July 18, 2004

 General Hospital: Cameron’s Room

Later that night as some medicine eased Cameron’s pain long enough to let him sleep, Jason slipped out of the room and stood in the hallway, his eyes closed.

He wanted to tell his grandmother. He’d realized that earlier as he stood holding his son for the first time. He’d wanted to go straight to her and tell her that she had another great-grandchild. That he was finally a father for a real, a father for good.

She would have been so happy.

Soft footsteps sounded behind him and he turned to see Monica approaching him. “They called me in Admitting,” she told him. “Someone saw you checking in—are you all right?” she asked hesitantly.

“I wasn’t checking in,” Jason replied quietly. His voice was a little shaky. “I—someone’s here.”

Monica’s eyes sharpened. “Sam? Is she all right?”

He shook his head. “It’s not Sam.” He looked at her, her concern and anxiety vivid in her eyes. She thought he would turn her away.

And suddenly, he wanted to tell her.

“Elizabeth’s baby—Cameron.” Jason took a deep breath. “He’s my son, Monica.”

“Elizabeth’s…” Monica blinked and looked away. “He’s your son,” she repeated. “I can’t—why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“Because I didn’t know,” Jason admitted. “And neither did Elizabeth,” he told her quickly. He had seen the light in her eyes change to that fierce protectiveness. “She thought Zander was his father but the blood types—they don’t match. And mine do.”

Monica exhaled slowly. “I wouldn’t expect Elizabeth to keep that kind of truth from you. She’s…she’s not like that.” Her eyes were soft. “I’ve seen him, he’s a beautiful little boy.”

Jason nodded, the tightness in his chest expanding. “He has roseola. That’s…that’s why we’re here.” He looked away. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there today. I know—I know I got your hopes up the other day when I came by the house but…I just…I tried to go.”

“It’s all right. Today was more for us than it was for Lila.” Monica touched his arm. “It was enough that you came by. That you were with us at all.”

“I was just thinking about her. I wish I could tell her about Cameron,” Jason told Monica. “She would have loved him.”

“She would have been thrilled for you,” she said. “She knew how devastating it was for you to lose Michael.”

Jason nodded. “How—how is everyone?” he asked.

Monica sighed heavily. “In a daze. Tracy—despite her performance that first day, she’s still not speaking. And Edward—” she closed her eyes and shook her head. “You wouldn’t believe how much you miss his voice until it’s gone. He’s so lost, Jason. She was his world, his entire reason for breathing.”

Monica bit her lip and looked away. “Emily’s all right, I suppose. She’s had a lot to deal with in the last year but she was different when she came home earlier. Seemed distracted. Was she here at the hospital? Does she know?”

“She suspects. We haven’t told anyone,” Jason replied. “You were the first person I told.”

He saw just how much that meant to her, in the way the tears sprang to her eyes. “It’s starting to sink in for everyone,” Monica continued, her voice shaky. “I’ve been trying to convince AJ to stay a few more days but he’s going back to wherever he’s been staying. Maybe it’s better that way, I don’t even know. Justus has been spending his time with Edward, trying to draw him out. No one’s been able to even track down Skye to even tell her and Alan…” she bit down harder. “We haven’t fought since that first day, Jason. No one’s even raised their voice.”

And even Jason saw the problem in that. “No?”

“I never thought I’d miss it.” Her tears slid silently down her face. “I thought…I thought that if I ever had a day of peace and quiet, it would be bliss but after over twenty years of chaos…you get used to it.”

“I’m sorry.” Jason put a hand on her shoulder and awkwardly drew her into a hug. “We all loved her.”

“You’ll still come by the house?” Monica asked hopefully. “Even with Lila gone?”

“Yeah,” Jason nodded. “When Cameron gets out of the hospital…I’ll talk to Elizabeth about bringing him to meet the family.” He couldn’t believe that he’d said it and he blinked. The family. They were his family.

Despite how hard he’d tried to pretend that they weren’t.

Monica pulled away and kissed his cheek. “That’s a great idea. I should get back to the house. Would it be all right to tell Edward? I know how you feel about him but I just—I wonder if that kind of news would help.”

Jason sighed and looked away. “The one thing that I always admired in Edward was his love and devotion to Lila. No matter what kind of man he was, she loved him and he worshipped her. You can tell him.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand and walked away. Jason exhaled deeply before reentering the room.

Elizabeth was curled up in a hospital chair, her head propped in her hand, her eyes closed. He didn’t know how she was comfortable sleeping like that but there really wasn’t any other option for her.

He crossed to stand over the crib. He didn’t need a paternity test to tell him this was his son. There was just something inside Jason that told him it was true. He almost couldn’t believe that he deserved this kind of miracle. To have a son. To have a son with Elizabeth.

He had thought about it once. That night at the penthouse—after they’d told each other how they felt—she’d come down the stairs and he’d pulled her into his arms. They’d stood in front of the window and he’d thought…this is what life with Elizabeth would be like. There would be the quiet moments when it was just the two of them.

And thinking about it being just the two of them had Jason wondering what it would be like to have a family with her. He’d never been one for picturing things but he’d tried so hard to imagine having a baby with her. A little girl with her hair or a boy with her smile.

