Who is Elizabeth?
Ch. 30
Disclaimers see Part 1
Audrey Hardy's House Christmas Night
Dinner at Grams house had went so well Elizabeth could hardly believe it. Jason, Lucky, and Zander really seemed to be getting along lately and she was happy that the men in her life seemed to come to a truce. Summer and Emily had peppered her with a million questions about what kind of wedding, when, and where, etc. Elizabeth couldn't contain her laughter at the look on Jason's face. Now as she watched him holding Jamie and reading to him she felt all the love in her heart bursting at the seams. Who would've ever imagined Elizabeth would be so happy and have so many people who loved her and stood by her.
"Hey, girl, you got some smile on your face."
"Em, thanks for escaping the chaos at the mansion and coming here. I know Jason was thrilled to get to spend some time with you on Christmas and so was I."
"Well, I am glad I was one of the first ones to get to know that Jason finally got his girl." Emily smiled at her brother as he looked toward them. "You know I always thought of you as my sister and now you will be soon. It will be soon, right?"
Elizabeth smiled at Jason and then turned her full attention to Emily. "I don't know about specifics we haven't really discussed that, but I do know that I will spend the rest of my life taking care of your brother and loving him."
"And he better be doing the same for you. You are both so important to me and I am glad you have each other."
Pulling Emily into a hug Elizabeth couldn't help the tears that streamed down her cheeks. "Emily, you have us too. I am glad I have a sister like you."
Emily wondered if Elizabeth would ever get over what the Webbers had done to her and as she held her friend, no her sister, close to her and soothed her she realized even if she didn't necessarily get over it she would have her true family to get her past the tough moments. Emily felt Jason's hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, big bro. Just a girl moment, they happen you know."
Jason carefully stroked Elizabeth's hair and waited for her to look at him. Seeing the red rimmed eyes, but seeing nothing but love and happiness pour from them he sighed in relief. "I was going to help Lucky get all their stuff loaded in his car. Jamie is out like a light and Summer says it's time to tuck him into bed."
"Ok, I guess I should get our stuff gathered up as well." Looking toward Emily she smiled shyly and whispered, "thanks."
"Anytime. You know I probably should get back before Grandfather calls Taggert to report me missing or something equally crazy."
"Zander is taking you home, right?" Seeing Emily's nod Elizabeth smiled. "I expect a report if there is anything I should know."
C&M Gallery
The last couple of days had been filled with family and friends, but Elizabeth knew she had to keep on top of things if Dillon and she were to be ready for the opening on New Year's Eve. It was an odd time, but who said Elizabeth liked things to be normal. She was frustrated because something just seemed off with what she had to show. It was like something was missing and she couldn't seem to put her finger on what. As Elizabeth puzzled over what was bothering her she almost didn't hear Dillon calling her. "Sorry, Dillon just thinking. What do you need?"
"Can I talk to you in the office?"
Elizabeth followed him more puzzled than anything. Dillon seemed nervous and she wasn't sure what was up. "Dillon, I am sure whatever it is will be okay."
"I tried to tell him that, too."
Giving Georgie a hug Elizabeth smiled at Dillon. "See two smart women have told you it will be okay, so just spit it out."
"I...God, why do I get myself in these positions."
"Apparently you spend more time with me than we thought; you are going to babble if you aren't careful." At Dillon's playful glare Elizabeth smiled.
"Okay, my…Brooklyn needs to talk to you. I know that doesn't sound too bad, but Elizabeth all she told me is that it is urgent and you would understand once you came to see her."
"Dillon, I don't understand. I don't know Brooklyn, why would she want to talk to me?"
"I wish I knew. God, why did I agree to ask you this? Elizabeth, Brooklyn is the only family I had before coming here and whatever it is she needs she is serious. I can't explain what it is because she won't say, but it has to be important because she really pressed me to get you to New York University Hospital to see her as soon as humanly possible."
"Dillon, you know I would do anything for you, so if you need me to do this I will."
"Do what?"
"Shit, man. You about gave me a heart attack."
"Hey!" Sliding out of her chair and walking to Jason Elizabeth slid her arms around his neck and pulled him into a quick hello kiss. "Dillon's…umm, I guess she is technically his niece Brooklyn says she needs to see me."
"Why?"
"We don't know, but I would imagine we will once we get there."
"Elizabeth, are you sure about this? What if this is one of the old man's tricks to try and get you into the family fold?"
"Jason, really do you think he could fool me. Plus from how wound up Brooklyn has Dillon I would guess she was serious about seeing me. If you are concerned and have the time feel free to come along. If not, I am sure Travis will make sure I am fine."
"Oh, I am going. You are not getting out of my sight any time soon woman." With a playful growl Jason lifted her slightly so their lips met in a passionate kiss.
