Addison didn't fight going to school while she was with her dad. She knew it was an impossible battle and she knew she needed to be in math to understand. She kept her head down. Sophie checked in on her. Joss checked in with her and even tried to run interference and keep her brother away. Probably more so for his sake, but it was appreciated. Mrs. Ryan agreed to give her some extra help during lunch so she was able to avoid the cafeteria. She avoided music class with Hope. She went to the nurse. They called her dad. He made her stay at school. She was annoyed, but got the nurse to let her rest and she made it through the day, barely. Aubrey had picked her up. Her dad was in meetings and Owen was involved in too much after school. She didn't want to hang around and wait. She went to her session with Dr. Winters. She went back to the Gatehouse. It had been weeks, but it still didn't feel like any semblance of home. She missed her room. She missed their usual routine. She missed her family, even though she knew she still had both her parents.

That Saturday she asked her dad to drop her at the library. She told him she was meeting Sophie and she was helping her work through some of her make up work and an extra credit project. She knew her parents cared about her grades, even if they pretended otherwise right now. As soon as he was out of sight she walked up the street and went to GH. Cam had told her his mother was working and she wanted to talk to her. She had promised her mother that she'd think about pressing charges and she was. She had questions and she couldn't ask her mother. She knew she'd just try to be supportive and convince her that it wasn't too late, that she could say something. She needed to talk to someone who knew what happened but who she thought might be objective. Cam had wanted to go with her, but she told him she needed to do this on her own and he respected that. They promised to meet later that afternoon in the park.

"Elizabeth?" Addison asked as she approached the nurse's station.

"Addison? What are you doing here? Are you hurt?" Liz looked up, surprised.

"No. I was hoping I could talk to you."

"Sure. I have a few minutes." Liz stepped out of the nurse's station and started to lead her to the sofas in the corner.

"Can we maybe go somewhere private?" Addison asked.

"Yeah, let's step into the conference room." Liz stated and Addison followed her down the hall. They stepped into the room and sat at the table. "So what's going on? Do your parents know you're here?"

"No, I wanted to ask…I need to know…" She struggled to find the right way to ask.

"What is it? Is it about what happened to you…" Liz looked at the anxiety building in her son's friend and knew what to ask.

"Yeah."

"Were you raped, Addison? I didn't want to ask you then and your mom said you weren't. But I saw your injuries. I saw the look in your eyes. A look I recognized."

"No…He was on top of me, he almost did…but I got away."

"You were lucky…"

Addison nodded, people kept saying she was lucky. She didn't feel lucky. "I know I said this, but I'm really thankful you helped me that night. You just sort of knew what I needed."

"I did what experience had taught me. What someone did for me."

"You were raped?" Addison quietly asked, surprised.

Elizabeth hesitated and then said, "I was."

"When? How did you move on?" Addison asked and then read the look on Liz's face. "I'm sorry. You don't have to talk about it. You don't have to tell me anything."

"It's ok." Liz said quietly and then looked at Addison desperately seeking answers that could help her. "I was in high school…it changed me forever, but it doesn't have to define you."

"Did you know him? How did you face school everyday?"

"I didn't. It took a long time for me to move forward, but I did with the help of a friend. Addison, finding the strength to talk about it, reporting it, will help. Do you know who did this to you?"

"Yeah. I'm, uh, thinking about finally coming forward, but isn't it too late? The bruises are gone. I didn't report it right away. There's no evidence and my mom… she wanted me to come to GH that night, but I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it. You're a nurse and you helped me and I trust you. So is it too late?"

"It's never too late to use your voice. If someone assaulted you, and you know who it is…if you're ready to come forward, you should."

"But there's no evidence."

"I saw you that night. I treated your injuries. I can give a statement."

"Really? You'd do that?"

"Yes, Addison, I would. I will." Elizabeth watched Addison taking it in, "Is there something else?"

"What if people don't believe me? I waited. Won't it look like I'm lying? Girls aren't believed all the time and kids at school…they're saying some things…"

"Like what?"

"That I threw myself at him. That I'm a desperate slut. I was the invisible freshman freak until that party and now because of this…people won't believe me."

"Your voice has power. The truth has power."

"That's what my Mom said. That I should use my voice."

"Do your parents know exactly what's happening to you? What kids are saying?"

"I told them about the assault, but not that…my brother does and… so does Cam…"

"You've been spending a lot of time together."

"He listens to me. I can say whatever I'm thinking and he doesn't judge me."

Liz thought about Lucky, her own experience and said, "It's nice to have someone like that. I'm glad you've found each other."