And for a brief moment, he’d let himself see that, to wish for it.

After Elizabeth had left—after he was with Courtney, he had put those images away and he’d kept them away for a long time.

Until he’d heard she was pregnant with Ric’s baby and then again when she’d gotten pregnant with Cameron.

And now, he had that wish. He had a little boy with one of the people he’d always loved. If he could think of the best mother he’d want for his child, Elizabeth would be at the top of the list and he was so grateful to have this miracle.

There was a soft knock at the door and Jason quickly pulled it open and slipped back into the hall before the noise could wake either Elizabeth or Cameron.

Sam stood there, looking tired and worried. “Why didn’t you tell me you were staying the night with her and Cameron?” she asked, a little irritated. “I was sitting at home, worried and Carly kept coming over, ranting about how Elizabeth had trapped you again. What’s wrong with Cameron? Is he all right?”

“He has roseola.” Jason sighed. “He’s fine. But Elizabeth was going to stay the night and I—” He shook his head. “Sam, just go back to the penthouse and sleep. You need your rest and I don’t feel like getting into this right now. I’ll be home in the morning.”

Sam tilted her head to the side and frowned. “I didn’t even know you knew Elizabeth. Why are you staying all night with her and her son? Doesn’t she have another friend to do this?”

He glared at her. “I had a whole life before you came into it, Sam. Elizabeth and I—it’s just none of your business. Go home. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

“Look, I’m sorry. I know I’m being a bitch and being demanding but I just—” Sam exhaled slowly. “Sonny told me today that he’s telling Carly the truth. That he can’t lie to her anymore and that he wants the baby.”

Jason inhaled sharply and felt like he’d been sucker punched. “No—he—he can’t.”

“I don’t know what to do, Jason—I promised you and Sonny promised you and I can’t take it from you but…” Sam closed her eyes. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it. I just want to do the right thing.”

“I can’t—I just can’t do this right now.” Jason shook his head. He was dazed again. He’d gained a child and lost another all in the same day.

“Jason—”

“Go home, Sam. We’ll talk then.”

He cut off another protest and went inside the room. Elizabeth was still curled up in the chair, her breathing deep and even. Cameron was wide-awake now though, silently staring at him.

Without thinking twice, Jason lifted his son into his arms and moved over to the window, mimicking a position he’d held with Michael so many times. “I know you’re not feeling well right now,” he began, his voice quiet and soothing. “And I wish there was something I could to make you feel better.”

Cameron’s tiny hand wrapped itself in Jason’s maroon T-shirt. “Your mother will probably hover around you for the next month or so because that’s just the kind of person Elizabeth is.”

He sighed heavily. “I’m not sorry that you’re my son but I am sorry about all the things you’re going to have to deal with as you get older.”

Cameron stirred at the change in his voice but Jason continued. “There’s my job, which isn’t safe enough for me on good days much less for you and your mother. And there’s Sonny and Carly.” He closed his eyes as he pictured his best friends’ reactions to this news. “And there’s the Quartermaines.”

“They’re good people,” he said after some hesitation. “I didn’t always believe that but I do now and if it’s all right with Elizabeth, you’ll get to meet some of them.”

Cameron yawned and rubbed his nose across Jason’s chest. “Yeah, you’re tired. Maybe you’ll sleep now.”

“He likes to be talked to,” Elizabeth murmured, joining them at the window. “I think it’s just the sound of someone’s voice. He often just…passes out afterwards.” She leaned over and kissed Cameron’s forehead, her hair tickling Jason’s chin. “We should put him in bed.”

“Yeah.” Jason swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay—you should get some sleep too,” Elizabeth advised. She followed Jason to the crib where he gently laid Cameron back inside, covering him with a white hospital blanket.

“I just wanted to let you know that…I’m really glad he’s your son,” Elizabeth told him quietly. “I didn’t know—” she broke off and twisted her fingers together, looking at her feet.

“Didn’t know what?” Jason asked.

“I used to think about it,” Elizabeth admitted wistfully. “Before—before that night in the penthouse when I left…I used to think about what it would be like.” She took a deep breath. “To—have a family. With you.”

He blinked and opened his mouth to reply but she continued. “But I didn’t know how much I really wanted it…until I realized Cameron was yours.”

General Hospital: Nurse’s Station

“I cannot believe you’re taking this so seriously,” Brooke Lynn hissed as she and Dillon crept out of the stairwell.

Dillon glared at her and yanked his black baseball cap more firmly on his head. “I cannot believe all the noise your jewelry makes.”

“Let’s just get this over with.” Brooke Lynn rounded the corner of the nurse’s station. “You keep a look out,” she told him as she started to go through the stack of charts on the counter.

She found Cameron’s rather quickly but was very interested in seeing Jason Morgan’s chart right after it. She pulled both from the pile and flipped Cameron’s open first.

There were the basic information forms and Brooke Lynn sighed when she saw a Zander Smith listed as his father. She noted that and closed the folder. She set it aside and opened Jason’s.

Her eyebrows nearly shot off her forehead as she realized she was looking the results of a rushed paternity test. There in her hands, was the proof she wasn’t even sure why they were looking for it.

