A/N – Thanks for the comments! Sorry in a rush today with last minute plans. I borrowed another character from another soap!

Chapter 22 - Goodbye

Claudia turned off the television and walked over to the laptop computer that sat on the counter. She had been researching her father on the internet all morning.

Milo came inside. "Claudia, the doctor is here to see you."

A very handsome doctor walked in. "Hi, I'm Dr. David Hayward. It's nice to meet you."

Claudia smiled. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Please have a seat."

Claudia sat down and he put his bag down and got out a few items.

"Jason has told me a little bit about what you've gone through." He said as he began his exam. "I was worried about vitamin deficiencies so I brought some pills for you to take."

"Okay."

"I also need to take some blood."

She nodded.

He tied off her arm and swiped an area with an alcohol wipe. "I hope you're not squeamish."

"I'm not."

He took two vials of blood. "There." He said putting a band aid on her. "Hold it down for a few minutes."

"Am I going to live?"

He smiled. "I think so. Is your hair breaking off?"

"It was. I've been trying to eat more regularly. I'm not used to it though."

"Your body will adapt so your appetite will increase. Try to eat veggies with vitamin D. Once I get the blood work back, we'll know exactly what you need to do."

"I appreciate you coming by. I'm not allowed to leave here right now. So, it's hard." In a way, it reminded Claudia of being stuck in that house in Italy. "Milo tries to pop in every once in a while and chat but he can't stay for long."

"I tell you what, have you eaten?"

She shook her head no.

"I'm an excellent cook. I'll make you some lunch and we can chat. I don't have another appointment for a few hours."

"How did you get this job? I can't imagine that it was in the want ads."

David smiled. "Well, my father used to work in the business so, you might say it was a natural progression."

She sat down and watched him cook as they talked and got to know each other better. She was definitely interested and wanted to get to know him more.

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Elizabeth got out of the car and smiled as OB walked towards her. "Hey."

He smiled. "It's good to see you."

Francis looked over at him. "How do you want to do this?"

"I think if I go inside, I'll just piss him off. You go. I'll be listening at the door though."

Francis nodded and led them into the house. Max opened the inner door and Francis and Elizabeth went inside.

"Hey." Sonny said walking towards her.

"Hi."

"Have a seat. Can I get you some water?"

She smiled. "No, I'm fine."

There were boxes scattered around.

"Has Carly been helping you?"

"Yes, she has. She's going to move back in after I leave. It's what Michael's use to and I have no use for it anymore."

"Do you think she'll let me spend some time with him?"

"I'll let her know you want to. Carly is kind of difficult. In her mind, you took me away from Michael so if she's standoffish with you that is why."

It didn't make any sense to her but she nodded.

"This is kind of awkward." He said softly.

"I know but hopefully it won't always be."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

She sighed. "When we spoke last time you didn't say the words and I really need to hear you say them. Tell me that you are not going to hurt Jason."

Sonny didn't even look at her. He said nothing which made Liz pause.

"You know you will lose me forever if you do right?"

He looked over at her. "You just don't understand."

"I do understand. You feel like Jason has disrespected you in some way and because your meds haven't kicked in, you want revenge. You want to get rid of him so you can get your business back, a business that he did not take from you. What makes you think the five families will allow you to come back anyway?"

Sonny stood up and walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink.

"I don't really think that is going to help the situation." She said looking at the glass in his hand.

Francis watched to see what Sonny would do and was surprised that he actually put it down.

Liz took a deep breath. "If you come after Jason, then you're going to have to take me out too."

He spun around and stared at her. She was stoically standing there with her arms folded across her chest; defiance written on her face and he couldn't help it, he smiled. She reminded him of Lily.

"I'm serious. It makes no sense that I would even be in his world, but he makes me feel safe and free to be anything I want to. We haven't known each other for long and we just get each other. He really sees me and I see him. It's unconditional. And I will fight for him and defend him to the end."

"Elizabeth…."

Liz had tears in her eyes. "I'm standing here begging you to let this go and assure me that you truly are going to let go. If you come after Jason, he will come after you. I really don't want him put in that position. He's been through enough."

"Would you stop him?" He asked curiously.

