Chapter 7
Thank you to trini12180 for your review.
A/N: I got hit with COVID; after two days of sleeping, I'm resting and writing.
1994
12/3-15/1994
Summary: Elizabeth is stuck in quarantine, and Jason has emergency surgery for a closed-head injury. Dr. Tony Jones operates. Jason remains in a coma, and family and friends visit. Tony warns of the implications of what could happen if Jason wakes up. Alan and Monica researched TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries), how to handle behavioral changes, should Jason not remember them, and how to support him by acknowledging his feelings. They shared their research with the family, and Alan seriously discussed it with his father. Jeff finds out about Jason from his father. He decides not to tell Elizabeth until after she is cleared to travel.
12/16-18
Sarevjo, Bosnia
The doctors release Elizabeth and clear her for travel. They caution her about reducing stress, eating healthy, and finding an OBGYN stateside. Jeff found an apartment nearby, and Steven and Sarah stayed there until their sister was released. Carolyn left early for California. She stopped by once to say goodbye to her daughter. Jeff picks up Elizabeth from the hospital and brings her to the apartment. Elizabeth immediately asks to call Jason.
Sarah, Steven, and Jeff sit with Elizabeth at the table. Jeff takes his daughter's hand and says, "Elizabeth, I have some sad news about Jason. He's alive, but he is in a coma." Jeff proceeds to tell Elizabeth everything he knows about what happened to Jason. She's upset she wasn't told sooner, but Jeff told her telling her sooner wouldn't change anything other than cause her to worry longer.
"I need to be there. When can I leave?"
"You can leave tomorrow. Sarah will be with you. Dad and Audrey are preparing your rooms. Even Edward Quartermaine tried to worm his way in and offered a suite and a nursery at the Quartermaine mansion and the Quartermaine Jet to take you back."
"Jason warned me about his overbearing Grandfather. I won't stay with the Quartermaines if he's in the hospital. I'll live with Gramps and Grams. I'd rather fly commercial if strings are attached to taking the jet."
"I spoke with Monica, and the ELQ jet can be in London the day after tomorrow. You would have to fly from Bosnia to the UK. There are no direct flights to New York from Bosnia."
Sarah says, "Elizabeth, as long as there are no strings attached, it would be an easier flight for you and your pregnancy."
Elizabeth laughs, "Okay, you win, but my first stop is GH." Jeff calls Monica and buys two tickets for the girls to London. Sarah helps Elizabeth pack. They fly to London, and the Q' jet waits for them. They take off at noon and arrive in PC, NY, at 7 am. Elizabeth sleeps most of the way.
12/19/1994
Port Charles, New York
7:00 am
The jet lands safely and taxis to a hangar titled "Quartermaine Two."
A limousine is parked nearby. Standing outside is a man with dark curly hair, a receding hairline, and a goatee. He's wearing dark pants, a white shirt, and a black vest. Next to him is a man about five years older with dark, bushy hair, wearing a shirt, sports coat, and jeans. The older man approaches and says, "Good morning. I'm Ned Ashton. Jason is my cousin. This is Reginald, our driver. Elizabeth, it's nice to meet you finally." He turns to Sarah and says, "You must be her sister Sarah. Steve and Audrey speak highly of you both."
Reginald nods to Elizabeth and Sarah. "Mamm, Mamm." Reginald opens the door to the limo, and the girls enter. Ned helps Reginald put the bags in the trunk. Ned sits across Sarah and Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, I will accompany you to GH and bring you to Jason's room. Reginald will drive Sarah to your grandparents and help with your luggage."
Elizabeth and Sarah thank the young men. Reginald pulls up to GH, and Ned exits, extending his hand for Elizabeth to follow. "Did you eat on the plane? Do you want to get something to eat before seeing Jason?"
"I slept most of the way, but I did eat an apple and a muffin. I should probably get some breakfast if that's okay?" She follows him to the cafeteria.
"Jason said you were beautiful, but seeing you in person, your pictures don't do you justice. How far along are you?"
