Closing time – time for you to go back to the places you will be from.
Closing time – this room won’t be open ’til your brothers or you sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits – I hope you have found a friend.
Closing time – every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end
— Semisonic, Closing Time

——-

Alexis Davis-Ashton’s heels clicked loudly in the hospital corridor. She strode briskly away from the ICU, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to process that her daughter was deathly ill and she needed something that would cost Alexis ten years worth of secrets and lies.

Her husband bolted up from his chair. Ned Ashton’s eyes were concerned and alarmed as he took in Alexis’s drained expression. “Alexis…what’s going on?”

Alexis sank into the chair and leaned her elbows on her knees. “She’s going to die.”

Ned blinked. “No. We’ll get the best doctors–the best medicines–”

“It won’t be enough,” Alexis whispered, her voice empty. “Christie is going to die.”

“Why?” Ned demanded. “What could possibly make you say that?”

Alexis looked up at him then, her eyes full of unshed tears. “Her only chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant. And Eddie’s not a match, I’m not a match, you won’t be one–the doctors said that her father would be her best hope since the rest of us aren’t. He wants to test you–but Ned…you won’t match and we both know it.” Alexis seemed to collapse in herself and started to cry. “I’m going to lose her–I lied and now I’m going to lose her!”

Ned crouched in front of Alexis and pulled her hands into his, trying to inject some warmth and comfort. But he’d never felt so cold in his life. He’d raised Christina as his own daughter–he’d tucked her in, sang her lullabies, taken her temperature when she was sick…he’d been her father in every way except the one that mattered in the end.

—-

Elsewhere in the hospital, a nervous and irate Jason Morgan paced outside of the emergency room. He’d stalk ten steps, pause, swear under his breath and run his hand through his dark blonde hair. He’d turn and repeat the process.

Carly Corinthos sat in a chair, her dark eyes following her best friend’s every move. She glanced at her husband but Sonny seemed lost in his own thoughts. She shifted in her chair and glanced to other side of her. Her eldest child, Michael, was leaning away from her, his elbow on the armrest and his chin resting in his hand. His own blue eyes were following the pacing figure in front of them.

Carly uncrossed her legs, shifted and re-crossed them. They’d been sitting in the emergency room for nearly an hour now. She closed her eyes briefly, shuddering at the reason they were here. Sonny, Carly, Jason and his wife, Elizabeth had been taking Michael out to dinner at the No Name to celebrate Michael’s graduation from high school. He was two years ahead of schedule and a brief smile flitted across her troubled face, feeling the pride creep in a little. Her little boy had grown up so fast–it seemed like only yesterday he’d been a little child. Now he was a young man of sixteen.

They’d been about to eat dessert when Elizabeth had suddenly crouched over in pain. She was six months pregnant with her third child. They’d rushed Elizabeth straight to General Hospital and she’d been in the emergency room for an hour.

Carly shifted again before standing. “Jason–” She put her hand out to stop his pacing.

“Mom,” Michael said. He stood and pulled her back. “Let him pace. It’s about the only thing he can do.”

Carly sighed and nodded. “I know.” She turned to Sonny. “I’m going to get some coffee. You want any?”

Sonny shook his head wordlessly and Carly set out for the coffee machines. There was very little she could do here.

—-

Alexis wiped her eyes and stood. “We don’t have a choice.”

Ned stood and sighed. “Yeah I know.” He looked towards the ICU. “How do you want to handle it?”

Alexis wrapped her arms her abdomen and shook her head. “I don’t know. But we have to do it as soon as possible. I won’t allow Christie to suffer any longer than possible.” She pushed her brown hair out of her face. “I need some coffee. Will you go sit with her until I get back? We’ll finish this discussion tomorrow.”

Ned nodded and turned away to walk towards Christina’s room as Alexis headed for the coffee machines.

—

Alexis and Carly literally bumped into each other. Through the last few years, an uneasy truce had fallen over the woman. After Carly had given birth to twins seven years ago, she’d accepted that Sonny would never know Christina. She’d thrown her support for Alexis as DA knowing that Sonny would be safer that way. Carly had a feeling that despite her words to the contrary Alexis would never send Christina’s biological father to jail unless there was no choice. And Sonny had never given the authorities any reason to investigate him. Things had been oddly peaceful as the five families had formed an alliance and it had only served to strengthen the hold on Port Charles. Alexis hadn’t turned a blind eye to the crime. She’d prosecuted whenever possible.

“Hello,” Carly murmured, slipping her quarters in. Her quick eyes took in Alexis’s disheveled appearance and red-rimmed eyes. “Christina’s not any better?”

Alexis shook her head. “No. She needs a bone marrow transplant.”

Carly sighed. “I’m sorry–I hope you find a match…” Carly hesitated as if she were going to go further but decided that now wasn’t the time for this discussion.

Alexis knew Carly was giving her an opportunity but she chose not to think about it. Instead she focused her attention of Carly’s presence. “Why are you here?”

“It’s Liz,” Carly replied. She removed her coffee from the machine and sipped it. “There’s something wrong with the baby.”

Alexis looked away and closed her eyes. The heartbreak never seemed to end. Reopening her eyes, she took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry. Please…tell Elizabeth and Jason I’m praying for them.”

“I will,” Carly said. She hesitated a moment longer before walking away.

—-

When Carly arrived back at the emergency room, only Michael was waiting for her. She frowned. “Where’s Jason and Sonny?”

Michael took a deep breath. “They’re on their way to recovery with Liz. She, um, she lost the baby.”

Carly sucked in a breath. “How is she?” she asked.

“She’s fine, I guess.” Michael shrugged. “Jase looks destroyed.”

“We’d better head up there.”

—-

Sonny stood outside of the curtain that separated Liz’s bed from the rest of the room. He could hear her soft crying inside and Jason’s voice, but he wasn’t really listening. He was remembering a time when he’d lost a child. It’d been twelve years since that day but Sonny still couldn’t forget it and he thanked God that Jason hadn’t had to make the same choice.

Carly and Michael walked off the elevator and made their way over to them. “Is she all right?” Carly asked quietly.

Sonny shook his head. “No. She’s not.”

Michael shoved his hands in his pockets. “How long is she gonna be here, Dad?”

“A few days,” Sonny replied. “Why?”

“Well, Jase isn’t gonna leave her,” Michael replied. “And I think someone should let Lu know what’s going on.”

Carly nodded. “Yeah. We should bring Dee and Davie to the penthouse until she goes home. I want to keep this as easy on them as possible.”

“Yeah, we should head home soon anyway,” Sonny said. “There’s nothing we can do here.”

“Do you want to tell Jason?” Carly asked.

“He won’t even notice,” Sonny replied. “Come on.” He slipped an arm around his wife’s shoulder and the trio headed towards the elevators.

—-

Jason smoothed Elizabeth’s brown hair away from her face as she lay curled in a fetal position. She’d cried herself to sleep over an hour ago. Twenty minutes ago, they’d moved her to a private room to recover.

Recover. What a ridiculous word to use. How does a person recover from losing a human life they were carrying? Six months, she’d been pregnant. She’d been showing and they were already decorating the nursery and discussing names. They’d decided that this child would be their last for a while–that they’d concentrate on raising the three they already had.

He trailed his fingers down his wife’s face and wondered what had gone wrong. She’d done everything she was supposed to. Kept the stress as low as she could–given his job anyway. She’d eaten right, slept a lot…why had she miscarried?

Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered open and she focused on her husband at her side. “Hey,” she murmured. She stretched her legs out and rolled onto her back.

“Hey…you all right?” he asked, leaning forward in his chair.

She nodded wordlessly and looked around. She sighed. “I didn’t dream it, huh?”

Jason shook his regretfully. “Elizabeth–”

She rolled over and curled back up, her shoulders shaking slightly. “Go home, Jason.”

“I’m not–” Jason stopped and sat back in his chair. “Sonny and Carly took the kids to the penthouse. I’m staying until–”

“I don’t want you here.” Her words were quiet but firm. “Go home.”

“Elizabeth–”

“Go.”

He stood and braced his hands on the edge of the mattress. He leaned over so his lips were next to her hair. “I am not leaving. I’m staying here, with you, until you’re released.”

She rolled back over and met his eyes. Her eyes were bloodshot and were still filled with tears. “Why?” she whispered. “What I did do wrong?”

Some of the tension left his shoulders and he relaxed. He dropped back in his seat and rested his elbows on his knees. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Elizabeth. These things…they just happen sometimes.”

“Things?” Elizabeth snapped. “These things?” She pulled herself into a sitting position to glare at him. “This isn’t a thing…this was a baby…this was our child…Jason, or doesn’t that matter anymore?” She demanded.

“Come on, Elizabeth, you know that’s not true,” Jason argued. He clasped his hands together and looked down. “I hate that it happened, but it did. We can’t do anything about it.”

“Go home,” she said. She twisted her wedding ring on her finger. “Davie and Dee need you.”

“They’re fine,” Jason said. “They were sleeping when Sonny and Carly got there and they’re sleeping just fine in the guest room at the penthouse. They don’t even know I’m not there. If I thought I was needed with them, you know I’d be there.” He let out a frustrated breath. “Don’t do this, Elizabeth. You hate when I shut myself down–well I hate it just as much when you do it. So don’t do it.”

She bit her lip and looked her hair, her brown hair falling across her face blocking his view. She’d grown it out and left it curly more often than not. “I just…it’s not fair,” she whispered. Her shoulders started to shake as she began to cry again. Jason stood and kicked his shoes off. He pulled himself onto the bed and pulled her into his arms. She leaned her face against his chest and within moments his shirt was soaked with her tears.

—-

Lucky Spencer stumbled to his apartment door, rubbing his eyes. He opened the door, ready to knock out whoever was bothering him at this hour of the night. He focused on the pretty brunette in front of him and tensed. “Lulu? What are you doing here?”

Seventeen-year-old Lesley Lu Spencer rolled her eyes and pushed past her older brother, irritated. “We’ve discussed this. Don’t call me that.”

Lucky shook his head in wonder and closed the door. “All right, Lu. What’s up?”

Lu headed for his kitchen and pulled a can of soda out of the fridge. She popped it open and took a healthy swallow. “I was baby-sitting for Liz tonight.”

Lucky leaned against his door and folded his arms across his chest. “Yeah.”

Lu frowned. “You’re not going to do that thing? That look of disapproval where you still can’t believe she married him?”

Lucky rolled his eyes. “Lu–what’s your point?”

Lu shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “Anyway, the kids are asleep and I’m waiting for them to get home. You know, because they were out with Carly, Sonny and Mike to celebrate graduation.”

“Lu–”

“But they never came home. Sonny and Carly came by and picked up the kids.” Lu set her half-empty soda can on the counter and leaned against it. “Liz lost the baby tonight.”

“Oh.” Lucky straightened up. “That’s too bad–I know how much Elizabeth loves her kids–she must be devastated.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Lu murmured. “Well, I just thought you might want to tell Emily. You know, Liz might not be too receptive to her comfort–with the pregnancy and all.”

Lucky frowned and shifted. “Emily’s not speaking to me right now.”

“Why not?” Lu picked the soda up and took another swig. “What did you do?”

“I pressed the marriage thing again.” Lucky shrugged. “I don’t know the problem. I love her, she loves me. She’s six months pregnant with my kid.” He joined her in the kitchen and grabbed a box of cookies out of the cabinet. “Hell, she won’t even move in with me, much less marry me. Women.” He shoved a cookie in his mouth.

“You know, it’s late. I’m gonna let that one slide. Look, Emily just doesn’t want that kind of commitment. She’s career woman now. If she doesn’t want to get married, she doesn’t want to. You’ll have to suck it up and deal.”

“Yeah I know. But I want my kid to have some reassurance about me. What’s he gonna think when his parents aren’t married? He’ll think I’m a loser.”

“You are,” Lu chirped. “Anyway, then Emily will sit the kid down and explain her reasoning. You can even volunteer that you asked her to marry you and she turned you down.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Lucky ran a hand through his hair. “Was there anything else?”

“Nope. Can I crash here? Mom and Dad are off in the Orient somewhere,” Lu said.

“Sure. The guest room’s open.” Lu headed down the hall but he called her back. “Lu…what was the real reason you just had to tell me about Liz?”

Lu paused and turned around. She crossed her arms and studied her brother. “Just testing you.”

“Testing me?” Lucky echoed. “You know Liz and I are over.”

“Uh huh,” Lu replied. She leaned against the door. “I know that in Liz’s mind you are. But sometimes I’m not so sure about you. I know you love Emily, Lucky–but I also know you hate the fact you fell in love with Liz all over again only to lose her to Jason.”

“She’s not a thing, Lesley Lu,” Lucky snapped, her eyes flashing in anger. “I didn’t lose her to Jason. She loved Jason–I knew that. She denied it, tried to forget it and I was willing to let her forget about it with me. But she loved him and he loved her and I should have known I was setting myself for the fall. But that’s over. I love Emily.”

“I think that’s why Emily won’t marry you,” Lu said, clasping her hands behind her back and leaned against them. “I think that…despite her strong career woman of the new millennium image…I think that Emily is still very scared that you’re only with her because you can’t have Liz.”

“Well, that’s just ridiculous,” Lucky said.

Lu raised an eyebrow. “Is it?” When Lucky didn’t answer, she smirked and pushed the guestroom door open. She closed it behind her, leaving her older brother to his thoughts.

Alexis sat beside her daughter’s hospital bed and debated on the best way to present the situation. She had goal in mind–she needed Sonny and his children to be tested for donors. She wondered if there was a way to do so without Sonny finding that Christina was his daughter.

Casting a look at her daughter’s tanned complexion and dark hair, she often wondered why no one else had seen it. Christie didn’t look like the rest of the family and she sometimes acted just as selfish as her father–but Alexis adored the little girl who kept her going after Kristina’s death.

Christie’s dark brown eyes opened and she smiled, seeing her mother at her side. Alexis wanted to cry–Christie had the same dimples as her father. Good lord. She’d never looked so much like Sonny.

“Mama?” Christie yawned. “Where’s Daddy?”

“He went into work,” Alexis said, patting her daughter’s hand. “He’ll be here in a little while.”

Christie shifted on the bed. “You were wearing those clothes yesterday. You didn’t go home again.”

Alexis smiled. “Guilty as charged, baby.”

Christie returned her mother’s smile. “Mama, go home. Get a shower and some sleep. I’ll be all right.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” Alexis said. “Your father will be here soon–I’ll go then.”

Christie shook her head stubbornly. “No, Mama. You need some sleep. Go now.”

Alexis briefly thought about arguing with her daughter but realized that she did need a shower and a change of clothes before she started wrestling with this latest problem.

She stood up. “All right. But call me if you need me, all right, kid?”

Christie nodded. “I promise.”

“I love you sweetheart,” Alexis said softly, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek.

“I love you, too.”

—-

Michael pushed his eggs around on his plate and stared at the Morgan children sitting across from him. Delilah Morgan was currently trying to wipe the ketchup out of her blonde hair while David was picking up a piece of toast and stuffing the entire thing into his mouth.

“Davie!” Carly scolded. “Chew your food.”

The two-year-old didn’t really understand Carly’s command and promptly burst into tears. Delilah, always the protective one, put her ketchup stained napkin down and hugged her brother. “S’okay, Davie-gravy. Dee-Dee’s here.”

“Stupid baby,” Amanda Corinthos said, disdainfully. At age seven, Amanda looked exactly like Carly–from the blonde hair to the stylish clothes to the attitude. Her twin, Andrew, was more like Sonny–sullen and withdrawn half the time. Michael had a hard time remembering some times that these were his siblings.

“Leave him alone, Mandy,” Michael said absently.

“I want my mommy,” Davie said, wiping his eyes.

Michael and Carly traded looks as Carly stirred her coffee. “I told you last night, Davie. Your mommy’s sick and she’s in the hospital.”

Delilah’s big blue eyes turned to her aunt. “Aunt Carly, is Mommy gonna be okay? Where’s Daddy?”

“Your daddy’s with your Mommy,” Carly said, “and she’s gonna be just fine.” Her bright smile was fake–but only Michael caught it. Sonny emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dishtowel.

“I’m heading by the hospital before I go to the warehouse,” he said. “Michael, you want to come with?”

“I want to come!” Andrew announced.

“Take Drew, Dad,” Michael said, finishing his orange juice. “I’m meeting Lu anyway.”

“I don’t want Drew at the hospital,” Carly said. “He’s just getting over the chicken pox.”

“Aww, come on, Mom,” Andrew grumbled.

“Your mother’s right, kiddo,” Sonny said, pulling his suit jacket on. “You need a ride to the Spencers?”

Michael shook his head. “Nah. I’m meeting her at Luke’s.”

Carly stood up and to give Sonny a kiss. “Tell Liz and Jase I’m thinking of them and that the kids are fine,” she said.

“I will, baby. I’ll call you when I get to the warehouse.” Sonny pecked her on the lips and left.

Carly sat back down at the breakfast table. She was trying to control the four children still eating, but her mind kept wondering to Alexis Ashton and her daughter stricken with leukemia that only a bone marrow transplant could take care of.

She cast a look at her blonde haired twins and realized with a start that Amanda, Andrew and Christina all looked alike–that if anyone took the time to look, you could tell they had a parent in common.

She wondered if the time had come for this particular secret to be revealed.

—-

Michael leaned over the pool table and lined up his shot. “So you went straight to Lucky’s.”

Lu smirked. “Yep.” She leaned on her pool stick. “I think Lucky’s still in love with her.”

“What about Emily?” Michael asked, concerned for his aunt.

Lu shrugged. “Look, Emily knew what she was getting into when they began dating–I think that’s why she refuses to marry him.”

“Probably,” Michael murmured. He angled his shot and took it, sending three balls down the corner pocket.

Lu leaned over to take her shot. “How are Dee and Davie?”

“They’re upset,” Michael replied. “Mom didn’t tell them what’s going on, but they’re smart kids–they know something’s wrong.”

“Poor Liz,” Lu said. “She must be devastated.”

“You should have seen Jase last night,” Michael said watching Lu sink the black ball, ending the game. “I thought he was going mess up the doctors if they didn’t tell him anything.”

“Yeah, he tends to be a little high strung,” Lu replied. She tossed her pool stick down and headed to the bar. “You want a soda?”

“Sure.” Michael followed his cousin and took a seat on the stool. “So they’re gonna stay with us until Liz is discharged.”

“Hey, did you hear about Alexis Ashton’s daughter?” Lu asked. “Lucky was telling me about this morning–you know since it’s Emily’s niece and all.”

“What about her?” Michael asked, flipping the tap of his soda open. He took a healthy swig.

“She’s got leukemia,” Lu replied. She grimaced. “She needs a bone marrow transplant, and Eddie, Alexis and Ned aren’t matches.”

“Isn’t her best bet usually a sibling?”

Lu nodded. “Yeah, like Nik was for me. So I don’t know what’s gonna happen to Christina. Unless a sibling comes creeping out of the woodwork, she’s screwed. She’s a good kid though.”

—-

Sonny found Jason leaning against the wall outside of Elizabeth’s room. He stopped for a second–wondering why Jason wasn’t inside. Jason never left Elizabeth’s side–not since the day she’d come home to the penthouse all those years ago. The only time they were ever separated were the days Jason was away on business.

“Jason.”

Jason looked up and crumpled the paper cup that had been in his hand. “I hope that’s real coffee,” he said, nodding towards the steaming cups in Sonny’s hands.

Sonny handed him one. “Black, just the way you like it.” He nodded his head towards the closed door. “Why aren’t you in there?”

Jason sipped his coffee and rubbed his eyes. “She had me thrown out.”

Sonny raised his eyebrows. “Thrown out? How? Why?”

“She called security,” Jason replied. “Apparently, what the patient wants, the patient gets.” He frowned and looked down at his coffee. “She’s shutting me out.”

“I’m sorry, Jase. I wish there was something I could do,” Sonny replied.

“Yeah?” Jason said. “Me, too. I used to know what to say to her, you know? Back when we were first friends…I never stuttered, never fumbled, I just spoke and it always seemed to be what she needed to hear. Now? I can’t say anything right.” He looked Sonny. “Why is that?”

“The stakes are higher,” Sonny replied. “You’re in love with her–you’re married.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Jason was silent for a while before asking, “Are Dee and Davie okay?”

“Yeah. They’re a little upset–you know, ’cause they don’t really understand what’s going on. But they’re going to be okay–Carly’s with them.”

“When Carly lost the baby,” Jason said, “how did…how did you deal with that?”