"You won't tell my parents I was here will you?" There were still answers she needed and she wasn't ready to make a decision.

"They just want what's best for you. But no. I won't tell them for now as long as you promise that you will share what you're thinking with them when you're ready."

"Thanks, Elizabeth. I'll let you know what I decide. I promise." She was grateful and went to get up. "I'm sure you have to get back to work."

"Addison, wait."

"What is it?"

"Cam doesn't know about my history. I need to tell him this myself, ok? I never wanted my boys to know…"

"I understand. It's your story. No one else should get to tell your story."

"That's it exactly and you can do this. Tell your story Addison."

Elizabeth had given her a lot to think about and she texted Cam and asked if he minded changing their plans. She needed to see her Mom and promised she'd meet him tomorrow. She took a rideshare. She went home. As she closed the door her mother came out of her office, surprised anyone was home. "Addison? What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you."

"How did you get here? Does your Dad know you're here?"

"No. He thinks I'm at the library."

"Addison, you can't lie about where you are. If you wanted to talk to me you could have called. I would have come to the Gatehouse."

"I'm sorry."

"Stay here. I'm going to go call him and then we can talk." Alexis walked back to her office where she left her cell phone. She dialed Ned's number. She truly couldn't believe Addison took off without telling him. She listened to the ring and sighed when she thought for sure she was going to get his voicemail, but was relieved when he finally answered.

His phone continued to ring and he reached for it on the desk where he had left it as he entered the room and saw her name flash on the screen, "Alexis?"

"Yeah."

"Everything ok?" He worried.

"Not quite, I just wanted you to know Addison is here."

"No, I dropped her at the library over an hour ago. She said she was working on a project with Sophie."

"Well she's here now. Listen, I'll handle it and bring her back to the Gatehouse in a few hours?"

"Of course see what she needs. I just wish she would have come to me or told me she wanted to talk something through with you. I would have–."

She stopped him, "I know. I'll see you soon, ok?"

"See you soon." He said as he hung up.

Alexis walked out into the living room after her brief conversation with Ned. Addison was waiting for her on the sofa. "Is he mad?" She asked.

"I think he's hurt you didn't go to him with whatever this is. He wants to support you." Alexis explained as she sat next to her daughter.

"Dad would try, but he doesn't know, Mom. It's easier to talk about with you."

"I understand, your Dad will, too. He loves you, peanut. So what's going on?" She asked and ran her hand through Addison's hair.

"I've been thinking a lot about what you said. About getting justice…"

"And?" She asked hopeful.

"I'm wondering, do you still have my clothes from that night…"

"I do…"

"Why did you save them?"

"Because you wouldn't go to GH. I've worked on a lot of cases involving sexual assault, baby. I couldn't be certain you weren't raped that night. If you weren't going to go get an exam, then I wanted to preserve some shred of evidence in case you were."

"But I wasn't, so would they still be evidence…"

"There could still be fibers, or DNA. He was on top of you. He put his hands on you, baby…."

"He did, so you'd give my clothes to Mac?"

"Are you saying what I think you're saying? Do you want us to press charges on your behalf? You're a minor and we've held off, but as your parents we want to…"

"He's 18. That's bad for him, isn't it? The fact that he's a legal adult…"

"It is. But you shouldn't base this decision on him. What do you want, Addison?"

"Would there be a trial? Because doesn't he have bipolar?…Wouldn he get away with it, even if there was evidence…"

"There could be and his defense would use that in court; I have no doubt. I don't say that to scare you. I just want you to have all the information."

Addison sat there and took in what her mother explained, "Can I keep thinking about it?"

"Sure. I'm proud of you, you know that?"

"For being indecisive? For refusing to listen to you weeks ago?"

"For weighing all the information, before you decide what is best for you and what you can handle. Because I know that's exactly what's going on in that head of yours."

"You're not wrong."

"Ready to go back to your Dad's?"

"I know it's Daddy's night, but I really just want to stay here."

"Baby, you've got to go back to the Gatehouse. We agreed on shared custody."

"I know and it's not that I don't want to spend time with him."

"What is it?"

"This is home. It feels so weird to be there and think of it as home. I told you. I don't like not having you both all the time. I feel split in two."

"You still have us both and I'm sure it's an adjustment. But you and your dad deserve to spend time with each other. I love you so much and it's just as hard for me when you and your brother are gone, but Dad's house is your home now, too."

"Why are you doing this? Why can't you both just agree to disagree? It's what you've told Krissy and I our entire lives."

"I wish it were that simple. We love you. This is what's best for our family. We're better parents when we aren't fighting. It's better for you."

