Chapters 28 And 29

 

Chapter 28 You Should Just Relax

 

Monica Quartermaine sits weeping softly in her room. She looks at the   medicine bottle with disgust."Damn this. It can't be happening to me."   She thinks back to a few moments before. Trying to twist the cap off,   the throbbing, aching feeling shooting through her hand. It wasn't the first    time. She had tried to ignore it before. Every now and then she'd feel the  throbbing pain, but she chalked it up to stress. She couldn't ignore it    anymore. She picks up the phone and places a call. "Hi, Sherry, this is    Monica Quartermaine. Does Judy have any appointments free today? Good,I'll see her then."

Alan walks into the room and looks at Monica with   concern. She quickly wipes the tears away and looks up at him."I'm fine."  
Alan walks over to her and sits beside her."Nonsense. Why are you    crying? What has A.J. done now?"  
Monica feels the familiar fight about to begin, but welcomes the   escape. "There you go again. It rains, and it's A.J.'s fault. I cry;   it's A.J.'s fault. When are you going to stop this? He's our son, Alan."  
Alan looks at her angrily. "I know he's our son, Monica. I'm reminded   of that every time we argue. I'm reminded each time I read the paper,   and he's made the headlines in another drunken stunt. I am reminded of   that every time I pass Gina in the halls looking like she's in some kind   of daze. Yet, here you are-- defending him as usual. He loves this. He eats it up."  
Monica angrily throws the pill bottle at Alan. "Damn you. I'm as upset at    him for what he did to Gina as you are. I worry about his drinking, but   you're wrong. He has nothing to do with this. He didn't create this damn problem for me."  
Monica begins to cry again angrily. Alan looks at her and suddenly his   worst fear hits him. "Oh God-- the cancer."  
Monica looks up at him and takes his hand."No Alan. It's not the cancer,   but it might be just as damning. Instead of losing my life, I'm going to   lose my career."  
Alan looks at her and the old jealousy consumes him. "Who?"  
Monica looks at him blankly. "What?"  
Alan takes a pillow from the bed and tosses it angrily across the room. "Who   Monica? Who's it this time? Another young doctor? Who?"  
The reality of what he's saying hits her like a ton of bricks. She   slaps him hard across the face."You bastard! I thought we were over   that. Not who, what. I think I have arthritis!"  
Alan rubs his face where she hit him and looks at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, Monica. Oh I'm so sorry."  
Monica looks at him wearily. "For what? For being a pompous ass, or for my career that's about to end because of something out of my control?"  
Alan places his hands on her shoulder and turns her towards him. He   looks lovingly into her eyes. "For all of it. I'm a pompous ass. I never should have jumped to conclusions. Don't count your career over yet. You're a fighter, Monica. You'll beat this, and I'll help you. Arthritis moves at different paces. You probably have plenty of time. And if you don't... Fine, we'll both retire and cruise the open seas together."  
Monica laughs bitterly."Sure, we can see who gets thrown overboard first. Alan, I don't want to retire. I don't want ..." (She breaks into sobs and he pulls her gently into his chest).  
He holds her as she let's the fear and anger rush through her. "I know you don't, Mon. We'll get through this. We always do."  
Monica looks up at him through her tears."You amaze me. You come in, pick a fight, accuse me of infidelity and then assure me we're going to be okay."  
Alan smiles."And this is surprising to you, how? This has been our routine for years, my love. And like fine wine, we get better with age."  
Monica hugs him tightly."I love you, you big jerk."  
Alan smiles."I love you, too."  
Monica pulls away and reaches over to the nightstand. She takes a document from it and passes it on to Alan. "I had the papers drawn up. Do you think Robin and Jason will take it?"  
Alan glances over the paper."Well, it appears to be in order. Yes, I think so It's a very generous and thoughtful gift. They'll need a home of their own and what better place to build than the boathouse?"  
Monica smiles at him."I just hope they see it that way. I'd hate for Jason to think I'm pushing him again. It's because of Robin that we're included in his life. I'm so happy for them both. Lila and Edward would be so thrilled at the thought of them getting married and starting a family."  
They are both quiet for a moment as they look at the picture of Lila and Edward on the dresser.  
Alan wraps his arms around her."I'm sure they are happy about it, Mother in Heaven and Father wherever he is. I can just see them: Dad moaning about what a nice girl like Robin could possibily see in a thug like Jason. His words of course, not mine. And mother telling him to put a sock in it Edward."  
Monica laughs at the mental picture and leans back into her husbands arms.  "I miss them."  
Alan gently kisses the top of her head."So Do I, Monica, So do I."  

