Chapter 9

Note: This story is in the future: November 2024. Rachael Ames's birthday is 11/2/29. The Webber family will celebrate Audrey's 95th birthday.

Thank you for the continued reviews. They encourage me to keep writing.

Sarah

Thanksgiving

Everyone returns

Elizabeth wakes and walks to the shower. The water falls over her. She feels hands around her, and she leans back against Jason. She says, "Thank you for your help with Nikolas and Steve. This month is going to be crazy." Jason helps her bathe and dries off. As they both dress, she continues, "Steve is home, but it's going to be strange being 'responsible' for him for six months. I called Sarah last night and told her about Steve, I almost regretted it, but she's family. Sarah said she would fly out for a few days. We missed my Gram's birthday by a week through all this confusion. It's her 95th birthday. Gram won't want a fuss, but I want to do something since Steve and Sarah will be here. Dad will want to be involved, and Monica has known her the longest. Thanksgiving is two weeks away, and Cam is returning with Emma, Trina, and Spencer. Cam said Robin and Patrick were coming and would stay at Anna and Valentine's place. It will be a nightmare, not to mention next month's events."

Jason says, "Sush, you are not alone. I'll help with Steve, and we can have something simple and enjoyable for Audrey. Jake and Aiden can chip in. I know you have issues with Sarah, but she will only be here for a few days. When Cam returns, he can help with Thanksgiving."

Elizabeth applies the finishing touches to her makeup. She says, "Thank you. I needed to vent. Steve starts his job tomorrow, and I'm nervous about that."

Jason and Elizabeth walk downstairs and arrive at breakfast cooked by Steve and the boys. Aiden says, "Uncle Steve wanted to make something for you, but he didn't know where anything was, so we helped."

Elizabeth hugs Steve and says, "Thank you, everyone. I must reschedule the Girl's Night Out because all this testosterone is overwhelming."

Jason laughs, "I think Steve and I can manage with the boys today. You get your girl on."

Elizabeth drives to General Hospital and follows up with her nurses. She checks the doctor's schedules, and Mary has the Night Shift off. Elizabeth texts to the gang, including Mary, "GNO, the Asteroid Bar tonight at six." Mary texts back with question marks. Elizabeth texts that Mary can follow her since she doesn't know the area.

Elizabeth finds Monica and says, "Steve is finding his footing, but he will be ready to work tomorrow. I'm planning a small party for Gram's 95th birthday and want you and Dad there. Sarah is flying in to see Steve, which would be the perfect time to celebrate."

Monica replies, "Three of her grandchildren together will make Audrey happy. She won't even care about a party, but your Dad and I would love to help in the celebrations."

At 5:00 pm, Elizabeth changes into her street clothes. She texts Mary that she's ready to leave. Elizabeth has her guard with her and offers to provide rides for everyone. Mary is introduced to the 'lick it, slam it, suck it' initiation of the Girl's Night Out. Elizabeth orders nachos and quesadillas for everyone. She reminds Terry of what happened the last time and to pace herself.

Mary appreciates being included in Elizabeth's circle of friends and is getting slightly tipsy. Lainey, Kelly, and Elizabeth explain the history of tequila night and how it started. Elizabeth and Kelly tease Lainey about her first time and her needing instruction of the 'lick it, slam it, suck it' club. They all raise their glasses to Emily and Robin and welcome Mary to the group. Around 9:00 pm, Elizabeth indicates it's time to leave. Tomorrow is Steve's first day at General Hospital Elizabeth wants to be to introduce him to his new duties. Her guard drops everyone to their homes and brings Elizabeth back to Jason.

Steve and Elizabeth arrive at General Hospital early in the morning. She shows him to Human Resources, and he signs the paperwork and receives his orientation packet. He later finds her, and she gives him the new tour.

Elizabeth leaves to check on her patients and returns to the Hub. She overhears Amy Driscoll gossiping. Amy says, "Who is that hunk Elizabeth was showing around? Is he new here? Is he single?"

