GH Fanworks/Fanfic/Fanart: We Do It Better

[KerleyQ]

This is the last chapter guys - thank you for reading.

 

My entry point into this show were the Scorpios in the 80's and Robin in 2006, so all the stories I have written are about the Scrubs coupling. I have a few more stories I have not posted, including the final part of my Robin/Patrick/Nikolas saga, so I leave it up to you: do you want to read more or not? Please let me know.

 

Merry Christmas!

Cristina

 

Merry Christmas!  And I vote you keep posting.  I keep up on your stories more regularly than I keep up on the show these days.  

[cmahorror]

The final part of my Robin/Patrick/Nikolas story - if at least one person wants to read what I write, I will keep on posting!

 

 

Chapter 1

 

“No, I’m not going.” Robin sat down on the couch and crossed her arms.

 

“But Robin, you love the races. You have since the first time I took you.” Patrick sat down next to her. “Robin, we promised we’d be there.”

 

Robin sighed. “I know but…”

 

“No buts.” Patrick wrapped his arm around her and held her close. “Our boys are counting on us to be there and we will be there.”

 

“What if he gets hurt?” Robin looked at Patrick with such worry that all his complaints melted away. Above all else, Robin was a ferocious mother, ready to protect her children from any harm that may befall them.

 

He took Robin’s hands in his and gently squeezed them. “I’m not going to swear to you he won’t get hurt – that is always a possibility – but I can swear that he will be as protected as he can be.”

 

Robin sighed, knowing she was going to go. Today was Mal’s first race as a professional driver and Robin was a nervous wreck. She knew Mal was a talented racer and that he had the best equipment possible but she was still scared to death for her son. “I don’t want to lose him.”

 

Patrick gave her a soft kiss and hugged her tight. “You won’t. Mal is an excellent driver and John has made sure that the Cassadine Industries car is the safest car on the track. He wouldn’t risk his little brother’s health for anything.”

 

It had been five years since John Vine, aka Spencer Cassadine, had re-entered their lives and the couple couldn’t be happier. John became another one of their children in no time, quickly earning the moniker of big brother from all them. He and Cam were now best friends and John, along with Mal and RJ, would be standing up with Cam at his and Emma’s wedding in two months. The couple had gotten engaged three years ago but decided to wait until Emma was done with med school to get married. Cam had recently been promoted to detective while Emma had secured herself a residency at General Hospital working in pediatrics.

 

“Is mom ready to go yet?” Stephanie bounced down the stairs and smiled at her dad. “I promised Aiden we would meet him there.”

 

The cheerful 18 year-old had been dating Cam’s brother for the past couple of months. While Cam was a lot like his surrogate father, Lucky, Aiden was a duplicate of his late grandfather Luke Spencer. He loved adventure and running around like he was Indiana Jones and Patrick didn’t really trust him. “Why is Aiden coming – I told you this was a family outing.”

 

“Simple – Cam is family, Aiden is his brother, therefore Aiden is family.” Stephanie smiled at her dad as he shook his head.

 

“I knew I shouldn’t have let you take that job at Aunt Alexis’s law firm.” Alexis, Stephanie’s aunt and an old friend of the Drake family, had retired years ago but her firm was still open and she had happily given her niece a job there after school and during the summer. Stephanie had recently entered the pre-law program at Port Charles University with plans to become a lawyer. She still had over six years of schooling ahead of her but no one doubted that she would succeed. She was stubborn with a love for a good argument and there was also the Scorpio family predisposition to crime solving. “We’ll be leaving in just a moment. Where is your brother?”

 

RJ jumped down the stairs, making it down in no time flat. “I was just finishing up my paper. Between the race and the double header tomorrow I decided it might be smart to get a head start.”

 

RJ was the star pitcher for the PCHS baseball team. Tall and lanky, like his father, he had a mean fastball but it was his academic achievements that had earned him scholarship offers from around the country. He was still weighing his options but he was a young man with a clear goal – to become the best neurosurgeon in the country, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. “Is mom still stalling?”

