Chapter 6
Trina and Spencer
Emma and Cam
Steve, Hayden, Elizabeth, and Jeff
Johnny Z
The Wards
September-October 2024
Spencer says, "What are you not telling me?"
Emma looks at Cam, and he shrugs. She says, "Trina and some of her friends from work are hanging out at one of the partner's homes in Nantucket. Cam and I were heading to join them, but we turned back when we saw your text."
Spencer says, "Is she seeing someone at the job? We text and talk almost daily; why hasn't she said anything?"
Cam replies, "I don't know. She is either in classes or at her work-study. This is the first weekend we've all had free. She said she wanted us to meet some of her friends."
Spencer says, "Emma, you are her best friend. Did she say something to you? Should I turn around and go home?"
Emma replies, "I'll call Trina to find out what's happening. It's too late to catch the ferry, but we can take an early one tomorrow. Eat, finish the wine, stay the night, and catch us up on Port Charles."
Cam and Spencer finish the wine and food on the patio, and Emma calls Trina. Luckily she reaches her and fills her in on Spencer's visit. Emma says, "Treen, You need to communicate with Spencer. Do you want us out there tomorrow? We could stay here, or you could return early from Nantucket, but you can't ignore his texts. Okay, I'll inform Cam and Spencer, and expect us tomorrow afternoon."
Emma returns to the patio, picks up a half-full beer bottle, and downs it. Emma eats a few bites of her meal and tells them they will take the ferry in the morning, and Trina will answer all Spencer's questions.
Elizabeth loads the dishwasher and wipes off the kitchen table as Jake and Aiden wave goodbye. Jason calls over his phone call, "Guys, come home directly after school. I've made plans." Jason turns his attention back to his phone call. "Sorry about that. I was talking to the kids. Yes, I understand. That is great news. How soon before it happens? Okay, I'll make the arrangements in Port Charles, and you take care of what is necessary where you are. Send me the bill, and I'll pay it. Thank you."
Elizabeth has wiped her hands on a dishtowel watching Jason finish his conversation. She says, "Well? On a scale of one to ten, how good is the news?"
Jason replies, "I'd say about an 8.5. The lawyers agreed to reduce the charges, and based on Steven's contributions to the prison hospital, they are releasing him early. They will allow him to serve six months of home confinement with an ankle monitor. He can work at General Hospital as part of his probation. If he stays out of trouble after being released from home confinement, he must meet with his probation officer for at least a year. If he's clean after that, he won't need check-ins. If Steve Fucks up, he'll be sent to Pentonville and serve out the remaining five years. Steven will need a responsible community member to guarantee his adherence to the rules of his release. Since your father will be out of the country, he is out. Heather is at the asylum. She is not what anyone would call responsible. I'm not what you would call upstanding. That leaves you, sweetheart. I hope you aren't planning on breaking the law in the next five years." Jason winks.
Elizabeth says, "Wow! That is promising news. What is the timeline? Can we expect Steve back in Port Charles before Monica and Dad leave?"
Jason replies, "That is the plan. Diane will work with the courts here and arrange things with the DA's office. Steve and you must meet with the probation officer and set up a schedule. Hopefully, Monica will have some pull to get Steve back on staff before she retires."
Elizabeth says, "Would he need to stay here or somewhere in the city limits? If you agree, we could turn the space above the garage into an apartment."
Jason replies, "I think it will help his chances while he wears his monitor. By the time that is over, Nikolas should have his resort running, and we could offer the old Safe House to Steve until he can stand on his own."
Elizabeth kisses Jason, chuckles, and says, "I knew there was a reason I married you. Does this have anything to do with 'plans with the boys' tonight?"
Jason replies, "Yes, I thought we'd take the boys to that new restaurant. We can call Cam later tonight to tell him about your brother."
Elizabeth says, "Can we also celebrate your birthday? I have something special for you tonight. The boys, including Danny and Cam, chipped in and got you something.
Jason replies, "I will love whatever the boys get me, but I'm hoping for something sexy from you later."
Elizabeth kisses Jason and says, "Thank you. I love you, and now I will be late to work. If I see Monica and Dad, I'll fill them in. Don't forget to call Diane. I'll see you tonight."
Elizabeth arrives at General Hospital and checks on her nurses before she changes into her scrubs. She knocks on Monica's door and fills her in on Jason's call. She says, "Monica, I hope you can push all the necessary paperwork through to get Steve on staff and in a probationary role before you and Dad leave for your trips."
Monica says she will see what she can do to get things moving.
After checking her messages and the nurse's schedules, Elizabeth pages Terry, Lainey, and Kelly. She tells them about the development of Steve. Terry comments, "I remember Steve when we were teenagers before he left for college. I had a crush on your brother even then. Does he know about my transition?"
Elizabeth replies, "Yes, I write him monthly. I mentioned you when you arrived in Port Charles six years ago. He was supportive of your choice to transition. I mentioned that you are gorgeous. Tonight, Jason, the kids, and I are doing something as a family, but I thought we could do a Girl's Night Out tomorrow and invite Mary Ward. She's family now, and I want to make her feel welcome since I know that's not Jason's thing. I'm getting excited about Steve and have a lot of things to do for his arrival."
Elizabeth leaves a message for Mary inviting her for drinks at the new Asteroid Bar and Grille tomorrow night.
Elizabeth's friends wish her luck and will support her in Steve's adjustment after his release. Elizabeth calls Jason, saying, "I can meet you, Jake, and Aiden at the dinner of your choosing or see you at home. I'm on my way. Yes, I'm taking a guard." Elizabeth meets Jason and the boys at a new Italian place outside of town.