Deanna Sirtis clears her throat. Amy jumps and turns around. Amy says, "Nurse Webber, I'm sorry. I didn't see you. I know I shouldn't be gossiping, but I was curious. It looked like you were giving a tour."

Elizabeth waits until Amy stops babbling. She says, "Amy, Deanna, you will find out soon enough, so it doesn't matter. That hunk is my brother, Dr. Steve Webber. He will be working in the ER and is also a certified trauma surgeon. He worked at General Hospital several years ago. He was the Chief of Staff for two years. You will hear a lot of rumors. Most of it is true, but I don't want to hear it from you. He is a doctor, and you will treat him with respect. Do you understand?" Both nurses nod and mumble they must get back to work.

Elizabeth turns away and shakes her head. She sighs and inwardly says, "I did not expect for that to happen. It's going to be harder for Steve once the tongues start wagging. I hope he still has friends here." Elizabeth resumes her day. Elizabeth finds Steven in the ER, huddled around her best girls on her break. Terry catches Steve up on her life, including wanting him to meet her Russian boyfriend. Kelly recites the 12-Step SA mantra in her head to avoid thinking about the things she wants to do to Steve. Lainey wants to ask questions about the psyche of the prison population, but she knows better than to involve Elizabth's brother like that.

Elizabeth walks in and calls out, "Is this an ambush? Steve, are you under attack?" She laughs.

Steve laughs and replies, "I'm good. This is the most fun I've had in years, barring playing Uncle, of course."

Elizabeth bites her lip, smiles, and says, "Of course."

Steve excuses himself, saying, "Ladies, this has been fun, but my sister needs me."

Elizabeth says, "How is your first day? Catching up with old friends? Any issues with new ones?"

Steve replies, "It's better than I expected. Terry looks great! Yuri sounds nice. Monica stopped by, and she wants to help with Gram's party. She offered the Quartermine Mansion, but I told her we wanted it small. I want to see Gram today if it's not too late."

Elizabeth checks her watch and replies, "My shift is over in three hours, and we could bring Gram dinner. Aren't you off around the same time?"

Steve says yes. "I'll meet you at the 2nd-floor station in three hours."

Elizabeth places a to-go order from Kelly's, and she and Steve visit Audrey. Audrey is thrilled to see her grandson. Elizabeth mentions her 95th birthday, but Audrey says she doesn't want anything. Elizabeth says, "What if Sarah were to come out? Your grandchildren, great-grandchildren, my father, and Monica. We could have something at my place, and if you get tired, I'll take you back."

Audrey throws her hands up and says, "Fine, but only because I love you. I can't deny your wishes. Steve and Elizabeth kiss her goodbye and drive home.

Jason welcomes them home and says, "The boys are watching a movie in the family room. Sarah called and wants to stay here instead of the Metro Court. She said she wanted to be close to Steve and that this was her home for about a year."

Elizabeth shakes her head and replies, "It's just for two or three days. I can handle three days."

Steve replies, "There's a couch in the apartment. She could stay with me. She won't be underfoot all the time."

Elizabeth kisses Steve's cheeks twice and says, "Bless you, bless you. Yes, if you don't mind."

Steve laughs and replies, "It will be good for both of us."

With Jake and Aiden's help, Elizabeth and Steve prepare for Grams' birthday in their off time. Jason stays out of the way since it's not his thing. He only got creative when celebrating her birthday and their anniversary, and sometimes he needed help from the boys. Jason has been spending more time at the warehouse as he got behind in the paperwork helping with Nikolas and Steve.

According to Elizabeth, the "D" Day approaches and, for once, doesn't mean 'danger' it means "Doom Day," the day Sarah arrives. Elizabeth can't explain it, but her sister rubs her the wrong way. Ever since Elizabeth ran away to Grams-Sarah, sleeping with Lucky not once but twice. Finding Maxie in Elizabeth and Lucky's bed was traumatic enough, but her sister was a different kick in the gut. Jason promises to be a buffer. He offers to pick Sarah up at the airport.

