This is a short story based on characters that I do not own and references to established works.

"Trina Comes First"

As Trina slept, Spencer did just what he had said he would do. He watched her sleep. He couldn't believe that he had almost lost her. They'd been through so much and just when they'd had a good stretch of things going well for them-this happened. He couldn't stop thinking about how helpless she looked as the EMTs worked on her. He shook his head as if he was trying to get those images erased from his mind. After a while, Spencer found himself drifting off after one of the nurses had come in to check on Trina. He had been assured that her vitals were fine and that she was resting normally. It was as if hearing that gave him permission to close his eyes for a while.

"Spencer," Trina said groggily as she began to wake up.

"Are you ok?" Spencer asked frantically as he quickly rose from his brief slumber. "Does anything hurt? Do you need anything?" he continued to ask.

"Spencer, calm down, baby. I'm fine," Trina said reassuringly. She was so touched by the look of panic on his face. It was the look of someone who loved her absolutely. As she looked at him, she thought to herself that they had been through so much, yet they had made it to the other side and she was determined that no one or nothing was going to get in their way ever again.

"I'm calm," Spencer said breathlessly, as he tried to play off the nervousness that only moments ago he had been feeling. His attempt to act cool was not lost on Trina, as she giggled while he regained his composure.

"Have you been here the whole time? she asked.

"Where else would I be?" Spencer asked. "You are my priority. I'm not going anywhere!"

"But what about Ace?" Trina asked hesitantly. She was not sure if the mention of Ace would cause him to depart from her side.

"I got a text from Uncle Martin that Ace is in the custody of Social Services and is being well taken care of right now. He's also going to work on our family regaining custody," Spencer said.

"I'll understand if you need to go and see about getting him. There are plenty of nurses and doctors around to look after me," Trina said understandingly.

"I love my baby brother, Trina. And of course I would like to have him with me. But, I almost lost you, literally, yesterday. The thought of not being here with you as you recover is one that I am not willing to entertain. Your health, your life takes precedent over everything and everyone," Spencer reassured Trina. As he looked at her, he could tell how important it was to her that he was still there. He also knew that she was really going to need as much support as possible once she found out her mother's role in all of this. Then, it was as if she was reading his mind when she started to speak again.

"Well, I know that you've been here with me, but have my parents and Curtis been by? They do know about the accident and that I'm here, don't they?" Trina asked, becoming slightly concerned.

Spencer, not wanting to upset her, quickly responded. "Yes, they know and they've been very gracious to let me have this time with you. I'm sure they'll be here soon."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Taggert's head could be seen as the door opened slightly. "Is Miss Robinson up for another visitor?" Taggert asked.

"Dad! Get in here!" Trina said.

Taggert went over to her, as Spencer stepped aside.

"How's my baby girl?" Taggert asked as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"I'm good-a little sore, but I'm ok," she said. "Where's Mom and Curtis? Are they right behind you?"

"Sweetheart, I want to visit with you some more in just a bit, but I needed to ask Spencer a few more questions about the accident," Taggert said, trying to-at least temporarily-divert his daughter's attention away from thoughts about her mother and Curtis.

"Of course, Mr. Taggert. Shall we step out in the hallway? Trina doesn't need to relive any of that right now," Spencer stated.

"Fine, you two, but play nice and hurry back," Trina said, as Spencer and Taggert left the room.

"Does she know anything?" Taggert asked.

"No, we've just talked about her getting better and she's been asleep most of the time," Spencer said. "Are you going to tell her about Dr. Robinson and how she worked with Esme?"

"No," Taggert said simply. "That will be a cross for her mother to bear. I can't be a part of the hurt that will come with her getting that news. Of course, I'll be there for her after she talks with her mother-but when she finds out, I can't. That's another reason I wanted to talk to you. You say you love my daughter and I have to say that, as hard as it is for me to say, I believe that you do. Because of that, I need something from you," Taggert stated bluntly.

"I'll do anything for Trina. I think you know that sir," Spencer said with no hesitation.

"I need for you to let Portia know that Trina's awake and ready to see her. Let her know that when she comes to see Trina, she needs to avoid anything that might upset her-including her role in all of this. That will be for her to tell when Trina is much stronger. And to make sure that that happens, I need you in the room with them. Can you do that, Cassadine? Can you be there for Trina?" Taggert asked.

"My place will always be with Trina. You have my word. When Dr. Robinson comes in, I'll be there for Trina," Spencer promised.

"Thank you, Cass...Thank you, Spencer," Taggert said.

Before Spencer departed to go find Portia, Taggert let him know about how long he would be in with Trina and to bring back Portia, close to that time-in order to avoid seeing her.

Taggert went back to Trina's room and took a seat at her bedside. He took her hand in his.

"I have some good news, or at least, I think it's going to be good news, as well as shocking," Taggert started.

"Ok, you've got my attention," Trina said cautiously.

"Well, you know that you had to have surgery for the injuries you sustained," Taggert continued. Trina nodded.

"Well, during the surgery you were in need of a lot of blood and ended up needing even more from a family member. So, of course, your mom and Curtis went to help with that," Taggert said. Trina again nodded and looked even more intently at Taggert.

"After that, the lab found out that there was no way that Curtis could be your father, and after testing me, the lab work showed that I was, am, your father-your biological father." Taggert tried to say that last part quickly in an effort to lessen the shock that the news would have on a still recovering Trina.

Taggert, done with his revelation, waited for Trina's response. Trina took a moment before responding. "Even though the DNA results did not change how I felt about you, I have to say that I am so happy about this, Dad. But, how is Curtis? I'm sure that this had to hit him hard."

"I haven't really had a chance to talk with him due to all that went on last night with the accident. But, he's a strong man and he's got his father and Stella to lean on," Taggert replied.

"And, me," Trina responded. "Even though we're not biologically related, Curtis is my stepfather and we've gotten closer since the wedding. I hope that that's ok with you," Trina said.

"You wouldn't be my daughter if you didn't feel that way. Of course, that's fine with me," Taggert said and squeezed Trina's hand.

"Come in," Portia said weakly. To her surprise, Spencer opened the door. His demeanor let her know that this was not a social or friendly call.

"Mr. Taggert would like for you to go see Trina since she's been asking for you. He will tell her about the faulty paternity results, while you will just go in and spend a little time with her. In NO WAY should you say anything about about your role in the plot that nearly killed your own daughter!" Spencer said, with his voice getting louder and colder. "Can you do that for Trina?" he asked.

"Of course, and Spencer, I..." Portia started.

"No, no," Spencer said as he shook his finger and cut Portia off. "You have absolutely NOTHING to say that I need to hear. Save your excuses and justifications for Trina when she's able to hear them-which definitely will not be today. Alright, I think Mr. Taggert should be ready to leave Trina's room before we get there."

"We? You're going in with me?" Portia questioned.

"I will be there to make sure that Trina hears only what she needs to hear. Your role in all of this will be yours to bear once Trina recovers."

With that, they headed to Trina's room, just as the elevator doors closed with Taggert on the other side. Portia and Spencer entered Trina's room.

"Hi, honey." "Hi, Mom, I'm so glad you're here..."