Port-Charles Hotel  
Lucky smiles across the table at Brenda. She mindlessly twirls her hair as she jabbers on. "So, that brought me back here. What? What are you smiling at, Lucky?'  
Lucky:"You. You haven't changed a bit since the last time I saw you."  
She smiles at him."You have. You were just a teenager back then. Now, look at you. You've built your father club into three clubs. You're drop  dead gorgeous, and you sit here listening to me whine about the ups and downs in my life. I'm sorry, this must be such a drag for you."  
Lucky puffs on his cigar."On the contrary, I'm enjoying it. You're one of a kind, Brenda, and I enjoy that in a lady. Individuality, it's a beautiful thing. And you are a beautiful woman."  
Brenda bats her brown eyes at him."You really think so? So many people tell me that, but when you say it... I believe it."  
Lucky takes her hand and strokes it tenderly."Of course I think so. You're a beautiful woman, a devoted mother. What more is there?"  
Brenda sighs."Fun would be nice."  
Lucky cocks an eyebrow at her."Fun? You want fun? Why didn't you say so earlier? Grab your coat, Babe; time to jet."  
Brenda rises from the table and looks at him curiously."What do you have in mind?"  
Lucky puts his arm around her waist and leads her out."It's a surprise, Babe."  
Brenda smiles."Let me call Lois and Ned and make sure everything is okay with Sonni. They said it was no problem for her to stay there, but I tend to worry.  I'll be right back."  
Lucky smiles as she walks to the phone."I'll be here Darlin'."  

Evan and Emily sit on a bench in the park. Emily has her head rested on Evan's shoulder and is pointing out different constellations to him. Evan kisses the top of her head."Where did you learn all of these?"  
Emily sighs, recalling one of her few happy teenage memories."My cousin Ned taught them to me. We used to sit up on the front porch of the Cerullo's house and he'd point them out and tell me their names."  
Evan pulls her closer."You're close to Ned."  
She nods."Very. He saved my life once. It was a long time ago though."  
Evan stiffens at thought of Emily being in danger."I'm sorry. I can tell it's painful for you to think about."  
Emily looks up at him.'You understand me so well. Very few people do. I don't why, but I feel so safe with you. That and the fact you show me a great time and aren't hard on the eyes, makes you a definite keeper."  
Evan laughs at her boldness."You certainly hold nothing back."  
Emily smiles painfully as she remembers her impulsive kiss to Nikolas years ago in the same park. "Yeah, well I guess I haven't learned my lesson yet. I'm sorry, Evan; I shouldn't put you on the spot."  
Evan cups her chin and kisses her gently."You've nothing to apologize for. I don't know what happened before, but I like it-- makes life more interesting."  
He rises and pulls her up with him."Let's take a walk."  
Emily nods and they start walking, eventually walking down the side of Main street.  
Emily: "Is this safe? I mean it's pretty late at night and we're a hazard to cars. Neither of us are wearing light colors."  
Evan laughs and jumps to the middle of the road. Walking down the yellow stripe that divides the two lanes, he begins to impersonate a high wire walker.  
Emily:"Evan! Be careful, no one will be able to see you!!"  
Evan ignores her pleas."I'm fine, Honey. I'm fine as long as you're with me. Now relax and watch The Amazing Scorpio's high wire act." He begins to hum the circus tune and Emily begins to relax and laugh.  

Lucky speeds down Main Street with the radio blaring. He and Brenda are kissing between singing, "I like that old time rock and roll." Brenda laughs as she feels the Caddy pick up speed. Brenda: "I feel so alive! Thanks Lucky."  
Lucky smiles at her and steals another kiss. Pulling back, he raises his hands from the wheel and she squeals. He places his hands back on the wheel and slows down a little."Relax, darlin' I'm probably the best driver in Port Charles. Nothing could go wrong."  
As they continue down the path Lucky notices something in the middle of the road."What the hell?"  

