Chapter 24
Thank you to the guest reviewers, Trini12180, Levesque-Rollins823, and Starlight Guardian, for your reviews and comments. Yes, 2012 was a lousy year.
To the guest reviewer who asked, "Shouldn't it be 'their children' instead of 'her children'? They are all her children. If you were asking about my last line of chapter 23 (Jason has one child with Elizabeth), it was easier than saying, "Cam, his son, and Aiden." I hope it clears that up.
Jason needs more surgery, and Elizabeth greets him in the PH when he gets home.
The proposal
Michael
And different choices
4/3-4/7/2008
Summary
Elizabeth greets Jason when he returns home after having his final surgery in Seattle. She shows him pictures of Jake and says he looks more like his daddy every day. She is sorry she couldn't be with him when he had his surgery. Jason has thought a lot about Elizabeth and his son since his surgery. Elizabeth is paged for an emergency and has to leave. She promises to return. Later, she tells Jason the surgery was on a little boy who was in an accident, and the boy's father reminded her of him. Elizabeth realizes they were wrong in keeping Jake's paternity a secret. Jason deserves to raise his own son. Jason asks if she is sure because it won't work if she's afraid.
"No one's life is ever perfect, Jason. I want to do the right thing for Cam, Jake, and us because I love you. I want to share my life with you. If you still want to share a life with me?"
"That's all I want. It's all I've ever wanted. I want a life with you and a family with you."
Elizabeth asks what that means, and they banter. Finally, Jason says he wants to marry her. She asks if he is sure and replies, "I already asked you twice, and you turned me down both times."
"It's not wanted like I wanted to. It was so hard to say no. Each time you asked, it felt like an obligation, not for love. Before, you never said you loved me. So ask me again."
"Will you marry me?"
Elizabeth says yes, and they embrace and kiss. Elizabeth is paged, and Jason's phone rings. He answers, and Carly says, "It's Michael. He's been shot." Jason and Elizabeth separately rush to GH, and Michael has a bullet in his brain. Elizabeth is there during surgery.
What If:
4/11/2008
Scenario 1
Jason stops by Elizabeth's house. She lets him in. She says, "No."
"Elizabeth. I love you, but I don't know how we can do this."
Elizabeth leads him to the couch. "Jason, you do not get to say goodbye when days ago you said you wanted to share your life with me. Don't let what happened to Michael be why we aren't together. It was Sonny, not you."
Jason talks about what it was like when Carly arrived at his door after a fight with Dr. Jones. "I told her it wasn't safe, but she didn't care. She asked me to be her baby's father, and when Michael was born, I promised I'd protect him. Because everybody thinks I can keep everyone safe, And I can't. I shouldn't be anywhere near a child with what I do."
"Jason, now is not the time to make rash decisions. Do I worry about Cam and Jake? Of course, I do. But I heard what happened with Carly and Sonny. She blames Sonny, and Sonny blames you. It was not your fault. You told Sonny to bring guards. He chose not to. You are logical, and Sonny is emotional. I trust you."
Scenario 2
"Jason, what would you have done if I said yes to your first proposal and we gotten married? With Michael's shooting, would you ask me for a divorce?"
"No, I would have tried to make it work. I'd have more security. I wouldn't have pulled the guards."
"So a piece of paper would have changed your reaction?"
"You aren't being fair."
"I trust you to protect me, Cam, and your son. What I told you about the father who was worried about his son who was in a bicycle accident is like what happened with my house fire. It was random."
"Michael's shooting was not random."
"You are right; Michael's shooting wasn't random, but it probably wouldn't have happened if Sonny had swept the warehouse and had guards protecting Michael."
"Too many people have been hurt by my choices: Emily, Carly, and you. Monica may lose the one grandchild she knows because he may never wake up. I can't promise you that Cam or Jake will be safe."
"Too many people have seen us together, and so many people know you are Jake's father. Do you think staying away means you've stopped caring? It didn't work in 1999. People knew I was still important to you when you stayed away. I had a bomb in my studio to send a message to you. I would feel safer knowing you have people you trust looking after me and the boys."
"I've made enemies; I refuse to be the reason you or your kids could die."
"Jason, why are you pushing me away? We've been having this dance for almost ten years."
"I don't know what else to do."
