Chapters 60 & 61
GH2005.60 What Goes Around Comes Around
The young man setting up the tables at the Outback watches as the older
man strides into the room. His moves are confident, and calculated as he
takes a seat next to a business man. Mark is mesmerized by the curious
looks the patrons of the restaurant shoot Jason Morgan. The looks are a
mixture of respect, admiration, and fear. He wipes down another table as
he watches Jason conduct his business. His companion seems annoyed at
what Morgan is saying to him.
A.J. lets out an exasperated sigh. "So, you're telling me you won't
help?"
"A.J., Gina is family. You should know better than to ask me to hurt the
father of her child. Your problem with Cassadine will have to be handled
by you." Jason replies firmly.
"I don't want him physically hurt, Jason, just out of Gina's and my hair
temporarily. I'm working my program and I want my wife back. That's hard
enough to accomplish without Nikolas Cassadine breathing down her neck."
He sips his club soda and looks at his brother pleading. "I wouldn't ask
you if I knew another way. It's not just Cassadine, she's been on Scott
Baldwin's arm recently too."
Annoyance crosses Jason's face. " Generally, I stay out of things that
don't concern me, but I'll make the exception here. You're to blame for
your marriage problems. Cassadine could have set you up, and Baldwin may
be making advances toward Gina, but Gina's not some helpless, damsel in
distress. She's a strong woman whose only flaw is falling for guys who
hurt her. You want to get clean? Good, go for it but do it for yourself,
and don't blame other people for you flushing your marriage. I won't
help you, A.J.-- Help yourself."
A.J. opens his mouth to protest, but his eyes fall on the young woman
approaching them. Rising he kisses her cheek. "Long time no see, little
sister."
Emily hugs him tightly then turns to Jason doing the same. "Wow, finding
my two favorite brothers in the same restaurant. What're the odds?"
Jason allows her to slide in the booth beside him before taking his
seat. "How are you, Em?"
"I'm great; I'm fine, I'm hunkey dorey and cool. But since I called you
both yesterday, we all know this." Noticing the frowns on their faces,
she quickly apologizes. "Sorry, I'm taking my frustrations on you."
In unison, Jason and A.J. reply. "What did they do?"
Giggling she answers. "How did you know it was Mom and Dad? Never mind,
don't answer that. They're still hovering. You know, it's been years
since all that stuff took place, but anytime they think I'm in the least
bit of danger they revert back to crowding me. Anyway, enough about that
-- it won't change anything, who's buying me lunch?"
Robin Morgan walks out into the waiting room of the free clinic. She
calls out the next patient's name. "Crystal Monroe?"
A very pregnant young woman rises. She looks underfed for a pregnant
woman, her skin is pale, and her blond hair is pulled into a loose
ponytail. Robin notices the dark circles around her eyes and the worn
condition of her clothing. As much as she enjoys working at the clinic,
cases like this hit her hard. "I'm Crystal."
Smiling Robin points to the office. "Okay, let's take your weight first.
How far along are you, Crystal?"
She stands on the scale. "8 months... is all this necessary? I'm only
here cause I need to know what I can take for a cold. All that over the
counter stuff says consult a doctor first."
Jotting down the weight in the patient's folder, Robin leads her to a
free room. "Well, it's procedure to take a patients weight, blood
pressure, and temperature. Who have you been seeing for your prenatal
checkups?"
Crystal fidgets in her chair. "Why do you want to know? Look, I just
need to know what I can take for a cold? Why are you pulling my
sleeves?"
Robin looks at the angry young girl calmly. She sees the faded blue
parallel remains of track marks on her arms. "When was the last time you
shot up?"
Hopping down from the table, the young woman glares at Robin. "I've been
clean during my ENTIRE pregnancy. Not that you'd believe me or anything.
All you rich doctors are the same. You look down your nose at us poor
people. Well, I don't need you or your medicine." She huffs out of the
room with Robin in hot pursuit.
"Crystal wait! I didn't mean to upset you." Robin watches the girl walk
out without so much as a glance back and sighs. Turning to the
receptionist, she states."I'm taking lunch."
Jason smiles at Emily as she finishes her sandwich. "You seem pretty
happy, Emily."
Blushing she grins at him. "I'm extremely happy. I'm pretty impressed
too, you both managed to get through this entire lunch without lecturing
me about going to Mexico, or asking a hundred questions about Evan."
A.J. raises an eyebrow. "Well, since you brought it up. Em, I'm really
glad you returned in one piece. BUT I wish you wouldn't rush off into
these dangerous situations."
Throwing up her hands, Em mumbles. "Me and my big mouth. A.J., you'd
have done the same thing if it had been your best friend. Besides-- I
had Evan with me. He made sure nothing happened to either of us."
