Disclaimer….I do not own GH or any of the characters….No copy write infringement intended….Entertainment purposes only….
Author's Note: I am SO sorry about the extended wait! Some problems cropped up in late November landing me in the hospital. Luckily everything worked out great and I welcomed a baby boy and girl on Halloween night!
This chapter is a bit shorter than normal but I kind of hit a bit of writer's block on this update. The next one is longer, I promise b/c it will contain a lot of drama and angst.
Thank you all for hanging in there with me, especially since I've been unreliable at best lately. My house is still chaos with the newest additions, but I'm finding a new routine and slowly settling in. Hope you all enjoy this update!
Chapter Forty-Five
"I'm surprised you allowed him to tag along."
Georgie rolled her eyes while watching Sarah make notations in the chart. "If you knew Johnny you'd realize what a waste of breath telling him stay home would've been."
Sharing a brief look filled with understanding, she snapped the folder closed. "If he's anything like my Johnny I don't doubt it would be useless. Okay, let's get down to business. Now that the initial physical exam is complete we just need to take a peak with the ultrasound machine. Am I answering his questions if he asks any?" Seeing the indecision in her friend's expression Sarah sympathetically patted her shoulder as she stood to adjust the equipment. "Fair warning, Georgie. If you let him be present I'm going to answer his questions honestly. I won't lie to him, especially about anything concerning this pregnancy's outcome. You got a long hard road ahead of you. Having his full support would really make it easier on you."
"I wouldn't put you in that type of position, Sarah." Nervously studying her socks she sighed. "Let him in. Otherwise he'll wear a hole in the floor of the lobby."
A couple minutes later Johnny stood beside the exam table with his fingers intertwined with Georgie's as Sarah flipped back on the lights. Impatient for all the details he could get, he opened his mouth but snapped it shut when Georgie squeezed his fingers lightly, letting him know to wait.
"According to what I'm seeing you're about three weeks along. Sound about right?"
Georgie simply nodded. Calculating in her head after talking with Patrick yesterday she pretty much figured they'd conceived their first time together. With how quickly their relationship progressed she wasn't that surprised.
"With this being your second pregnancy you already know the dos and don'ts. So far everything looks to be right on schedule but because of your history and medical problems I'm not comfortable following a regular checkup schedule. Good thing we get along because I need to see you at least every other week."
"You're kidding! That's a tad excessive, isn't it, Sarah?"
"Not hardly. Any other physician would hover way more than I am and you know it. Stop whining."
"And why is that exactly?" Johnny demanded quietly. "Why the extra appointments? You said everything looked good.
Georgie's eyes dropped to study the design on her socks. "Um, it's complicated, Johnny." She darted a pleading look at her friend, silently asking for help.
Being the only person who Georgie had confided everything to Sarah released a heavy sigh of her own. Knowing the misery and depression Georgie fought against for most of the time she spent in Ireland, it didn't surprise her that she'd have a difficult time sharing certain details of that part of her life with anyone else. Dredging up memories she'd fought to keep locked up had to be tough. Recognizing the same steel and determination her own husband and Jason possessed in the man standing across from her, she prayed Georgie would be able to keep him from going on a rampage in a fit of anger after discovering the entire truth. "What has my Johnny already told you?" she asked, wondering where to begin.
"Next to nothing actually. All I know is there are similarities to Robin's injuries but not specific comparisons." Amusement flickered in his dark eyes before fading just as quickly. "O'Brien swore you'd make him miserable if he said too much. He's afraid to tick you off to much."
"Smart boy."
Shifting to look down at the top of Georgie's head since she still wasn't looking in his direction he rubbed her shoulder, trying to reassure her. He knew she was nowhere ready for him to learn this part of her past. From the day his father brought Prague to his attention she'd been adamant in him respecting her wishes of leaving that particular topic alone. And under normal circumstances Johnny would have no problem waiting until she came to him, but not now. Risking Georgie or the baby wasn't an option he could live with. "I think I deserve full disclosure on how dangerous this pregnancy could be for your health, Georgie."
"You do," she agreed, her voice trembling. "Let Sarah explain the medical complications and concerns, Johnny." Finally lifting her head she forced a watery smile for his benefit.
"And are you gonna answer the other questions I'm sure I will have?" he wondered aloud. If not Johnny might have to walk out the room before learning anything. Their situation had changed. No way in hell was he going to be able to accept only partial knowledge. His imagination worked overtime as it was now, torturing him heartbreaking scenarios.
