Chapter 5

End September 2024

Port Charles is getting used to the new additions of the Ward family. Keesha has adjusted to her new position of Assistant Mayor. Laura has been welcoming. They knew each other from when Keesha was in Port Charles previously. They reminisce about Mae Mae.

Laura says, "Robert says Sean is sitting second chair for several of the cases, and Robert thinks soon Sean can begin trying his own cases." Laura adds, "Monica and Terry say the patients love Mary on the Night Shift. After her training there, does she want to rotate to other departments before she makes a decision?"

Keesha replies, "Sean enjoys the DA's office, but it could impede his relationship with Josslyn Jacks. Mary is still angry at me for keeping secrets about AJ, but she needs to let go of her construed beliefs against those close to Sonny. I took out my anger towards what Monica said about Sonny, and now Mary has amplified those feelings."

Laura says, "Would it help if I speak with Mary? I have a lot of experience with all involved parties."

Keesha replies, "I'm at my wit's end; anything will help. Should I have her here, or would you rather go to the hospital?"

Laura says, I have to check on some hospital issues; I could see her then. Thank you, and please take care of things while I'm away."

Laura arrives at General Hospital and pages Mary Ward. She calls Terry in advance. Mary enters the office. Laura apologizes for ambushing her. Laura says, "Terry's evaluations of you are high. I hope you are enjoying the Night Shift. Next month you can start your rotations, and we can find a good fit for you. It can be quite daunting. Your mother has concerns about your adjusting to several residents of Port Charles."

Mary replies, "My mother should not have involved you."

Laura says, "I offered. I have lived here for several years. I knew your great-grandmother, your namesake. I knew Justus; I knew Edward Quartermaine and Lila. I've known almost every Quartermaine and their skeletons. No one is perfect. I could tell you stories of my ex-husband and Tracy Quartermaine, who was married to him before he was killed. AJ was flawed. All of us are flawed. Sometimes they break the law. Sometimes we wish we could take back some of those things; they shaped us into who we are. I understand you are angry at Sonny Corothinos. I don't begrudge your feelings; however, those close to Sonny aren't to blame for his actions."

Mary cries, "I know. I was mean to Elizabeth Webber. She's married to Sonny's former right-hand man. I don't like Josslyn Jacks, who is dating my brother. I'm afraid of the Quartermaines, who knew AJ better than me."

Laura wraps her arms around Mary and says, "I love Elizabeth like a daughter. She used to be married to my son Lucky. She is a lot tougher than you think. If you have questions about AJ, ask the people who knew him. Be prepared for the unvarnished truth. Talk to people who know Sonny and Jason. Stop believing in what you read and get to know the man behind what is written about him."

Mary thanks Laura and says her shift is about to start.

Elizabeth bumps into Mary on her way out of the locker room. Elizabeth is dressed in her street clothes. Elizabeth says, "Sorry," not noticing who she bumped into.

Mary stops and says, "Elizabeth Webber? Remember me? I'm Mary Ward. I have a few questions if you could spare a few minutes."

Elizabeth checks her watch and says, "Of course. Would you like to get coffee and go to the roof? Many doctors and nurses go there to get away for a while."

Elizabeth listens and answers honestly about what she knows about AJ. Elizabeth deflects when it comes to Sonny or Jason. Elizabeth says, "Sonny and my husband are best friends. They have donated millions of dollars to various causes, including rebuilding Port Charles after the asteroid and a cause important to them, HIV and AIDS-related diseases. If you want to know more about Sonny or my husband, ask them directly. If you expect them to tell you about AJ, you might not like their answers. I'm running late; good luck with your shift."

The following morning, Monica called Keesha to apologize for her previous behavior. Monica invited Keesha, Sean, and Mary to come to the house again tomorrow afternoon. Monica wanted Jason to be there with Jake and Elizabeth. She also called Sam and Drew and invited Danny and Scout. When Elizabeth took the message, Jason tried to beg off.

Elizabeth says, "Jason, all the Quartermaines, including Michael, Drew, Danny, and Scout, will also be there. Like it or not, they are family. If Jake or Danny wants nothing to do with them, that is their choice, but don't decide for them."

