Chapter 8

February:

Summary:

Ruby's service brings visits from several PC residents. Nikolas offers his sympathy. Lucky informs his father he must accept Nikolas as his brother. Lucky and Nikolas won't be a part of the Cassidine/Spencer war. Elizabeth is unsure of her romantic future. Carly overreacts. The Quartermaines are divided on taking sides. Mac assures Felecia that things will be different for Moreno now that Sonny is back in town.

Jason

2/2-2/24/1999

Jason meets with Alexis in her office. "Jason, I was surprised when you called me to discuss Michael. Considering I represented Tony during his trial, I didn't think you'd want my help. I thought you'd want Justus, considering he's family. I must hear more about Michael and your intentions for the custody conditions."

"Justus is still working for Moreno and running for DA. Edward is funding his campaign. I want someone who understands the Quartermaines but will also fight for Michael's rights. Carly lied, and I went along with her. I am not Michael's biological father. AJ is. AJ is not a bad person; I've allowed him visits with Michael, and Monica has respected the boundaries. My concern is Edward. Edward wanted to steal Michael even when they thought I was the father. They tried to use my association with Sonny as a reason for being a bad influence. If he discovers AJ is the father, he will use AJ to get to Michael. I want to ensure that doesn't happen. Can you draft custody papers where Edward has no input or control?"

Alexis jots notes on a legal pad. "Can you prove AJ is the father? How are you certain you aren't Michael's father?"

"I wasn't sleeping with Carly. Unless there was a third guy Carly didn't mention, AJ is the only viable candidate. Tony's blood type doesn't match Michael's. AJ did, and Carly confessed to me that AJ was the father. You can order a paternity test, but I'm confident AJ will test as the father."

"Why now? Is this why Robin left?"

"Partially. Carly asked me for help when she couldn't care for Michael. I stepped in to care for Michael while Carly was suffering from PPD. I fell in love with him. When Carly returned, I agreed to be his father. Carly used my love for Michael to continue the lie. Robin knew Carly was using Michael to get me to leave Robin for her. Carly believed if Robin weren't in the picture, I would love her because she is Michael's mother. I love Michael, but I don't love Carly. I told her several times I would never sleep with her again, but she didn't listen. She thinks with Robin gone, I'll run away with her and protect her from the Quartermaines. She is wrong, and I need you to fix the mistakes from last year."

"Contrary to the prevailing stereotype of my profession, I do have a conscience. It hurts me to think about what Michael will go through if I don't take your case."

"I'm willing to make concessions to visit the family to ensure Edward won't control Michael. I want to be involved in Michael's life."

Are you prepared for the fallout from your family because of this secret? I imagine AJ won't be happy knowing you kept his son from him for a year. He may retaliate."

Jason laughs, "It is a Quartermaine trait. I'm prepared for Edward, but I want to be fair to AJ and, at the same time, put safeguards in place to keep him from using Michael as a weapon or having him play dirty like Edward does."

"I suggest blackmail. What do you have on your family that will keep them in line?"

"Plenty, but they have shit on me too. I won't implicate Monica or Emily in anything, but I can provide damaging evidence on Edward, AJ, and Alan. I would prefer not to stoop to their level unless they force me to." Jason wanted to ensure Edward wouldn't interfere. He wanted restrictions in place.

"Do you have something they want?"

"Besides Michael? They want Sonny's ELQ shares or to have me spend more time with the family. Emily will be on my side, and maybe Monica can help."

"Gather what you can, and I'll draft conditions, and we can present them to AJ. How will you contain Carly?"

"She doesn't know what I'm planning, but when she does, I want conditions in place that she will behave, and I have a slew of dirt on her. There is much I can't prove, but enough to keep her in line for the Quartermaines. Carly will lie and fight dirty. I need something to stop her from trying. If possible, threaten her if she crosses the line, and she loses a chance at shared custody."

"Does she have anything on you?"

