A/N – Thanks for the comments! – Guest – Not sure how Jason is taking advantage. Everyone is encouraging him to let Liz help him. He hasn't done anything but say yes. I feel bad for all of them. Liz is messed up right now. She almost died. She admitted that it's not fair, but she's struggling. This is a time when Liz needs to put her needs first so she can move forward. Johnny does get that. Jason doesn't like rich people due to how the Q's treated his mom, but he still ended up loving Emily and Lila because of the way they treated him. It shows that he is willing to get to know people. * kikimoo, arcoiris – When Jason said manipulate, he meant it more as making decisions for her etc. Jason doesn't like to take away someone's choice. Lol Kikimoo, I will take it as your Liason bias because Johnny has been a standup guy thus far and very good to our girl.
Regarding using Molly as possibly Elizabeth's sister in the future. While I'm not totally against that, it seems like when I've written Molly before I got complaints that people didn't like the character. I will consider it, however, I don't think that I'm passionate enough about the character to write a story focusing on just her. Sorry! Bouncygirl – LOL re: sponge bath.
Chapter 8
Jason watched as Alice pushed Lila into the room.
"Hello. I'm Lila Quartermaine."
"Hi." She had a smile that lit up the room, instantly making him feel at ease.
"I'll be in the hallway," Alice said.
"Emily was here. She told me all about you."
"Well, I guess you are spared my life story then."
Jason slightly smiled.
"I just left Elizabeth."
Lila noticed a little twinkle in his eye and wondered what that was about.
"How is she?"
"She is very excited to get out of the hospital."
"Can't blame her for that."
Lila looked at his leg. "A rainbow?"
"Elizabeth and a little girl did that."
"Were you asleep?"
"They thought I was."
Lila chuckled. "I hear you are going home with her."
"I guess."
"Do you have reservations about it?"
"A little. It's hard not knowing how to act around people and I don't want her feeling sorry for me."
"I think it goes deeper than that. It's part of who Elizabeth is to want to take care of people. She has a big heart."
"Was I a good person?"
"Yes. You were complicated and a bit sullen due to the family situation and losing your mom, but you were always very good to me and Emily. Sometimes we get stuck on our stories and forget to live."
"And that's what you thought I did?"
"Oh, I know you did. I wanted so much more for you. Life can be fleeting. You never know when it will end. Just existing and not living to the fullest is a tragedy in my book. I have lived and loved hard. No matter what drama was happening around me, I pushed forward and don't regret anything. In order to do that, you sometimes have to take risks and expose your heart. I always prayed that you would let go of all the pain and find happiness. You deserve it."
Jason was quiet as he mulled over her words. "I'm not sure what happiness means."
"I know."
He smirked. "I guess I haven't changed too much due to the memory loss."
"You are still my handsome grandson who always keeps me on my toes."
Jason looked at the wheel chair. "How long do you have to stay in that?"
"About two more weeks. I can't wait to get out."
"Did I have a girlfriend?"
"Well, you dated here and there. I don't know who you were seeing recently, but you did date Brenda Barrett and Delores who is a cop over the years. I believe Brenda should be here tomorrow morning. She's a hurricane in action. I'm sure she will stop by."
Jason wasn't sure what to think about that.
Lila wanted to laugh. Brenda had driven Jason crazy and they had only lasted a month. She remembered Jason saying he was going to buy a box of duct tape and giggled.
"What?"
"Let's just say that you and Brenda have an interesting dynamic."
"Great."
"I have to go to an appointment, but I am so pleased that you are doing well. I know you don't remember me, but know that I love you and will always have your back."
Jason slightly smiled. "Thank you."
Alice reappeared and led her away, leaving Jason to his thoughts.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Felix walked into Elizabeth's room who had just gotten changed. "I have your discharge paperwork."
Liz grinned. "Awesome."
"I go away for a week and a building falls on you. Girl, you bring the drama."
"That will teach you to leave me. How was Cabo?"
"Fabulous. Don't you like my tan?"
She frowned as her head tilted. "I'm gonna need to see some lines."
He shook his head and then pulled up his sleeve.
"Nice."
"I bought you a gift. I'll drop it off later." He sat in the chair next to the bed. "So, I read all the stories. You okay?"
"I guess. I have nightmares and I'm really worried about Jason."
Felix knew who he was. "The situation sucked, but having that hunk laying on you for several hours…" he shuddered, making her chuckle.
"You are ridiculous. Have you forgotten my boyfriend is a hunk too?"
"Oh no. You have really great taste in men."
"I invited Jason to move in while he heals."
A slow smile appeared on his face.
"Stop it. It's not like that."
"Uh huh. A Jason, Johnny sandwich sounds delish. And what does Johnny think about your new roomie?"
"He wasn't happy, but he knows once I make my mind up, it's done."
"You need some help with Jason?"
Liz laughed. "I wouldn't mind it."
"Then I'm your guy." He stood. "I'll go get the wheel chair. Who is taking you home?"
"I'm not sure."
Johnny walked in. "Hey Felix."
