Chapter 18
Thank you to the guest reviewer- I'm glad I could briefly rectify the terrible mistake of killing Alan off and fix getting rid of Jerry Jacks instead of letting him terrorize PC for several years.
Thank you to Trini12180- I also wish the paternity would have been different in the OG story.
Thank you to new reviewer Levesque-Rollins823 for your comments.
Reset to the OG storyline and the number of what-ifs for Jason and Elizabeth to come clean.
PC mourns the death of Alan Quartermaine.
Jason and Sam reunite.
Elizabeth and Jason have longing looks and agonize over their choices.
Spinelli hacks the GH database and discovers Jason is the father of Elizbeth's baby. LuLu learns the truth, too.
Elizabeth and Lucky marry, and Carly manipulates Jason into going with her (he could have said no)
March-June 2007
What If Scenario 1-
3/22/07
Lucky and Elizabeth are to marry, Carly makes Jason go, and Spinelli attends. Jason asks LuLu to keep Spinelli from spilling the beans, but what if Elizabeth and Jason stopped the wedding simultaneously?
Jason doesn't want to go, and Elizabeth questions her decision to marry Lucky. Emily tells Elizabeth she needs to consider her decision and whether it is the right choice. She will support her whatever that is.
Jason is uncomfortable and can't wait to escape this sham of a wedding. He looks at Elizabeth walking down the stairs, awed by her beauty. She has always been beautiful, but knowing she is carrying his child astounds him.
Elizabeth is shocked to see Jason sitting with Carly. She didn't expect this.
Spinelli rambles when the minister asks if anyone objects. LuLu calms him down. Jason and Elizabeth, at the same time, raise their hands and say, "I object."
Everyone turns to look at Jason and then back at Elizabeth. Carly thinks, "I should have known." Spinelli thinks, "Yes!" LuLu thinks, "Elizabeth finally confesses." Audrey thinks, "I am so disappointed in you, Elizabeth." Luke thinks, "What did Cowboy do now?" Lucky says, "What the Fuck?"
Jason walks to the front, takes Elizabeth's hand, and says, "I'm sorry for doing this in public. Elizabeth and I should have said something a month ago."
Lucky fumes and Nikolas holds him back. Elizabeth says, "Lucky, Gram, I am so very sorry. I can't go through with this wedding. Lucky is not this baby's father."
Jason says, "I am. I love Elizabeth and want to marry her."
Lucky punches Jason and says, "How dare you! When did this happen?"
Elizabeth softly cries and says, "Lucky, can we take this somewhere more private?"
"No; whatever you have to say, everyone can hear how this slut fucked Jason."
Elizabeth says, "Please, Lucky."
Jason whispers, "You do not want to air your dirty laundry in front of your family and friends. You will regret it."
The trio enters the kitchen, and occasionally, Lucky shouts expletives against Jason and Elizabeth. Jason explains the details. Lucky shouts, "I fucked up, but that shouldn't give you a free pass."
Elizabeth says, "I never asked for a free pass. We knew what we were doing, and we didn't regret it. I don't regret that I am pregnant with Jason's child."Lucky grabs Elizabeth's arm, prompting Jason to step between them. She says, "I can't deal with this anymore. Jason, can you get me out of here? Please?"
Jason escorts Elizabeth out of the house and back to the penthouse, where he breaks the news to Sam.
What If Scenario 2.
May 2007
Elizabeth's due date is near. She avoided early labor with medication. She realizes how unfair she's been to Jason by asking him to let Lucky raise their baby. Elizabeth calls Jason and asks him to stop by the house. She says, "I had a check-up, and the baby is fine; I'm due any day. If something were to happen to me, our baby is going to need you. I've written a letter instructing you to decide for our child if I cannot. If it needs blood or medical care, You should make those choices. I know it will hurt Lucky, but we should have been forthcoming months ago. I trust you to make the right decisions. This child is more important than any secret I've asked you to keep."
Jason agrees, though he wishes they would have said something earlier. If they tell everyone now, there will be no surprises.
The following evening, the weather is terrible. It is pouring outside, and Jason can't reach Elizabeth on the phone. He stops by to check on Elizabeth. He finds her passed out by the front door. It looked like she was trying to leave but couldn't make it. Jason carries her to the car, and she briefly regains consciousness. "Jason, please save our baby."