Emily screams as she sees headlights appear and rushes into the road to push Evan out of the way. They both fall to the opposite side of the road as Lucky slams on the brakes. The caddy spins from the impact and finally settles in the opposing lane going in the opposite direction.  
Evan rises painfully and sees Emily laying beside him. He shakes her frantically. "Emily!!"  
She opens her eyes and grabs him tightly."Oh my god! We were almost killed! The driver!"  
They rise and head over to the car where Brenda is shaking and Lucky curses loudly. Evan looks at him angrily."Where the hell did you learn to drive? You could have killed us!"  
Lucky leaps from the car and stares at Evan angrily."Me? You were the one playing in the street in the middle of the night!! What kind of death wish do you have?"  
The men look at each other angrily, and Emily gets between them."Look, Evan shouldn't have been in the street, but Lucky you were going way too fast! Face it-- both of you are the idiots at fault."  
She looks over at Brenda."Are you okay?"  
Brenda nods."I'm fine. Hey Em."  
The women hug and the men look to the ground.  
Evan:"Look, I'm sorry. It's just... Em means a lot to me and when I saw her laying there, anyway, I lost my head."  
Lucky growls."If she hadn't gotten up you would have lost it. Okay, I shouldn't have been speeding either, but do us both a favor... stay out of  the road."  
Brenda smiles at Emily."Wow, you've really grown up to be beautiful. I told you so."  
Emily blushes."Thanks. So, you and Lucky?"  
Brenda shakes her head."He's just trying to get me to relax."  
Emily laughs."Yeah, Evan was trying to do the same for me. Is your heart beating so fast it's about to pound out of your chest?"  
Brenda nods while laughing."Yeah, so much for relaxing."  
Lucky looks at Emily and Evan."Well, would you like a ride, or does the clown want to continue his circus act?"  
Evan laughs."A ride would be great, Mario Andretti."  
Evan and Emily hop in the back of the Caddy and Lucky starts to drive off
Emily:"Lucky, you're going the wrong way."  
Lucky:"Naaa, after that little dance with death we could all use a nice relaxing drive."  
Brenda and Emily shout in unison."Don't say relaxing!"  
The girls start to giggle but Lucky notices that Brenda is shaking."You okay, babe?"  
Emily feels a twinge of jealousy at the mention of "babe".  
Brenda cuddles closer to him."I'm fine. Turn that radio back up. I love this song. How about you, Em?"  
Emily nods through a forced smile and then cuddles closer to Evan.  
Brenda starts to sing and is joined by the rest.  
"I'm shameless, when it comes to loving you. I'd do anything you'd want me to. I'd do anything at all."  
They are all soon laughing too hard to sing as the foursome drives off to parts unknown.  

 

GH2005.29  One Last Night Out

 


Jason shoots Lucky an annoyed glance."I don't see what the big deal is.   Why would I want to spend the night before my wedding with you and a   bunch of other guys when I could spend the night with Robin?"  
Lucky looks at him just as annoyed. He had spent the afternoon trying to   explain the concept of a Bachelor Party to Jason without success. He   takes a deep breath and tries again. "Okay, look man, one more time. A   bachelor party is like one last night out before you get shackled with   the Ol' ball and chain. One last hurrah with the guys. The reason you   can't spend the night with Robin, is she is going out with the girls for   one last night out. Do you get the idea? She goes with the girls, you go with the guys, and tomorrow you stand before your loved ones and God and have the shackle attached."  
Jason looks at him bewildered."And your mother wonders why you're still single? Shackled? This is Robin, Lucky, not one of your bar chicks. I   want to get married. I've wanted to spend the rest of my life with her for years now. I just don't see how much fun I'm really going to have with a bunch of guys."  
Lucky shakes his head."Man, do you remember Sonny's bachelor party?  Now, THAT was fun."  
Jason laughs."It was different. Your father was determined to send him   off with style. What has that stripper's name again?"  
Lucky smiles broadly."Lola, and I've got this sinking feeling we haven't seen the last of her."  
Jason cocks an eyebrow at him."You didn't."  
Lucky grabs his jacket and Jason's and ushers him out the door."Let's   just grab Benny and Joseph and blow this popstand."  

