Chapt 25
Jason and Elizabeth tell Cam about Zander.
Jason asks Sam to investigate DA Arden.
A wedding is planned
Jason and Elizabeth wait until Cameron's exams are over and before Spring Break to tell him about Zander. Jake and Aiden are visiting Danny and Scout at the Quartermaines.
Elizabeth asks Cam to join Jason and her on the couch. "Cameron, a few weeks ago, Jason and I learned something only a few people know. Your biological father is alive. The government faked his death, and he's been an informant against various criminals. He was in prison for five years and then went into witness protection. When he left prison, he followed the news in Port Charles. Later he opted out of Witness Protection. We received a letter from him after Esme died. He didn't know you had a twin until Jason's statement. Zander later learned Beth, not Esme, is your sister. We don't know how long he was in town or if he tried to contact you, but we didn't want to keep this from you."
Cameron takes a deep breath and says, "wow! Zander is alive?"
(Cameron has never referred to Zander as his father, only by his name. Zander was never a father to him; he "died" soon after he was born.) Lucky was the only father he knew, but he wasn't always around when he needed him. He has memories of Elizabeth and Lucky fighting, moving to G. Grams, and then to a house with his mother and brother. When he was a toddler, he secretly wished Jason was his father, then Drew, but it wasn't until Cam bonded with Franco that he knew a father figure who would put his mother first. When Cam thought Jason killed Franco, he wanted revenge. It took learning the truth about Peter for him to forgive Jason. Now that Jason is in his mother's life again, he sees Jason is not only putting his mother and Jake first but also Aiden and him.
Cam asks, "does Beth know?
Jason replies, "In his letter, Zander said he would try to connect with her discreetly. We don't know if he tried. Do you think he tried contacting you?"
Cam answers, "not directly. I don't know if I would recognize him if he did. Do you think he's been watching me for years? Why? Why couldn't he have come forward sooner?"
Elizabeth notices some sadness in his voice and replies, "Zander was in trouble with the law and opted for the FBI's offer to fake his death. After five years in prison, there were a lot of changes in Port Charles. Zander had to go into Witness Protection; it wasn't safe for him or you. Zander wanted you safe and happy. Jason was the same about Jake. Jake's safety and happiness overruled his own."
Cam asks, "do you still have the letter?"
Jason replies, "no, Cam, we burned it. I'm sorry, but Zander asked us not to let anyone know he was alive."
Cam asks, "do I want to know if that is the only reason?"
Elizabeth answers, "you don't want to know, so please don't ask; if someone finds out there was a letter, you can answer honestly."
Cameron says, "thank you for telling me. I hope to learn the answer or that Zander connects with Beth one day. Beth and I speak a couple of times a week and video chat at least once a week. I understand the need to keep Zander the secret Zander is still alive, but it would be nice to get closure one day."
Elizabeth asks Cam to pick his brothers up from the Quartermaines. Jason calls Sam, and Dante answers. Jason asks, "Dante have you or Sam discovered any new evidence on Jennifer Arden? You know poisoning is not your father's style, but it is something the Cassidines and Jerry Jacks are known to do."
Dante replies, "are you suggesting Nikolas or Spencer killed DA Arden?"
Jason says, "no, but Helena and her offspring are famous for it. Helena worked with Jerry and Victor Cassidine."
Elizabeth is on the other line and adds, "ask Nikolas, Robin, or Patrick what Jerry did to Nikolas when he was known as James Craig. He injected a toxin into Nikolas for money and contacts. I am a prime example of Helena's lengths to try to kill me with poison in 2001, and Nikolas helped trick her."
Sam picked up the extension and listened to the three-way conversation. She replies, "I have spoken to Robert and Anna, and they suspect Victor. Everyone else was cleared as a suspect while you were in California. I discovered that Jerry was working with Arden and Victor. Arden was informing Jerry about your case Elizabeth. She knew about Esme, and Jerry told her Jason was Esme's father. Arden planned on using Esme as leverage against Jason. So far, there is no paper trail connecting Arden and Victor, but that is what I am trying to find."
Jason thanks her for her work and hopes she can find something on Victor. He explains that Elizabeth connected with her daughter when the family was in California and saw Robin and Patrick while they were there.
Later, after everyone is in bed, Jason and Elizabeth discuss their plans for their wedding.
Elizabeth says, "we've done this several times with other people, and I think simple and small is the type of wedding we should have. Besides a few friends and family in Port Charles, I would love to invite Robin, Patrick, Emma, Marie, and Beth. Who would you want to invite?"
Jason replies, "I'm trying to reconnect with the Quartermaines, and Drew and I are getting closer. It would be weird for me to have Sam there. I don't think she would mind not getting an invite. I want Spinelli to come, but I am not as close to others as you are."
Elizabeth asks, "what about Sonny and Carly? They are your best friends."
Jason replies, "were, past tense. Sonny and Carly can't or won't respect my boundaries, and until they do, I don't want them to ruin our wedding and marriage. I want Michael and Willow to come. I am happy you have Marie and Beth as family."
Elizabeth says, "There's another thing that is important to me. I want to go back to the name Webber. Each time I married, I took his name. First, it was Ric, then Lucky (twice), and I changed it back to Webber each time. When I married Franco, I kept his name. But I don't want to have Baldwin, either. Webber has been a meaningful part of my history, and if you don't mind, I would like to return to the name Webber. I want to use my birth name. Cameron is a Webber; Jake now has your name, and Aiden is a Spencer. I don't want to change my name to Morgan when we get married; I hope your feelings aren't hurt."
