AN: This is the last chapter! Thank you so much for the reviews. I really appreciate the support. The song Mac, Robin, and Maxie perform is called "No Matter What" and is from the Broadway Production of "Beauty and the Beast" and belongs to it's writers. Maxie and Spinelli perform "Who's on First?", a classic Abbott and Costello sketch, and it belongs to them. Italics represent the song and sketch. (Edited to correct the creators of WOF. Thanks hollyg3.)
The next few months passed in a flurry of work and Nurses' Ball preparations. Mac, Spinelli and Patrick had the nursery set in up in Georgie's old bedroom. Maxie and Spinelli had discussing moving in together, but had decided to wait, even though they already spent practically every night together. Spinelli had to be available to Jason at all times and Maxie refused to move into the Penthouse.
Felicia and Maxie had reached an uneasy détente. Felicia had been in and out of Port Charles but had promised to return for the Nurses' Ball.
Lulu was out of Shadybrook, which was great for Maxie. Kate had agreed to host the Nurses' Ball so Maxie had been busy with dresses and dialogue. Lulu's return had allowed her to pass off some of the responsibilities.
The day of the Nurses' Ball dawned, bright and sunny, April 6th. Jason had bought a table at the event and Spinelli and Maxie planned on sitting with him, when they weren't onstage.
Spinelli hurried down the Penthouse stairs.
"How does the Jackal look?" He asked Jason, turning to show off his tuxedo.
"You look great. Aren't you glad I made you buy a tux?" Jason replied, straightening his tie.
"The Jackal did not think he would get so much use out of it."
"Is Maxie coming here?"
"No, we're meeting at the event. Apparently, Uncle Mac wanted to rehearse more."
"How about you? Any more practice necessary?"
"No. the Jackal has his part down."
"Let's go"
--
The show started with no hitches. Alexis and Diane's tap dance routine was a big hit. Soon, Mac, Robin, and Maxie were up.
"Next up," Kate introduced them, "we have Police Commissioner Mac Scorpio and his girls!"
The curtain opened. Maxie sat on a park bench, Robin leaned against a streetlight, and Mac sat on the edge of the bench. Maxie smiled at Spinelli in the audience.
Maxie: Papa, do you think I'm odd?
A laugh came from the audience.
Mac: My daughter odd? Where did you get an idea like that?
Robin: I don't know. It's just that, well, people talk.
Spinelli found Patrick in the crowd and grinned at him.
Mac: They talk about me too." He stood and walked to center stage.
No, we're not odd, it's true
No family ever saner
Except one uncle who…He looked at Robin.
Well, maybe let that pass
In all you say or do
You couldn't make it plainer
You are your mothers' daughters, therefore you are class
Robin joined him: So I should just accept
I'm simply not like them
Mac spun her quickly: They are the common herd
And you should take my word
You are unique: crème de la crème
He walked back and led Maxie to join them.
Mac: No matter what you do
I'm on your side
And if my point of view
Is somewhat misty-eyed
There's nothing clearer in my life
Then what I wish and feel for you
And that's a lot
No matter what
Maxie: No matter what they say
You make me proud
I love the funny way
You stand out from the crowd
She found Spinelli and winked at him.
Mac: It's my intention my invention
Shows the world out there one day
Just what we've got
Maxie: No matter what
Mac: Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate
Robin: That every daughter's great?
Mac: You are!
Maxie put her arm around Mac: And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops.
Mac: She pulls out all the stops
To praise him
Robin: And quite rightly!
Mac: No matter what the pain
We've come this far
I pray that you remain
Exactly as you are
He shrugged dramatically.
This really is a case of father knowing best.
Robin and Maxie: And daughters too!
Mac: You're never strange.
Robin and Maxie: Don't ever change
All: You're all I've got
No matter what
Wild cheers erupted from portions of the audience as the three of them bowed, then hurried off the stage.
Maxie joined Spinelli during Lucky and Sam's performance of 'Somewhere Out There.'
"So, how'd we do?"
"Maximista, you were fantastic." She kissed him in thanks.
"Maxie, you did wonderful."
"Thanks, Jason." She got a pained look on her face and held her back.
"Is my Fair One alright?"
"My back hurts."
"You should rest."
"Spinelli you are not getting out of our performance."
Spinelli looked sheepish. "The Jackal wasn't…"
"Nope. Don't want to hear it."
About half an hour later, Maxie and Spinelli crept quietly away from the table and went backstage to get ready. They were the second to last act. Spinelli stuck a hat with a 'Press' card on his head as Maxie pulled on a baseball shirt and grabbed a bat.
"You ready?"
"The Jackal is as ready as possible."
They heard Kate on stage. "Thank you Milo and Max for that fantastic brother act. Up next, we have Damien Spinelli and Maxie Jones with the classic, 'Who's On First?'."
