When you're down and troubled
And you need some lovin' care
And nothin', nothin' is goin' right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You've Got a Friend by Carole King
It was an awkward gathering of decorating. The day started with felt of negative attitude. Carly and Georgie tried to be positive and joyful of the day. However, the occasional snide remarks from Robin did not help the awkwardness of the situation – "I still can't believe you had the nerve to invited her."
The day Diego and Maxie visited Carly for a Christmas gift exchange on New Year's Eve, Carly requested a different gift. Not that she was not pleased with her new green cashmere scarf or with the Tres Leche cake. Carly loved green, and the cake was simply delicious. They ended up eating several slices with a cup of coffee, decaf for Maxie. The boys had it with a glass of milk. Jax was nowhere to be seen, probably off on one of his frequent business meetings. After generous helpings of cake, Carly dismissed the boys to their bedrooms.
It was then that Carly asked for a favor. It is what Diego and Maxie least expected, to invite Lulu to Maxie's baby shower. Maxie was shocked at the request. She could not find the words to respond. Diego, however, did – "the baby shower is celebrating Maxie's baby. Lulu told her to get an abortion. Why should she be invited?"
While Carly agreed that Lulu was wrong, she also feels Lulu should have a chance at forgiveness. The word forgiveness hits Maxie hard. Forgiveness is something everyone deserves, especially if a person is trying to change and make amends. Elizabeth forgave Maxie. So, who is she not to forgive Lulu? On the other hand, Lulu has not seemed to want anything to do with Maxie and her future niece or nephew. Both Maxie and Diego pointed this out to Carly.
After a lengthy conversation, Carly reveals that Lulu has started therapy regarding her recent drinking and other emotional issues. The lack of Luke Spencer's presence and Laura Spencer's current comatose has taken an emotional toll on Lulu. Lulu has taken the negative in her life onto everyone else and is trying to change. Lulu regrets her words but is hesitant to approach Maxie about being there for her niece or nephew. Especially considering her brother, Lucky, has not been playing an active role. Diego and Maxie sympathize, but both agreed they needed time to discuss the matter with the rest of the family. It is fair to say that the family was surprised when they bought up the topic at the dinner table.
"She wants you to what," exclaimed Mac as he passed a bowl of roasted baby potatoes to Diego.
"She would like us to welcome Lulu to the baby shower," Maxie replied. Diego placed a spoonful of potatoes onto Maxie's plate before adding to his before adding his opinion on the matter.
"I get it, everyone deserves a second chance," Diego began to say.
"She should have run it by me first, we're supposed to plan it together," Robin stated, clearly upset at Carly's request.
"Well, Diego and I thought it over, and we are okay with her coming. Where would Diego and I be if people did not forgive and help us during our trouble times," Maxie answered while cutting into her food.
"However, while we're okay with it, we wanted to make sure Georgie will be okay with it," Diego added to Maxie's statement.
Everyone looked at Georgie, waiting for an answer. Georgie is just as forgiving person like Elizabeth. However, everyone knows she is still hurting over the end of her marriage to Dillion. Statistically, getting married at a young age, their marriage may never have lasted. Still, it hurts not knowing what could have been if Lulu never interfered. Unlike Elizabeth and Maxie, Georgie and Lulu have yet to have a civil conversation.
"This is your baby shower, Maxie. I will support whatever decision you make," Georgie answered diplomatically.
"You are my sister, Georgie. Be honest. If you don't want Lulu in our home, I'll tell Carly no," Maxie replied.
Georgie took a moment to think, to give the best answer.
"It bothers me that Lulu has yet to apologize for her actions. But she and the Spencer family will always be connected to us one way or another. If she is sincerely trying to be a decent aunt, then I am willing to tolerate her for the sake of my niece or nephew," Georgie answered.
"So, that settles it, Lulu is coming! Okay, who wants ice cream," Mac said to end the conversation.
On the day of the Baby Shower, Georgie did her best to remain joyful even though she knew she would be facing Lulu. Georgie did not even hold a grudge towards Carly. Family is family. You argue, you disagree. But that love remains. You learn to forgive and move on. Georgie knows she would have done the same for Maxie or Robin.
Despite the odd guest list created by Robin and Carly, the theme they put together was simply lovely. Maxie insisted on being surprised by the gender. Cause of this Robin, and Carly choose a light green as the color scheme, with woodland animals. The baby shower invitations were of brown bears. Tablecloths were a mint color, with woodland animals decorated napkins. Balloons were of various woodland animals as well.