“We pulled away from each other for a while but we eventually bonded over it–I can tell you this–what happened with Carly is different. We were able to deal with it because we knew why it happened–you don’t. And Elizabeth is going to be blaming herself. There’s no where else she can put the blame. So don’t let her shut you out.”

“I never knew how it felt,” Jason said quietly. “You know…during the months we were apart after that Alcazar thing…and I was shutting her out so that I didn’t have to feel her pain–I never knew how it made her feel.” He looked up at his friend. “Now I know.”

—-

Alexis emerged from the bathroom of the bedroom she shared with Ned. She stopped dead in her tracks. “Ned! I didn’t expect you home!”

Ned finished buttoning his dress shirt. “I’m just changing. I thought you were at the hospital.”

“Christie convinced me to come home and shower and take a nap,” Alexis replied. “Is Eddie still with Monica and Alan?”

Ned nodded. “Yeah. They send their prayers.”

Alexis sank onto the bed and stared down at the plush white carpet. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. “How am I supposed to go to him and tell him the truth after all these years? How am I supposed to convince him to let Amanda and Andrew be tested?”

Ned sat next to her. “I don’t know–but Alexis, we have to do it soon.”

“I know.” Alexis scrubbed her hands over her face. “I never dreamed this day would come. We’ve been happy–haven’t we Ned? I mean, we’ve been good up until now.”

“We have been,” Ned agreed. “You, Christie, Eddie and Brooke are my whole life.” His expression darkened. “Lois called. She wants to get Brooke tested.”

Alexis sighed. “I don’t want to put Brooke through the test. It’s painful.”

“I know. I told Lois I’d discuss it with you. We need to make a decision and we need to make it now, Alexis.”

“I know, I know,” Alexis murmured. “So, do I tell Carly she’s got the go ahead or do I tell Sonny?”

“As easy as it would to let Carly field this…” Ned stopped and shook his head sadly, “it wouldn’t be fair to her. It’s bad enough we have to do this–but I don’t see why Sonny has to know Carly knew all along.”

“You’re right,” Alexis agreed. “Because even though she’s been good to him for ten years, and they have a family, he’d leave her. He’d see it as a betrayal and it’s not fair to her. She was only keeping my secret.”

“So you’re going to tell Sonny,” Ned said.

Alexis nodded. “Yes. But I have so many people to think about…oh, God, what is Christie going to think of me?”

“It won’t matter,” Ned replied. “Christie loves you. She’ll love you no matter what.”

“She’s nine years old–she won’t understand my decisions.”

“She’s a mature nine and she’s heard of Sonny. She might surprise you.”

“I don’t want her to surprise me,” Alexis said softly. “I want her to stay nine and innocent for the rest–” she broke off, naked fear filling her eyes. “Oh, god! She is going to stay nine and innocent the rest of her life! She’s going to die!”

“Alexis–” Ned took her by the shoulders and gave her a little shake. “Breathe.”

Alexis took a deep shuddering breath. “I don’t know if I can do this, Ned…I don’t know if I can walk up to my baby girl and tell her you’re not her father.”

Ned looked away. “Alexis–”

Alexis gasped. “Oh, God, that’s not fair. I’m so sorry–you’re her father, she loves you and I know you love her–I’m sorry–”

“Alexis,” Ned cut in. “Please…calm down. We need to discuss this–how we’re going to handle this situation.”

Alexis ran a hand through her hair. “I know.” She stood. “Let’s head back to the hospital. I don’t want Christie there too long by herself.”

—

Emily Quartermaine strode briskly down the hall, a long tan leather jacket slung over her left arm. Her dark brown hair was highlighted blonde and worn long. She reached Elizabeth’s hospital room and was about to push it open when her brother stopped her.

“Em–”

“Oh, Jason!” Emily said, throwing her arms around him. “I am so sorry! Is Liz okay? Is there anything I can do?”

Jason extracted himself from his sister’s arm and led her away from the door. “Actually, yeah. I need you to not visit Elizabeth right now.”

Emily sank into a chair, wounded. “Why?” she asked, straightening her black skirt. She set her jacket on the chair next to her and watched as Jason sat next to her. “Why aren’t you in there with her?”

“Elizabeth–she’s taking this very hard,” Jason began. “I don’t blame her–but I don’t think it would be good for her to see you.”

Emily sat back, her hands absently going her slightly bulging abdomen. “Because we were both pregnant.”

Jason nodded. “I don’t want to upset her any further.”

Emily nodded. “All right. I’ll respect that.” Her brown eyes softened. “Mom wants to know if there’s anything she can do.”

Jason shook his head. “No. But tell her thanks.” His eyes darted around the corridor as if expecting Edward Quartermaine to jump out of the shadows. But Edward was dead–and had been for a few years.
“Dad’s keeping his distance,” Emily said, breaking into Jason’s thoughts. “But he sends his prayers. Things are so tense around the house with what’s happening to Christie.”

Jason frowned. “What’s happening?”

“She has leukemia,” Emily answered. “A bone marrow transplant is her only hope.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. “I know–I know that must be hard.”

“Yeah,” Emily said. She straightened. “Why aren’t you in the room with Liz?”

Jason shifted. “She had me…removed.”

Emily’s left eyebrow quirked up. “Removed?” she echoed. “Why?”

Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s trying to shut me out. But I’m not leaving this hospital until she does. Whether I’m sleeping on a chair in the hall or in the room, I’m going to be there.”

Emily leaned forward and patted her brother on the hand. “Liz–she’s going through a difficult time and I know it means a lot to her to have you. It’ll be okay.”

“Yeah…” Jason sat back and stared ahead at the white walls. “Yeah, I hope so.”

—-

After leaving her brother outside of his wife’s hospital room, Emily headed for the physical therapy room where she knew AJ was working that day. AJ had gotten his license to work as a physical therapist a few years ago, shortly after Jocelyn was born. He and Courtney had been able to move out of their small apartment into a larger cottage on the outskirts of town.

She entered the gym and leaned against the wall for a few minutes, watching her eldest brother work with a patient. AJ had really gotten his life together after his marriage to Sonny’s sister. Emily wasn’t particularly fond of her sister-in-law, but after ten years of sobriety on AJ’s part–she figured something had to be going well in his life.

AJ looked up after about ten minutes and smiled at the sight of his baby sister–though nearing the age of thirty, she was far from a baby. Her brown hair was hanging over her shoulder and her black power suit made her look older than she normally did. He couldn’t help but picture the day he’d first met Emily Bowen–she’d grown up so fast.

“I think that’s enough for today, Kyle,” AJ said to the teenager sitting on the bench, lifting weights with his ankle. AJ marked something off on his clipboard and helped the blonde to a standing position. He handed Kyle the crutches. “Just remember to do your exercises and I’ll see you in a few days.”

After Kyle had left, AJ embraced his sister. “Hey, kid, what brings you by?”

“I came to see Liz and Christie,” Emily said. She checked her watch. “I still have about twenty minutes before I have to head back to the office. Do you have time for some coffee?”

AJ nodded and pulled the gym door open. He followed Emily out and the two headed for the vending machines. “Edward knew what he was doing leaving ELQ to you.”

Emily flashed him a bright smile. “That means a lot to me.”

AJ put some coins in the machine and punched the necessary buttons. As coffee filtered down to his cup, he looked at her. “What’s Liz doing here?”

Emily’s eyebrows knitted together. “You mean you don’t know?” she asked.

“Know what?” AJ asked, pulling his cup out of the machine, letting Emily get her own drink.

“Liz had a miscarriage last night,” Emily replied, removing her coffee. She and AJ headed for a grouping of chairs. “I thought most of the family knew.”

AJ sat down and sipped his coffee. With a rueful smile, he remarked, “I don’t think Jase considers me family.”

Emily smiled at him. “Liz does–and you know that.”

“Yeah.” AJ shifted in his chair. “Liz has been good about that. I’m sorry this happened to her. I don’t know what I’d do if I were Jason.”

Emily sipped her coffee and sighed. “I had another fight with Lucky.”

AJ eyed her. “The marriage thing again?”

“Yep.” Emily shook her head. “He just can’t understand why I don’t want to get married.”

AJ leaned forward. “Do you understand why?”

Emily glared at him. “Yes. I don’t think that just because I’m pregnant that I should have to get married. This is a new century–a new millennium–”

“Emily.”

She sighed and looked into the dark thick liquid in her paper cup. “I’m scared, AJ,” she said softly.

He patted her shoulder. “Yeah, that’s what I thought, kid. What’s got you running?”

Emily looked up, her eyes lush with tears. “I think I’m his second choice.”

AJ let a long slow breath out. “His second choice?”

Emily shoved a piece of hair behind her ear. “I know that whatever he and Liz shared–that’s it been over physically from the second she went back to Jason. But…she led him on, AJ. She let him believe there was a chance. And he fell in love with her all over again. Then she left him. I think…I think he’s still in love with her.”

“Have you said anything to him about this?” AJ asked.

Emily shook her head. “No. What if I’m wrong? You know and he leaves me because I’m stupid?”

“Emily, you are not stupid,” AJ said firmly. “I was around during that time–because Courtney and Liz were so close. I know how he felt about her–and it was a long time before he got over her. But I know that Lucky loves you–and I think you should sit down and talk to him about this. Get it into the open. He’ll never understand why you keep rejecting his proposal until he knows the whole story.”

Emily smiled. “When did you get so smart?”

AJ grinned. “Years and years of screwing up.”

No one makes it right
Like you do Like you do
No one makes it right
Like you do Like you do
No one makes it right like you 
— Bryan Adams, No One Makes It Right 

---

Carly found Jason sitting down the hall from Elizabeth’s room. She set the bag with a change of clothes next to him and took a seat across from him. “Hey.”

Jason looked up, his face worn and haggard. “Hey. How are—”

“They’re fine,” Carly cut in. “Davie doesn’t really understand what’s going on but Dee keeping him company.” She hesitated. “Dee asked a lot of questions. We didn’t know how to answer.”

“I wouldn’t either,” Jason replied, staring down at his hands. He was still wearing the dress pants and white button down shirt from the celebration dinner the night before. “She’s locked me out of the room.”

Carly’s brown eyes softened with sympathy. “Oh, Jase.” She reached out to touch his hand. “She’s in a bad place right now—I know that you’re sad about the baby, but  it’s different for Liz. Women get so attached to the baby when we’re carrying it—it’s part of us. We can feel their little feet kicking and we can’t help but fall in love without even seeing them. Losing a baby so far along in the pregnancy—” A shadow passed over Carly’s face and she twisted her diamond ring. “It’s a devastating blow. And  she’s going to try and shut you out. She’s like you, Jase. She just wants to protect you—and keeping you from seeing her in pain—it’s the easiest way.”

“I just…” Jason let out a frustrated breath. “I just want to help.”

Carly looked away. “You know she’s never going to be my favorite person, right?”

“Carly—”

She smiled. “Chill—I’m not bashing her. If you haven’t noticed, since the two of you patched it up, I’ve tried to be nice to her and we’ve even formed a truce. As much as I’d like it to be different…I know how much you love each other. And Dee and Davie. She loves you enough to protect you—and you’ve done it to her a dozen times—don’t try and tell me you haven’t.” Carly rubbed his shoulder. “But no matter how many times everything has been against you…the two of you have spit in all of our faces and been happy anyway.” She gave him a brief smile. “I see no reason that has to stop. So, give her some space. See if she can’t snap out of this herself.”

“And if that doesn’t work?” Jason asked.

Carly smiled again. “You can try what Sonny did.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Kidnap her and take to her the island.”

---

Elizabeth rolled over in her hospital bed and stared at the window. It was early afternoon and she was alone in the room.

Which was just the way she preferred to be. She wanted to sit in her room in the dark and she wanted to be alone.

She felt twinges of guilt—she had had Jason removed from the room after all. She didn’t know how to make him understand that she needed to be alone.

Her hand strayed to her abdomen to where just this time yesterday, she’d been six months pregnant. It’d been amazing—she and Emily had been due within days of one another. Their children were going to grow up together—be the best of friends.

“I’m going to name her Lila, of course,” Emily said, her brown eyes sparkling with happiness. She flipped through the baby name book she’d brought home from the store. “I just don’t know about a middle name.” She put her feet on top of the coffee table and stretched out.

Elizabeth smiled. “Jason’s not into names—and no amount of threatening is going to work. So, I’ve decided on Steven for a boy and Audrey for a girl. I don’t know  about middle names either.”

Emily leaned forward. “Wouldn’t it be wild if they were born on the same day?”

“I think that would be incredible—they could be best friends…just like us.”

And now Lila Paige Quartermaine or Lucas Alan Quartermaine would not have a cousin after all—and wouldn’t have a built-in best friend.

A soft knock sounded on the door. “Elizabeth?”

She sat up a little and sighed. She wanted to see him—she was selfish enough to admit that. “Come in.”

The door opened slowly, letting in a sliver of light. She could see the outline of his figure as he entered the room. “Why is it so dark in here?”

“I want it that way,” Elizabeth remarked.

He closed the door and the room was thrown into blackness. Jason didn’t come any closer—and she was grateful to him for keeping his distance. She twisted the edge of the white hospital blanket between her thumb and forefingers. They hadn’t been this awkward around one another for years—not since their marriage for sure.

“I don’t know what to say to you,” he said finally.

“I know you don’t agree with me wanting to be alone,” Elizabeth said, her soft voice sounding much louder in the quiet room. “But I can’t help the way I feel. And all I want to do is sit in here, in the dark and be alone.” She tried to search his eyes out, but it was too dark. “And I want you to go home and take the kids back to the house.”

“And I can’t help the way I feel,” Jason replied. “And I want to stay here with you until you’re released.”

“Jason—” Elizabeth began.

“I’ll sleep on the chair in the hallway if you don’t want me in here,” Jason replied. “But I’m not leaving you.”

She bit her lip and leaned over to click on the lamp that sat on the small nightstand next to her bed. The room was still dark—but she could see Jason more clearly. She shifted over in the bed and patted it. “Come on.”

He hesitated. “Are you sure?”

She gave him a small smile. “Yeah. So come to bed before I change my mind, all right?”

---

Carly left Jason at Elizabeth’s door with firm instructions to keep knocking until she at least let him in. She set off for the ICU unit and the private room where Christina Ashton was staying.

Ned was leaning against the wall next to the door, a hand over his eyes. At the sound of Carly’s heels against the floor, he looked up. “Carly.”

She stopped a few feet away. “Hi.” She twisted her ring on her finger and ran a hand through her blonde hair. “How is she?”

“What are you doing here?” Ned asked, ignoring her question.

“Look…I just…” Carly sighed. “I want to tell you that I’m sorry that it’s happening. And if there’s anything I can do, just let—”

“We don’t want or need your help,” Ned said, his tone scathing. Stung, Carly took a step back.

“What’s going on out here?” Alexis asked, leaning around the doorframe. She caught sight of Carly. “Carly.”

Carly took a deep breath. “I just wanted to see how Christie is.”

Alexis shot a look at Ned. “And I suppose Ned was being his helpful self.”

Carly forced down the snappy comeback she was ready to throw at the Ashtons and opted for the mature way. “Ned and I were just discussing an offer I made.”

“I was explaining to Carly that we don’t want her help,” Ned said.

“I don’t think that’s wise,” Alexis said. She looked over her shoulder at Christie’s peacefully sleeping form. She looked back to Ned. “Why don’t you sit with her? Carly  and I can get a cup of coffee.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Ned asked, taking a step closer to her. Alexis took a deep breath nodded.

“I’m going to do whatever’s necessary,” Alexis replied, keeping her voice low.

“All right.” Ned tossed another look at Carly before entering Christie’s room.

---

Carly sat across from Alexis in the cafeteria staring into a cup of ugly thick black coffee. She wasn’t sure where to start and for the first time in Alexis’s life, she had a feeling the other woman didn’t know either.

Finally, Carly pushed the cup aside. “Look, I think we’re both in agreement—that Christina’s life is what matters here.”

Alexis looked up startled. “Even if Sonny finds out you knew?”

Carly frowned. “You think I’d sacrifice your daughter because of that? I’m not a good person, Alexis, but I’m a mother first and foremost and my children mean everything to me. I know you feel the same way.”

“I do,” Alexis agreed. She cleared her throat. “Ned and I decided that the truth should come out. That Amanda and Andrew need to be tested as soon as possible.”

“Of course,” Carly replied. “I wish there was a way to get them tested without Sonny knowing. But the procedure—it’s complicated, isn’t it?”

Alexis leaned forward. “Are you sure you want your children to go through it?”

“I don’t want them experiencing any pain, but I don’t think we have a choice,” Carly replied. “Like it or not, Christina is their sister. And I’d like to think they’d make that choice.”

Alexis rubbed her eyes, exhausted. “I can’t believe you’re being so agreeable.”

“I only have one condition,” Carly said.

Alexis frowned. “I knew it.”

“Sonny can never know I knew,” Carly said, her voice just a little tinged with desperation. “Never.”

“He will never find out from me,” Alexis pledged.

Carly took another deep breath. “All right.”

Alexis darted a look around. “What about Michael?”

Carly’s forehead creased in confusion. “What about him? He’s not Sonny’s biological son.”

“Won’t he wonder why he’s not taking the test?” Alexis asked.

Carly looked down at her hands. “Michael isn’t aware that he’s not Sonny’s son. And I don’t want anything to happen to change his mind about it.”

“He can’t take the test and not find out,” Alexis said. “Siblings are usually at least 25% matches—Michael won’t match and the doctors might tell him that.”

Carly sucked in a sharp breath. “I didn’t…I didn’t realize.” She scratched her forehead. “You know what? We’ll…we’ll deal with that as it comes.”

---

Lu leaned against the bar. “You know, one day I’m taking this all over.”

Michael smirked and twisted on one of the bar stools. “Over your father’s dead body. He’s terrified you’re going to redecorate.”

“Well, look at the place,” Lu said, waving her hand around, wrinkling her nose. “It was sweetly eccentric when he opened the club, but it’s been nearly twenty years and he still refuses to let anyone touch it—I think it’s time for a change.”

“Which is Luke will leave this place to Lucky and not you,” Michael replied, taking another gulp of his soda.

Lu shrugged. “I’ll find a way.” She looked up as the door to the club opened. “Hey, we’re not open–” she started to call out before she recognized the newcomers. “Daddy!” she squealed, taking off and practically leaping into her father’s arms.

“Hiya, princess,” Luke Spencer said, practically lifting his daughter off the ground. Lu let him go and wrapped her mother in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Lu said, pulling away. “How was the trip? Did you stop off in Greece to see Nik, Gia and Markie?”

Laura nodded, excited. “I’ve got pictures and everything.” She took Lu’s arm and the trio headed back to the bar area. “Michael!” Laura exclaimed, seeing the young man sipping a soda. “It’s good to see you.”

“How’s your mother?” Luke asked, grudging. He’d decided it was his job to keep up with his wayward niece and her crazy family seeing as how his sister barely kept in touch. Bobbie had done a complete 180 about three years ago and remarried Tony. They’d uprooted Lucas and they’d all moved to New York City.

“Mom’s good,” Michael said. He hesitated but knowing that Luke and Laura considered Elizabeth part of the family, he continued, “Liz lost the baby.”

Laura gasped and looked to her husband. “Oh, Luke,” she murmured. “Michael, is she okay? How’s Jason? What happened?”

Michael shrugged. “We were eating dinner and she just started having pains. I don’t know why. Jase—he was worried until she was out of surgery. I think she’s okay, but I haven’t been back to the hospital.”

“Where are the kids?” Luke asked. “Are they staying with you?”

Michael nodded. “I don’t think Jason is leaving the hospital until Liz does.”

Luke nodded. “Didn’t expect the boy to do anything differently.”

“I want to go to the hospital as soon as we unpack at home,” Laura said firmly. She turned around and headed back to the doorway.

Luke swung an arm around his daughter’s shoulders as he followed his wife. “So, princess, you weren’t redecorating mentally now were you?”

Michael just shook his head as he followed the Spencer family out of the club.

---

Emily hung up the phone and rubbed her head wearily. One more month and she was on maternity leave—and once little Lila Paige or Lucas Alan was born, she was going to cut her hours back.

But she still had another month to get through.

She glanced down at the list she’d been making when the conference call from Japan had come through. How To Bring Liz Up with Lucky was scrawled across the top and below it were some ideas she’d had. Emily wrinkled her nose at her stupid idea and crumpled the paper up in her fist.

She rested her chin on her elbow and stared at the digital clock mounted on her wall. Ten more minutes and she could call it a day.

“Em, you’re never going to believe –Elizabeth and I found our way back to each other. We’re going to be happy again, I just know it.”

