Chapter 21
Thank you to Trini12180, Levesque-Rollins823, Notenoughlove, and Starlight Guardian for your reviews. Thank you to the guest reviewer for your comments on both parts of the What Ifs and the 2023 chapters.
The Confession in the Barn
Lucky and Elizabeth separate
Moving out
Mediation and Custody – Reveals
To the B&W Ball
Scenario 1: 9/21-25/2007
Summary:
LuLu gets into a fight with Logan Hayes and takes off. Spinelli is distraught and asks Jason for help. With Spinelli's hacking skills, they trace LuLu's steps and see her getting into a car with John Zaccahara, son of reputed crime boss Anthony Zaccahara. They track his car and find LuLu in a barn with the young man. After LuLu's rescue, Jason returns to the barn, looking for clues. Meanwhile, Elizabeth checks her voicemail and has a distress call from LuLu asking Elizabeth to pick her up. Elizabeth arrives finding Jason.
The dialogue was taken from OG; it is necessary to include it for the reveals.
Jason apologizes for showing up at her house, but Spinelli was worried about LuLu. Lucky was being an ass accusing Jason of making up reasons to see Elizabeth. He says, "Are things better with Lucky?"
"Umm, no. He's sleeping with Sam."
"I'm sorry about that."
"Why should you be sorry? I'm the one who promised Jake would be raised in a happy and loving home."
"I should have warned you. Sam knows Jake is my son."
"You told Sam?"
"No, she overheard us talking in the hospital after you gave birth to our son."
"She's known since May?"
"Yes, but I didn't find out until after Jake was kidnapped when Amelia came to see me."
"Amelia Joffee?"
"Yes, Sam got drunk after she found out and went to Amelia and told her everything."
"Oh god! So Sam and her television producer have known Jake is your son for months, and you're only telling me this now? Does anyone else know?"
Sighing, Jason says, "Yeah. Sonny, Spinelli, LuLu, Diane, my attorney, and Emily suspects, but I wouldn't confirm."
Sarcastically, "Oh, that's all."
"Spinelli found out by accident, he told LuLu."
"No wonder why she's been so strange with me."
"LuLu understands how complicated things are with us. She's not going to say anything, and Diane can't. Amelia owes me for saving her life. She hates Sam; she has no intent on telling anyone."
So here's the thousand-dollar question. Since Sam is already sleeping with Lucky, what's keeping her from telling him?"
"Because I'd bring Sam up on criminal charges. She watched Jake get kidnapped and hired those men to scare you in the park."
"Jason! If you've known all along Sam was dangerous, how could you not warn me? She's been to the house, tried to play with Jake, and acted interested. She watched our son get kidnapped. She hired men to threaten us. My god, Jason, they had guns! She should be arrested!"
"You can't go to the cops."
"Why not?"
"Elizabeth, trust me when I say Sam's been handled."
"It's all my fault. This entire sick and twisted lie, and now I don't know how to find my way out. I have no right to criticize, but I wish you would have handled things differently."
"If I had given Sam up as an accessory to Jake's kidnapping, it would have come out that I'm his father. You didn't want that at the time. Have you changed your mind?"
"Yes. Too many people already know, and Sam is a loose cannon."
"Elizabeth, nothing has changed. I still want a life with you. Sam's stunt had nothing to do with my business. If you had guards like I wished to, this never would have happened. Eventually, the truth will come out, and why not now?"
"Are you sure? That means telling Lucky. I'd rather he hear the truth from us instead of Sam."
"I'm sure. We can go now."
"I miss you all the time. When Jake smiles, I see your smile. I don't want to be apart any longer."
Jason kisses Elizabeth, "You know I love you."
"I love you too; it's what gets me through this."
Jason follows Elizabeth to the Spencer house. They walk to the door together. Elizabeth opens the door, and Lucky drinks a beer on the couch. He says, "So, you brought Jason. I guess I should thank you for getting LuLu back safely. You always have to play the hero, huh?"
Elizabeth says, "Lucky, this isn't working for us. I need to leave."
