What If 2004: Partial continuation from 2003 and re-set to actual 2004 storyline.

Chapter 10

Thank you to Trini12180 and Notenoughlove for the comments about being happy Jason is Cam's father. TY on the twist given to Ric and Courtney. TY for your comments about Elizabeth ending things with Finn. 2023 Patrick and Robin's interaction with Liason should be fun. Thank you to the guest reviewers

What If 2004: Partial continuation from 2003 and re-set to actual 2004 storyline. Early 2004 follows the Port Charles Hotel Fire with modifications to match Liason from the end of 2003.

December 27, 2003: Jason and Liz marry at the Justice of the Peace with only Emily as a witness. Jason and Elizabeth chose to keep her pregnancy a secret until after her first trimester. They also don't want the headaches of Sonny, Carly, Courtney, and Ric knowing.

After Jason broke up with Courtney, he moved out. Jason had Francis buy a Penthouse in a building on the other side of Port Charles, away from the Towers. Elizabeth preferred a smaller place, but Jason was concerned about security.

February 2004: The Port Charles Hotel Fire. This portion will be touched briefly, but since Zander was not the father, Elizabeth did not hit him on the head with a pipe. There was no need to have Ric ask for Jason's help to lie for Elizabeth. I don't remember all of the PCHF story, but I'm reminded that Carly was with Lorenzo during this time. Zander was injured and unhinged, and his father, Cameron Lewis, went looking for him. I couldn't find what I wanted on YouTube clips, but I referred to some of the history. In OG history, Cameron saved Lucky from a falling beam and was killed in the process. In this version, Cameron saves Jason from getting killed.

3/10-Jason and Elizabeth are at GH for another ultrasound. Dr. Meadows asks if they want to know the sex of their baby. Jason looks at his four-month-pregnant wife and asks with his eyes if she wants to know. She smiles, "Yes, if you do." Jason nods.

The doctor hands Elizabeth a towel, and Jason helps wipe the gel off Elizabeth's stomach. "Congratulations, you are having a boy!"

Jason places his hand on Elizabeth's forehead, kisses her, and says, "A boy! I love you."

Elizabeth replies, "I had a feeling it would be a boy."

They stop at Kelly's to feed her latest craving for Mike Corbin's chocolate chip cookies. Mike is Sonny's father, and after Tammy left town, Luke and Bobbie hired him to manage the diner. Elizabeth laughs as Jason wipes the crumbs from the corner of her mouth. They say goodbye to Mike and head out towards home.

Courtney's been spying on them from the window outside and hides as Jason and Elizabeth walk out. Courtney is still hurting from Jason choosing Elizabeth, and not only did he marry the bitch, but she's pregnant too.

Jason and Elizabeth are outside talking when she grabs her husband's hand and places it on her belly. Jason grins. She says, "Our baby is kicking." Courtney seethes.

The couple drives home, and they rest on the couch. Elizabeth says, "We haven't spoken about names. Now that we know we are having a boy, do you have any preferences?"

Jason says, "A family name or someone close to us?"

"I'd like to use Steven as a first or middle name after my brother. You aren't close to your father, and I'd be surprised at calling him Edward. Emily won't work for a boy."

"I like Steven as a middle name. Your relationship with your father sounds worse than mine with Alan.."

"This may be unconventional, but what do you think about Cameron? Zander's father? He did save your life. If it weren't for him, I'd be a widow. Would that be too weird regarding how difficult Zander was for Emily and myself?"

"Hmm, 'Cameron Steven Morgan.' I like it."

3/24/04:

Elizabeth and Jason are worried about Emily. She found out from Lucky that Zander was holding her best friend hostage in a cabin outside of town. They arrive, and there are several cops, guns at the ready. Emily announces they are coming out, and Zander is unarmed. Zander pushes Emily away, places his hands behind him, and is shot several times, committing suicide by cop. Emily screams and runs to a supine and dying Zander. "He was unarmed. You killed an unarmed man!"

Jason walks to Emily, picks her up, and carries her to his car. He says, "Ric, tonight is not the time to question my sister. She will be at the station tomorrow. Your cops used poor judgment."

Mid 2004-2005 (Sam/Jason/Elizabeth/Lucky)

What if Jason said no to Sonny to raise Sonny's kid

What if During Nikolas/Emily's wedding, choices were different

What if: to 2005 When L&L2 Wedding, Robin arrives to save Jason

August 2023:

Elizabeth pulls into the drive, and Robin is the first out of the car. Jason stands against the door as Robin rushes into Jason's arms and hugs him. She slaps his shoulder and chastises him for keeping being alive a secret. Jason says, "Let's take this inside, and I want to catch up. Patrick told me some of the history but held back as my memory was in fragments, and the doctor in Switzerland suggested easing me into my history. Monica and Elizabeth have been helping, but I want you to walk me through our past."