Emily sat back in her chair and rubbed her swollen stomach absently. Lucky’s words, spoken with such happiness ten years ago, still came to haunt her whenever she seriously thought about discussing her fears with him.

Their reunion had been short-lived, long enough for Lucky to fall in love with her again and for Elizabeth to realize she’d made a mistake and wanted Jason back. Elizabeth had left Jason for reasons Emily had never cared about—she hadn’t returned home yet—and was helping Lucky bring Luke home while Jason had been concentrating on Courtney’s stalker.

Emily could remember vividly the phone call she’d received at her rehab center after Lucky and Elizabeth had exonerated Luke. He’d been thrilled by the latest happenings and Emily had been just as happy for him—until she’d spoke to Elizabeth.

“Yeah. We’re going…we’re going to try again.” Elizabeth’s voice was tired and even a little annoyed.

“I can’t believe it,” Emily said. “After you told me about Sarah in June, I thought for sure it was over.” She lowered her voice a little as if she were betraying someone—namely her brother. “In fact, I thought you and Jason were going to get together.”

“Yeah…well, we didn’t,” Elizabeth said shortly.

Deciding the topic was bad, Emily switched back to Lucky. “So how did it happen?”

She could almost picture Elizabeth, curled up on her couch in her studio, twirling the phone cord around a finger and giving a careless shrug as she said, “It just did. We were in a hotel room and he kissed me.”

“Liz…are you sure…are you sure this is what you want?” Emily asked carefully.

“What I want doesn’t matter,” Elizabeth muttered.

Emily frowned. She couldn’t have heard her friend right. “What did you say, Liz?”

“Of course it’s what I want,” Elizabeth said as if she were repeating herself.

Emily should have warned Lucky then—but she hadn’t. Their relationship had only lasted about a month or so before Elizabeth had made the decision to break it off and try and get Jason back. To this day, Emily had no idea what had spurred her friend to switch tracks so quickly, but one second Elizabeth had been dating Lucky and the next, she and Jason were together—or back together, as Emily later learned.

Lucky had been heartbroken—but had ultimately told Emily that he’d known all along Elizabeth’s heart wasn’t in the relationship, that she’d only been trying to forget Jason. It’d been Lucky who had filled in the blanks of the previous summer for Emily—of Elizabeth’s short-lived relationship with Zander, her brush with death both outside the warehouse and in the hospital, her kidnapping and ultimately her moving into the penthouse. Emily had been stunned that her friend hadn’t told her any of these things and for some reason Emily hadn’t confronted Elizabeth about it. To this day, their friendship was always a little strained from Emily’s side.

And now Elizabeth had miscarried her third child—the child she and Emily had planned on being Lila or Lucas’s best friend. Emily didn’t know what she’d do if she’d  had it happen to her and her broke for Elizabeth. It wasn’t as though it was Elizabeth’s fault that Lucky hadn’t let go—and it certainly wasn’t her fault that Emily had talked herself into trusting that he had.

No—the blame rested solely on Emily and Lucky.

Emily chewed on her lip as the clock’s red numbers clicked from 6:59 to 7. She sighed and picked her purse up from the table. She headed out for the night.

---

Lucky was sitting in the living room of the Quartermaine mansion when Emily entered that night. She stopped and sighed—at this point, Lucky was absolutely the last person she wanted to see. She knew what was going to happen—he’d bring up marriage, they’d fight and she’d end up more convinced than ever that Lucky wasn’t
over Elizabeth.

She knew Lucky was aware of the fact that Elizabeth was never going to leave Jason—not for any reason. After being together for nine years and married for six, Elizabeth and Jason were committed to each other as Luke and Laura Spencer. There was no way in hell Lucky had a chance to rekindle their relationship for a fourth time.

Subconsciously, she knew Lucky knew that. But right now, facing another proposal from Lucky—she wasn’t so sure sometimes. She knew without a doubt that she’d never marry him until she was sure that he loved her—and only her.

“Lucky,” Emily said, injecting her voice with more exhaustion than she actually felt.

Lucky sprang to his feet and turned to greet her. He came around the couch and tried to kiss her. She turned her head at the last moment and his lips only met her cheek. Frowning he pulled back. “Em, what’s wrong?”

Emily pulled her coat off and sighed. “Nothing. It’s just been a long day.”

Lucky nodded and they sat on the couch. “No word on Christie?”

Emily shook her head. “No. No donor found yet.” She hesitated before saying the words, “I suppose you’ve heard about Liz.”

Lucky nodded. “Yeah—poor girl. I know how much her kids mean to her. She must be devastated.”

“Yeah,” Emily replied. Deciding to test his reaction, she said, “She’s even pushing Jason away. She just wants to be alone.” She had to look away and fight back the tears when she saw the way Lucky’s eyes all but lit up at the prospect. Lucky wasn’t over Elizabeth.

Not by a long shot.

---

Laura Spencer pushed Elizabeth’s hospital door open slowly in case its occupant was sleeping. She only got it halfway opened before she saw Elizabeth curled upon the bed, sleeping in Jason’s arms. She gave a little smile and pulled it shut.

“What’s wrong, Angel?” Luke asked as Laura returned to the waiting area where he and Lu were waiting.

“They’re sleeping,” Laura replied. “I didn’t want to wake her.” A sad smile crossed her face. “I’m so glad she’s got Jason—she’s going to need him.”

“Yeah, he can take out the people who upset her,” Lu said, almost cheerful.

Luke grinned. “What else is the boy good for?” He put an arm around his wife. “Let’s stop by the penthouse—I want to see my grandchildren.”

“Dad,” Lu began.

“Hush. I’m about the only grandfather those kids got,” Luke replied.

“Ain’t that scary?” Lu said, pushing the elevator door.

“Elizabeth’s such a good person,” Laura said wistfully. “She didn’t deserve this.”

“No one deserves this, Angel,” Luke replied as the elevator opened and the trio stepped on. “But Elizabeth is strong—she’ll be all right. She survived this family and its adventures.”

“Yeah, she faked her own death, went up against Helena,” Lu began ticking Elizabeth’s deeds off on her fingers, “Convinced you to come home and even worked to set you free and then convinced Lucky and Nikolas Mom would recover closer to home.”

“A stubborn girl she is,” Luke said, proudly. “Wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t some Spencer blood in her.”

Lu wrinkled her nose. “Dad…that’s illegal.”

“What is?”

“She and Lucky dated, remember?”

“Of course I remember. I just think the Spencer traits rubbed off a little more vigorously with Liz than they did with, say…my biological daughter.”

Lu rolled her eyes. “Just because I don’t like traveling to China at the drop of the hat and I don’t go and save the world every few years…that doesn’t mean I’m not a Spencer.”

“Honestly, Luke,” Laura said, shaking her head. “Lu takes after me.”

“And it’s a good thing, too,” Luke said, kissing the top of his wife’s head. “Because I’d be scared as hell if she took after me.”

“Yeah, one Luke Spencer is more than enough,” Lu quipped.

When you’re standing at the crossroads
And don’t know which path to choose,
Let me come along,
‘Cause even if you’re wrong,
I’ll stand by you,
I’ll stand by you,
Won’t let nobody hurt you. 
— The Pretenders, I’ll Stand By You

---

Carly exited the guest room after tucking David and Delilah into the large bed. She rubbed her eyes wearily–Davie had once asked what was wrong with his mother–why she wasn’t tucking him in. When Carly couldn’t answer, he’d started crying again, leaving his older sister to hug him and soothe him asleep.

She ran into Michael who had been leaving the bathroom, a toothbrush still in his mouth. He stopped, seeing his mother, and pulled the red brush out of his mouth. “They okay?”

Carly sighed and rubbed her eyes. So many things were swirling around in her head. Jason, Elizabeth, Alexis, Christina, Ned, Michael, Sonny, Davie, Dee…Drew, Mandy. She was just so tired of secrets and of protecting them.

“Mom?” Michael asked concerned, reaching out to touch his mother’s shoulders. “You okay?”

Carly nodded. “Yeah.” She flashed him a brief smile. “Just a little tired. Long day.”

Michael nodded. “All right. How about the kids…they coping all right?”

“They’re confused,” Carly admitted. “They don’t understand what’s happening and it’s not my place to tell him. Jason called from the hospital earlier–they’re releasing Liz in two days.”

“You sure you’re okay, Mom?” Michael asked. “You just look…you look…” he stopped, unable to find the words. He just shrugged. “You look like something’s wrong.”

Tell him, a nagging little voice whispered. Tell him the truth and maybe you can save some shred of a life. Because Sonny’s going to find out–and Michael will want to know why he can’t take the test. Tell him. Carly wanted so badly to just tell Alexis to fuck off–to find another donor for her kid.

But while Carly was a selfish person and would always remain that way, she was first and foremost, a mother. And she knew without a doubt that if Michael were sick, she’d beg Courtney to test Jocelyn and Steven. She’d beg and she’d reveal any secret she’d have to save his life.

And because Carly could understand how difficult it was for Alexis to even broach the subject, she would do it for her. She would agree for Sonny to know the truth and for Mandy and Drew to be tested.

And if it came to the point where Sonny found out Carly had known and Michael found out that AJ was his father…well, it was a price Carly was willing to pay.

Because Christina Chloe Ashton had her father’s dimples.

“I’m fine,” Carly said again. “I was at the hospital today, and you know how that place can wear a person out.”

Michael nodded. “All right. Well, I’m going to bed.” He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek and he headed down the hallway to his room. Carly sighed and turned in the opposite direction towards the master bedroom.

Somehow, in the past ten years, Carly had managed to deal with the fact that Sonny would never know Christina and she’d rationalized it to the point where it didn’t bother her. Sonny had a full family in Michael, Amanda and Drew–he didn’t need Christina. And she obviously adored Alexis and Ned, so no one was actually suffering.

There’d been days when she didn’t even think about the secret that could cost her marriage, in fact weeks would go by without thinking about it. But every once in a while, it would sneak up on her and the guilt would be overwhelming.

And tonight–it was almost choking her.

She entered the bedroom and headed straight for the closet so that she could shed her day clothes and dress for the night. Once she was in a short cotton nightgown, she slipped under the covers and was content to fall asleep a few inches from her husband’s grasp.

Sonny had other ideas–and an arm wound around her waist, pulling her against his chest. Carly sighed and tried to snuggle into his embrace–but it felt suffocating and she could feel the tears in her eyes.

Because for some reason, she had this inexplicable feeling that Sonny was going to find out.

---

Elizabeth shifted in Jason’s arms and burrowed her face against his chest. He felt her move and tightened his arms around her. He was hoping this would be the last of Elizabeth shutting him out–but he knew better. He knew that she’d try again and again–because she’d learned the defense mechanism from him.

And just like Elizabeth had convinced him to trust her and to open up to her, Jason was going to do the same. He’d been so incredibly lucky to have her walk into life after he’d nearly lost her–he’d never make that mistake again.

He’d thought they were over–she’d started dating again. She’d been dating Lucky again. But one day out of the blue, she’d walked into his penthouse.

“Elizabeth. What…what are you doing here?”

She smiled nervously. “Truthfully? I…I’m not really sure.”

He stepped back from the door so that she could enter. She walked past him and turned to face as he closed the door. “Is everything okay?”

“No…nothing’s okay.” She looked down at her hands and started twisting a silver ring on her thumb. “I need…need to tell you…something.”

“All right.”

“Lucky told me last night that he loved me–”

“Elizabeth, I don’t–”

“Please,” She said softly, meeting his eyes. “Please,” she repeated, “let me finish. I promise…this isn’t like it used to be.” When he didn’t say anything, she continued. “He told me that he loved me and he looked at me like he was waiting for me to say it back. But…I…couldn’t. And I realized why I was even dating him. I was with him…to forget.”

“Forget what?” Jason asked after she didn’t continue.

“Forget you.” She looked down at the ground. “I told Lucky I could do it anymore–that I couldn’t keep pretending to be with someone that I didn’t care about just so I could pretend I wasn’t in love with someone else.”

His mouth suddenly felt dry. “You…you’re in love with someone?”

She looked at him apprehensively. “I’m in love with you.” She looked away almost as quickly as she had looked at him. She bit her lip as she struggled with her next words. “I know…I know that it doesn’t mean anything anymore…but I just thought…I thought you should know that I’m sorry.”

He stared at her for a few minutes but she didn’t remove her gaze from the wooden floor. Finally, he said, “It does mean something.”

She looked up then, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “It…it does?”

He nodded. “Yeah. It means a lot. Elizabeth…I love you.”

They hadn’t gotten together officially until later, on Christmas Day. It’d been a slow process, but she’d moved back into the penthouse six months later, in the early summer. And then, Christmas Day 2006, they’d gotten married. Delilah had been born two years later, David after another two years and they were going to have a third child–one last baby to complete their family. Her grandmother had passed away shortly after David was born, leaving them her house. Elizabeth had wanted to name the baby after either Audrey or her grandfather, Steve.

Elizabeth stirred again and he looked down at her. Her eyes were open, peering up at him “Hi.”

“Hi.”

She pulled her arms away from him and rolled over onto her back, turning her head towards the window where the sun was rising. “You should go. Dee and Davie are probably upset.”

“You’re leaving the hospital tomorrow,” Jason told her. “They’ll be fine with Sonny and Carly until then.”

“I appreciate you being here,” she said, “but they need you more than me. They need to sleep in their own beds, in their own rooms. I just…I want to be alone.”

“I told you–I’m not leaving you,” Jason started.

“Jason, please don’t make me call security again,” she said softly. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Because that’s not what you really want,” Jason said.

“Yes it is,” she replied.

“Elizabeth.”

“What?” she asked.

“Look at me.”

“Jason…” she sighed and turned her face towards him. “Please go home. Get changed. Take a real nap, eat some real food. You’ve been in this hospital for two days now.”

“Don’t do that,” Jason said, touching the side of her face. “You know that there’s no where else I’d rather be.”

She managed a small smile–a fake one–but a smile nonetheless. “Jason…it’s not just the two of us anymore. Dee and Davie are probably so worried and confused.”

He took a deep breath and looked away. “You’re right.” He brought his eyes back to meet hers. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll go home, shower, change and eat. I’ll go to the penthouse and spend some time with the kids. I’ll bring them to the hospital so they’ll know you’re okay.”

“And then you’ll take them back to the house tonight,” Elizabeth finished.

“Elizabeth–”

“Jason, don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

“All right,” he finally conceded. “I’ll go home tonight. But I’m coming back first thing in the morning.”

---

Alexis paced the corridor outside of Christie’s room early that morning waiting for Carly to show up. They hadn’t gotten anything resolved the day before other than the fact that the truth had to be told but it couldn’t come from Carly.

She darted a look towards the bed where her daughter was sleeping peacefully and sent a silent prayer up swearing that if they got out of this reasonably unscathed, she’d never ask for another thing again.

She heard Carly’s telltale heels and turned to see the blonde walking briskly down the hall. She looked as though she’d just gotten out of bed, with a plain black tank top and blue jeans. She had her long hair pulled into a tight ponytail and the sound of her black boots clicked against the floor as she approached.

“Morning,” Carly said. She handed Alexis one of the coffee cups she was carrying. Alexis accepted it gratefully and darted another look at Christie. “How is she?” Carly asked quietly.

“She’s still sick,” Alexis replied. “The chemo…it’s wearing on her.” She looked back at her. “So, how do you want to do this?”

Carly sipped her coffee and didn’t answer for a few minutes. Alexis recognized that the woman was in a difficult place–she stood to lose more than Alexis–her husband and her son’s trust. Finally, Carly said, “I think the best thing to do is just to tell him. Sit him down, explain Christie’s condition first. And then tell him the truth.” She bit her lip. “I can’t guarantee how soon he’ll tell me, but the second he does, I’ll have Mandy and Drew here being tested, I promise.”

“I haven’t told you this yet,” Alexis began softly, “but this means a lot to me. You have no idea–”

“I’m not doing this for you,” Carly cut in. She looked in at Christie. “I’m doing this because she is his daughter and that means something to me. I’m doing this because I know you feel. If one of AJ’s kids were sick, I wouldn’t hesitate–I’d have Michael tested in a heartbeat. I love my children–they’ve made me a better person and I never want another woman to lose a child.”

“You’re thinking about your miscarriage,” Alexis said.

“That and I’m thinking about Elizabeth’s, too,” Carly replied. “I’m hoping to stop in and see her today.”

“How is she?” Alexis asked.

Carly shrugged. “I don’t know. I stopped by yesterday and saw Jason. She’d kicked him out of her room.”

Alexis frowned. “That doesn’t sound like her.”

“Well, she was six months pregnant.” Carly rubbed her eyes, exhausted. She’d barely gotten any sleep the night before, the guilt keeping her awake. “She and Jason had felt the baby kick, they’d had ultrasounds, started the nursery. You know, it’s not easy to lose a baby that late. Sometimes it’s easy when you’re not showing and no one else knows.”

“Ned stopped by her room last night but she was already asleep,” Alexis said.

Carly knitted her eyebrows together in confusion. “I hadn’t realized she and Ned knew each other all that well.”

“Elizabeth worked for Ned a long time ago and she was good friends with Chloe Morgan–remember her? Well, with her being married to Jason and being friends with Emily, she and Ned are always in contact. They’re good friends.” A troubled look crossed her face. “She wanted to test Davie and Dee–she knew the chances were low since Jason and Ned are only cousins, but the idea was nice.” Alexis shot a look at Carly. “I thought about asking AJ since Courtney is Sonny’s sister, which meant Jocelyn and Steven are Christie’s cousins, but…I didn’t. I don’t want to take any chances. Mandy, Eddie and Drew are her only siblings–and Eddie doesn’t match.”

Carly nodded. “Well, I’m going to stop by Liz’s room. When are you going to be doing it? I’ll make sure I’m not at the penthouse.”

Alexis sighed and looked through the window where Christie was moving around restlessly. “Sometime today I suppose,” she murmured. “I have to get in with her–she’s going to be up soon.”

“Well, I’ll see you later,” Carly replied. She turned and headed back down the hall.

---

Michael and Lu were at the penthouse when Jason arrived, lounging on the couch and flipping through channels. He had to smile at the two–Lu was lying down with her head in Michael’s lap and he had his feet on the coffee table.

At his entrance, Lu tilted her head up to look. “Aloha, Jase. How are ya?””

“I’m good, Lu. Hey, Michael. Where are…?”

“Daddy!”

Delilah all but flew down the steps and was a blonde blur as she streaked towards her father. Her flying leap only brought her to about his knees, but Jason pulled up in his arms easily.

“Hey,” he said, grinning at the blue-eyed blonde who was hugging him.

“I miss you so much,” Dee chirped. “You bringing me and Davie home? We gonna see Mama?”

“We’re going to see Mama in a few hours,” Jason said. “And yes, I’m bringing you and Davie home.”

Dee started bouncing, excited. “Is Mama gonna be at home?”

“No, but she’ll be home tomorrow,” Jason replied.

Dee’s excited smile fell from her face. “Where’s Mama?” she asked, her lower lip trembling.

“Mama’s a little sick,” Jason explained in quiet voice. “She’s in the hospital.”

“Like Gramma?” Dee asked, scrunching her face.

Jason frowned. “You remember that?”

Dee nodded solemnly. “Gramma was in a big white bed with lots of tubes.” Dee bit her lip. “Does Mama have tubes?”

“Not like your grandmother,” Jason said. “She only has one so she can stay healthy.”

“What’s wrong with her?” Dee asked softly. “Why isn’t Mama home?”

“One thing at a time.” Jason put her back on her feet and grasped her little hand in his. “Where’s your brother?”

“He’s upstairs, taking his nap,” Dee said importantly. “I tucked him in all by myself.”

“Uh oh,” Lu giggled. She looked at Jason. “You might want to check on him. The last time Dee tucked him in, she tied the blanket in a knot.”

Jason grinned down at his daughter who was peering up at him with an impish smile. “That’s my girl. Did you use the knot Daddy showed you?” Dee nodded eagerly and Jason tousled her hair. “Wait down here with your cousins and I’ll get your brother. We’re going out to eat and then we’re gonna see Mama.”

“Yay!” Dee exclaimed, clapping her hands. Jason headed up the stairs to unravel his son from whatever knot Delilah had tied him in this time, leaving the blonde downstairs to torture her cousins.

Dee studied her cousin Michael very carefully and he stared back at her with an amused expression. “Can I help you?'” he asked.

Dee shrugged. “Just trying to figure out what Mandy meant.”

Lu tossed a confused look up at her cousin before looking at Dee. “What did Mandy mean?”