"He shouldn't have taken you with him in the first place, Em. If Evan
Scorpio wants to live up to his last name and traipse across foreign
lands saving people in need, so be it, but when my little sister is
along for the ride..." A.J. is cut off by Emily's angry glare.
"I was going with or without Evan! I can't believe how pigheaded you can
be sometimes!"
Jason clears his throat. "He's concerned, Emily. A.J., Knock it off, she
gets enough of this crap from Alan and Monica. I checked into Evan, and
I don't see a reason to worry about him at this point."
Emily's eyes bulge out at Jason's remark. "You did a background check on
him? Are you taking lessons from the Cassadine's now? I can't believe
this! I'd expect it from A.J. but Jason?"
Jason replies calmly. "Emily, it was a routine background check, and
nothing for you to be upset about. I check into anyone who has contact
with the people I care about. It's the only way that I can ensure their
safety."
A.J. smiles at Emily. "You can't stay mad at us for caring about you,
Em. We love you."
She smiles ruefully at both of them. "I love both of you too, but
sometimes I'd like to bash your heads together."
Crystal reaches the boxcar and takes a seat in it. Searching for
something to eat, she isn't surprised when she finds nothing. Patting
her stomach, she whispers. "Sorry baby, daddy hasn't come home yet to
bring us anything. Don't you worry though, your daddy's never let us
down."
Memories flood Robin as she watches Crystal in the boxcar. Jason's first
"home". She begins to walk towards the car slowly, not wanting to scare
her.
Crystal hears the footsteps and calls out. "Who's there?"
"Hi, it's just me." Robin grins reassuringly at her.
"What the hell?? You followed me? You have a lot of nerve, DOCTOR." She
spits out angrily.
"I didn't mean to upset you, it's just we got off on the wrong foot and
I wanted to make up for it. I'm on my lunch break now; may I take you to
lunch?"
Crystal looks at her suspiciously. "Why do you want me to go with you??"
Robin holds up her hands. "I just thought you might be hungry, and I
hate to eat alone. I was going to the Outback, so will you join me?"
"My boyfriend works at the Outback. He helped out this girl, and her
family offered him a job there." Crystal says proudly.
Robin beams at her. "Mark! He saved my cousin Maxie from being hurt.
Now, you HAVE to come to lunch with me. We can meet him there."
Crystal finally relents. "Okay, I guess since you're related to his
boss, it won't hurt."
Mark approaches Jason hesitantly. "Sir, could I have a minute with you?"
Jason looks at the young man curiously before excusing himself from
Emily and A.J. and leading Mark to a table.
Both take a seat and Jason looks at him. "What can I help you with?"
Taking a deep breath, Mark answers him. "I need a job, and I was
wondering if you have any positions open?"
"You're already working here. Why would you want to work for me?"
"I'm not making enough money here. Look, my girlfriend is pregnant, and
the baby's due soon. I really appreciate Mr. Scorpio helping us out and
all, but in all honesty I'm not making enough money to support my
family. I heard from some of the other employees here that you sometimes
need employees. Mr. Morgan I promise you that I'm fiercely loyal, and
I'll do anything
you need. I'm just at the breaking point, you know? I mean every time I
go back to the boxcar and see Crystal trying to act like she isn't
hungry-- it kills me. I got to find something that can allow us to get a
real place to live." His voice cracks with emotion, but he swallows it.
Taking a long, hard look at the young man in front of him, Jason is
moved. He remembers when he started working for Sonny. Trying dead end
jobs, and then finally getting a break. A chance to excel at something.
"I need a messenger. Give Mac a couple weeks notice and I can give ya
jobs in between to supplement your income. I expect you to follow all my
orders, only do what you are told to, keep your eyes open and your mouth
shut. I'll get you a beeper, and expect you to return my call no matter
what time it is. My employees work twenty- four/ seven on call and don't
clock out in the middle of a job. If that's a problem, we can forget it
now."
Matt smiles at him broadly. "It's not a problem. Thank you, Mr. Morgan!
You won't regret this and I won't let you down."
Robin and Crystal walk in and their eyes fall on Mark and Jason. Robin
smiles. "Looks like my husband knows your boyfriend. Want to join them?"
Crystal smiles at her shyly. "Yeah, that would be great."
They make their way to the table and Mark jumps up. 'Baby, are you
okay??"
She nods. "I'm fine, Dr. Morgan invited me to have lunch with her."
Jason extends his hand. "I'm Jason Morgan, Mark's new boss. If you'll
excuse for a moment I need to talk to my wife."
Crystal looks at Mark excitedly. "New boss? Will you be making more
money?"
He pulls her into his arms and kisses her tenderly. "Yes baby, lots more
money. I told you everything would be okay."