"Almost three months." Elizabeth eats a bite of her eggs and sips her herbal tea. "Jason said you sing in a band."
Ned laughs, "Yes, it drives my Grandfather crazy." Elizabeth wipes her mouth and finishes her orange juice. "Are you ready to sit with Jason?" Elizabeth nods. "I should warn you, Jason looks different."
"I'm a nurse; I've seen patients in comas."
"Right. Well, he had brain surgery, so they had to shave his head."
Elizabeth smiles sadly. "I liked his hair."
"Monica, Jason's mother, put together a folder of things to expect if he wakes up."
"When."
"What?"
"When Jason wakes up."
"Yes, when."
They arrive at Jason's room, and Robin Scorpio is beside his bed. "Jason, get this; Brenda told me that Edward was yelling for Lucky's hide because he heard Annabelle was carrying Foster's puppies. Everyone is praying for you to wake up." Robin looks up when Ned clears his throat. "Hi, Ned. I was visiting Jason. I can leave."
"Good morning, Robin. How are you today?"
"Good. There's been no change." Ned introduces Elizabeth. Robin thinks, "Wow, Jason never said she was pregnant. Was that why he was rushing to see her?" Robin extends her arm, "Hi! I'm Robin Scorpio, a friend of Jason's; it's nice to meet you."
Elizabeth shakes Robin's hand. "Jason told me about you. I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you. You can sit by Jason. Ned, tell Lila I'll visit soon."
Elizabeth walks to the bed and sits in the chair formerly occupied by Robin. She kisses Jason's forehead and then his lips. Ned quietly leaves her alone and makes a phone call.
Elizabeth holds his hand and says, "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner. I was in quarantine, and they didn't tell me until I was cleared to fly. I'm here now. Our baby is fine, and we love you." Elizabeth tells him everything that happened since their last phone call. She tells him what happened with her mother and promises to make their child a priority. Elizabeth reads the folder Monica put together on what to expect when Jason wakes up.
Alan and Steve Hardy walk into Jason's room and find Elizabeth asleep in her chair, holding Jason's hand. Steve touches his granddaughter's shoulder. Elizabeth startles awake, her hair tousled. "Gramps." She embraces the man who used to sit her on his lap, reading the story of Christmas at GH when she was a little girl.
"Elizabeth, I'd like you to meet Alan Quartermaine, Jason's father."
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Quartermaine. I've heard a lot about you."
"Please, call me Alan. My son has said wonderful things about you. My family would like to have you and your grandparents over for dinner one night."
"I don't know my schedule yet, but if you call my Gram, she can arrange it. I'd like to include my sister Sarah, who will start med school at PCU. Excuse me, I should get unpacked."
Elizabeth takes a cab to the Hardy house and unpacks. She looks at a photo of Anne Logan and her son Jeremy, whom she remembers from one of her visits. She showers and throws on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. She must go shopping, as she is outgrowing her current clothes. She walks down the stairs, drying her hair with a towel. Sarah is talking with a young man, asking to speak with Elizabeth.
"I'm Elizabeth."
"Hi, I'm AJ Quartermaine."
"It's nice to meet you. You are Jason's brother."
"Yes, I'm sorry you had to come home to this."
Thank you.
Do you have an hour to spare? I can drop you off at GH when we are through."
"What is this about?"
"Something I think Jason would want you to know about. I might be spoiling things, but Jason had a surprise for your birthday."
"Are you sure Jason wouldn't want to wait to give it to me himself?"
"Possibly. But he put a lot of work into this, and you may need an outlet from work and a release when you aren't visiting him."
"Okay, show me the way."
AJ drives Elizabeth to the studio Jason got for her. AJ shows her inside and explains what Jason did. Elizabeth tears up, and her hand goes to her mouth.
"Jason did all of this?"
"Even before he found out you were pregnant, he planned this. He loves you, and you are carrying his child and my niece or nephew. We are family."
"This means a lot. Thank you, AJ."
