Show: General Hospital
Title: Change is Good: Chapter 3
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: It seems I have to clarify for my readers: I have and never will be on the Journey train and I jump for joy when I see it rumbling to a halt. Also, although I love Zander, I am a ZEm fan till the end. That being said, I think it's obvious to conclude that, like my other stories, this will be LIASON all the way as well as Zem.... Whew! Now I've clarified, on with the story... enjoy!
*~*~*~*~*~*
Elizabeth awoke from a peaceful nap to insistent knocking on the door. She lay still in bed, disoriented for the second. The knocking became louder even as she recognized the sound, slipped out of the bed and headed towards the door, before it was accompanied by Emily's muffled voice.
"Elizabeth? Elizabeth, are you there? It's me, Emily."
Liz swung open the door before Emily could knock again and she stared at her friend with crabby, just-got-woken-up pregnant woman eyes. "This had better be good," she mumbled sleepily, leaning against the doorjamb.
Emily resisted the urge to smile. "Were you sleeping? It's barely eight o'clock."
Liz rolled her eyes and stepped aside to let her friend in. "I had a crappy afternoon and an even crappier evening, so come in or shut up."
"Yes ma'am." Emily obeyed her friend's crabby command and stepped fully into the welcome warmth of the small apartment.
"What brings you over to the mainland after dark?" Liz asked. She had become resigned to the fact that she wouldn't be able to crawl back into the warmth of her bed anytime soon, so she ambled into the small kitchen to fix a pot of herbal tea for the both of them. "I thought you two lovebirds would willingly maroon yourself on the island for the rest of winter."
Emily smiled sadly as she shrugged off her heavy coat and pulled off her gloves, and wool hat from her hair. "Nikolas and I had a fight," she admitted softly. Liz turned to her in mild surprise. "I really don't feel like being on Spoon Island, so you think I could crash on your couch for the night?" she asked, her brown eyes pleading with her friend's.
"Sure, of course you can spend the night, Emily," Elizabeth replied. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked sympathetically, although she had a pretty good idea of what the fight was about.
"No," Emily shook her head and took a seat on the couch. "Same old thing, just a different day if you know what I mean. The subject matter's become redundant and quite frankly, I'm just tired of this crap." She had cooled down some, but she was still a bit steamed.
"Ok…" Liz trailed off.
Emily heaved a sigh. "Listen, I'm sorry Elizabeth. I shouldn't burden you with my problems."
"Don't be silly, Em," Liz scolded gently, crossing over to take her friend's hand in hers. "I've burdened you with more problems than I'd care to remember. That's what friends are for." She folded the taller girl into a close hug, cradling her head against her chest.
"Are these your maternal instincts kicking in?" asked Emily over a shaky chuckle.
Liz laughed, returning the sentiment. "Yeah, Em, you're my guinea-pig."
That's how Zander found them hours later around 1:30 when he let himself into the apartment after closing up the bar – curled up in each other's embrace. He was a little shocked to see Emily sound asleep on Elizabeth's chest with her arms locked around the smaller woman, but he paused to take in the scene of the two beautiful dark-haired women he cared so much about.
Quietly Zander padded over to them and picked up their mugs and carried them to the kitchen sink before returning and, trying to disturb them as little as possible, lifted Liz into his arms. Despite being five months pregnant, she was as light as a feather. She stirred slightly in his arms, but he soothed her softly as he padded into her bedroom, where he pulled back the covers and set her between the sheets before pulling the blankets around her body and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. He smiled as she smiled in her sleep and he grabbed a couple of extra blankets before exiting the room.
He tried to be as emotionless as possible as he efficiently removed Emily's boots outside in the living room. He settled her more comfortably on the overstuffed couch and placed the blankets over her body. He couldn't resist the temptation to touch her and he trailed his fingertips in a feather light caress along her cheek. Emily sighed and murmured in her sleep, angling her head to the side and pressing a small kiss to his palm. Zander pulled away as if he had been burned and, before his resolved snapped and he did something stupid like bent to kiss her, he stood up and headed to his own bedroom, but not before wondering why the hell his soon-to-be-ex-wife was sleeping on his couch.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Emily awoke to the sweet scents of pancakes and quiet conversation. She opened her eyes a slit to see Elizabeth sitting at the breakfast bar attacking a short-stack of pancakes with gusto. Her stomach gurgled at the thought of biting into soft fluffy pancakes smothered in maple syrup and butter, as she realized she had skipped out on dinner last night when she'd left Spoon Island. But lying there under the thick warm blankets on Liz's overstuffed couch seemed so much better and, despite her hunger, she could feel herself slipping back to sleep. But her eyes popped open and her inner jaw dropped as Zander turned from the fridge and placed a glass of milk on the counter by Elizabeth.
