Ok so I've had a large portion of this chapter finished for a few days and I just couldn't seem to figure out a good way to end it! Finally I came to a conclusion and I hope you all don't kill me when you finish reading this newest update! I hope you all enjoy and I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Thanks to all the readers and reviewers! You guys ROCK!
Disclaimer: I don't own General Hospital or the characters!
As Jason and Sam walked into the lobby Sam let out a low grumble of discontent at having to be there. Sam hated all hospitals in general because of everything they represented, but General Hospital would always hold a place in her heart as the most hated. It didn't just have to do with the long and terrible history she had with the place, but for the fact it seemed to attract a lot of patients suffering from major catastrophes. Of course that probably had something to do with the fact it was located in the heart of a mob town, but still… Sam always felt a wave of apprehension whenever she had to go there.
With an arm wrapped around her shoulders Jason squeezes her close and bends his head down to whisper in her ear. "I know how you feel. I don't like being here either."
With a surprised smile Sam stares up at his face. "How did you know what I was thinking?"
"Because I know you." Jason murmurs before lowering his lips to hers. What started as a quick peck turns slow and very thorough. The both finally pull apart at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Lifting his head Jason turns to see Epiphany holding a stack of charts and staring them both down.
"A pleasure to see both of you enjoying yourselves, glad to see the atmosphere of the sick and injured doesn't disturb you. But if possible could you both maybe take this somewhere a little more appropriate?"
"Yes, of course Epiphany." Sam smiles wide and lowers her gaze in embarrassment. Grabbing hold of Jason's arm and pulling him in the direction of the elevator.
"And Ms. McCall!" Epiphany calls after them and waits until Sam and Jason both turn to stare at her as they stand by the elevator. "Glad to see you doing so well." She says with a small smile of her own before turning her stare onto Jason and her face goes serious. "Mr. Morgan. Take care." She says in a tone that means business and nods her head once in Sam's direction. The message clear, he better be on his best behavior with Sam.
Sam had to bite down on her lip to hold in her laughter, but once they were both on the elevator and the doors close she couldn't any longer. "I think Epiphany gave you your first and final warning." She says taking a deep calming breath, but still unable to completely remove the smile on her face. The smile slowly fades when Jason just stares at Sam silently. "What?" Confused at what had him looking so serious.
"You." He finally says shrugging his shoulders as if that explained everything.
"What about me?" She asks smiling again once she realizes nothing was wrong.
"Since you've been back I haven't really seen you laugh or smile so much. It's just good to see." It was now Sam's turn to stare at Jason in silence. "What?" He says scratching the back of his neck a little uncomfortable now. "I missed your laughter. It was always just so…" His voice fades off.
"So what?" Sam asks, wanting to hear how he would describe it. Jason Morgan, man of few words was actually talking. She didn't want him to stop.
"So I don't know…" He shrugs his shoulders. "It just makes me feel better to here you laugh."
"Well you know." Sam says as the elevator doors open. "It wouldn't hurt you to laugh more too." Stepping off the elevator she turns to face him as they walk towards the nurses' desk to check in.
"I'll work on it." Jason mutters reaching out to grab hold of her hand and raising it to his lips. Ever since they had left the park he couldn't resist touching her and really wished they could go somewhere more appropriate like Epiphany mentioned, because they had a lot of lost time to make up for.
"Jason you and I both know…" Sam was saying, but her words falter at sight of Elizabeth disappearing down the hallway.
Following her gaze he closes his eyes and silently curses. "Sam." Jason tugs on her arm to bring her gaze back to his. "Remember what I said…ok?" His voice was quiet now, both of them aware of the audience they would have if they drew attention to themselves.
Sam stared up into Jason's eyes and saw his silent plea and she nods her head. "Ok." She says before quickly looking back to where she last saw the nurse. "It's just…hard. You know?" She asks looking up and grateful to see his understanding gaze. Looking down at their joined hands she gains even more comfort from the contact. The moment was broken when Robin and Patrick join them at the nurses' desk.
"We were prepared to call out the search party." Patrick jokes staring at Sam. "I thought you might've skipped town on us, but Robin assured me that you wouldn't do that."
