Chapter 22

Spencer has been following the news from Port Charles. He knows he's safer in Ireland and has enjoyed spending time with his father, uncle, and cousin. It's been a long time since he's been around Lucky, and he's always spent more time with Cam than Aiden.

That evening Spencer and Trina are lying in bed in their room. Spencer says, "I watched Grandmother's press conference this morning. If DART is sent in three-four days, there will be fallout."

Trina says, "Fallout?"

Spencer replies, "Yes. Even if DART is successful, there will still be debris that won't burn out in the atmosphere; the rest will fall to the ground. If the debris pieces are large, there will be destruction and maybe some deaths."

Trina says, "I've tried to convince Joss to fly out, but she keeps saying no. I also wish my mother would come, but she insists that doctors and nurses are needed if there are injuries."

Spencer replies, "If you agree, I'd like to return the day after the asteroid. Port Charles will need help with clean-up, and Father and I are pledging five million dollars for costs to clean up Port Charles and to help restore damaged properties."

Trina says, "I want to help with the clean up too."

Spencer replies, "My father has his jet fueled and ready to take off. Aiden wants to return too, but I don't know if Lucky wants him back there so soon after the asteroid."

Trina says, "I don't know Aiden or the Spencer family as well as you do, but Aiden has said he wants to go home several times. Every time Elizabeth calls, he begs her to let him return to Port Charles."

Spencer replies, "I'll talk to my father tomorrow, and hopefully, he can convince Lucky to let Aiden return with us."

Trina says, "I think that's a good idea. LuLu wants to go home, but I don't know how Dante feels about her."

Spencer replies, "Enough about my family. I want to spend time with you before we leave Ireland and face unimaginable destruction."

Trina kisses him and says, "Tomorrow. We will talk tomorrow and plan for our return home."

Nikolas hung up with his pilot, finalizing the checklist for the return trip to Port Charles. He says, "Ava, are you excited about returning to Port Charles?"

Ava replies, "Of course. I only hope my gallery is still standing when we return."

Nikolas says, "I hope a lot of things will be standing, but at least we moved the important things to a secured facility, including your art pieces."

Ava says, "Speaking about my gallery, I should call the staff and tell them to finish the rest of the pieces, close up and take the next two weeks off. Can you please check with the chef about dinner tonight?"

Nikolas replies, "Of course. I also need to talk to my brother and sister about their plans."

Ava says, "Lucky may want to stay here, but I know everyone else wants to return to Port Charles. Dante told me Jordan wants him back ahead of the asteroid. The PCPD needs all available officers and detectives on hand before the day of the asteroid. He has a ticket to Port Charles tomorrow."

Nikolas exclaims, "Wow! I thought Dante and LuLu were reconnecting. They appeared to be ."

Ava says, "Perhaps. I don't know. I'm not sure Dante knows what he wants, but he told me he needs to be back to help in Port Charles. Any decisions beyond that must wait until the asteroid is over."

Nikolas replies, "I understand that is what Dante needs to do, but LuLu needs our support. She may have gotten most of her memories back and has had several therapy sessions to accept being alone or back with Dante, but she is still my baby sister."

Ava says, "LuLu will be fine. She has us, Lucky, Laura, Kevin, and even Carly."

Nikolas kisses Ava and says, "Thank you. You have made this stay easier on everyone. You have helped LuLu by listening to her. She needed a female she could talk with."

Dante sits with LuLu after dinner. He breaks the news about his departure to Port Charles in the morning. He says, "LuLu, Jordan Ashford, the Police Commissioner, needs me back in Port Charles to help with crowd control and emergency services. I've been away too long, and the force is strapped with limited officers. I'm sorry, but I have a flight in the morning. When this is over, and you return, we can continue getting to know each other again."

LuLu holds back tears and replies, "I understand you should go back. You are a cop. Port Charles requires you. But what do you mean by getting to know each other more? I thought we were heading somewhere."

Dante takes LuLu's hand and says, "We are, but I'm not ready to commit again yet. I love you, but I also love her. I am living with Sam and her kids. When you return, your mother has a room for you and Rocco. I need time to decide what I want. I want to continue therapy when you get back home. I'm leaving in the morning. I want to tell Rocco myself."

LuLu sniffles and says, "He'd like that. I'll leave you to your packing, goodnight."