Over dinner, Jason receives a hand-painted card Jake made with signatures from Cam, Jake, Danny, and Aiden. Cam, Jake, Danny (with help from Sam), and Aiden chipped in to put a down payment on Xtreme Motors. After Brando was killed and Gladys died from the asteroid, Sonny didn't care to take over the business. He paid Sasha the insurance payout. Sonny sold the building for a song to the boys to give to Jason. Jason could pay to rebuild the damages and decide whether to run it as a shop or turn it into something else. They produce a check to Jason for $2,000. The mortgage still had $35,000, but the gesture was touching. Cam had money saved from his managerial job at Kelly's before leaving town, Jake kept his tips from his waiting tables at Kelly's, Danny had help from Sam, and Aiden had money from cooking lessons. Jason teared up and said, "You guys are great and have given me the best birthday present ever."
Jake says, "You can turn it into anything you want. It doesn't have to be an auto repair shop." Jason kisses his eldest son on the head and says, "Thank you."
After getting their deserts to go, Jake and Aiden devour them at home while Jason and Elizabeth call Cam to give him the good news about Steve. It's three hours earlier in California, and they reach Cam after he finishes his conversation with Spencer. Elizabeth says, "I didn't know Spencer was there for a visit. Is he with Trina?"
Cam explains the whole Trina thing and how she is in Nantucket and could be seeing someone from work. They are heading out there in the morning. Emma believes Trina's claim of not seeing anyone from work. He tells them Spencer promised Nikolas he'd stay in Boston for a month to decide his plans for the future.
Elizabeth continues, "Jason and I have great news. Your Uncle Steve is scheduled for release in about two months. Jason and I will get the space above the garage into an apartment for the first two to three months while he is on probation with an ankle monitor. Your Grandpa Jeff and Monica are leaving soon after. Monica is retiring after 35 years. They will travel Aisa and be on safari."
Cam replies, " It's been years since I saw Uncle Steve. I want to see him when he is released. We should do a family thing if it's over the Christmas Holidays. It will make Great-Grams day to see him."
Elizabeth says, "Keep me apprised of what happens with Spencer and if I need to play intermediary with Nikolas. Tell Ema I hope everyone has fun in Nantucket."
Jason says, "Thank you for your birthday gift. It was thoughtful. Please keep in touch. Your mother and I would like you home for Thanksgiving. It may be the last time you see Monia and Grandpa Jeff for a year."
Cam thanks them for the information and says he will discuss his plans with Emma. Emma takes her laptop to bed, and Cam and Spencer bring the dirty dishes and the empties of the beer and wine inside to the kitchen. Cam deposits the glassware in the recycle bin. They load the dishes, and Cam shows Spencer to the guest room and says he will wake him up in the morning. Cam joins Emma in bed, and they discuss Trina.
Emma says, "Spencer thinks Trina is cheating on him, but she denies it. She says she's been busy at the firm and her coursework at Northwestern. She reminded me that we were invited to join her. Do you think you'd keep a secret from Spencer?"
Cam replies, "No. As much as I love Trina, I wouldn't keep that from Spencer. Besides, your parents were invited too. Don't they have a timeshare in Nantucket, and we were all going to stay there? Trina didn't have a guy on the list."
Emma says, "But they canceled at the last minute. Noah surprised them with a visit."
Cam replies, "True, but we won't know the miscommunication until Trina can clear things up."
They discuss Thanksgiving and where they will spend it. Emma says. "My parents are going to Port Charles to spend it with Grandpa, Grandma, and Valentine. Grandpa Noah is taking a break from Doctors without Borders, and Matt will try to get time away from Berkely General. Nadine wants to catch up with Willow. It would make sense to go back with you."
Cam says, "And Spencer and Trina?"
Emma says, "Their families are there. Hopefully, they will sort things out before then. I would imagine Port Charles will have a full house this Thanksgiving. How weird would it be to see Joss with someone else? Someone who is related to Jason and his family?"
Cam replies, "No more weird than you and I. It may be strange for Jason and AJ's kids, but I can guarantee we will not have pizza at the Quartermaines. Jake may want to be there for dessert and see Danny if Sam and Drew are there. What about you and your family?"
Emma says, "We have over a month to figure that out. I want to get to bed, so we can get up to catch the ferry in the morning." Emma snuggles up to Cam and wraps her arms around him.
Before Jake and Aiden go to bed, Aiden thanks Jason and his mother for his belated birthday presents, which Amazon delivered late. For Aiden's 15th birthday, Jason and Elizabeth set up Driver's Ed courses for Aiden, similar to what Jake received a of years ago. The second gift is additional baking supplies and a personalized chef's apron. Aiden thanked them for his present. Jake urges Aiden to bed.
Elizabeth says, "Jason, are you ready for your birthday present from me?'
Jason rubs his hands together and replies, "Show me what you got.
Elizabeth returns from the kitchen carrying a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries, whip cream, champagne and wearing a black teddy. Jason drops the lavender-scented lotion he plans to apply to Elizabeth's body, and his mouth drops open.
Elizabeth smiles and says, "Mission accomplished—the reaction I wanted. I will feed you, provide liquid nourishment, and whip cream to your imagination." Jason opens his arms to lure Elizabeth to bed.
The next day Elizabeth calls Hayden and floats the idea of meeting their brother Steven. Jeff calls Hayden to update her on his and Monica's plans.
Jason meets with Diane for a status report on Johnny. Diane says, "Jason, you may be paying my bills, but any conversations with Johnny Zacarah are privileged. You should know better than to ask me. I can divulge it is promising. There is a trial date scheduled for February. Once the docket is released, you will know who is on the witness list. I've already told you more than I should. Good day." Diane turns on her heels, and Jason hears the clack-clack on the floor.
Trina and Spencer
Ava gets her due
Former residents return to surprise their parents and more….
Sean, Joss, Mary, and….
Announcement of retirement
Girls Night Out
Letter to Nikolas