"I've loved you longer than you've loved me. I don't know how to stop or let you go, even now."
"If you call, I'll come."
"But you are not going to call me?"
"No."
"God, Jason, why does everything have to be left up to me.?
"Because you have the most to lose. You know I love you."
"I love you too. I accept your choices; I wish you would accept mine."
"I want you, Cam, and Jake to have a safe and amazing life."
"We will if you are with us."
Jason kisses and holds Elizabeth for what feels like an eternity. Turning, he walks out the door, "When Michael is okay, I will be back."
Elizabeth sits on the sofa and sobs. She softly says, "Why is it okay for others but not us?"
Unfortunately, it was not the outcome I wanted, but Elizabeth expressed herself.
5/7/2008
Jake's First Birthday
What If:
Elizabeth tells Epiphany she has a half-shift and will be celebrating Jake's first birthday in the park. Lucky is out of town getting training. Max knocks on the door of Jason's office.
"Yeah, Max. What is it?"
"This arrived for you, Jason."
Jason takes the envelope from Max, "Thanks, Max." Jason opens it and reads, "Jason, you said if I asked, you would come. You don't need to show yourself, but I hope you can watch your son's first birthday; it will be in the park." It lists the date and the time.
Jason arrives in time to see Cam help blow out the candle on Jake's birthday cake. He stops a teenager and asks him to give a note to the mother at the party. Jason watches presents being unwrapped and the young teen handing Elizabeth a note. Elizabeth opens it and reads, "Thank you." She smiles and looks around, hoping to catch his eye. She notices him watching and mouths, "We love you."
5/15-5/20/2008
Summary
Michael is being transferred to a long-term care facility. Jason checks the facility and leaves some of Michael's items in his private room. Elizabeth drives back to Port Charles in the rain after dropping Cam at a friend's for the weekend. She gets a flat tire, accidentally locking her car with her cell phone inside. On his ride back to Port Charles, Jason sees Elizabeth and stops to check. He attempts to unlock her car but breaks down crying. She holds him in the pouring rain. They run to a nearby cabin and she finds a key. Once inside, she starts a fire.
"Jason, you are soaking wet." She removes his jacket and hangs it near the flames. She helps him remove his t-shirt and place it over the fire screen. She does the same to his jeans. He's left with his boxer briefs, and she wraps a blanket around him. She undresses, and wordlessly, they make love.
Curled in each other's arms, they discuss Michael. Jason says, "I promised Michael I'd protect him, and I failed."
"You didn't fail, Michael. You love that little boy. We all promise and do our best, but Sonny is Michael's father."
"I was selfish. I should have given him up sooner. He was not my child. He was Carly's."
Elizabeth sits up. "Is this why you want to give up Jake? Because it will make him safer? From who? From you and your enemies? Michael has been a better child because of you, and I know Jake would be too."
"You are only saying that because you love me."
"It's true. Jake would be better off knowing you love him."
"I got to see Michael take his first steps. AJ missed the first year of Michael's life. I didn't understand what I was robbing AJ of until I realized I was missing those things with Jake."
She takes Jason's hand, "Would you do something for me? Would you stop punishing yourself? Michael would not want that. Neither would Jake. You have always been a selfless and loving father. You will always be the man I love."
"I've lost people before, my father, my sister. I mourned Alan's death and all the time that I wasted. Then Emily died, and that was even harder."
"You and Emily were close. You learned the lesson with your father. Do you want to make the same mistake with Jake? One day, Jake will learn the truth. Do you want him to have the same regrets you are having?"
"No, I don't. But, I was partially responsible for what happened to Emily. I'm always going to carry that. I could love you and Jake and think about the future. But this thing with Michael…"
"You aren't responsible."
"What happened with Michael is a direct result of my choices. I can't do it anymore. It hurts too much."
So, you're not going to care or love anymore? Do you think you can just turn it off? Because if it were that simple, I would have stopped loving you long ago."
"I love you so much. I've hurt Michael."
"If you want to blame yourself for Michael, even though Sonny and Carly are his parents and make choices about his life, I can't stop you. But you do not get to blame yourself for what's happened between us."
"I should never have let it get this far. I should have stopped things."