Jason says, "Lucky, we must tell you something."
"I already know. Sam told me."
"Lucky, I'm sorry; I should have been honest at the trial. Jason is Jake's father. We wanted to tell you together. I will pack my things and Cam and Jake's stuff."
"There is no way I'm letting my kids live with a mobster like Jason."
Jason says, "Jake is not your son."
"The birth certificate says he's my son. Elizabeth testified in court that he's my son. Do you think anyone will believe you now?"
Elizabeth says, "A new paternity test will prove otherwise, and you never bothered to adopt Cameron."
"You committed perjury; you could spend years in jail. I'll take Jake and Cameron."
Jason says, "I'd rethink that, Lucky. We are willing to be reasonable. Elizabeth will agree to visitation, but it would mean no Jake or Cameron if you out Elizabeth. I'll claim Jake as mine, and Elizabeth signed papers for Audrey to take custody of Cameron. Do you hate me that much? Do you want Elizabeth to go through the humiliation of a trial? The truth will come out, and everything Elizabeth wanted for her children's safety will be gone. You got clean for a child you thought was yours, but you wouldn't for Cam or Elizabeth. How would the courts react to that?"
"I hate and despise you. You are a killer who stole my wife. Sam chose me. She believes in me, and I'll take my chances with Ric. He hates you more than me."
"Sam didn't tell you everything. In fact, what Sam did will cost her more time than a perjury charge."
"You are lying. Sam's done nothing but save my kids and try to open your eyes, Elizabeth."
"Lucky, I will never let Sam near my children, and if I get sent away for perjury, I'm taking her with me."
"Fine, what did Sam do?"
"Lucky, I'm going to give Sam a chance to do something I should have done."
"What's that?"
"I should have been honest with you, and you even asked me directly, and I lied. I'll give Sam the chance to be honest with you. Excuse me, Jason, and I need to pack."
Scenario 2
Summary:
Lucky and Elizabeth agree to end their marriage. Elizabeth moves out and finds a perfect rental to move into. She hires Diane for her divorce, and Lucky hires Alexis for his. Now that the two tough lawyers are involved, things get nasty.
What If Reveal
10/8-10/27/2007
Elizabeth doesn't want to use Lucky's past drug use against him. She's not asking for alimony, but Dine thinks she should ask for more than she wants to leave room for negotiations. Alexis says Lucky needs to ask for more and file for full custody of Jake.
Diane says, "Lucky never adopted Cameron, and the best way to keep Lucky from filing custody of Jake is to tell the courts and Lucky that Jason is Jake's biological father."
"I've already sworn under oath that he is."
"I can prove emotional duress or ask the court to order a new paternity test, and you can act surprised with the results."
"Diane, I don't want to go to those extremes, but if Lucky won't back down, then that is what I want."
Lucky accosts Elizabeth at GH in the locker rooms. He says, "About what happened earlier, I want to stop this fight before it gets out of control."
"So do I."
"Then fire Diane and let Alexis draft up our custody agreement."
"No."
"Elizabeth, if you don't, I will have to file for sole custody of my son; Alexis says I could win since you constantly put Jake in danger by letting him around Jason."
"This is why we need separate attorneys. Let them fight so we don't have to."
"We agreed to make this as easy as possible for the boys, and then you went out and hired Jason's lawyer. I have concerns for Jake's safety."
"How can you say that? I'm a good mother."
"Well, good mothers don't let their kids hang out with mobsters."
"Lucky, you do not want to go there. You will regret everything if you file for primary custody."
"I'm going to keep Jake safe, even if it means taking him away from you."
"Lucky, Diane will handle the papers, and you either agree to the terms, or I will ask for a new paternity test to prove that Jason is Jake's father, and he can see Jason anytime he wants."
Reveal 3
Summary:
Nikolas has been having mood swings, rage attacks, and blackouts. Robin, Patrick, and Emily think it may be due to the toxin Jerry Jacks injected Nikolas with around the Spring of 2007. Nikolas holds a 'Black and White Ball' to announce an endowment for the late Dr. Alan Quartermaine at GH and his engagement to Emily.