Jason gets her to GH, and Kelly performs a C-Section with an assist from Epiphany. Jason watches the entire procedure. It was touch and go, but both mother and baby survived. Epiphany takes Elizabeth to a room. Jason follows, and when Epiphany asks if he called Lucky, Jason replies no. He thinks, "Yeah, Lucky was the last person I thought of. This is even more proof that truth should come out." Jason touches Elizabeth's head. "You did good."
Epiphany says, "I guess I have some calls to make."
A nurse brings in the newborn, saying she thought the mother might like to see her baby when she wakes up.
Jason picks up the baby boy and talks to him. "Hey, I'm your father." Elizabeth stirs and sees Jason holding their son.
"Weakly, she says, "Jason? How's our son?"
"How did you know it was a boy."
"Blue blanket gave it away. I had a feeling all along it would be a boy."
Jason hands the baby to Elizabeth to hold. She says, "Jason, look at him."
"Man, he is so beautiful and light."
Chuckling, "Try carrying him around inside you for nine months. It was worth every minute. I'm already in love with him."
"I know what you mean."
Elizabeth hands her son back to Jason, and he turns to put him in his bassinet and sees Lucky arrive. Lucky reaches his hands to Jason. "Please hand me my son."
"Elizabeth wipes a tear falling down her cheek. She says, "No, Lucky, don't."
Jason locks eyes with Elizabeth. "Are you sure?"
"No, but the truth will come out eventually. Perhaps now is the best time."
Lucky says, "Okay, this is not funny. What are you keeping from me?"
Jason takes the baby and places it in its bin. "Lucky, Elizabeth and I have to tell you something." Jason shuts the door to the room. "Lucky, you are not the baby's father ."
Lucky raises his voice, calling them names and liars.
Elizabeth says, "Lucky, it's true. Jason is the baby's father. It happened during the night of the blackout. I had a paternity test. Jason is the father."
You have been lying to me for months? How could you, after all I did to get clean?"
"I was wrong for not being truthful the next day and again after the result, but don't you dare use this baby as the only reason you got clean. I am sick of the same song and dance. I am glad you got clean, but you had to do it for you. I don't owe you anything."
Senario #3
Elizabeth is about to tell Lucky everything when she goes into cardiac arrest. She has a pulmonary embolism and remains in a coma while the baby stays in the nursery.
Jason pulls out the letter Elizabeth gave him and contemplates telling Lucky, especially if his son needs him. LuLu begs Jason not to hurt her brother. "You wanted to tell earlier; now you don't want him to know. If something happens to Elizabeth, she wants me to claim him."
"Lucky can't lose his wife and son on the same day. He might not be able to survive. You promised!"
"I promised Elizabeth. I didn't promise Lucky, and I certainly did not promise you. Elizabeth gave me this letter two days before she went into labor. These are her wishes. I want my son with me. I don't give a fuck what Lucky wants."
The doctors think the baby should be home, but Lucky doesn't want to take him unless Elizabeth is awake. Jason wants to do right by his son and tells Lucky it's time to think about how long the baby should be in the hospital. Lucky does not take Jason's advice kindly. "Jason, just because you saved my son does not give you the right to decide for him."
Jason interrupts, seeing LuLu pleading with him with her eyes. "Actually, Lucky, I do have the right. This letter gives me the right, and biology gives me the right."
Elizabeth wakes from her coma and hears Lucky and Jason arguing. She says, "Lucky, Jason has the authority. He decides whatever needs to be done. He is the father. Elizabeth passes out again, and Jason and Lucky argue about what is best for baby Spencer/Morgan. It hits Jason how many people know the truth and how many more have put his son in danger. But the truth is out. He tells Lucky that when Elizabeth wakes up, he wants to be included in his son's life.
Scenario 4
Elizabeth names her son. Emily laughs at the name and the initials. Jacob Martin? What was your inspiration?"
Elizabeth asks Emily to close the door. "Em, you often asked me if I was hiding something or if I had a secret. Jacob-Jake, for short, is Jason's son. I think you know that. Jason knows, and we plan on telling Lucky. I know you don't want your best friend to be hurt, and Jason and I should have spoken up sooner."
"Elizabeth, you are my best friend too. I love you, and I will love having a nephew. I will keep your secret until you are ready to tell." Jason knocks on the door, and Emily kisses his cheek as she leaves. She whispers, "Congratulations, daddy!"
Jason says, "You told Emily?"
Elizabeth nods, "I couldn't keep this from her. I don't want to keep from anyone."
Sam overhears, and Jason and Elizabeth confess. Sam vows revenge.