 

“Ha ha guys.” Robin took a deep breath and stood up. “Alright - let’s go cheer on your brothers.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Hours later the family stood in the garage with Mal, celebrating his 10th place finish in the race. Mal had plenty to be proud of – he had run a good, clean race and finishing in the top 10 was amazing. He had to leave tomorrow for the next race on the circuit but he was happy he was able to share his first race with his family. He walked over to his mom and gave her a hug. “Thank you so much for being here – I know it wasn’t easy for you.”

 

Robin smiled at her son as he took his elbow and leaned on her shoulder. She jokingly shrugged him off and smiled at him. “I am so proud of you and, for the record, it isn’t your driving that worries me – it’s the other drivers.”

 

Mal smiled back at his mom. “I get it Mom and I love you for worrying but I’d be more worried about Steph’s driving.”

 

Stephanie turned away from her boyfriend and glared at Mal. “Not funny.”

 

Patrick laughed as he stood by the car with John. John leaned back on the car. “So Pops, when are you going to take it for a spin?”

 

Patrick just shook his head. “As much as I would love to, your Mom is already having enough problems with Mal driving it. I think it would be better for the whole family if I stay out from behind the wheel. She kept her head buried in my chest for most of the race as it was.”

 

John chuckled. “She worries too much.”

 

“And I always will.” Robin gave John a big hug and then leaned back into her husband. “I will always worry about my kids and don’t you forget it.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around her and smiled. “And that is one of the many reasons why we love you.” He kissed the top of her head. “But let’s put those worries away for a few hours and celebrate our boys success.”

 

“Sounds great to me.” She grabbed Patrick and John’s hands and pulled them back to the party.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 2

 

“Dr. Scorpio-Drake?” Dr. Tom Hardy walked down the hallway and called out to the young resident. “I was wondering if you would like to scrub in on a surgery being done in the morning?”

 

“Depends on who the surgeon is – I just don't want anyone to think I am getting preferential treatment in observing my dad’s surgeries.” Emma had worked very hard to prove herself all through college and medical school. She has graduated Summa Cum Laude from Port Charles University and graduated with honors from the PCU Medical School. There had been a fierce competition among the PCU students to get a residency at General Hospital and Emma was thrilled to be one of the ones chosen but it was important to her that she got the residency based on her own merits and not who her parents were.

 

“Your father is the surgeon however it is one of Dr. Statler’s patients – a 10 year old with an afrontal tumor.” Dr. Rosa Statler was the pediatrician in charge of Emma’s residency. “She requested that you scrub in. If you are not comfortable doing this, I understand but I would be lying if I said I didn’t think this was an excellent opportunity for you.” One of the things that most impressed Tom during Emma’s interview was her integrity and her determination to prove that she was an excellent physician on her own and had no intention of leaning on her parents to further her own career.

 

“In that case – I will be there. What time is the surgery?” Emma was secretly excited to get to see her dad in action. She had observed dozens of surgeries but never one of his.

 

“10 am. Dr. Statler said for you to meet with her in her office at 9 to go over the chart.”

 

“Sounds great. Is my mom assisting?” She had seen her parents collaborate many times on cases but never in the operating room and she was curious about how they worked together in the OR.

 

“Yes and she will be working with Dr. Statler on the drug protocol following the surgery. I expect that you will be asked to join in on those meetings as well. Are you sure this isn’t an issue? Would you prefer to wait until you have had more time to acclimate to GH before we throw you into a case with your parents?” Tom had read Emma’s transcripts and seen her interact with patients. She had her mother’s bedside manner and brilliance with her father’s steady hands and just a touch of his confidence. Emma could have easily become a surgeon but her temperament seemed custom made for pediatrics. She was a brilliant woman with a great future in medicine and he hoped to keep her at GH for a long time after her residency which is why he wanted to make sure she was comfortable working with her parents as peers.