Elizabeth and Sam fight over her keeping Jake's paternity from Lucky. Lucky breaks them up, and Sam dares her to tell Lucky why they were fighting.
Jason finds out that Carly took a gun with her to the Ball because she has been exchanging texts with the alleged killer of Letecia, Michael, and Morgan's nanny. Jason steals a speedboat and thinks, "God Dammit, Carly. What are you thinking?" Carly wants to draw out the killer and take him out.
Jason arrives, finds Elizabeth, and takes her to the barn. Jason finds the bruise from where Sam hit her.
Black and White Ball and After:
10/20-11/20/2007
Jason gingerly touches Elizabeth's face. "What happened? Somebody hit you."
"Sam did, but I hit her first."
"Sam? What happened?"
"I don't know. I just snapped. I told her I knew everything she'd done. From Maureen to hiring those men to threaten me. I called her out for the lying bitch she is, and I hit her."
"I'm sorry, I thought Sam had backed off."
"Oh, please, she'd never act that way in front of you."
"Did she do anything else?"
"She dared me to tell Lucky why we were fighting."
"When this is over, I'll deal with Sam."
"It's in her eyes, Jason. I can see she wants to tell Lucky about Jake. It's the only thing she has left to hurt you."
Jason gives Elizabeth some smoking hot gun lessons. He wants her to be able to protect herself if necessary. She says, "Jason, I've handled a gun before, remember?"
"When you held one on me when you were married to Ric?"
"Well, you broke into our home; what was I supposed to do?"
"I'm glad you didn't shoot me, but this is serious. You need to be ready to shoot, not just aim. I want you to know the feel of this gun and how it works."
Jason brings others to the barn to join Elizabeth. Spinelli, Nadine, and Lulu arrive. Jason tries to get Sam and Lucky to go, but Sam bitches about how Jason got Elizabeth to safety first. Jason connects with Sonny, who is trying to save his brother's life by donating blood. Anthony Zaccahara stabbed Ric with a spear. Luke Spencer is in distress from a heart attack. Carly survives getting strangled.
Sam takes Lucky to the barn and snipes at Elizabeth. She is pressuring Elizabeth to tell Lucky the truth. She says, "You lied to Lucky about the most important thing in his life. Not only did he think that you have…"
Jason yells, "Sam! You need to stop this."
Lucky says, "Don't you come in here and order Sam around."
Sam says, "No, Lucky, don't bother defending me. Elizabeth is never going to admit what she did was wrong. Just forget I said her name."
Lucky says, "Sam, you were furious; now, all of a sudden, you're just going to let it go?"
"There's no point, Lucky."
"It's because Jason showed up. What is it you don't want Sam to tell?"
Jason replies, "It's not Sam's truth to tell. You are not Jake's father, Lucky. I am. It was wrong to let you believe Jake was yours."
"You are lying so you can have Elizabeth to yourself. You can have the slut, but you won't take my kid. I would never let you near my son."
Elizabeth says, "Lucky."
"Don't tell me you are a part of this. Tell me you didn't know he wanted to steal my son."
"Jake's not your son."
"You said he was mine."
"I'm sorry. I lied."
"You are a lying whore!"
Jason tries to step in to protect Elizabeth, and Lucky decks him. Jason takes the hit. He's more worried about Elizabeth. Lucky says, "I should kill you right now, you son of a bitch."
Jason replies, "You aren't going to kill anyone."
"Screw you." Sam tries to lead Lucky out of the barn. Jason and Elizabeth try to explain their reasons for the lies and secrets. Lucky continues, "You didn't want to stop doing what you do, and that's breaking the law and killing people."
Sam says, "You are so right, Jason. You are supposed to be so wonderful with kids, but they really don't fit into your lifestyle. You decided to dump Jake off on Lucky."
Elizabeth says, "Jason was trying to protect Jake from anyone who would hurt him, starting with you, Sam."
Lucky says, "Don't talk smack about Sam; she's done nothing wrong." Lucky stomps off, and Sam follows.