"Nothing she can prove. She knows I'm a partner with Sonny and knows as much as the PCPD does, which is nothing. One concern is 'hell hath no fury like a Carly scorned.' Or, as Robin once called her, "Hurricane Carly."

Alexis finishes her notes and says, "Give me three days. First, I'll set up a meeting with AJ, and then you can drop the bomb on Carly. One last time, are you sure you want to move forward?"

"Yes, thank you." Alexis begins drafting the documents.

Sonny returns to the penthouse. Jason tells him that he's hired Alexis to draft documents for him to tell AJ about Michael. Sonny says, "What the hell? You hate the Quartermaines and what they did to you."

"Yes, but Alexis will put conditions in place for AJ, Edward, and Carly. I'm not Michael's father. I should never have agreed with Carly to lie in the first place. I won't let Carly control my life or let her use Michael to get me to do her bidding. I want to buy some of your ELQ shares."

"Are you sure? The Quartermaines will try to control you. Carly is the lesser of two evils, and as a bonus, you will raise the child you want as your son."

"Sonny, how can you be so blind to the lengths Carly will take? She wants what she wants and will lie to get it. If I give in now, I will never be free of letting her get her way."

Jason has been avoiding Carly since Ruby's service. He asks her to meet him at his PH. He arrives at the PH, lit with candles. Carly opens the door wearing a low-cut shirt and tight jeans. "Why have you been ignoring me? I heard your perfect Robin left town. Would you like to see your son?"

"Carly, Michael is not my son."

"Everyone thinks he is. With Robin gone, that's one less person who knows the truth. You are going to be lonely with your angel gone. We can raise Michael together."

"No, we can't. I came to tell you Alexis is drafting documents regarding Michael. I'm notifying AJ tomorrow."

Carly screams, "That bitch! What has Robin done to you? This is her fault. If you hadn't told her the truth, we could be a family."

"Carly, Michael was the only reason I agreed to claim paternity. There is no us, and Robin didn't make me do anything. Get on board and come with me tomorrow. I'll set ground rules for everyone. If AJ falls out of line, he loses custody. If you try to set him up, you will regret it."

"Jason, you love me. You will forgive me. We can still be a family."

"No, Carly, we can't. Show up at Alexis's offices tomorrow morning. I won't be cleaning up your messes."

Alexis calls AJ for a meeting with Jason. She asks him to come to her office to discuss Michael. He can bring a lawyer but suggests he hear them out first. Carly will be a surprise if she decides to show up.

AJ arrives looking perplexed but curious about what his brother has to say. He is alone.

Alexis says, "AJ, we are waiting for one more person to arrive. Please wait 15 minutes; we will begin if they don't show." Jason takes the initiative and asks if AJ wants water. AJ nods, and Jason gets a bottle from Alexis's mini fridge. AJ is about to ask why he is there when Carly rushes in.

"Goddamit Jason! How could you do this to me? You didn't give me time to find a decent lawyer to sue your ass. You betrayed me!"

Alexis has six copies of the documents she prepared. She holds on to the original. She hands them out to AJ, Carly, and Jason. She keeps two extra for lawyers and the final one to file with the courts.

AJ says, "What is going on? Why is Carly here?"

Jason says, "AJ, I have a long overdue apology." Carly tries to interrupt, and Alexis shushes her. "You are Michael's biological father. I never should have claimed him as mine."

AJ is furious. He says, "You isolated Michael from his family. You robbed me out of a year of my son's life!"

Carly shouts, "You are a drunk! We had a drunken one-night stand. You've never been around to be Michael's father!"

"You never gave me a chance to be his Godamm father! Jason, how could you? I could understand why Carly would do this, but you've allowed me around Michael. You could have told me anytime. All I wanted was a connection. I can't believe you robbed me of a year of being his father. How did Carly convince you to lie?"

"No one makes Jason do anything he doesn't want to do."