"Stopped what? Stopped us from becoming friends years ago? Stopped me from falling in love with you? I knew what I was getting into and dealt with it, even when you left. And that's what hurts: every time we come close to happiness, you disappear from my life. I am left with all this love and all these dreams and no place to put them, and it's happening again. Sometimes, I get so mad at you for making the selfless choice."
"It's not a choice. I'm not going to risk your life or Jake's."
"It doesn't have to be that way. It doesn't stop me from imagining being with you and that there are ways it could work. It doesn't stop me from missing you, loving you, or knowing what I can't have. I know how incredibly selfish that sounds because I have two beautiful boys in my life to look forward to living with them, but you should be with us." Jason embraces her.
"What can I do to make it easier for you?"
"Could we go back in time to make and make different choices? Not that I would, because I wouldn't have Cameron or Jake, and I wouldn't give them up for the world."
"I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize. I love you the way you are."
"I love you so much. You're perfect. I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you, but I can't."
"But you can if you could trust yourself."
They dress, "We should go." He changes Elizabeth's tire and helps her to the car. He kisses her.
"Come home with me. Jake is with Lucky, and Cam is at a friend's." We can make this work. Trust yourself. Tomorrow will be better."
"Elizabeth, you saved me tonight. I would have lost my mind if it wasn't for you. I can't do this without you."
"Stay with me. We can make it work. You shouldn't deal with this by yourself."
Jason follows her home, careful to watch that spare tire.
They enter the house, and she walks him through it. "Jason, get your people to secure my home or move us into the PH, but I'm not going anywhere."
"I love you."
"I love you, always."
5/28-6/25/2008
Summary:
Jason takes over the business from Sonny due to Michael's shooting. He also forces Sonny to give up his rights to Michael and Morgan. Sonny agrees he's doing it so his family will be safe. He warns LuLu that she could end up like Michael if she stays with Johnny. She says, "So I should give up Johnny just like you did with Elizabeth? You could have left like Sonny and raised a family with Elizabeth and your son."
"No, I couldn't."
Sam tries to make nice with Elizabeth. She hopes that one day, Elizabeth will be comfortable letting her around her kids because she loves Lucky and wants to share his life. Elizabeth is not entirely comfortable considering Sam's history, but Elizabeth is willing to start with supervised visits. "I love Lucky; I always will. I only want him to be happy, and you make him happy. I'll try for his sake."
6/9/2008
What If:
Lucky visits Jason. "I haven't spoken to you since the night Michael was shot. The way you reacted when Michael was shot made me realize that you, Elizabeth, and I made the right choice. We want Jake to have a safe and happy life. I love Jake. I love him with all my heart. Don't worry about him. I feel joy when he smiles at me, and I look forward to knowing I can be a part of everything he can be. What you did was a huge sacrifice. I want you to know that I'll never dishonor that."
"Lucky, do you enjoy twisting the screws to me?"
"Huh?"
"You seem to take pleasure in rubbing it in my face that you get to see Jake any time you want to while I am deprived of knowing my son."
"That was not my intention."
"Yet you drone on about how wonderful it is to have a son like Jake, and I should thank you."
Elizabeth enters, "Lucky, you are being a prick. Sam came to me wanting peace and asked if I could allow her to see Cameron and Jake. I agreed under conditions, yet you won't consider the same for Jason. We agree that, for now, Jason can't be seen with Jake, but he should be able to see his son in secret. You take joy in keeping Jake away from his father. What happened to you? You've quickly forgiven Sam for her past. I'm not asking you to forgive Jason, but you need to consider he could go after custody. If he does, I'll stand by him."
6/12/2008
What If Jake Reveal
Elizabeth has a conversation with Robin and Patrick regarding Robin's pregnancy.
"Patrick, Robin is having your child; that is not something you can hide from any more than you can ignore it. You are going to be a father whether you are ready or not."
"Elizabeth, Robin is determined to have this baby herself."
"That's because she doesn't want to pressure you. It doesn't mean she doesn't want you to be part of your baby's life. Trust me, if you give up the chance to raise your child, you will regret it."
Robin says, "Elizabeth is just trying to help, but she couldn't be more wrong. I am perfectly capable of doing all on my own."
Patrick says, "The point is you don't have to."
"I appreciate what you are saying, but It's not necessary. I'm excited about being a single mother. I'm looking forward to it. All of it."
