A/N- Thanks for the comments! Sad chapter, but necessary.

Chapter 39

Johnny put the baby in her high chair and then started feeding her some cereal.

"What happened? It's written all over your face?" Nicole sat at the table and nibbled on some fruit.

"Lucky Spencer threw Helena Cassadine off the hospital roof and then killed himself. Elizabeth was there and saw everything."

Nicole gasped. "Where is she?"

"They kept her overnight, but Jason said she's doing well. They should be here in a few hours."

"It's going to be weird seeing Jason walk around freely."

"Yeah. I missed him. Oh, and Taggert was shot by Helena's minion, Helmut, and then Helmut shot Luke and he died later. Mac arrived and killed Helmut."

"Jeez. What a shit show."

"Yup."

"Where's Manny? He's usually here by now?"

"He is here. Evangeline and Manny are having coffee on the porch."

Nicole grinned. "Can I peek?"

Alaina shook her head making her mother pout.

"You're no fun," Nicole said.

The baby grinned.

"That's my girl. You can tease your mom any time you want," Johnny said.

"Thanks."

"So much happened that I forgot to tell you that Sonny showed up and got in a glare-down with Jason."

Nicole grimaced. "Who won?"

"I'll have to ask."

The door opened and they waited until someone appeared in the doorway.

"Hey, girl! You're early," Nicole said jumping up.

"We made a break for it," Liz said before getting swallowed up in her arms.

Nicole held out her hand then rolled her eyes and gave Jason a hug. "You're not too manly for a hug, are you?"

He shook his head.

"Good, cause Alaina loves them."

He glanced at the table and the baby smiled and then pressed her lips together to make a sound and cereal went all over Johnny's face.

Jason grinned. "I like her already."

Nicole giggled. "Nice, Alaina." She turned towards Liz. "You okay?"

"Not really, but I'm trying to deal with it."

"Something happened to me as well." She figures she might as well tell her up front.

"What?"

"After you were taken, I was in the supermarket and I had forgotten something and ran to get it and a man approached me and I recognized him immediately."

"Who was it?" She can tell by the tears that pricked Nicole's eyes it was serious.

"It was the first man who raped me."

Jason's gaze shot to Johnny who waved him over.

"I'll never forget his face."

"I'm so sorry. You must have been so scared."

"I froze at first and then screamed and Enzo scared him away."

"Honey, I think it was your scream. You have big lungs," Johnny quipped.

"Shut it, O'Brien," Nicole said out the corner of her mouth. She gets he's trying to lighten the mood a little so she isn't mad.

Liz hugs her and then pulls her over to the table. "Can you give me until tomorrow? I can try to sketch him for you."

"Really?"

Johnny is impressed. "That would be very helpful."

"I want to help take him down. I'm tired of everyone picking on us."

Epiphany moved forward. "Amen."

Liz got up and they embraced.

"I'm so glad to see you. Did you get any sleep?" Piph asked.

"I did get some. Jason stayed with me and that helped a lot."

"Well, he is awful comfy."

Jason smirked. "I thought what happens at Piph's stays at Piph's."

"There is a clause in that contract that states I'm allowed to gossip if I see fit."

"I see."

Evangeline and Manny entered the room hand in hand.

"Good morning, lovebirds," Epiphany said. She is the only one that knows Manny slept in Evangeline's room because she was scared. While she knows they haven't progressed to fully making out, it does show that Eva is trusting him more every day.

Eva blushed as Manny held a chair out for her to sit.

"Good morning. Elizabeth, it's good to see you," Eva said.

"Thank you. If you guys don't mind, I'd like to go take a nice long bath."

"Want to take Alaina with you?" Nicole asked.

Liz glanced at the baby whose face is covered in cereal and shook her head. "Johnny, the cereal is supposed to go into her mouth."

His eyes narrowed. "You try it next time."

"Been there, done that and she behaved like the perfect little angel she is."

"I'll need video proof of that."

Liz stood. "Next time, I'll make it happen."

"Do you want me to walk you upstairs?" Jason asked.

"No, stay here and eat. I'm sure you haven't in quite a while."

"I'll make you something," Piph said walking into the kitchen so he didn't have a chance to say no.

Liz gave him a quick peck and left.

"Your hair is really getting long," Johnny said.

"You jealous?"

Johnny laughed. "No. It's not my style."

"Well, I think it suits you," Eva said.

"Don't encourage him."

Manny shook his head. "My mom wants to meet you."

Johnny and Nicole made a noise like Jason is in trouble.

Jason rolled his eyes. "Why?"

"I guess I mentioned you a few times and—"

"—she likes to be up in his business," Piph said before placing a cup of coffee in front him. "Are you hungry?"

"Actually, I am," Jason said.

"It will take a little while. You can eat some fruit in the meantime." She only said it to get a reaction from him and Jason didn't disappoint, making a grossed-out face. The baby thought that was hilarious and everyone laughed.

Once she was cleaned up, Johnny placed her on Jason's lap.

"Hi," Jason said.