"Elizabeth says, "I pushed you to give up your son. I let Lucky believe Jake was his. I caused all of this, and I was completely wrong."
"I know you wanted to protect Lucky, but I'm Jake's father. I couldn't lie about it anymore."
"Sometimes I think I've loved you from the very first time you saved me in that bar."
"I remember you that night. How sad you were, how angry, wow, how beautiful. I never knew that someday I'd be in love with you or that you'd be the mother of my child." Jason holds her. "I never let myself think about the day I'd claim my son, but now that it's out in the open, it changes everything."
"Do you have any idea of where we go from here?"
"It has to be your decision."
"Damm it, Jason. Don't always put the decision-making on me. You get a vote. For once, tell me what you want."
"I want my son with us, together." Jason kisses Elizabeth's forehead and leaves with John Zaccahara to look for John's father. Logan finds LuLu to get her for her father and his heart attack. Jason finds Emily, who tells him Nikolas's attacks are getting worse. Jason and Nikolas fight, and Jason ties up Nikolas. He convinces Emily to go to the barn and stay with Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells Emily that Jason told Lucky that he's Jake's father. Emily says that she knew Jake was Jason's son. Elizabeth apologizes because she didn't want to force Emily to pick sides.
Emily says, "What did Lucky say when Jason told him?"
"He's devastated. All he can see is that I've betrayed him, yet again for Jason. I don't think he'll be forgiving me anytime soon. I lied to Lucky, and my reasons don't really matter to him. Maybe they never will, and I can accept that, but the one I really blame is Sam. She's known about Jake since the night he was born, and she watched Maureen kidnap Jake, and she hired those men to threaten me and the boys in the park."
"Wow! Why would she do that?"
"So I'd be too scared to let Jason near his son."
"What has happened to Sam? She wasn't like this before. Don't let her win, Elizabeth. Jason deserves to be with his son, and you deserve to be with Jason."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Do you hate me for this?"
"Are you kidding? You are the best friend I've ever had. Please don't be so hard on yourself. I'm returning to find Nikolas, but we will start planning my wedding tomorrow. You will be my maid of honor." Emily leaves.
Jason meets up with Carly and Jax when they hear Nikolas yell, "Emily!"
Emily's Death-What If:
Jax, Carly, and Jason find Nikolas holding onto a lifeless Emily. He won't let Carly or Jason near his fiancée. Jason can't find a pulse. Nikolas is in shock and doesn't believe Emily is dead. Carly says Jason needs to find Patrick or Robin for Nikolas, but Jason says, "No, I know what I need to do." He goes to the barn, asking for Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, open up, it's me."
"Jason, what happened?"
"We must get to the main house. It's Nikolas; he needs our help."
"What happened?"
"It's Emily, she dead, and Nikolas won't let go of her."
"No, you're wrong. Emily can't be dead."
"Elizabeth, she has no pulse. She was strangled. She's not breathing. Nikolas needs sedation so we can tend to Emily."
Holding back her tears, Elizabeth says, "I think I can find something. Emily would want me to do it." Elizabeth finds some veterinary supplies and brings them to the main Ballroom. Jason and Elizabeth try not to cry. She says, "Nikolas."
"Oh, Elizabeth, hi. Can you help Emily?"
"I brought some medicine."
"Did you hear that sweetheart? Elizabeth brought you medicine to make you feel better. Thank you."
Carly and Jax leave. Elizabeth reaches into the bag she brought. Jason asks, "What is it?"
"Horse tranquilizers. I'm going to need your help holding Nikolas." Elizabeth injects Nikolas while Jason holds him down. Nikolas begins to pass out, and Jason transfers him to Elizabeth. Jason picks up his sister and carries her to the bench. Elizabeth helps Nikolas to a chair.
Elizabeth kneels before her best friend. She picks up her hand and kisses it. She kisses her forehead and whispers, "I love you." Elizabeth rests her head on Emily's chest and sobs. Jason reaches for her and holds his hand on Elizabeth.