Jason shakes his head as Robin finishes her story. "He told me about the
boxcar. I hired him, but I can't let them go back to that boxcar now.
She needs to be resting in a real home."
Robin nods in agreement. "They could stay with us? Jason, she hasn't had
any prenatal care. I am scared for her and the baby. She needs food, and
medical attention."
Jason picks up his cell phone and dials a familiar number. "Carly?"
Carly answers happily. "Hey Jason!"
"I need a favor; you still have a room to rent?"
"Sure, Benny's living in Ruby's old apartment, but I have a couple rooms
still available. You got a tenant for me?" She replies.
"Yeah, and I'll cover their first couple months rent. They're a young
couple, and he's working for me. Can I move them in tonight?..Thanks
Carly, I owe you." He hangs up the phone and smiles at Robin. "We better
get her some lunch, and then I'll help them get their stuff."
GH2005.61 Second Chances
Mark walks over to the office marked private at The Outback and knocks
on the door. At the invitational call of 'in', he opens it and walks
into the room. Mac Scorpio hangs up the phone and smiles up at him. "Hey
there, Mate."
"Mr. Scorpio, do you have a minute?" The young man looks at him
nervously as he awaits an answer.
Pointing to a free chair, Mac leans back in his chair. "Sure, what can I
do for you?"
"I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the job you've given me.
It's helped my family and me out more than you know, but I need to give
ya my notice." Mark rises from his chair and turns to leave, but Mac's
voice stops him.
"Wait a sec. Has something happened here? I thought you liked the job?"
"I do sir, but honestly I'm not making enough to support my family. I've
found a job where I can support them and still have enough time to be
with them as well." Mark smiles at him appreciatively. "You gave me a
break when no one else would. I owe you for that, but I have my
girlfriend and our baby to think about. I have to make enough to take
care of them."
A mixture of emotions floods Mac as he stares at the young man in front
of him. He's only Maxie's age, but he's worried about making enough
money for not only himself, but two other people as well. Mac places a
hand on Maxie's cheerleading picture and sighs. Her attack had rocked
him to the core. She means so much to him and the thought of anyone
hurting her was beyond his reasoning. Yet, here is the boy who saved
her, a hurting teenager himself. "How much do I need to increase your
salary?"
Mark looks at him with confusion. "Sir? I'm not here to ask for a raise.
Honestly, I have a job. Mr. Morgan hired me."
At the mention of Jason's name, Mac looks at Mark with concern. "Jason
Morgan? I suppose you aren't going to be an ELQ intern. Look, Mark, I
don't want to tell you what to do or anything, but working for Jason
Morgan is NOT the way to go. You have your whole life ahead of you. Why
risk it for easy money?"
His face turning to stone, Mark replies quietly. "I've never cut
corners, Mr. Scorpio. I have worked hard from the day I turned twelve
and had to take care of myself. I no longer have the luxury of just
taking care of myself, I have Crystal and our child to think about. I
will work for you for the next two weeks and I thank you for the job."
He turns and strides out of the room as Mac slams his fist on his desk.
Nikolas wraps his arm around Katherine protectively as they walk to the
OB room. She tingles at his gentle caress. He has been so doting and
attentive for the last couple weeks. The lessons with the tutors were
boring, but she decided that keeping Nikolas is worth the boredom.
Shocked by her sudden attraction for him, she wonders if the game has
turned into reality..could she love him?
Nikolas watches her carefully concealing his distaste. He struggles with
his feelings. "If I ask for amnio and the baby is mine she will have a
reason to fight with me over custody. A few more months will not kill
me. I can do this."
"What are you thinking about honey?" Katherine breaks into his train of
thought.
"I'm thinking about the baby. You look radiant, Katherine, I am fighting
my urge to ravish you here and now." He kisses the back of her neck
tenderly as she lets out a sigh.
"Oh for goodness sake-- get a room! Goodness, Kathy, are you carrying
triplets or something? Why I bet Wyndham is having a hard time fitting
maternity clothes for you!" Lucy Collins snipes happily as she holds on
to Kevin's hand nervously.
Katherine glares at her. "I wouldn't talk. I thought you were the
Goodyear blimp at first. What are you doing here?"
Lucy rolls her eyes at her rival. "If you must know, we're here for a
sonogram."
Katherine laughs. "Well, so am I and my appointment is at 9am so I guess
you will be waiting."
Lucy shakes her head. "Nope, mine's at 8:30, and I'm just a teensy bit
late. Ta!" She takes Kevin by the hand and leads him into the waiting
room.
Kevin approaches the desk. "Lucy and Kevin Collins, late but here."
The receptionist laughs playfully. "Hey Dr. Collins! Dr. Scanlon will be
with you in a sec."
