Part 12
The Plan Part 1
Elizabeth asks if Laura can stay with the boys because she wants to spend a couple of days with Jason. She tells the boys she wants to get away for a couple of days after everything with Grams.
She packs a bag, calls Jason, and tells him they have a couple of days to themselves. During the day, they collaborate on how to show Jason is alive. At night they make the most of their time making love.
Jason and Elizabeth agree that no amount of storytelling will satisfy Sonny, Carly, or Sam without blaming Elizabeth for everything. How could they explain Jason being in town for months and reconnecting with Elizabeth but neglecting to contact his loved ones? Why did he stay hidden for so long, and why didn't Elizabeth tell anyone? Or would an elaborate version of him wake up from a several-month-long coma and call Sonny, but suddenly he's with Elizabeth again? They decide a version close to the truth is the best way to go.
They call Nikolas once they come up with a plan. Jason wants Nikolas to backdate paperwork indicating he was in a coma in a clinic in Switzerland (instead of Arizona). The difference is the clinic. The version of Nikolas finding Jason and Jason not wanting anyone to know will remain the same. Nikolas vowed to keep his promise and sent him to a private clinic in Switzerland. In the spring, he woke up from his coma to tell the version of Jason recalling Peter's voice and heard about another operative. Jason was concerned about who might be the target and who besides Peter was involved. He was out of it for days and needed to regain his strength. Jason planned to fly back to Greece to investigate when Spencer called Nikolas to tell him about Esme and Elizabeth. That is when he had Nikolas fly him back to Port Charles. Elizabeth didn't know about Jason until after her rescue.
From there, the story will follow what Nikolas and Elizabeth told people, but Jason will explain he was the one who had Spinelli help him. Since Elizabeth did not understand what had happened, she could not return home immediately. Jason stayed with her, watching her recuperate, and from there, they reconnected.
Elizabeth will tell her side of her relationship with Esme and why Esme targeted her and her family.
Jason and Elizabeth know not everyone will be happy with their renewed romance, but Elizabeth refuses to fall back into her old habits. She will no longer feel guilty for her happiness because of what others think of her.
After they get their stories in order, they will call and invite Anna, Robert, and Laura to the safe house and explain "The Plan."
Elizabeth prepares dinner for their final night alone before returning to the real world. Everyone on their list, including Nikolas, will arrive in the morning.
After everyone arrives and agrees on "The Plan," Elizabeth returns home to her sons. She invites Kevin and Laura for dinner and tells the unvarnished truth. She apologizes to Jake and Aiden for keeping them in the dark, but she is worried about what Esme might do. Elizabeth asks them to promise to keep the secret until Jason reveals he is alive in a couple of days.
Kevin says, "during her internship, Esme was asking about twins. She must have been fishing about Cameron, her relationship with him, and my thoughts on the matter. It makes sense now. I was thinking maybe she was asking me about Ryan, but I wasn't sure she knew he was locked up in Shadybrook."
Elizabeth says, "Kevin, I will call you next week to schedule therapy for the boys and me. Thank you and Laura for the visit and your support." They leave.
Elizabeth checks separately on the boys. Aiden is the least affected, but he is the most empathetic. His concern is for his brothers. He understands that Esme is Cam's twin, but not why she couldn't grow up with them. He also worries about Jake and how Jason's being alive will affect him. Elizabeth tries to reassure him and tells him Kevin will be available for therapy if he needs him.
Elizabeth knocks on Jake's door. "Hi, can I come in?" She asks.
"Sure, mom," Jake replies.
"How do you feel about your father being alive? Are you upset with me for keeping it a secret? Do you want to talk about it?"
Jake answers, "I'm happy. I want to know when I can see him and when I can tell Danny. No, I'm not mad. I understand what my dad does is different than what my friend's fathers do for a living. It's not safe yet for him. I promise not to say anything until you tell me I can."
Elizabeth replies, "It will be soon. I think your father wants to see you and maybe Danny privately before he tells Sonny and Carly. You know how Carly can get. I think Jason is afraid she will tell everyone before he has time to spend with you. I love you and will tell your father I spoke with you." Jake hugs his mom goodnight.
Elizabeth taps on Cameron's door last. "Cam, can I come in?"
"Yes," he replies.
"I want to know if you have anything to add from tonight. We told you more than your brothers a few days ago. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Jason, but the fewer people who knew it would be safer for everyone. Jason is the one who helped find me and is trying to find Esme. He was watching Gram's room while she was in her coma. After Jason rescued me, we started seeing each other again. We want to try a relationship again, but only with your approval. I'm hoping you will accept Jason and me together."
Cam answers, "mom, I want you to be happy, and if Jason makes you happy, then it will be fine. I hope he's not mad at me for accusing him of Franco's death. I worry about his line of work affecting us, but if he's going to see Jake, I guess he'll keep us safe. That's what Sonny tries to do for Joss."
Elizabeth replies, "Jason wasn't angry at us regarding Franco. He understood our reactions. It was more my fault than yours. You wouldn't have tried to go after him if I hadn't blamed him. Jason does make me happy. I want him to see Jake first, but maybe he can come over for dinner in a few days. I hope Joss won't be angry with you when she finds out you kept Jason from her family. It will be a few more days."
Cam replies, "I hope she will understand too. I'm more concerned about her reaction when she finds out Esme is my sister."
Elizabeth says, "it will be over soon. Get some rest."
Elizabeth retreats to her room and calls Jason. "I told the boys everything. Jake can't wait to see you. Cam wants me to be happy and worries about you being mad at him for going after you because of Franco. I told him you forgave both of us a long time ago. I don't know what order you want to tell everyone, but I recommend telling Sam and Danny next. I could bring them to the safe house, and Danny and Jake can spend time with you. My concern is if you tell Sonny and Carly first, she will go straight to Sam and attack me later. I know she is your best friend, but you wouldn't have any time with your sons until Carly decides what is best for you. Maybe you can join the boys and me for dinner after you tell them?"
Jason laughs and says, "I'm going to enjoy watching you and Carly bicker. I think that it's best to tell Sonny and Carly last. I look forward to dinner with your family when it is all over."
Elizabeth chuckles, "it will be fun with Carly, but hopefully, she won't push me around this time because I will push back. Would you like me to call Sam tomorrow and bring her to the safe house with me to meet with you? Do you want to wait to see Danny?"
Jason replies, "sure, it's best to see him later. I want to see Danny, but I'll let Sam prepare him first. Just make sure Dante doesn't know, at least not yet."
Elizabeth says, "I'll find Sam and call when we are on our way."