"That's right." Robin's smile growing at the sight of Jason and Sam's joined hands. "I told you she would be here. You owe me 20 bucks!" The four of them all smile in amusement when Patrick grudgingly pulls out his wallet and hands over the bill.
Returning his wallet to his pocket Patrick picks up the folder and you can practically see him slip into doctor mode. "Sam if you would just follow Robin and I this way." He says holding out an arm in the direction of the hallway leading to the examining rooms.
"I'll just wait for you right here." Jason says watching the three of them start walking. Patrick and Robin both nod their heads, but stop when Sam does.
"Jason?" She says confused looking at him. "Aren't you coming?"
"Are you sure?" He asks, not wanting to impose on Sam or her right to privacy. Just because things were better between them did not mean she would want him with in the room.
"I'm sure." Sam smiles and holds out her hand for him to grab. He does and the four of them all continue down the hall, unaware of the eyes following them.
Elizabeth had watched the whole scene from across the room and had to resist the urge to roll her eyes when she saw Sam hold out her hand to Jason. When Jason actually reached out and grabbed on she actually stomped her foot. What was happening here? Sam had caught Jason and Elizabeth that night in the hall, surely she thought that had meant something. Did the woman have no pride? No honor? Surely Sam wouldn't accept Jason back if she thought Elizabeth was still in the picture.
Elizabeth had thought that night after she got back on the elevator that she had really made some headway with Jason. He had been so reluctant to pull her off him, until Sam showed up that was. But she just figured he was uncomfortable having been caught once again in a compromising position. He probably had been concerned that word would get out she had been there. That was why he pushed her away when Sam showed up, to protect Elizabeth's reputation. He was thoughtful like that.
Now if only he would just stop trying to be Sam's great protector! Jason just couldn't help himself, he had the white knight complex. It's what she admired about him. If only he would've focused more attention on her things could've ended up so much differently. But there was still always a chance someday…but first Sam had to get out of the picture. How to do that though was the question. Even gone the woman had held on to allies in Port Charles and now with her back it had just gotten worse. People just couldn't seem to grasp how conniving she was. Jason was the worst. He was always so blind to Sam's faults, but Elizabeth wasn't. She knew Sam McCall. And she knew the perfect way to get rid of the woman forever. It worked so well the last time.
The only problem was Elizabeth didn't have much time. She would have to work fast and be obvious for Sam to get the picture. It would probably create problems with Lucky as well. She was sure he wouldn't appreciate her hanging on Jason so publically, but surely he would understand…she was protecting someone she loved. He would have to accept that. And if not than he obviously wasn't right for her. Maybe this would all work out for the best and Elizabeth could make things with Jason permanent. Either way it would be a win-win for her. She would get Sam away from Jason for good and then depending on the outcome she would either end up with Lucky or Jason. Smiling to herself Elizabeth walks back to the nurses' station and waits for the perfect opportunity to make her move.
------
Sam appreciated not being forced to change into one of the terrible hospital gowns, now if only she could sit in an actual chair. One comfort was that Jason was standing against the wall holding eye contact while she waited for Patrick and Robin to finish taking notes. "So how does it look?" Sam asks sick of the silence. "Am I healing just fine?"
"You're progressing quite nicely Sam." Robin assures her setting her pen down. "I do however wish you would take up some physical therapy. Or at the very least do some exercises on your own. You don't want to be all healed, but have lost all muscle strength during your recovery."
"You're right." Sam agrees and looks at Jason. "Maybe tonight you and I could work on that? Maybe work up a little sweat." Sam says with a flirty smile, enjoying the wide eyed look Jason gives her.
"I think Robin was referring to a different type of exercise." Patrick says with an uncomfortable smile of his own. He wasn't a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but hearing this conversation in reference to Jason Morgan was just weird.
Laughing Sam shakes her head and brings her gaze to Patrick. "Jason has a private gym in his penthouse Patrick. That was what I was referring to." Bringing her eyes back to Jason she sees his skeptical look and she can't help but smile.
"Well just don't overdo it."
"We won't." Jason and Sam say at the same time.
Laughing Patrick shakes his head and sighs. "Time for a change in topic. Sam how has your head been feeling? Any dizziness or nausea?" When Sam shakes her head he writes a few more notes. "And what about headaches?" Again Sam shakes her head no. "And any more memories come back? Flashes of what happened?"