 

“I’m a professional. Right now I know I will just observe and discuss what I see and learn with Dr. Statler. Both of my parents are leaders in their fields and I respect and admire them as doctors. It may take a little getting used to for all three of us to treat each other as colleagues and not family but I have no doubts we can do it.” Emma smiled at the doctor. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have a celebration to attend.”

 

“That’s right – Mal’s first race was today. How did he do?” Tom wasn’t a race fan but he knew it was big in the Drake family. They were the only family he knew who had a Daytona 500 party instead of one for the Super Bowl.

 

“10th place!” Emma practically squealed with excitement at her brother’s accomplishment and noticed Tom looking at her strangely. “You know nothing about racing I take it.” Tom shook his head laughing so Emma explained. “This was his first race so just to finish would have been considered a victory but to finish in the top 10 – that is amazing. I am so proud of him, RJ and John. My brothers are something else.”

 

“Yes they are – so why didn’t you take today off to go to the race?”

 

“Because I am using all my time off for my honeymoon.” Emma stopped in front of the locker room. “Mal understood and he texted me a little bit ago to tell me they had moved the celebration back my parents house and he had a glass of champagne with my name on it waiting for me.”

 

“He isn’t 21 yet.” Tom was teasing her just a little bit.

 

“That’s why the champagne is for me – I'm sure he is indulging in Dr. Pepper with Steph, Aiden and RJ. Which reminds me – RJ wants to know if you are still coming to the game tomorrow?” Tom was an avid fan of the PCHS baseball team and rarely missed a game. “He's gotten even more scholarship offers since he was awarded a gold medal at the International Biology Olympiad. One was from your alma mater and he wanted your opinion on the school.”

 

On a whim, RJ had applied to participate in the USA Biology Olympiad. Over 10,000 high school students applied. There were a series of exams administered by Purdue University and only the top twenty students were chosen. To no one’s surprise, RJ was one of them. Tom was more than happy to help. “Of course I will – I’m hoping to have all Scorpio-Drakes on staff here before I retire."

 

“Be careful what you wish for Dr. Hardy." Emma laughed and began to push on the locker room door. "I’ve got to go but I will see you tomorrow. Have a great night.”

 

“You too Emma and tell Mal congratulations for me.” Tom headed down the hall as Emma went into the locker room to change. Minutes later she headed out to her car and home to her family.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 3

 

“Look who I found!” Emma walked in the door dragging Jason behind her. “Uncle Jason was lurking in the driveway.”

 

Jason laughed. “I wasn’t lurking, I was checking out the new car. I’ve been looking at something similar and I knew Patrick wouldn’t mind.” He walked over to Mal and gave him a high five. “Great job today! I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back in time for your race but I will definitely be at the next one.”

 

“I understand – did you get Danny all set up?” Danny was finishing his senior year of college in Madrid. Jason had gone with Sam to help set up Danny at his apartment.

 

“Yep and now my wife, mother-in-law and sister-in-laws are living it up in Paris.” Sam, Alexis, Molly and Kristina had decided to take a girls-only trip to Paris and while Jason headed home. “I am on my own living the bachelor life.”

 

Robin laughed as she and Patrick walked up to Emma and the men. “Really? Because Sam made it clear that we were to keep an eye on you and make sure you didn’t get into any trouble while she was gone.”

 

“Trouble? Me? I’m as innocent as a choir boy.” Jason gave Robin his best innocent look but it didn’t work.

 

“Please – I have known you almost my whole life. Try that line on someone else.” Robin gave Jason a quick hug and then leaned back into her husband. “Besides, aren’t you going to be busy working with John on the fundraiser for the new pediatric wing? Maybe Emma could help.”

 

Emma shook her head at her mom. “I am planning a wedding mom, remember?”