They shook hands.
"You look well rested."
"You have no idea," Felix said mischievously. "I'll be right back."
Johnny moved to the bed. "Why do you look so surprised to see me?"
"Well, for starters, you do have a business to run."
"You're more important."
"Thanks."
Felix whisked into the room. "Here you go."
"I have a few stops to make."
"As long as you tip the driver on the way out, I'm game."
"I don't have any of my brownies on me."
Felix stopped moving. "Damn."
"I promise that I will make you some next week."
"Deal. Where are we going?"
"To see Jason and Kylie.
"Just point the way."
Johnny followed behind as Felix pushed her to Kylie's room.
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Kylie grinned when she saw Elizabeth. "Hi."
"Hey!"
"You get to leave?"
"Yup. I didn't want to go without saying goodbye."
Liz stood and then gave Kylie a hug.
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel a lot better. Dr. Steven said I probably can go home tomorrow."
"That's great news."
"Yeah."
Liz noted her sadness. "Are you still scared to drive home?"
"Yeah."
"Dr. Steven will take good care of you. I promise."
Katherine warmly embraced her. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome. You have the keys to the car?"
"Yes. They dropped it off at the house."
"Our mechanic checked it out and you should be fine."
"I still can't believe how generous you've been."
"You and Kylie have been through a lot. I just want to make sure that you are safe."
Johnny watched from the doorway. He couldn't help but be proud of Elizabeth.
"Who is that?"
Liz followed her gaze and smiled. "That is my boyfriend, Johnny."
Kylie smiled. She thought Johnny was very handsome. "Hi."
He flashed her a classic O'Brien smile. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."
Her eyes grew big. "You have an accent."
It was slight, but detectable. "I'm from Ireland. I have to say, I used to have a bigger one."
"I like it."
"Thanks. I'm glad that you are feeling better."
"Me too."
He smiled at Katherine and Liz said goodbye.
Felix pushed her into the hallway. "You never cease to amaze me."
"It didn't take much to pick up the phone."
"You would be surprised how many people wouldn't."
They entered Jason's room.
His eyes fluttered open and connected with hers. "Hey."
"How are you feeling?"
"Restless. You going home?"
"Yeah, but I'll be around tomorrow."
"Okay."
Johnny and Jason locked eyes. "Feel better," Johnny said.
"Thanks."
Johnny left to take a call.
"Felix will write down my number for you just in case."
Felix went over to the counter and jotted it down and put the paper near the phone.
"I'm jealous."
"You don't have much longer."
"Trust me, it will seem like an eternity," Felix quipped.
Jason slightly smiled.
"You're not helping," Liz said.
Felix made a motion like he was zipping his mouth.
"I would kill for a shower," Jason said.
"I tell you what, when I dump her off at the curb, I'll come back and wash your hair."
Jason's eyes widen. "Don't tease me Felix."
"I'm not. I'll take care of you."
"Thanks."
Liz smiled. "Felix is one of my best friends, so if you need anything and he's on duty, he'll help you."
"And if I'm not, ask for Epiphany."
"Okay."
Johnny walked back in. "You ready?"
Felix's brow rose. He could already tell that Johnny really wasn't feeling Jason. What almost made him laugh is that Jason actually cracked a smile.
"I'll see you soon."
"Later."
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Johnny carried Elizabeth upstairs.
"I can walk."
"I'm trying to spoil you."
She slightly smiled. "Thanks."
He got the door open and then placed her on the couch. "Alright, here is the remote." He threw a blanket over her lap and propped a pillow behind her before pressing a button so her legs were lifted. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Some water would be nice."
He hurried into the kitchen and she sighed. It felt good to be home. "Here you go."
"Are you going to work?"
"No."
"Johnny…"
"Sorry, but I don't trust you."
Her mouth dropped open making him grin.
"I know you can't avoid everything at the office, but you need to rest and I want to dote on you today. I can work from here. I have my laptop."
"Okay."
He got situated next to her.
"Do you have your tux for the gala?"
"I pick up it up in the morning. What about your dress?"
"Already in my closet." She didn't like waiting until the last minute. Usually, the dresses were already picked over. Elizabeth is a planner.
"Well if you need something else, just ask."
"Thanks." She was actually glad he was staying. It made her feel safe.
He worked as she watched television and soon she fell asleep.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Felix prepared the inflatable basin and Carly got the bucket in position. He lifted Jason's neck and put some warm water into a pitcher. "Alright, I'm going to pour and then Carly is going to add the shampoo and lightly scrub your scalp." They had to be careful to try and avoid his bump so they wouldn't cause him pain.
Jason closed his eyes as the water flowed over his scalp. It felt so good. Carly put some shampoo on it and lightly raked her nails over his scalp. Jason was in heaven.
"You can moan, because I know that feels good," Felix said.
Jason smiled. "It feels really good."
Felix rinsed and then Carly washed it one more time before he repeated his actions. Once the basin drained, Felix towel dried his hair.
"Better?"
"Incredible. Thank you."