"Shouldn't I be the judge of that? Shouldn't Owen?"

"I know it's hard… "

"What's best for us to have our parents together in the house we grew up in like a family. Like the family we've always known and counted on."

"Get your things, peanut." Addison's words hit hard, but she had to do it, she had to force her to leave and she had to find a way to help her daughter accept their new reality.

"I tried." Addison said as she stood and put on her coat, picked up her backpack.

"You did." Alexis said, attempting to keep her emotions in check. "Let's go." She stated as they exited the house and she drove her daughter back to the Gatehouse.

When they arrived Addison walked in followed by Alexis. Ned was sitting on the sofa reviewing contracts, waiting. He was relieved to see Addison was ok, but concerned that she had taken off without telling either of them.

"Here she is." Alexis stated as she entered and made eye contact with Ned.

"Hi." Addison said sheepishly. She knew she should have been honest. She knew she messed up.

"Addison, I wish you had told me you wanted to see Mom."

"I know. I'm sorry." Addison said as she dropped her backpack and took off her coat.

"Thanks for bringing her back here." Ned said.

"Not a problem. Addie, I'll see you in a couple days, ok?"

"But–" She started to protest.

"A couple days. Call me if you need me. But you have your dad and I'm certain you'll be ok."

"Right. I can call you…"

"I love you, peanut." Alexis said as she hugged her daughter.

"I love you, too." Addison said as she backed out of the embrace. Alexis looked at Ned and gave a small wave as she left the Gatehouse.

"Can we talk, Addison?" Ned asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I really was." Addison said as she went to sit on the sofa.

"I'm sure you are, but we need to follow some simple ground rules here. Just like at your mom's." Ned said as he sat next to his daughter.

"You mean like at home."

Ned sighed. "This is your home now, too."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…."

"It's ok. We're all still adjusting. But I need to know where you are and who you're with, ok? You just need to talk to me. I know you and your mother have a special bond, but I'm your Dad, princess. I want you to feel like you can come to me, too."

"I know I can and I know you want to protect me and that you're worried about me more than normal right now... "

"That's true. So what was so important that you couldn't come to me about?" Ned asked as they both sat on the sofa.

"I just needed Mom. I needed to ask her something."

"Which was? I want to help you."

"It was about my assault, Dad…I needed Mom." Addison turned around at the sound of the door.

"Oh, good, Dad. I'm glad you're here." Brook said, walking right into the Gatehouse.

"Brook! You're still here?"

"I am, baby sis. You here for a few days?"

"Yeah, so is Owen. Where is Owen?"

"Out with friends."

"Got it. Are you here for long? Can we hang out?"

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to Dad about."

"Oh, I can leave if you want…" Addison said. It would be her escape.

"You can stay Adds, it's fine. "

"Have you thought about my offer?" Ned asked as Brook sat in the chair across from her father and sister.

"I have."

"And?"

"I want to do it. I want to run L ."

"Does this mean you're staying in town?" Addison asked.

"It does."

"This is great news. I actually could use your help with something."

"Really what?"

"A music project for school. Daddy, are we finished here?"

"We can be…for now, princess." Ned emphasized.

"Got it."

Later that afternoon, Brook sat in Addison's room at the Gatehouse. She wanted to catch up with her little sister. Addison told her what had happened. She had no idea her sister was facing so much. She was glad she was going to be in town for a while. She needed to stay close to her siblings. She was grateful for them. When she was in high school and staying with her Dad and Alexis, while her mom was in South America it felt like she had a normal life for a change. She regretted not staying more connected to them when she left. They talked about the project Addison wanted help with for music and then Addison asked her a question that threw her. She didn't know how to answer.

"Brook what was it like having divorced parents?" Addison asked.

"I don't know if I can help you with that. Dad and my mom divorced when I was just a baby. I don't know anything different." Brook was apologetic.

"Maybe you're lucky then. Because it sucks to live through."

"No, you're the lucky one. You actually have memories having having a family with your parents together. I don't have a single one."

"The lucky ones are Krissy and even Owen."

"Brook, can I talk to your sister?" Ned said, hearing the tail end of their conversation as he climbed the staircase to check in with Addison. They needed to finish their conversation from earlier and now there was even more to unpack with his youngest.

"Yeah. I should take off anyway. Let Granny know I'm here. We'll work on that project for school soon, ok? Come by the studio."

"Ok, thanks for your help and for listening."

"Of course. You're my sister. I'm glad we'll get to spend more time together." Brook said and hugged her Dad goodbye as she left the room and went up to the main house to see the rest of the family.