They walk inside, and Elizabeth offers beer to everyone. Patrick and Elizabeth stay in the kitchen to give Jason and Robin privacy.

Elizabeth says, "How long are you staying? Cameron texted, and he's arriving in two days. Emma wants to stop by the house tomorrow. How long have they been dating?"

"About a month. He's been to the house three times. Emma has been to several of his games."

"How is Emma enjoying college?"

"She's pre-med. She's not sure if she wants to go into research like her mother. I don't know if we could handle another neurosurgeon in the family."

"Is Noah still with DWOB? Has Matt been paroled?"

"Yes to both. Matt has been staying with us while on probation. What about you? What has it been like requating with Jason?"

Laughing, "It's been interesting. Monica said he's different. It's true. It would be best if you evaluate him. He's said he wants to make an appearance in Port Charles soon. He's off his cane and pain meds. We've walked outside, and he is using the weights. Jake and Aiden are good."

"It's good visiting with you. It's been too long. We hope to be out at Christmas. We promised Robin's parents we'd spend it with them. By then, Jason should be back with Sonny and Carly if that's what he wants."

"We haven't gotten to Sonny, Carly, or Sam yet. I don't know what he wants. You are wanted in the other room."

Meanwhile…Robin and Jason:

"Jason, I was so relieved when Patrick told me you were alive. Patrick said you have memory gaps, and perhaps I could help. What would you like to know?"

"Elizabeth helped with more current events, and I've read a lot of things online about Sonny, Carly, and Sam. I'd like you to tell me about when we first met."

"As Jason Quartermaine or Morgan.?"

"Morgan. I'm having a hard enough time remembering this lifetime. I don't need to be told about the one I rejected when I was 21. Monica already tried."

"I'm sorry, of course, you want to know about this life. Do you remember meeting on the bridge after you woke up from your accident? Or that we were serious for almost three years or how I introduced you to Sonny?"

"Wow! I guess all of it. You are the reason I worked for Sonny?"

"It's a long story. I facilitated the meeting, but the choice was yours to work for Sonny. The boy I fell in love with is not the man you were two years ago and perhaps not the same man sitting here now. I'll tell you what you want to know."

An hour later, Elizabeth and Patrick enter. Patrick evaluates Jason and signs off on his ability to return to society.

Elizabeth carries a tequila bottle, a lime, salt, and a knife. Robin cuts the lime into slices and pours the bottle into shots.

Elizabeth asks, "Did your conversation with Robin spark any memories?"

Jason replies, "Yes. I even recall things she didn't mention. I'm ready to hear more about Sonny, Carly, and Sam."

Patrick says, "Another time. Elizabeth, we need a ride back to the Metro Court. Anna is bringing the kids back for dinner."

Elizabeth says, "I promised the boys I'd be home tonight. Can you promise me to wait a couple of days before making an appearance? I wouldn't advise marching up to Sonny's or Carly's and saying, "Hi, remember me? You should have a strategy and knowledge of your past with them."

"I promise to wait two days. After that, all bets are off. Patrick, thank you for all your help this past year. Robin, I'm sorry for the secrets; you helped me remember events tonight."

Jason shakes Patrick's hand and hugs Robin. He kisses Elizabeth on the cheek. "If you return in the morning, I'll make breakfast."

Jason calls Monica, "Mom, I had my final follow-up with Dr. Drake. Robin was here, too. He's cleared me for normal duties. I thought you might like to know." Jason pauses for her response. "Elizabeth is home with Jake and Aiden. I'll be fine for the night. If you want to visit tomorrow, that would be okay."

Elizabeth drives Robin and Patrick to the Metro Court, and she returns home. Jake and Aiden fill her in on their day as she makes dinner. She reads her text from Cam with his itinerary. "Boys, Emma Scorpio-Drake will visit tomorrow. Your brother will be here the day after tomorrow. My contract with the private client ends soon. I hope we can spend time alone as a family when Cam arrives." Elizabeth hopes by that time, Jason will let his son know he is alive.

Jason prepares his meal, watches the family dinner at Elizabeth's house, and longs for a virtual visit. He brings Elizabeth's box to the table, opens it, and sorts through it.