AJ gives her the keys and the lease to the studio. He explains it's paid for the first six months, and if it's something she wants to continue, she could continue paying the lease after. AJ drives to Kelly's, and they order and eat sandwiches and chili before going to GH. They visit Jason in the ICU.
Audrey calls her away to sign forms to start working at GH.
12/20-25
Sarah and Elizabeth settle in and start working at GH. They catch up with their uncle Tom, his wife Simone, and their son Tommy Jr. Elizabeth begins as a rotating floor nurse. Sarah applies to PCU Med School. She shadows Dr. Tony Jones until school is back in session.
The Quartermaines have the Hardys, Sarah, and Elizabeth over for dinner. Elizabeth brings Lila flowers. Edward takes a shine to Elizabeth, though she knows it's only because she is pregnant and carrying a Quartermaine heir. Jason told her all about the Great and Mighty Edward Quartermaine. Elizabeth graciously extracts herself from Edward's arm around her and looks for Emily Quartermaine.
"Emily, hi. Jason told me a lot about you. I only know of Jason from his time in Bosnia. I would like to know what it's like to have him as a brother."
Emily shies away from Elizabeth. She scoffs and says, "It's your fault Jason was in an accident. If you weren't pregnant, Jason wouldn't have rushed to take a plane to see you."
Monica admonishes Emily. Elizabeth wipes away a tear and says, "Emily, I think about that too. I wish he weren't in a hurry to see me. I was waiting to fly out to see him, but I was in quarantine for two weeks because of my pregnancy. No one told me about his accident until I was cleared to fly. They didn't want to upset me. I was angry at them until I realized there was nothing I could have done. Jason wouldn't have wanted me to break quarantine, and his accident was just that, an accident. I grieve for that driver and his family, who lost a father and a husband. You know Jason better than me. How would Jason react to your thoughts about his accident?"
Sheepishly, Emily says, "Jason would say it was no one's fault. So, I'm going to be an Aunt?"
"Yes, and I would like to know you better. Maybe you could show me Port Charles." Emily smiles and says she'd like that.
GH holds its annual holiday party, and the young patients, wearing their PJs, follow the elves into the halls to hear Dr. Hardy tell the story of the first Christmas.
Elizabeth sits beside Jason, telling him more stories about Bosnia.
1/1-15/1995
Elizabeth and Emily become friends. Emily shows Elizabeth the top places to see in Port Charles. Emily introduces Lucky to Elizabeth while having lunch at Eli's Ribs. After Elizabeth walks away, Lucky tells his best friend that Elizabeth is cute. Emily replies, "Eww, Lucky. She's 20 and pregnant with my brother's child."
"In three years, age won't matter. Who knows if your brother will wake up."
Emily slugs him for that comment. "How dare you say that, Lucky. Jason has been your friend and helped when you had issues with your parents. Stay away from Elizabeth with those comments."
Elizabeth works in the children's ward when Lesley Lu Spencer, Lucky's sister, is admitted to GH. Elizabeth checks in daily on the tousled blonde-haired four-year-old LuLu Spencer. Simone became LuLu's pediatrician and diagnosed her with aplastic anemia. She needs a bone marrow transplant. Her parents, Luke, Laura, and brother, are tested and devastated when no one in the family is a match. Laura is forced to contact someone from her past. Elizabeth pays special attention to the young patient who has cancer.
Stefan and Nikolas Cassisidine arrive from the city. Nikolas is a match to LuLu and donates bone marrow. It is soon revealed that Nikolas is Laura's son from when she was held captive in Greece. Luke and Lucky do not take the news well. She feels for the young man who just met his little sister and donated marrow to save her life. Laura tries to connect with her son, but he rejects her. He only pays attention to his sister and the young nurse looking after LuLu.
Elizabeth and Robin take turns visiting with Jason. Robin helps Elizabeth buy a used car. Elizabeth takes refuge in her studio during time off from GH and her visits with Jason. She starts painting. She brings her sketch pad with her to GH and draws pictures for LuLu.
