Pg11

Was it day or night, she couldn't tell, they had been in the hospital for so long that she couldn't tell just how long it had been anymore. Fear has been a constant as they awaited news on Emily's condition, no one wanted to give up, no one wanted to believe that this was the end for her. Sitting in the hospital chapel, Sarah finds herself doing something she's not at all accustomed to, she's praying. Praying for grace, praying for Emily, praying for them all.

"Jason?" she voices when she hears a noise at the door, catching him as he's about to walk out. "You don't have to leave."

"..." she watches him hesitate, making her feel nervous, wondering if he'll stay or leave.

"Really," she insists, his back facing her as he stands in the doorway. "You don't have to leave on my account. I don't mind the company."

After another brief moment of hesitation, she lets out a sigh of relief when he turns and closes the door, walking over to take a seat on the front pew. A soft smile touching her lips, Sarah makes her way over to sit next to him, not at all surprised when he slides away, putting space between them. Ever the gentleman. They sit like that for a while, in silence, before Jason rises to his feet to light a candle. Taking that as an opening to talk to him, praying that he'll finally open up and talk to her.

"Why are you lighting a candle?" she questions as she saddles up beside him, pushing further when he doesn't respond. "Is it for Emily?"

"Yeah," he replies shortly, putting out the lighting stick.

"I thought people only light a candle for those that have passed," she comments, curious as to how his mind works and why he lit the candle for Emily.

"I light it in prayer," he gives as his answer before doing the sign of the cross and retaking his seat. "For her recovery."

"I'm not sure that's how that works..." her words trail off at the look on his face, prompting her to change her way of thinking. "Would you mind if I lit one, too?"

"..." he doesn't say anything, so, she takes it as approval and moves to light a candle for Emily, as well.

"I'm still not sure it'll really help, but it sure couldn't hurt," Sarah says as she retakes her seat, being sure to keep the space between them, not wanting him uncomfortable. "It's for Emily, after all, so, if lighting a candle will help, why not, right?"

"There's almost nothing I wouldn't do for her," he voices with such heavy emotion that Sarah couldn't help but look at him in awe, to know that he'd truly walk through hell for his sister.

"I know," Sarah voices just above a whisper. "She's lucky to have you as her brother."

She couldn't really describe the feeling that overcame her when he looked at her, there was something in his eyes that she just couldn't place, but it made her happy to see him without that blank look on his face. She was about to reach out and give his hand a reassuring squeeze when the all too familiar sound of his phone ringing causes him to rise to his feet. Just like that, he was gone and the moment they shared was over.

(PRESENT DAY:)

Sitting on her bed, Sarah gently runs her fingers over the face of the only photo she has of her and Jason together, from that moment they shared in the chapel. It had taken a lot to get someone on the security team to find that moment on the security feed and print out a decent photo from the stills for her, but it was all worth it to have this photo. It was the moment just before his phone rang and he shut himself off from her. Somehow, someway, she'll get him to be this vulnerable with her again. Someday.

"Hello?" Sarah answers her phone, staring down at the photo for a moment longer before setting the frame down on her bedside table.

"Your father has come to a decision," her mother's voice comes over the line. "Expect us by the end of the week."

"Wait, you're coming back to town?" Sarah questions in shock. "Really? You're really coming home?"

"You know I don't like repeating myself," Carolyn replies plainly. "We emailed you our flight plans. I expect you to be at the airport waiting for us to arrive. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, mother, of course," Sarah assures. "I will be there, don't worry. I'll handle everything."

"See to it that you do," she says simply before ending the call.

Tossing her phone to the side, Sarah flops back onto her bed, not even caring to be upset that her mother is still being short with her. It didn't matter. Her parents are going to fly home to get Elizabeth to leave town and that's all she cares about. She's learned to appreciate that her parents love her from afar and she's okay with that. As long as Port Charles remains hers, Sarah can accept that they don't see it as their home even though she's there. It's only a matter of time now before Elizabeth's no longer a problem for her. Only a matter of time.

