Chapter 35
June 2004
Summary:
Cameron Steven Morgan is christened. Sonny and Emily are the Godparents. Father Coates presides over the small gathering, which includes friends and family.
Carly secretly tries to undermine Jason and Elizabeth's marriage. Carly worries about Courtney out with Jax and thinks he is using her. She believes Courtney belongs with Jason.
Sam tries relying on Jason Elizabeth.
Courtney and Jax travel to Milan. Jax makes a bet.
Lois wants Brook Lynn to be a singing star.
Sonny moves in with Sam to comfort her after her loss.
Carly is furious with Sonny.
Elizabeth and Jason discover Sam's secret.
6/1-15/2004
Jason says, "Carly, stop using my personal life to avoid dealing with your marriage."
"My marriage is over. I want to fight for you."
"No, I'm happy with Elizabeth. If you truly love me, you will leave me alone."
"I hope that Sonny never returns. He can stay with that bitch for all I care."
"Sonny would never abandon his own family. He's grieving now. He will return."
"I am too pissed right now. Besides, I didn't go to Sonny's PH to fix his life. I came here so I could fix your life. You only married Elizabeth because she's pregnant. But you can always go back to Courtney. Even though Courtney is with Jax, he is using her. You should be able to rescue her."
"Courtney is not now nor has ever been my responsibility. She is your sister-in-law. Be there for her if you are concerned about Jax, but stay the fuck out of my life."
Carly goes to Stan to have him track Courtney. Stan refuses, saying he works for Sonny and Jason, not her. Jason finds out what she did; he chastises her for going behind his back.
6/15-24/2004
Elizabeth and Jason arrive at GH for her final checkup with Dr. Joyce Meadows. Cameron is in an infant carrier. They are around the corner when Sam leaves the doctor's office. Dr. Meadows says, "Sam, you were never pregnant. How am I supposed to convince Sonny you had a miscarriage?"
Sam hands the doctor another envelope. She says, "This is your final payment. You convince Sonny I had a miscarriage, and I'm grieving. If you tell anyone, your career is over."
Stunned, they wait until Sam has left before entering Dr. Meadows's office. The doctor gives Elizabeth a clean bill of health and says they can resume sexual activities in about a week. They grin at each other.
Jason says, "I look forward to next week, but I want Stan to look into Dr. Meadows's finances. I also want you to find a new OBGYN and get a second opinion. I don't know if I can trust Dr. Meadows if she takes bribes. If I tell Sonny that Sam faked being pregnant, he will blow up. You know how he gets about betrayal."
"If? Jason, you must tell Sonny. He deserves to know. What else do you know about Sam?"
"I'm having her background checked." Jason takes Elizabeth's hand, and they head to their new pediatrician's office for a checkup with Cameron. Dr. Maggie Wurth arrived from Tennessee and was a former colleague of Elizabeth's brother, Steven. Maggie tells them Cameron is healthy and within the height and weight guidelines.
After the disappointing sight of Elizabeth and Jason in the hospital, Courtney goes to the park to take Jax up on his order for dinner. She admits he might be more fun than Jason and is happy to see him. Jax suggests a trip out of the country.
Elizabeth and Jason stop by the Quartermaines and visit Lila. She is resting in her rose garden. Her eyes light up upon seeing Cameron. Jason kisses his grandmother's cheek and lays Cameron in her arms. He kneels beside her chair, and Elizabeth sits on a bench near them. Elizabeth takes a picture of Jason, Cameron, and Lila.
Elizabeth and Jason return to the PH, and Elizabeth pulls the file from her checkups at Mercy in 2002 for her ectopic pregnancy. She types Kim and Kelly's names on her laptop. Dr. Nero left Mercy to get a job in NYC. Dr. Lee is still at Mercy Hospital. Elizabeth says, "When I had my follow-up for my ectopic pregnancy, there was an OBGYN I liked. She is still at Mercy. We could see her for a second opinion."
"I think that's a good idea. I don't trust Dr. Meadows."
Elizabeth gets a second opinion from Dr. Kelly Lee, who clears her for all activities. She returns to work and gets help from Betty, a friend of her Gram, to watch Cameron while she's at school and work, and Jason is at the warehouse.