Sam pauses for a moment before nodding her head. "Yea, I remembered something else from Mexico."
"What?" Jason asks surprised. "Spinelli never mentioned anything."
"That because Spinelli doesn't know." Sam says avoiding Jason's gaze. Feeling bad now for keeping it from Jason, but at the time when she remembered Sam still wanted nothing to do with him and knew if she told Spinelli Jason would find out. "No one knew for that matter." Sam mumbles out finally bringing her gaze up to his to see he doesn't look angry or any emotion like that. He just looked patient and understanding. Sam felt foolish for thinking he would be any other way.
"Ok." Robin says looking between the two, unsure of the sudden tension. It had been there, but dissipated right away that she was unsure of what was going on. Obviously in the time Sam had been released a lot had been happening at Harborview Towers. "Why don't you start from the beginning? What do you remember and how long have you been keeping it a secret?"
"It was a couple of days ago." Sam says closing her eyes to be able to think clearly of what she remembered exactly. "I was taking a nap when it happened. At first I wasn't even sure if I was remembering an incident from Mexico and thought it might've been a bad dream, but I'm sure now."
"Why now?" Patrick asks.
"After I woke up I asked Spinelli to show me a picture of what Jerry looked like, made up the excuse that I should be able to pick him out in a crowd for my safety. And when I saw the picture I knew I was remembering more and it wasn't a dream."
"You remember Jerry." Jason says stepping to Sam's side.
"I don't remember what happened when you found me Jason, or anything he might've said that can help you." Sam shakes her head, knowing that he had been silently hoping she had. "I'm sorry." She whispers.
"Don't be." Jason says with a reassuring hand on her back. "What do you remember?"
"Him abducting me outside that bus station in Vera Cruz." Sighing Sam tries to remember everything she can. "He knew who I was right away, said he knew me through my mother. I didn't trust him, but he was the only lead I had to finding Kristina and Michael. He was going to take me to them, but something must've felt off because I didn't want to leave with him."
"Is that all?" Robin asks in a soothing voice.
Sam nods her head. "Well that and the fact he knocked me out. I very distinctly remember that now and am sure one of the bumps you found on my head is from his gun. The bastard." She mutters and everyone in the room smiles.
"And there was no headache or side effect to the memory flash?" Patrick asks taking more notes.
"No nothing like what happened the last time." Sam says shaking her head and leaning back into Jason's touch, his hand now running up and down her back. "Like I said before I thought it was a dream at first until I saw the picture of Jerry afterwards." Bringing her gaze up to Jason she smiles apologetically. "Sorry for not telling you sooner."
"I understand why you didn't." Jason says before turning to Patrick. "That's good news right? The fact Sam didn't have any pain at the memory?"
"Well it's always good news to have no side effects." Patrick agrees. "But Sam if you wouldn't mind. I would like to get a CT Scan. It should take only 30 minutes or so to get the test done and have the images back. Can you two wait?"
"I have no plans." Sam says looking at Jason for confirmation it was ok.
"No problems here."
"I'll just call to be sure we can get you in." Patrick says standing and leaving the room.
"Perhaps after we can get a bite to eat? Possibly stop by Kelly's and visit Mike for awhile?" Sam asks with an eager look towards Jason.
"I'm sure he would appreciate that." Both turn to stare at Robin who had started to laugh.
"He would more that appreciate it Jason. Mike has talked nonstop about Sam since she got back into town. I'm sure he'll be overjoyed to see her. He probably will be even ornery that it's taken you this long to stop in."
"Well in that case it's settled."
"Yes!" Sam says cheerfully. "I'm craving one of his chocolate shakes right now."
The three of them were still talking when Patrick came back into the room. "I'm told they can squeeze you in if you go down right now." Nodding her head Sam stands up and starts to the door, Jason right behind her. "Jason I'm sorry, but only patients and medical staff are allowed down on the floor where the test is run, hospital protocol and safety regulations that can't be ignored in this instance."
"That's fine." Jason says following them out of the exam room. "I'll just wait for you guys by the nurses' station?"
"We shouldn't be more than ten minutes. Fifteen tops." Robin assures him.