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Can she be a petty betty? Sure. She has it in her, but only when it's worth the effort to do so. Carly's nowhere on the list of people worth being petty for. Though she's clearly a grown woman, Elizabeth sees her as a tantrum-throwing toddler, requiring nothing more than tolerance when dealing with her.

So, though it would have satisfied her petty loving heart to sit at Carly's breakfast table, cradling what she knows is a well-brewed cup of coffee, at Sonny's insistence, Elizabeth declines the offer for a cup of coffee at home instead. Thankfully, Jason put in for double the amount of things they use a lot of, so, there shouldn't be an issue with running out before the next delivery.

"Morning, Grandmother," Elizabeth answers her phone as she pours herself another cup.

"Good morning, Elizabeth," Audrey replies after regaining her composure, still getting used to being addressed like that by her. "Do you have a minute to meet up? I'm just about done putting the fundraiser together and I'd like your thoughts on some points."

"That was fast," Elizabeth comments, not at all expecting her to have things so far along. "Um, my day's pretty booked..."

"That's quite alright," Audrey jumps in, not wanting to put her on the spot. "I understand..."

"Grams," Elizabeth chimes in, seeing where her thought process was going, continuing when she stops talking, "I was going to say that I have some time now if you want to come to my place. I've got some stuff to get done before I head out, so, we can discuss it while I get things settled. If you're okay with meeting me here."

"That works for me," Audrey smiles. "You're staying at Harbor View Towers, am I right?"

"Yes," Elizabeth confirms. "I'll have a friend of mine meet you in the lobby and bring you up."

"Sounds good," Audrey replies. "I'll see you soon."

"See you soon."

Ending the call, Elizabeth places a call to Johnny, letting him know that her grandmother will be on her way over, ending the call when he assures her that he'll bring her up when she gets there. Glancing around the kitchen, Elizabeth decides to put off putting the groceries away and, instead, decides to cook up a light breakfast for them to eat while they talk. She's already put the frozen foods away, so, there's no real rush to put the rest away just yet.

She had just finished plating the food when Johnny comes walking in with her grandmother, thanking him for bringing her up before turning her focus to her grandmother as he went back to his post. Though she insisted that it could wait, Elizabeth obliges her grandmother, accepting that she wouldn't sit and relax until all the groceries are put away.

"I know it may all seem sudden, but there's a year-long calendar for stuff like this," Audrey explains as she lays out the binder she prepared for the event. "Thankfully, there was a cancellation and we were able to book the spot, though, I'm sure Lila Quartermaine had a hand in that cancellation. Not that she'd say she did. When I brought it up, she merely shrugged her shoulders and said that things align as they are meant to. That woman, honestly, I swear she's banking on me falling back into fundraiser planning."

"So, what day are we looking at for the event?" Elizabeth questions, deciding she didn't want to probe deeper into that train of thought, leaving that topic of conversation for when Jason gets home.

"Halloween," she says as she slides the binder over for her to look over. "These are the options I have as far as catering, dress codes, decorations, and the such. If there's anything you want to change, let me know and we can go over our options."

"You really put a lot of thought into this," Elizabeth comments softly as she flips through the event binder, everything was so intricate and beautiful, with so much detail. "The artist in me can't even begin to explain how much I love what you've created here."

"I'm glad you like it," Audrey replies with love. "Is there anything you wish to change?"

"No," Elizabeth shakes her head. "It's perfect. Thank you, Grams."

Sitting next to her as Elizabeth looks over all the details of the event that she planned out, Audrey just couldn't put into words how much it meant to know that Elizabeth appreciated all the work she put into planning the event. She couldn't even remember the last time someone in her family was this moved by her efforts. If she were honest, she'd date it all the way back to when her husband was still alive, making this moment with her granddaughter all the more meaningful.