She started to babble like Jason is her best friend and then she became intrigued with his hair. He helped her stand and then she grabbed it and messed it up.

"It looks better like that," Johnny said.

"Shut it, O'Brien."

"Why is everyone always telling me that?"

Nicole shot him a look.

Jason pretended to eat her arm and the baby laughed.

"I think you have a new friend," Eva said.

"That's fine until she starts saying no."

"She's in the shaking her head stage already," Nicole said.

"Another one bites the dust," Piph said.

The baby's patted Jason's face a little too hard.

"Alaina, play nice," Nicole said.

She glanced at her mom and then back at Jason wondering what she did wrong. They play until breakfast is ready and then Nicole scooped her up.

Alaina was not happy at first, but Piph distracted her with a piece of bacon.

"I can't believe you just bribed my child," Johnny said.

"Please, you'll be doing that for the rest of your life."

"I have a feeling she is going to be on lockdown for the duration."

"I'll break you out, baby girl," Nicole said before laying kisses on her delighted daughter's face.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth sunk into the tub and closed her eyes. It felt so good and she just needed some time alone. They had started making her forget what happened and she isn't ready for that. After a few minutes, she decided to voice what is in her heart.

"Lucky, losing you a second time and in such a dramatic way is just so sad and depressing. I can't believe you still loved me when I walked away from you. I meant what I said on the roof. While I wasn't in love with you, I do love you. How could I not when you were such a huge part of my existence. Your mom is taking it hard, but I'll check up on her from time to time. I wonder if Luke is with you. Nikolas misses you so much." Tears trickled down her cheeks. "You will be missed. I will never forget you and our bond. Rest in peace."

She stayed in the tub for a long while as she thought about him. Some memories were good and some were bad, but overall she mourned the man he was before the fire. That will always be her Lucky.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Carly stumbled out of the car.

"Woah, are you okay?" Max asked.

"I'm fine."

She had already been drinking and it's early, so Max is genuinely concerned about her.

"The man who hurt me is dead and so is his father. My mom is a mess and can't even take care of Michael. I still can't shake the nightmare of my attack from my head, and Sonny is crazier than a fox. My life is just peachy, Max. Thanks for asking."

"Mrs. C., you should go lay down."

"I'm not done yet."

She started to move and tripped, but Max caught her at the last minute and she purposely plopped onto the ground as she cracked up.

"I need another drink."

"I think you've already had enough." If he had known that she'd drink all the alcohol in the limo, he would have taken a town car instead. Carly preferred the limo because it impressed people.

"Don't be a Debbie downer."

Max pinched the bridge of his nose. He is done guarding her, but he's stuck. Every day she gets more out of control.

Across from them, a P.I. took more pictures. His clients will be very happy.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Two Days Later

Elizabeth somberly entered the church and then hugged Laura.

"I'm so glad that you are here."

"How are you holding up?" Liz asked.

"It's been hard. I alternate between sobbing and laughing depending on what memory pops into my head. Nikolas and Gia probably think I'm bonkers."

Nikolas moved towards them. "Never…"

Liz embraced him and then Gia.

Nikolas turned towards Jason. "Thank you for coming."

Jason nodded. He feels a little awkward but is determined to not let it show.

The door opens and Carly and Sonny strode inside.

Carly can't help but stare at Jason who looks away.

"We're here for Luke. Lucky—well you all know what he did," Carly said.

"Did you stop a brewery on the way over here?" Gia asked.

"Watch your tongue, little girl."

Gia's eyes narrowed and Nikolas pulled her back.

Sonny sighed. "Laura, I'm sorry for your loss."

Laura nodded. "Thank you."

Carly rolled her eyes.

"Tramp," Gia coughed into her hand.

Nikolas shot her a look.

"Sorry, I hate her and she was disrespectful."

Laura took a deep breath. "It will be fine. If she does something stupid, I'll have her removed."

Bobbie entered the room. "How are you?"

They embraced.

"As well as I can be. Listen, your daughter has been drinking and already said some things. Can you keep an eye on her?"

Bobbie is livid. "Of course and I'm so sorry. She has been falling apart lately."

"It's not your fault. Everyone go in and I'll be right there. I just need to catch my breath."

They eyed her worriedly and then moved forward.

Jason lagged behind. "I'm not great with words, but this will probably be one of the hardest things you have to do. Be who you need to be and say what you need to say. If people don't like it well then…"

Laura slightly smiled. "That was just what I needed to hear. I remember all those years ago when you carried Robin off the stage at the nurse's ball."

"Are you saying you might need a lift?"

She chuckled, surprising herself as she clamped her hand over her mouth to hide it in case someone saw her. Elizabeth and Nikolas were watching them curiously.

"Thank you, Jason. I was holding a lot in. Hug?"

He nodded and they warmly embraced.

"If I need a lift, I'll just say your name."

"Okay." He moved towards Elizabeth and she held out her hand and he grabbed it.

The service was painful and somber for the most part. A few people told funny stories, but most spoke about their heartache.

Laura gave a heartfelt eulogy. She cried and even smiled a few times as she talked about her husband and son.