Jason nods his head, his eyes lingering on Sam who waved bye before following Patrick towards the elevator. "Just don't leave her alone Robin." Robin nods her head in return before rushing to catch the elevator. Leaving Jason standing alone on the floor to worry over everything could go wrong now that Sam was out of his sight.
"Was that the illustrious Sam McCall I just missed?" A feminine voice says behind him.
Turning Jason glares at the woman who belonged to the voice. "What are you doing here Claudia?"
"I have a checkup. I'm still recovering from my accident Jason." She says expecting no sympathy from him. "It's the proper thing to do at this time to wish me well."
"I wish nothing for you Claudia. Nothing except exactly what you deserve."
"I'm so touched Jason over that kind sentiment." Claudia smiles sweetly before turning her gaze back to the elevator. "But you never answered my question. Was that the infamous Samantha I've heard so much about?"
Jason's glare intensifies. "What do you want Claudia?" He asks ignoring her question again.
"I don't want anything Jason, especially from a brooding, muscled up, bastard like you." Claudia returns his glare. "I just was asking an innocent question about the woman who apparently has this whole town in an uproar. You would think she's the next Princess Diana or something."
"What do you want with Sam Claudia?"
"Nothing!" She shouts rolling her eyes. "God you really should get your paranoia checked out Jason. Seriously wonder one day if you're going to snap from all the stress you put yourself under. Danger isn't lurking behind ever corner you know."
Jason just stares at the woman before sighing and shoving his hands in his pockets. "Claudia with you I think a healthy dose of caution is necessary."
"Oh is big bad Jason Morgan afraid of little innocent me?" She asks cheekily.
"Claudia you always have an angle. And it's no different this time with Sam. So why don't you both save us some time. Just forget whatever it is you are up to and stay away from her."
"Jason your precious Sam is safe from me." Claudia says holding her hands up in a gesture of innocence. "I just know that she went through quite an ordeal down in Mexico and since you've been keeping her locked away in your tower I thought she might like some girl talk. A little female bonding time would probably go a long way, don't you think?"
"Stay away from Sam." He grounds out through clenched teeth.
"My my, she certainly brings out a different side in you." She sneers. "Who knew you actually cared about something other than your gun."
"I care about a lot of people Claudia." Jason says his tone neutral but his gaze was angry. "Sonny is an example, which is why I will prove to him the conniving liar you are."
"Sonny will never believe you over me Jason. I'm his wife." When Jason rolls his eyes in response Claudia just smiles. "When are you going to realize that our marriage is more than a business deal now? We have grown to care for each other. You're not going to come between us not now, not ever."
"You may have Sonny fooled right now Claudia, but it's only a matter of time. I will find out whatever it is you're hiding and when I do, you're done here."
"You're never going to learn Jason. I'm not going anywhere." Claudia says with much satisfaction. "And that just kills you, doesn't it? That you can't just get rid of me"
"Just go Claudia." Jason sighs, rubbing his brow to relieve the headache forming. "And stay away from Sam, better yet. Forget about her completely."
"I'm just curious Jason." She says shrugging her shoulders. "Who is this woman who has you so twisted in knots? Must be one hell of a woman, I'm sure we would get along quite well."
"Stay away from her Claudia." Jason's hands lower and form fists clenching at his sides. "If you don't, Sonny won't be able to save you. Stop whatever you're trying to pull with Sam. It won't end well for you Claudia. Not that that thought bothers me, but…" His words fade off and Jason shrugs his shoulders.
"You certainly love to threaten me. I'm starting to wonder if your bark is worst than your bite."
"Do you really want to test that theory?" Jason asks stepping closer, annoyed when she doesn't even flinch. "Get out of here Claudia. I don't have time for you."
Claudia eyes Jason and decides she's had her fun for the day. "Well this has been enjoyable little chat, but I really must be going. Don't want to leave Carly free reign for long or she starts thinking she's the woman of the house again. Seriously how you put up with her for all these years…"
"Because Carly has proven I can trust her. Unlike you, who has had an agenda since you came to town."
Rolling her eyes Claudia storms off, feeling Jason's gaze following her. Turning the corner she pulls out her phone and dials a familiar number she fumes when it goes straight to voicemail. "You said you're going to handle this and I have been patient. But time is running out for you and for me. Take care of this situation with Sam before Jason finds out the truth!" Ending the call she shoves the phone in her purse and turns and heads back towards the exit.