June
Scenario 5
Lucky arrests Jason, and Elizabeth tells him not to do it. They argue about Lucky arresting Jason in front of her, and she knows Ric has an agenda. He wanted to watch. Elizabeth said she asked Jason to hold Jake, and Jason can hold him any time he wants. "Lucky screams, "I won't allow you to bring my son to visit Jason in Pentonville!" Lucky walks out, and Elizabeth whispers, "He is not your son!" Elizabeth visits Jason in lockup and tells him what happened to him was wrong. Lucky interrupts and says, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Jason."
"Jason is charged with suspicion of murder."
"And Jason saved me more than once, while you almost killed me more than twice. Would you like me to discuss you shooting a gun at me and framing Jason? You could have killed either of us. Don't do this, Lucky, or some hard truths will emerge."
Jason says, "Elizabeth, this is not the right time. I could be in here for a long time. We did the right thing to protect Jake."
"Lucky doesn't understand or like Elizabeth's secret code of conversation with Jason. "What the fuck is going on with you two?"
"Lucky, you find a way to get Jason bail, or I will tell everyone. Jason is Jake's father."
"You would lie to protect Jason? He is probably guilty."
Jason replies, "It's not a lie, Lucky."
Lucky says, "This isn't over."
Amelia Joffee visits the PCPD and tells him about Sam's cons and misdeeds. Sam has known for months Jason is Jake's father. Jason is processing everything Amelia told him.
Scenario 6
Elizabeth enjoys a lovely day in the park with Jake in his stroller and Cam playing on a blanket. Spinelli and LuLu visit, and Spinelli babbles over baby Jake. Elizabeth says he can hold the baby. LuLu helps transfer Jake from the carrier to Spinelli's arms. Sam stops to admire the baby, and her comments make Elizabeth uncomfortable. Sam excuses herself, announcing she is out to get a smoothie. Spinelli and LuLu leave, and Cam needs his shoe tied. Elizabeth stands and finds the stroller empty. She begins yelling for help.
After being questioned in the park by Mac, Elizabeth goes to the PCPD for more questions. Lainey is brought in as Mac suspects Elizabeth has PPD. They take her to an interrogation room where Mac, Lainey, and Lucky question Elizabeth's motives. Elizabeth cries as she sorts through her purse for a tissue, and her eyes land on Jake's pacifier. Jason is brought in from lockup and goes to her when he sees her crying.
"What happened? Are you okay?"
Sniffling and looking at him, she says, "Jake's gone."
Jason asks her to tell him everything, and she tells him the same thing she's told Mac, Lucky, and Lainey. "I'm so sorry, Jason. I should never have taken my eyes off him."
"Please tell me again; maybe you left something out."
"Who does this? It was in the middle of the day. Unless….unless they took Jake because he's your son."
"Elizabeth, this is not your fault. I don't think it was due to my business. It's likely random."
"I thought about telling the police the truth, but I don't know if that would make it worse. What do you think?"
"I don't know, but I've got to get out of here. I promise you I will do whatever it takes to find our son!"
Mac and Lainey enter, and Mac is surprised Jason is there. Jason said he was brought up to see his lawyer; Elizabeth was upset, and he wanted to help. Lainey says, "We want to ask you a few more questions."
Jason shouts, "Forget about it!"He whispers, "There's no reason why you should talk to a shrink."
Mac says, "That's not your call to make. Jake Spencer is not your son. Who Elizabeth speaks to does not concern you."
Jason says, "That is where you are wrong, Mac. Jake is my son, and I won't have you treat her like a suspect when her son has been kidnapped."
Elizabeth says, "You think I did something to Jake?"
Lainey tries to use clinical garon to justify her snap to diagnose. I think that postpartum depression is a very serious illness…"
Elizabeth screams, "I do not have postpartum depression, and I did not hurt my son!"
Mac tells everyone to calm down. Elizabeth replies, "I will not calm down. Our son has been kidnapped, and you think I did this?"
Mac thinks, "This is the second time Jason or Elizabeth have alluded that Jake is Jason's son."
Lucky enters, and Elizabeth yells at him. "Did you know that Mac and Lainey think I did something to Jake?"
"They are only trying to get answers."
Jason yells, "If you can't support Elizabeth, then get the hell out!"
"Here is your answer! You get Jason out of lockup. Jason is Jake's father, not a worthless piece of shit who thinks the worst of me!"
"Once again, you lie for your hero, Jason, because you think he can do a better job than me. I never would have turned my back on my son to tie Cam's shoes."