"You know, I thought about that on the way over here. That is why we're having this conversation. If after all I've said you still try to hurt him, then I guess you'll have to suffer the consequences." She walked up to him so they were standing toe to toe. "And if you kill him then you'll have to deal with me. Take that however you want." She said firmly.

Francis hid his smirk. He couldn't believe how fearless she was. Sonny was stunned as well. His own daughter was basically threatening his life and in that moment he knew he definitely had to fight his illness. This was all wrong. He felt sick to his stomach.

Liz watched him struggle internally and then Sonny said something that stunned her.

"I—I chose you." He whispered.

"What?" She asked.

A tear slid down Sonny's cheek. "I choose you. I won't go after Jason. It's just I get these thoughts in my head and they just build and build. They just won't go away."

"You just need to take your meds. They'll start to work and you'll be able to see things more clearly."

Sonny nodded.

"Thank you for choosing me. You don't even know how much that means to me."

She hugged him and they stood there for several minutes. "Are you going to be okay? Do you want me to drive with you to the airport?"

"It's okay. Carly should be here any minute."

She walked him over to the couch and they sat down. She took his hand. "I'm going to go out on a limb here. I want you to know that I'm going to choose to believe in you. You've done it before. You just have to believe in yourself and realize you have something to fight for." She said grabbing his hand and squeezing it.

Sonny was overwhelmed. "I'm scared that I'll let you down like I did Lily."

Liz sighed. "Just do the best you can. I didn't say all of that to make you feel pressured. I just wanted you to know that I will support you if you choose to do what's right. Sonny, Michael needs you in his life. He's just a little boy and he needs you to fight to get well for you and him."

Carly stood in the doorway. She had heard them talking and was glad that Liz had gotten through to her husband. She wiped away a tear. "She's right." She said as they both looked up at her. "I love you Sonny. Maybe I was wrong to side with you when you were out of control. I was just trying to protect everyone around you but that didn't do you any favors. I want you to get better." She fished a card out of her purse. "Kevin recommended this doctor. He lives in Puerto Rico, but you can do your sessions over the computer or by phone. "

Sonny took it from her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She said squeezing his other hand.

"Do you think Elizabeth could spend some time with Michael?" Sonny asked.

Carly looked over at Elizabeth. "I want to apologize for my behavior. Sometimes, I take out my frustration on people when I shouldn't. I know it's irrational but I'm so used to coping that way. I know that none of this is your fault. So, yes you can spend time with Michael. The more family he has the better."

"Thank you Carly. I appreciate that."

Max cleared his throat. "We have your suitcases packed. The rest of your things will be shipped. Are you ready?"

Sonny nodded. He was taking the private jet. Jason had insisted. "Yes." He said standing up feeling very emotional. He hugged Carly for several minutes as they both were overcome with emotions. And then he looked at Elizabeth. "Thank you." He said before hugging her again. "I'm really glad you take after your mother."

She grinned and pulled back. "You could have at least given me your dimples."

Sonny smiled wide putting them on full display. "Sorry."

Liz smiled back.

"I already have love for you Elizabeth. Thank you for having the courage to stand up to me."

"You're welcome."

Sonny kissed her on the fore head and then turned and walked out the door. Carly wiped her face. "I'm taking Michael to the park tomorrow at 2:00. You're more than welcome to tag along."

Liz smiled. "I would love that."

She watched Carly walk away and then looked over at Francis who had a big smile on his face.

"You are my favorite charge ever." He said walking over to her. "Jason is a very lucky man."

Liz smiled. "Thank you. You're my favorite guard."

Francis laughed. "You better not tell Jason that because he was your guard in Mexico."

"Yeah but he wasn't on his best behavior then." She said grinning.

"It will be our little secret."

"Okay."

A few seconds passed. "Can I at least tell OB? He needs to be deflated at least a few times a week so his head doesn't get so huge."

Liz laughed. "Of course."

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Liz called her dad when she got into the car. "Daddy?"

Jeff smiled. "Hey sweetie."

"I just needed to hear your voice."

Jeff frowned. "Are you okay?"