"Whoa, company in the room man." Georgie's giggling and tugging at his hand made Dillon smile as he headed toward the door. "Guess we will just excuse ourselves and see you out here in a few minutes."
Lost in their kiss Jason and Elizabeth didn't register anything Dillon said. "You are crazy, but I do so love you."
"Good." At Elizabeth's swat on his arm Jason grinned at dipped his head to kiss her again. As he broke this kiss he gently caressed her back. "I love you."
"So, you are sure you can come because I think we should go today. I really need to be back quick to finish up for the opening New Year's Eve."
"I will call and have the jet ready. You want to find Dillon and see if he is coming." Watching her walk toward the door Jason almost pulled her back to him, but let her go with a smile.
"DILLON! GEORGIE! Where are you two?"
Hearing music from upstairs she figured they must've gone up to work on the last touches on Lucky's studio. She was so happy that she was going to get to surprise him with his studio New Year's Eve. As she headed for the stairs she wondered how Brooklyn had heard about her and what she could possibly need from her.
New York University Hospital
Dillon and Georgie stood holding hands and watching Jason give some men orders. "How does he do that so fast?" At Dillon's puzzled expression Georgie nodded toward the four men talking to Jason.
"I don't think about it really, but I think Jason would do anything to make sure Elizabeth was safe." Jolting slightly as his phone rang Dillon checked the caller ID. "Brooklyn, I tried to reach you. Yeah, we can do that. Okay, we will see you there." Checking to see where Jason and Elizabeth were Dillon looked at Georgie. "I guess it's time to see what is going on."
As the foursome headed up the elevator with one of the guards Elizabeth could sense Dillon's tension. "Jason I know you handle the security, but I think it might be best if he is not seen. Is that okay?"
Jason glanced at the hopeful expression on Dillon's face. "Yeah, I think Franco can handle watching and not being seen." At Franco's nod Jason looked at Elizabeth and smiled.
"Thanks, babe."
Approaching the chapel doors the foursome all silently wondered what was waiting for them. Dillon and Georgie waited for Jason and Elizabeth to head in first. Jason scanned the room in the first couple of seconds and noticed one teenaged girl all alone in the room. As she turned toward him Jason was struck by how much she looked like Lois. Squeezing Elizabeth's hand he nodded toward Brooklyn and then released Elizabeth's hand.
Elizabeth was so proud of how Jason knew just by looking at this girl that she wasn't expecting all four of them or what exactly to do. "Georgie, do you think you could keep Jason company back here?" At Georgie's response she looked toward Dillon. "C'mon Dillon let's go see what she has to say."
As Dillon and Elizabeth sat down on either side of Brooklyn Elizabeth could see the tear tracks on her cheeks. "Hi Brooklyn, I am Elizabeth."
"I…I kinda figured. I...I…" as her words dissolved into sobs Elizabeth reached to hold her hand and Dillon wrapped his arm around her shoulders. They sat quietly for a few minutes and then Brooklyn tried again. "I am sorry to cry on you guys like that, but hopefully you will understand in a minute."
"Its okay, Brooklyn, just take your time. Dillon said you needed to talk to me and I trust his judgment to know when something is important."
"I need to ask you if you can keep a secret." At both of their reassurances Brooklyn took a deep breath and launched into her story. "You both know that my dad married Alexis. Well, my little sister Kristina was born a couple of weeks ago. She is premature and has some sort of rare blood disorder. The thing is none of us can help her only a match can. And that is how I found out that Kristina isn't biologically my sister. It seems that Dad and Alexis decided it would be best if everyone thought she was though." At Elizabeth's shocked and then resigned look Brooklyn nodded. "If you are thinking what I think you are you know why I asked to see you. Dillon has stayed in touch and he told me about you awhile ago. When Alexis said Sonny was Kristina's father I remembered you and thought maybe you could help."
"God, you know what your asking?" At Brooklyn's distraught look Elizabeth realized she better clarify. "Of course I will be tested, but you are asking me to knowingly keep my father's child from him. I am very torn about doing something like that, I don't like lying no matter how well intentioned."
"Jason?"
Elizabeth turned as she heard the shocked voice. Squeezing Brooklyn's hand she stood and made her way toward the visibly upset woman. Reaching her hand out to touch Alexis' arm Elizabeth spoke softly. "I am sorry to be here under these circumstances, but maybe we should talk after the tests." Seeing Alexis' confusion she turned to Brooklyn. "You didn't tell her?" The teen's chagrined face gave her all the answers she needed. Carefully leading Alexis toward a chair Elizabeth felt Jason's eyes on her. She knew his mind was spinning and it was only moments until he figured it all out. "Alexis, we will worry about everything else later, but right now you need to know that Kristina and I share a father." Alexis' sob tore from her throat as she collapsed into Brooklyn's arms. Carefully and quietly she led the other three outside of the doors.