Chapt 8

Thank you to the guest reviewer who liked bringing in legacy characters and the reviews on Ava, Gia, and the couples. I hope what follows answers your wishes.

Trini, I think you will get what you want in this chapter. Thank you for your review.

While in Nantucket, Trina, Spencer, Emma, and Cam spent their days riding bikes, touring breweries, and visiting lighthouses. At night they join Trina's friends for a clam bake.

Sunday afternoon, they take the last ferry back to Hyannis. On the ferry, Spencer checks his texts, frowns, and says, "My father has been trying to reach me. Ava was hit by a car and is in critical condition." Spencer attempts to reach Nikolaas, but the mailbox is full, and he sends a text that reads, "On the ferry. Sorry about Ava. Text or call."

Cam says, "Spencer, if you need to return to Port Charles, let us know what you need from us.

Sunday evening Trina asks Spencer if he has copies of the plans he left at her job, and they spend hours in her room going through them. Spencer has an appointment at the architecture firm mid-morning. Emma studies for a test later that week for her advanced biology course. Cam completes the finishing touches for his interview to teach music to students with disabilities.

The three students have classes in the morning, but they all promise to help Spencer brainstorm after dinner that evening for his life goals. If he must go back home, he can return later. Emma tells Spencer they will visit family for Thanksgiving, but he can return with them in December.

Elizabeth rises early and reaches for her laptop before getting out of bed. She checks the online hospital surgical and recovery board and exclaims, "Oh, no!"

Jason stirs and groggily asks, "What's wrong?"

Elizabeth replies, "Ava didn't survive the night! She throws her feet over the side of the bed and showers quickly. Jason dresses quickly and jogs downstairs, starting the expresso maker. Elizabeth throws on a sweatshirt and tugs it over the top of the jeans she stepped into. She rushes downstairs and ties up her shoes. Jason hands Elizabeth the coffee travel mug and a piece of toast: cream cheese and jam.

Elizabeth tries calling Nikolas, but his mailbox is full. She texts him that she will be at the hospital in ten minutes. Jason offers to drop her off at General Hospital, and he needs to find Sonny, break the news, and help with Avery if necessary.

Jason pulls up to General Hospital, and Elizabeth kisses Jason, thanks him, and rushes to find Nikolas. Jason drives off in search of Sonny.

Elizabeth checks in with the morning desk nurse and asks about Nikolas Cassidine. The nurse nods in the direction where Nikolas is several feet away, filling out forms and releases. Elizabeth walks to Nikolas. He looks at her and smiles sadly. Elizabeth hugs him and asks, "What can I do for you?

Nikolas replies, "Your being here is all I need."

Elizabeth sat next to Nikolas and reviewed the forms in his lap. She checked his signatures and noted some sections he had not completed. Elizabeth silently points to the areas still needing his signature. One was organ donation, and Nikolas checked yes. Nikolas nods and completes the form. There was one more piece of paper requiring his signature. He reads it out loud. "After the autopsy, what to do with the remains? It offers burial and choices of homes to use. A second option is cremation and, again, a list of crematoriums. The last one was 'body donation.' Donate remains to the General Hospital teaching program observed by students at PCU."

Nikolas says, "Elizabeth, what should I do? Ava and I have grown apart. We've barely spoken to each other. We haven't been together, if you know what I mean, in months. The only other person I could think to ask is her biological mother. I called Delia yesterday, and she sounded scattered and upset. I told her I could fly her out, but she declined and asked to be kept in the loop."

Elizabeth places her hand on Nikolas and replies, "You can decide how you want to handle her remains later. Maybe get Delia out and decide together.

Nikolas nods and finishes the paperwork. He calls Delia and asks about her remains. Delia tells him he can decide, but she will fly out if there is a service later.

Elizabeth takes the paperwork from Nikolas and hands them to the administrator, and walks Nikolas outside. She says, "Laura sent a car and wants you to stay with her for a few days. Do you want to get lunch first? We could get something at Kelly's to eat in the park."

Nikolas replies, "Sure."

While waiting for their order, Elizabeth asked, "Have you called Spencer yet? I could talk to him if you want or anyone else."

Nikolas says, "Shit! I forgot about that. I'll talk to him. I'll notify her contacts outside of Port Charles." Nikolas calls Spencer, and a few minutes later, he says, "No, you don't need to return. I'll let you know when the service is, and you can come out then."

Later that night, Elizabeth says, "Jason. We need to talk."

Jason replies, "Uh-oh, what did I do? 'We need to talk' does not sound good."

Elizabeth laughs and says, "No, nothing like that. I was with Nikolas today, and there was all this paperwork he had to complete for decisions about Ava. He was a mess. If something happens to one of us or the kids, I want a plan in place. I don't want to worry about last-minute decisions during what could be the worst moments of our lives."

Jason wraps his arms around Elizabeth, kisses her, and replies, "Don't worry. I'll have Diane take care of it. Sonny is going through trying to tell Avery about her mother. I feel for Nikolas, but a little girl never going to see her mother again is worse."

Gia hesitated to call Nikolas so soon since their previous conversation, but when she heard about the death of his wife, she thought of calling him back. Nikolas told her he was having problems in his marriage, but still, she wanted to convey her condolences. His mailbox is full, and she texts him a brief message.