Jason waits with Elizabeth, watching Nikolas mourn. Gunfire erupts outside. Jason tells Elizabeth to wait with Nikolas. He takes off. Elizabeth is grabbed from behind by Anthony Zaccahara. He drags her away. Jason returns to find her standing on the parapet. Anthony points a gun at Elizabeth. He says, "Can you fly Morgan? Can she? Let's find out."
Jason says, "Let her down. She's done nothing to you."
"Someone flies tonight, if not her, then you? Get up on the ledge and jump, or I'll push her off. Oh, you love her, don't you? Okay, you can watch her die, or you can die for love. Your choice."
Jason sets his gun on the ledge and stands next to Elizabeth. She says, "Jason, no." Jason holds her hand. Jason stalls, trying to distract Anthony. Elizabeth releases Jason's grip, braces herself for a fall, and rolls to the ground.
AZ says, "Now I'm pissed. Somebody's winging it tonight, dead or alive." Elizabeth inches her way toward AZ, and Jason tracks her moves. "Now fly or die." Elizabeth jams her foot into AZ's leg, causing him to fall and drop his gun. Crazy Anthony yells, "They are calling my flight." He jumps over the parapet as Jason picks up his gun, ready to shoot, but AZ is already gone. Jason pulls Elizabeth to him.
Jason and Elizabeth return inside to a fireplace. Jason holds her, and she explains what happened. Elizabeth returns to the Ballroom, and Sam is waiting. She lashes out at Elizabeth on why she left Nikolas alone with Emily. Sam says, "Where were you? Lucky lost everything tonight. He lost Jake, his father died 20 minutes ago, and now he's chasing after AZ and doesn't know he lost his oldest friend."
Elizabeth replies, "Luke is dead?"
"As if you care."
"I do care. I grew up around the Spencers. Luke and Laura were more of a family than my own. Excuse me, I don't have time for your bullshit. I need to check on Emily."
After a few more choice words, Sam leaves to find Lucky, and Nikolas takes off, leaving Elizabeth alone with her best friend. Elizabeth holds Emily's hand and says, "I keep waiting for you to wake up, for you to tell us it's all a huge mistake, that you are not really gone. Em, I promise you I will not waste another minute. I will follow my heart the way you wanted me to. I won't give up on Jason. I know you wanted us together, and if he wants to try, I want to try, too."
Jason checks on AZ, and Johnny stands next to him. Jason says, "Are the police on their way? Is he dead?"
"God, I hope so."
Mac and Detective Harper arrive and ask what happened. Jason points up and says, "He jumped." Mac checks for a pulse, but there is none. He says, "I'm surprised you didn't fire your gun."
"There was no need, he jumped."
Mac searches AZ's pockets and finds an empty syringe and a vial. Nadine is nearby, and Mac asks if she knows what it could be. She looks at the vial and says, "From my pharmacology coursework, this is a Neurotoxin. It is highly volatile. It's tetrodotoxin, which is associated with puffer fish. If it's diluted properly…" Nadine pauses and stammers, "It can slow the heart down to an imperceptible level, making a person appear dead. This effect can last up to one hour."
Jason gasps and runs up the stairs. He catches the last part of Elizabeth's conversation and Emily's hand twitches. Elizabeth gulps and grasps Emily's wrist. Jason runs to her and says, "Emily may have been drugged."
Elizabeth hushes him. She feels for a pulse. It's faint. She screams for someone to call 911. She says, "I think Emily is alive."
Emily's eyes flutter, and she weakly says, "Elizabeth? What happened?"
Elizabeth sighs, "We thought you were dead."
Jason hangs up the phone from calling the choppers back to get Emily to GH. He kneels next to Elizabeth. "Emily, an ambulance is on its way. Can I get you anything?"
She replies, "Dry mouth." Jason looks for a bottle of water. He hands it to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth says, "Take small sips. Jason, how did you know?"
"Nadine and Mac. Mac found a vial and syringe in Zacccahara's pocket. Nadine deciphered it. It was some neurotoxin that drastically slowed Emily's heart down to make it appear as if she was dead."
"Whew, thank you, Nadine."