With the event set, the two women enjoy a nice conversation about what's ahead for their day while they have breakfast. Though they're at the beginning of their relationship as family, there's this inherent comfort between them that they both find themselves thankful for, unable to vocalize just how much this connection means to both of them.

"For a small, frail-looking woman, your grandmother can be quite terrifying," Johnny comments as they make their way to the garage after seeing her grandmother off. "She actually threatened me to keep you safe. I mean, it's my job and you're my friend, so, that's a given, but when I tell you I actually flinched at her words..."

"Yeah, looks definitely deceive where she's concerned," Elizabeth agrees. "Hey, Cody."

"Hey, Liz, Johnny," Cody greets them when they get to him. "We walking or driving today?"

"Driving," Elizabeth replies. "We've got a few places to get to."

"Sounds good," Cody says before pulling out his keys. "So, where's our first stop?"

"Jake's," Elizabeth replies, smiling when Cody pulls open her door for her. "Apparently, she and Tammy have something to run by me, whatever that means."

Climbing in, she straps in as her guys get in, curiosity seriously getting the best of her as she wonders what those two are up to now. Jake said something about Tammy quitting benefitting her, but Elizabeth can't fathom what that means. Knowing she'll only drive herself crazy thinking of what the call meant, Elizabeth settles into her seat, knowing she'll find out soon enough.

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Well, well, well, he honestly didn't see this coming, but it looks like his father still holds some semblance of control over what his mother does or doesn't do. Though his plans are already set and he does prioritize his timetable, it looks like a few revisions are necessary. Leave it to his family to force his hand, one of the many reasons he got out on his own the very millisecond he was able to without any hesitation.

"Webber," Steven answers his phone. "Yes, thanks for getting back to me...That's right...Any type of revision that can be made on your end would be greatly appreciated...Really?...No, yeah, that works perfectly. Thanks for looking into it for me. I'll be there in a few days...You have a great day, yourself. Thanks."

Ending the call, he puts the last of his things into the box, officially clearing out his office for the move. Picking up the box, he shuts the lights off for the last time before leaving his office for the next person to take over. He just finished closing the deal on his house, currently living out of a hotel for the last week of his time there, making it easier on him to move up his timetable.

Now with the confirmation from his future employer that the place leased to him during his employment is free for him to move into ahead of schedule, Steven has everything prepared for his move. With the last piece falling into place, he puts the last box from his office into his truck before climbing into the driver's seat and taking off.

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Walking into the Quartermaine estate, Audrey bypasses Edward without a word, having said all she intends to say about his "dispute" where Elizabeth is concerned. Though given what she knows that they don't, Audrey doubts it had been her granddaughter that sent the bid back in the state it was in, but she's surely not about to speculate anything with the old geezer. For a patriarch of his stature to unravel so easily, given the position he's held for all these years and the kinds of things he was willing to do for the sake of business, Audrey finds it laughable that he'd be so affected by a simple power move.

"Audrey, I'm surprised to see you," Lila comments when Audrey walks out onto the back patio where she's having her afternoon tea. "I thought you wouldn't be by until you've finalized everything with your granddaughter."

"That's exactly right," Audrey says as she joins her at the table. "She approved all of it. Didn't change one thing about the entire event."

"Well, can't say I blame the woman," Lila smiles, knowing just how much this means to Audrey, for someone in her family to put that much trust in her. "It is you at the helm. Anything you create is bound to be spectacular."

"You can save the flattery, Lila," Audrey counters. "I have not made a decision one way or the other on your proposal."

"You will," Lila says simply before pouring her a cup of tea. "We can make the calls to finalize your event after tea. I truly can't wait for this event."

Lila has an inkling of a suspicion, but nothing's definitive as of yet. This event will either confirm her suspicion or cause it to fall apart, either way, she can't wait for the event to take place. Much like Audrey's relationship with Elizabeth, her relationship with her grandson has been strained these last few years. Thanks in large part to her inability to control her family. Hopefully, with the help of a certain artist, she just might be able to mend what's been strained and move forward with a stronger bond than she currently has. If her suspicions are correct, that is.