There was also a banner at the entranceway of the living room that said, 'Congratulations! Celebrating Baby Jones.' The boarder of the banner was forest leaves and woodland animals. When Carly arrived at the Jones home to help Robin and Georgie decorate, she was surprised by the name. While it was beautiful, Carly was not aware Robin planned to go with 'Celebrating Baby Jones.' Carly thought Robin was presumptions. At first, Robin thought Carly was going to say Spencer should have been added. Robin began an argument on why Spencer would not be acceptable. Only to be shocked by the words Carly said in response.
"Diego is actively involved. I get the feeling he may be the one helping raise the baby. Should we not had asked Maxie if she would like Alcazar added to Jones?"
Georgie was equally shocked by Carly's words – "I know he is involved, but do you think he would raise the baby as his own?"
"I know so! You should hear the way Diego talks about Maxie's checkups. He sounds like an excited soon-to-be-father," Carly says with a smile.
"Well, it is a nice thought, but it is presumptions to think the baby will have Diego's name. Dating and getting married are two things just like supporting Maxie and adopting her baby are two different things," Robin countered argued.
"Why would marriage license matter? Diego can still raise the baby as his own. Would it be so bad having Diego as the dad," Carly curiously asked.
"It is just something that says commitment," Robin answered.
"Mac is no longer married to mom. He also didn't legally adopt Maxie and I but has been more of a father to us than Frisco," Georgie said, taking Carly's side.
Suddenly the doorbell ring.
"As I said, it is a nice thought, but we do not know what agreement Maxie and Lucky agreed on. Though I can see Diego being a dad to Maxie's baby," Robin said while walking to answering the door.
"Happy Baby Shower," exclaimed the first guest to Robin.
"Hi, Epiphany, I am so glad you can make it," Robin said.
"I as well, unfortunately, I won't be able to stay long as I have rest before my next shift. Where should I put the gifts," Epiphany replied with a smile while walking into the living room.
"Oh, I will take that, wow two gifts," Carly said while grabbing the gift bags.
"One is from Dr. Quartermaine. She had scheduled surgeries back-to-back today. The life of the medical professional as you know Robin," Epiphany answered.
"Yes, I know. I am glad you were able to make it," Robin said happily.
Slowly, one by one, people arrived, all with an abundance of gifts. Maxie was sent to a salon for a pedicure, with a specific time that she was allowed to return. Of course, Milo accompanied her. Nothing has come of Lorenzo's threatening words, but Sonny felt it was better to be safe than sorry. So, Milo has continued to be a guard for Maxie. Maxie felt horrible that Milo had to stand by while she got her nails done at a salon. Milo laughed it off and joked about getting his done if he gets bored. When they arrived for the Baby Shower, Milo took a quick perimeter check. Afterward, he wished her a happy Baby Shower. He then went back inside his car, where he remained for the duration of the party.
When Maxie entered the living room, she was overwhelmed with tears of joy. She returned just as the guest were mingling over drinks and food. From the decorations to the people that came and to the food, everything was just beautiful. Carly and Robin got a mix of foods from Kelly's diner and Metro Court. All of Maxie's favorites. From Kelly's, there were mini cheese quiches, muffins, and ice-tea lemonade. From Metro Court, there were trays of Fettucine Alfredo with grilled chicken, a spinach-artichoke dip with chips, and a fruit salad with extra blueberries. The trays laid out on the dining room table, buffet style.
In attendance were various co-workers from the Metro Court that Maxie has spent with outside of work. Including Marty, who usually works the front desk. Jessica, who worked alongside her in the boutique, and Alexandria, one of the maids. A fellow soon-to-be-mother that Maxie developed a friendly acquittance with from Lamaze class. Some General Hospital staff volunteers that Maxie worked alongside during her volunteer days were present as well. Bobby, Carly's, and late BJ's mom was in attendance. Diane, Sonny's new lawyer, who Maxie had seen a few times, was also present. While she should not be surprised, Maxi is shocked that Lulu indeed came to the gathering. Elizabeth was present as well, not only for the future sibling of her children but in support of her sister-in-law as well.
