A/N – Thanks for the comments! I'm rushing today as usual. Thank you for being patient about me posting every other day (MWF). That will stay for the foreseeable future. Sorry, I'm just swamped.
Chapter 40
Jolene walked onto the porch with John. "Hi everyone."
"Hello," Liz said. John smiled at her.
Jolene quickly walked over to Epiphany and gave her a hug. "I miss you."
"I miss you too. Pull up a chair and fill me in on the gossip."
She did and John walked up to Elizabeth.
"How's it going?"
"I'm good. Did you bring Claudia?"
"No. She had a meeting."
"Next time?"
"I can make it happen." He frowned. "What's that?"
"What?"
"Is it a bug?"
She jumped up and he grabbed her and put her over his shoulder.
"John Zacchara!" she yelled.
Piph chuckled as she watched Liz repeatedly smack John on his butt as he hauled her to the water. When they got there, he put her down and pushed her into Steven, who held her, and then he picked her up again and threw her into the Lake.
"She's going to get him back," Jason said, missing her already.
"Oh, she will," Piph said.
An hour later, everyone decided to get out and gathered on the porch as they ate the snacks that Cook prepared.
"This was so much fun," Liz said.
"Yeah. Emily, thanks for calling us," Patrick said.
Emily leaned back against Steven's chest. "I'm glad you guys enjoyed it."
"It was nice to get away from the grind."
"I heard that they were having a board meeting in two days."
Liz frowned. "That doesn't give us a lot of time to get my dad's job back." It was cutting it too close.
"I do hope they reinstate him. He was doing a great job," Epiphany said.
"I will do everything I can to make that happen," Sarah said.
Piph yawned.
"Alright, I need to get her home." It was her first time out and he didn't want to push it.
Patrick stood on one side and Steven got on the other and Epiphany slowly stood. She closed her eyes until her equilibrium evened out and then they said goodbye and slowly walked to the car.
"Well Mrs. Q, thanks for having us," Sarah said.
"It was my pleasure. It was fun to watch everyone enjoy themselves."
Liz gave everyone hugs and they slowly filed out. She sat on Jason's lap again and snuggled against him.
"I am going to bed. I will see you in the morning," Lila announced.
"Goodnight," Liz said. She shut her eyes and Jason rubbed her back.
"You look good in a bikini."
She slightly blushed. "Thanks."
His hand slowly traced her leg until it disappeared under her towel.
Liz bit her lip.
He reached up freed it and then kissed her passionately. "Let's go upstairs."
"Okay." She stood and then handed him his crutch and then they made their way upstairs.
"I'll be back in a few."
She disappeared into the bathroom with her bag and he heard the shower running, so he got changed and then put his foot up. Liz emerged a few minutes later and surprised him by moving his leg and then put the wedge on the floor.
"What are you doing?"
"Making out properly."
He smiled as she straddled him. Her hand traced his cheekbone and then she leaned forward and captured his lips with hers. They kissed torridly as Jason pulled her closer. When she began to grind her hips against him, he slightly moaned.
"Did I hurt you?"
He shook his head. "No."
Her mouth descended on his again and this time Jason took control, lightly raking his teeth over her bottom lip before plunging his tongue into her mouth. She felt dizzy from his intensity.
"Jason…"
"I want you so badly." He had wanted her since the day they met, so this was exquisite torture.
She laid little kisses all over his face. "I want you too. We don't have that long to wait. You're still healing and I'm not doing anything that might compromise that."
He closed his eyes. "I know."
"I'm worth the wait."
His eyes snapped open and he noted the wickedness in her eyes as the corner of her mouth turned up and he couldn't help but smile. "Good to know."
"And from all the rumors, so are you."
His brow furrowed. "Rumors?"
"Uh—huh. People talk and from what I heard you're a stallion." Epiphany told her what Kelly had said.
"I'm not sure if I should be disturbed or flattered."
"Maybe a little of both."
He smirked and started to tickle her and she let out a loud laugh. She is so beautiful. He is already a goner and knows it. "For the first time in my life, I feel lucky. You were just what I needed."
Her happy face turned to a look of disbelief.
"Seriously. You've helped me so much."
"I feel the same way about you. I was floundering. You listened to me and encouraged me to heal. Thank you."
"Let's seal it with a kiss."
She leaned forward and ravished his mouth, never wanting it to end. When they pulled apart, she laid on his chest and he lovingly stroked her back.
After a few minutes, she sighed. "You probably should put your leg back up."