(In this story, Valentine has no stock or shares with the Quartermaines)

Jason is curious as to why Aiden was omitted. He doesn't think it's fair. Elizabeth offers to stay if it bothers Aiden. Jason calls Monica to find out why Aiden wasn't included. Monica explains that it has to do with the adjusted voting shares with the addition of Sean and Mary Mae. Cam and Aiden are not part of the Quartermaine shares. Jason says Elizabeth could stay home with Aiden. Monica says she and Jeff have news to share with Jason and Elizabeth after the meeting. Jason gives up and agrees to the gathering. He takes Aiden aside and explains why everyone else is visiting the Quartermaines. He says Monica wants to speak with him and Elizabeth later. Jason says Jake will take his car, and after the Quartermaine meeting, Jake will treat him to dinner and a movie.

All the Quartermaines and the extended relations converge in the spacious Quartermaine Great Room. Tracy is still steamed that she is a non-voting member.

Monica begins by welcoming Sean and Mary to the family, hoping everyone will take a moment to get to know them. I have consulted with the Quartermaine family lawyers and conferred with our Co-CEOs. Handouts explaining the distributions are included. Per Edward's will, voting shares are distributed across the family as follows: I will receive five shares. Ned and Michael, the CEOs, have nine shares each. The children (Skye, Jason, Drew, and Dillon) receive eight shares each. Their children, including Sean and Mary Ward, will receive five shares each. If the grandchild is under 18, their shares will be voted by their parent. The great-grandchildren (Wiley and Tait) will receive two shares each. The remaining shares; are Rebecca and Maya Ward, 1.5 shares each. Thank you."

Jake asks, "What does that mean?"

Jason replies, "A lot of paperwork, legalese, and infighting. I'm going to say goodbye to Monica."

Jason returns and says, "Monica and Jeff need to speak with us and Drew.

After everyone says their goodbyes, Jake leaves to pick up Aiden and take him to dinner. Elizabeth, Jason, and Drew wait for Monica and Jeff. Jeff apologizes for keeping them longer than planned, but Jeff and Monica want to share their news before General Hospital finds out.

Monica says, "In January 2025, after almost 50 years, I will retire from General Hospital. Jeff is leaving GH too. We plan to tour Asia for six months and take some Safari trips. I haven't practiced much in the past few years, but despite having subcontractors for Cardiologists, I want to hire a permanent head before I hang up my scrub cap."

Elizabeth is speechless. She finally finds her voice. "Monica, Dad, I am happy for you. Monica, you deserve the time off after everything you have devoted to General Hospital and the community. Alan and Emily would have been proud of you."

Drew says, "Jeff, you have made our mother happy. I'm envious of your travels."

Jason hugs Monica and shakes Jeff's hand. He says, "I wish you all the best. I was hoping to surprise you, but a team of lawyers in Memphis is working on getting Steven a new trial. I can't make promises, but hopefully, before you leave town, your son will be released from prison and back in Port Charles."

Jeff says, "Wow! I would love to see Steve out of prison. Whatever the outcome, thank you for trying."

Elizabeth asks about Hayden. She will be seeing Hayden soon. Jeff hopes that he will be able to see all his children before they leave town. Elizabeth smiles but groans inwardly. She hopes Sarah is away on one of her trips. She loves her sister, but Sarah has a way of steamrolling herself into all situations involving Elizabeth.

Jason sees Elizabeth smile through clenched teeth and thanks Monica and Jeff for the news, but they have dinner plans. Jason says they have about four months before Monica and Jeff leave and will see them again soon.

While Monica and Jeff took Elizabeth, Jason, and Drew for a private conversation, Ned asked Sean and Mary if they wanted to take drinks out on the terrace. Willow has gone to bed with Wiley and Tait.

Mary apologizes for her behavior. She said that Laura Collins explained that no one is perfect and Sonny wasn't the only person with faults or regrets. Mary shouldn't blame others for things Sonny has done. Mary promises to judge others based on their actions, not their relationship with Sonny.

Michael asks Sean how things are progressing with Joss. Sean explains they are taking it slow but have agreed not to let her relationship with Sonny change things for them.

Ned asks Mary if she's had a chance to meet anyone. Mary explains other than the hospital and the apartment, she hasn't had time to meet anyone.

Ned says, "Elizabeth Webber, she's the Head Nurse at General Hospital. She was here with my cousin Jason tonight. She knows a lot of single doctors and nurses."

Mary replies, "Yes, we met earlier when I was on the Night Shift. I'm not sure she knows my type."

Sean laughs and says, "Mae, stop yanking their chain. Mary's type is of the female persuasion."

Michael takes a swig of his beer and laughs, "Kristina is probably out of the question."

