I know," Elizabeth said.
And with that remark, Maxie, guilt started to ease a little. Then, with nothing else to say, the two women looked at the eyes of each other and had an unsaid bond was formed. While they would never be friends, they can learn to respect each other on the bound of motherhood.
While they came to this realization, unknown to them, the men in their life were having a similar conversation.
After Diego hesitantly left Maxie alone with Elizabeth, he was walking down the hallway. He silently hoped that the two women would be able to be civil. As Diego aimlessly wandered around, he ended back at the center of the main hospital area. He was unsure to make left towards the gift shop or right that heads to the elevators by the chapel. His decision was made when recognizing two male voices near the chapel doors. He padded slowly and quietly and stood by a large, planted pot. Diego curiously wonders why Lucky Spencer would be having a conversation with Jason Morgan. The men were in whisper conversation. As much as he tried to listen in the conversation, Diego could not make out the entire conversation. However, he was able to hear "stay away from Elizabeth" from Lucky Spencer.
This intrigued him even more. He wonders if it will do him the justice to keep the matter to himself or bring it up to Carly. As he ponders, he realizes Jason has marked him. Of course, professional hitman would be so aware of their surroundings. Diego took it as an opportunity to present himself casually.
"Hey, guys," Diego spoke out loud as he approached the men.
"Diego, hey," Lucky said hesitantly.
"Are you meeting Elizabeth for Lamaze class? And you Jason on business," Diego questioned.
"Uh, yeah, how would you know," Lucky asked with a stern look.
"I came with Maxie. They're talking to each other right as we speak," Diego answered with a smirk, not being intimated by Lucky's attitude. However, he could not help noticing that Jason has yet to respond to his question about being here at General Hospital. Jason has always been a calm, collective-level-headed individual that was never giving away secrets. So, it was not lost on Diego that Jason has chosen to remain silent.
"Gentleman," the three men being interrupted by no other than Epiphany. "Is there a reason you are all standing in my hallway when I believe the two of you are signed up for Lamaze class," she asked the three men.
"How would you know –" Jason spoke but unable to finish while Diego says, "don't question," as Jason speaks.
"I make it my business to know everything that goes on my floor, Mr. Morgan. Not to mention I have a list. The Lamaze class will be starting shortly. I expect you two not to have me and, more importantly, two very pregnant women waiting," Epiphany said sternly to Lucky and Diego.
"Yes, ma'am," all three men said as Epiphany walked away.
"Well, I'll take this as my clue to leave," Jason said courteously. Then, he looked towards Diego, ignoring Lucky completely, "tell Maxie I said, hi. I'll see you at Thanksgiving," he stated purposefully and walked away.
"Thanksgiving, why you are having Thanksgiving with Jason Morgan," Lucky questioned.
"That's none of your business," Diego said sternly.
"It's my business if you are hanging around the mob still when you're making yourself involved with Maxie and my baby. If you are back in the business, then you need to stay away," Lucky snarled.
"Oh, so now it's your baby," Diego said back equally angrily, "you are so full of it. It is your baby when it is convenient. Tell me are you going to ask your cousin to stay away from Maxie too, cause she's the one that invited me."
"My cousin seems to be involved in a lot of decision-making that shouldn't involve her," Lucky responded.
"Watch it. It is Carly that has been there for Maxie, unlike you. Perhaps I should tell Jason Morgan that you are bad-mouthing his best friend," Diego threatens with a sly grin.
"Jesus, this ridiculous," Lucky sighed in frustration, his hands combing through his hair, "I hope the girls are having more civil conversation than we are!"
The two men stood silently for a good minute, neither daring to back down from each other. Then, after another minute, they unconsciously started walking towards the Lamaze class. Both men were secretly scared of Nurse Epiphany Johnson and what she would say if they arrived late to her class. As they walked, Diego thought of Maxie and what would be best for her and the baby in the long run. If Elizabeth and Maxie can have a conversation after everything, he can do his best to be courteous to Lucky Spencer. Whether he like it or not, Maxie's baby is part of Lucky as well.
When they arrived an inch away from the closed door of the class, Diego stopped moving and face Lucky, preventing them from going further.
"Look, man, we can continue to be complete jerks to each other, or we can try to be mature, civilized adults here. Whether we like it or not, we are connected. Maxie is going to be the mother of one of your babies. How much you are going to be involved, I don't know and frankly don't care. Cause trust me, whether you like it or not, I am not going anywhere," Diego stated passionately.
The men look at each other for a few seconds, "alright, man, I can agree for the girls and the babies; we try to be civilized," Lucky said.
"Good, so once we enter this room, we are not friends, but we will be polite to each other moving forward," Diego said while offering his hand for a truce.
Lucky looked at Diego and then down at Diego's hand. Then, after a second, he reluctantly shook it, "agree."
Diego opened the door, entered the classroom, with Lucky right behind him. As he entered, he noticed Elizabeth and Maxie were no longer by the table of snacks but standing in the corner window where Maxie's yoga mat was placed. The girls still in conversation. It must have gone well because they both held small smiles. They were happily holding their bellies, perhaps sharing pregnancy stories.
Lucky and Diego approach the girls, "hey," the girls said at the same time to them. Lucky grabbed Elizabeth's hand while Diego wrapped an arm around Maxie's waist.
"Did you guys run into each other or something," Elizabeth asked.
"Something like that," Diego replied.
"Hello everyone! My name is Epiphany Johnson, and welcome to Lamaze Class. Now that everyone has mingled and had refreshments already, I ask that you take your spots, please," Epiphany said to the room of expecting parents.
Elizabeth, still holding Lucky's hand, guide him to her mat located closer to the doorway. Diego helped Maxie sit down on her yoga mat that was right by them. His left hand on her backside, while his right hand held her arm, easing her down gently as she sat down.
"Get comfortable with your partners, ladies. Sit in between their legs, and don't be afraid to lean back for support," Epiphany spoke out loud to the class.
"Why did you arrive at the same with Lucky? Everything okay," Maxie whispered to Diego, not wanting to interrupt Epiphany but was curious to know. She comfortably leans back like Epiphany said, her back against Diego's chest.
"Partners embrace you're expecting mothers. During the class, while practicing breathing techniques, remember to offer words of encouragement. Before practicing breathing, I will be talking about what to prepare for our first-time parents, and afterward will have a brief Q&A's…."
"Everything's fine, just talked, that's all," Diego whispered back. Then, he gently places his hands on Maxie's belly, "how about you and Elizabeth? How did your conversation go?"
Maxie puts her hands over Diego's as she looked at Elizabeth, who glanced up at Maxie for a moment. Maxie then turns her head to look at Diego. "We came to an understanding," she said quietly.
"An understanding," Diego said in wonder.
Maxie smiled at him, "yeah, an understanding."
Diego, look at Maxie in the eyes, taking a moment to understand what Maxie was implying. Then, when it registered with him, he gives her one of his loving smiles. "I am glad to hear that," he said, and then he kissed her.