“She said that Mikey didn’t look like no one in the family,” Dee said, pulling herself onto the couch. “Cuz they both gots blonde hair and tan skin and you’s got brown hair and white skin. Plus, you’s got blue eyes and everyone else gots brown.”

Michael frowned. “Mandy said all this?”

Dee nodded. “Yup. Everything ‘cept the eyes thing. That’s all me.” She grinned proudly.

---

Carly knocked on Elizabeth’s hospital door lightly and pushed the already ajar door open. “Hey.”

Elizabeth shifted to a seated position and brushed her hair out of her face. “Hi.”

“Mind if I come in?” Carly asked.

Elizabeth frowned. “Why?”

“You know what? I’m sorry if I’m a little concerned since you are my best friend’s wife–”

“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth sighed. “Yeah. Come in.”

Carly closed the door behind her and entered the room. “Where’s Jason?”

“I made him go home,” Elizabeth replied. “He’s been here since…he hasn’t changed and I doubt he’s had anything–”

“Stop it, okay?” Carly said, folding her arms. “I’ve had a rough couple days so do not sit there and pretend that you sending Jason away has anything to with anyone but you.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “How dare you–”

“You’re sittin’ in here…lights off–” Carly paused to flick the light switch on, “–feelin’ sorry for yourself and all the while your husband who adores you has been roasting his ass on the sorry excuse for chairs in the hallway.”

Elizabeth looked away. “I just…I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to sit in the dark and be alone. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

“Why?” Carly challenged. “Why won’t you let Jason support you?”

Elizabeth looked down at her white sheets. “Because I don’t want support,” she said quietly. “I just want to be alone.”

A strange smile crossed Carly’s face. “Oh my God.”

Elizabeth regarded her with suspicious eyes. “What?”

“You’re a selfish bitch.”

“What? How dare–”

“I knew you weren’t perfect!” Carly crowed triumphantly. She pulled a chair up to the side of Elizabeth’s bed and sat down. “Good, now maybe we can talk.”

“Wait, what’s wrong with you?” Elizabeth asked.

“You…you’re not pretending to be perfect and you’re not trying to do what’s right for everyone for once.” Carly leaned back in her chair and smirked. “It’s refreshing. You want to be alone and miserable and damn what Jason wants from you, you’re gonna do it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before.”

Elizabeth just shook her head. “I always knew you were crazy.”

“All joking aside, though, Elizabeth,” Carly said, her voice suddenly serious. She leaned forward. “I am sorry for what’s going on–I’ve been where you are and it’s not fun.”

“Thanks,” Elizabeth replied. “So, what are you doing here…at the hospital?”

Carly frowned. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“You and I aren’t the best of friends, so I don’t think your sole reason was to come and see me.” Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. “So, why are you here?”

Carly’s spine stiffened. “Business.”

Elizabeth cracked a tiny smile. “You’ve been married to Sonny too long.”

Carly rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it.” She fell silent, realizing that her marriage might be coming to its end. “So, when are you getting out?”

“Tomorrow,” Elizabeth replied.

Carly hesitated but finally decided to go for it. “Jason tells me you’re a good listener…is that true?”

“I guess. I’ve never had any complaints.” Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. “Why?”

Carly bit her lip and looked away. Could she trust Elizabeth? After so many years, was it possible that Carly could confide in her without her reporting to Jason who’d tell Sonny? “Are you a friend first or a wife?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Elizabeth asked.

“Where does your loyalty lie?” Carly asked. “If I told you something that Sonny didn’t know, would you tell Jason?”

“No!” Elizabeth replied, slightly horrified. “I’d never break someone confidence. Trust is important to me–and Jason knows I’d never do it.”

Elizabeth’s assurance helped but Carly was still reluctant to put Elizabeth in the middle of it. She was going through a tough time–she didn’t need Carly’s baggage added on. “I don’t think I’ll tell you…not right now.”

“Carly, you’re not…you’re not in any trouble are you?” Elizabeth asked.

Carly shook her head. “No.” She neglected to mention that if Sonny ever found she knew…

Well, if he found out, she’d be more than in trouble. She’d probably be looking at divorce papers.

“No, I’m not,” Carly continued, “but if I find out I am…can I talk to you?”

“Sure,” Elizabeth said. She grimaced. “Anything so Jason will think I’m not retreating into myself.”

Carly stood. “Don’t worry–it’s going to be okay. It’s going to be tough at first…because you’ll wonder if there was anything you could have done differently, but eventually you realize that things happen for a reason.” She looked down at the floor. “Sonny and my child…it was created during a night that never should have happened and as much as it hurt then and still hurts now…I don’t think that child was meant to be born.” She met Elizabeth’s eyes. “Don’t do anything because you want Jason to think you’re okay. You’ll be okay in your own time and Jason will never push you…well…not until he gets way too irritated, but you and I both know that never happens.”

Carly left then, leaving Elizabeth to wonder what Carly was up to this time.

You see time, time is our friend
For you and me there is no end
And all you gotta do is have a little faith in me
I said I will hold you up, I will hold you up
Your strength is enough
So have a little faith in me 
— Jewel, Have Little Faith In Me 

——————–

It was early afternoon when Carly pushed open the door to Luke’s Club. She knew she’d find her wayward uncle somewhere in here. She wasn’t sure why she was here—other than knowing Alexis would be paying Sonny a visit today and the urge to get good and drunk was more overwhelming than ever.

“Luke?” she called. Hearing nothing, she raised her voice. “LUKE!”

Luke emerged from the back of the club, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “You bellowed my dear?”

“Yeah.” Carly shifted, uncomfortably. “I need to get drunk and I don’t want it getting back to Sonny.”

Luke grinned. “Pull up a stool, Caroline and we’ll see what we can do.”

—-

Ned watched as Alexis sipped her coffee in the hospital cafeteria. “Are you going to do it?”

She glared at him over the brim of the Styrofoam cup. “You can’t let me have five seconds of peace, can you?”

“Alexis.”

She sighed and set the cup down. “I’m going to do it. I told Carly I was going to do it today. I can’t put it off anymore—Christie can’t afford it.”

“Are you going to the warehouse or the penthouse?” Ned asked.

Alexis pursed her lips. “Warehouse. I don’t want the kids to overhear the conversation.”

“Good.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Ned leaned forward. “Alexis, you might want to go before he leaves for the day.”

Alexis shoved her chair back and stood. She took a deep breath and picked up her purse. “I can do this. I can do this.”

“Honey, just remember to breathe, all right?”

She shot him a nasty look before leaving the table and heading for the double doors.

—-

Elizabeth was lying in the dark room, trying to bore herself to sleep when a streak of light appeared in the room. She blinked and raised herself up in the bed.

“I think Mama’s sleepin,” she heard a girl’s voice whisper.

“Nah, she’s just resting her eyes.”

The light flicked on and Elizabeth was confronted with the sight of her husband and two children.

“Mama!” Delilah said, letting go of Jason’s hands and rushing forward. She was too small to climb on the bed by herself, but it didn’t stop her from trying.

“Whoa there,” Jason laughed. He set Davie on the end of Elizabeth’s bed and lifted Dee up to her mother.

Dee immediately latched her tiny arms around Elizabeth’s neck and Davie was busy hugging her legs. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her daughter’s small body and looked at Jason over Dee’s blonde hair.

“I missed you Mama,” Dee whispered into Elizabeth’s neck.

She closed her eyes and breathed in Dee’s powdery scent. “I missed you, too, baby.”

—-

Emily entered the Quartermaine mansion and breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Lucky wasn’t waiting for her. She’d ducked his calls all day, but she wouldn’t put it past him to just show up at the house.

“Emily?”

Emily closed her eyes briefly before turning around. “Hi, Mom.”

Monica Quartermaine finished coming down the steps. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” Emily replied. “Really,” she added when she realized her mother didn’t believe her.

“Is everything all right?” Monica asked, concerned.

“Everything’s fine,” Emily lied. She set her briefcase down next to a table in the entry and made an attempt to pass her mother. Emily wanted nothing more than to lie down and put her feet up.

Monica caught her arm as Emily passed her. “Darling, please. Something’s wrong.”

Emily sighed. The urge to confide in her mother was becoming overwhelming. She needed someone who would tell her what she should do—she couldn’t keep dumping her problems on AJ, it wasn’t fair.

Monica could sense Emily’s will to keep her out was weakening and pushed a little further. “I love you so much. I wish we were closer.”

Emily rubbed her eyes and gave her mother a weary smile. Things were difficult in the Quartermaine house these days. What had once been a home filled with people who loved each other enough to fight over every detail had been reduced to a house with three people and a few servants. She missed the days when she thought Monica and Alan could solve her problems. “Tell you what,” Emily began. “You bring me a carton of ice cream, two spoons and we’ll talk in my room. I need to put my feet up—they’re killing me.”

Monica smiled and nodded. “I’ll be right up.”

—-

Carly stared at her shot of vodka. “It sucks.”

Luke sighed in relief. His niece had been staring at the untouched shot for ten minutes without speaking and he was about ready to shake her. Something had happened and he felt duty bound as the only relation that acknowledged Carly to try and help.

“You know, Caroline,” Luke began, “Me and you…we’re not close but we’re still family. You can talk to me.”

Carly rested her elbow on the bar and rested her head in her hand. “Have you ever made a decision to protect someone you loved—but it wasn’t exactly your decision and in retrospect, you should have stayed the hell out of it?”

Luke eyed her. “When I told Barbara Jean you were dead.”

Carly’s head shot up. “What?”

Luke shifted and poured himself a drink. “Barbara had just found you in bed with the good doctor and I figured it wasn’t a good time to tell her that you were her daughter. She found out and it was a good long time before our relationship returned to normal.”

“I’m gonna lose Sonny,” Carly whispered, her eyes fixed on the shot glass. “I’m gonna lose him and it’s gonna be my fault.”

“Darlin’, what happened?” Luke asked, becoming concerned.

“I kept something from him and he’s gonna find out what it is and I just know he’s gonna find out I knew and you know Sonny and secrets—he’s gonna kick me out of his life.”

Luke nodded. “He’s got a bad habit, I’ll admit. What did you keep from him?”

Carly shook her head. “No, I can’t…I wouldn’t tell Liz and I’m not telling you. I don’t…I can’t trust anyone.”

Luke folded his arms on the bar and leaned forward. “You can trust me.”

“You hate me,” Carly said.

“Nah, you’re family. I can’t hate family. I can dislike them, but when it comes down to it, you were born a Spencer and I don’t care if your last name is Corinthos, you’re Barbara’s daughter.”

“You’d never know it,” Carly muttered. “She never calls. Never writes.”

Luke shrugged. “Mid-life crisis. Only explanation why she’d remarry the nut. Or maybe it’s because Felicia remarried her ex-husband and Barbara was feeling nostalgic. I don’t know.”

“Is it wrong to not want Sonny to know I knew?” Carly asked quietly, letting her finger slide around the rim of the glass. “I mean, I know I should probably tell him—preemptive damage control. But there’s really only three people in the world who know that I know, and I’m one of them.”

“Darlin’, you’re makin’ my head spin,” Luke said. “Why don’t you tell me what’s goin’ on and maybe I can help.”

Carly shook her head. “Wasn’t gonna tell Liz and I ain’t gonna tell you. Not before Sonny knows the truth.”

“Fair enough. So you just want a place to down your sorrows while…?”

“Sonny finds out the truth,” Carly supplied. “He’s gonna be told and I just don’t want to be there when he does. I don’t know if I could act shocked enough for him. I need time.” She snorted. “Not that I haven’t had ten years or anything.”

—-

Alexis had stopped on the docks—reluctant to go any further. Her irritation at Ned had spurred her this far—but shed’ stopped only a few feet from the warehouse. She was having her doubts again.

She wanted to be absolutely sure that there was no other way—that this secret could be avoided. If maybe there was a way Carly could sneak Mandy and Drew into the hospital to be tested. There was every indication that they wouldn’t match but the slim chance that they would wasn’t lost on Alexis.

Alexis felt so guilty—she had everything to gain from the revelation of this secret and Carly stood to lose everything.

Because Alexis knew exactly how Sonny would react if he ever found Carly had known all along.

And adding to the problem that Michael could potentially discover his own paternity—

Alexis was surprised Carly was so agreeable.

She took a deep breath and continued her trek to the warehouse. The time had come – and quite frankly, she was sick of the secret.

—-

Delilah was still attached to Elizabeth’s side, her arms still looped around her neck. Davie had moved up and was on her other side. Elizabeth’s hands were stroking each one of their heads—Dee’s blonde hair and Davie’s brown hair.

“Why are you here, Mama?” Dee asked, snuggling into her mother’s side. Elizabeth shot a look at Jason, who looked at her apologetically.

“I didn’t know how to explain it.”

She frowned. Well, she didn’t particularly want to explain it. Sighing, she looked back down at the children. “Do you remember when we talked about you getting a little brother or sister?”

Dee raised her head and nodded solemnly. “And I tole you I wanted a brother so I could keep my room.”

Elizabeth gave her a small smile. “Right. Well, you’re not getting one anymore.”

Davie looked up then. “Why?” he asked.

“Well…” Elizabeth sighed. “The baby died.”

Dee’s blue eyes widened. “But I never seen the baby—how did it die?”

Jason and Elizabeth locked eyes. How to explain this to a four-year-old and a two-year-old was completely lost on them. Elizabeth briefly wondered how Carly had explained it to Michael all those years ago.

Elizabeth bit her lip and thought for a few minutes. “Well, the baby was inside me.”

“How did it get there?” Davie asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

“That’s a conversation for another day,” Jason said, unwilling to elaborate on that particular subject.

“Why did the baby die?” Dee asked.

Elizabeth twisted some strands of Dee’s silky blonde hair in her fingers. “I don’t know,” she said in a soft voice.

“Sometimes, things happen,” Jason said, not wanting to leave this part of the explanation on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “And we don’t know why.”

Dee met her mother’s eyes and said very seriously, “Did you do something wrong, Mama?”

—-

Monica watched Emily practically inhale the chocolate marshmallow ice cream and sighed. “I had no idea.”

Emily shrugged—trying to be casual. “Well it’s my fault. I let myself believe he loved me and not Liz. I never should have done that.”

“Honey, sometimes we can’t control things like that,” Monica said, patting her daughter’s hand. She shifted on Emily’s bed, trying to find a comfortable position. “And yes, sometimes we see what we want to see.”

“So do you understand why I can’t marry him?” Emily asked softly.

Monica nodded, a regretful smile on her face. “I understand. But I think the real question is…does he understand?”

Emily let the spoon drop into the carton and rested it on top of her abdomen. “No. I don’t think he sees it. He thinks he’s over her—I know it. But I can’t ignore the way his eyes lit up when I told him Elizabeth was pushing Jason away.”

“So you haven’t said anything to him about it?”

“I’ve tried,” Emily admitted. “But it’s a difficult subject to broach and he never wants to talk about it.” She snorted. “He thinks it’s my hormones, picking up on things that aren’t there.”

“I know people think you should marry him because you’re pregnant, but sweetheart, that’s never a reason to marry anyone,” Monica said.

Emily gave her mother a sudden smile. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For telling me exactly what I needed to hear.”

—-

“You really shouldn’t get yourself worked up over this,” Luke said. Carly had yet to touch her shot glass and he was getting worried. His niece had never been stable to begin with, but he was having serious doubts about her sanity.

“How am I not supposed to?” Carly asked, irritated. “Sonny is my husband—what the hell am I going to do when he kicks me out?”

“You don’t know that he will,” Luke said.

Carly gave him a humorless smile. “Come on, Luke. You know Sonny almost as much as I do. You know how he sees secrets.”

“You’re right, I do,” Luke nodded. “But you’re his wife. I’m sure that—” Luke stopped. “You know, darlin’, you’ll always have a place at my house.”

Carly smirked. “I’m sure Laura would love that offer.”

“Well, there are some rooms above the club,” Luke said. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s wait this out and see how everything plays out, all right?”

“Yeah, probably a good idea,” Carly replied.

“You gonna drink that or stare at it all day?” Luke said.

“I feel like I’m losing everything,” Carly said softly. “I’ve worked so hard to keep it all together and it’s all been one big fat lie.”

“Oh, now it’s not all lies,” Luke said. “You’ve got three beautiful children who adore you.”

“Do you know that somehow we’ve managed to keep Michael’s paternity a secret?” Carly asked him. “He has no idea he’s not Sonny’s biological son.”

Luke frowned. “You never told him?”

Carly shook her head. “No. And Michael’s going to find out one day—with everyone that knows the truth—it’s impossible.”

“Okay, well you’ve two beautiful children who adore you,” Luke replied.

Carly smiled and brought the shot glass to her lips. “You’re becoming soft in your old age,” she said and downed the shot.

—-

Elizabeth stared at her daughter in horror. “What?” she managed to choke out.

“Okay, I think Mama needs a rest,” Jason said, coming to her rescue. He lifted Delilah and put her on the floor. “Come on, Davie.”

“No!” Davie said, wrapping his arms around Elizabeth’s arm tightly. “I don’t wanna go!”

“Visiting hours are over anyway,” Jason said.

“I’ll be home tomorrow,” Elizabeth said, trying to her tone neutral. She kissed the top of his head. “Go home, sweetie.”

“I miss you, Mama,” Davie whispered.

“I miss you, too baby, but I’ll be home before you know it.” She started to pry Davie’s hands off. “Go with Daddy.”

“Come on,” Jason said. He lifted Davie up. “I’m going to leave them with Amy real quick and I’ll be back in.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No, go home, Jason. They…they need to eat.”

“I’ll be right back,” Jason repeated. “Come on, guys.”

Once they had left, Elizabeth rolled over in her bed and closed her eyes tightly to keep the tears in.

—-

“You know you need to speak with him,” Monica said.

“Yeah, I know,” Emily replied. She licked the tip of her spoon. “And I need to do it before the baby is born. I’m probably…” She sighed. “I’m probably going to have to break up with him, you know that right?”

“I know,” Monica said. “I’m sorry you have to go through this, honey.”

“I wish Grandmother were still here,” Emily said quietly. “I think we could all use her help, you know?” Her smile was wistful. “She had such a way of cutting through the bullshit.”

Monica nodded. “I think that’s where Jason gets it from.”

“Yeah, probably,” Emily replied. “I feel so bad for him, you know? And for Liz. We were both looking forward to having the babies together.” She rubbed her protruding abdomen. “She was going to have an Audrey and I was going to have a Lila and they were going to be best friends forever.”

“How is your friendship with Elizabeth?” Monica asked.

Emily looked away, feeling guilty. “It’s fine, but it’s hard keeping my irritation for Lucky’s feelings out of it.” She looked back to her mother. “I know that’s unfair, but I can’t help it. If she hadn’t led him on, let him believe—”

“Honey, that’s not really fair,” Monica cut in. She sighed. “You can’t place the blame on Elizabeth entirely.”

Emily smiled ruefully. “I know. But it takes a lot of it off of me.”

—-

Sonny barely looked up from the pile of paperwork when someone announced Alexis Davis-Ashton was there to see him. He mumbled a response and returned his attention to work. He’d told Jason that if he came near the warehouse at all this week, Sonny would fire him. Elizabeth and the kids needed him more.

Alexis entered and stood quietly for a few moments watching him work. Finally, Sonny realized she was there and looked up. A smirk crossed his face. “I sincerely hope you’re not here with an arrest warrant.”

“No. That’s not it at all,” Alexis said. She clasped her hands in front of her, nervously. “I’m not quite sure how to put this.”

“Well, just say what you have to say and go,” Sonny murmured, flipping a paper over. “I have a lot to do.”

“I suppose the best way to begin is tell you that my daughter has leukemia,” Alexis said.

Sonny looked up then and she could see sincere regret in his eyes. “I’m sorry to hear that, Alexis. I hope she’ll be okay.” He set the papers down and sat back in his chair. “But I don’t see what that has to do with me.”
Alexis looked over his head and to the window behind him. She could see the entire marina from here. Christina loved the boats and she loved swimming. She wondered if her daughter would ever be able to do the things she loved again.

“She needs bone marrow,” Alexis continued. “And Eddie and I don’t match.”

Sonny nodded. “That’s too bad, Alexis. Losing a child can be difficult. But like I said, I’m not sure—”

“She needs all of her siblings to be tested,” Alexis pressed on. Sonny frowned.

“I thought Eddie was her only sibling,” Sonny replied.

Alexis shook her head. “He’s not.”

“Oh…what about Brooke?” Sonny asked, remembering Ned’s other daughter.