Jason says, "Elizabeth is not to blame; Jake is not your son. Get me the fuck out of here. Put an ankle monitor on me. I'm not going anywhere other than to find my son!"
More What If Scenarios 7-Jason's Trial.
Drew wakes up
Jason shows Elizabeth his surprise
Jason and Danny
Carly
Other
Early October 2023
Thank you to the guest reviewer- Carly may change, and I haven't decided yet about Sam.
Thank you to Trini12180- You will find out soon about what Jason and Elizabeth plan for Carly.
Thank you to Notenoughlove. There is still more of Carly's story to tell.
Drew wakes up
Jason shows Elizabeth his surprise
Jason and Danny
Carly
Other
Elizabeth signs charts when the alarm rings in Drew's room. She rushes to the room, and Drew stirs and wakes up. Carly left 20 minutes ago. Elizabeth approaches Drew. In a calming voice, she says, "Drew, this is Elizabeth. I Want you to relax. I'm going to remove your breathing tube. Take a deep breath and exhale." Drew does, and Elizabeth feeds him ice chips. She says, "You were attacked in Pentonville. You had surgery and are in recovery. You need to suck on these ice chips. Would you like me to call Carly for you?" Drew nods. Elizabeth calls Carly, Sam, and Jason.
After a few moments, Drew collects himself and asks questions. Elizabeth explains what she knows. She says, "I don't know if you heard, but Jason is alive. He was rescued shortly after the tunnel collapse in Greece and after months of surgeries and therapies. He's been in Port Charles for a few months but only showed himself last week. He had plans to see you this week to tell you himself, but unfortunately, you landed here."
"Wow! That is a lot to process. How did Carly take it?"
"How would you expect her to take it?"
"I'm sorry. Are you back with Jason?"
"Yes, and that is one of the issues."
Carly arrives and says, "Thanks for the call, Elizabeth; you can leave."
Drew says, "Thank you for everything, Elizabeth. I look forward to seeing Jason and Sam." Elizabeth leaves, and Carly and Drew catch up. "Carly, what the hell is going on with you and Elizabeth?"
Jason arrives, and Elizabeth updates him. Sam comes, and Jason recounts what Elizabeth said. Elizabeth says, "Carly is with Drew. If you want to see him, he's in his room.
Jason says, "Sam, please tell Drew I'll visit tomorrow." He and Elizabeth leave.
Jason says, "Are you up for a ride?"
Elizabeth replies, "Sure. Where?"
Jason hands Elizabeth her helmet and whispers, "Nowhere!"
Elizabeth mimics, "I could go there. Can I drive?"
Jason shakes his head with a smile, "No, why do you always ask?"
"Maybe you will say yes again."
"It's been more than two years; I barely trust myself. When was the last time you were on a bike?"
Hesitantly, "A lot more than two years."
"So, maybe you can steer another time."
Before Jason and Elizabeth head out, Jason places a call and says, "We will be there in 15."
Jason crosses over a new stone bridge. The old skeletal remains of an estate Elizabeth saw two months ago had been transformed into the makings of a handsome lodge. Elizabeth removes her helmet and exclaims, "Jason, it's beautiful. Why?"
"I remember bringing you out here over 20 years ago."
"It was twenty-three years ago. You also taught me boxing lessons."
"Wow! Has it been that long? After returning from the Rochester hospital, I thought of this place. It still needs more work, but I'd like us to live here. At least part-time when you aren't on shift at GH."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. The outside structures will be completed before the end of October and the inside
before mid-November. After that is how you want to decorate and furnish."
"Jason, these are big steps. You just moved in with me less than 48 hours ago."
"Elizabeth, we have lived most of our lives together on wait-and-see and missed opportunities. Seeing how Carly is now has put things in perspective. I wished we had handled things differently after Franco died, and I didn't agree to a marriage with Carly. I don't want to wait. I want everyone to know how we feel."
Elizabeth wraps her arms around Jason's neck and says, "I don't want to wait either, but anything we do, I want the boys to have a vote, at least until they are out of the house on their own."
Jason kisses her, grins, and says, "Jake and Aiden already approved. Here is a picture of them in front of our new home. I took it this afternoon." It has Jason standing behind Jake and Aiden. With Jake and Aiden giving the camera a thumbs-up."
"Ok-ay! I guess we have a lot of planning to do. When do you want to move in?"
"I was thinking before the end of the year."
"Jason, that's less than three months! Is there enough time?"