Maxie and Spinelli found a spot in the middle of the stage and Maxie got a few laughs swinging the bat around. Spinelli cleared his throat.
Look, if you're the coach, you must know all the players.
Maxie leaned on the bat. I certainly do.
Well, you know I've never met the guys. So you'll have to tell me their names, and then I'll know who's playing on the team.
Well, let's see, we have on the bags, Who's on first, What's on Second, I Don't Know is on third…
Spinelli shrugged. That's what I want to find out.
I say Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know is on third. She grabbed her back. Spinelli gave her a quick look but she shook her head in dismissal.
Are you the manager?
Yes.
You gonna be the coach too?
Yes.
And you don't know the fellows' names?
Well I should.
Well, then who's on first?
Yes.
I mean the fellow's name.
Who.
The first baseman.
Who.
A ripple of laughter passed over the audience.
The guy playing…
Who is on first!
I'm asking YOU who's on first?
That's the man's name!
That's who's name?
Yes.
Well go ahead and tell me.
That's it.
That's who?
Yes.
Patrick and Robin were cracking up at their table. Maxie's back twinged again and she struggled to hide it.
You got a first baseman?
Certainly.
Who's playing first?
That's right.
When you pay off the first baseman every month, who get the money?
Every dollar of it.
All I'm trying to find out is the fellow's name on first base.
Who.
The guy that gets…
That's it.
Who gets the money…
He does, every dollar. She grinned. Sometimes his wife comes down and collects it.
Whose wife?
Yes.
Jason cracked a smile. Maxie swung the bat over her shoulder.
What's wrong with that? She added.
Look, all I wanna know is when you sign up the first baseman, how does he sign his name?
Who.
The guy.
Who.
How does he sign…
That's how he signs it.
Who?
Yes.
They paused for effect and for Maxie to reach for her back again.
All I'm trying to find out is what's the guy's name on first base.
No, What is on second base.
I'm not asking you who's on second.
Who's on first.
One base at a time!
Well, don't change the players around.
Spinelli threw down his notepad in mock anger.
I'm not changing nobody!
Take it easy, buddy.
I'm only asking you, who's the guy on first base?
That's right.
Okay.
Alright.
Mac and Felicia were greatly enjoying the performance from a table in the back.
What's the guy's name on first base?
No. What's on second.
I'm not asking you who's on second.
Who's on first.
I don't know.
He's on third, we're not talking about him.
A roar of laughter erupted from Jax and Carly's table.
Now how did I get on third base?
Why, you mentioned his name.
If I mentioned the third baseman's name, who did I say was playing third?
No. Who's playing first.
What's on first?
What's on second.
I don't know.
He's on third.
There I go, back on third again!
Spinelli was starting to worry about the number of times Maxie had grabbed her back, but knew she wanted him to finish the performance. Would you just stay on third base and don't go off it?
Alright, what do you want to know?
Now, who's playing third base?
Why do you insist on putting Who on third base?
What am I putting on third?
No, What is on second.
You don't want who on second?
Who is on first.
I don't know.
Third base! They said in unison.
Diane and Max were leaning against each other, laughing, at Jason's table. He looked at them, bemused.
Look, you got an outfield?
Sure.
The left fielder's name?
Why.
I just thought I'd ask you.
Well, I just thought I'd tell ya.
Then tell me who's playing left field.
Who's playing first.
I'm not…stay out of the infield! I want to know what's the guy's name in left field?
No. What is on second.
I'm not asking you who's on second.
Who's on first!
I don't know.
Third base!
At the Cassadine table, everyone but Lulu was in tears from laughing so hard. "I don't get it." She whispered to Nikolas, who laughed harder.
The left fielder's name?
Why.
Because!
He's center field.
Spinelli let loose a dramatic eye roll.
Look, you got a pitcher on this team?
Sure.
The pitcher's name?
Tomorrow.
You don't want to tell me today?
I'm telling you now.
Then go ahead.
Tomorrow!
What time?
What time what?
What time tomorrow are you gonna tell me who's pitching?
Maxie put one hand on her hip.
Now listen. Who is not pitching.
I'll break your arm, you say who's on first. I want to know what's the pitcher's name?
What's on second.
I don't know.
Third base!
Spinelli picked up the notepad he'd thrown earlier.
Got a catcher?
Certainly.
The catcher's name?
Today.
Today, and tomorrow's pitching.
Now you've got it.
All we got is a couple of days on the team. You know I'm a catcher too.
So they tell me.
I get behind the plate to do some fancy catching. Tomorrow's pitching on my team and a heavy hitter gets up. Now the heavy hitter bunts the ball. When he burns the ball, me, being a good catcher, I'm gonna throw the guy out at first base. So I pick up the ball and I throw it to who?
Now that's the first thing you've said right.
I don't even know what I'm talking about!
Edward Quartermaine leaned over to Tracy, "Do you think that's how they sound all the time?"
That's all you have to do.