“I know she won’t match,” Alexis said, breathlessly. “She’s not Christina’s sister.”

—–

Elizabeth felt Jason’s weight pressing into the mattress and she buried her head into the pillow.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she said.

“You’re lying,” he replied, running a hand over her brown hair. “You know Dee didn’t mean anything by what she said. She loves you.”

“I know,” Elizabeth whispered.

“She’s young,” Jason went on. “She doesn’t really understand what’s going on—”

“I know,” Elizabeth repeated. “But it doesn’t change the truth.”

He frowned and leaned closer. “What do you mean?”

She rolled over and met his eyes. “That somehow, I know this is my fault.”

—-

“She’s not?” Sonny repeated. “I don’t understand. Brooke—”

“Because Christina’s not Ned’s daughter!” Alexis said in a rush.

Sonny clenched his fists. “What are you trying to tell to me, Alexis?”

“Christina’s your daughter.”

Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
Don’t they know know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
— Vonda Shepard, The End of the World

———————————-

Carly only drank the one glass of vodka. She’d calmly thanked for Luke for his time (which only served to worry her uncle more) and returned to the penthouse.

She fed Mandy, Drew and Michael and then asked her eldest son to take the twins to a movie. Michael could tell something was up with his mother, so he didn’t question it. He took Mandy and Drew out, leaving Carly by herself in the penthouse.

She sat on the couch and waited.

It was nearly midnight when Sonny finally got home. The kids had long returned from the movies and gone to bed. Having seen his mother’s demeanor when they got back, he ushered his younger brother and sister to bed and decided to leave his mother alone.

Carly was napping on the couch when the sound of the penthouse door creeping on startled her awake. She opened her eyes sleepily. “Sonny?”

He closed the door behind him, cloaking the downstairs in darkness again. “What are you still doing up?”

She sat up and pulled the light weight blanked around her waist. “I was waiting for you. You’re late.”

He sat on the couch next to her and turned so he was facing her. She couldn’t make out his facial features–but from the tense set of his shoulders, Carly knew Alexis had told him.

“Yeah…sorry.”

She bit her lip and leaned forward. “Bad day?” she asked cautiously.

He scratched his temple with his forefinger. “You could say that.”

She took a deep breath. You’re doing good so far. You can do this. “Can you talk about it?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know what to think anymore, Carly. Things…things are just…” He stopped and shook his head. “I feel like I’m walking around in a fog–like it’s a dream, y’know?”

“Sonny…what happened?” Carly asked softly, for once thankful for the darkness that swallowed the penthouse. Darkness that would hide her expression should she be unable to hide her knowledge.

“Alexis stopped by the warehouse today.”

“Why?” Carly demanded, injecting an edge into her voice.

“To tell me her daughter is sick,” Sonny replied quietly. “Christina–the eldest.”

Carly frowned. “What does that have to do with you?” she asked.

“Eddie and Alexis aren’t matches,” Sonny continued, as if she hadn’t spoken. “And Alexis tells me that Brooke and Ned won’t match either.” She felt his eyes on her. “And the reason they won’t match is that Christina is not Ned’s daughter.”

Carly did her best to tense her body. “What?” she asked.

“It appears that Alexis has kept the truth from me for ten years.”

“What truth?” Carly demanded. She straightened her back. “Sonny, you can’t mean–”

“Christina is my daughter.”

Carly couldn’t speak for a minute–didn’t know where else to go in her performance. She could rant and rave, but she didn’t think she could pull it off.

“I’m not sure what to think, Carly. I should be consumed with hatred for Alexis for keeping the secret from me, but do you know what I keep thinking of?”

“What?” Carly asked softly.

“Christina is going to die unless they find a match.”

Carly felt her body relax. Sonny was going to concentrate on Christina’s illness and not on the actual secret. “Well, then I guess we should get the twins tested as soon as possible.”

“Yeah,” Sonny agreed. He watched his wife pushed the blanket off her lap and stand. “Carly?”

She turned to him. “Hmm?” she asked, while in the process of folding the blanket.

“You want to tell me what’s going on?”

She froze–she knew it was a bad thing to do–that if there were a light on, he’d be able to read the guilt on her face. “What do you mean?” she asked, forcing herself to continue folding.

“You’re calm about this. You would be normally screaming at the top of your lungs.”

“True,” Carly agreed. “But you said it yourself. Christina will die if they don’t find a match. Don’t you think that’s more important?”

Sonny stood and wrapped his hands around her wrists. “I know you, Carly. I know you better than anyone else in the world. And I know when you’re up to something. Please–tell me.”

She forced a smile onto her face. “I’m not up to anything, Sonny. You’ve had a long day–”

“Don’t lie to me!” he said, raising his voice and tightening his grip.

“Sonny,” Carly began in a calm voice. “Let me go. I haven’t done anything, and you’re not thinking straight.”

Sonny took a deep breath and let her go. “I’m sorry. I just–” he stopped and rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m going to bed.”

Carly watched him climb the stairs and she sighed.

She’d just dodged a very big bullet.

And she didn’t know how much longer she’d able to do it.

—-

Jason knocked briefly on Elizabeth’s hospital door before pushing it open. He stopped dead in his tracks.

The bed was made.

The room was empty.

He turned around, letting the door shut behind him as he headed to the nurse’s desk.

“Elizabeth Morgan,” he barked to the nurse behind the desk. The brunette looked up at him and blinked at the rude tone.

“Excuse me?” she asked.

“Elizabeth Morgan,” Jason repeated. “She’s not in her room.”

The nurse leisurely typed in Elizabeth’s name into the computer and took her time scrolling through things until she finally said, “Miss Morgan checked out about an hour ago.”

Jason frowned. “What do you mean she checked out?”

The nurse raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. “She checked out, sir. Dr. Quartermaine had her discharged.” She frowned. “If I can remember right, he was arguing with her here by the elevators. Told her she should wait until her husband got here, but Miss Morgan was adamant. She was leaving.” She looked up at him, as if seeing him for the first time. “Are you her husband?”

“Yes,” Jason snapped, trying to figure out what Elizabeth could have gone. She wasn’t at the house–Lu was watching the kids until he got back and she would have called if Elizabeth had been there.”

“Oh, well, Dr. Quartermaine wanted me to tell you that he needed to see you.” The nurse reached towards the phone. “Do you want me to page him?”

Jason hesitated. Alan never did things like this–unless it was important. Alan had kept his distance, and if he’d left a message for Jason like this, he must have meant business. “Yeah. Tell him I’m waiting over here.” He indicated the seating area.

While Jason waited for Alan, he was making calls. Lu hadn’t heard from her and neither had Emily or Luke and Laura. He was calling Carly and Sonny when Alan finally showed up. He shut the phone off and stood. “Alan.”

“Jason.” Alan stuck his clipboard under his arm. “I tried to keep her here until you got here, but she wouldn’t listen. She, um, she seemed upset. She wanted to check out the earliest she could.” He studied his son carefully. “She’s taking the miscarriage very hard, isn’t she?”

Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. She is. Thanks for trying, Alan. Do you know where I can find her?”

Alan shook his head. “No. But Amy Vining was at the desk when she called the taxi.” Alan smiled. “You can bet Amy heard something.”

—-

Lucky was going through some contact sheets at the Port Charles Grille while waiting for Emily to meet him for lunch. She’d sounded strange on the phone–had absolutely insisted they meet today. He’d suggested grabbing some take-out at Kelly’s and meeting her at the office, but she’d been adamant.

Somewhere public.

He was absorbed in the sheets and didn’t hear or see Emily’s approach. She stopped just before the table and stared at him for a moment. How did it come to this? She’d been so in love with him–how had she missed that he didn’t feel the same? How had she managed to convince herself that Lucky was over Elizabeth?

Steeling herself for the confrontation, she pulled out the chair across from and sat down. “Hi.”

Lucky looked up then, a smile crossing his face. “Hey, babe. How you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” Emily took a sip of the water and signaled for the waiter. “You ready to order?”

He frowned. “Is everything okay, babe?”

“It’s fine,” Emily said, pasting a smile on her face. She was craving lobster and she needed to satisfy that urge before breaking things off.

Her kid had spoken.

They talked about nonsensical things most of the meal–Emily avoiding the subject of the impending birth and their relationship. Lucky kept trying to bring the conversation around to it, but she kept putting him off.

Finally Lucky pushed his plate back. “Em, what’s going on?”

Having finished her meal, Emily took another sip of the milkshake she’d begged for. This kid was strange–milkshakes and lobster were the sanest cravings she’d had. Others included pistachio ice cream in the middle of the night, and pickle and peanut butter sandwiches.

“We need to talk, Lucky,” Emily began.

Lucky shook his head. “This doesn’t sound good.”

“Please, let me talk, okay?” she said. She sat back in her chair. “Lucky, you’re my best friend. You’ve always been my best friend. But this isn’t going to work. You know that, right?”

Lucky frowned. “What are you talking about? Em, I love you–”

“Don’t,” Emily said, shaking her head. “Please don’t say that. Lucky, I’m not going to marry you. It’s not going to happen.”

“Why?” Lucky demanded. “We’re in love–”

“No.” Emily sighed. “We’re not. You’re still in–”

“Emily, how many times are we going to have this conversation?” Lucky demanded angrily. “I am completely over Elizabeth Webber.”

“Morgan,” Emily corrected softly. “Her name is Elizabeth Morgan.” She met Lucky’s eyes and smiled sadly. “You think I’m stupid, Lucky? I’m the one you confided in when Liz broke up with you. I talked you out of stopping the wedding. You’re still in love with her and I’m been blind to it.” She rubbed her abdomen. “But I can’t stay with you because I’m pregnant. I still want you to be this baby’s father, but you’re not in love with me and I won’t settle.”

“Emily, you’re pregnant. The hormones–”

“Do not blame this on my hormones!” Emily snapped. “I am thinking very clearly. It is not fair to blame this on my pregnancy. I can’t continue ignoring the way your eyes light up when her name is mentioned or how excited you get when you think she and Jason are having problems. Not now. We’re bringing a new life into this world and damn it, I deserve better. This child deserves better.” She tossed her napkin on the table and stood. “I’m sorry it has to be this way, Lucky.”

“Em, we can work this out–” Lucky started, rising out of his chair. But Emily had turned her back and walked away.

Without giving him a second look.

—-

“Why are we at the hospital, Mom?” Amanda asked as Carly led her and her brother off the elevator.

“I told you, sweetie. You and Drew are going to have a few tests run,” Carly replied. “And then you’re going to meet someone.”

“Who?” Drew asked, peering at his mother.

“Her name’s Christina,” Carly said, leading the children towards the oncology ward. Once there, she set them up with the doctor and left the room, unable to watch them get the test taken. She hated seeing them in pain.

She found Ned waiting for her outside. “Hi, Ned.”

“Hello, Carly.” Ned jerked his head towards the door Carly had just exited. “Are they being tested?”

Carly nodded. “Yeah. I’d like for them to meet Christina.” At Ned’s glare, she hurried to explain, “I don’t think they should know the truth or anything, but I thought they should just meet her. You know, in case one of them is a match, they might be more inclined to help if they know who it is.”

Ned hesitated. “I want to run this by Alexis.”

Carly nodded. “Of course.”

“I don’t know if this means anything to you, but thank you for bringing them so soon,” Ned said, shifting his feet. “I know it means a lot to Alexis.”

“I told Alexis and I’ll tell you–I’m not doing this for you. I’m not doing this for Alexis and I’m not doing it for Sonny. I’m doing this for Christina.”

“Fine,” Ned said coldly. “As long as we’ve got that straight.” He was about turn away when he thought twice and turned back to her. “Sonny doesn’t know does he?”

“Know what?” Carly demanded, tired of having this conversation with him.

“That you knew,” Ned said. “You didn’t tell him did you?”

“No!” Carly said, immediately. “As long as you and Alexis keep your mouths shut, he never will.”

“Never will what?”

Carly shut her eyes and counted to ten, desperately hoping that when she looked to her left, her husband would not be there glaring at her.

—-

Jason had never been so thankful for Amy Vining’s eavesdropping. He parked his bike at the parking lot of Vista Point and walked towards the observation deck.

She was standing there, her arms tightly crossed, staring out at the view of Port Charles.

“Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth slowly turned. “How did you find me?”

He stared at her, confused. “Why did you leave the hospital?” he asked, walking towards her.

She gave a little shrug and turned back towards the view. “I just wanted some time.”

He stopped just behind her. “You still thinking about what Dee said?”

She sighed. “A little.”

He brought his hands up to the sides of her shoulders and just rubbed them a little. “She didn’t mean it the way it came out–”

“I know. She’s just a little girl–she didn’t know any better,” Elizabeth replied softly. “But it doesn’t change how I feel.”

“Elizabeth, this wasn’t your fault,” Jason said, forcefully.

“I should have been more careful,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I shouldn’t have been so active–”

“Active? Elizabeth, you did the same things when you pregnant with Dee and Davie–you couldn’t have known–”

“But I should have!” Elizabeth cried suddenly. She jerked away from him and turned around. She spread her arms out at her sides. “I should have known something was wrong and I didn’t! What kind of mother does that make me?”

“Elizabeth, you know you’re a good mother. Things happen for a reason–”

“How can there be a reason in the world for why this happened?” she demanded, glaring at him. “How can there be a legitimate reason for losing my baby?” Her eyes were filled with tears and she clutched her hands to her head, squeezing her eyes shut to keep the tears from spilling onto her cheeks. “God, Jason, we had ultrasounds…I felt this baby kick–it was a real, living and breathing baby! How can there be a reason for having a miscarriage?”

“I don’t know–”

She pushed past him then and gripped the bar by the stairs that led to the second level of the deck. “Do you know what I see when I come up here?”

Thrown by the change in topics, Jason blinked. “What?”

“I see you and me, ten years ago.” Her voice was calmer now–a little hoarse. “I see us sitting on that bench and you telling me you couldn’t be the friend I thought you were.”

“Elizabeth–” He came forward and tried to put a hand on her shoulder. She shrugged away from him.

“I don’t see the time we kissed, or even when you yelled at me for warning you about Alcazar. I just see you breaking my heart again.”

“We both made mistakes,” Jason said, not sure why they were having this conversation. “I should have known I couldn’t push you away–”

She turned around and leaned against the railing. “I couldn’t change your mind then. And you can’t change my mind now.”

“You did change my mind, Elizabeth,” he reminded her gently. “Remember?”

“No, not really,” Elizabeth replied quietly. “Because despite everything, after all these years, I know you still think I’d be better off with someone else and away from you and this life. I haven’t been able to change your mind–I just worked around it.”

“Elizabeth–”

“Can you take me home?” she asked.

Knowing he wasn’t going to be able to get through to her–not today anyway–he just nodded. She walked ahead of him towards the parking lot.

—-

Emily pushed open her office door, ignoring her assistant calling after her. She was worn out from the confrontation with Lucky and just needed a few minutes to herself.

“Miss Quartermaine!”

At the sound of her assistant’s urgent voice, Emily turned and sighed. “What is it, Calla?”

“You have messages,” she said, handing the sheaf of papers towards her. “They sounded important.”

“Thanks,” Emily said, taking them and entering her office. She closed the door behind her. As she walked towards her desk, she leafed through them. A contact in Jakarta, one in Japan…Emily frowned. Nikolas had called. She shoved all other thoughts aside in order to call her friend.

She checked her watch, and decided that while it was late in Greece, she didn’t want to wait. She dialed his number and leaned against the side of the desk.

“Hello?”

“Nik? It’s Emily.”

Nikolas Cassadine leaned back in his chair in his ornately decorated office and breathed a sigh of relief. “I was hoping you’d call tonight.”

“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. Is anything wrong?” she asked.

“Actually, yeah.” Nikolas sighed again and scratched at his temple. “I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?” Emily asked, concerned. She straightened and crossed around the desk to sit down.

“It’s Gia.”

Emily frowned at the mention of her former nemesis. Gia and Nikolas had moved to Greece only a year after Emily returned to Port Charles, but they’d been in the same town long enough to annoy each other. “What’s wrong with Gia?”

“Well, she’s…she’s sick.”

“Oh.” Emily felt bad for thinking badly of her friend’s wife. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s, ah, breast cancer. We were going to have doctors flown in, but the best one is at the Sloan-Kettering Center in New York. We’re coming to Port Charles to stay on Spoon Island while she’s there for treatment.”

“Nikolas, I’m sorry. What can I do?”

“Well, I just wanted to know if you could help get Wyndemere open. Just hire an agency to get it cleaned and everything. I know you’re pregnant and if it’s too much–”

“No, no,” Emily insisted. “It’s fine. I’ll make a few calls.” She laughed a little. “I’m actually glad to have a distraction.”

“Still having problems with Lucky?” Nikolas asked.

“Yeah. Actually, we broke up today,” Emily said.

“Oh. I’m sorry, Em.”

“It’s been a long time in coming,” Emily said. “Is there anything else I can do?”

“No. Thanks so much, Em. I’d better call my mother.”

“All right. I’ll see you when you get into town.”

It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won’t give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
And I shall believe
— Sheryl Crow, I Shall Believe

---

Carly nervously took a step back. “Sonny.”

“I never will what, Carly?” Sonny demanded, taking another step closer to her.

Immediately, Ned stepped in front of Carly, feeling guilty for having brought it up. He’d sworn to Alexis that he’d keep Carly’s secret in return for her cooperation and because he’d felt the need to know Carly’s business…well, he felt responsible. “Don’t worry about it, Corinthos. Carly and I were just talking.”

Carly, feeling strangely grateful to Ned Ashton, took a deep breath and stepped around him. “Thanks, Ned. But I think that Sonny and I need…we need to talk.”

“Are you sure?” Ned asked.

Carly nodded, reluctantly. “Yeah.”

“I’m sorry, Carly,” Ned apologized.

“Me, too.” Carly turned back to her husband. “Mandy and Drew are being tested. We can talk about this at home.”

“We’ll talk about this now!” Sonny said, his face turning red with anger.

“No,” Carly said firmly. “We’ll talk about this at home.” She turned to Ned. “Can I leave Mandy and Drew with you and Alexis?”

“You will not leave my children–”

“They’re my children, too,” Carly said, glaring at Sonny. “And if I want them to meet Christina, they will.”

“Carly–”

“Drop it, Sonny,” Carly said. “Besides…I don’t want them anywhere near the penthouse when we have this discussion.”

---

Lu pushed open the door to her brother’s apartment and turned to Michael. “You ready for this? Because I think he’s gonna be a little tough to handle.”

Michael shrugged. “Can you blame him? His girlfriend just dumped him.”

Before Lu reached Lucky’s bedroom door, she stopped and pulled Michael to the kitchen. “You cannot under any circumstances tell him about what happened at Jason and Liz’s house.”

“Why would I tell him that?” Michael asked, bewildered. “And what does that have to do with anything?”

Lu chewed her lip for a few seconds before saying, “I think he still has feelings for Liz and I don’t want him knowing they’re having trouble.”

“All right,” Michael agreed. “I’m glad Em got out of this situation though–she’s better off.”

“I think so, too.” Lu jerked her heads towards the door. “Come on.”

Lu knocked on Lucky’s door. “Lucky?”

“Lulu, I don’t really feel like visitors today. Can you come back later?” Lucky called.

“I heard what happened,” Lu said. “Missy….you remember my friend Missy, the tall redhead? She works at the Grille. Let me in, Lucky. We can talk about this.”

“Nah. I think I’ll just stay in here for a while.”

“Lucky, don’t make me send Mom in here!” Lu called.

“You didn’t bring her did you?” Lucky asked after a pause.

“No. But she’s just a cell phone call away!”

A few seconds later, the bedroom door was jerked open. “Lulu, can’t–”

“Lu,” she cut in. “I am not five anymore.”

“All right, Lu. Can’t you just let me wallow in my own misery for a while?”

Lu shook her head. “Nope. You know, I’m trying to be supportive to everyone, but you guys all made messes of your lives long before I ever got old enough.”

“Lu–”

“Nikolas called Mom.”

Lucky’s face sobered. “So?”

Lu shot a look at Michael before continuing. “He, Gia and Markie are coming to Port Charles in about a week or so.” She took a deep breath. “Gia’s sick.”

Lucky leaned against the doorframe and closed his eyes. “When you say sick–”

“She’s got breast cancer,” Lu reported. “Now, it’s in its early stages and you know Nikolas is sending her to the best doctors in the world. She’s getting treatment in New York City, so they’re going to stay at Wyndemere while they’re here.”

“Stefan’s not coming is he?” Lucky asked, warily. “He’s gonna stay right in Greece, right?”