Lucky is helping Aiden with baking cookies for everyone. Lucky says, "Aiden, your Uncle Nikolas, Ava, Spencer, and possibly LuLu plan to leave for Port Charles next week. Your mother wants you to return with them, but you can stay here with me if you want."

Aiden replies, "Dad, I want to go home. Ireland has been fun, but I miss my friends, Mom, Jason, and Grandma. You could fly back and help as Uncle Dante does for the PCPD. You used to be a cop; maybe you could be one again until Port Charles returns to normal."

Lucky says, "I'll think about it, but if you want to go home, I'll let your mother know. The cookies taste great. You should let everyone know they are ready."

Back in the States:

Robert is entertaining Diane in his suite at the Metro Court. He says, "Counselor, I spent most of my afternoon conversing with Port Charles media executives. Your friend Alexis Davis has mucked up confusion regarding the asteroid. Since they can't corroborate Ms. Davis's claims, they won't publish them."

Diane replies, "Robert, I am sorry. You know Alexis is my friend, but I will try to keep her in check. After she met with Laura Collins, she showed me the mounds of files confirming the presence of the asteroid. She has promised not to print anything deterring people from taking safeguards prior to the asteroid."

Rober says, "Understood. Some of Port Charles may cease to exist in a manner of days, and Port Charles needs to be prepared. After tonight, my focus needs to be as a District Attorney. If we are alive after the event, I intend to pick up our tet a tet later."

Diane smiles and replies, "By my watch, that means we have about 12 hours to kill, and I prefer our conversation not to be about Alexis Davis."

Robert laughs and extends his hand; Diane takes It and follows him to the bedroom.

Hayden agreed to have dinner with Elizabeth and her father. Hayden decided to give her father a chance, and Elizabeth offered to be a buffer. Elizabeth and Hayden met Jeff at the Metro Court. During dinner, Jeff asks Hayden about her life and how she came to Port Charles and met her sister.

Hayden looks at Elizabeth, cocks her head, and offers a sly grin.

Elizabeth says, "Dad, didn't Monica tell you about Hayden.?"

Jeff replies, "Monica and I agreed that if I wanted to know anything about my children, it was up to me to ask. Monica didn't want to get in between my relationships with my children. I gleaned some information from the web and your sister Sarah, but Sarah couldn't give me any information about you, Hayden."

Hayden says, "Do you want the unvarnished truth? It ain't pretty, or do you want the good stuff after Elizabeth and I bonded?"

Elizabeth says, "I don't think Dad needs doesn't need to know about our rocky start. Dad, Hayden, and I hated each other initially, but when I was thrown down the stairs by Paul Hornsby, I lost a lot of blood and needed a partial splenectomy. That is when I was diagnosed with the rare blood type that brought on the HHT. Franco tracked Hayden down because he discovered she had the same rare blood type. She agreed to donate blood, and soon after, we discovered we were sisters."

Hayden adds, "Later, we bonded, and she helped me. I have her and Jason to thank for rescuing me and reuniting me with my daughter and Finn."

Jeff replies, "Whatever the circumstances, I'm glad you found each other and are sisters again. I'm sorry I never knew about you until recently. I hope we can rectify that and you will give me a chance and allow me to meet my granddaughter."

Hayden says, "I'll think about it, Jeff. I need to discuss it with Finn first. Elizabeth, has he met your children yet?"

Elizabeth replies, "Aiden is out of the country, Cam is touring out West, but Jake is here, and he wants to meet his grandfather. Jason and I have no problem with him meeting his grandfather. We want to wait until after the asteroid, but it is your call regarding Violet. I can't make that decision for you."

Hayden says, thank you. Jeff, perhaps we can set an outing after the asteroid."

Jeff replies, "I'd like that,"

Elizabeth's phone rings, and she looks at the Caller ID. "Robin, can I call you back? (pause) No? You need to see me now? Of course, I'll be there in ten minutes. Thank you."

Hayden asks, "Elizabeth, is everything okay?"

Elizabeth replies, "I hope so. That was Robin. She and her colleagues believe they found a vaccine and want to give me the first shot now. I've got to leave, but I hope you can agree on more meetings." Elizabeth walks briskly to her car and calls Jason, updating him on Robin's call. She asks him to meet her at General Hospital.

