Chapter 24

February and travel to San Francisco and Berkeley, and more

A few months ago, I wrote a fanfic of Scrubs in CA. This is an Elizabeth fanfic and does not mirror what happened in the Scrubs story; however, a few events will cross over.

Jason and Elizabeth received offers from Monica and Sonny to let them use their jet for their flight. Still, with the tense relationships, Elizabeth suggested Nikolas as a neutral party. They decided five people on a crowded plane for six hours would not be comfortable. They borrow Nikolas's jet for their trip.

Jason, Elizabeth, and the boys arrive in San Francisco and check into a hotel suite. Elizabeth calls Marie and schedules a lunch for everyone tomorrow.

Elizabeth calls Robin, and Robin says, "I confirmed reservations for dinner this evening, and Patrick and I would love to have you back at the house afterward."

During dinner, everyone discusses what is happening in the children's lives.

Aiden talks about school and that he wants to bake and decorate the cake for the wedding.

Robin asks, "have you set a date yet?"

Elizabeth replies, "no. There's been so much going on with Jerry, Esme, some changes happening for me at General Hospital, and I think Jason can tell you later what he's doing. We want something low-key, Maybe something in late Spring or early Summer. We would welcome a cake from Aiden. We hope you can make it out for the wedding."

Jake says, "dad is taking me for driving lessons, and I have a new last name! Mom wanted me to have dad's name, and Cam notarized it!"

Patrick and Robin offer their congratulations.

Cam says, "I'm busy with school, managing Kelly's, and Joss and I are doing better. Emma, a lot is going on; we will talk more about it at your house."

Elizabeth asks, "Emma, what have you been doing? How is school?"

Emma replies, "I've also been busy. I volunteer, and I've taken several AP classes over the last two summers in High School."

After an enjoyable dinner, Jason follows Patrick's car back to his house.

Jake and Aiden watch Noah play. Cam catches up with Emma. Jason, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Robin discuss what happened with Jerry. Elizabeth asks about Marie and Beth.

Cam catches up with Emma, discussing school and what has changed since she moved to California. (since they sorased Emma to Cam and the other's ages, she is now 19/20). Due to her extra courses, Emma entered college as a sophomore and is now a junior. She is two years ahead in school than Cameron and will be a senior next year. She's taking a full load to take pre-med classes over the summer.

Cam fills Emma in on him and Joss. Emma says, "my grandma told me what Jason's daughter did filming you and Joss. I'm sorry that happened to you."

Cam replies, "it was harder on Joss. Students attacked her reputation because she was female. Other classmates gave me pats on the back and high-fives. Joss and I are working through what happened, but that Jason lost a daughter he didn't even know he had until recently affected him."

Cameron and Emma continue their conversation.

The adults share wine and beer in the living room. Jason asks Patrick and Robin, "did Anna fill you in on everything about Esme and Jerry?"

Robin replies, "my mom said Jerry killed Esme, and someone killed him. They don't know who, but after an autopsy, she confirmed it was him. Was Esme really your daughter?"

Jason replies, "yes. Did your mother tell you about Esme and what Helena did to her?"

Robin says, "she gave me the cliff notes version. Elizabeth, I'm sorry for what you and your family went through because Esme thought she was your daughter and how she was programmed to hate you."

Elizabeth replies, "yes, but before she died, she apologized and explained everything. It's too bad Jason found out too late. I feel the same about Beth. I'm sorry I didn't see her grow up, but Marie seems nice. Can you tell us more about Marie and Beth?"

Robin replies, "Emma and Beth have been friends for about eight years. They met a few months after we moved here. They are taking classes at Berkely U. Emma is interested in pre-med. Marie is a grade school teacher. Marie says Beth is taking computer sciences classes but is also interested in Genetic Genealogy. Beth can tell you more about it when you see her tomorrow. She looks like you did when you were about her age."

Jason joins Jake, Aiden, and Noah for playtime. (With Emma aged, Noah is 7.) Robin, Elizabeth, and Patrick play catch-up. Robin explains her transition from floor nurse to skilled nursing and continuing her duties as a scrub nurse. Robin discusses her COS duties, running a major metropolitan hospital and working in her research lab. Patrick mentions after Matt got out of prison and finished his parole, he joined him on staff. He says he has a better relationship with his brother.

Jason returns to the group, and he and Robin spend time together. Elizabeth and Patrick walk outside to discuss work and friends. It may be warmer in Berkeley than in PC, but it is still chilly. Elizabeth and Patrick put on jackets, and he shows her around the grounds and points out the areas they added on from their plans from the plot of land they were going to build on in Port Charles. Elizabeth tells Patrick that Epiphany took her MCATs and wants to become a doctor.

Jason and Robin discuss Sonny and Carly and his shift in priorities. Robin says, "you seem relaxed and content. Are you sure you can make those changes? You'd still be working for Sonny. Elizabeth didn't ask you to change what you are doing for Sonny?"

Jason replies, "Elizabeth didn't ask me to change. She knows Sonny and Carly are important to me, but she did ask for her and the boys to take priority. I told her I wanted to be there for her, and if I didn't make changes, I might not live to be there for her. She didn't make me do anything. I want her in my life, and I need to see Jake grow up and keep her children safe. It took me 'dying' and Elizabeth almost dying to realize what is important."