The day before Gram's party, Jake and Aiden prep the house for her birthday.

Jason picks up Sarah from the airport, and as he's driving her back home, she looks him up and down, eyeing him. Jason is oblivious to her actions. Jason pulls into the garage and helps with her bags, showing her to the apartment above the garage. She follows him to the main house, and he points out the changes. The boys welcome the Aunt they had never met. Jake was thought to be dead, and Aiden was a newborn.

Elizabeth and Steve arrive, and Sarah has her feet on the living room table and a mixed drink in her hand. Elizabeth says, "What the F…Frack? (She doesn't like to curse in the house because of the boys). What the hell are you doing? How did you get into the liquor cabinet?"

Sarah jumps up and exclaims, "Stevie! Lizzy! You are home! Jason said I could have one drink. Sush, don't tell him; I've had three."

Elizabeth says, "Where are Jason and the boys?"

Sarah replies, "He took the kids to Monica's and Daddy's. He said something about testosterone. Steve, can I get an 'I just got out of prison hug'?"

Steve hugs Sarah, and Elizabeth reluctantly hugs her too.

Steve says, "Why are you drinking?"

Sarah replies, "Steve, Lizzie, join me for a drink. Today is the 5th anniversary of my husband Mark's death."

Elizabeth grits her teeth and replies, "It's Elizabeth, Sarah, not Lizzie. I'm sorry. Those anniversaries can be difficult. I still miss Franco."

Sarah says, "That's right, Mom said you didn't like Lizzie. I keep forgetting."

Elizabeth says, "Tomorrow is Gram's birthday. The party will be here, and there will be no drinking. I'd prefer you keep the drinking to a minimum around the boys while you are here."

Steve ushers Sarah to the apartment as Jason walks in the door. Elizabeth shakes her head and says, "I don't know if I can survive another day of this." Jason hugs her and says he'll be there for her.

Elizabeth and Jason are sleeping when their Ring Alarm sounds, and then it quickly stops, and they hear a key in the door. Jason grabs his gun and says, "Stay here." Jason runs downstairs, and the lights turn on."

Cam says, "Geeze, Jason, It's me. I wanted to surprise everyone. I forgot you still sleep with your gun. I took two days off from school; I couldn't miss Great-Gram's birthday."

Jason mumbles, "Sorry," then he laughs.

Elizabeth throws on a robe, and the boys hear the noise and see Cam and Jason talking. Cam says, "Surprise." He gets hugs from everyone. Cam says, "I couldn't miss Great-Grams birthday. I took two days off from school."

Jason lets everyone sleep in, but Steve joins him and recounts yesterday's events. Jason says, "Elizabeth told me. She gets along with you, but not Sarah."

Steve says, "First, Sarah was always the favored child. I was older, but I reminded Dad of Heather, and Sarah was Mom's firstborn child. They loved all of us, but Sarah was perfect. She wasn't born from a psychopath or was a daughter who acted out."

Jason replies, "I know the history. It hurts Elizabeth that your parents weren't there for her after her rape, and Sarah was welcomed back when she became a doctor and joined them in Doctors without Borders."

Elizabeth and the boys arrive for breakfast, and Cam says, "Uncle Steve! It's great to see you,"

Steve and Cam hug as Sarah walks in. She says, "I have a headache. Lizzie, do you have an aspirin? I'm sorry about last night."

Elizabeth hands Sarah two aspirins and says, "It's Elizabeth."

Sarah says, "Is that Cameron? The last time I saw you was when you were about five or six years old."

Cameron hugs Sarah and says, "Good morning Aunt Sarah."

