Part 11

Audrey

Elizabeth awakens, showers, grabs a muffin and her coffee, and returns to the hospital. She greets Patrick outside Audrey's room. He says, "I will slowly wean her off her medication and wait and see if the swelling subsides. Are you ready?" Elizabeth nods. Patrick slows the medication and increases the flow from her saline bag. He asks Epiphany to check her vitals every 30 minutes.

Patricks asks, "Elizabeth, would you please join me for coffee at Kelly's? I heard about your ordeals and this Esme person. Is this why you have security badges outside her room?"

As they walk to Kelly's, Elizabeth replies, "Yes, I am concerned about her safety and my family's." She updates him on the past few months, leaving out Jason and Esme being her daughter. She mentions how Helena is reaching out from beyond the grave to continue the 'Spencer' curse.

After coffee and a warm muffin, they walk back to General Hospital. Patrick checks Epiphany's notes, examines Audrey, and makes a notation that there are no changes. Elizabeth stays with Audrey, and Patrick meets with Monica.

Carly and Joss visit to show their support and many of Audrey's former colleagues visit too. Anna drops by and lets Elizabeth know there aren't any new developments in the search for Esme.

Patrick returns, and he sits with Elizabeth. He says, "I called Robin, and she sent her regards. She wants to fly out, but she's busy with new hires, and the kids are in school. She's promised to call you tomorrow." Patrick checks Audrey's vitals and requests another MRI. He tells Elizabeth she should go home. Elizabeth drives to Sam's and picks up Jake, thanking her for watching him for her. She orders takeout and drives home.

Elizabeth at Home:

(someone suggested I should address Elizabeth's abandonment issues, starting with her parents, as more reasons why she has relied on herself and constantly questions her feelings of guilt).

After dinner and spending time with the boys, Elizabeth heads to bed, closing the door behind her. She calls Jason, "it's me. I'm not sure how much you know about what's going on with my Gram, but Patrick withdrew her medication today, and we are waiting for her to regain consciousness."

Jason asks, "how are you? Have you heard from your parents?"

Elizabeth frustratingly replies, "since when? I think Monica called them, but they haven't bothered staying in touch with me. They sent cards when the boys were born and one when we thought Jake had died. That was over ten years ago. I told you how I was a disappointment to them. Gram called them a few times to update them about me. Sarah would occasionally contact me with updates on their travels with Doctors without Borders. I haven't spoken to them since I ran away from Boulder to Port Charles and Gram made me write an apology letter to the Johnsons for leaving."

Jason apologizes for bringing up a sore subject.

Elizabeth continues, "I guess I should bring up this outburst with Kevin. How did I miss not knowing I had given birth to twins? Just one more reason why I feel my life is fucked-up! Am I as bad as my parents? Did I not care?"

Jason replies, "Elizabeth, you are one of the best mothers I know. You have always put your kids first. That is why I never claimed Jake. But I hope you haven't changed your mind about moving forward now."

Elizabeth answers, "no, my children aren't kids anymore. Cam is 19, Jake will be driving soon, and Aiden is growing up, too; however, if they don't feel safe, I won't risk my happiness over theirs."

Jason replies, "I hope that isn't the case, but your kids come first. I wouldn't worry about Esme. Nothing you did or didn't do is your fault. I'll let you get some sleep."

In the morning, Cameron helps get the boys off to school and heads to his classes. Elizabeth returns to the hospital.

GH and Audrey

Elizabeth checks on Audrey and sits next to her telling her about the boys and recounting stories from when she first showed up in Port Charles. "Grams, if I haven't told you recently, you helped shape me into the person I am today. You raised me. You turned me into a better person than the one who landed on your doorstep unannounced 25 years ago. I still need you, and your great-grandchildren need you. Please wake up."

Patrick enters and reviews Audrey's chart. He says, "Elizabeth, your grandmother's latest scans look promising. She could wake up at any time."

"Thank you, Patrick," Elizabeth replies.

A few hours later, while holding her grandmother's hand, Elizabeth feels Audrey's fingers squeeze her hand. She yells to Epiphany, "page Patrick, stat!"

Patrick arrives, and Audrey slowly opens her eyes. He smiles and says, "follow my finger." Her eyes follow it as it moves from side to side. He smiles again, "you look good, and I'll need to perform a few more tests if that is okay with you?" Audrey nods and points to the pitcher of water on the nightstand. Elizabeth pours a glass, places a straw inside, and tells her to take small sips.

Patrick asks some basic questions, "Audrey, do you know where you are? Do you know what happened? Do you know who is sitting next to you?" Audrey answers all questions correctly.

Elizabeth asks, "Gram, are you up to answering some questions from the police?" Audrey nods, and Elizabeth leaves to call Dante. "Dante, it's Elizabeth. My grandmother is awake and ready to answer any questions you may have for her. Thank you, I will give her your best. See you soon."

Elizabeth places several more calls letting loved ones know her grandmother woke up. She even calls her sister Sarah.

Dante arrives, and Elizabeth sits with her while Audrey answers his questions. Cameron brings his brothers, and they take turns sitting briefly with her. Everyone is laughing and crying at the same time in relief.

Elizabeth leaves to splash some water on her face, and as she leaves the ladies' room, someone grabs her arm and pulls her into an empty room. "Jason? What are you doing here? Don't you know Dante is in the hospital?"

Jason replies, "I saw the feed. I wanted to see you and tell you I am happy your grandmother woke up and remembers everything. I want to spend some time alone with you. Please come to the safehouse as soon as you can get away. I have information from Spinelli. I love you so much."

Elizabeth replies, "I love you too. You've helped me get through this."

Jason quickly leaves, unseen by anyone else.

The following morning after everyone has left for school, Elizabeth stops by to see Jason. They enjoy a few hours of alone time, and he says, "I need a couple more days, and soon everyone will know I am alive. I've been working on this project with Spinelli, and he collected some evidence from the motel that may lead us to find Esme."

Elizabeth found an Assisted Care Facility near the hospital. It became apparent that Audrey was unable to care for herself without help. A few days before Audrey's discharge, Elizabeth packed up several of Audrey's possessions and transferred them to Audrey's new home. Patrick discharges Audrey into Elizabeth's care. He hugs her and flies back to Berekely. Elizabeth helps her grandmother adjust to her new surroundings.