A/N: Reminder: I do not own the song or the lyrics to "Ours to Keep" by Kina Grannis; lyrics by Rachael Lawrence and Deborah Ellen
"It seems the best-laid plans
Fall just outside our hands
And leave us broken down and far apart."
1/26
Jason wakes up to Robin. She calls out for Tony Jones, who examines him and gives him a full neurological work-up. Monica, Alan, and the family arrive and take extra caution not to upset him or put any expectations on the young, angry man.
Robin calls Elizabeth, who is painting and sketching at her studio. Upon hearing the news, she drops the phone, doubles over in pain, and passes out. Robin loses the connection with Elizabeth and calls for an ambulance. Elizabeth is three months pregnant.
1/27
Elizabeth wakes up at GH hooked up to an IV. Audrey is by her side. Elizabeth rubs her nose. Her voice is raspy, "Gram, water, please?" Audrey pours a cup of water and adds a straw. Elizabeth takes short sips. "What happened?"
"Elizabeth, sweetheart, paramedics found you passed out on the floor of your studio. Robin Scorpio called them."
"I remember. Jason, is he okay?"
Audrey holds her granddaughter's hand. "Dr. Jones gave Jason a complete neurological exam, and he has permanent brain damage and amnesia. He doesn't remember his family. He is angry and confused." Elizabeth's heart rate monitor beats rapidly. "Sweetheart, breathe. Relax. The on-call OBGYN will be here shortly to update you."
"I want to see him. Is Robin here?"
"I'll page Tony and have him speak with you. I'll call Robin and see if she's available. You should remain calm."
Elizabeth lets go of her Grandmother's hand and scoots up in bed. "I'm calm. If I stay calm, can I be in a wheelchair and roll by his room?"
"Tony will let you know."
Robin arrives and hugs Elizabeth. "You scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry. Thanks for calling the paramedics."
The OBGYN arrives, and Robin offers to leave. Elizabeth asks her to stay. Audrey stays sitting next to Elizabeth. The doctor says, "Elizabeth, I have your Bosnia records; this is your second fall. Stress is not healthy for your pregnancy. I want your hours reduced by 50%. If you refuse to stay in bed, I want you in a wheelchair even while treating patients. I want to see you weekly. If your blood pressure does not stabilize, I will put you on bed rest."
"Can I see Jason? I promise to remain calm."
Sarah rushes in and pushes Robin out of the room. Robin calls out, "I'll call later."
"Sarah, that was rude. Robin was the one who called 911 for me."
"Yeah? So? You are my sister. What happened? You shouldn't have been alone painting in that dingy studio."
"You have never been to my studio. You have no idea what it looks like. It is comfortable and secure. Jason picked it out for me."
"So? Where is Jaon now? He doesn't remember anyone, much less you."
Elizabeth rubs her temples. "Sarah, I am supposed to be reducing stress. You are not helping. Gram, can you get Sarah to go home? I want to speak with Dr. Jones."
Audrey escorts Sarah out of the room, telling Sarah to be nicer to her sister.
Tony Jones arrives and closes the door behind him. He says, "Elizabeth, I'm sorry about your fall. Everyone needs you to remain calm, but Monica and Alan said you should be informed. Jason has permanent brain damage. He has no memory of his accident or his past. He is angry and, at times, volatile. We are easing him into behavioral therapy. He needs encouragement of his situation. We mustn't try to push him into being the Jason everyone knows and loves. He has knowledge and is smart. He does not like being talked down to. As long as he is included in his choices about his therapy, he is calm. If he sees you and your pregnancy, he will want to know how he knows you. I don't think he is ready for that, and it could cause stress to you and your baby. I'm sorry."
Elizabeth is crying, "Could someone wheel me past his room? I won't say anything. I only want to see him."
"Okay. I'll have Amy Vining take you. Five minutes, and I want you back in bed."
Elizabeth remains optimistic as she sees Jason sleeping, and Amy gets her back to her room and helps her into bed.