“Right,” Lu confirmed. “Anyway, Nikolas and Gia are going to need your support so you’ve got until then to wallow in your misery. Oh, and don’t bother Emily.”

“What?” Lucky demanded, incredulously. “You expect me not to try and get her back?”

“I expect you to use this time to think about what Emily said when you broke up–”

“She’s wrong–I do not still love Liz–”

“Yeah, I know–we’d all like to believe that. So, listen, you take this time and think about what Emily said. Think about it like an objectionable person and see if maybe she doesn’t have a point.” Lu poked her finger in her brother’s face. “But once Nik and Gia get here, everybody’s happy, got it?”

“Got it,” Lucky said.

“Good. Come on, Mike.” Lu grabbed her cousin’s hand and practically dragged him towards the door.

---

“Daddy? What’s for dinner?”

Jason hesitated in flipping through the channels to find a cartoon that would satisfy both Dee and Davie. Dinner. Suddenly he wished he hadn’t let Lu leave.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t cook. He could–

But if he remembered correctly when he’d gone to make coffee that morning, there was precious little to eat in the cabinets. Elizabeth usually did the grocery shopping, but she obviously couldn’t do it right now.

“Uh…” Jason said, trying to stall for time.

“We eat pizza!” Davie cried, jumping onto his lap.

“No, no, pizza isn’t good–”

“You sound like Unca Sonny,” Davie said.

“All right. Pizza’s fine.”

After ordering the pizza, Jason finally found an old episode of Scooby-Doo that the kids insisted he leave on. He left them on the couch and went upstairs to check on Elizabeth.

She’d come in, kissed the kids and made an attempt to play with them for a while. But then Davie had asked why she wasn’t fat anymore, and she’d shut down. She’d gone upstairs and hadn’t come down since.

He pushed the bedroom door open silently and sighed as he realized she stretched out on the far side of the bed, sleeping.

He entered the room and closed the door behind him. He sat down and ran his hand through her hair. She was in so much pain and all he wanted to do was take it away for her. He knew he should let her figure this out for herself, but he couldn’t help wanting to fix this.

“Jason?” she murmured. She rolled over on her back. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said softly. “I just ordered pizza and I wanted to see if you were hungry. I’ll bring you up a piece.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I just–I just want to sleep.”

“All right,” Jason agreed. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and got up to leave the room. He looked back when he was at the door, but she’d already rolled back over.

---

Michael had heard his parents fight countless times over the years–sometimes it was playful, sometimes it was serious.

But he’d never heard it as particular as vicious as it was now. He stood just out of sight in case his mother needed him. He knew Sonny would never hurt her, but Carly had a tendency to overreact and go after people, and he didn’t want to her to do it.

As a result, Michael got quite the earful.

“How could you not tell me?” Sonny yelled.

“I promised Alexis that I wouldn’t!” Carly snapped.

“After everything I’ve done for you–”

“Oh, please, Sonny. Kicking me out every time you didn’t like something I do–yeah, real generous!”

“I took you in, I’ve treated your son like my own–”

At Sonny’s words, Michael froze. He couldn’t mean–he couldn’t possibly be saying–

“That’s not fair and you know it! You wanted to adopt Michael! You wanted to give him a family!”

Michael closed his eyes and counted to ten. He was dreaming. That was the only explanation.

“I want you out of here, Carly! And I don’t want to see your face again, do you hear me?”

“Fine!” Carly yelled.

Michael heard the door slam and he knew his mother was gone. He walked down the stairs silently and asked the only question he could.

“Is it true?”

Sonny, who’d been standing at the bar, on the verge of smashing it, whirled around. “Uh, Michael. Hey.”

“Is it true?” Michael repeated.

“What are you talking about?” Sonny asked, looking away.

“You’re not…you’re not my father, are you?”

“Michael–”

“Are you?” Michael shouted.

Sonny took a deep breath and looked down. “No. Not biologically.”

“Who is?” Michael asked through gritted teeth.

“Michael, you know–”

“Who is my father?” Michael demanded. “Don’t lie to me–you hate liars, don’t be one.”

“AJ,” Sonny spit out the name like it was poison.

Michael gripped the railing of the stairs. “Quartermaine? Courtney’s husband?”

“Yeah.”

Michael nodded and walked across the room and opened the door.

“Michael,” Sonny called.

Michael turned around and glared at the man who’d been a father to him for as long as he could remember. “I’m going to go find my mother and I’m going to get some answers. And after that? I never want to see your face again.”

---

Laura Spencer opened her front door and immediately narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Carly shifted her feet and sighed. “Is Luke here?”

“Why?” Laura demanded.

“Look, I just want to talk to my uncle,” Carly said quietly. “So can you please just…just let me do that?”

Laura stepped back and studied the younger blonde. “What’s wrong?”

“Can I just…can I just speak with Luke…please.”

“Luke!” Laura called. When he didn’t answer she frowned. “Luke, I know you’re in the kitchen trying to cook, so just come out and I won’t yell at you!”

Luke exited the kitchen sheepishly. “Sorry, Angel.” His eyes focused on Carly. “Hello niece of mine.”

“I need to talk to you,” Carly said quietly.

Luke looked at Laura who sighed. “All right. I wanted to go speak with Emily about her plans for opening Wyndemere.” Laura picked up her purse and headed for the door. “I hope everything’s all right, Carly.”

“Thanks,” Carly said. Laura left and she turned back to Luke. “I wanted to say I told you so.”

“Aww, the don kicked you out, didn’t he?” Luke said.

Carly nodded. “Yeah. He overheard part of a conversation and demanded to know more…and I was going to lie to him. I really was. But I just couldn’t, I guess.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I’m probably going to be staying at the Port Charles Hotel for a few days, but I was hoping Mandy and Drew could stay with you until I figure out what I’m going to do.”

“Of course. What about Michael?” Luke asked.

“I wanted to talk to him,” Carly said. “I think I’ll ask him if he wants to stay at the penthouse or come with me.”

“So, you gonna tell me what this big bad secret is?” Luke asked.

Carly shrugged a little and looked away. “Christina Ashton–Alexis’s daughter–is Sonny’s daughter, not Ned’s.”

“Oh.” Luke studied his niece. “And you knew all along.”

“Yep,” Carly nodded. “I didn’t tell Sonny because…well, because Alexis didn’t want him to know and I think that every mother has the right to raise their child the way they want to. I would not to do Alexis what Robin did to me.”

Luke suddenly smiled and Carly eyed him suspiciously. “Well, what do you know?”

“What?” she asked, warily.

“You’ve got principles.”

“That’s not funny, Luke.” Carly crossed her arms.

“You know Mandy and Drew are welcome here any time,” Luke said. “You’re more than welcome to stay in the guest room.”

“No. I appreciate the offer, but me and Laura don’t get along and we never will. Thanks…for everything. I’m going to go check in at the hotel now.”

On an impulse, Carly reached forward and hugged her uncle. Luke squeezed her back and then she stepped back. “You know you can always come to me. Spencers stick together.”

Carly smiled grateful. “Thanks, Luke.”

---

Lu entered Luke’s Club. “Mikey? Is everything okay?”

Michael sat on the barstool, sipping his soda. “You know…I wish I were of age to drink.”

Lu nodded and went around behind the bar. She poured him a shot glass of gin and set it in front of him. “Consider it a graduation gift.”

Michael stared at it and chuckled bitterly. “You know–you may be the only person that hasn’t lied to me.”

Lu folded her elbows on the bar and leaned towards him. “Michael, you sounded upset when you called. What’s wrong?”

“Lu…remember when Dee said Mandy had told her I didn’t look like her and Drew?” Michael said.

“Uh huh,” Lu agreed. “So?”

“Well, I’m not their brother. Not fully anyway,” Michael reported.

“What do you mean?” she asked, bewildered.

“Sonny’s not my father,” Michael replied. “And you’re not going to believe who is.”

“Michael–”

“AJ Quartermaine,” Michael revealed. He picked up his soda and finished it. “You can put the gin away. I’m not going to drink it.”

Emptying the shot glass, Lu said, “I’m sorry, Michael. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

“You know what’s worse?” Michael asked. “I didn’t find out because they wanted me to know. No, Mom and Sonny were fighting and he threw it in her face. ‘After everything I’ve done for you’ and then…then he threw her out.”

“Sonny threw Carly out?” Lu repeated. “Why?”

Michael shrugged. “Don’t know. I didn’t hear that part of the fight. I confronted him, he confirmed it and I left.” He smiled humorlessly. “Of course, not without telling him I don’t want to see him again. That’s what he told my mother–that he never wanted to see her face again. Can you believe him? I knew he was selfish–but after all these years, he threw her out anyway.”

“Yeah, but Carly might have done something stupid, you know?” Lu said.

“Probably. But isn’t marriage about compromising and forgiving each other?” Michael stared at his best friend and cousin. “Shouldn’t it be about working things out instead of throwing it all away?”

Lu nodded. “You know, Mikey, you’re gonna make a woman very happy one day. But right now, you need to remember…Sonny and Carly don’t have a normal marriage. They never have–and there’s no reason to compare their marriage to a conventional one.”

“Yeah.” Michael sighed. “I know.” He peered at her. “You know…we might be the most mature and responsible people we know.”

“I don’t know,” Lu said, smiling a little. “There’s always Emily and Jason.”

“Yeah…well, when you think of Lucky, of my parents, of my real father, about your nutty father–”

“Hey!”

“–makes you wonder how we ended up the way we did?”

“Yeah…a little. Mikey, it’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna figure this out,” Lu said, squeezing his arm a little.

“I’m sorry to dump this all on you,” Michael said. “I know you’re going through a lot with Lucky and Elizabeth, not mention Nikolas and Gia, but I didn’t know who else to come to.”

“You can always come to me,” Lu promised him. “No matter what.”

Michael smiled weakly. “Thanks.”

---

Alexis was sitting at Christie’s side when Ned entered the room. Her eyes widened as she recognized the children whose hands he was holding. “Amanda, Andrew.”

“Is that Christina?” Amanda asked, pointing towards the bed.

“Hi!” Christina said, sitting up a little. “I’m Christie.”

Alexis smiled and beckoned the twins forward. “Christie, you’ve met Carly Corinthos right?”

“She’s the blonde who you fight with sometimes,” Christie said.

“Right. Well, these are her children, Amanda and Andrew.” Alexis looked to Ned who gave her a tired smile.

“Hi,” Amanda said, cautiously. “Why are you here?”

“I’ve got leukemia,” Christina said, without a trace of bitterness in her voice. “Why are you here?”

“We had to take a test,” Andrew said, rubbing his arm where the needle had gone in. “It hurt a lot.”

“I hate needles,” Christina said, wrinkling her nose. Her eyes lit up as she saw the little purse Amanda was caring. “You like Sailor Moon?”

“Do I?” Amanda said, grinning. “I love it.”

Alexis stood and joined Ned at the doorway. “I’ll be in the hallway with Ned. Be good.”

“Okay, Mama,” Christie said as Amanda took her chair and Andrew leaned against the end of the bed.

Alexis and Ned went into the hallway. “So, they took the test?”

Ned scratched the back of his head. “Yeah. The results should be in tomorrow. Uh…Sonny knows.”

Alexis frowned. “He knows what?” A troubled look crossed her face. “Oh, no. How?”

“Carly and I were talking and he heard the tail end of the conversation. She wanted the kids to meet Christina, and I figured since it was my fault Sonny knows, it was the least I could do. They left, but Carly said she’d pick up the kids later.

“I hope Sonny at least hears her out,” Alexis said quietly. She peered in the doorway. “Amanda and Christina look alike a little, don’t they?”

Ned put an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Yeah. They do.”

But I fear
I have nothing to give
I have so much to loose here in this lonely place
Tangled up in our embrace
There’s nothing I’d like better than to fall
But I fear I have nothing to give.
I have so much to loose.
I have nothing to give.
We have so much to lose…
— Sarah McLachlan, Fear

---

Michael raised a hand to knock his mother’s hotel room hesitantly. Lu had gotten a call from her father, telling her that if Michael was with her, that Carly was staying in Room 456 at the Port Charles Hotel.

It’d taken another twenty minutes for Lu to convince him to go, but in the end, concern for his mother had overridden his anger and he’d gone.

He couldn’t forget that his mother had been kicked out of their home–or what his father–Sonny, he forced himself to think–had said to her. No one deserved that treatment from anyone, much less her husband.

Carly pulled the door open. “Michael,” she said, clearly relieved. “We–”

“We need to talk,” Michael cut in. “You can start with why Dad–Sonny–kicked you out and if you wouldn’t mind, you can round out by telling me why you let me believe he was my father instead of AJ Quartermaine.”

Carly’s face paled considerably, but he had to give her credit. She didn’t back down. “You’re right,” she said, taking a few deep breaths. “We do need to talk.”

---

Carly’s phone call to Ned had been short. She asked him to drop the twins off at the Spencers. When Ned had hung up the phone in Christie’s room he turned to his wife with sad eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Alexis asked.

Ned didn’t answer. He looked to the Corinthos twins and gave them a smile. “Hey, you’re going to visit your uncle Luke tonight.”

Andrew looked ecstatic while Amanda looked less than thrilled. “I want to talk to Christie,” she complained.

“Ned, can I talk to you in the hall,” Alexis said, standing. Ned followed her and she closed the hospital room door. “What’s going on?”

“Sonny kicked Carly out. She’s staying at the PC Hotel, but doesn’t want the twins alone with him right now, I guess. So, we’re supposed to drop them off at the Spencers.”

Alexis sighed. “I knew he’d react like this. I’m surprised he hasn’t stomped in here with a thousand demands.”

“Yeah….well, he’s barely known for twenty-four hours. Give him time.”

“I feel so bad for her.” Alexis looked back towards the door. “I’m glad the kids seem to be getting along.”

“We could bring them back tomorrow,” Ned offered. “I’m sure Carly would agree. Maybe…maybe we could even bring Eddie by. He misses Christie.”

Alexis wrapped her arms around him and kissed him softly. “I love you,” she murmured.

“Not that I’m complaining,” Ned said, leaning his forehead against hers. “But is there a reason for this sudden affection?”

“You’re just being so wonderful about all this when it’s possible we have to tell Christina the truth.”

Ned sighed. “Yeah…yeah, I know. But until then, let’s just pretend to be happy.”

---

Emily stared at Laura in shock. “You want me to marry Lucky so people won’t think badly of you?” she repeated, not positive she’d heard her right.

Laura flushed. “No, of course not! That’s not what I meant.”

Emily folded her arms on her desk and leaned forward. “Then what did you mean?”

“I just…I just don’t think you should make decisions based on what you think Lucky feels. If he tells you he loves you, you should trust him,” Laura said.

“Laura, you know that I love you,” Emily began, “but I can’t ignore what I see in front of my face. His eyes light up when someone mentions her name, he gets practically giddy when she’s around and when I told him the other day that Liz was pushing Jason away after the miscarriage, I could almost see the gears turning in her head.”

Changing her tone to a gentler one, she said, “I could ignore it, but I don’t think it’s very fair to me or to this child for its parents to pretend they’re in love just to satisfy some ridiculous people’s out-dated thinking. I still want to raise this child with Lucky–and I want him to be a part of the child’s life, but I can’t settle for someone who’s only with me because he can’t have who he really wants.”

“I just can’t believe that Lucky would still feel that way after all this time,” Laura murmured. “It’s been…what? Ten years almost since they broke up?”

“Lucky and Liz had this once in a life time relationship,” Emily said. “They were each other’s first loves and somehow, Elizabeth has learned to let go of that idea and put it in her past. I have no doubt she adores my brother–I know that she loves Jason more than anything else and that he loves her–that it’s a forever after kind of love.” Emily met Laura’s eyes. “And I know you can relate to how she feels.”

Laura sat back, her eyes a little wide. “Why would you say that?”

“You married Scott Baldwin pretty young, before you met Luke right?” Emily said. “And I know you fell in love with Luke when you were still married to Scott.”

“That’s true,” Laura said softly. “But I couldn’t help it. Luke’s…he’s the other half of my soul.”

“Yes,” Emily agreed. “You and Luke are not only once in a lifetime, you’re forever after. You got lucky that way. But that didn’t stop you from trying again with Scott, right?”

A little unnerved by the blunt way Emily was speaking to her, Laura shifted in her seat. “Yes. Well, I was older. We were different people and I thought my marriage to Luke was over.”

“Liz and Lucky were different people the second time around, and she thought she’d lost Jason. But when it came down to it, neither of you could make the commitment, remember?”

Laura sighed. “I guess. But I just think that if she hadn’t let him believe–”

“As easy as it would be to blame Elizabeth–and believe me,” Emily smiled, “I’ve tried–Lucky even says himself he knew going in that she probably still loved Jason–that she wasn’t over him. He knew she wanted to forget him and he was willing to let her forget Jason with him. That wasn’t a very smart thing to do and Lucky knows that. But that doesn’t change the facts. He’s still in love with her and I shouldn’t have to settle.”

Laura looked away. “Maybe Lucky only thinks he’s still in love with–”

“He thinks he’s in love with me,” Emily said, looking down at the desk. “But a woman knows if a man’s telling the truth when he says it–if she really knows the man, and she looks enough…she’ll find the truth. Lucky will always be my very best friend–but we just don’t work that way.”

“All right,” Laura conceded finally. “Have you decided on a cleaning agency to open Wyndemere?”

Emily smiled at her almost mother-in-law and handed her a piece of papers. “These are the best in the area–do you have a preference?”

“No,” Laura said, shoving the paper back at her. “I trust you.”

“Laura…for what’s worth,” Emily said, meeting her eyes, “I wish it could have been different.”

“Yeah,” Laura sighed quietly. “I do, too. I just want everyone to be happy and right now…no one is.”

Emily frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Well, Elizabeth had the miscarriage, you and Lucky broke up, I think Carly and Sonny are having troubles–and Carly went to Luke for advice, so you know it has to be bad. I think Lu’s trying to help everyone, but she’s going to end up spreading herself too thin, I know that about her. She’s too much like Elizabeth when it comes to helping people. It’s everyone first and herself later. Not to mention, Gia’s cancer and little Christie being sick–everything’s falling apart at once.”

“Yeah,” Emily agreed. “It does seem to be happening that way. I wish there was something we could do.” She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Have you seen Liz since it happened?”

Laura shook her head. “I stopped by the hospital, but she was sleeping. And she’s checked out now. Have you?”

“Jason thinks…” Emily sighed and looked at her protruding belly. “Liz is taking this really hard and he thinks that with me being pregnant…now might not be the best time. She was supposed to come today. I called but Lu said she wasn’t there yet.”

“She’s been baby-sitting Dee and Davie,” Laura said. She smiled. “Jason’s so much like Luke–I know he’d hate to admit it, but as much as they love their kids…I think if anything happened to Elizabeth…” Laura shrugged.

“Jason would never forgive himself.” Emily sighed. “He’s a nut like that, y’know? Even if it wasn’t his fault, he’d still think it was. He loves her so much…I’ve never known a love like theirs. He slept on a chair in the hallway of the hospital because she wouldn’t let him in and he refused to leave. That’s love.”

“I just hope…I hope Elizabeth is okay,” Laura said. “You and she are so close to my heart, Emily. Even though you and Lucky broke up, you know that I still consider you a daughter and Elizabeth, too. You were there for Lucky when he really needed friends. Both of you–and you’ve earned your own space in my heart.”

Emily smiled warmly. “Thanks, Laura. You have no idea what that means to me.”

---

Jason raised an eyebrow. “Say that again.”

Lu sighed and shifted Davie to her lap. “Sonny kicked Carly out, Michael found out AJ’s his dad, so I think maybe Sonny needs your help. I’m here to look after the kids since I know Liz…I know she’s not feeling well.”

“Lu–” Jason began.

“Jase,” Lu cut in. “Look, she’s asleep and it’s late. You know that Liz isn’t going to wake up until the morning. Michael didn’t say it–but I think he’s worried about Sonny. He said this fight was more vicious than he’s ever heard. He’s so mad at Sonny and I think he’s a little ticked off at Carly, but he still loves him.”

“Yeah…” Jason sighed. “You’ll make sure Dee and Davie get to bed?”

“I promise. I just don’t…I don’t think Michael wants Sonny left alone right now. Unless someone makes sure he’s all right.”

Jason stood from the couch and headed to the front door. “Did he say what the fight was about?”

Lu shook her head. “He didn’t hear that part.”

He hesitated before leaving. “How’s Michael?”

“He’s a little thrown,” Lu admitted. “He’s been dealt a very large dose of reality today and I don’t think he was prepared. Michael’s with Carly right now–no doubt demanding answers. Ned and Alexis dropped the twins off at my parents house so they’re in good hands.”