6/25-29/2004
Elizabeth returns to school and works part-time as a floor nurse at GH. Audrey and Bobbie help her while she is training.
Jason arrives home to dim lights and soft music. He calls out to Elizabeth. "I'm upstairs," she replies.
Jason takes the stairs two at a time. He quickly looks in on a sleeping Cameron and turns his attention to Elizabeth, who is applying lotion to her legs in the bedroom. "You look beautiful," he says.
Elizabeth smiles, thinking he's lying since she still has baby weight to lose. "Do you know what today is?"
Jason gazes at his half-naked wife, "What?"
Dr. Lee said we can resume sex."
Jason quickly strips and pulls Elizabeth with him on top of the bed. Elizabeth giggles, and her tongue finds his. They make love, panting in release. Jason teases, "I approve of Dr. Lee." They are awakened by Cameron crying, and Jason offers to get up and feed him.
6/30/2004
Jason asks Stan to do a detailed background check on Sam and Dr. Joyce Meadows. He includes a glass with Sam's fingerprints on it.
July 2004
Summary:
Stan reveals more information. Jason discovers more truths about Sam.
Family and friends get devastating news.
7/1/2004
Stan says, "On two of Sam's visits with Dr. Meadows, the doctor deposited equal amounts of $10,000 each the following days. From March to June, a total withdrawal of $25,000 was made from Sonny's personal account. Apparently, he gave her access, telling her to buy anything she wanted for herself and the baby."
"Thanks; what else have you found on Sam?"
"Under the name McCall, she disappeared from public records from age seven until she turned 17 when she arrived at Baileys Beach, RI. Then she disappeared for five years until resurfacing, operating a salvage boat last year. I'm waiting for the fingerprint check."
"Can you go and find out what happened in RI?"
"Sure, Jason."
7/6-10/2004
Stan returns with a picture of a blonde Sam. A man had been searching for her for almost ten years. She was known as Sandra. The man says that Sam burned down a house and killed his wife.
Stan tells Jason from Sam's fingerprints, she assumed several identities and married five men, stealing their fortunes. Sam killed her last husband, apparently in self-defense. The daughter of the father has vowed to make Sam pay for killing her father. Stan shows Jason five files of Sam with names of aliases and pictures. A rap sheet is attached to each folder.
Stan says, "Sam is dangerous. Tread lightly with her. Have you thought about paying her off?"
Jason sighs, "I can't deal with this bullshit. I have to tell Sonny, but I worry about Elizabeth. We have a rotating shift of guards on the PH, but I want Francis or Johnny with her when she's at work or school."
"I'll take care of it."
"Thanks, Stan."
7/14/2004.
Lila Quartermaine dies in her sleep and PC mourns.
Justus arrives; Edward sits unkempt and looks distant in his robe. My wife is dead," moans Edward. She looked so tired yesterday. We went to bed early, and I thought I would read a little. Then I thought the light might bother her, so I shut it off and looked at her. She said, 'Thank you, honey. I love you, dear.' Those are the last words I will hear from my wife.
Tracy arrives for breakfast. Justus says, "Brace yourself, Tracy." He reaches out to her. "Lila died in her sleep last night."
"NO!" she screams. He holds her as she shrieks and fights against him, mourning and battlecry all at once. Tracy sighs, "She always saw the good in both of us, Daddy."
Edward replies, "She was the reason that there good was there to see."
At GH, Monica and Alan hear the news and share it with the staff. Alan bows his head and cries. Ned, Brook Lynn, and Lois hear the news at the sound studio.
At Kelly's, Emily's cell phone rings. Emily advises both Lucky and Nikolas of Lila's death. She is devastated. I must tell Jason and Elizabeth before they find out from someone else."
Jason and Emily reminisce about drinking tea with Lila. Jason recalls Emily helping him and Lila to reconnect while Edward blustered. "She was always good at knowing what people meant instead of what they said. Thank you for giving Lila the gift I could not: the gift of time."
"You gave her more than you think you did."
Elizabeth walks down the stairs, carrying Cameron, her hair wet from showering. "Your son spit up on me again."
Jason says, "It's 'my son' when Cameron does something messy. It's Elizabeth's son when he smiles and 'our son' when he reaches milestones." Jason takes Cameron from her arms.