Elizabeth interrupts and says, "it's late, and we will see Marie and Beth tomorrow, but maybe everyone can get together again before we return to Port Charles."

Jason calls out to the boys and says it's time to say goodnight, and they return to the hotel.

Marie chooses a place for everyone to have lunch at a local attraction.

Since they already had a few video visits, Elizabeth hugged Marie and opened her arms to Beth. Cameron does the same. Elizabeth introduces Jake and Aiden to Marie and Beth. She says, "I want you to meet my fiance', Jason Morgan."

Jason extends his hand and says, "it's nice to meet you, Marie and Beth. Elizabeth and Cameron have told me a lot about you."

After lunch, Jason, Jake, and Adien leave to tour the city. Elizabeth, Cam, Marie, and Beth drive back to Marie and Beth's home.

Marie explains how Beth arrived via Jerry. She says, "I never knew your last name. I thought this man said his name was John, or maybe it was Jack, but he brought Beth to me when she was about two years old. He said her father, Alex died, and the mother, 'Elizabeth' was too young to care for Beth. He said a family friend named Irina looked after Beth for the first two years. He provided paperwork listing me as next of kin. You told me his name was Jerry, not Jack."

Marie continues, "Jerry told me Alex's father was Cameron, my half-brother. Cameron left when I was about eight. I have few memories of him. I never knew about Alex; sorry, you said his name was Zander Smith."

Elizabeth replies, "that is correct. Alexander, or Zander, showed up in Port Charles when he was about 19/20. Cameron arrived a couple of years later. Zander was estranged from his father. While they initially started in a troubled relationship, they repaired it before he died, saving his son's life."

Beth says, "I didn't know anything about my father as I thought his name was Alex Lewis, and I never knew where he lived until I found out his real name, where he lived, and you and Cameron, from a man, Damien Spinelli. He told me about you. From researching my father, I read he committed some crimes. Can you tell me about him?"

Elizabeth replies, "he was a troubled young man, who got mixed up with some bad people, but Zander had a good heart. He was close to my best friend, Emily. To honor Zander, I named my son Cameron after his father. A woman who was an associate of Jerry's took you, and I didn't know I gave birth to twins until a few months ago."

Cam, who knew much of the story, recounted to Beth, says, "I never knew our father either. He died not long after I was born. Mom told me not to dwell on his poor choices but to think of the kind person he was. She cared for our father."

Beth says, "didn't your finance' know Zander? Was he one of those poor choices?"

Elizabeth replies, "Jason and Zander were complicated, but if you want to know more, you should ask Jason's explanation. I would like to know about you. Robin told me about some of the classes you are taking, and you should be the one to tell me about them."

Beth tells Elizabeth, "I am taking some computer sciences classes, but I am interested in taking courses for Genetic Genealogy and Forensic Artist Certification. My mom has been supportive because she knew I was curious about Family Tree DNA and Genetic Testing for Genealogy research. When I learned I was adopted, I wanted to learn more. I also enjoy Forensic Art and Composite drawing, primarily historical criminals, such as Jack the Ripper or DB Cooper."

Cameron mentions, "that's interesting, as my mom and my brother Jake are amateur artists."

Marie asks Elizabeth, "what type of Art do you and Jake do? "

Elizabeth replies, "I mainly paint abstract and portraits and have drawn several sketches. When I became a mother and a nurse, I needed to focus more on that, but I still sketch. Jake paints to express himself. He had a lot of help from his step-father Franco."

Jason and the boys arrive after a day of touring. Jason wanted to give them some private time. Jason asks about their day, and Elizabeth replies, "it was informative, and I hope entertaining."

Marie and Beth agree and hope to learn more about Marie's brother and Zander.

Jason says, "Jake, Aiden, and I are leaving for Port Charles in the morning, but we promised Robin and Patrick another dinner and would love to have you and Beth join us. Jake and Aiden will watch Noah, and Emma and Cameron will join us."

They all go out to dinner and catch up on everything else. Cam and Beth are in their private world, and Emma looks on. She loves her brother Noah, but she is fascinated to watch two friends, one recent and one from her past, connect as brother and sister. Four friends compare lives, and Elizabeth hopes they can return to Port Charles soon. Time gets away from them, and soon it's time to say goodbye.

Jason and Elizabeth retrieve Jake and Aiden before they return to their hotel. Jason and Elizabeth head to their room. Jason says, "it sounds like you had a long day. Nikolas's jet is on standby tomorrow, and Jake, Aiden, and I will be on it unless you are ready to come back too."

Elizabeth replies, "we covered a lot of ground, and Cam and Beth had a lot of time to connect. I hope they can come out in May and celebrate birthdays together. Maybe Marie and Beth can meet the remaining people who remember Cameron and Zander. Beth is interested in Geneology and Forensic Art. Perhaps she can learn some things and recreate part of her past. I think it's time for everyone to return home. Thank you for this trip. It meant a lot to me. I love you."

Jason brings her into his arms and says, "I love you too. When we get back, let's plan our wedding."

They return home and resume their lives.

Jason and Elizabeth tell Cam about Zander.

Jason asks Sam to investigate DA Arden

A wedding is planned