"You had a sponge bath last night when you were sleeping."
"I did?"
Felix nodded. "We do that sometimes so that you don't feel uncomfortable." The look on Jason's face was priceless.
Carly chuckled. "Relax. I am a professional and I don't scrub and tell."
"Good to know."
"Your torso and back are pretty bruised."
"It doesn't hurt too bad." Jason tried to keep still for the most part.
"You have a high pain tolerance." Carly put everything away. "Alright, I'm out of here."
Felix made sure Jason was comfortable. "I left my number on the paper too."
"Thanks."
A few minutes later, a petite woman breezed into the room. "Thank God you're still alive. I took a red eye. The things I do for you…"
Jason looked at Felix. "Can you call security?"
Brenda rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't dare."
"You know he doesn't remember you, right?" Felix asked.
Brenda waved her hand. "It's only temporary."
"Why are you here?"
"Because we are friends and that's what friends do."
"I don't know you."
"Jason, you need help. Someone has to take care of you."
Jason was staring at her like she was crazy.
"Um, Jason already has someone taking care of him," Felix said.
"Who? Are you going to stay at the mansion?"
"No. I'm going to stay with Elizabeth Webber."
Brenda rolled her eyes. "You don't know her either."
"We were crushed by a building, I know enough. You can go back to wherever you came from."
"I'm not going anywhere. I have tickets to the ball. You are so damn stubborn!"
Robin walked in. "Brenda, are you harassing the patient?"
Brenda grinned and they embraced. "I missed you. Jason is being a pain in the ass as usual."
Robin looked at Jason. "He should be resting."
"That's what I've been trying to tell him."
Jason groaned, making Robin chuckle.
"I'm going to go get some coffee," Brenda said walking out.
"Did I know you?"
"Yes. My name is Robin."
"Did I really date her?" Jason just couldn't process that.
"Yes."
"Was I desperate?"
Felix busted out laughing.
Robin walked over to a machine. "Your heart rate is too high. I'm going to cut Brenda off at the pass and convince her to leave you alone."
"Thank God."
She giggled as she left the room.
"You dodged a bullet."
"Tell me about it."
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The next day, Johnny dropped Elizabeth off at the hospital on his way to work. There was no way she was going to stay at home, so he finally gave up and let her be.
Liz slowly walked down the hallway towards the collapsed wing. Her ankle was still a little sore, so she had a slight limp.
"Elizabeth, where are you going?" Francis asked.
"I just…"
He sighed and grabbed her hand. "I understand. I'll take you."
They cautiously moved down the hallway and Elizabeth gasped when she saw the tangled metal. "I can't believe we survived that."
"I'm really glad that you did."
She averted her gaze and turned around, unable to look at it anymore as her breathing became shallow.
Francis could tell she was starting to have a panic attack. "Take a deep breath."
Tears were streaming down her face and he picked her up and walked her back to the main room and Epiphany rushed towards them.
"What happened."
"Panic attack."
"Follow me."
He followed her into a bay and laid Liz down.
"You're okay. You just need to take some deep breaths," Epiphany said.
Patrick rushed inside and he smoothed down her hair. "Hey beautiful. If you missed me so badly, you could have just had me paged."
Liz struggled to say something, but she couldn't and passed out.
"Is she going to be okay?" Francis asked.
"Yes. She'll wake up in a minute," Piph said.
"Tell me what happened," Patrick said.
"She wanted to see the wing and I caught up to her right before she got there. If I had known that she'd have this kind of reaction, I would have stopped her."
Epiphany looked over at him. "She needed to see it. You couldn't have."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth started to move and her eyes snapped open. "Patrick?"
"Hey. You passed out from a panic attack."
She groaned. "I'm so embarrassed."
"Only half the hospital saw it."
"Not helping," Epiphany said.
"You have the worse bedside manner," Liz said.
Patrick grinned. "You need to take it easy."
"I know."
"Then why aren't you?"
"I have a charity ball in a few days."
"Let someone else handle it," Epiphany said.
"You know how hard that is for me."
"Elizabeth, your body has been through a lot. There's a bed in Jason's room. I want you to lay down for a while before you go back to your office," Patrick said.
"Fine."
Epiphany got a wheel chair and they helped her get into it.
"And you need to stay hydrated."
"I have a cold water bottle in the cooler in her office. I'll get it," Francis said before leaving.
Patrick pushed her out the door and down a hallway. "There's a rumor that we're hiring a new doctor. Have you heard anything?"
"Nope. You want me to see what I can find out?"
"I love the way your mind works Webber."
She smirked. Patrick was so predictable. "I'm having lunch with my dad. I'll see what I can find out."
"I owe you dinner."
"Yeah, as a matter of fact, you owe me two."
Patrick frowned. "Did you hit your head?"
"Very funny..."
He rolled her into the room.
"What happened?" Jason asked.
"She had a panic attack and I'm making her lie down."
Jason watched as Patrick helped Liz get settled.
"Watch her for me. Press the call button if there is an emergency."
"Okay."