He was pale in typical New York winter fashion, but his porcelain skin was perfectly molded over lean but smoothly defined muscles – well-cut biceps and pectorals with flat dime-sized nipples, and a six-pack abdomen that made her mouth water. A little treasure trail journeyed down from the whorl of his navel before disappearing beneath the waistband of his pajama bottoms settled snugly on his hips. She had forgotten how beautiful he was.
Emily skewed her eyes shut and tried to think platonic thoughts, disgusting thoughts – *anything* but Zander. Things like fat old ladies with skin like prunes; Grandfather in a maillot bathing suit. The thought made her laugh out loud, and her eyes popped open to see Elizabeth and Zander staring at her in confusion.
"Funny dream," she explained half-heartedly, sitting up on the couch.
Liz lifted a brow but issued a cheerful, "Good mornin', Em."
"Good morning, Elizabeth," she returned as she left her warm pallet reluctantly and headed over to the kitchen. She caught Zander's eye but he only gave her a nod in greeting and turned back to the stove.
"Are you hungry?" he asked curtly.
"Famished," she replied truthfully. She sneaked a glance at his butt, one of her favourite body parts, and hoped Liz hadn't caught her. But, of course, Elizabeth was in a feeding frenzy, snarfing down her breakfast.
Zander piled three pancakes on a plate and smothered them with maple syrup and butter just the way he knew she liked it. He set it on the counter before her, having to lean over Elizabeth's shoulder to put down the plate. He was so close to her he could smell the sweet fruity scent of her shampoo.
She looked up at him standing over Elizabeth and smiled in gratitude, her brown eyes twinkling. It was like a punch to the gut, she was so beautiful.
He turned away just as Elizabeth looked up. "I'm done. Gotta go."
"Uh-uh," scolded Zander, and pointed to her full glass of milk. "Drink up."
Emily chuckled. She knew how much Liz hated milk.
Liz's nose wrinkled. "Aww, come on, Zander. Do I have to?" she whined like a six-year-old child.
Zander didn't even bother to answer, just gave her 'the look' – one that he had perfected over many shared breakfasts of the past two months. Elizabeth could harp all she wanted – it was good for the baby, so she would eventually drink it.
"Bottoms up," goaded Emily, taking a huge bite of her pancakes.
"I hate you," she scowled at Zander, but held her nostrils closed and guzzled it.
"I bet it was delicious," chuckled Emily, unable to resist.
"Shut up and finish your breakfast, Emily, or I'll spit in your burger the next time you come to Kelly's."
Emily chuckled again, and even Zander smiled.
"I really gotta go. I'll see you guys later." She had already donned her winter boots and she hurried to grab her coat, scarf and pompom hat, pausing in trepidation, wondering if leaving them alone was the wisest thing to do, before whirling out the door.
Silence descended as the door closed behind her. Emily finished her pancakes as Zander quietly washed up Liz's breakfast dishes. Taking her empty plate to the counter she placed it into the sink. She was standing so close beside him she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Thanks for breakfast," she told him softly.
Inwardly, Zander swallowed loudly. He ceased washing the dishes and, switching off the water, turned to her suddenly. "What are you doing here, Emily?" he asked, his dark brown eyes boring into hers.
The question took her aback. She supposed he would ask the question if he even deigned to speak to her, but still….
"What? Cat got your tongue? Somehow, I don't think your prince would appreciate you being here."
Emily bristled. "Elizabeth is my friend. And, for your information, Zander, I'm a grown woman; I can do whatever I want."
"Just answer the question. What are you doing here?" Silently he added, **Why do you insist on torturing me?**
Emily remained silent. It was a battle of wills.
Just then, the phone rang and, as was typical when Elizabeth worked the morning shift, the machine automatically clicked on and Elizabeth's voice flooded the room:
'Hey, you've reached Liz and Zander. Neither of us is here, so leave us a message after the beep and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.'
Their heads both jerked toward the phone as Nikolas's voice came over the phone. He sounded tired and frustrated, and Emily couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
'Hey, Elizabeth, it's me, Nikolas. Em and I had a fight last night and she left the island. She hasn't called back here or isn't answering her cellphone either. I called the Q's but Reginald said she didn't go there, so I figured I'd check here. Well, if you know where she is, can you give me a call? I'm getting worried. Ok. I'll talk to you later.'