Emily says, "Elizabeth, I was just telling Jason that grandmother passed away in her sleep last night." Elizabeth hugs Emily and kisses Jason, offering condolences to both.
Elizabeth recounts how warm Lila was and how glad she had gotten to see Cameron before she died.
Jason arrives at the Qs. His mother and father thank him. Edward softly tells Jason that of all of them, Jason reminds him the most of Lila. "You have her strength. You have her determination." He puts his hand to Jason's face. You have her eyes." Jason reluctantly lets Edward touch him and then nods in, grateful that Jason loved his grandmother. He clasps hands with Alan on his way and wipes a tear from his eyes.
Emily finds Jason on the docks. They are both having a hard time believing Lila is gone. Emily asked for his help with the family. Jason says he will always be there for Monica and Alan. Lila would want him to make peace with Edward. Emily wants Jason to be present in their lives because they fear losing him since his only connection to them is with Lila.
Elizabeth and Emily meet up at Kelly's. Bobbie brings them some chocolate cake. They talk about Lila. Bobbie remarks that Lila was grooming Emily as a new person to hold the family together. So now it is her turn.
AJ and Jason tell Michael about his great-grandmother. Michael remembers sitting in her lap in her Rose Garden. AJ thanks Jason for having Michael in his life and for being able to know Lila. Jason tells Michael that even though Lila is in heaven. She would be happy knowing he spent time with her family to make them feel better.
7/16/2004
Lila's Service
Attendees:
Lee and Gail Baldwin.
Lucy Coe and Kevin Collins.
Jasper Jacks.
Robin Scorpio.
Family and friends.
Carly gives Jason her condolences. She says Lila had every right to hate her, but she didn't. Jason says that Lila liked her. She laughs and says Lila was her only friend in the house.
Sonny runs into Robin at the church. She brings a message from Brenda. Brenda is happy and hopes he is, too. She believes that he and Carly were meant to be. Sonny comments on how grown-up Robin is now. She tells him that she has missed him. Robin tells Sonny about her favorite memory of Lila. They discuss the time and distance between them, but she says she's happy with her life now.
Robin goes outside to find Jason, who is seemingly lost in thought. He is surprised but glad to see her. He says, "Grandmother would have been glad you made it. Please tell Brenda hello for me."
"All of this must be difficult for you."
"The Quartermaines need me, and it's because of your advice that I can be there and comfort them. You encouraged me to spend time with them. It meant a lot to Lila for just a few visits. She got to spend time with her great-grandchildren. I owe you more than I can ever repay."
Elizabeth comes outside and signals it's time. Elizabeth invites Robin to go home with them for the night. Robin declines but agrees to come for dinner and meet Cameron.
The family gives their eulogies, sharing their memories. Jason stands in front of Lila's portrait, looking at her for a minute, tears in his eyes, before going to the podium to speak. He is in a lot of pain over the loss of his grandmother. Emily stands with and supports him, and he returns to his seat, never saying a word. Elizabeth grasps his hand and rests her head on his shoulder. Emily takes the podium and talks about how Lilia's spirit was free despite the wheelchair. "Grandmother encouraged me to find true love and take chances. The best way to pay tribute to Lila is to tell someone you love them and to make sure they know how much they mean to you." Emily is in tears as she leaves the podium to sit with Nicholas and Jason, who comforts her.
At the end, Brooke Lynn sings.
Robin goes with Elizabeth and Jason to the penthouse. Jason sends Johnny for takeout from Kelly's. Robin sits on the couch with Elizabeth while Jason feeds his son. She says, "Cameron is beautiful."
Elizabeth says, "Thank you. How is Paris and school?"
"It's good. I've specialized in pathology and clinical research. I've published a few papers and had some clinical studies. I'm graduating next month and will move out of my pied-à-terre and stay with my mother in her flat in London for a few weeks before going on speaking engagements."
"Have you met any interesting men?" Jason admonishes Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, "Are you still interested in Robin?"
"No, of course not."
"Robin, are you still interested in Jason?"
"No."
"Okay, then why can't Robin move on? Have you met someone?"
"Not exactly. I met a brilliant neurosurgeon at a conference in Atlanta in January. He's gorgeous, and he knows it. He's a huge flirt. He's egotistical and very talented."