“Thanks, Lu.” Jason pulled the door shut.

---

“I knew I should have told him,” Carly said quietly. “But every time I wanted to…I remember when someone had done the same thing to me.”

Michael leaned forward on the desk chair he was sitting on. “Who?”

Carly tucked her legs underneath her on the bed. “Her name was Robin Scorpio and she’s Jason ex-girlfriend. It’s part of the secret we kept from you, Michael. When I became pregnant with you…I was in a very bad place in my place. I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of.” She took a deep breath. “You know I was adopted right?”

“Right,” Michael nodded. He was going to give his mother the benefit of the doubt and hear her out before he made any judgments.

“I was a very angry person–because I thought that my mother had given me up and now she had this great life here. She was successful, had a good husband and a son of her own.” Even now, the pain of being abandoned still stung and Carly blinked back tears. “So, I did what I always do.”

Michael gave his mother a small smile. “You came up with a scheme that backfired.”

“Actually…this was the one plan that worked,” Carly replied. “I destroyed her life–or so I thought. I stole her husband, but you know Bobbie–she bounced right back anyway. And now they’re remarried. But anyway, Tony and Bobbie divorced and I moved in with him. It wasn’t really that bad–you know because I even liked him a little. He took care of me.”

Telling her son her dark secrets was not something Carly had seen herself doing but here she was–confiding in him in the hopes he’d somehow manage to understand her twisted way of thinking. “But Tony…he was an older man…and well…” she shrugged a little. “I met Jason that way.”

Michael frowned. “I so did not need that image.”

“Sorry. Well, anyway, eventually that ended and we became friends. But a while after that…Tony and I had a fight and I left. I went to Jake’s and I had too much to drink.”

“And AJ was there,” Michael said.

Carly leaned forward. “Michael you were the best thing that ever happened to me. It doesn’t matter why you’re here, but you changed my life. I am so much better because of you–I need you to understand that.” Her dark eyes pleaded with him for understanding.

“Okay, Mom. I understand.” Michael gestured for her to continue.

“This where I start my trend of schemes that backfire,” Carly replied. She looked down at the comforter that covered the bed. “I got back with Tony after that night and I thought…well, I figured Tony never needed to know. But then I found out I was pregnant. And I had…” Carly swallowed hard. “I had no idea who the father was.”

A little stunned, Michael sat back. “You had no idea?”

---

Jason pushed the already ajar penthouse door open. He frowned when he didn’t see Johnny at his usual post.

Sonny was sitting on the couch, his face away from the door. Jason took in the damage to the downstairs–the smashed bar, the broken chairs, and the broken window.

He closed the door behind him. “Hey.”

“Go away Jason.”

Jason smirked–but there was no humor in it. “You sound like my wife.”

Sonny twisted a little. “Don’t tell me the fairy-tale marriage is on the rocks,” he bit out.

Jason shrugged. “She’s taking the miscarriage hard. So, how was your day?”

Sonny chuckled bitterly. “Since you’re already here, I think you know.”

“I only know that Michael found out about AJ,” Jason answered. “He overheard you and Carly fighting. Why’d you throw her out, Sonny?”

Sonny shrugged his shoulders like it was an everyday occurrence. “She betrayed me again.”

Jason came away from the door and kneeled next to the broken chair. After a quick examination, he declared it a loss. “Mandy and Drew are staying with the Spencers. I think it’d be for the best if they weren’t here tonight.”

Sonny nodded. “Yeah.” He sighed. “Yeah, that’s true.”

Jason studied the broken glass on the floor and idly wondered how much Sonny spent replacing it every time. “You want to tell me what happened?”

“You remember when you found out Alexis was pregnant and you came to tell me?” Sonny asked, his voice monotone.

Jason nodded. “Yeah. She said the baby–” he stopped. “Christina’s your daughter.”

“You always were the sharp one,” Sonny murmured.

“And Carly knew.”

“Yep.” Sonny stared at the fireplace. “Knew all along.”

“So you kicked her out.”

“Yep.”

Jason scrubbed his hands over his face. Which meant Carly was going nuts probably already with a dozen schemes to get him back.

“You sure you want to do that?”

“You know how I am about trust, Jason. Carly knew–and she disregarded it.”

“I also know you have a double standard.”

Sonny’s head jerked up and he glared at him. “What?”

“You keep secrets from Carly all the time–and it’s not always about business,” Jason pointed. He sighed. “Look, you’ve got two kids. You can’t just kick her out because she makes you mad. I’d like to help you out Sonny, but Elizabeth just got home from the hospital today and she’s still…she’s still upset. I don’t want to leave Lu there too long. So, I’m going now. But I want you remember something–you knew exactly who Carly was and what she was like–and you fell in love with her anyway. You make each other happy–you need to decide if that still matters enough.” Jason headed towards the door but turned back just before he left.

“You know…if you need me…you can call me,” Jason said.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.”

---

Carly grimaced. “Yeah…I know…I know how bad that seems and it doesn’t get any better.” She paused. “You sure you want to hear this?”

“Uh…yeah,” Michael said after a moment. “I think I need to hear this.” He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Whatever had happened had occurred before his born, nearly seventeen years ago. His mother was different–better now.

“AJ…back then…he had a drinking problem. A very bad drinking problem. Coupled with the crazy Quartermaine family, I didn’t want my child–you–anywhere near him. Since AJ didn’t remember the night…I thought I’d be okay. Tony and I would raise you–it’d all work out.”

“But it didn’t work out that way.”

“No. AJ started to remember, so I schemed to make him think he was drinking again so he’d leave town. It almost worked until he started getting suspicious. He figured it out what happened, did the math and decided the baby could be his.” Carly ran a hand through her hair and sighed. “I tried to hold him off by faking sonogram results, but he wouldn’t let up. Then Tony found out and they both started threatening to take you away from me and I couldn’t let that happen, Michael. You were my child–I was the only person who had a right to raise you.”

Michael nodded, feeling strangely numb. “So what happened?”

Carly shifted a little uncomfortable. “I told everyone you were Jason’s.”

“And he let you get away with that?” Michael said, skeptical.

“He promised to keep my secret. Anyway, after you were born, we found out AJ was your father, but by then, everyone believed it about Jason. I had…I had a bad case of postpartum depression and split town. I left you with Jason.” A smile crossed her face. “Jason raised you as his son for over a year and I still think there’s not a person in this world who loves you more than he does.”

“Jason…was my father for an entire year?” Michael repeated.

“Well, you were kidnapped by Tony and I was a little upset when he only got off with a light sentence…so I, uh,” she smiled sheepishly. “I shot him in open court and went to Ferncliff for a little while.”

Michael smirked. “You shot Tony for me?” He frowned. “Wait. I was kidnapped?”

Carly sighed. “Wow. We really did keep a lot from you. Yeah…Tony went slightly loco when you weren’t his son and he kidnapped you and Robin. You were safe, of course. Not a scratch on you.”

“Oh.” Michael shifted in his chair. Wasn’t everyday you learned you’d been kidnapped. “That must have been tough.”

“I was scared,” Carly agreed. “But Jason tore the town apart when you were gone.”

“So, how’d you end up with Da–Sonny,” Michael said, quickly correcting himself.

Carly sighed. “That’s a whole other story, kid.” She looked outside. “It’s getting late.” She returned her glance to her son. “Mandy and Drew are at the Spencers.”

“Yeah, I know,” Michael said. He studied her. “You okay, Mom?”

“I don’t know. Do you hate me?” Carly asked.

Michael looked down at his hands and thought about it for a while. Finally he raised his head. “I love you, Mom. I don’t always understand the things you do, but you have a valid reason for doing them. Even if the reason worries me.” He gave her a tired smile. “No. I don’t hate you. I’m not real thrilled, but…” he shrugged. “As for Sonny–he had no right to treat you the way he did this afternoon. I don’t care what you did. He had no right to say those things to you or kick you out.”

He stood and sat next to her on the bed. “Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you.”

Carly sighed. “You know…I think you have Jason’s temperament. You sure don’t have mine, Sonny or even AJ’s.”

Michael cracked a little smile. “I can think of worse people to be like.”

“Honey,” Carly said, brushing hair out Michael’s face. “If end up being half as wonderful as Jason, you’re very lucky.” She sighed. “So, I guess you’re not going to the penthouse tonight.”

“No. You want me to stay here, on the couch?”

Carly nodded. “If you want.”

“And tomorrow…we’ll figure everything out.”

---

 

After paying Lu and sending her home (Lu slipped the fifty Jason had given her in the flower pot–she never took his money. Elizabeth would usually retrieve it.), Jason checked on Dee and Davie who were sleeping peacefully and then he went to bed.

Elizabeth was fast asleep on her side of the bed–it looked like she hadn’t moved since he’d last seen her. He changed and slipped into bed beside her.

On most nights–even if Elizabeth was already asleep–she’d roll over and they’d sleep in each other’s arms.

On this night…she curled into a tight little ball and never moved.

If you could give me one good reason
Why I should believe you
Believe in all the things that you tell
I would sure like to believe you
— Toni Braxton, You Mean The World To Me

——

Lesley Lu Spencer did not surprise easily. After the life she’d led, it was nearly impossible to stun her.

Until her cousin sat across from her at Kelly’s and told her that his mother had had no idea who his father was when she’d gotten pregnant.

“Wow.”

“You don’t have to keep saying that,” Michael said.

Lu blinked. “Sorry. So, do you know what you’re going to do?”

Michael shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Am I supposed to disown my parents, confront my birth father, what?”

Lu shrugged. “It’s really up to you.” She glanced around. “Hey, daughter of the owner here–do I get served or what?” she called to no one in particular. She turned back to her cousin. “Do you know what you want to do?”

“I want to smack my father,” Michael muttered. “Sonny, that is.” He frowned. “How am I supposed to walk up to AJ Quartermaine and say, remember me? I’m the son my mother kept from you and the one you signed away to avoid jail.”

“Wait, wait. What’s the last part?” Lu asked, leaning forward.

Michael smirked. “My mom told me the rest of it this morning. How AJ set the warehouse on fire and in order to stay out of jail, he signed away all rights to me. Lovely, huh? With parents like these, it’s amazing I’m not a serial killer.”

“Mikey, listen,” Lu began. Before she could continue, her cell rang. “‘Ello? Hey, Jase. How’s Liz? Oh…oh…uh huh…yeah…sure. I’ll be right there.” She clicked it off and shoved it into her purse. “Let’s take this conversation to the Morgan abode, shall we?”

Michael frowned even as he stood and followed Lu to the door. “What’s wrong?”

Lu pushed the door open and headed into the courtyard. “Liz is still sleeping and Jase had planned on staying home with her today, but someone from the warehouse called.” She turned around and eyed Michael. “Sonny never showed this morning and Jason feels like he’s got to at least check in. But he didn’t want to take the kids, so he wants me to stay with them.”

“Sonny probably had a breakdown,” Michael said.

“Do you feel bad?” Lu asked.

“No,” Michael replied. “Not really. He’s the one that lied to me and kicked Mom out. I really don’t see how it’s my fault.”

Lu shrugged. “Just checking.”

—-

Jason sat on the edge of their bed on Elizabeth’s side. She wasn’t asleep, but she was doing her best to pretend otherwise. As soon as he sank onto the mattress, she rolled away from him. He put a hand on her hip and rolled her back.

“I know you’re awake,” he said softly. “Come on, Elizabeth.”

Her eyelids fluttered a little before opening up. They weren’t sleepy or unfocused but very alert and clear–she’d been pretending for a while. “Hey,” she said softly.

“I have to go to the warehouse for a few hours,” Jason said apologetically. “I called Lu to look after Dee and Davie–unless you’re feeling up to it.”

“I thought you were off,” Elizabeth replied, stretching a little.

“I was,” Jason replied. “But Sonny never showed for work.” His eyes strayed to her abdomen which was almost as flat as it had been before the pregnancy. Her gaze followed his and she sighed.

“It takes a little getting used to,” she admitted. He looked up to meet her eyes. “I can see my feet again.” She bit her lip and turned her face away. “I wish I didn’t.”

His large hand splayed across her tummy, covering it. “I know, honey.”

Her hands came up and covered his hand. “I can see your face when you felt Dee kick for the first time.” A small smile crossed her face. “And how you looked the first time you held her.”

“I love you,” he said softly. “I hope you know that.”

“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “I know I haven’t been all that easy to deal with these last few days.” She frowned and looked up at him. “Why didn’t Sonny go to work?”

He sighed, not wanting to dump Sonny’s problems on her shoulders. “Elizabeth–”

She pulled herself into a sitting position and leaned towards him. “Did something happen with Carly?” she asked, searching his eyes.

Jason frowned. “How…how did you know?”

“Carly came to see me while I was in the hospital,” Elizabeth explained. “She…was struggling with something and she wanted to tell someone–even if was me–but she couldn’t. What happened, Jason? Is she okay? Is Sonny okay?”

“Carly moved out,” Jason told her. “Sonny found out she’d kept another secret.”

“What secret?” Elizabeth asked softly.

“Christina Ashton is Sonny’s daughter,” Jason replied. “And Carly knew.”

“She didn’t move out did she?” Elizabeth asked. “Sonny kicked her out, didn’t he?”

“Yeah,” Jason admitted. “And Michael overheard the fight and found out that AJ is his father.”

“He didn’t…he didn’t know?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes wide. “I always assumed that he did.”

Jason shook his head. “No. And he walked out after that. Sonny was upset last night, which is why he didn’t go to work.” And now Jason was reluctant to leave–was worried Elizabeth would withdraw again and they’d lose this tenuous connection. “Hey…why don’t you get dressed?” he suggested. “I’ll check in at the warehouse and maybe we can go for a ride?”

She shook her head. “I’m so tired. I just wanna go back to sleep.”

Disappointed but trying not to show it, he nodded. “You sure?”

Instead of answering him, she leaned forward and kissed him. He returned the pressure but did nothing to deepen it. She pulled away after a few moments and smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’m going to be okay,” she assured him. She leaned her forehead against his. “I just…I want to sleep for a while.”

He pulled away to kiss her forehead. “All right.” He heard the downstairs door open. “It sounds like Lu is here. Get some sleep. I’ll bring home dinner.”

“No pizza,” Elizabeth admonished. “Get something from Kelly’s if you have to.”

“All right,” Jason agreed. He kissed her again quickly and stood up. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

—-

Michael was with Lu when Jason came down the steps. David was sitting on Lu’s lap while Delilah was sitting in between Lu and Michael, chattering incessantly to the older boy.

“Hey,” Jason said.

“Hey,” Lu greeted. “How’s Liz?”

“She’s good,” Jason said. “Much better.” He stood at the bottom of the stairs. “I’ll only be gone a few hours–just to make sure everything’s under control.” He reached into his wallet.

“Don’t you dare try to pay me, Morgan,” Lu warned. She stood up and shifted Davie to her hip. “You know I love you like part of the family and Liz is like a sister to me–I’m more than happy to donate my time.”

“Still,” Jason pressed. “I wish you’d let me give you something.”

“Let’s make a deal,” Lu said. “If you name–” she stopped and bit her lip before beginning again. “If you stop trying to pay me, I’ll stop letting Dee watch MTV.”

Jason’s eyes went immediately to his daughter who was glaring her baby-sitter.

“Lu!” Dee cried.

“All right,” Jason agreed. “I’d better get going.”

After Jason had kissed the kids goodbye and was gone, Lu turned to Michael with a stricken expression. “I am such an idiot.”

He frowned and switched the television to Disney so Dee and Davie’s attention would be take care of. He then turned back to his cousin. “What are you talking about?”

“I almost told him that if they named their next kid after me, I’d let him pay me.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe myself.”

“Lu, don’t beat yourself up over this.” Michael shrugged. “I bet Jason didn’t even notice.”

Lu looked up towards the ceiling. “You think she’s really doing better?”

“If Jason says so, then she is,” Michael said.

“Yeah…you’re right.” Lu turned to face him and tucked her leg up underneath her body. “So. Do you know what you’re going to do yet?”

Michael frowned. “Not a damn clue.”

Dee twisted and gave him a dark look–well as dark as a four-year-old could handle. “You’re not supposed t’curse!”

“Sorry,” Michael apologized. He turned back to Lu. “I think I want to talk to AJ. I think.” He drove his fingers through his hair. “But that makes me feel like I’m betraying Sonny and it shouldn’t–because AJ is my natural father.”

“Sonny raised you,” Lu reminded him. “Of course you feel loyal to him.”

“But he’s not my father and he knew it.” Michael shook his head. “He adopted me and I heard him throw it in my mother’s face. And it makes me wonder…was that the first time he’s done it…or has he always brought it up when she does something he doesn’t approve of?”

“Sonny’s…he’s a difficult man to live with,” Lu tried to explain. “I know how he feels about honesty and all that–and no offense, but your mother lies like some people breathe.”

“Yeah,” Michael admitted. “She does. But it’s a defense mechanism. And Sonny knows it.”

“You’ve stopped calling him Dad,” Lu noticed. “Why?”

Michael looked away. “Because I want to remember that he’s not my father and that no matter how much he might love me or how much I love him, he threw that fact in Mom’s face. He didn’t hesitate and I can’t…I can’t handle that. After ten years of marriage, he threw her out for a lie when I know for a fact he’s lied to her countless times.” He chuckled. “I’m actually glad he’s not my father. Isn’t that horrible?”

“Aww….Mikey,” Lu sighed. “I can’t say I blame you. I mean, from what you’ve told me about the fight…it was cold. Your mom…Sonny should know how Carly is by now and she shouldn’t have change who she is to make him happy.”

“They’ve had their problems in the past,” Michael said, carefully. “I don’t remember a lot of it, but I know they were divorced for like a year. But they’ve always come back to each other.” He looked at his cousin. “I don’t know if that’s possible this time.”

—-

“I’m fine. Really.”

Jason peered at his best friend and finally nodded. “All right. But if you need anything–”

Carly waved him away. “You have enough to worry about without getting involved in another one of my messes.”

“Carly, you’re my best friend–”

“And Elizabeth is your wife. She’s going through a difficult time, not to mention with Sonny out of commission, you have both businesses to run. The last thing you need is to worry about me.”

“That’s an awfully mature stance to take,” Jason decided.

Carly shrugged. “When you live in a hotel, and your oldest child has just learned what slut you were once, it’s a lot easier to be mature.”

“Michael’s at the house with Lu watching Dee and Davie,” Jason said. “He seems okay.”

“I think it’s your influence,” Carly said. “Because he’s taking this entirely too well.”

“Carly, I think you give me too much credit where Michael is due,” Jason protested. “I only had him for a year.”

“You’re absolutely the only constant he’s ever had,” Carly argued. “You were his entire world for a year and I know Michael adores you. He doesn’t look up to Sonny, he looks up to you.”

“He shouldn’t.”

Carly rolled her eyes. “God. How does Elizabeth put up with this? Doesn’t she tell you what a great guy you are?”

“She does,” Jason said. “I just don’t listen.”

“You’re absolutely infuriating,” Carly said. She sighed. “Actually, the reason I’m here is to ask you if you’ve seen Sonny.”

“I saw him last night,” Jason told her. “Lu came over and told me what happened.”

“Is he okay?” Carly asked. “Because I know Michael found out right after I left.”

“You mean after he kicked you out,” Jason corrected.

Carly frowned. “Don’t tell me you’re taking my side.”

“I’m not taking sides,” Jason insisted. “I don’t agree with what you did and I don’t agree with what he did. And he seemd pretty out of it last night. I asked Johnny to look in on him, but I don’t know if I can handle taking care of Sonny the rest of my life.”

“And you shouldn’t have to,” Carly said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. Everything in me tells me that I shouldn’t go back to him–that I deserve so much better. But I love him. We’ve been good these ten years. That has to count.”

“Everyone has their limits,” Jason replied. “Even you, Carly.”

“So, I wouldn’t be like a horrible shrew if I decided this was the last straw?” Carly asked.

“If you want a divorce,” Jason said, “I’ll support you. You know that.”

“No. I didn’t know that, but thank you,” Carly replied. “How is Elizabeth? Is she better?”

“Yeah. She’s doing a lot better. All she wants to do is sleep, but she was awake before I left and we talked about you and Sonny. She was worried about you.”

“Me?” Carly was surprised. “Why?”

“Because of the visit you paid her in the hospital,” Jason told her. “You should stop by and see her.”

“Would she want to see me?” Carly asked. “You know, we’ve gotten along better these last few years, but that’s because I finally decided she was good enough for you.”