 

“Your Aunt Maxie has your wedding ready to go. All you and Cam have to do is show up.” Robin was thrilled when Maxie volunteered to plan Emma’s wedding just like she had planned all three of Patrick and Robin’s. “At least she doesn’t have to worry about you going into labor at the altar.”

 

Emma and Robin laughed but Patrick tensed up. He loved Cam and was happy that his daughter was marrying him but grandchildren? “Right Emma?”

 

Emma and Robin started laughing even harder. She finally answered her dad. “Right Dad. We are going to wait until at least after I finish my residency to even think about children. Besides, I kind of want to enjoy just being married for a little while before adding kids to the mix – no offense.”

 

Emma knew her parents love story almost by heart, the ups and downs, the heartaches and the joys. She hoped and prayed that hers and Cam’s love story was less chaotic but just as enduring. Cam walked over and gave Emma a quick kiss hello. “How was work?”

 

“Great, in fact,” Emma smiled at her parents, “I’m observing a very important surgery tomorrow.”

 

Robin caught on to what Emma was saying right away. “Really?”

 

“What?” Patrick wasn’t quite on the same page and his wife and daughter. Suddenly it hit him. “My surgery?”

 

“Yes. Dr. Statler thinks this is a great opportunity for me to see one of the best surgical teams in the nation in action.” Emma watched her dad carefully as she gave him the news.

 

“That’s great. Pay attention and I know you will learn a lot.” Patrick pulled away from Robin and looked at Jason. “Ready for a beer?”

 

Jason nodded his head and then shot a confused glance Robin’s way. Patrick’s reaction was not what anyone had expected. “Sure – Cam, you want one?”

 

Cam wrapped his arms around Emma and shook his head. “No, I have to work tonight but thank you for asking.”

 

Patrick was already heading to the kitchen so Jason quickly followed him. “Okay – you want to tell me what the hell just happened?”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Emma looked at her mom after her dad left. “Mom?”

 

Robin took her daughters hand in hers. “Emma, I think your dad is scared that you may not like the guy you see in the OR.”

 

“That’s ridiculous – I love my dad.” Emma couldn’t quite understand what her mom was talking about.

 

Robin sighed. “You love your dad, Patrick. The man you will see tomorrow is Dr. Drake, world renowned neurosurgeon. The OR is your dad’s domain and he is, uh, he is a different man in there. You’re his little girl so I think he is nervous that your opinion of him might change, especially if he says something to me.”

 

“You two banter – I’m used to it.” Emma shrugged her shoulders.

 

“It’s different in the OR. Your dad respects my opinion, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes he may not be especially receptive to a suggestion and the way he expresses himself,” Robin struggled to find the right words, “may not seem especially kind. I have had years of experience in dealing with your father in the OR so I know not to take it personally but he would hate it if he said something that upset you.”

 

Emma suddenly found herself feeling even more apprehensive about the surgery tomorrow than she had originally been. “Maybe I shouldn’t do this. I mean if it is going to upset Dad that much…”

 

“It won’t.” Patrick had been listening to the conversation from just inside the kitchen. “Emma, you are a brilliant doctor and I am so proud of you, we both are, but your mom is right about why I reacted the way I did. I don’t want you to think any less of me after you see me in the OR. That man is not the same man who played ball with you or read bedtime stories to you or…”

 

“Cried when Mom came home to us.” Emma will always remember the day that her mom came back from the dead. Her father’s tears of joy had flowed freely with the discovery that she was alive and it would have been a perfect reunion if not for the fact that he was getting married to another woman at the time. “Dad, you will always be that man to me. Nothing is ever going to change that but if I am going to work at GH than I need to know you and mom as doctors and colleagues too. I can separate out the two roles – can you?”

 

“I can.” Patrick smiled at Emma, filling with pride. “Have you gone over the scans yet?”