"It's just….Sonny has a mental illness and he's going away and leaving behind my little brother and his wife. He's a mess and it just made me more thankful that I have you in my life."

Jeff sighed. "I love you Elizabeth. I'm sorry that this situation didn't work out better for you."

"It's sad. He's hurt so many people and the compassionate part of me wants to give him a chance but at the same time I don't want to get my hopes up that he will change."

"Just be careful and tread lightly. He has to earn your trust and respect Elizabeth."

She wiped a tear away. "I know. I feel bad for everyone involved. Michael is only four. I'm so grateful that you and mom adopted me and loved me. I never wanted for anything. God I could use one of your hugs right now."

Jeff listened to her cry softly and knew there that there was no way in hell he was going to stay away from her. "You were a gift straight from God Elizabeth. I am the one that was blessed. The minute I held you in my arms, I knew you were meant to be my little girl. I loved you from that moment and I've never stopped. And the first time you smiled at me, I knew I was in big trouble."

Liz smiled through her tears. "I love you daddy."

"I love you more." He said softly.

"I have to go."

"Call me later if you need to okay?"

"Okay."

She ended the call and wiped her tears away and took a deep breath before stepping out of the car and going to see Jason.

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Jeff called his wife. "We're going to Port Charles"

"But Elizabeth said…."

"I don't care. She needs us. She's hurting. Make the arrangements. I'm at the hospital and let them know we'll be gone for several days. Get the first flight you can."

"Okay." Andrea said in shock. She quickly called their travel agent to see what she could do for them.

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Liz walked into Jason's office. "Hey."

He got up and gave her a hug. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. The tears suddenly came back to the surface and he pulled her closer and rubbed her back until she was ready to talk.

"Sorry." She said pulling back. "He left and he says he's going to drop his vendetta against you."

"How did you manage to do that?"

Jason would have had no problem taking Sonny out. But, he was glad for Liz's sake that she managed to work it out with him.

"I just kept talking to him and pushing." She said smiling slightly. "He chose me over his need to end you so we are in a better place; not a conversation I thought I'd ever have."

"For your sake, I'm glad." He said before kissing her again. "Want to go on a ride with me?"

She was completely caught off guard. "As in your motorcycle?"

He smirked. "Yes."

"Hell yeah." She said smiling. "Are you sure? Your arm is still healing."

"I'm fine. I promise. Riding helps clear my head and you look like you could use that right now."

He moved towards the corner and picked something up before handing it to her.

"For me?" She said smiling as she held the helmet.

"It has pink on it, of course it's for you although I guess it could also be for OB."

She laughed. "Come on, what are you waiting for?"

He chuckled at her enthusiasm and then grabbed his keys as she dragged him out the door. He showed her the bike and taught her a few things and then he got on and revved it up. She put her arms around his waist and he relished how good that felt before he sped off.

Elizabeth had a death vice on his waist but she was screaming and laughing. So, he did the only think he could. He went faster as the tree lined streets blurred and there was nothing but the wind and them speeding through it. To Elizabeth, it was like they were floating on air. She felt like she was one with the wind. Jason went a little faster, making sure he wasn't being followed and a few miles later he turned down a road and really gunned it as Elizabeth hung for dear life, enjoying every minute. A few turns later, and they turned into the driveway of the safe house and hopped off.

"That was so freaking awesome." Elizabeth said as she ripped the helmet off.

Jason almost lost his balance as she hurled her body into him. He held her tightly and then kissed her deeply. "I'm glad you like it."

"I loved it." She said running to the front door which was now open.

Claudia smiled. "Hey. I wasn't expecting you."

Liz gave her a hug. "I wasn't expecting you either."

They both looked at Jason.

"I figured you probably could use some company."

Claudia grinned. "Trust me, I'm not complaining. I definitely welcome the company."

They went inside. Milo was walking towards them with a bottle of water in his hand. "Hey boss."

"Hey Milo. How's it going?"

"Pretty quiet, just like you like it."

Jason nodded.

"You can send Dr. Hayward over to visit any time you want." Claudia said smiling.

Jason chuckled. "Really?"

"Yes, he's to die for."

Liz grabbed her hand and pulled her down on the couch. "Tell me all about him."