"Just a few more minutes," he murmured.
She smiled against his chest. "Okay." Jason made her feel happy again and she was really looking forward to being with him in every way.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Patrick got Epiphany situated in bed. She was exhausted.
"That took a lot out of me."
"Your stamina will improve. I'll bring home the new drugs tomorrow. It will take a few days for your body to get used to them, but I think your appetite will increase. In the next few weeks, we will take longer walks. You probably can go back to work after that." They would have to see if she could handle a few hours a day at first. A nurse was constantly on her feet, so it would be an adjustment. Patrick was already looking for ways she can still help, but be seated.
"That gives me something to work up too."
"I thought you'd like that."
"I'm ready. I want to do more. Hopefully, the medicine is the answer."
"Amelia and I really think that is it."
"Are you coming to bed?"
"Yeah, but I'm going to read. Will the light bother you?"
"No."
She was used to him being beside her now and liked it.
He brought her some water to take some medication and then lightly kissed her on the lips. "Good night."
She smiled. "Good night."
He watched her eyes close and then got ready for bed, not wanting to think about the fact that he'd probably be back in his apartment in a few weeks and the fact that he was dreading it.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
The next morning, Liz was excited to turn on the news. She found the local station and waited patiently.
"We just confirmed that it's true. The assets of Cassadine Industries have been frozen by the IRS. Apparently, there are numerous tax evasion rumors. Such a move could spell the end of the family business which has dominated all competition in the area for years."
Liz turned and looked at Edward who grinned. "Was that you?"
He winked and she chuckled and looked back at the television.
"Also, we just received DNA information indicating that Mikkos Cassadine did not come from a royal bloodline. According to experts, he was a gypsy who forged documents and committed numerous crimes. That means Nikolas Cassadine is not a Prince. It was also revealed that Windemere, the family home, was built illegally. Apparently, there is an elaborate tunnel system which has been deemed unsafe and totally compromises the structural integrity of the property. Therefore, authorities say that it will have to be demolished. Talk about a bad day."
Liz started laughing hysterically.
Edward chuckled. "I think that last part was all Maxie."
"I can't wait to find out what is on the USB. I will be up at 12:00 A.M. tonight perusing it."
"Helena is all about her image. The fact that Mikkos was a gypsy will just about kill her," Lila said.
"It's about time that witch gets run out of town," Tracy said.
"Now, we just need her ousted from the board and we can move forward."
Edward's phone rang and he stood abruptly. "She'll be right there."
Lila frowned. "What's wrong dear?"
"You have to go. They just called an emergency board meeting. I think Helena will try to smooth them over. We need to stop her."
Liz stood. "Wait. We need more. It may not be enough to oust Stefan too."
"What are you going to do?" Edward asked.
"Well, I'm going to look at the disk. Maxie would want them taken down. She only wanted me to wait so she could lay the roadwork. She did and now, it's my turn."
Edward smiled. "Go for it."
"You go ahead and stall them."
Jason watched her run out of the room. He just hoped that whatever information Liz had was enough to help Jeff get his job back.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Lila watched as Helena deftly refuted all the rumors and charges against her as if she were being attacked and they were false. God, she hated the sound of the woman's voice.
On the way in, it was reported that Andrea had gotten pregnant at seventeen and Lila couldn't help but wonder if Helena was the one who leaked that information to try and defer attention from herself. The Webbers had experienced enough hurt, and she hated that once again, they were thrust into the spotlight.
"Let's take this to a vote," Herb said.
And right before they could start, the Webbers burst into the room.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"I'm sorry, but before you vote, there is something you need to hear."
"Elizabeth, is this relevant?" Lila asked.
"Yes, Mrs. Quartermaine. It is."
Herb sighed. "Go on."
"I object!" Helena said.
Jeff smiled. "Of course you would. Play the tape Elizabeth."
Liz put a portable speaker down and then pressed play.
Everyone was stunned by hearing the conversation between Helena and Maxie.
"You orchestrated the whole thing."
Helena's jaw was clenched and she abruptly stood. "That is a lie."
"Is it not your voice?" Another member asked.
"Yes, but…."
Herb stood. "All in favor of ousting Helena from the board say "I"."
Everyone person said it.
"Helena, you are no longer a member of this board. Please leave immediately."
"You can't do this!"
"We just did."
"You will hear from my attorney."
Andrea almost growled. "You are the one who will be needing counsel after what you have done. I'm going to sue you until you are left with nothing."
Helena sneered and quickly moved out of the room.