 

“I’m meeting with Dr. Statler in the morning to review them before the procedure and I will be involved in the post-operative drug protocol sessions as well.” Emma relaxed knowing that her father had faith in her abilities.

 

“Sounds good but enough shop talk – tonight is about Mal. Let’s help your brother celebrate.” Patrick handed Emma a beer and gave her a stern look. “But not too much – we need to be fresh for the surgery tomorrow, right Dr. Scorpio-Drake?”

 

Emma tensed up until her dad winked at her and she realized he was just giving her a hard time. She raised her bottle and clinked it with her dad’s. “Right Dr. Drake.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 4

 

“Dr. Drake – I need to talk to you.” Dr. King walked up to Patrick at the nurse’s desk. “We need to reschedule your HIV test since you didn’t show up last week.”

 

Dr. Richard King had recently taken over as Patrick’s physician after Patrick’s doctor retired. New to GH, Dr. King was a study in opposites compared to Patrick. He was the same age as Patrick but he was short and stocky with green eyes and blonde hair. Divorced years ago, he was a man who enjoyed being single and had decided that any woman in the hospital over legal age was his to flirt with.

 

Personally, Patrick couldn’t stand the man but he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as a physician. Dr. King came highly recommended and he was supposedly brilliant. Not as brilliant as Patrick but still a good doctor. They were scheduled to meet last week but Patrick had gotten called in to emergency surgery and hadn’t gotten a new appointment scheduled yet. “I’m heading into surgery in about 30 minutes - can we do it after I finish with my patient?”

 

Richard pulled out his phone and quickly checked his schedule. “I blocked out this afternoon so I could work on a paper I am submitting to JAMA so come by anytime and we will get it done.”

 

“Okay – see you this afternoon.” Patrick wasn’t worried about it – he had been doing these tests for years. Right now his focus was on his patient.

 

“You’ll see who this afternoon?” Robin approached the station and gave her husband a quick peck on the cheek.

 

“Me.” Richard smiled at Robin. “I hope you don’t mind.”

 

Robin shook her head. “No – I will be spending this afternoon in the lab working on a grant proposal. How is the paper going?”

 

“Great – are you still going to be able to help me verify the data I’ve collected? I really think that, working together, we could create something great.” Richard leaned on the counter, sliding a little closer to Robin.

 

Patrick shook his head. This man was seriously flirting with his wife right in front of him. “Excuse me Dr. King?”

 

“I’m talking about the paper of course.” Richard stood back up. “And I would be more than happy to help you with your grant proposal – a little tit for tat.”

 

Robin took one look at Patrick and knew she needed to stop Richard’s flirting now. A little bit was fine but he had just crossed a line and Patrick’s face spoke volumes. “Thank you but my husband has been helping me with my proposals for years and it is the best partnership I could ever hope for. I will help you with your data but Patrick is the only one who gets to work on my proposals.”

 

She leaned up and gave Patrick a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to review the scans one last time and I will see you in the OR.” She leaned up and whispered in his ear. “Be nice.”

 

Robin took one last look at Richard. “Set up an appointment with my assistant and we will go over your data. Have a good day Dr. King.” She gave Patrick one last smile and headed towards her office.

 

“You too Dr. Scorpio.” Richard walked away from the nurse’s desk in the opposite direction from Robin.

 

“That’s Scorpio-Drake you ass.” Patrick looked at Liz who had witnessed the whole exchange. “Liz, see if you can find me another doctor. I’m not comfortable seeing Dr. King anymore.”

 

“Patrick, you can’t possibly be jealous of him.” Liz knew that Dr. King flirted with Robin but Robin was devoted to Patrick and their family.

 

“Liz, I don’t trust him and if I don’t trust him then he can’t be my doctor. I’ll do my blood test with him this afternoon but I want to see who else I can start seeing as soon as possible.” Patrick was upset that Robin had let the man’s flirting go as far as it did and he was definitely not happy that she was still going to help him with his paper after that little scene.