He swigs his beer. On a large piece of cloth, he lays out the following items: a worn picture of Elizabeth, Emily, Lucky, and Nikolas dated 1998, the red glass he gave Elizabeth, a stack of invitations to weddings and balls at Wyndmere, Emily's memorial flyer in 2007, a picture of Emily, Cam, Jake, and Aiden, printouts of ultrasounds of Cam, Jake, and Aiden, and a stack of journals dated from 1997-2022.

Jason rubs his fingers around the red glass with one hand and studies the photos with the other. His eyes moisten as he looks at Emily. He thinks, "She died so young. She never had the chance to have her own kids, but Michael and Morgan loved her, and Cam loved her. If she had lived, Jake and Aiden would have loved her." Jason wonders how different Spencer's life could have been if she had been involved in his life.

Jason picks up the first journal, dated 1997. He reads the first five pages. "July 20, 1997. I have about $400 saved from babysitting and checks from Mom and Dad. I tried buying a first-class ticket to Port Charles on Dad's Master Card but didn't have his passcode. When they left for Bosinia, I was an afterthought. They thought I'd be happier with the Johnsons in Boulder, yet they sent sweet, saintly sister Sarah to Port Charles to live with Gram. When I leave, I wonder how long it will take before anyone notices I'm gone."

"July 27, 1997. Tomorrow, I leave a place where I'm not wanted."

"July 28, 1997. Mr. and Mrs Johnson left for work, and I left a note that I was staying over at Terry's place. I stole a couple of packs of their Marlbros, thinking it would make me look older traveling alone. I rode my bike to Terry's house to say goodbye to my best friend. He promised to cover for me if I was checked up on before everyone knew I ran away. I told Terry to give my bike to his little brother."

"July 31, 1997. The bus pulled into Rochester late last night. I called Terry, and he said I needed to call my grandmother. The Johnsons filed a missing person's report, and he had to tell his parents my plans. I called Gram and told her where I was. I said I would take a bus to arrive in the morning, but she told me she was very disappointed in me."

"August 1, 1997. Gram met my bus and said I had to write an apology letter to the Johnsons. Perfect, Sarah, I'll show Gram."

Jason continues reading about Elizabeth's first days in Port Charles. Elizabeth met Lucky and wanted him, but Lucky wanted her sister. Sarah wanted Nikolas, and Elizabeth acted out every chance she got. He read about the tricks and the pranks she pulled to get attention. She wrote about the invite to Brenda and Sonny's wedding she stole and when Nikolas got shot at Luke's club. When they would go riding, Elizabeth told him a lot about her when she first arrived in Port Charles, but reading her accounts shows an underlying sadness. He never met this Elizabeth, but the one he met carried that sadness with her. It wasn't until he could feel her laughter when she rode behind him on his bike her sadness faded.

Jason stops reading, feeling guilty about invading her life. He'll ask questions later. Jason calls his contact and verifies the money transfers are complete. "I'll be in touch. Thank you for all the arrangements. I haven't told Elizabeth who you are yet. Are you sure you want me to? She will want to know why. Okay, I'm leaving here in a few days; I may need help with new accommodations."

The contact replies, "Or you could stay where you are but still let people know you are alive. I can't see you moving in with Sonny and Nina, or would you rather go live with Carly again? She's with your twin, Drew, but he's currently at Pentonville. What would be the odds of her wanting you back if you show up alive?"

Jason cringes, "That is the last thing I want, and I'm worried that Carly might want me to stay with her while Drew is in prison. I'm still remembering things. Why won't you tell me your version of events?"

"Because, as Dr. Drake and others have said, you should remember at your own pace. I'm very biased, and going to the source of Sonny or Carly would be supercharged bias. Like Elizabeth, I didn't know you before your first accident, but she was around after and can help with your questions. Was Robin of any help?"

"She helped but has a soft spot for Sonny and admits her bias against Carly. Robin didn't tell me about Jason Quartermaine. I didn't want to know. She wasn't much help when it came to Sam. She told me of the events of their meeting to find a cure for me in 2005 and about our relationship in 2006, but she didn't have first-hand knowledge of the things Sam later did. I'm not ready to remember recent events.

"You are remembering?"

"Unfortunately. I wish you could be of help; I don't like using Elizabeth this way."

"I never knew Sam personally. I only know what you told me, and that kid you spoke of, Spinelli, wouldn't be objective. My understanding is that they are still pretty tight."

"Spinelli is another topic I need more understanding of. Perhaps this is the best place to stay until I know what the future holds. Thank you, I'll be in touch."

"Good Luck."

Jason returns the items to the box and heads to the bedroom.

The Next Day

TBC