Lucy smiles at Kevin. "Dr. Scanlon? I know that Dr. Goldstein had an
emergency but could..."
Karen greets her before she can finish her sentence. "Lucy! Kevin!"
After hugging them both she leads them into a free room. "Emma had a
family emergency and I'm here subbing. So, you ready to hear this baby's
heartbeat?"
Lucy allows Kevin to help her up on the table and she lays back. "Well,
I'm a little nervous, Karen. I just want to hear this baby's strong
beating heart."
Taking note of her anxiety, Karen takes her hand in hers and smiles.
"Lucy, you've been treated as a high risk pregnancy from the start. Your
weekly visits show both you and the baby are in tip top condition. So,
let's both relax and hear this baby's heart beat."
Kevin takes Lucy's hand and holds her tenderly. "It's okay, sweetheart,
I'm sure everything is okay."
Calmed by their words, she breathes a little easier as Karen starts the
sonogram. She's startled by Karen's delighted gasp. "What?? What is it?"
Kevin notices what Karen sees and whispers."Twins.."
Lucy squints at the screen and cries happily. "Two babies??? Oh Doc,
we're having twins!"
Kevin is overcome with emotions as he watches his children on the
monitor. His children, his twins..Twins..Oh God..twins..Why twins?? Will
they be like him and Ryan? Could this be history repeating itself? He
gazes at his Lucy, crying happily and sighs. No, This is not the past;
this is now. The here and now, and those are their babies-- their
beautiful, healthy babies.
Karen looks at them both happily. "Want to hear the heart beats?"
Jason walks into Mac's office and looks at him curiously. "You wanted to
see me?"
Mac seethes as he slams the door shut. "How dare you! Your business is
your own. Robin married you knowing what her life would be like. Sure,
when you got shot and I saw her covered in your blood I wanted her out
of your life. But after years of watching you together, I slowly was
able to look past your work, and accept you as the love of her life. A
part of our family! You have the nerve to offer a job to one of my
employees? That's crossing the line."
Jason folds his arms and looks at Mac with restrained anger and
annoyance. "You're Robin's uncle, so I am willing to let this slide. Who
I offer employment to does not concern you. We made an agreement years
ago to stay out of each other's business. It's allowed us to mutually
coexist for years."
Mac glares at him angrily. "He's only a boy! A sixteen year old boy who
doesn't know any better than to work for an organization that could get
him killed! Tell me Jason, have you modeled your life after Sonny's so
much that you also don't give a damn who your business hurts?"
At the mention of Sonny's name Jason steps toward Mac, glowering at his
uncle-in-law. Fury is evident as he spits out his next words. "Do not
bring Sonny into this."
Taking a step in Jason's direction, rage crosses over Mac's face as he
continues. "Never mention Sonny, Right Jason? He was a martyr. Died in
the line of duty. I'm sick of his presence looming over everything you
do. You are not Sonny! You are Jason Morgan, the man married to my
niece. The girl I love as a daughter! I've put up with your attitude,
your work, your everything for her sake! I am asking you to not repeat
Sonny's mistake with Stone AND you by bring that kid into your
organization."
Jason's jaw is stone as he tries to hold back his emotions. This was
Mac, Robin's parent. He had to show him respect for her sake. "The
decision's been made. He wanted the job; it's his. Mark made his own
decision and came to me. Why people feel the need to butt into other
people's business continues to baffle me. I doubt I want to understand."
He walks out of the room angrily as Mac sags into his seat. "Damn."
Katherine lies on the table as Karen starts the sonogram. Nikolas holds
her hand tightly as the picture of the baby comes on the screen.
"Nikolas! Look, there he is."
Nikolas watches the screen, amazed at the infant on it. He remembers all
the sonograms with Staci, and the same joy passes over him. "Is it a
boy?"
Karen moves the instrument and smiles. "Yes, look here. You've a son."
Katherine squeezes his hand tightly. "A son! We're going to have a baby
boy."
"A son.." Tears fill Nikolas eyes as the realization hits him. He wants
this child to be his own.
Karen's voice breaks through his thoughts. "There's a problem though.
Ms. Bell you have to cut back on the salty, fatty foods. Your blood
pressure is too high as is your cholesterol. This is a later in life
pregnancy, and with that there are increased risks. Adding to those
risks isn't a good idea. I have a diet I can give you before you leave
to follow."
"Fine, Doctor, anything you say. I just want our son to be healthy and
happy." Katherine smiles at the screen as she squeezes Nikolas hand.
"Tyler Edward Cassadine."
Nikolas kisses her hand. "Why Tyler Edward?"
"Edward is after Edward Quartermaine. He was kind of my mentor. Tyler is
just what I picture our son being called. It is strong, yet tender."
"Tyler Edward it is."
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