"Me too. So, what's up? I told you I'm sorry I went to Mom's and didn't tell you. I'll try to come to you more, I promise."

"I know you are and I get why you'd want to talk to your mother about the assault. I do." Ned said as he sat on the chair in the corner across from Addison who sat cross legged on the bed.

"Then why do you seem so serious?"

"Why do you think Kristen and Owen are the lucky ones because this divorce is hard on all of you."

"Daddy, it's different for them. Krissy's entire childhood she had you both. Yeah she's upset, but she had you both for everything. She's an adult. It's not the same for her."

"That's true, which is why your mother and I are more concerned about you and your brother."

"But Owen can drive. He has a car and can see either of you when he wants. Sure, he has to stay where you both say but he'll be 18 in a year and then he can stay where he wants, when he wants. I'm the one who's stuck being shuttled between here and Mom's. I'm the one who has to call or text you guys if I want to talk to you. I'm stuck torn between the two of you for the next 4 years Daddy. It sucks, ok. I'm the only one who doesn't get a say in any of this."

"The custody agreement was required by the court, sweetheart. Neither me or your mother intend to keep you from either of us. It's a legal piece of paper. It's a required part of the process. You just need to tell us if something comes up and we'll figure it out. You will always come first."

"I know you both say that, but it's not going to work like that. I get screwed because I'm the youngest and can't drive yet."

"Yet. You'll be 16 before you know it. Until then your mother and I… we'll make it work."

"See? I have no say."

"I want to help you accept this. How can I make this easier for you, sweetheart?"

"You know what I want."

Ned sighed. "I do. We do. But we can't stay together just for you. It's not good for any of us."

"And it's ok to just divorce when you love someone? I know you still love Mom and I know she still loves you."

"It's not—"

"That simple? That's exactly what Mom said. I bet you're about to say you'll always love her because of us. Aren't you? Because that's what she said, too."

"It's the truth."

"I don't think either of you want to see the truth. Can I tell you what I really think?"

"Could I stop you? You have strong opinions about this."

"Probably not, but if you really didn't want me to. I can keep it to myself."

"I want to hear what you think. Go ahead."

"I think Mom's afraid of losing all of us because of what happened to her as a kid and she's not a Quartermaine and when you wanted her to work at ELQ that freaked her out. Mom's her own person. And I think that you love her because of that. But I also think you're afraid of losing Mom. Partly because of the violence and because she's a Cassadine, but mostly because Mom's your person and you don't want to lose her. I mean seriously Daddy you were married five times before Mom. I've heard you tell her she's the love of your life. And since you would do anything for her you agreed because you think it's what will make her happy. But it's not making either of you happy. You both kind of forgot to love each other and got caught up being afraid. That's what I think."

"Addison, you are wise beyond your years. Do you know that?"

"So, I'm right?"

"I don't think you're wrong. But this is still happening and you need to find a way to accept that."

"Dad…just tell her what you really feel."

"She knows. We both know. We both also know what's best for you and that's us getting along."

"You're using me and Owen as an excuse to let this happen. You both are."

"Addie, drop it for now, ok?"

"Fine. Are we having dinner at the main house?"

"Cook is sending something down."

"Want me to go up there and see if she'll make that double chocolate cake we both like?"

"You are one of the few people she would do that for and it sounds perfect. Go. Love you, Addie."

"Love you, too, Dad."

That evening Ned stood in the living room of the Gatehouse. He had found an old photo of the two of them in a desk drawer. He had placed it on the mantel when he moved in. He wasn't entirely sure why. At the time he told himself it would help their kids to see photos of their family when they were there. Now he thought maybe it was because he wasn't ready to let go. His daughter was incredibly perceptive. He took it down, held the photo in his hands, and replayed his conversation with his daughter over in his mind. He sighed and placed it back on the mantel and took out his phone and texted Alexis. She's really struggling with this divorce…

Alexis sat in the living room. A glass of wine, a stack of legal briefs to distract her. Her phone buzzed on the table and she placed her glass down and read his message and replied, She is

Can we talk? He replied instantly.

I think we might need space for her to accept this… She told him what she felt was the truth. That every time they were in the same room together it gave her daughter hope and not just because Addison was struggling, but because they were and their daughter saw the emotional pull they had on each other.

How about…I'm struggling with this divorce…

She stood and walked to the mantel. His message was honest. The emotion behind it was palpable through the screen. She stared at their wedding photo. She read and reread his last message. She sighed and then replied, honestly. Me too.

So, we'll talk?

We'll talk.