"Just some final floor plans, and anything you or the boys want can be shipped and delivered. The rest can be moved gradually."
"Oh my god! I can't believe this is happening."
"Can I show you the inside so far?" Elizabeth nods, and he opens the door, revealing the dinner the Quartermine Cook had prepared. Later, she follows him upstairs to show her the various bedrooms. Their bedroom has a fireplace, the outline of a shower, and a claw tub. There are four additional bedrooms and three more bathrooms. Downstairs, he points out an art room. "I don't know if you still paint, but Jake can use the room too. It's large enough for two. You saw the dining room, and the kitchen is still being developed."
"You are wonderful. I love it! I love you."
"I'll show you the rest of the house. There are woods in the back. The house will be secure and guarded. We won't need as much security if we can contain Carly." Elizabeth nods and starts clearing the table. Jason says, "Leave it. Johnny and Mario haven't eaten yet. We will go home." Tomorrow, after I visit Drew, I'm meeting with Carly and Sonny again."
They arrive home with Jake and Aiden waiting for them. Jake asks, "Well?"
Elizabeth says, "We will be in our new home by the end of the year!"
Aiden yells, "Yes!"
Elizabeth says, "Thanks for your approval. Start thinking of what you want for your rooms and other areas of the estate."
Jake and Aiden say goodnight, and Jason and Elizabeth head to bed.
The following morning, Jason drove Elizabeth to GH as her car was still in the lot from the previous day. Jason passes Carly in the hall, leaving Drew's room. She says, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry? For what? For trashing Elizabeth? Following me? Trying to tank a teenager's business? Expecting me to put you first for over 20 years? Or sorry in general?"
Carly replies, "Maybe all of it. I spoke with Drew, and he gave me clarity. I'm always going to want you to rescue me when fuck up. I can't help wanting you to put me first, but that is not healthy."
"No, It's not."
"Okay."
"Okay, what?"
"Okay, I'll try. I'm sorry."
"I'm not the one you need to apologize to. Elizabeth would be nice, but Aiden should be the first person you apologize to."
"I'll place a new order. That could help."
"An apology would be better. Don't you get it, Carly? People lose customers all the time. Aiden has a following, and his new website will bring him more business. It was your words that hurt Aiden. He blamed himself for causing us problems. I'm going to see my brother now."
Jason visits Drew, and Drew tries to apologize for Carly's behavior.
"Drew, it is not your fault. Carly has been this way since I have known her. I should have required boundaries over 25 years ago. She apologized, but I'm not the one she needs to say sorry to. I am sorry for not reaching out to you sooner. I'm sorry for your attack. Do you know who might have a grudge against you?"
Drew laughs, then coughs from the pain in his ribs. "Only Tracy Quartermaine. When Ned hit his head, she tried to blame it on me, but security feeds cleared me."
"If you need anything, please let me or Elizabeth know."
"Thanks, Jason. I'm glad to learn you are alive."
Jason meets Spinelli to discuss working together again and wants to hire him for Aiden's new website. Jason apologizes for not being in touch sooner, but only a few knew he was alive until recently. Spinelli says he's spoken with Sam and understands. He'll look at Aiden's current webpage and offer advice on improving it.
Jason calls Sonny and says, "Can we schedule a meeting in the next couple of days? Perhaps we could try to coexist. Okay, I'll stop by the shop on Tuesday."
Jason picks up Jake and Aiden and drives to meet Sam and Danny at Charlie's. Danny yells, "Dad!" Jason bends down to hug his son.
Jason thanks Sam for bringing Danny. "Of course. He couldn't wait to see you. I will see Drew to give you time with the boys."
"Thank you, Sam."
Jason spends the next hour listening to Danny's updates on his life. He also talks about how his sister Scout is getting bigger. "Is it true that Uncle Drew is in the hospital?"
"Yes, but I don't think your mother is ready to tell your sister until after she speaks with Drew."
"Okay, I won't say anything."
Jason watches Jake, Aiden, and Danny talk about their lives and smiles. He recalls when he last saw the three of them together at Elizabeth's when she had the place wired.
Sam returns, "How did it go?"
Jason replies, "I think we all had a nice time. How is Drew?"
"Better. He said I could tell Scout but didn't want her to see him bruised. Elizabeth checked him twice while I was there. She can fill you in when she gets home."
"Thanks again, Sam, for letting me have time with Danny. I'll be in touch."
Jason returns home, and they make more plans.
TBC
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October 2023