The chopper arrives, and Nikolas has been located. He is still groggy from the horse tranquilizer but is conscious enough to realize Emily is alive. Nikolas must be checked out at GH and rides with Emly and Elizabeth. Jason says, "I'm going to inform Monica. I'll find you later, okay? We have a lot to discuss. I love you."
"I love you too." He hugs and kisses her. The chopper takes off.
Casualties from the Black and White Ball:
Ric Lansing dies from a spear, thanks to AZ
Luke Spencer dies from a heart attack
Anthony Zaccahara dies from a fall and breaks his neck
After the B&W Ball: Reset to OG
Elizabeth and Jason stand their ground and refuse to give in to Lucky's demands.
Emily's Service
More Reveals
November 2023
Jason and Elizabeth wake up and prepare for the day. Elizabeth, Jake, and Aiden are going to visit Audrey. Jason has plans at the Estate, a visit with the Quartermaines and later his brother Drew. Sonny has returned to Port Charles after getting married in Puerto Rico.
Elizabeth wakes and looks at the ring on her finger. She smiles. It feels amazing and strange at the same time. It's been a couple of years since jewelry has adorned her fingers. Jason rolls over, leans in, and kisses her. He takes her left hand and holds it in front of him. "I love seeing this on your finger. It enhances your beauty. I can't wait to get married."
Elizabeth kisses him again. "I can't wait either. I was thinking about having it sometime before Christmas. Cam will be home from college and can be in charge of the boys if we have a honeymoon."
Jason wraps his arms around Elizabeth's waist and kisses her neck. Where do you want to go for a honeymoon? Italy?"
"I want to go to Italy someday, but Spring is a better time. What do you think about Belize or New Zealand?"
"Wherever you want to go is fine as long as I'm with you." He teases, "Are you sure you don't want to go to Uzbekistan?"
Elizabeth looks at him perplexed; she pauses and laughs. "I can't remember if I need an umbrella or not."
"Okay, we'll cross that off the list."
They shower and head downstairs. Waiting for them is Jake and Aiden. Jake holds a bouquet of seasonal flowers, and Aiden carries a tray containing coffee and assorted muffins. They yell, "Congratulations!"
Elizabeth breathes in the aroma. She says, "Jason, did you set this up?"
"No, this is all them."
Jake says, "I got up early, went out for coffee, and picked up the flowers on my way home. Aiden made the muffins. We want to see the ring."
Elizabeth says, "This is wonderful!" She shows them the ring, and Jason sets the coffee and muffins on the table. "What would you have done if I said 'no'?"
"Seriously, Mom. There was no way you were going to say no."
Aiden says, "We have one more surprise.' He opens the laptop and logs into the video chat. Cam appears on the screen. "Jason, Mom, congratulations! I wish I could be there, but I'm studying for finals. I love you both and will see you for Thanksgiving."
Jason and Elizabeth say, "We love you too. Thank you."
Jason and Mario drive off towards the Estates, and Francis, Elizabeth, Jake, and Aiden head in the other direction to Audrey's house.
Jason meets with Johnny and the head contractor. He shows them updated plans with Elizabeth's drawings, diagrams, and sketches. The contractor asks, "Who did these? They are very good."
Jason smiles, "My fiancée drew them. She's an amateur artist."
Johnny says, "She said yes?"
"Yes, and it's going to happen this time."
Jason surveys the area, jots some notes, and heads to the Quartermaine Mansion. He lets himself in from the back French Doors. He asks Yuri where his mother is. Yuri nods his head to the sitting room. Monica is relaxing and reading. She looks up from her book and smiles. "Jason! Well?"
"She said yes, Mom."
Monica holds out her arms, and Jason hugs his mother. "We want to get married before Christmas. I bought that old property on the Cliff Roads and have been rebuilding it. We hope to move in by the end of the year."
"That's great. I can't wait to see it. You are healed and managing your health. I release you from your promise of calling me Mom."
Jason laughs, "Actually, I don't mind. I've gotten used to it. I love hearing Jake call me Dad. Will you break the news to the family? It will be a small gathering—only a few friends and family. Tracy is not invited."