Carly suddenly stood. "Your son was a murderer!"

"Carly!" Sonny said.

Laura froze and Nikolas moved to her side. Her gaze met with Jason and she nodded. Bobbie is so disappointed in her.

He stood and moved to Sonny's row and then stared Carly down. "Not another word," he said in a low and lethal voice.

"But—"

"I will drag you out of here and embarrass you fully. Not another word."

Sonny glared at him.

"Since, she can't keep her mouth shut, take your wife and leave."

Carly's eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip quivered. "I'm sorry."

Jason couldn't even look at her anymore.

Sonny pulled her to the aisle and held his head up and left, waiting to get into the car before railing at her.

Jason blew out a harsh breath and turned to meet Laura's gaze.

"Thank you, Jason."

He returned to his seat and the service resumed.

"My son was brainwashed and forced to do horrible things, but Helena could not remove what was in his heart. He fought it and died so that no one else had to suffer. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to be a good man despite everything she did to him. I love him and I will not apologize for it. Someone told me to say what I needed to say and not care about what anyone else thinks and that is what I choose to do. My husband wasn't perfect either, but I have good memories of him that I will cherish forever. We are all flawed in some way. My only wish is that Lucky is now at peace. I think I worry about him more because Luke could handle things on his own, but Lucky was so lost when he came back. I will pray every day that he is in a better place. No one should have to suffer as he did." Her voice cracked. "I just can't believe that he is gone."

Jason slowly stood and their eyes locked and she felt like he was giving her strength. One by one, everyone followed suit and then held hands.

Laura started to cry. "I think I need that lift." She is shaking with emotion.

Nikolas slipped his arm around her and Jason ran up the steps and got on the other side and they walked her back to her seat.

Liz had volunteered Evangeline to sing and her voice floated through the air as she sang In the Arms of the Angels.

Bobbie starts to cry and that just set everyone off. The song is beautiful and fits Luke and Lucky well. Laura is sitting between Jason and Nikolas now and Elizabeth is so proud of Jason for coming out of his shell. He had checked to make sure she was okay first because changing seats and that meant everything to her. Emily, who is sitting next to her, is having a hard time keeping it together, so they consoled each other.

When Nikolas starts to cry, Liz leans forward and touches his back and Gia follows suit. While Liz is deeply affected, she has managed to just shed a few tears and hold her composure.

Manny and Francis are in the back making sure everyone is safe, but even they stop and listen to Eva.

When the last note is played, Evangeline sits off to the side.

The pastor of the church moved to the pulpit. "That was beautiful. Thank you."

Eva nodded.

He gave a short sermon and then announced that there will be a private burial with the family, but if anyone wanted to come to the house in a few hours to pay their final respects, then they could.

One by one, as Eva sang Amazing Grace, they said their goodbyes and then hugged or shook Laura's hand.

By the end, she is spent.

"Are you okay?" Nikolas said.

"I have to be."

She moved into the aisle and touched each coffin under their watchful eye.

"Thank you for what you are doing for her," Nikolas said.

"It's the least I can do."

"I didn't give you a lot of chances before, but your actions today show me how wrong I was. I know we don't have a lot in common, but for Elizabeth's sake, I hope you'll accept my apology and we can move forward."

"Okay."

"Thank you." Gia had already pointed out their similarities. Both, are loyal, intense, and love Elizabeth.

Emily squeezed Liz's hand, both proud of the two men.

Laura returned and then there was a procession. Once they are outside, Elizabeth hugs Jason.

"I am so over the moon for you," she said.

"Ditto."

They got in the car and went to the burial. Laura broke down and Nikolas and Jason had to help her, but she managed to get it together on the way back to the house. Emily was an emotional wreck. Seeing the grave was hard on them and Liz had to fight not to break down completely.

Liz stayed until the last person was gone. They had sent an exhausted Emily home.

"I'm debating on whether or not to sell this place," Laura said.

"You're thinking about leaving town?" Nikolas asked.

"Eventually, but I wouldn't leave you now. It's so painful here. I was thinking of travelling a little with Lulu."

Nikolas nodded. "I'll miss you."

"We will never be separated for long. That is what a plane is for."

They embraced.

"You should go home. I'll be fine," she said to Liz and Jason.

"Okay, but if you need me."

"I know. I'll call."

Liz gave her a hug and then Laura stood in front of Jason.

"You have really surprised me. You have a big heart, Jason Morgan, and helped me get through one of the hardest days of my life. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He hugged her and then took Liz's hand and left.

Gia turned towards Nikolas when Laura went into the kitchen. "Who was the lady who sang?"

"She's a lawyer that Liz knows."

"Is she single? Marcus seriously needs a woman."

Nikolas almost cracked a smile. "You would be that mean to her?"

She smacked his arm. "Hey, he's my brother."

"Who has a stick up his ass," he whispered. He loves teasing her about Marcus.

Her mouth dropped opened and Laura watched as Gia chased Nikolas around the room. Somehow, they are going to be alright and she is grateful to still have children to dote on as well as other family and friends.