“Which wasn’t your decision to begin with.”

Carly shrugged. “Details. Anyway, she makes you happy and that’s what matters. But we’re never going to be best friends.”

“I know,” Jason saod. “But I know you’re concerned about one another, so you should satisfy your curiosity.”

“How much longer are you going to be here?” Carly asked, looking around the warehouse office.

“Another hour or so,” Jason replied. “Why?”

“You’re going to pick up the slack, aren’t you?” Carly said. “Because Sonny’s not coming in and he probably won’t be, you’re going to leave Elizabeth with Lu and the kids, and come in when you’re supposed to be at home with Elizabeth.”

Jason shrugged. “Someone has to do it.”

Carly leaned forward. “Let me do it.”

“Carly–”

“I can handle it. I ran Deception.”

“With Laura.”

Carly frowned. “I ran the place like a well oiled machine. Laura’s the one who wanted to Elizabeth to be the Face of Deception when everyone and their mother could tell the girl was rotten at modeling.” She smirked. “Come to think of it, knowing what I know now, she probably tried to tank a lot of those test shoots.”

“She didn’t want to be a model,” Jason murmured. “She was only trying to please Lucky.”

“Well, I know that,” Carly replied, exasperated. “But she knew she had no business being a model.” She waved that away. “That’s not the point. I can look after things here–at least until Elizabeth is feeling better.”

“I don’t know,” Jason hedged.

“It’ll give me something to concentrate on,” Carly said.

“I hate shoving this off onto you,” Jason said–but the temptation to take her up on the offer was incredibly strong. He would rather be at home with Elizabeth.

“Besides, like I said, you already have enough to worry about between Elizabeth and the territory and we both don’t want me trying to help there.”

“That’s for sure,” Jason agreed. “Speaking of which, I do have a meeting tonight. I forgot to tell Lu about it earlier.”

“Have you ever thought about going legit?” Carly questioned curiously. “I know Sonny has ruled it out. But what about you?”

“Sometimes,” Jason admitted. “Especially now…with Elizabeth and the kids. I was out of town when she found out she was pregnant all three times. I missed so much of this pregnancy because of Tagliatti and then there was the honeymoon thing.”

Carly frowned. “What honeymoon thing?” she asked, leaning forward. “You and Elizabeth spent a month in Italy, I thought.”

“Elizabeth spent a month in Italy,” Jason corrected. “I spent the first and last week there. The other two weeks, I was here in Port Charles, trailing someone.”

“You’re telling me Sonny called you away when you were supposed to be on your honeymoon?” Carly questioned. “Is he nuts?”

“Elizabeth was pretty pissed at him,” Jason said. “I think that’s when she argued with him for the vacation time.”

“Oh…the one where you get a weekend off every month and three weeks in the summer, right?” Carly said, smiling as she thought of that particular argument six years ago. “Truly inspiring of her.”

“I was mad at her when she did it,” Jason confessed.

“Because she was interfering in business, I remember. See, when it comes to venting about the job, I’m the one she comes to,” Carly explained. “We’re the only two people who understand, y’know?”

“Yeah, I know.” Jason leaned back in his chair. “But I know I’m in this for life and for some reason, Elizabeth chooses to be okay with that.”

“If she asked, would you give it up?” Carly asked, curiously.

“In a heartbeat,” Jason told her. “But she’d never ask.”

“Must be nice to have that assurance,” Carly said. “See, she understands that this is part of who you are. It’s not all of it, but it’s part of it, y’know? Asking you to give it up would be asking her to stop…I don’t know…breathing. That’s how I feel when Sonny demands complete and utter honesty.”

“It’s not the same thing,” Jason argued.

“Yes it is,” Carly insisted. “I lie like people breathe. It’s a defense that Sonny used to understand. And I’m sick of having to always be the honest one in this relationship while he can lie any time he pleases. Do you know that this Alexis paternity thing was the last lie I ever told Sonny? That this was my last secret?” She shook her head. “Not once in ten years have I lied or kept a secret. Does that matter to him? Nope.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said.

“I am, too,” Carly replied. “Anyway, you go home to your wife. Let me look after things here.”

“You know what?” Jason said. “This can hold until tomorrow. Come with me to Kelly’s. We’ll grab dinner and swing by the Spencers and grab the twins. We’ll eat dinner at my house.”

Carly stood. “I do need to decide what to do,” she said. “It’s nice of Luke and Laura to keep Mandy and Drew until I figure it out, but it’s not fair to keep it open-ended like this.”

“You know, we’ve got the extra guest room,” Jason reminded her. “And there’s the sofa bed downstairs that Michael could use. You and the kids could stay with us. I can put Dee and Davie in the same room. You take the guest room, and the twins can stay in the extra room.”

Carly patted his arm. “Thanks, Jase, but I can’t depend on other people anymore. I think I need to stand on my own two feet again. Be independent. And then I can decide if my marriage is worth saving.”

“It’s always worth saving,” Jason told her as he steered her towards the door of his office. “It’s more of deciding whether you want to or not.”

—-

Alexis was reading quietly to Christina when Ned threw the door open. “We have a match!”

Alexis stood and stared him, her jaw open wide. “Are you serious?” she demanded.

“Amanda’s a match,” Ned said. He looked to Christina. “You’re going to be okay, baby.”

Christina frowned. “Why did Mandy get tested?”

Some of Ned’s euphoria evaporated and he remembered that Christina didn’t know the truth.

Had the time finally come?

There was a time you’d let me know
What’s real and going on below
But now you never show it to me do you?
Remember when I moved in you?
The holy dark was moving too
And every breath we drew was hallelujah
— Hallelujah, Rufus Wainwright

——–

“Jocelyn Marie Quartermaine!”

Eight-year-old Jocelyn looked up at the sound of her mother’s angry voice, guilt written all over her face. “What, Mom? I didn’t do anything.”

Courtney Quartermaine folded her arms and waited, with an eyebrow raised expectantly. Finally Jocelyn cracked.

“All right. I won’t try and shove Steven out the window anymore,” Jocelyn grumbled, pushing her blonde bangs out of her brown eyes.

“That’s not what I was talking about,” Courtney said. “Mrs. Miller called. You were kicked out of day camp.”

“Oh. That.” Jocelyn frowned. “Well, it was mainly Mandy Corinthos’ fault. She said something about my father being a drunk, so naturally, I had to say something about her father being a mobster. And then Drew called Daddy a…” Jocelyn stopped and thought for a moment. “Well, it was a very bad word.”

“And you had to give him a black eye?” Courtney asked. “Jo, he’s your cousin. They’re both your cousins.”

“They suck,” Jocelyn replied plainly. “They’re stuck-up. They think they’re all that just ’cause they live in fancy penthouse and we live in a cottage.” She snorted. “Joke’s on them.” She grinned. “Besides, Eddie told me that they don’t even live there anymore.”

Courtney let her arms fall to her side. “What?” she asked, her voice concerned. “What do you mean?”

“Eddie says that Mandy and Drew have been staying with the Spencers,” Jocelyn confided. “And-”

“Jo, how many times have I told you–don’t spread gossip,” Courtney chastised.

“Fine,” Jocelyn shrugged. “Am I done being yelled at?”

“Don’t let it happen again,” Courtney warned. The doorbell rang, distracting her. “Go to your room the rest of the night and that’s your punishment.”

Jocelyn climbed the stairs to her room and Courtney went to answer the door. She pulled it open and frowned. “Michael.”

“Um, hi, Court,” Michael said, slightly uncomfortable around the woman who was supposed to be his aunt. He’d left Jason and Elizabeth’s after a disastrous dinner and had ended up at cottage where Courtney and AJ lived.

“Hey…” Courtney trailed off. “Not to be rude, but…what are you doing here?” she asked.

“Is AJ here?” Michael asked, gesturing towards the inside of the house.

“Um, no, he’s not, actually. He’s at the hospital.” Courtney tilted her head a little. “Can I tell him anything?”

“Um…” Michael shrugged a little. “Can you tell him that I found out the truth and I’d like to talk to him?”

“The truth?” Courtney nodded, understanding. “Oh. You know…”

“That AJ’s my dad….yeah…I found that out,” Michael replied.

“Oh…wow…” Courtney leaned against the doorframe. “I didn’t think you’d ever find out.”

“Yeah, well,” Michael looked away. “If my parents had had anything to say about it, I wouldn’t have. I overheard Sonny throwing it in Mom’s face…right before he threw her out.”

“I’m sorry,” Courtney said. “That must have been difficult.”

“Yeah, well, I’m dealing with it.” Michael shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Well, just tell AJ that I stopped by.”

“I’ll do that,” Courtney replied. She watched Michael walk away and sighed.

She’d never thought this day would come.

She shut the door and leaned against it for a minute before pushing away and heading for the phone.

—-

Carly sighed. “It’s not your fault, Jase.”

“I shouldn’t have left,” Jason murmured, his clasped hands against mouth, muffling the sounds. “I should have stayed here.”

“Lu thought Liz was asleep. Emily was only stopping by to see the kids,” Carly tried to assure her.

“She’s crying again and she locked the door.” Jason just shook his head. “She was doing so much better.”

“I wish there something I could do,” Carly murmured, rubbing Jason’s back.

Jason sighed and took a deep breath. “The kids are asleep right?”

“Yeah. I put Drew and Davie together and the girls in the other room.” Carly frowned. “Drew got a black eye at camp today.”

Jason’s jaw clenched. “Who punched him?”

“Jocelyn, Courtney and AJ’s kid,” Carly said. “I know Jo–she’s not a violent kid, so I’m sure the twins aren’t completely innocent.”

“Probably not,” Jason agreed. “Where’s Michael?”

Carly shrugged. “He took a walk after dinner. I guess he’s not back yet.” She rubbed her eyes wearily. “I really appreciate you letting me and kids crash here.”

“It’s not a problem,” Jason said. “I think having the house full will help Elizabeth from withdrawing.”

“It’s only temporary,” Carly promised. “Luke is looking into a few things for more–believe it or not, Brenda’s old cottage is available. I might arrange to buy it.”

“You and Sonny might work this out,” Jason said.

“It’s impossible,” Carly said, quietly. “He’s convinced he’s right and I’m of being ashamed of who I am. I scheme, I lie, and I do stupid things. But that’s who I am. Why should I change and still have him not accept me?”

“So, you’re saying that you don’t want to work it out?” Jason asked incredulously.

Carly shifted on the couch and tucked her legs underneath her. “It’s not that. I mean, Sonny and I…Jase, I love him. And I always will. But it’s not always enough. He doesn’t respect me–and he doesn’t trust me. I don’t understand why I should have to put up with it.”

“You shouldn’t make a decision so quickly.” Jason leaned back and put his arm on the back of the couch. “Ending a marriage is such a large decision–especially one that has children and that’s lasted as long as yours.”

“Entering a marriage is just as big a deal,” Carly pointed out. “And the only reason Sonny and I are even together is that night of…” she wrinkled her nose. “I guess you could call it anger sex.” She twisted the hem of her shirt in her hand. “I don’t know if a marriage that began like that should last.”

“Look, I’m not going to argue–the way the two of you started out–it was unconventional,” Jason said. “But you love each other.”

“Right,” Carly agreed. She rubbed her forehead. “Okay, you and Elizabeth, you’re in love right?”

“Of course,” Jason replied.

“You’d lay down your life for each other,” Carly continued. “Sonny and I…we have that.”

“Which is why you can work this out,” Jason said.

“But you trust Elizabeth, don’t you?” Carly asked. “When she walks in the door, you’re not automatically wondering what she was doing and where she was and if she’s going to lie to you about it. No, if you wanted to know, you’d ask and you’d get the honest answer.”

“Right,” Jason said, slowly, understanding where Carly was going.

“Is it so bad to want someone to trust me like that?” Carly asked quietly.

“No,” Jason replied. “It’s not.” He reached out and grasped her fingers. “If you need me, I’m here for you.”

“Thanks,” Carly said. The door opened then and Michael entered. Carly sat up. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Michael eyed his mother. “I went to AJ’s.”

Jason could feel Carly tense beside him and raised himself off the couch. “I’m going to get my lock picks and open the door so I can go to sleep. Night, Carly. Night, Michael.”

Michael frowned as Jason passed him and went upstairs. “Lock picks?”

“Don’t ask.” Carly patted the seat Jason had just vacated. “So, how did it go?”

Michael sat down and studied his mother. “You’re okay with the fact that I might want to talk to him?”

“Actually, no.” Carly gave her son a weak smile. “I’d rather you stay as far away from him as possible. But you’re a young man and I trust you to make your own decisions.”

“Thanks,” Michael said gratefully. He took a deep breath. “He wasn’t there, so I told Court to let him know I stopped by and that I knew.”

“I’ll give AJ credit–he has stayed sober for ten years,” Carly said, grudgingly. “And he has made Courtney happy.”

Michael smirked. “That looked painful.”

“It was.” Carly sighed. “So…are you going to try and get to know him?”

Michael shrugged. “I don’t know. I want to at least connect, you know? To keep my options open.” He leaned back against the couch, his head tilted up. “You make any decisions yet?”

“Not really,” Carly admitted. “I’m toying with buying this old cottage–it’s actually out in the neighborhood where AJ and Courtney live. But I think I have to discuss this with Sonny first. We haven’t even talked about Mandy and Drew.” She eyed Michael. “I guess it’s safe to say you don’t want to be part of any custody arrangements?”

Michael frowned and turned his head to the side. “I don’t know how I feel about him. I mean…he raised me–he loved me. But he threw you out in a second and even threw my adoption in your face. How can I reconcile the man I knew as my dad to the one I met the night the truth came out?”

“No one can figure that out except for you,” Carly said softly.

“Same goes for you, Mom,” Michael replied.

“Thanks, kid.” Carly stood up and stretched. “Well, I’d better get some sleep. I think I might have to go into the warehouse.”

“Why?” Michael asked, pushing himself off the couch.

“Well, if Sonny doesn’t come in, someone needs to look after things.” Carly headed towards the stairs. “And Jason needs to be here. Francis will call if he needs someone.”

“I’ll make sure Mandy and Drew get to camp tomorrow,” Michael said. “Lu and I are going to enroll Dee and Davie, we think that might help.”

“Oh, Alexis called,” Carly said, suddenly remembering. “Mandy’s a match, so I have to take her to the hospital tomorrow.” She sighed. “She called on the way here, but with everything that happened with Liz, I guess it slipped my mind.”

“Does Mandy know?” Michael asked.

“She knows she’s helping a friend of mine, but no, she doesn’t know about Christie being family and I don’t think Christie knows either.”

“It’ll come out,” Michael warned.

“Yeah. Well, everything does eventually,” Carly replied.

—-

Emily laid in her bed, listening to the sounds of her mother and father moving around downstairs. Since it was the only sounds in the house, it was pretty easy to discern where they were.

She should be asleep–but she couldn’t get the image of her best friend out of her mind. She’d only wanted to see Delilah and David; she hadn’t meant to run into Elizabeth.

“I only want to stay a few minutes,” Emily said. “She’s asleep right?”

“Yeah,” Lu said. “Come on in. The kids will be glad to see you.”

Emily entered and was immediately confronted with a squealing Dee and an excitedly jabbering Davie.

“Hey guys,” Emily said, tousling their hair affectionately. “How are you?”

“We’re fine,” Dee chirped. She frowned. “You’re still fat.”

Emily laughed. “That’s because I’m pregnant.”

“Oh…I thought that because Mama wasn’t gonna have a baby, you weren’t neither,” Dee said innocently.

Davie looked at Emily there, his blue eyes somber. “Mama said she lost the baby. Do you know where she put it?”

Before Emily could say anything, she heard a horrified gasp and she turned suddenly. Elizabeth stood at the top of the stairs, her brown hair disheveled, her arms wrapped around her abdomen and tears shining in her dark blue eyes.

“Uh…Liz…” Emily said, smiling shakily. “Hi.”

She could see Elizabeth’s body trembling from down here and within seconds she’d whirled around and disappeared upstairs.

She hadn’t stayed after that–had gone straight home. She’d ignored the dozens of phone messages and hadn’t answered the phone when the agency she’d contracted to open Wyndemere had called.

Lucky was still calling–thinking she’d change her mind. But Emily had made up her mind–she was done with being a second choice and no one could convince her to be anything else.

She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer for her best friend. No matter what Emily felt Elizabeth had done in the past, she didn’t deserve the type of pain she was going through. No woman did.

And she could only hope she and her brother would get through this.

—-

AJ rubbed his forehead and shifted on the couch. “You’re saying that Michael knows the truth.”

Courtney nodded somberly. “Yeah. He found out when Sonny and Carly were fighting about something.”

“Did he….did he seem upset or anything?” AJ asked.

Courtney shook her head. “No. He seemed calm. He wanted you to know he knew the truth and that he stopped by.”

“I just can’t believe…after all this time…that he knows the truth.” AJ stared ahead. “I always just thought that…he’d never know. That we’d go through life being strangers.”

“Does that bother you?” Courtney asked, leaning her head against the back of the couch. “That your son might not have known?”

“Of course,” AJ replied. “But I knew I’d made mistakes–that I was partly to blame for the whole situation–and I know how badly I handled the entire situation.”

“You’re not that person anymore,” Courtney argued. “You’re so much better than that–and Michael’s going to find that out.”

“Do you think he wants to be part of my life….of our life?” AJ asked, a little eagerly.

Courtney smiled and reached out to touch his face. “I hope so. Because you deserve a chance to finally be a father to your son.”

“Thank you,” AJ said, his brown eyes locked on her blue ones. “You have no idea how much your love, faith and trust has done for me.”

“It’s nothing you wouldn’t have done for me,” Courtney replied. She leaned forward to pull him into a soft kiss.

—–

Alexis stared through the window at Christie who was being prepped for one of tomorrow’s many tests. She felt Ned’s hand on her shoulder and she grasped it eagerly. “I just can’t believe it.”

“Carly just called,” Ned replied, pulling Alexis towards him and wrapping his arms around her waist. “She’s talked to Mandy and they’ll be here in the morning.”

“Any idea how she is?” Alexis asked, peering up at him.

“No…” Ned sighed. “But she’s staying with Jason and Elizabeth–I could tell from the Caller ID.”

“I wonder what she told Mandy,” Alexis said. “And how are we supposed to explain this to our baby?”

“We’ll think of something,” Ned replied, tightening his hold. “I was thinking of bringing Eddie by before the surgery. He’s so worried about everyone–Alan and Monica are trying, but I guess not seeing his parents or sister for so long…”

Alexis smiled a little. “We’ll bring him in tomorrow when she gets back. I know I haven’t been home with him–but I just felt like Christie needed me more.”

“It’s all right to feel that way,” Ned replied. He pressed a kiss to her temple. “We’re going to come through this, Alexis, I know it.”

“You know,” she said, closing her eyes and leaning against him. “I think I finally believe that.”

—-

Jason finally slipped into bed and laid on his back, staring at the ceiling. He was beginning to miss the way he and Elizabeth used to sleep–neither one of them ever stayed on their own sides, they’d always ended up in the center of the bed.

He turned his head on the pillow and looked at her, curled up tightly on her side. He wished he’d been here earlier when Emily had been by. He didn’t blame his little sister–the kids were attached to their aunt and had been asking about her.

He only wished Elizabeth hadn’t seen Emily or heard what Dee and Davie had said. They were only children and had no idea how cutting their words could be.

Without thinking, his arm drifted across the gap and stroked her shoulder lightly. At the touch, she rolled over and peered at him. “Hi.”

Surprised, he replied, “Hey.” He shifted closer. “You all right?”

She gave a little shrug and turned her face away. “I’ll be fine,” she whispered, her voice broken.

Unwilling to let her turn away completely and sleep in a tight little ball, he tugged on her arm and she shifted closer to her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she hugged his side.

“I know I’m not being fair,” she whispered, resting her head against his chest. “I know that they don’t really mean it–that Emily still being pregnant isn’t anyone’s fault–but I just…” she sucked in a deep breath, “I can’t help it.”

He felt her warm tears on her chest and hugged more tightly. “I know. It’s okay. Emily understands.”

“Why does it hurt so much?” Elizabeth sobbed. “Why can’t I just let it go?”

He sighed and rested his head against the top of hers. “Because it was our child and we loved him or her. We made plans–and now we have to get used to the child being gone. It’s only been a few days, Elizabeth. No one expects you to bounce right back.”

“I love you so much,” she whispered brokenly.

“I love you, too,” Jason replied. He listened to her tears and didn’t succumb to slumber until long after she’d fallen asleep and her tears had dried from his chest.