She slid the charts back into the rightful places. “Dillon, let’s go,” she whispered.

They disappeared into the stairwell and Dillon yanked the cap from his head and ran his hands through the unruly strands. “Did you find it?”

“I found it all right. First, Cameron’s file lists Zander Smith as his father—who’s that?” Brooke Lynn asked.

Dillon sighed in relief. “Maxie will be glad to hear that. I don’t know why it’s so important to her but—well, Zander used to be Emily’s husband.” He frowned. “What do you mean, first?”

“Jason Morgan’s chart was underneath Cameron’s and in there—there was a paternity test results which say that Jason is the father. Those are dated today while Cameron’s medical records are dated last month.”

“So—wow. He is the father.” Dillon frowned. “I can’t imagine why Maxie is putting so much pressure on this one thing. She barely even knows Jason or Elizabeth.”

“Well—maybe something else is wrong.” Brooke Lynn shrugged. “Either way, we got what we came here for. We can work out the rest of the details later.”

He put a hand on her arm as she started down the steps. “Look—you don’t really know Maxie and you put yourself on the line for her. That’s really cool, you know?”

“For some reason, this is important to her.” Brooke Lynn sighed. “I just wish it was something she wanted to hear.”

Jones House: Maxie’s Bedroom

Maxie was studying the chipped paint on her toenails when Georgie set down her magazine. “Maxie, I wish I knew what was bothering you.”

“Nothing.” Maxie frowned at the nail polish and wondered if she should reapply tonight or tomorrow.

“Why are Dillon and Brooke Lynn breaking into the hospital’s records to find out the paternity of a little kid we’re not related to, who’s the kid of a woman we’re—once again—not related to and possibly the son of someone else—watch this—we’re not related to?” Georgie asked, planting her hands on her hips. “And you barely know Jason or Elizabeth. Why does any of it mean so much to you?”

“It’s not them,” Maxie said, impatiently. “It’s Mom. It’s the way she gets sucked into and I just—” Maxie looked away. “You’re not old enough to remember Dad. You don’t know what they were like together.”

“Okay—now you’re confusing me. Maxie, you’re my sister and I love you. I’ll do whatever you need me to do but I need to understand what’s going on in your mind. Are you mad that Dad doesn’t pay much attention to us?”

“I’m mad that people don’t keep their promises. That Mom always promises to put us first and never does. That Dad said he’d always love me and that he lied.” Maxie sighed heavily. “It’s not about Elizabeth or her baby but I guess I just—you know Aunt Bobbie’s always going on and on about her. How strong she is, how admirable she is and all that stuff.”

“Uh huh.” Georgie bit her thumbnail. “So?”

“Well, I guess—it’s like, where does it end? What kind of person does it take to actually keep the promises that they make?” Maxie asked. “Aunt Bobbie thinks so highly of Elizabeth and I always thought she was really cool. I mean, you know all the stuff she’s been through. I just—I’ve always looked up to her,” Maxie admitted.

“Like a role model,” Georgie clarified.

“I guess.” Maxie’s cheeks flushed. “I know it’s stupid and you guys must think I’m going nuts but…I’m just tired of people turning out to be who they’re not. Mom—she’s great when she wants to be but being a mother is like something that comes and goes. Mac’s great. He really is. But even he’s more into his job than us. Lucas was away and only really wrote to you. And Kyle—” Maxie sighed, frustrated. “I just want someone to be who I think they are.”

“So if Dillon and Brooke Lynn come back and tell you that Elizabeth’s baby was fathered by Ric Lansing, that’s the answer you’re looking for,” Georgie stated.

“Yes,” Maxie nodded. “He’s her husband.”

“What if they come back and say that Jason’s the father or someone else altogether?” Georgie asked. “Does Elizabeth having a baby with someone else while she was separated from her husband—does that change everything else that she’s been through? Negate it?”

“I guess not.” Maxie frowned. “But—”

“People make mistakes, Maxie. Elizabeth is someone we barely even know and it’s so not cool of us to be poking into her business even if it is kind of fun and a distraction from Dillon’s grandmother. So whatever we find out—we have to keep it to ourselves.”

Maxie nodded. “I know.”

Dillon knocked at their window then and Georgie hurried to open it. He and Brooke Lynn crawled through. “Well that’s the first time I’ve committed a crime and not gotten caught,” he remarked cheerfully.

“So glad I didn’t know that until we were done.” Brooke Lynn sighed. “Well, mission accomplished. Information gained.”

“And?” Maxie prompted.

“Zander Smith is listed as the father on Cameron’s medical records but Brooke Lynn found a paternity test that says Jason is the father,” Dillon stated.

“Zander?” Maxie squeaked. “Wait—a paternity test?”

“Dated today. Big rush was put on it,” Brooke Lynn nodded. “And the kid’s records are from last month so I figure the test is more current. So—he’s the dad. Now what?”

Maxie’s shoulders sank and she sighed. “Nothing. You guys better get home before the Quartermaines notice you’re gone.”

Dillon snorted. “Yeah, whatever. They wouldn’t notice Jason riding through the halls on his bike.”

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