"Yes," she whispered in a strangled tone before clearing her throat. "At home. Not here."
Propping a hip on the edge of the table, Johnny took a deep breath before releasing it slowly. Dread coiled in his stomach. Facing a solemn Sarah he quirked a brow, signaling her to go ahead.
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Pulling her hair back into a ponytail after changing into another pair of clean scrubs Elizabeth shot Patrick a speculative glance. Seeing him subdued from his normal playful, overly confident self left her worried about how he was coping with all that had happened recently.
Sensing the blatant appraisal he offered a weak grin. "First day back and you're already starting to take on other people's problems, Liz. Better be careful or Kelly's gonna kick your ass."
"Oh, I doubt that. I'm being a good girl." Crossing her legs on the bench so she sat Indian style, she patted the spot beside her. "Talk to me, Patrick. How are you and Emma? Really?"
The sympathy for his position left him speechless. It wasn't a secret how close Elizabeth and Georgie had become in the last couple months. If neither were unable to forgive Robin for all her treachery he'd understand and support their decision. His wife's horrible mistakes still sickened him. Patrick took the offered seat with a heavy sigh. "Truthfully, I'm exhausted. But it's more mentally than anything else. Matt's really been a huge help in keeping Emma occupied as well as pitching in at the house. We're surviving, Liz. One day at a time, right? That's all I can do."
"Jason and I would be more than happy to take her for a night if you need a break. Cam and Jake enjoy spending time with Emma so it's not a problem."
"I appreciate the offer. Mac's also been really great about spending some of his free time with her, trying to keep her busy. Or he was before yesterday anyway. I suspect he'll be hard pressed to keep Zacchara from wringing Maxie's neck after her latest stunt."
"I swear that girl's the most selfish person I've ever met. And since I unfortunately have met Carly that's saying a lot. I know Cooper's death hit her hard, especially considering she's facing motherhood on her own now, but attacking Georgie was completely uncalled for."
"Ya think?" he sarcastically retorted, his lips thinly compressed.
"I haven't had a chance to peak in on Robin yet. Has there been any improvement?"
Grief claws at his chest. The light in his eyes dimmed. No matter how much he despised what she'd been involved in, Patrick still loved Robin. She was the mother of his child. A bond would always exist between them. "No. Monica's concerned because her cell counts are rising."
"Oh, Patrick!" Elizabeth wrapped him in a tight hug. "I wish there something I could do!"
Returning the warm embrace he swallowed painfully. "The past month all we did was argue, Liz. The likelihood that our last conversation, which was filled with hateful accusations, could be the last words we exchanged is tearing me in two." Swiping at the moisture threatening to break free, he leaned back and sadly fingered his wedding band. "All the horrible things she did…"
"Don't," she interrupted gently. "Just because you don't agree with her choices doesn't erase all the love you felt for Robin. A part of your heart will always love her, Patrick. No one, not even Georgie, expects anything different." She placed a hand on his forearm. "You two beat the odds and started a family. Once you gave up your bachelor days, you also gave her your entire heart. And she loved you too. Remember that. She loved you, Patrick."
"At least with a divorce I could still see Robin and Emma would have her mother around to help guide her. Now there's a chance she'll never wake up. How do I explain to Emma…" his voice broke. He buried his head in his hands before falling silent.
Murmuring softly, trying her best to bolster his spirits, Elizabeth blinked back her own gathering tears. Just like Patrick she couldn't forgive Robin's actions. But she also couldn't ignore the years of friendship she'd shared with her. The thought of Robin dying with her last memories of everyone being upset with her only made the sorrow worse.
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"I knew it! I knew you wouldn't abandon me!"
Remaining silent, he let her rant uninterrupted.
"How could you leave me here this long? I needed you to get me out of here! God, Jason! I don't belong in this nasty hellhole! Mac's going to pay for daring to stick me in here! Like I'd ever harm Sonny!" Grabbing the bars of her cell, she let the tears roll unchecked down her face. "I've missed you so much, Jase! I never doubted you'd rescue me. Thank you!"
"Why are you thanking me, Carly?"
Frantically shaking her head at the question, she did her best to ignore the flat tone. "Because you've finally come to get me out of here!"
A harsh chuckle slipped from his mouth. "Francis and O'Brien tried to warn me how delusional you've become but I never dreamed you would still being holding out hope."