Sean asks why. "Who is Kristina?"

Michael says, "She's my sister, Sonny, and Alexis Davis's daughter."

Sean replies, "Does she work at a bar called Charlies? I met her when I was with Joss. She's cute."

Mary says, "I'm evolving, but I don't think I'm ready to date Sonny's daughter or some weird iteration dating your brother's girlfriend, step-sister, or something like that." Everyone laughs. Mary adds, "Besides, I met someone in Europe. She has ties to Port Charles, but I'm unsure if her parents know about her. She lost touch with them years ago."

Jason and Elizabeth stop at Charlie's for dinner and drinks. Elizabeth says, "That evening was unexpected. Do I need to care about those voting shares? I'm more interested in our parents going on Safari. I think that is amazing about your mother. She has been with General Hospital for almost 50 years!"

Jason replies, "That is a surprise. I don't think Jake, Danny, or we need to worry about Quartermaine voting shares. Since my accident, I recall being invited to vote maybe three times. Don't ask me to remember what those votes were for. Are you okay with seeing Sarah if Steven gets released?"

Elizabeth replies, "You caught that, huh? Nothing gets by you. If Steve is released, I'll grin and grit through my teeth because it will be worth it."

Jason and Elizabeth split a molten chocolate cake. Jason drinks an espresso coffee, and Elizabeth a chocolate martini. Elizabeth sighs, saying, "Would it be considered a sin to imagine you dipped completely in chocolate?"

Jason shakes his head, smiles, and laughs.

They arrive home and call Cam. Elizabeth updates him on the Ward family. Cam explains that Spencer sent him the link to the press conference. Elizabeth explains there is more. Elizabeth tells Cam that Mary is working the Night Shift at General Hospital. "Mary is not happy to be here and hates Sonny. She tried going after me because I'm married to Jason, but she mellowed after Laura explained how flawed we are and that it's not right to blame others by association. We have to work together, and despite her being an intern, I have seniority for at least six months while she is in training."

Jason tells Cam about the Quartermaine meeting, and Cam says, "Jason, I love you, and you have been a wonderful father figure, but thank god you are Jake's father and not mine. The Quartermaines are a nightmare!"

Jason and Elizabeth laugh. Elizabeth says, "Have you spoken to Joss recently?"

Cam replies, "No. Is she okay?"

Jason says, "I don't think Spencer knew this when he sent the link, as we recently found out ourselves, but Joss is dating Sean Ward."

Jason and Elizabeth hear Cam yell to Trina and Emma, "Hey, Joss is dating a guy that may have to prosecute Sonny one day." They all laugh.

Jason remains quiet, and Elizabeth stifles a laugh before she hangs up the phone. "I guess he's over her."

Jake and Aiden are in their rooms studying or secretly posting on Facebook. Elizabeth tidies the living room, and Jason double-checks the locks when the security alarm alerts them. Jason looks at the camera and says, "Shit! Elizabeth, this one is for you." The bell is ringing over and over.

Elizabeth opens the door, and LuLu runs crying into Elizabeth's arms. Jason says, "I'll get you some water and then check on the boys. Take as much time as you need."

Elizabeth guides LuLu to the couch, and Jason brings LuLu a bottle of water. LuLu asks, "Do you have anything stronger?"

Elizabeth goes to the liquor cabinet, unlocks it, grabs a bottle of tequila, and says, "Water first, then we'll talk."

LuLu sobs, "Dante and I fought. It was about Johnny and me wanting to visit him at Pentonville."

Elizabeth pours LuLu a shot and asks, "Why do you want to see him?"

LuLu replies, "I don't know. Maybe to say I'm sorry or to thank him. You defied Lucky and others when you went to see Jason when he was in prison."

Elizabeth takes the tequila away and hands LuLu the water. She says, "Are you in love with Johnny? Did Dante understand why you needed to see Johnny? Our situations were different. I went to see Jason to tell him about Jake. I thanked him for saving Jake, but I also said I loved him without having to say the words. Is that how you feel?"

Jason comes down the stairs as LuLu replies, "No. I don't understand why, but even in my Coma, I felt alone and didn't want that for Johnny. How do I make it right with Dante? I love him, not Johnny."

Jason says, "Elizabeth will call Dante, and you can sleep it off here. Until you talk with Dante, you can't fix things. Elizabeth and I put off expressing our feeling for a long time and hid things from Lucky. Without trust, you won't survive."