Jason wants to shake Carly. Yesterday, she was screaming and blaming Robin for making him come forward. "AJ, at first, I wanted to help Carly; she was suffering from PPD, and I held off saying anything. I fell in love with Michael. I loved caring for him. When Edward tried to take Michael, already determining his future before he was born, I knew Michael wasn't safe around him. You are his biological father, but Edward shouldn't control the narrative."

Alexis clears her throat. "We could go all day and point fingers. I suggest everyone look at the documents before you. Carly, Jason states that AJ is Michael Morgan's biological father. AJ is likely to request a paternity test. You have two days to comply." Alexis offers proof in a separate document of what will happen if she doesn't agree to the terms. "AJ, Jason does not want Edward to blackmail his way into controlling Michael. Jason does not want to stoop to the level of conspiring, Edward, and your family does, but he will if you or your family goes after Carly." Alexis offers AJ proof in a separate document.

Alexis addresses both AJ and Carly. "Please review the suggested custody agreement and share it with your lawyers. If either of you strays from the agreement, Jason will have cause to sue for custody. If necessary, the courts will appoint a mediator."

AJ angrily tells Carly to comply with the paternity test, and when the results show he is the father, he wants her to bring Michael to the mansion. "It is partly my fault. When Carly was pregnant, I told her that he would take the baby if it were mine."

Carly glares at AJ before turning to Jason and slapping him on her way out. "Jason, I trusted you!"

AJ says, "I don't like what you've done, Jason, but I understand your concerns over Grandfather. What do you recommend?"

"If it were up to me, you'd move out of the mansion and find a place where Edward has no control. I'd tell Monica and Emily first that you are Michael's father. They'll help keep the Old Man in line if you can get their support."

AJ tells Monica and Emily about his meeting with Jason and Carly. He assures Emily that he has Michael's best interests at heart. Monica explains to Emily that the blood test will prove that AJ is Michael's father. She says if she had her druthers, Michael would have two fathers. Emily says Michael will be terrified if he has to live at the Quartermaines. AJ says, "Jason offered Brenda's cottage until I find something better. He doesn't like the idea of Michael at the mansion either. I'd have to provide better security to keep Grandfather away."

Edward walks and says, "Keep me away from what?"

AJ says, "Jason said I am Michael's biological father. I'm getting a paternity test to confirm everything."

"Splendid, my boy. Jason stole your child, and it is my duty as the head of the Quartermaines to get my great-grandson back into the mansion. Michael is a Quartermaine. He has a destiny, and I intend to fulfill it! Everything will work out for the best."

Emily says, "Grandfather, everything that has happened is your fault. It was your idea to steal Michael before he was born. Why do you think Jason wanted to protect Michael from the likes of you? You've already decided his future, and he's only a year old."

Monica says, "Edward, you've been announcing to everyone you only care about family, but all you've been doing is trying to destroy us. You have schemed, bribed, lied, and used people without any thought as to how it will hurt them later on. If you cause a permanent rift because of this custody battle, I will throw you out of the house, and I'll give all my ELQ stock to Jason. I will let the world know exactly why you will live at the Port Charles Hotel."

AJ says, "Grandfather, you will do no such thing. I'll take Michael to live elsewhere instead of here. Jason will retaliate if you don't follow his conditions."

"Poppycock! He has nothing to negotiate!"

"Edward put a sock in it! I support my children, not you."

"AJ, my boy, you should invite Carly to move here. She won't be able to resist an offer to live at the Quartermaine mansion. She'll have a private room and realize you can give her more respectability than Jason ever could. But first, you must change that dreaded name."

AJ can't believe that Edward would invite Carly to live with them, but Edward assures AJ that he has a plan. They'll put up with Carly for a few months, abandon her, and keep the child. AJ disagrees with Edward's plan. "It won't work. I have documents from Alexis Davis that if the family gets out of line, Jason will not only sue for custody, but he also has proof of Quatermaine crimes."