Elizabeth says, "Are you really? Because it's not what you think. I wish I had Jake's father around."
Patrick says, "What do you mean? Lucky is an active father. Robin, I want to participate."
Robin says, "You are under no obligation."
Patrick sadly says, "Who are you trying to convince?" He leaves.
Elizabeth says, "What you and Patrick decide is your choice. I didn't mean to intervene."
Robin replies, "I was thinking, if I die, what would happen to my child? It would make sense that you would go to Patrick and ask him to step up."
"I don't think you are giving Patrick enough credit. Robin, I thought the same thing when I was pregnant with Jake. I confessed to Jason in the elevator during the Metro Court Hostage crisis that he was the father of my baby. He wanted to step up, but I was afraid. We were going to try, but Michael got shot. Lucky is a good father, but I wish Jason were involved. He is missing out on his son's life. I see it in his eyes every time I see him. He wants to be Jake's father. One day, Jake will ask, and I will regret not being truthful. Robin, I don't want you or Patrick to have regrets. Please consider including him." I think he's more willing to be a father than you realize."
August 2008 -
The next few days:
Jason spends time at the Estates, Elizabeth works at GH, and Jake and Aiden ready the house for Thanksgiving.
Elizabeth has a 15-minute break and sits in the waiting area. She takes out her journal and begins to write. Monica exits the elevator and approaches Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, good morning. I haven't had the chance to offer my congratulations on your engagement. Can I see the ring?"
Elizabeth smiles and extends her hand. "Jason said you had input. Thank you."
"How are you?"
"Good, busy. We are preparing for Thanksgiving. Robin and her family are flying out, and we are hosting Thanksgiving. Can you believe Jason is actively helping? But he loves me and the boys. He also cares about Robin and owes Patrick for saving his life. You are welcome to join us unless you have family obligations and pizza.
Monica laughs. "No, I'm regulated to corral my crazy family. Lois is in town, and her mother insists on breaking the Quatermaine Thanksgiving curse. What about stopping for dessert after? I can order pies from Aiden. I'd love to see your family and Robin's."
"I'll ask them.
I'm sorry I interrupted you. What are you writing?"
"My journal. I started writing these when I first came to Port Charles, shortly before I turned 15. There were intervals where I stopped, but I thought it would be a way to record the events of my life. My Gramps kept meticulous notes as a doctor and his personal life. My Grams started writing when she began her nursing. She gave a brief history of her time as a stewardess, which they were called back then. Maybe someday, my kids and grandchildren will enjoy reading about me."
"I wish I had done that. We have many pictures before Jason's accident, but I wish I'd recorded more memories of Alan, AJ, Jason, Emily, and important moments in my life."
"I'll ask Jason about Thanksgiving. Sonny is trying to mend things with Jason and me and has invited us for drinks the night before. Sonny has been more supportive than Carly, and Jason has a long history with Sonny."
"I understand."
"Sorry, my break is up. I'll ask Aiden about the pies."
"Bye, Elizabeth, congratulations again."
Jason is at the Estates and consults with Mario, Johnny, Francis, and Jack. "I want to move in before December 20th. Elizabeth and I decided on a date. How are the contractors doing?"
Johnny replies, "About two more days; then the fixtures and the rest of the appliances will be delivered. How are Elizabeth and the boys with their orders?"
"Cam emailed his stuff last night, and Elizabeth, Jake, and Aiden will have their selections by tonight. I'll have everything ordered by tomorrow. Hopefully, everything will arrive in two weeks. I placed my requests last week."
"What about security? Frank is completing the perimeter, and the guard house will be finished before Thanksgiving. The gates will be secured by December 1st."
"Thanks." Jason's phone rings. "Spinelli, what do you have for me?... What? Are you sure?... You triple-checked the results?... No, No, thanks. Not a word to anyone else. I want a hard copy brought to the house tonight. Elizabeth wants to see you."
Johnny says, "What? What's wrong?"
"I know who Dex's father is. I want double security for Elizabeth and the boys. Who is with them now?"
"Cody wanted to return, and Elizabeth remembers him. One of the newer and younger guards is outside the school."
"I want Jack back at the school, and Francis, can you join Cody? I don't want to alarm Elizabeth, but I want to be careful. I must call Anna and have her double security for Cam and Emma."
"Are you going to tell me about Dex?"