------
Watching Claudia disappear from sight Jason turns around to find Elizabeth staring at him from the nurses' desk. Lowering his head he purposefully turns and walks in the opposite direction, taking a seat in the waiting area so his back is towards the desk and Elizabeth. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Elizabeth approaching and reaches quickly for a magazine, but it was a pointless action. The nurse just sits down in the open chair next to his. Sighing Jason turns the page without bothering to read what's there, he could feel Elizabeth's gaze on the side of his face. Turning the page again Jason watches as Elizabeth shifts closer to him in her seat. With a resigned sigh he closes the magazine and tosses it back on the table. "Did you need something Elizabeth?" He asks with a quick glance in her direction.
"What?" She asks, seeming to have been pulled from her thoughts. "Oh no, I don't need anything."
Jason waited to see if she was going to explain then why she was sitting there staring at him, but she doesn't. "Is something wrong?"
"Well now that you mention it." Elizabeth sighs and gets more comfortable in her seat. "I'm worried about you Jason." She reaches a hand out to rest in on his arm. "Really worried about you." She then proceeds to squeeze his arm lightly.
Uncomfortable at the contact Jason pulls his arm away from her grasp. With a glance around the floor he doesn't see anyone around to call over to help him escape from this and sighs. "Elizabeth you have no reason to be worried about me. Everything is going fine right now with business…" Jason says, assuming she was worried for his safety.
"No Jason you misunderstood me." She cuts off his words. "I know that you can handle yourself in…in well dangerous situations. You have numerous times proved that. That's not what has me worried." She says once again reaching out to him, this time grabbing hold of his hand and holding it tight in her grasp.
Now more confused than ever Jason shakes his head at her. "Then what are you worried about?" He tries to pull his hand back, but she wasn't letting go. Looking around the room again, he is grateful at least that no one appears to be paying them any attention.
"Well Jason I just think you're making some really bad choices right now." Elizabeth says, her eyes darting around the hospital floor, wondering how much longer until Sam was going to return. "I understand that you feel this unnecessary need to watch over Sam. And I just think it's so great that you're doing this even after everything she's done to you and I, you truly are a great man, but I worry about you Jason."
"You're worried about me…with Sam?" Jason says the words confused, that just didn't make sense to him. Nothing that Elizabeth had been doing lately made any sense. "Why?" Staring at Elizabeth Jason notices her gaze never stays on him, but her eyes keep darting around, as if she was watching for something. "Elizabeth what is going on?" Jason asks pulling harder on his arm and she is forced to let go of his hand.
Elizabeth's eyes go wide when she sees the elevator doors open and Sam comes into view. Bringing her gaze quickly back to Jason she notes the wary and confused look in his eyes, but goes for it anyways. Lunging towards Jason she lands half on his lap and wraps her arms around his neck to keep her from falling on the ground. "You are just so important to me Jason, I don't want to see you hurt." She says, keeping her gaze on Sam. Elizabeth knows the second the other woman sees them because Sam freezes. Smiling at her success Elizabeth closes her eyes.
------
"So how long of wait will it be?" Sam asks waiting for the elevator to come to a stop and the doors to open.
"Well Patrick didn't know the normal technician was out on leave so it actually might take longer than normal. If you and Jason just want to go Patrick or I can call you with the results. I'm sure you don't want to just wait around the hospital."
With a grateful smile Sam nods her head. "That would be really great." When the doors open Sam's eyes first land on the nurses' desk where Jason had said he would be, but he wasn't there. "Now if I can just find him we can be on our way." Sam says her eyes wandering around the floor.
"Oh there he is!" Robin says pointing a finger towards the waiting area.
Following the direction of Robin's hand Sam's smile falters and disappears completely and she stops walking. Yep there he was…with Elizabeth…on his lap? Closing her eyes and shaking her head Sam takes another look, but the view hasn't changed.
Ok so I'm leaving you with a small little cliffy…how is Sam going to react? What's going to happen to Elizabeth? Can't wait to hear what you all have to say! Thanks again for the AMAZING reviews!