Ned arrives, and Emily tells him the news about Michael. Edward says that AJ has produced something no family business could do without a family member to leave ELQ to. Ned says he understands why Jason hasn't wanted the Quartermaines to raise Michael. Edward is already deciding Michael's future. Ned says that as far as Michael is concerned, Edward doesn't care. Michael is a bargaining chip, and to Edward, Michael represents the next generation. AJ says he wouldn't let that happen.

Monica shows AJ a picture of him when he was Michael's age and points out the similarities. AJ regrets all he has missed. Monica believes that it will be hard on Michael. They could make it easier on him by letting him see Jason occasionally. AJ agrees. "One of Jason's conditions is that he gets to visit us to ensure Grandfather behaves. Jason has even agreed to get Sonny Corothino's shares back and be a voting member."

Monica is angry at Carly for pitting her two sons against each other in the paternity battle. All Carly can see is dollar signs in this. She tells Alan that Jason admitted he wasn't Michael's father. Alan says, "It proves that Jason might consider some compromise. Maybe harmony in the Quartermaine family can start now."

Bobbie visits Carly. She forces Carly to admit that AJ. is Michel's father. Carly tries to play the martyr with an unsympathetic Bobbie. "Your manipulations will continue to wreak havoc in people's lives. You caused this. You are being disruptive to everyone, and you don't give a shit!"

Carly blames Robin, but Bobbie clarifies that Jason told AJ after Robin left town. She tries to get Carly to understand that being a mother is more than money and big houses.

Later, Bobbie sees Sonny and says, "Carly is afraid that the Quartermaines will take the baby and kick her out. Her lack of confidence will continue to get her into trouble. Carly wants Jason, and that baby is her ticket. She doesn't like what Jason has planned."

Sonny and Jason talk about Carly and Michael. Sonny warns Jason that Carly is a loose cannon and that the Quartermaines would use her to go after Michael. Jason admits that he factored in that possibility and has conditions to ensure it doesn't happen. Sonny says he doesn't trust Carly, but Jason feels he can handle her. Sonny thinks otherwise but explains that as long as Jason sat on the board at ELQ, he had leverage against the Quartermaines.

Sonny returns to the penthouse. Carly says she is only scamming AJ. If she can get his trust, the other Quartermaines will follow. Once she has their trust, they will leave Michael alone, and she can decide who will see Michael and who will not. Sonny says her "stories" don't work with him; he sees 'right through her.' He calls her a slut. She spins a good story, but he knows a liar and manipulator when he sees one. Carly retaliates by saying she knows what this is all about - Robin. Sonny loves Robin, and Jason has chosen Carly over Robin. He informs her that Jason never chose her. Jason chose Michael. Carly makes the mistake of calling Robin a tramp and implies that maybe Sonny and Robin had something going on on the side. He thinks just like Robin did and uses Jason just like Robin did. She claims that they both use Jason as if he were their puppet. They got him when he was brand new and made him into whatever they wanted him to be. He can make his own decisions without Sonny or Robin telling him what to do.

Carly said they wouldn't be in their situation if Jason had never told Robin the truth. Sonny interrupted and told Carly that she shouldn't have created the situation if she didn't like it.

Sonny runs into Luke on the docks. Luke compliments Sonny on the new coffee warehouse and asks how the police deal with it. Sonny says that he has the cops confused, but that hasn't stopped them from putting a tail on him.

Lukes Place:

Luke is in his office when he receives a phone call from Sonny. Luke tells Sonny that Moreno seems to be making moves around town and warns him of a surprise attack Moreno might be coming. Sonny tells him to watch his back and then hangs up.

Sonny, Jason, and Johnny are on the docks. They run into Moreno, who tells Sonny he should have stayed away. He tells Sonny that Port Charles is his town now and Sonny had better watch out. Sonny laughs his threats off and tells him he imports coffee now and would like to brew Moreno a cup to go. Moreno says that sooner or later, Sonny will choke on his coffee.