Jason is in a meeting with Sonny before Elizabeth calls him. Jason says, "Sonny, the books are complete for this quarter for the warehouse, the coffee shop, Perks, the gym, and Charlies. I also researched background checks on the following bodyguards." Jason hands Sonny two file folders and says, "This person is a possible security risk, and this person raised a red flag and could be an undercover agent. The others cleared their background checks."

Sonny replies, "Thank you. Are you sure this is what you want to be doing? Boring paperwork and background checks?"

Jason says, "Seriously, Sonny? I have been doing this tedious paperwork for over twenty-five years. The only difference between then and now is I am not your enforcer anymore. I also have removed myself from meetings where I could implicate you in your non-legit enterprises. I told you over a year ago, before I married Elizabeth, what my decision was about my involvement in your business."

Sonny sighs and says, "I never will find someone with your qualifications to replace you, but I must accept I will not change your mind."

Jason's phone rings. "hello? Elizabeth, how was your dinner with your sister and father? What? Robin called? Of course, I'm on my way. I'll see you at General Hospital soon."

Sonny says, "Is Elizabeth okay?"

Jason replies, "Robin called Elizabeth. She has a vaccine to test. I'm headed to General Hospital now. I'll update you more later."

Robin is in her lab, placing a syringe and a vial containing the vaccine's contents on a tray. As she waits for Elizabeth to arrive, Patrick calls. Robin answers and says, I was just thinking of you. When are you returning? In about 20 minutes, I'm giving Elizabeth her shot. I'll give Elizabeth your message, and I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Robin instructs Claire and Saira to have all the documents ready for Elizabeth and to be on hand if needed. Elizabeth knocks on the lab door, and Robin says, "Enter."

Robin introduces Elizabeth to Claire and Saira. As Robin is about to explain the procedure to Elizabeth, Jason arrives. Robin pauses to introduce Claire and Saira and explains their role in her research.

Robin hands Elizabeth a consent form to sign, including a list of the possible side effects. Jason reviews the documents and says, "Elizabeth and I know about the procedure and the side effects. Is there anything else we need to know?"

Robin replies, "Elizabeth, I advise that you wait up to 45 minutes after your shot before leaving and abstain from alcohol for 48 hours. Make sure you follow your nutrition plan."

Elizabeth asks, "What about activities? Do I need to rest more, or can I return to work? General Hospital needs all medical personnel during the asteroid, and as Head Nurse, it's important I lead the way."

Robin replies, "I know about the importance of everyone pitching in. Patrick is returning Tomorrow, and he has temporary privileges during the event. As long as you don't overdo it, I have no problem with you working when the asteroid is headed toward Port Charles."

Elizabeth says, "Good." She signs the paperwork.

Claire takes the syringe and vile from Robin. Robin excuses herself to follow up on phone calls. Claire says, "Are you ready, Elizabeth? You will feel a little pinch, and your arm will be sore for about 12-24 hours." Claire inserts the needle into the vial, pulls out the serum, and taps the top to prevent air bubbles.

Jason holds Elizabeth's hand, and she lies back against the raised bed. He kisses her head and pours her a glass of water.

Elizabeth says, "Saira, Robin told me you are involved with my cousin Tommy Jr. I sent him and his father invites for General Hospital's 60th Anniversary. When he RSVP'd, he mentioned seeing a doctor with temporary visitor privileges in Port Charles. I didn't know that was you."

Saira replies, "It wasn't until I told him about working with Robin and coming here I knew he was part of the Hardy family legacy. Robin remembers Tom and his father. He said you've never met, but his father knew your father."

Elizabeth replies, "Yes, my Gram told me stories about my dad and Tom. He's back in Port Charles and living with Monica Quartermaine. I'm sure he'd love to see Tom and meet Tom Jr."

Saira says, "Tom is due to arrive next week. We should have a family outing."

Elizabeth looks at Jason, and he says, "The Webber/Quartermaine family is currently a work in progress. My focus is on Elizabeth and helping her. Maybe in a few weeks after she's recovered and the asteroid is behind us."

Saira replies, "I understand. I hope after the asteroid; you will change your mind. I'll Tell Tom I saw you." Saira leaves to call Tom.

Claire checks Elizabeth's pulse and makes a notation in her chart. She says, "Your vitals look good. If you can wait another 15 minutes, I'll have Robin return and discharge you.