Monica chuckles, "I doubt she will care. I'll let the family know. Give Elizabeth my love."
Jason heads to GH.
Elizabeth, Jake, and Aiden visit Audrey. With the boy's permission, Elizabeth took the flowers from this morning. Anne opens the door to the house and invites everyone inside. Elizabeth hugs her cousin and introduces her sons to Anne. Elizabeth finds a vase and places the flowers inside. She brings them to her Grandmother. "Gram, I brought Jake and Aiden for a visit. We have flowers for you. How are you feeling?"
Audrey lays back in the recliner and takes the flowers. She inhales and tells the boys, "Thank you for the flowers. I love it when my great-grandchildren visit." Jake and Aiden hug Audrey.
Elizabeth says, "Gram, Anne is leaving soon, and I don't like leaving you alone during the day. I could hire an aide to check on you daily. I'd hate for you to have another fall and lie on the floor for hours before anyone notices. I can try to come more often and call you daily, but I'd be more at ease if you had a companion."
"Elizabeth, Anne spoke with me about this last night. She called Tom, and I understand your concerns. I'm not ready for an old folks home, but I will compromise. I wouldn't mind having someone to clean, shop, and a partner for bridge."
"Thank you, Gram. We love you. I'll arrange for some interviews. We want you to be happy with your aide."
"Elizabeth, sweetheart. Is there something else you haven't shared with me? Did you get engaged? That is a beautiful ring. May I get a closer look?"
Elizabeth swallows hard and holds out her hand. "Gram, I was going to tell you…."
"I thought you said things weren't serious with Dr. Finn."
"Gram, Finn, and I realized we were only dating because Violet kept pushing us together. I love my niece, but I'm not in love with her father. I'm getting married to Jason Morgan. He was recovering from his injuries after the Cassidine tunnel collapse in Greece and had memory issues. I didn't know he was alive until about four months ago. Epiphany looked after him while he was recovering, and after she died, Monica called me. Jason and I reconnected and realized we still loved each other. I hope you are happy for me. Jason has changed, and we don't want to lose more time apart."
"Elizabeth, I only want your happiness. You are an adult, and I am so proud of the woman you've become. If Jason makes you happy, you have my blessings. It is a beautiful ring. Please bring Jason for a visit soon."
Elizabeth wipes away a tear. "Thank you. I love you, Gram."
Before leaving, Elizabeth catches Anne, "Please call me if you need anything. Thank you for caring about my Grandmother to pay attention to her needs."
"I will. It was nice meeting you, Jake, and Aiden."
Elizabeth leaves and checks her texts. "Guys, Jason is going to GH to see Drew. Would you like to visit him?"
Adien asks, "Will Carly be there?"
Elizabeth sighs, "Probably. Jason said Jack would be with him. Jack can take you to a movie or home, whatever you want."
"No, I won't let her get to me. I'm busier now with the upgrades Spinelli did to my website and have more diverse orders. I want to see Drew."
"I'm proud of you, Aiden. I'm proud of all my boys. I'll let Jason know we are coming."
They arrive at GH, and Elizabeth checks in at the Hub. Jason kisses her from behind, surprising her, and she jumps. "Jason, how is Drew? I'm about to check his chart."
"He's better. He got word from the judge they are reducing his charges to time served with six months probation."
"That's great! According to his chart, he can be discharged tomorrow. Is Carly here?"
"No, not yet. Why?"
"Jake and Aiden want to see Drew. Aiden says he won't let Carly get to him, but I want to be ready if she goes off on my kids!"
"I'll take them now."
"Okay, I have a few Head Nurse's things to finish, and I'll be there shortly."
Jake and Aiden visit with Drew. Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth arrives to say hello. "How are you feeling, Drew? Your chart says you can go home tomorrow."
"Really? Wow! That's two pieces of good news today."
Jason says, "Can you handle a third? Elizabeth and I got engaged last night."
Elizabeth shows Drew her ring, and a shrilly voice says, "Oh, Hell No!"
TBC
November 2023