Her eyes narrowed into slits. "They were saying such horrible lies, Jase!"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "They aren't the liars, Carly. Everything they told you is true. I've arranged for you to be convicted of Sonny's murder. The days of being at your beck and call are over."
"No! You promised to always be there for me!"
"I promised no such thing."
"Yes! Yes, you did!"
He exhaled in disgust. "Why on earth would I protect you after all you've done?"
"You love me! This is all that stupid bitch's fault! Elizabeth's turned you against me by whispering lies about me! Come on, Jason. You know me. I'd never do anything to hurt you!" Eyes glazed with hatred, she ignored the dark scowl her insults caused. "How can you do this to Michael? What about our boy? He needs me!"
Jason stepped closer to the cell door and pinned her with his cold unblinking stare. "First of all, Elizabeth is not a bitch. She's the woman I love, the mother of my children, Carly. Nothing and no one is more important than her and the boys. And I'm referring to our sons, Cam and Jake. Never once has she tried to tell me to choose between you and her. That was you needing to always be first."
"NO!" she wailed. "Michael and I…"
"Michael is my nephew. He's AJ's son, Carly, not mine. As for the promise I made to that little boy, I will always be there for him. However, that doesn't mean he's the only important person in my life. I did the best possible thing I could for him when I helped Jax gain custody of him and your other two children. You do remember Morgan and Joslyn don't you?" he sneered in disgust. The fact she failed to mention the younger two children didn't really shock him. It was no secret Carly considered Michael above them.
"Jason, please! Don't do this! You can't let that little bitch tear us apart!" she pleaded. Fear slithered through her racing mind. For the first time she feared she might actually lose him. And losing him to the twit couldn't happen. She was so much better than that spineless little girl pretending to be a woman!
"Us? There is no us, Carly!" he pointed out scathingly. "But Elizabeth didn't cause this. You did! Did you honestly think plotting with Sonny to destroy my family would go unnoticed? Years," he growled, frustrated with her antics. "For years and years I cleaned up your messes and made excuses for you, protecting you from the multitude of disasters you created. Well no more. I didn't come here to save you. I'm here because it's time for you to face reality. You will be convicted of the charges leveled against you. And once you are in prison, I'm going to let you suffer before ending your miserable existence. The days of you manipulating me into being your little puppet are long over, Carly. Get used to being on your own because you have no one left. Absolutely no one! All that pleasure you took in making Elizabeth miserable, well consider this payback."
Bitterness, jealousy, and rage all swirled in Carly's eyes that sparked unnaturally bright with the combination. "I fucking pray that whore gets what's coming to her!" she spat maliciously. "Maybe then you'll feel the misery I am at this second, Jason! You walk out that door and I'll never forgive you!"
A smirk slowly spread across Jason's lips. "Funny thing is, Carly, you've been dead to me for weeks now. I want to you remember this exact moment when the judge sentences you." Without another word he strolled toward the exit as her shrieks echoed off the concrete walls.
Joining Cody after he paid off their man inside the PCPD, Jason pinched his nose and released a pent up sigh. "I was so damn blind."
"At least you finally seen what kind of person she is, Jason. Just learn from your mistakes, that's all you can do at this point." Cody frowned when both their phones starting buzzing. Each tensed while exchanging concerned glances before looking at the caller IDs.
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Diego watched as Zacchara kissed Georgie before hurryingly heading in the opposite direction in the hospital parking lot. Pain burned in his blood at seeing the affectionate exchange. The fact she continued to stay with the other man had him clenching his jaw. Diego was well aware the news of his being alive had reached Georgie. The tail in Italy made it crystal clear the man she had chosen to marry was keeping a close eye on him, or attempting to at least.
Keeping a discrete distance he followed her and the tall blond he assumed was her guard as they made their way toward the park. The desire to talk to her face to face grew stronger every day. Diego needed an opportunity to present itself at the right moment and when it did he fully intended to take advantage of the opening. There was so much between them to be discussed. His lips curved. Who was he trying to kid? Standing in the same room with her and being able to actually touch her was all he dreamt about for the past two and half years. Soon, he promised himself.
Abruptly halting his steps at the sight of Baylor running into her mother's open arms, he felt emotion swelling up into his chest, almost choking him. That right there, his family, was all he thought about. Unable to stop himself he stepped away from the tree line. The wait was ending now.