The two continued to stare at the phone even after Nikolas had hung up. Emily met his gaze. "I guess I got my answer." He turned away, but Emily grabbed his arm, not sure why she did it.
"Zander –"
Zander shrugged off her hold. "What do you want from me, Emily?!" he exploded.
Emily's mouth fell open. "I-I-I don't k-know," she stuttered in truthful reply.
"You can't keep doing this, Emily!"
"Doing what?!"
"This! Seesawing back and forth between your precious prince and me!"
"I'm not seesawing back and forth between you and Nikolas!" she replied in serious indignation. "I *love* Nikolas!"
"Well, act like it! Go work things out with him and stay the hell away from me!"
"You are so full of yourself, Zander Smith!" she hissed in reply. "I didn't come here for you! I came here to be with my bestfriend, who just happens to be your roommate!"
"Well, obviously Prince Charming is ready to kiss and make up, so the next time you two lovebirds decide to argue and you need to find a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, find Elizabeth at Kelly's!"
"Fine!" spat Emily.
"Fine!" he replied equally as forceful.
Emily whirled around, and headed for her things. She shoved her feet in her boots and crammed her hat onto her head. "I was stupid enough to think I could be friends with you again!" she muttered loudly.
"We've *never* been friends, Emily! I drugged you, took you hostage and you fell in love for God knows what reason. We've been lovers and enemies, but *never* friends Emily! And as usual, you're naïve enough to think that with a smile and a few pretty words, you can make up for the fact that you ripped my heart out and stomped on it and *everything* I thought we stood for when you left me for *him*! So don't you *dare* insult my intelligence by thinking I could *ever* pretend to be happy for you now! That I could *ever* be your *friend*!" he spat out.
Emily stared at him, amazed at the hurt that flooded her with those words. Before he could see the tears that suddenly sprang to her eyes, she snatched up her coat and left the apartment.
Outside, on the other side of the door, where he couldn't see her, the first sob rent past her throat. She shoved a fist into her mouth to curb the noise. She took a deep shaky breath, desperately trying to pull herself together, and head held high, exited the building, the only sign of her distress trails of giant salty tears tracking down her cheeks. She was totally unaware that behind the door, silent tears had been rolling down Zander's cheeks as well.
TBC...
A/N: Don't forget to Review!
Title: Change is Good: Chapter 3
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: It seems I have to clarify for my readers: I have and never will be on the Journey train and I jump for joy when I see it rumbling to a halt. Also, although I love Zander, I am a ZEm fan till the end. That being said, I think it's obvious to conclude that, like my other stories, this will be LIASON all the way as well as Zem.... Whew! Now I've clarified, on with the story... enjoy!
*~*~*~*~*~*
Elizabeth awoke from a peaceful nap to insistent knocking on the door. She lay still in bed, disoriented for the second. The knocking became louder even as she recognized the sound, slipped out of the bed and headed towards the door, before it was accompanied by Emily's muffled voice.
"Elizabeth? Elizabeth, are you there? It's me, Emily."
Liz swung open the door before Emily could knock again and she stared at her friend with crabby, just-got-woken-up pregnant woman eyes. "This had better be good," she mumbled sleepily, leaning against the doorjamb.
Emily resisted the urge to smile. "Were you sleeping? It's barely eight o'clock."
Liz rolled her eyes and stepped aside to let her friend in. "I had a crappy afternoon and an even crappier evening, so come in or shut up."
"Yes ma'am." Emily obeyed her friend's crabby command and stepped fully into the welcome warmth of the small apartment.
"What brings you over to the mainland after dark?" Liz asked. She had become resigned to the fact that she wouldn't be able to crawl back into the warmth of her bed anytime soon, so she ambled into the small kitchen to fix a pot of herbal tea for the both of them. "I thought you two lovebirds would willingly maroon yourself on the island for the rest of winter."
Emily smiled sadly as she shrugged off her heavy coat and pulled off her gloves, and wool hat from her hair. "Nikolas and I had a fight," she admitted softly. Liz turned to her in mild surprise. "I really don't feel like being on Spoon Island, so you think I could crash on your couch for the night?" she asked, her brown eyes pleading with her friend's.
"Sure, of course you can spend the night, Emily," Elizabeth replied. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked sympathetically, although she had a pretty good idea of what the fight was about.
"No," Emily shook her head and took a seat on the couch. "Same old thing, just a different day if you know what I mean. The subject matter's become redundant and quite frankly, I'm just tired of this crap." She had cooled down some, but she was still a bit steamed.