Gina watches Scott Baldwin look over his notes of her statements."I really appreciate you agreeing to help me out. I didn't know who to turn to. Laura Cassadine says that you're the best."  
Scott smiles at the lovely blond."She's your ex mother-in-law, correct?   Well, I've been told from people recently that Alexis Davis is the best.   I'm surprised with your history you didn't ask her to represent you."  
Gina stiffens slightly."You've done your homework. Yes, Laura is my ex   mother-in-law. She's also my daughter's grandmother and a very good   friend. I'm trying to make a break from my ex husband's family, and it   just didn't feel appropriate to ask Alexis to defend me. She's very good   though. Anyway, how does it look?"  
Scott smiles at her."You have excellent grounds for divorce. From what I understand the City Council is less than pleased with the Mayor's recent   behavior. Seems this isn't the first time he's made an ass of himself.   Rumor has it a recall might be called in an attempt to impeach him."   Gina sighs."Great, more publicity. I don't wish A.J. harm. I really   don't. I just want to be free of his destructive behavior. Your father   was his AA sponsor for years. I really am sorry about Lee and Gail."  
Scotty smiles painfully."Thank you. I thought taking over his practice   would be a good way to honor his memory. I sit here though, and well   anyway... we're here to discuss your case, not my problems."  
Gina looks at him with concern."I'm a psychology resident. I may not   have my own practice, but I do like to think I'm a pretty good listener.  If you ever need to talk, I'm available."  
Scott studies the young woman. She was remarkably beautiful and so   kind."I just might take you up on that. Now, where were we?"   He's interrupted by his secretary."Mr. Baldwin, Mrs. Jacks is here to see you."  
Scott: "Ask her to have a seat, please. I'll be with her shortly."  
Gina gathers her things and smiles."Well, I think we've accomplished   what we intended to. When will A.J. receive the papers?"  
Scott smiles as he walks her to the door."I filed them a couple of days   ago. He should be served with them today."  
Gina looks horrified."Today? Oh no."  
Scott looks at her with concern."We discussed this. Is there a problem?"  
Gina shakes her head."No, what's done is done. Thank you, Scott. I'll   talk to you soon."  
Scott:"I look forward to it."  
He turns to Brenda."Please come right in, Mrs. Jacks. I'm sorry to keep   you waiting."  
Brenda follows him into the office."It was no bother. I caught up on the   latest Cosmo."  
Scott looks over his notes and then looks up at her."I take it that Jax   still refuses to sign the divorce papers."  
Brenda begins to cry softly."I don't know what to do. I've tried and tried and he just keeps responding with 'nobody leaves'. I can't take too much more of this."  
Scott hands her a tissue."Well, there's always the Dominican Republic. You wouldn't receive a settlement, but it's a way out."  
Brenda sighs."Let me think about it. I'm sorry, look at me crying on your shoulder. I'm just a geek sometimes."  
Scott smiles at her."You have nothing to be sorry for. Brenda, you've   been trying to divorce him for years. That would stress anyone out. Have   you thought about talking to anyone? Professionally, I mean."  
Brenda nods."I've talked to Kevin Collins on and off over the years.  He's great. He helped a long time ago through a really tough time in my life. I'll think about the Dominican Republic though."  
Scott walks her to the door."Call me anytime if you have any questions or if you just need to be a geek." He gives her a lop sided grin and she laughs.  
Brenda:"You really are too much. Thanks Scott."  

Carly waits in the Scorpio's living room with Maxie.  
Maxie:"I told you it was a bad idea sending Mom in there to help Robin   get dressed. I bet she made Robin try on her wedding gown again, and   they're probably both crying."  
Carly smiles at Maxie."As it should be. I'm so happy for Robin and   Jason. They've fought so hard for their love, and they're about to be   married tomorrow. Of course, that is... if she survives the night we have planned."  
Maxie laughs."Did the stripper call you back?"  
Carly nods."Yes, and he'll be there. I never had the chance to meet him though."  
Maxie shrugs."No big deal. I mean he'll be the only guy at the Outback. Well, look who decided to join us!"  
Felicia rolls her eyes."We weren't in there that long. I had to pry her   away from the phone. I kept telling her she's marrying him tomorrow.   There'll be plenty of time to talk then."  
Robin sighs."I just want to be with him all the time. Silly I suppose."  
Carly wraps her arm around her. "Bull. You both have been given a   miracle; a strong and constant love and the chance to make it last. You   wouldn't have been able to pry me away from him."  
Robin laughs."I may not have been able too, but Felicia is stronger than she looks."  
Felicia flexes her muscles."And don't any of you forget it! Okay, we'd   better head over to the Outback. Emily and Maxie decorated the place   earlier. I just love having Em live upstairs from us."  
Maxie smiles with a twinkle in her eye."I think Evan loves it too."  
Carly: "Speaking of Evan, when do I get to meet him?"  
Robin: "Tomorrow. He'll be partying with Uncle Mac and the guys tonight."  
Felicia: "Mac and Evan are bonding well. They really are a lot alike. They both have that mysterious twinkle that drives women crazy."  
Robin:"You're still crazy over Uncle Mac after all these years."  
Felicia:"And you'll be the same with Jason. It's a feeling you get when   you know you're with the right man. He makes you feel complete."  
Maxie rolls her eyes playfully."Oh no, it's another, when I was your age and in love stories."  
Felicia:"When I was your age and in love..."  
Carly, Robin and Maxie groan teasingly as they head out the door. Mac is waiting for Evan in the living room of the apartment. Evan comes out of the bedroom and smiles apologetically."Sorry, that was Emily. She needs me to run an errand for the girl's party. Can I meet you at Jake's   when I'm through?"  
Mac shrugs."Why don't I go with you?"  
Evan smiles as he grabs his coat."Okay, I just need to pick up a cake and drop it off downstairs. Let's head out. How's the investigation on  AJ's party girls going? Emily says she feels like the Kennedy's when she hangs around the mansion too long."  
Mac smiles."Haven't found out much. I'm actually investigating someone else right now too."  
Evan:"Anyone I know?"  
Mac shakes his head."No, but trust me, I know her too well. She's my ex."  
Evan looks at him curiously."You're investigating your ex?"  
Mac smiles ruefully."It's a living."  


 

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