Steve Webber is released from prison on November 10th and returns to Port Charles. Mac, Diane, Jason, Elizabeth, and Jeff are there to greet him as he exits the plane. Jason asked Sonny if they could use his plane to avoid the hassles of getting through security. Mac affixes the ankle monitor to Steve's left ankle and hands a big packet of information to him and a copy to Diane. Mac says, "Steve, I don't need to tell you that you are very lucky. Don't screw up your second chance. Good Luck." Mac exits as Elizabeth grabs Steve and holds him tight.

Elizabeth releases her grasp, and Jeff is beside her to take over the hugging. Jeff holds him and says, "Son, it's good to see you."

Steve replies, "Thank you for being here. Jason, Elizabeth, thank you for your help in my release."

Diane clears her throat, "Ahem. I helped, but that's beside the point. My time is money. Steve, your packet includes information on your PO officer, which we meet with in the morning. Elizabeth, I expect you to accompany him. Monica said you have a probationary position at General Hospital. You must be on time and perform your duties. Please review all the information and discuss any questions and concerns with me in the morning before our meeting. Jason, I'll send you my bill. Good Luck."

Diane exits. Jeff looks confused and concerned, but Jason and Elizabeth chuckle. Elizabeth says, "Don't take offense at what Diane says. She's no-nonsense, very good at her job, and has little patience. Don't worry; she has covered all the bases. Steve, Jason, and I will review your information so you are prepared for tomorrow."

Jeff says, I will check your schedule at the hospital, and I hope we can meet again for lunch. I am relieved you are out."

Jason and Elizabeth take Steve to the Metro Court for dinner before bringing him home to his remodeled apartment above the garage. Jake and Aiden are waiting for him to hug and kiss him. Steve only has a small bag which Aiden insists on carrying to the apartment. Elizabeth promises to take him shopping after the meeting with his Probation Officer. Jason says there are some of his clothes Steve can use.

After the boys go to bed, the adults review the information packet. Jason offers beers to everyone. Steve takes a swig and says, "Boy, I have missed this. I didn't want to drink at dinner because I didn't know the rules, but I figured I was safe here.

Elizabeth says, "If you are up to it, after everything, I'd like you to meet your sister Hayden in the afternoon."

Steve says he will think about it, but all he wants to do is sleep in a real bed and take a real shower in the morning." He hugs and kisses his sister and again thanks Jason for his persistence in getting him released. Before falling asleep, Steve reviews the information one more time.

Elizabeth rises early and cooks a full breakfast with fresh-brewed espresso Corothinos coffee. The boys eat, and the boys leave for school. Jason arrives for breakfast and ensures a guard is with them before leaving for school. He's more concerned about their safety when Johnny is released but wants to play it safe with Steve.

Steve enters the kitchen, his hair damp, looking relaxed. He looks at the feast before him and says, "Elizabeth, you shouldn't have gone to this extreme. Everything looks and smells wonderful."

Elizabeth laughs and replies, "Don't expect this every day. This is a one-time delight. I wanted to treat you on your first free morning. You are on your own for meals after today."

Jason says, "I have paperwork to catch up on at the warehouse, and since your hands are full, I'll check with Nikolas and Delia on arrangements for a memorial service. I must meet with Sonny later, so don't hold dinner. Steve, good luck today." Jason kisses Elizabeth and leaves.

Diane is waiting for Steve and Elizabeth, and they meet with the PO and review all the rules and schedules. Elizabeth promises to be his guardian for the next six months. Steve signs the paperwork, and after two hours, everyone leaves.

Elizabeth suggests getting food at Kelly's and wants to show him the memorial garden. She gets an extra order and drinks. Once they arrive at the selected spot, Hayden comes after Elizabeth sets up everything.

Steve stands up and says, "Elizabeth has told me a lot about you. Do you mind a hug?"

Hayden replies, "I would love a hug."

They sit and discuss family history and relationships. Steve explains what it was like before Elizabeth was born. Their mother raised him from age five after his father left Port Charles and took him away from Heather, his biological mother. He called Carolyn, "Mom." Sarah came along a year and a half later, and Elizabeth another year after that. He was already a senior in college when their parents gaslighted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth wrote to him and told her the story about what his mom did to that girl, he sided with Elizabeth. He could not forgive Carolyn, but Elizabeth wrote she had forgiven their father, and he was willing to try to reconnect with Jeff before Jeff and Monica left Port Charles.

A few hours later, Elizabeth comments, "We still need to go clothes shopping and then back for dinner and Steve's curfew." They say goodbye, promising to see each other again, and Hayden will bring Violet.

Elizabeth and Steve return home to find that Jake and Aiden have cooked dinner. Later Elizabeth says, "It was too early this morning, but Cam has finished his classes for today and wants a call from you. They call Cam, and Steve catches up with him. Steve hugs everyone and retreats to his room. The boys go to study.

Elizabeth is in bed, sighs, and places a call she dreds. "Sarah, It's Elizabeth. Steve is out of prison. He is staying with Jason with me while he is on probation. Perhaps you could fly out and show your support. Sure, I'll make reservations at the Metro Court. Steve will love to see you."

Elizabeth is reviewing hospital paperwork when Jason arrives home. She updates him on the day's events, and Jason updates her. Jason takes a quick shower, takes Elizabeth's laptop, turns out the lights, and curls up with her in bed.

Sarah

Thanksgiving

Everyone returns

Spencer has news