"Ok…" Liz trailed off.
Emily heaved a sigh. "Listen, I'm sorry Elizabeth. I shouldn't burden you with my problems."
"Don't be silly, Em," Liz scolded gently, crossing over to take her friend's hand in hers. "I've burdened you with more problems than I'd care to remember. That's what friends are for." She folded the taller girl into a close hug, cradling her head against her chest.
"Are these your maternal instincts kicking in?" asked Emily over a shaky chuckle.
Liz laughed, returning the sentiment. "Yeah, Em, you're my guinea-pig."
That's how Zander found them hours later around 1:30 when he let himself into the apartment after closing up the bar – curled up in each other's embrace. He was a little shocked to see Emily sound asleep on Elizabeth's chest with her arms locked around the smaller woman, but he paused to take in the scene of the two beautiful dark-haired women he cared so much about.
Quietly Zander padded over to them and picked up their mugs and carried them to the kitchen sink before returning and, trying to disturb them as little as possible, lifted Liz into his arms. Despite being five months pregnant, she was as light as a feather. She stirred slightly in his arms, but he soothed her softly as he padded into her bedroom, where he pulled back the covers and set her between the sheets before pulling the blankets around her body and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. He smiled as she smiled in her sleep and he grabbed a couple of extra blankets before exiting the room.
He tried to be as emotionless as possible as he efficiently removed Emily's boots outside in the living room. He settled her more comfortably on the overstuffed couch and placed the blankets over her body. He couldn't resist the temptation to touch her and he trailed his fingertips in a feather light caress along her cheek. Emily sighed and murmured in her sleep, angling her head to the side and pressing a small kiss to his palm. Zander pulled away as if he had been burned and, before his resolved snapped and he did something stupid like bent to kiss her, he stood up and headed to his own bedroom, but not before wondering why the hell his soon-to-be-ex-wife was sleeping on his couch.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Emily awoke to the sweet scents of pancakes and quiet conversation. She opened her eyes a slit to see Elizabeth sitting at the breakfast bar attacking a short-stack of pancakes with gusto. Her stomach gurgled at the thought of biting into soft fluffy pancakes smothered in maple syrup and butter, as she realized she had skipped out on dinner last night when she'd left Spoon Island. But lying there under the thick warm blankets on Liz's overstuffed couch seemed so much better and, despite her hunger, she could feel herself slipping back to sleep. But her eyes popped open and her inner jaw dropped as Zander turned from the fridge and placed a glass of milk on the counter by Elizabeth.
He was pale in typical New York winter fashion, but his porcelain skin was perfectly molded over lean but smoothly defined muscles – well-cut biceps and pectorals with flat dime-sized nipples, and a six-pack abdomen that made her mouth water. A little treasure trail journeyed down from the whorl of his navel before disappearing beneath the waistband of his pajama bottoms settled snugly on his hips. She had forgotten how beautiful he was.
Emily skewed her eyes shut and tried to think platonic thoughts, disgusting thoughts – *anything* but Zander. Things like fat old ladies with skin like prunes; Grandfather in a maillot bathing suit. The thought made her laugh out loud, and her eyes popped open to see Elizabeth and Zander staring at her in confusion.
"Funny dream," she explained half-heartedly, sitting up on the couch.
Liz lifted a brow but issued a cheerful, "Good mornin', Em."
"Good morning, Elizabeth," she returned as she left her warm pallet reluctantly and headed over to the kitchen. She caught Zander's eye but he only gave her a nod in greeting and turned back to the stove.
"Are you hungry?" he asked curtly.
"Famished," she replied truthfully. She sneaked a glance at his butt, one of her favourite body parts, and hoped Liz hadn't caught her. But, of course, Elizabeth was in a feeding frenzy, snarfing down her breakfast.
Zander piled three pancakes on a plate and smothered them with maple syrup and butter just the way he knew she liked it. He set it on the counter before her, having to lean over Elizabeth's shoulder to put down the plate. He was so close to her he could smell the sweet fruity scent of her shampoo.
She looked up at him standing over Elizabeth and smiled in gratitude, her brown eyes twinkling. It was like a punch to the gut, she was so beautiful.
He turned away just as Elizabeth looked up. "I'm done. Gotta go."
"Uh-uh," scolded Zander, and pointed to her full glass of milk. "Drink up."
Emily chuckled. She knew how much Liz hated milk.
Liz's nose wrinkled. "Aww, come on, Zander. Do I have to?" she whined like a six-year-old child.