"But if faith plays a role, I know someday I'll hold you,
In my arms, forevermore."
Elizabeth tries Robin, but she says she needs time for herself. She still grieves for Stone, and Jason waking up is great news, but she's not in a good place to see him again.
1/30
Sarah has been shadowing Dr. Jones and has had opportunities to see Jason. She promises Tony not to upset Jason or bring up the past. While they are alone, Sarah disregards Tony's orders. She slowly feeds him stories about knowing him before his accident. She doesn't try to change him, but she informs him. Jason sees through some of her bullshit, but he wonders why she is so attentive.
2/1
Elizabeth is discharged and wheels herself past Jason's room. Jason asks Sarah who that is.
"Oh, that's my sister Lizzy. She's pregnant from a one-night stand. We feel sorry for her. It's best if we ignore her. She's a drama queen."
Jason is flattered by the attention, and Sarah is pretty, but Elizabeth piques his curiosity.
2/7
Elizabeth is on limited duty. She checks on her favorite patient, young LuLu Spencer. She is recovering nicely from her surgery. Nikolas Casidine visits often, avoiding the times when his half-brother visits. Nikolas is a good listener and is sympathetic to Elizabeth's situation with the father of her baby. Jason is about to be discharged from GH, and Nikolas offers to do some recon.
Nikolas walks by Jason's room and introduces himself. Jason asks if they know each other.
"No, I heard about you from the staff. My little sister is in the hospital. I've been here daily. It's hard not to listen to the gossip."
Jason flashes a bit of anger, but then he remembers the girl who brought him flowers and told him she was his sister. "I have a sister I don't remember. How is your sister doing?"
"Our situations aren't that different. I just met my sister. I never knew I had one until recently. I donated my bone marrow to save her life. I fell in love with her instantly."
Jason relaxes. He extends his hand and wishes him luck. Sarah arrives and kisses Jason on the cheek. "Are you ready?"
Jason says, "I thought Alan and Monica were bringing me to their place. Sarah, I don't remember you. I don't understand why you keep hovering over me."
"Jason, please." Sarah tries to kiss him again.
Jason gets angry, finds a mug, and throws it across the room. "Stop touching me!"
Alan and Monica arrive and dismiss Sarah and Nikolas from the room. Monica calmly says, "Jason, do you want to return with us, or would you rather go somewhere else?"
"Someplace to eat."
"Okay, let's try Kelly's. You enjoyed eating there."
-XX-
Nikolas reports back to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is pissed, and Nikolas tells her to relax and breathe. Elizabeth begins to calm down. Nikolas offers to drive Elizabeth home.
Nikolas helps Elizabeth out of the car and sets out her wheelchair. He pushes the chair up to the Hardy house. Steve is home, welcoming them inside. Audrey and Sarah are preparing lunch. Steve invites Nikolas to stay. He looks at Elizabeth, and she shakes her head. "This involves family only. Thank you for the ride." Nikolas salutes and leaves.
Elizabeth wheels over to Sarah. "You have got a lot of nerve! Elizabeth manages to stand. She slaps her sister across the face. "You lying bitch! I thought we were getting along, and you go behind my back, you slut!"
Audrey says, "Elizabeth Imogene Webber. We do not use violence or language like that in this house."
"Sarah, do you want to tell Gram what you've done, or should I?"
Sarah stammers, "Jason doesn't remember you. I wanted my chance with him since you met him first in Sarevjo."
Steve says, "Sarah, what did you do?"
"She shadowed Dr. Jones so she could be near Jason. She feels that if Jason had met her first while we were in Sarevjo, he would have chosen her over me. Jason and I connected, and she became jealous. Mom even helped to undermine me. It wasn't until Jason left she admitted it wouldn't have mattered. Jason and I were meant to be together. She softened when I found out I was pregnant. But now we are stateside, and due to stress, I was restricted to a bed and wheelchair. Ms. Perfect decided Jason would want her if I were out of the way. She told him I was a drama queen and a single mom who didn't know who the father of her baby was. Nikolas said she was all over him, kissing him and wanting to go back with him to the Quartermaines." Elizabeth wipes her face, looking for some tissues.