Jason replies I love the name, Webber. I fell in love with her, and you should use whatever name makes you happy."
Elizabeth says, "that leaves two more things to agree on; where and when? The Quartermaines and Wyndemere have too many memories, but if you have a suggestion, I'd love to hear it."
Jason replies, "You never got to see the beyond the grounds of the safe house we used in 2008 as it was in the winter. I discovered I still own it, and there is an open field that would be nice to use in the Spring or the summer."
Elizabeth kisses him and says, "I love it. We never tested that shower to see if it was big enough for two." She laughs and says, "that leaves a date. You mentioned Spring or Summer. I think Spring is too soon, and I want to do something after Cam and Jake's birthdays in May. Marie and Beth will be out to celebrate all the birthdays."
Jason says, "I look forward to meeting your daughter. How are things going with them? Cam said he talks to Beth often, but what about you?"
Elizabeth replies, "I talk to Marie and Beth at least once weekly. I told her about a few people who knew her brother and Zander. It narrows the list if they don't want to hear the unvarnished truth. Alexis and Felecia would be advocates for Cameron Sr. I'm not sure about Ned, Scott, or Carly. Cameron Sr. helped Alexis a lot. Zander will be more difficult to find advocates. Alexis and maybe Maxie would want to tell Beth about her father. You and Sonny worked with him and tried to help Zander, but would you have anything positive to say about him?"
Jason replies, "Zander wasn't all bad. I've done worse. Sorel and others lured him in opposite directions from what Sonny and I did, so there was always a conflict. I admit I was jealous of him and your friendship. I know some of what happened was my doing, but there is enough blame to pass around in the end. If Emily were alive, she would know the right things to say. I'll tell Beth he was a good person who tried to make the right decisions, but the odds were often stacked against him."
Elizabeth says, "when Marie and Beth are out, Marie has interviews at a couple of public schools. She is considering a move to Port Charles or maybe Beechers Corners. Marie also said Beth wants to finish her degree at a University in New Jersey or Maryland. She wants to try for an early Master's program. She would be close enough to visit."
Jason replies, "I think that would be great! You may not have raised her, but she wants to know you. I learned too late what family and love meant. It took losing Alan to realize even though I pushed him away; he still loved me. I try with Monica, but it's not the same, and I won't make the same mistakes with my sons."
Elizabeth pulls out her calendar app on her phone and says, "we still need to pick a date. How does June 12th sound? That gives us about three months, but we aren't planning anything big, so a few calls, e-vites, and a minister. Mac officiated at Robin and Patrick's wedding, or Laura could do it as mayor."
Jason asks, "would that be weird with her being Lucky's mother?"
Elizabeth replies, "no. Laura has been more of a mother to me than mine ever was. She's been there for most of the important events in my life, and we are not inviting Lucky."
Jason says, "I think we have everything we need. I'll get Spinelli working on those e-vites or whatever those are. Can we get some sleep now?"
Elizabeth removes her robe, pulls the covers back, laughs, and replies, "you can turn off the lights, but sleep may take a while."
Jason quickly turns off the lights and pulls Elizabeth towards him.
Two days later, Laura calls Elizabeth and says, "Jake and Aiden asked me if they could stay with Kevin and me while Marie and Beth are here in May. Jake thought it would be nice for Marie and Beth to have time with Cameron and you. They offered their rooms. A hotel may be nicer, but it would provide less time. I also want to congratulate you and Jason on your engagement. Jake told me the date is June 12th. Would you like to get married at the Mayor's Mansion?"
Elizabeth replies, "thank you, no. Jason and I already have a place chosen. Jason and I prefer things more low-key; besides, that is where you and Luke got married. I do have a favor to ask. Jason and I need someone to officiate."
Laura replies, "I'd be honored. Do you need anything else?"
Elizabeth says, "I think we got it covered; however, I hope you and Kevin will be able to meet Marie and my daughter."
Laura replies, "of course. Please call me with the details."
Over the next month, Elizabeth resumed therapy with Kevin, discussing her parents and her relationship choices over the past 25 years. Cameron and his band take a gig at the Savoy. Jason takes Jake for driving lessons, and Aiden is practicing cake ideas with input from Laura.
Jake and Adien are in bed, and Cam is in his room reviewing his accounting on the books for the previous year on Kelly's. Jason arrives home after completely updating the books at the Coffee House and dropping the paperwork at the account's office for tax filing. Jason offered to review Cameron's records before he files the taxes on Kelly's. Bobbie and Laura discussed gifting 25% ownership of Kelly's to Cam for his birthday.
Jason locks up, and Elizabeth is on the phone with Robin. "Jason and I have picked a date. We are getting married on June 12th. I hope everyone can make it out. Please call me when Emma decides on grad school, and I'll tell Jason about the plans you and Patrick are thinking about for your future. It was good to talk to you too. I hope we can have a Girl's Night Out when you are out in May for Beth, Cam, and Jake's birthdays. Goodnight to you too."
Elizabeth fills Jason in on her conversation with Robin. She tells him Robin will come out with Emma and Noah early to spend time with her parents before the birthdays, but Robin's parents don't know what Patrick and Robin are planning.
Birthdays, Scorpio-Drake plans, a wedding, and more