Is to throw the ball to first base.
Yes!
Now who's got it?
Naturally.
Dr. Kelly Lee was at a table with other GH staffers, and while she was enjoying the show, she was also noting how many times Maxie reached for her back.
Look, if I throw the ball to first base, somebody's gotta get it. Now, who has it?
Naturally.
Who?
Naturally.
Naturally?
Naturally.
So I pick up the ball and throw it to Naturally.
No you don't, you throw the ball to Who.
Naturally.
That's different.
That's what I said.
You're not saying it…
I throw the ball to Naturally.
No you don't, you throw the ball to Who.
Naturally.
That's it.
That's what I said!
You ask me.
I throw the ball to who?
Naturally.
Now you ask me.
You throw the ball to Who?
Naturally.
That's it.
Same as you! Same as you! He threw the hat to the floor. I throw the ball to who. Whoever it is drops the ball and the guy runs to second. Who picks up the ball and throws it to What. What throws it to I Don't Know. I Don't Know throws it to Tomorrow. Triple Play. Another guy gets up and hits a long fly ball to Because. Why? I don't know. He's on third and I don't care!
What?
I said I don't care!
Oh, that's our shortstop.
They turned and bowed to the applauding room, then hurried offstage, hugging in excitement.
"Maximista, I think you need to go to the hospital."
"I'm fine, Spinelli…ow!" Maxie grimace in pain.
"Maxie?" Dr Lee joined them. "I think you're in labor.
"I know. My water broke when I was in the bathroom."
"Maximista! You didn't…"
"I wanted to perform. Ow!"
"How far apart are the contractions?" Dr Lee asked.
"She just had one." Spinelli told her. "Right before you came."
She looked at her watch. "So, about a minute?"
Spinelli and Maxie nodded.
"Okay, so there's no time to get you anywhere."
Kate came off stage from introducing Morgan and Kristina. "What's going on?"
"Maxie's in labor."
"Fashionista, will you get her father and Dr. Scorpio?"
"Sure, I'll be right back." Kate hurried off.
Maxie looked at Kelly in fear. "I can't get to the hospital?"
"No, Maxie. The baby's about to come. Spinelli, you hold her hand. I need to get your pants off."
"Maxie?" Mac, Robin and Felicia hurried to her side. "Spinelli? What's going on?" Mac added.
"You're about to be a grandfather, Commissioner." Dr. Lee told him. "Commissioner, Spinelli, let's move her to the room behind this one."
They lifted her up and began moving her.
"Wait, she's not due for a couple of weeks." Felicia said.
"Don't worry mom." Maxie told her. "Babies come early all the time."
"She's right." Kelly told her. "Right there, on the couch."
They settled her down.
"Robin," Kelly added, "will you ask one of the staff to get towels?"
"Kelly, what about her heart?" Robin whispered.
"She should be okay, but tell Patrick and Dr. Quartermaine, just in case."
Robin nodded and took off.
"Robin!" Maxie called.
"She'll be back." Mac assured her.
Spinelli knelt next to the couch and Maxie reached over and grabbed his hand.
"I'm sorry, Spin. I should have told you so we could get to the hospital."
"It's okay, Brave Maximista." He kissed her hand.
Maxie squeezed hard as she was hit with another contraction. "Daddy!"
Mac grabbed her other hand. "It's okay, baby."
Felicia stood behind the couch, feeling jealousy eat at her.
"Sorry mom. I only have two hands."
Felicia laughed, the jealousy chased away.
Robin hurried back with one of the maids carrying towels, Patrick and Monica behind her.
"Everything okay, Kelly?" Patrick asked.
"So far."
Robin whispered in Mac's ear. "Keep track of her heartbeat. If it changes too much, say something."
Mac nodded.
"Kate made an announcement." Maxie told them. "Everyone's pulling for you."
"Thanks." Maxie panted through another contraction.
"Alright Maxie. You're fully dilated. You ready?"
"Can I say no?"
Everyone laughed.
"Maximista, just look in my eyes, okay?"
She nodded.
"I love you Spinelli."
"I love you too Maxie."
"Alright Maxie, I need you to push."
Five minutes later, it was all over. Spinelli cut the cord of his brand new son. He was wrapped in a towel and placed on Maxie's chest. She ran her hand over his dark hair and looked into his blue eyes.
"He's perfect."
Spinelli was silent, looking at him in awe.
Mac took his fingers off of Maxie's wrist, giving a sign of relief that nothing had gone wrong. "Does he have a name? The town wants to know." He nodded to Kate standing in the doorway.
"Spin?" Maxie looked at him.
"Yeah. It's his name."
Maxie turned to Mac and Felicia.
"His name is George Malcolm Spinelli."
Mac grinned and kissed her head. Kate went to tell everyone.
"Thank you Maximista. Thank you." Spinelli kissed her. "Thank you for my family."
THE END