Maxie greeted everyone with smiles and hugs, including Elizabeth, and awkwardly to Lulu too. Everyone continued to gather at the buffet table for food. Maxie, of course, was instructed to sit at the decorated assigned chair covered with pillows while being served a plate by her sister. After the delicious food, Robin leads a game of baby trivia, with similar rules like Jeopardy. Topics covered random questions of nursery rhymes, baby foods, and baby facts. The only difference instead of individual players, teams were made up. The team with Epiphany won the game. Their prize was gift certificates to the Metro Court Spa.
Georgie leads a game of Guess the Melted Candy in the diaper. Diane and Lulu excuse themselves. Diane stated she rather eat her favorite chocolate candy without thinking of bowl movements. Lulu agreed. By the end, the person with most of the correct guesses was Elizabeth. She received dinner for two at the Metro Court restaurant. Maxie makes a mental note to thank Jax and Carly for their generosity and for providing such fancy party gifts. Gift opening took place while everyone enjoyed a triple layer of chocolate cake. Which reminded everyone of the diaper game and caused everyone to laugh.
Maxie found the Baby First Aid kit from Epiphany, a resourceful gift. Elizabeth got her pacifiers and teethers, informing Maxie they were a great help when Cameron started teething. Lulu gifted her a bundle of newborn diapers. Maxie received numerous diapers and wipes from others as well. She also got gift sets of swaddle blankets, onesies, washcloths, and baby shampoo with lotion. She received various baby toys as well. Marty gives stacking cups and rattles. Anna, who was not in attendance due to work, and Robin went in together on a crib and changing table set. Carly gifts her a diaper genie. Bobby, knowing about the baby shower theme, got her an exquisite woodland decorated baby quilt for the crib with a matching mobile.
Diane gifted numerous onesies. Some said, 'Mommy's Little Girl' while others said, 'Mommy's Little Boy.' She also gave her Visa Gift Card in an envelope with her legal professional card. She stated whichever onesies Maxie does not end up needing can always be donated to a shelter. Then she added – "if you need any legal assistance, I am here. From my professional experience, it is always good to have things in writing." She said it with a very luring smile. Maxie thanked her and moved on to the others, unsure how to respond. The gift Maxie cherished the most was from Georgie.
Georgie got her various baby books with stuffed animals. To other people, books with stuff animals may have seemed simple, but Maxie knows her sister. Georgie took the time and thought on picking each book for her future niece or nephew. Each stuffed animal matched with a book. She got a series of Little Nutbrown Hare books. One of the books is entitled Guess How Much I Love You. It was about a rabbit asking their mother how she loves them. It is simply a beautiful book to show a child about love. Georgie got a little stuff rabbit that looks just like the one in the book. Maxie wonders how long it took for her sister to find the item. Maxie knows it is something she will hold onto even after her baby is grown. For a moment, Maxie also wonders how nice it would be to pass on the books and stuffed animals to her other children. And at the moment, she pictures Diego as the father.
As the baby shower ends, Maxie thanks everyone for coming and for the lovely gifts. Marty and others from work mention that she should take Diane's legal advice. They do not know the whole extended history, but they know enough from seeing. Epiphany suggests a living will.
"It's always good to have in case of emergencies," she says with a smile and hugs Maxie. Everyone eventually leaves except for Lulu and Elizabeth.
"Thanks for coming guys," Maxie turns to look at them after saying goodbye to Epiphany. Georgie is picking up dishes to wash while Carly brings the leftover foods to the kitchen. Robin is picking up the wrapping papers from gifts off the floor to put into a garbage bag.
"Thanks for having us," Elizabeth says with a small smile.
There is a quiet moment before Lulu begins to speak. She thanks Maxie for letting her come and says she is sincerely happy for her. Another moment passes by until Elizabeth adds, "do you guys want a moment alone?"
Lulu looks hesitant and nervous all at the same time. Maxie looks secure and ready. She has the support of Robin and Georgie here. While Lulu is Carly's cousin, Maxie knows Carly will be unbiased and be there for both. Elizabeth is always a peacemaker that she will intervene if needed.
"That will be great, Elizabeth," Maxie said with a small smile. Elizabeth looks at Lulu sympathetically.
"I'll just go help Georgie with dishes," Elizabeth said before heading towards the kitchen doorway.
"So," Lulu said.
"So, do you want to go first," Maxie replied.
"Um, I guess. I just want to say sorry for how I acted with your pregnancy at first," Lulu said.
"Why did you act that way? You were in the same position as I was and just threw judgment at me out of nowhere. Is it because I choose to go through my pregnancy? Do you regret your choice? I just don't understand the hate," Maxie asked.