The party is a success. Audrey beams as Jason takes several pictures of her with Jeff, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jason also takes pictures of Audrey, Jeff, Monica, and Elizabeth. Jeff and Monica say goodbye and return to the Quartermaines. Steve has the night shift on his rotation and says he'll see everyone in the morning. Jason had promised to take Jake, Aiden, and Danny to mini golf, but Cam offered to take them instead since he would only be in town another day. Elizabeth tells them to have fun.

Elizabeth says, "I'll be back after dropping Gram off and picking up extra food for Cam. Sarah, if you want, I can take you to the Asteroid Bar for one drink only when I return. I have early rounds and can show you General Hospital in the morning."

Elizabeth and Jason help Audrey to the car. He kisses Elizabeth and says, "Drive carefully; you have precious cargo in the car."

Elizabeth laughs, taps his face, and replies, "You're cute."

Jason takes down the Halloween decorations and sets them inside the garage. He returns to the house, and Sarah has a half-full bottle of tequila in front of her. She says, "Jason, join me for a drink."

Jason replies, "Why don't you wait for Elizabeth? She said the Asteroid Bar is fun."

Sarah downs another shot and says, "I think you would be more fun. Didn't Lizzie tell you that I'm grieving?" She drinks from the bottle.

Jason lifts the bottle from Sarah and replies, "You should go to bed."

Sarah grabs the bottle back and says, "Only if you will join me."

Jason takes the bottle back and replies, "I'm sorry you are grieving, but you need to stop drinking."

Sarah reaches for the bottle, but Jason is taller. Sarah yells, "What does Lizzie have that I don't?"

Elizabeth walks in carrying two full bags of groceries. She watches Sarah jump for the bottle and replies, "Apparently, I have dignity. Sarah, you are too drunk, but tomorrow, you fly home or find other accommodations. You are not welcome in our home anymore." Elizabeth turns to Jason and says, "I'll get my sister upstairs if you can unload the groceries." Cam and the boys return, and when Elizabeth returns from the apartment, she walks past them and upstairs to the shower.

Jake says, "What's wrong with Mom?" Jason shakes his head no, meaning 'don't ask.'

Cam offers to stay an extra day, but Jason says that is unnecessary.

In bed, Jason holds Elizabeth; she sighs and says, "I never want to see her again." Sarah is gone the next day.

Thanksgiving and Everyone Returns:

Emma drove to Maryland when Harvard went on break for the holidays. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the Scorpio-Drake family flew to Port Charles. Anna and Valentine had a separate wing ready with three rooms for Noah and Emma and one for Patrick and Robin.

Spencer asked his father if he could use the family plane for Spencer, Trina, and Cam to fly to Port Charles for Thanksgiving. They arrived mid-Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Since Ava's death, once the contractor completed the hotel, Spencer sent the plans for the retreat he acquired from the firm he hired in Boston. Nikolas moved into the Presidential Suite. Nikolas set up a suite next to him for Spencer when he arrived. The Grand Opening will be in February. Elizabeth invited Nikolas and Spencer to the Webber/Morgan house for Thanksgiving. Spencer teased that he had promising news to share.

Nadine and Matt arrived the day before Thanksgiving and had return tickets to Berkeley Sunday afternoon. They are staying in a Metro Court suite next to the one reserved by Noah Drake Sr. They are joining the Scorpio-Drakes at Anna and Valentines on Thanksgiving. Nadine and Matt had news to share with his Dad, Robin, and Patrick. Nadine promised Willow a visit after the Quartermaines had their Thanksgiving pizza.

The Quartermaines invited the family, but Jason did not want pizza for dinner, nor was he inclined to sing 'We Gather Together' either. Elizabeth and Jason promised to visit to bring Jake for Pumpin Pie and join Drew, Sam, Danny, and Scout.

News

Nadiene announces she is pregnant.

Spencer discusses his plans to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston for a graduate degree in management and economics. He promises to apply himself this time.

Thanksgiving ends, and everyone returns to their routines.

Christmas-New Years

Johnny is out of prison

Spencer, Trina, and Emma return to Berkeley

Cam goes on tour