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Is this real life, Elizabeth wonders internally as she walks into the bar to find what looked to be all the waitresses from the diner, Jake and Tammy standing behind the bar as the others are taking notes. Confused by what she walked in on, Elizabeth stays by the door as Jake makes her way over to her while Tammy takes over addressing the others.

"Do I want to know what's happening?" Elizabeth questions curiously as Tammy saddles up beside her.

"Looks like more than just Tammy is done with the management at the diner," Jake explains with a smirk on her face. "What you're looking at is the future of my bar...which is now, Jake's diner and bar. What do you think?"

"To think I didn't think I could love you more," Elizabeth comments before turning to Jake. "You sure this is what you want for your business?"

"I've been looking to bring in more revenue by opening during the day, but I could never convince Tammy to leave the diner," Jake explains. "Now that she's finally quit that place, I have the partner I need to run the diner part of my business."

"So you'll keep watch over the bar at night while Tammy handles the mornings," Elizabeth mulls that over. "Guess it's only a matter of time before the other diner becomes irrelevant."

"Here's to hoping," Jake agrees, knowing that it's far past the time for that place to sink like the junkyard ship that it is. "Of course, I'll need to make a few revisions to the kitchen and bar in order to make the transition from diner to bar and back again run smoothly, but it'll be worth it."

"Couldn't agree more," Elizabeth smiles. "Anything I can do to help?"

"I'm glad you asked," Jake says with a sly smile. "I'll be shutting down the bar for a couple days to get things together. If you're not busy, I could use your help with redecorating the place to fit both aesthetics. Maybe even rustle up a few paintings to hang around. Think you're for it?"

"For you?" Elizabeth counters. "Always."

"That's my girl," Jake replies softly. "We're just about to work on putting a menu together. You can hang out if you want, throw in ideas and the such if you're up to it."

"I want to, but I have a meeting to get to," Elizabeth explains. "My night's pretty much free if you want to go over design ideas. I'll even bring my backstock of paintings for you to look over."

"You got yourself a deal," Jake agrees. "Come through the side entrance and just head to my office. I'll meet you once the bar's in full swing."

"Got it."

Waving at Tammy to let her know she was leaving, Elizabeth says her goodbyes to Jake before making her way out of the bar to head to her next meeting, unable to put into words what it meant for Jake and Tammy to go this route. Every single day, she is reminded of the family she built for herself and how deep their connections truly span. She may never find family with her birth family (aside from Audrey), but she will always have her chosen family and - to her - that was more than enough.

"Elizabeth, hey, I'm glad you could make it," Lucky greets her when she walks through the door of the club. "I know it was short notice..."

"That's fine, I work better with spur-of-the-moment meetings, anyway," Elizabeth assures, following him to the bar where someone she could only assume is his father stands waiting for them. "You must be Luke Spencer."

"That I am," Luke says with a slight smirk. "My reputation must precede me."

"That it does," Elizabeth assures. "Sonny speaks very highly of you."

"As he does you," Luke replies in kind. "From what I hear, you can be quite the shark during business negotiations."

"I can be," Elizabeth confirms. "If and when necessary."

"Good," Luke replies. "I'm looking forward to seeing that."

"I'm sure you are," Elizabeth says simply, knowing full well the kind of businessman that Luke is and knowing that she's well-equipped to face off with him. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Taking the seat that Lucky pulls out for her, she prepares herself for the meeting ahead, seeing that Lucky's already content in partnering with her on this project while Luke's content in testing her resolve. She doesn't blame him. Not only is this his business that he's opening to her, but also his son's future. Nothing that she's not ready for. Their type of business, one stemming from family, is the exact type of business that she enjoys investing in. Knowing that they put their hearts into it, inspires Elizabeth to do the same, wanting nothing but success and good fortune to come their way.