Jeff stepped forward. "I want to petition to get my job back. Helena has been trying to ruin my family and considering that I was doing a stellar job, I think it's only right to reinstate me."
"There is the matter of all your family drama."
Andrea stepped forward. "That was mostly on me, not Jeff."
"Andrea…"
"No. It's true that I was pregnant at seventeen. However, what you don't know is that my father beat me and verbally abused me regularly. I lost the child because he struck me and I fell down a flight of stairs."
Everyone looked appalled.
"My family has suffered enough because of Helena and my bad choices. I will agree to resign if you are willing to consider giving my husband's job back."
"Mom! No!" Sarah yelled.
"I can't let you do that," Jeff said emotionally. "You love your job and the kids love you. The fact that you are willing to sacrifice for me means everything. I love you. No one is going to tear us apart." He turned and looked at the board members. "I love my family more than I love my job. Andrea has suffered enough. It was no one's business to know about her past, but she was forced to confront it because of two bitter old women. The bottom line is that the hospital was thriving under my leadership. The Cassadines lied and cheated. Is that who you want running things? Elizabeth has bent over backwards to get you a wing that is state of the art, so you can save children. It will only bring good things our way. Sarah and Steven are good doctors. They are committed to serving the community. Isn't that the kind of representation you want?"
Lila abruptly stood. "If they go, I go."
"Lila!" Herb said.
One by one, everyone stood and repeated the same sentiment.
Andrea started to cry and Jeff put his arm around her.
"All in favor of Jeff Webber being reinstated, say "I"."
"I," everyone said.
Jeff smiled.
"Well, the job is yours again."
Jeff grinned and twirled his wife around.
"Thank you so much."
Herb slightly smiled. "We of course need to notify Stefan, so please keep it quiet until that is done. Now, we have other business to attend too."
They went into the hallway and were swarmed. Jeff moved them to the break room.
"I can't tell you what happened just yet."
"Awwww," Jolene said.
"There should be an announcement in a few hours."
"I hope it's a good one," Bobbie said.
"Me too," Jeff said.
People left and the family exchanged hugs.
"The Webbers are back," Steven said softly.
"Tonight, we celebrate," Sarah said.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Katherine heard a crash in the living room and ran out of the bedroom, only to find Kylie sprawled out on the floor. "Kylie!" she yelled.
She dialed 911 and then Johnny to let him know to meet them at the hospital.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Amelia and Patrick scrambled towards the elevator to meet the gurney. They quickly moved her to a room and a dazed Katherine walked towards the waiting room.
Elizabeth approached her. "Katherine? What happened?"
"It's Kylie. She had another seizure."
Elizabeth gave her a hug. "Come sit down."
"This is bad. What if he finds out?"
Liz looked around the room. "Is Johnny on the way?"
"Yes."
"Why don't you come wait in my mother's office? That way, you'll have privacy and I'll tell Jolene to let us know when you can see her. It's close by."
"Okay."
They walked there quickly, only stopping to talk to Jolene. Once they made it there, Liz felt a little better. She locked the door and texted Johnny where to go.
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
"It's no problem. Kylie deserves some peace."
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, making them both jump.
"It's Johnny."
Liz opened the door and Katherine rushed into his arms.
"It's okay. How is she?"
Liz re-locked the door. "We don't have any word yet."
"She's strong. She'll be okay."
Patrick knocked. "It's Patrick and Amelia."
Liz let them in.
"Is she okay?" Katherine asked as she wiped some tears away.
"Kylie is stable, but we think she needs surgery."
"Brain surgery?"
"Yes. It would be minimally evasive and could completely relieve the seizures."
"And what are the dangers?"
"There are always risks involved." He rattled off several as Katherine's eyes grew large.
"While I have to warn you of everything that could go wrong, if she doesn't have the surgery, the seizures will wear her down and could become fatal."
Katherine sat down. "I don't know what to do."
"We have an opening tomorrow. I would have to know soon so that I could schedule it."
"Okay. I'll think it over. Can she go home?"
"Yes."
They left and Elizabeth decided to leave to so they could talk.
"I don't know what to do. This is too much. Suppose I make the wrong decision?"
Johnny sighed. "What is your gut telling you?"
"To say yes, because it sounds like she'd have a chance at a normal life."
"Do you want to contact your sister?"
Katherine nodded.
"I'll make it happen."
"What am I going to do if I lose her?"
"Don't think like that," he said pulling her into his arms.
She was scared. There were so many things that could wrong.