"Yes, drive with me. I don't know if I should warn Sonny. Carly may need protection, but I don't want to give her hope for a relationship. I'm concerned about Joss."
"Tell me on the way. I can request outside security not tied to you, and if Carly suspects, she'll just confront Sonny."
"Let's go. Drive me to GH." Jason calls Anna and updates her. He calls Elizabeth. "Hey, I'm on my way to see you. Do you think you could leave early today?"
Elizabeth says, "I can wrap things up in about an hour. What's up? A date night?"
"Unfortunately, no. Francis should be there soon. There is a security issue. I'll tell you all about it when we get home."
"What about Jake and Aiden? Do I need to be worried about Cameron?"
"Jack will be at the school to assist the other guard. Could you call and ask for an early dismissal for them? I called Anna, and she is contacting her security at Stanford. She is increasing guards for Cam and Emma."
"Yes. I'll call the school. I want answers when we get home."
"I promise to tell you everything."
Jason says, "Johnny, I need increased security at the Estates and inspection of the security at the house. It could be a shit storm if not handled properly."
Johnny pulls up to the entrance of GH, and Jason jumps out. He calls Cody. "What floor are you and Elizabeth on? Okay, I'll meet you there in two minutes." Jason takes the stairs to the 5th floor. Elizabeth is waiting and runs into his arms.
"Jason, what is happening?"
"I'll tell you when we get home. Cody, are you and Francis ready?"
"Yes. Jack got the boys home, and they are safe."
"I'll take Elizabeth and have Johnny drive us. Can you and Francis go to the Estates and call the burner phone later?"
"Sure thing."
When Elizabeth and Jason arrive home, Jack is helping Jake with dinner. Aiden is setting the table. Jason says, "Before dinner, I want to explain why there is extra security. I discovered a potential threat to our family and want to keep everyone safe."
Aiden says, "Is Cam safe?"
Elizabeth replies, "Emma's mom is taking extra precautions for Emma and Cam. We can call your brother now."
Elizabeth calls Cam, and Elizabeth sets it up for video conferencing. After assuring Jake and Aiden that Cam is fine, he asks to speak with Jason and Elizabeth. "Anna called and told Emma and I that we would have extra guards for a while. Can you tell me why or how long?"
Jason looks at Elizabeth, and she shrugs. "Cam, there is someone close to Sonny I'm not sure I can trust. He knows I'm alive, and anyone important to me is at risk."
"Do I know this person?"
Elizabeth shakes her head no, mouthing, "Don't tell him."
Jason replies, "I can't tell you right now. I will when you are here for Thanksgiving."
"Emma, Noah, her parents, and I will be there in two days."
"Okay, I'll charter a plane and fly everyone here."
"Bye, mom. Thanks, Jason."
Jack has dinner with the family and stations himself outside after. He knocks and announces Spinelli. Elizabeth says, "Spinelli, come inside. It's been a long time." He enters, and Elizabeth hugs him.
Jason says, follow us to the office. "Show us what you've found."
Spinelli says, "I took the DNA Jason gave me and hacked the PCCPD and hospital records. I found a match."
"I told Elizabeth, and Johnny knows."
"I won't say anything. Congratulations."
Elizabeth says, "Thank you, Spinelli. It's been a while since I've seen you. Would you join us for Thanksgiving?"
"Maxie invited me to spend it with her parents, Georgie, James, and Bailey."
Jason says, "Have a good Thanksgiving, and I'll let you know when I need you again." Spinelli leaves.
Elizabeth says, "He's grown up. Is it wrong for me to miss his special mannerisms?"
"It takes getting used to the new and improved Spinelli, but he is easier to understand."
Elizabeth laughs and becomes serious. "Are you going to protect Joss or Carly?"
"Johnny will have someone watching Carly. Despite how Carly has treated you, you still care what happens to her?"
"I can have empathy. I worry more about Joss. I'm not sure how true Dex's feelings are for Joss, so I am concerned."
"As am I. What do I tell Sonny?"
"The truth."
TBC
I don't know how many people read my stories, only the reviews. Guesses on Dex's father? I will take votes. AJ, Lorenzo, AZ, Karpov, or someone else? Imaginary points for those who guess right. (Jason or Sonny are not an option).
Thanksgiving and Dex.