"Elizabeth?" Lucky calls out to her as she's about to head out, his father having gone into the office to handle some business. "Sorry, you got a minute to talk?"

"Um, sure," Elizabeth shrugs. "What's up?"

"I wasn't going to say anything because it doesn't really matter, but I really don't want to enter this partnership on the wrong foot," Lucky explains. "Though I use the term loosely...very loosely...I am technically friends with your sister Sarah."

"I know," Elizabeth smiles slightly, having wondered how long it would take him to bring her up. "As I'm sure you know who my boyfriend is."

"I do," Lucky confirms. "Guess I should have guessed you'd know that I was friends with her."

"Yeah," Elizabeth replies. "I, personally, don't like talking about my birth family in any capacity, but - for the sake of our partnership - I'll give you this much. I have no connection to them, whatsoever, so whether you are friends with her or not hardly matters in the grand scheme of things. I'm partnering with you because I believe in your product and I find you a reliable person to go into business with."

"I appreciate that," Lucky says honestly. "I hope I didn't mess things up by bringing Sarah up."

"Not at all, I appreciate the honesty," Elizabeth assures him. "You're good people, Lucky, and, though I couldn't care less about Sarah, she's definitely fortunate to have a friend in you. I hope she appreciates that."

"Sarah appreciating me? Ha, not likely," Lucky shakes his head. "I meant what I said when I said I use the term very loosely. She's just a byproduct of my brother and my sister-in-law these days."

Elizabeth wasn't sure why she felt compelled to hear the guy out, but before she knew it she was taking a seat at one of the booths with him. Listening to him lay out his history with her sister, Elizabeth truly couldn't comprehend how Sarah could turn Lucky from someone that would do anything for her into someone that despises her very existence.

She's always known Sarah to be entitled and selfish, but she never thought that treatment filtered out onto other people in her life. The more she learns of Sarah, the more she feels sorry for her, knowing that she's literally poisoning each of her relationships little by little without the presence of mind to realize it for herself. From what Lucky has said, it's clear that Sarah doesn't see that she's the reason Lucky no longer cares for her and that was truly sad to hear. Guess the golden child isn't as golden as she thinks she is. Go figure.

"Looks like I had a lot more to say than I thought," Lucky voices when they realize they've been talking for over an hour. "I just don't have anyone I can really talk freely to about her. My brother and sister-in-law have an instinct to defend her and it just makes it hard to talk about what she puts me through with them. I'm sorry if I offloaded too much on you."

"Don't be," Elizabeth replies kindly. "I know how much it helps to have someone to offload on. Besides, I'm bound to run into her eventually and it helps to have some insight into the person she is."

"Still...thanks," Lucky says gratefully. "If it's not too awkward...maybe we can be friends as well as partners..."

"I'm always up for more friends," Elizabeth agrees. "I have to head out, but you've got my number if you ever need to talk again...use it."

"Same," Lucky replies. "Anytime."

Smiling slightly, she gives him a slight nod before making her way out of the club, meeting up with her guys before heading off to her next meeting. Settling into the backseat, Elizabeth can't help but think of all the changes that have come of her life that she had no way of predicting.

When she made the choice to move to her boyfriend's hometown, she never once thought she'd find herself making connections with anyone remotely connected to her birth family. Seeing the people that have now become part of her life, from her grandmother to Lucky, she can't help but wonder what future changes await her. Only time will tell.


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Author's Note: This was such an interesting update to put together, I can't wait to hear your thoughts. While Sarah thinks that everything's about to be fixed to her liking, she's completely oblivious to the little changes happening around her that will soon be irreversible. Her father is dead set on finding a way to fix things for her, but where is Carolyn's head at? And will Carolyn continue to oblige her husband or will she end up revealing their family's truth? Only time will tell. ;)