"And?"
"And nothing."
Jason joins the conversation. "Did he find out about your HIV status?"
"Yes, and he doesn't care. I'd be a challenge to him. His come on's are lame. I'm not interested in being someone's conquest."
Elizabeth sighs, "That's too bad. Jason, it's time to put Cameron down for the night. Could you give Robin a ride to Mac and Felecia's?"
"Sure." Elizabeth takes Cameron from Jason and walks upstairs. Jason offers to take Robin on his bike to her Uncle Mac's.
7/28/2004
Courtney's loft: Carly tries to convince Courtney to return to Jason.
Courtney says, "Give it a rest, Carly. Not only does Jason love Elizabeth, but they are married and have a child. Jason will never love me. For two years, you've dictated my life. You had me manipulate AJ, who didn't deserve what we did. You convinced me Jason was my soulmate. You want to control Jason's life, and I was a pawn. If I weren't Sonny's sister, you would try and find a way to get rid of me, like you are trying to do with Elizabeth."
"That's not true. You are a better match for Jason. They can co-parent Cameron; they don't have to be together for that."
"Carly, stop interfering. I'm interested in someone else."
Suddenly, they are interrupted by the appearance of Jax, who is clad only in a towel. Jax says hello to Carly and asks Courtney if she can help him get back into bed. Carly looks surprised. Courtney smiles and replies, "Sure, once Carly leaves."
Shocked, Carly exits without commenting.
7/29-31/2004
Elizabeth wakes early to find the bed empty. She checks on Cameron, and Jason watches him sleep. She touches Jason's shoulder. Hey, how is he?"
"Amazing. It's hard to believe we created this miracle. I love watching him sleep."
"Yeah, so do I."
"Today, I want you to have guards at the hospital and anywhere you go. I'm going to the PH to tell Sonny about Sam, but I don't know how she will react if Sonny confronts her."
Jason kisses Elizabeth before he walks across the hall.
Jason presents Sonny with proof of Sam's lies. Sonny is outraged and orders Jason to pay Sam off and send her out of town with the threat of exposing her crimes. Jason says, "I have a guard on Elizabeth, two rotating on the doors. You may want extras for Carly. Do we have someone from out of town to watch her?"
"Yeah, I'll call someone in from PR. How the fuck did this happen, Jason?"
"You couldn't keep it in your pants and didn't get a thorough background check on her. Did you tell her anything about our business?"
"Thank god, no. "I'll get an extra rotating guard for Elizabeth. Tell her I'm sorry. I know she's not thrilled with the extra security."
"Elizabeth understands. I don't think her grandmother will like having guards when she watches Cameron."
Jason asks Johnny to stay inside the PH with Elizabeth and Cameron. Sonny sends Letecia, Carly, and Morgan to go with Max to stay with Courtney. Sonny asks Francis to wait for Sam to come to his PH before searching her apartment for weapons or damaging information.
Sonny calls Sam and asks her to come to the PH. Marco and Jason are with Sonny when Milo escorts Sam inside. Sam warily looks around the room. "Sonny, why did you ask me here instead of coming to the apartment?"
Sonny throws the documents at Sam. "Nothing you can say will matter. I want you gone! TODAY! You faked being pregnant to trap me or get me away from Carly? Then, when I wouldn't leave her, you faked a miscarriage? You paid off a doctor in hopes I'd comfort you and choose you over my wife? What is wrong with you?"
"Sonny, let me explain."
"No! What you did to me is bad enough, but you conned men and killed your marks. Was I next? Milo will escort you to the apartment, where you have thirty minutes to pack your belongings. Francis and Milo will take you to the airport, and you will get on the next plane out of PC and never return!"
Sam sobs, "Jason, I'm not a bad person. It wasn't my fault. It was self-defense."
Jason takes the envelope from Sonny's safe and hands it to Sam. "This is a cashier's check for 100 grand. Don't return, or that information will go to the police."
Milo takes Sam's elbow and says, "Ms. McCall, please come with me."
Sam wails, tears falling, "Sonny, I'm sorry." Sonny walks upstairs, ignoring her. Jason waits until Sam is escorted out of the building.