Zander didn't even bother to answer, just gave her 'the look' – one that he had perfected over many shared breakfasts of the past two months. Elizabeth could harp all she wanted – it was good for the baby, so she would eventually drink it.
"Bottoms up," goaded Emily, taking a huge bite of her pancakes.
"I hate you," she scowled at Zander, but held her nostrils closed and guzzled it.
"I bet it was delicious," chuckled Emily, unable to resist.
"Shut up and finish your breakfast, Emily, or I'll spit in your burger the next time you come to Kelly's."
Emily chuckled again, and even Zander smiled.
"I really gotta go. I'll see you guys later." She had already donned her winter boots and she hurried to grab her coat, scarf and pompom hat, pausing in trepidation, wondering if leaving them alone was the wisest thing to do, before whirling out the door.
Silence descended as the door closed behind her. Emily finished her pancakes as Zander quietly washed up Liz's breakfast dishes. Taking her empty plate to the counter she placed it into the sink. She was standing so close beside him she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Thanks for breakfast," she told him softly.
Inwardly, Zander swallowed loudly. He ceased washing the dishes and, switching off the water, turned to her suddenly. "What are you doing here, Emily?" he asked, his dark brown eyes boring into hers.
The question took her aback. She supposed he would ask the question if he even deigned to speak to her, but still….
"What? Cat got your tongue? Somehow, I don't think your prince would appreciate you being here."
Emily bristled. "Elizabeth is my friend. And, for your information, Zander, I'm a grown woman; I can do whatever I want."
"Just answer the question. What are you doing here?" Silently he added, **Why do you insist on torturing me?**
Emily remained silent. It was a battle of wills.
Just then, the phone rang and, as was typical when Elizabeth worked the morning shift, the machine automatically clicked on and Elizabeth's voice flooded the room:
'Hey, you've reached Liz and Zander. Neither of us is here, so leave us a message after the beep and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.'
Their heads both jerked toward the phone as Nikolas's voice came over the phone. He sounded tired and frustrated, and Emily couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
'Hey, Elizabeth, it's me, Nikolas. Em and I had a fight last night and she left the island. She hasn't called back here or isn't answering her cellphone either. I called the Q's but Reginald said she didn't go there, so I figured I'd check here. Well, if you know where she is, can you give me a call? I'm getting worried. Ok. I'll talk to you later.'
The two continued to stare at the phone even after Nikolas had hung up. Emily met his gaze. "I guess I got my answer." He turned away, but Emily grabbed his arm, not sure why she did it.
"Zander –"
Zander shrugged off her hold. "What do you want from me, Emily?!" he exploded.
Emily's mouth fell open. "I-I-I don't k-know," she stuttered in truthful reply.
"You can't keep doing this, Emily!"
"Doing what?!"
"This! Seesawing back and forth between your precious prince and me!"
"I'm not seesawing back and forth between you and Nikolas!" she replied in serious indignation. "I *love* Nikolas!"
"Well, act like it! Go work things out with him and stay the hell away from me!"
"You are so full of yourself, Zander Smith!" she hissed in reply. "I didn't come here for you! I came here to be with my bestfriend, who just happens to be your roommate!"
"Well, obviously Prince Charming is ready to kiss and make up, so the next time you two lovebirds decide to argue and you need to find a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, find Elizabeth at Kelly's!"
"Fine!" spat Emily.
"Fine!" he replied equally as forceful.
Emily whirled around, and headed for her things. She shoved her feet in her boots and crammed her hat onto her head. "I was stupid enough to think I could be friends with you again!" she muttered loudly.
"We've *never* been friends, Emily! I drugged you, took you hostage and you fell in love for God knows what reason. We've been lovers and enemies, but *never* friends Emily! And as usual, you're naïve enough to think that with a smile and a few pretty words, you can make up for the fact that you ripped my heart out and stomped on it and *everything* I thought we stood for when you left me for *him*! So don't you *dare* insult my intelligence by thinking I could *ever* pretend to be happy for you now! That I could *ever* be your *friend*!" he spat out.
Emily stared at him, amazed at the hurt that flooded her with those words. Before he could see the tears that suddenly sprang to her eyes, she snatched up her coat and left the apartment.
Outside, on the other side of the door, where he couldn't see her, the first sob rent past her throat. She shoved a fist into her mouth to curb the noise. She took a deep shaky breath, desperately trying to pull herself together, and head held high, exited the building, the only sign of her distress trails of giant salty tears tracking down her cheeks. She was totally unaware that behind the door, silent tears had been rolling down Zander's cheeks as well.
TBC...
A/N: Don't forget to Review!