Elizabeth says, "Jason, thank you for staying. Thank you for saving me on the whole family get-together thing. I'd love to meet my cousin one day, but now, it's overwhelming."

Jason replies, "Of course. I excel in family drama. I avoid it when I can and addresses it when it's necessary. We are still navigating our parent's relationship; adding another family member to it will be interesting."

Jason's phone vibrates, and he looks at a text. He says, "Michael texted me that he and Willow are at General Hospital for a check-up."

Drew arrives to see Claire. He is surprised to see Elizabeth resting in a lab chair and Jason holding her hand. Drew kisses Claire on the cheek and says, "Elizabeth, are you okay?"

Elizabeth replies, "I got my vaccine shot that hopefully will control my HHT. What's with the kiss? What are you doing here?"

Drew says, "I stopped by to visit Claire. We've been involved since after I was rescued. "

Jason says, "This is the first I've heard about this."

Drew replies, "You've had a lot of other things that needed your focus on; besides, it's a long story. I'll tell you all about it later. Claire, I want to visit Willow. I will return soon.

Jason says, "Elizabeth, can I leave you briefly to check on Willow?"

Elizabeth says, "Jason, I'll be okay. It will take a while for Robin to discharge me. It will give me a chance to get to know Claire. I will call you when I'm ready to leave."

Jason and Drew leave to visit Willow. Drew updates Jason on Claire and the Quartermaines asteroid plan.

Robin returns and apologizes for being gone so long. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry, but I was talking with Patrick, and then we conferenced a call to Emma and Noah."

Elizabeth replies, "That's okay. Jason went with Drew to see Michael and Willow. We just found out about Claire and Drew. Claire was telling me about how they met."

Robin replies, "I'm sorry, I didn't think it was my place to tell."

Elizbeth laughs, "Robin, they are adults; they choose not to tell anyone. This is not the same as keeping me quiet about Jake or you telling the truth about Michael."

Claire says, "Elizabeth and I were sharing stories about Drew."

Elizabeth asks Robin, "Am I good to leave?"

Robin looks at Elizabeth's chart and says, "Your vitals look good. I'd like you to drink some juice before you leave and have a light meal before bed. In two weeks, I want to retest your blood, and if all goes well, you won't need another shot for at least a year." Robin takes a juice box from the fridge and hands it to Elizabeth. Elizabeth texts Jason to pick her up.

After rest and juice, Jason and Elizabeth head home. Jason picks up chili and sandwiches from Kelly's. After dinner, Jake takes care of the dishes, and Jason helps Elizabeth to the shower and into bed. They update each other on their conversations with Claire and Drew, respectively.

Elizabeth says, "Claire told me how she met Drew. I think it's serious. How is Willow?"

Jason replies, "Willow is improving. Her doctors say she is at 75%. She's been video-chatting with her bone marrow donor, Nadine. They want to get together again before Nadine and Matt get married."

Elizabeth says, "That's great on both stories!"

Jason says, "I also talked to him about your grandmother and Jake staying with the Quartermaines during the asteroid. Drew said Sam, Danny, and Scout would be with the rest of the Quartermaines except for Monica. She will be at General Hospital."

Elizabeth replies, "My father said General Hospital needs all staff to be available. Robin cleared me to work, and I will help where needed."

Jason says, "I won't leave you alone; General Hospital can put me to work, even if it means pushing a mop or running errands. Drew told me he was doing the same for Claire."

Elizabeth replies, "I will feel more at ease with you by my side. Robin and Patrick will be there too. Have you heard about other shelter sites besides the Quartermaines subbasement and areas in General Hospital?"

Jason says, "Sonny has a sub-basement at his place, the Metro Court has its retrofitted location, and there is still that cellar under Kelly's which can hold people. Hopefully, it will be enough for people without basements or who live in apartments."

Elizabeth says, "I'm glad the PCU Campus is closed. I don't know how many locations students could take shelter in."

Jason says, "That is enough to worry about tonight. You should follow Robin's advice and get some rest. We have a couple of days. I'll let you sleep in. Goodnight. I love you."

Elizabeth replies, "Goodnight; I love you too."

Jason pulls her close, and they fall asleep in each other's arms.

Quartermines prepare for the asteroid.

Sonny and Carly

Val and Anna

Hospital

Patrick and Robin