Maxie seriously wanted to know the reason behind Lulu's actions. Lulu was silent for a good while. She walked over to the living couch and took a seat. She let out an ugh sound and combed her hands through her hair. Maxie noticed it was a similar action her brother does when he is feeling stressed.
"No, it's not that. I was not mad at you for keeping your baby. And I do not regret my choice. I was not ready to have a baby," Lulu said honestly.
"Then I don't understand? You thought I wanted Lucky and was trapping him? Cause you slept with Dillon and are not even together. You ruin Georgie's marriage for nothing," Maxie said heatedly.
"You slept with a married man too," Lulu said back equally heatedly.
"Yet his marriage is still intact. Do you even feel sorry for what you did," Maxie said.
"OF COURSE, I DO," Lulu yelled back and began to sob.
"No need to yell," Maxie angrily said.
"I am sorry," Lulu said sincerely, wiping her tears with her fingers.
Maxie walked over to the coffee table and grabbed a tissue for Lulu. She handed it to Lulu and said, "you apologize for that but not to my sister."
"I deserve that. Look, my issue was not you but with me. I was just so angry and hurt. I made lies about Georgie and Diego to Dillon because Dillon was the first guy I ever felt a connection to," Lulu began to tell her story.
"Why use Diego? He and Georgie were only friends," Maxie asked.
"When I found out Georgie went against Dillion about writing letters to Diego, who was in prison, I thought I could use it to my advantage. I thought I could place seeds of doubt. But then –" before Lulu can finish, Maxie finished her story.
"Diego and I started to become a thing, and Dillon realized you were lying all along."
"Yeah, he was so angry. I tried to apologize to him, but he refused to forgive me. We're not even friends right now. I just wanted to be the person that mattered the most for once. I never had that before. Then I saw how everyone was with you, especially Diego, who loves you. I want that, and I don't have that, and I took it all on you. I am sorry, Maxie," Lulu said honestly and began to sob again.
Maxie looks at Lulu with sympathy and the first time felt compassion for her. She understands the feeling of loneliness. Lulu's life has been sorrowing and lies. Lulu went after Dillon the only way she knew how to, manipulation. She understands Lulu's attempt for love and the need to be wanted. Sadly, it was at the expense of her sister.
"I forgive you, Lulu," Maxie said honestly.
"You do," Lulu said with teary eyes.
"I do. I appreciate you telling me your story and apologizing. But I think my sister deserves it to hear it more than I do," Maxie stated.
"You think she will forgive me," Lulu asked hopefully.
"Elizabeth forgave me, and my sister just as forgiving. Knowing my sister, you might just get a friendship out of her too," Maxie said honestly.
Lulu wiped her tears. She gets up for the couch and hesitantly walks towards the kitchen. Georgie and Lulu stepped out within a few seconds. They informed her they were going to head out for coffee to talk. Elizabeth went home alone. By the time Robin and Carly finished up cleaning, Diego had arrived. Mac was working late at the PC police station to close out some cases. So, Diego bought up all the gifts upstairs to the nursery by himself.
That night, as Maxie sat in the rocking chair that Mac gifted her, she watched Diego put together the crib and changing table. He made sure to read the directions thoroughly before putting them together. Halfway of putting them together, she jokily ordered him to take a break. They eat leftover chocolate cake from the party.
"You got a lot of gifts," Diego stated.
"Yeah, I am so grateful. Certainly, plan to put all the gifts to good use," Maxie said.
"Especially Georgie's gift, huh," Diego said. He knew Maxie well enough to know that Georgie's gift had to be her favorite.
"Cherishing those forever," she said with a happy smile. She rubbed her belly. She smiled grew wider within a few seconds.
"Baby kicking," Diego asked.
"Yeah, I guess he or she like chocolate cake as much as I do," Maxie jokily said.
Diego carefully places his plate on the floor before getting up to walk towards Maxie. He kneels in front of her, placing his hands on the belly. He can feel the kicks of the baby.
"Wow, look at her go! We might have a future athletic on our hands," he said.
"Her," Maxie says.
"I don't know. It just came out. Boy or girl, as long as they are healthy, right," Deign said with a loving smile.
"Right," Maxie agreed.
For a moment, Diego wonders how nice it is to share these moments with Maxie and would look to have more of them. He knows Maxie will cherish Georgie's gift because it could pass down to future children. In that moment, he pictured himself as the father of those future children. And at that moment, Diego also knew he would do anything and everything to protect that future.