Elizabeth calls Dante and tells him where LuLu is and to give her space. Wait until tomorrow, she says. LuLu follows Jason to the guest room, where Jason has things ready for LuLu.

Elizabeth cleans up the glasses, locks the tequila, and pops her head in to tell the boys it's time for bed. She tells Jason, "I'm glad we got through all that. I'm happy you are in my life. I love you."

Jason replies, "I love you too. I'll deal with Dante and LuLu tomorrow."

Over breakfast and feeding a hungover LuLu, Elizabeth tells Jason she is meeting Hayden in the park. Hayden is leaving Violet at the daycare. Elizabeth is concerned since Hayden doesn't want to include her daughter. Jason says, "You will figure it out. Hayden has been through a lot. She was kept captive by the Cassidines, had to kill Victor, make peace with Nikolas, and get to know Finn and her daughter again."

Hayden and Elizabeth go to the park. Hayden proposes her ideas about moving.

Elizabeth says, "I understand why you feel the need to escape or feel out of place here; hell, I've felt that way several times. You said Finn asked you to wait until Thanksgiving. I'm asking you to wait until after the first of the year." Elizabeth explains that Jeff and Monica are leaving Port Charles for several months. "Jason is working on getting our brother out of prison. I'd love for the two of you to meet. Can you wait that long?" Hayden agrees.

Spencer leaves for Boston on his father's jet. He arrived in the afternoon, and since it was a last-minute decision, he didn't let them know he was coming. The Uber takes him to the apartment, but no one is home yet. He doesn't have keys to the apartment. Spencer asks the driver to drive him to the firm Trina is interning and asks if she is there. The receptionist tells him no, but to leave a message. Spencer decides to pull out the Cassidine card. He says, "I need to speak with one of your managing partners. My name is Spencer Cassidine, and my father is Nikolas Cassidine. He is working on a resort in Port Charles, New York. We have plans that need tweaking and want to hire your firm."

The man says, "I'll page one of our partners. Please wait." As Spencer waits, a couple of twenty-something men leave, shouting being them, "Sign us out, Mark. We will see you Monday."

Mark says, "Mr. Brady will be here shortly. A young man in his late 20s arrives and says, "Mr. Cassidine, my name is Frank Brady. Show me what you got, and I'll review it with the partners and get back to you tomorrow." Spencer thanks Frank, figures that's the best he can get without an appointment, and leaves.

Spencer calls for another Uber, has the driver take him to a high-end restaurant, and orders dinner and dessert for four. He picks up two bottles of red wine and a six-pack from a local brewery. He then tells the driver to take him to the apartment he was at two hours ago. There was no answer. He checks his watch and texts, Trina and Cam. He wanted to surprise everyone, but apparently, his friends had other plans. Spencer takes in the shade on the front porch. Spencer opens a dark ale and takes two gulps.

To appease his father, Spencer searches the business section on his phone. Spencer told his father he would be in Boston for about a month. Perhaps he could find something with his qualifications or use his name to get a job. From his conversations with Cam, everyone was keeping busy. Besides their advanced University courses, Trina had her work-study; Emma volunteered at various clinics, saw her parents every other weekend, and worked with them at John Hopkins. Cam and his band performed at eclectic venues or dive bars.

Spencer receives a text from Cam that he and Emma are about five minutes away. Spencer hasn't heard from Trina today or since their last text two days ago. If Trina isn't with them, he hopes she is okay. Spencer is pulled out of his thoughts when he hears the horn from Cam's car as he pulls into the assigned parking space. Cam grabs his belongings and waits for Emma to exit before he locks the car with his key fob.

Cam says, "Spencer, we didn't know you were coming. Let us get our things inside, and Emma and I can help you with your bags."

Spencer says, "If you can get the food and the beer, I should be able to manage the wine and my stuff. Where's Trina?"

Emma and Cam bring things inside and set the table seamlessly without speaking. Cam opens the wine to breathe. Emma brings Spencer's belongings to the spare room and quickly makes the bed. Spencer yells, "Hey! Where is Trina?"

Emma and Cam stop what they are doing. Cam grabs two beers and hands one to Emma. Emma says, "Trina is not here. She's in Nantucket. We didn't know you were coming."

Spencer says, "What are you not telling me?

Trina and Spencer

Emma and Cam

Steve, Hayden, Elizabeth, and Jeff

Johnny Z

The Wards