Sonny warns Luke to beef up security. He tells him about his run-in with Moreno. Luke says he wants Sonny and Jason hanging around as much as possible. Business is never better than when people are trying to kill them. Sonny laughs and says that it is going to be a good year.

Carly tells Jason she only pretends to be on the Quartermaine's side. Jason says it doesn't matter what she does because Michael will still be at the mansion. She blames this attitude on Sonny. "We can still be together as a family." Jason looks at her in shock. She attempts to explain that AJ still has a thing for her. "Edward will insist his great-grandson be legitimate. I'll marry AJ. When AJ thinks he has won, I'll surprise him and file for divorce and sole custody. I'll rich; we can be together in a year or less."

"That is the dumbest idea I have ever heard. Did you forget the conditions placed for custody? If you screw over AJ, you will lose custody. I'm watching both you and the Quartermaines. Don't use Michael to get what you want. It didn't work with me, and I won't allow it with you or the Quartermaines."

Elizabeth 2/2-28/1999

Nikolas asks Lucky what he and Liz are doing for Valentine's Day. Lucky jokes that it's a secret, then says it is a big plan.

Emily confides to Nikolas that any surprise Lucky has for Elizabeth will be wrong. Elizabeth doesn't want to celebrate Valentine's Day. She has other plans. She's been volunteering at a rape crisis center for the past month. Elizabeth doesn't want anyone to know other than her father, Audrey, or Emily. Elizabeth confesses she's unsure if she will ever enjoy Valentine's Day again.

Elizabeth and Lucky enter Kelly's when she sees a poster announcing the Valentine's Dance at the High School. She freaks and runs away. Lucky catches up to her, and she says, "I thought I was past feeling this way. This is what Gail and I have been working on."

While Lucky helps Laura plan a party for Lulu's party, he says he wants to make this Valentine's Day memorable for Elizabeth. Lucky explains how Elizabeth reacted to the Valentine's Day Dance poster. He can't take last Valentine's Day back, but he hopes he can do something about their future Valentine's Days. Laura asks what he has planned, and Lucky says it'll be the two of them and that he bought Liz an orchid corsage for her arm. He hopes he is just making this right for her. Laura offered some white roses that she had received. Nikolas knocks on the door. He has brought two boxes of chocolates, one for Laura and one for Lulu. Laura offers to go upstairs and get Lulu so she can visit with her two favorite guys. She also says she'll get the roses.

Nikolas warns Lucky that Elizabeth may not be ready for something that splashy.

Lucky surprises Elizabeth at Kellly's. He says, "I got Ruby to let you leave early. I have a surprise for you."

"Lucky, you know I'm not big on surprises. Where are we going?"

"I have plans for us for Valentine's Day. We have an appointment at Wyndhams to shop for dresses. Then I'm taking you somewhere unique for our special Day."

Elizabeth tears up. "I don't want to go shopping. I'm not ready to dress up or have a reminder of the night that ripped me apart. I already have plans. I've been meaning to tell you. For the past month, I've been volunteering at a rape crisis center. I have the night shift on Valentine's Day. Dad is letting me use his car until I've saved enough for a down payment for my own.

Lucky is disappointed his plans were ruined, but her reasons are something he can't talk her out of without acting like an unfeeling bastard. He plasters on a smile. "I understand. Maybe later we can have a special day created only for us. If you want company, I'll go with you to the center."

"You can keep me company, but you haven't had the training. It's a call center for people who have been sexually assaulted. I provide basic counseling or refer them to hospitals or the police."

Lucky agrees and offers to drive her there.

Emily visits Elizabeth at home, "Liz, Nikolas told me that Lucky was planning something special for you on Valentine's Day. I warned him that Lucky would be disappointed. Did you tell Lucky you are busy?"