Audrey looks at a contrite Sarah. "Is this true? Did you go after your sister's boyfriend.?"
"He's not her boyfriend! HE DOESN'T REMEMBER HER!" Sarah shouts. If he doesn't remember her, he's available."
Audrey shakes her disapproving head. "Sarah, I am disappointed in you. I apologize to your sister. Steve, would you call Jeff and tell him Sarah is moving to California?"
Sarah turns on the waterworks. "Gram, I'll be good. Don't send me to Mom and Dad."
"I'm sorry, Sarah. We can't trust you. You hurt your sister. She is going through a lot. She is prescribed rest and low stress. Jason may not remember her, but he is still her child's father. You are being cruel."
Elizabeth wheels toward her room. I'll take my meals there. If Sarah refuses to leave, I'll move to my studio."
Steve says, "Elizabeth, you can't do that. You'll be alone. You need someone with you."
Elizabeth whispers, "I'm already alone."
Steve calls his son and tells him what happened. Jeff calls Steven and asks him to fly to PC.
-XX-
Kelly's Diner
Alan finds a table in the back and asks Ruby to close the tables around them. Jason carefully reads the menu and chooses a double cheeseburger and a shake. Alan asks, "Jason, what do you want?"
"I want people to stop lying to me. Stop keeping secrets. You've been honest about my health and my prognosis. You are letting me make decisions, but you are holding shit back. Stop protecting me."
Monica sighs, "Okay. What do you want to know?"
"That blonde, Sarah. Who is she, and were we together before my accident?"
"No."
"Then why? Why is Sarah so pushy?"
Alan says, "We don't know Sarah very well. You met her before your accident, but that's when you volunteered in Sarevjo, Bosnia. She's a pre-med student and was shadowing Dr. Jones. Do you want me to continue?"
"My head hurts, but I want to know why."
"Do you know her sister, Elizabeth?"
"I've seen her a couple of times in a wheelchair. Sarah said she was a drama queen and was a slut who didn't know her baby's father."
Monica and Alan are shocked. Alan shakes his head. Jason yells, "Stop keeping things from me!"
Finally, his parents confess everything. They tell him he was with Elizabeth in Sarevjo and that he was the father of her baby.
"Why didn't she or you tell me?"
"Dr. Jones thought it would be too confusing and stressful. Elizabeth wanted to see you, but her OBGYN advised against it. Her pregnancy is high-risk, and she can't have too much stress. Let's face it, Jason, you can't control your emotions."
"I can't deal with the lot of you right now. Leave me alone!"
Alan pushes his chair away and stands. "We are sorry, and you have every right to be angry. Kelly's has rooms to rent. You can put it on our tab."
"I don't want anything from any of you."
"Jason. Please. Until you are on your feet, take advantage of your trust fund. It's yours. You used it for Elizabeth and her studio. Please use it for now." Alan hands Jason the account number and password for his account.
Monica says, "When you are ready, you know how to find us."
Jason picks up a chair and throws it across the room before walking out. Alan tells Ruby to put the damages on their account and cover any rent and food for Jason if he stays there.
Alan puts his arm around Monica, and they leave. Monica sobs as they walk back to GH. Monica calls Audrey, and they update the other on what transpired. "Monica, Sarah is packing as we speak. I don't understand what went through my granddaughter's head, but I'm worried about Elizabeth. She is locked in her room."
"Jason is angry and upset we kept things from him. I don't want her upset if he comes to see Elizabeth."
"If he finds out where we live, I'll turn him away."
"Audrey, it's not his fault. Please don't call the cops. He won't like being locked up."
Audrey hangs up the phone, and Steve drives his crying granddaughter to the airport.
"So let's love like it's ours to keep.
Love like we've always dreamed.
And maybe this time
The fates will be kind to us
So let's love like it's ours to keep."