"Yes, I told him the truth or at least the partial truth. Yes, I have plans and am committed to the hotline; I also said that any celebration of Valentine's Day is a painful reminder from last year. Lucky has respected my feelings, but I was afraid he'd want more than I could give. He still resents his parents and wants to move to New York City. He says he's doing it for me so I can attend art school, but I think he wants to escape from his parents."

"What do you want?"

"I want to stay here. The past two years with my dad have been great. It's the first time since the divorce I've felt I was a priority. Dad has offered to pay for half of this great studio on the waterfront where I can paint. He told me I could live there or stay at home and attend art classes at PCU. I have enough money saved for a down payment on a car. Dad and I will look at used vehicles next month. Do you still plan on attending Stanford after graduating next year?"

"Hopefully. I could attend PCU, but Stanford has an excellent pre-med program."

"How is your grandfather dealing with finding out AJ is Michael's father instead of Jason?"

"God, Liz, can I move in with you? He wants Carly to move into the mansion so he can control Michael's future. AJ is reeling from the news, but I can understand why Jason kept quiet for so long. Grandfather wanted to steal Michael before he was born and tried to use Jason's association with Sonny to stipulate that the Quartermaines were a better choice. It's laughable after I think of all the shit my family has done to believe Michael is better off with them. Jason has tried to convince AJ to move into Brenda's cottage to avoid Edward's control. If Carly moves in, I may ask to live with Jason."

"I've met Carly a few times at Kelly's. Is she that horrible? Bobbie is great; it's hard to believe she's her mother. Carly is Lucky's cousin, but she mostly ignores him, possibly due to something Luke said or did to her."

"Carly is an entitled bitch. She thinks Jason belongs to her. I've heard her brag that she's why Robin left, and she's said it's Robin's fault that Jason came forward with the truth. Robin left and moved on. Carly is pissed and is playing both sides. She hopes Jason will change his mind, but if he won't, she kisses up to AJ because she will have to share custody."

"And I thought Sarah was bad." Emily and Elizabeth laugh.

Valentine's Day arrives, and Lucky accompanies Elizabeth to the hotline call center. He is amazed at her calmness in answering cries from young and older women. Lucky walks Elizabeth to the car and surprises her with a single white rose. "I know you didn't want to celebrate this day, but I want you to know I think you are amazing."

"Awe, thank you. I think you are great too." Lucky embraces Elizabeth and kisses her.

Elizabeth arrives at Pier 52 to meet Lucky. He hands her an application for the New York Art Academy. He explains that he got two, so she can use one as a rough draft. It isn't what she expected, but she sits down with a smile and reviews it. Elizabeth fills out the top page, and Lucky teases her when he learns that her middle name is Imogene. He asks her why he never knew her middle name. Elizabeth says, "Lorenzo, do you have a problem with it?"

"Hey, I like Lorenzo. Immogine is a beautiful name."

After reviewing the application, Elizabeth is discouraged because she has nothing to list under any accomplishments. "Lucky, I'll never get in. Dad will cover tuition at PCU, but I can't afford the school in New York City. I don't qualify for student aid unless I sever myself from my father. Have you considered how much a studio apartment will cost in the city? Jason doesn't pay that well, does he? I never did any other school activities. My mother told me that Sarah could get into anything she put her mind to and that I could get into anything I was not supposed to. Maybe this is a bad idea."

"Don't get discouraged. Your talent is what will get you in."

"I don't need to go to school in Manhattan; what are your plans? Are you going to school too, or will you get a job?"

"I guess we should talk more about how we will live and expenses. I could play my music and get a job with computers. You could sell art to the tourists. We'd eat pretzels on Saturday in the Park and ice cream on Sundays. At least, that's how I imagined we'd spend our lives."

"Lucky, your ideas are tempting, but I must consider my options. If you decide to go without me, I hope you can forgive your parents and tell them you are leaving."

Lucky kisses her and agrees to think about it. He doesn't want to go without her but doesn't see his future in Port Charles.