 

Liz sighed and nodded at him. “Will do. Ready for your first surgery with Emma?”

 

“I just hope she doesn’t hate me after this. I’m not exactly the nicest guy in the OR.” Patrick never wanted Emma’s opinion of him to go down.

 

“Patrick, you are a brilliant surgeon and with that brilliance comes a certain level of confidence. Emma is an intelligent and understanding young woman who adores her father. Nothing she sees in the OR will change that.” Liz smiled at Patrick. In two months they would be in-laws and both families couldn’t be any happier about it. ‘Aunt’ Liz had been in the room with Patrick and Robin when Emma was born so she had literally known the girl her entire life. She had had no idea that when Emma was born all those years ago she would eventually become her daughter-in-law. “So let’s go scrub in and treat it like any other surgery.”

 

Patrick nodded at Liz. “You’re right, at least about Emma, but I still want a new doctor.”

 

“Okay – I will check schedules as soon as we get done in the OR and see who we can get you in to see.” Liz walked out from behind the desk and stood next to her old friend. “Come on - let’s show your daughter just how brilliant a team you and your wife truly make.”

[SlovakPrincess]

I just gave myself a rage fit remembering how Faison and Obrecht got away with everything they did to Robin and Anna (and Robert and Duke ....).  

 

So, what would really help me with that, is if the following scene could happen:

 

Dr. O:  Oh, hello Anna.  Why are you in the hospital?

 

Anna:  I have a bit of news for you.  Actually two things.  Just so you know, I was in shock when I let you comfort me in the morgue near Duke's body, and completely neglected to beat you senseless.  I wasn't forgiving you for anything.  I never will forgive you for what you did to my child.  

 

Dr. O.: [shrugs]  

 

Anna:  Also, I heard from some old WSB contacts.  They tracked down Faison.   Unfortunately - well, for him, anyway - when they found him he was dying slowly and painfully.  From flesh-eating bacteria that he somehow picked up in his travels.   And now he's really dead.  Finally.  And probably in hell .... soooo, I guess you'll see him there eventually.  

 

Dr. O.: [weeps like the pathetic, self-pitying asshole she is].

 

Anna: You're daughter's still a fugitive out there somewhere, I guess.  I actually have some compassion for her - with you two as parents, she never stood a chance.  Anyway, the authorities are watching you, and the next time she tries to contact you, you're both going down.  I expect that will happen sooner rather than later.  Oh, look at the time - gotta run!

 

 

There.  I feel better now!  LOL.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 5

 

Robin walked to the sink and stood next to Patrick, getting ready for surgery. “I reviewed those scans and I think that if we move the point of entry over 1 inch…”

 

Patrick quickly interrupted her. “I have reviewed the scans and the entry point is exactly where I want it.”

 

Robin sighed. He was pissed off because of what happened with Dr. King earlier. She needed to nip this in the bud before they went into surgery. “Patrick, I made it clear that I am not interested in him.”

 

“Not clear enough and you are still helping him with his ‘paper’.” Patrick continued scrubbing his hands furiously under the hot water.

 

“I love it when you’re jealous but there really is no need to be. A colleague asked for my help on a paper. A colleague that I am not the least bit attracted to. If it will make you feel better, you can come to the meeting.” Robin gently kicked his leg. “So, are we good?”

 

Patrick shook his head and sighed. “Of course we are. What were you saying about the point of entry?”

 

“Well, I think that we might want to move the incision over an inch – give us a little more room away from the optical nerve.” Robin and Patrick both got into their surgical gowns and gloves and walked over to the x-rays hanging on the light board. “See – you can still remove the tumor and there is less danger of damaging the nerve.”

 

Patrick studied it and shook his head. “I would like to say you’re wrong but we both know you’re not. I agree, moving the incision over makes perfect sense.”

 

Emma watched her parents in silence, observing the way they worked together. She had been worried when she first came in, it was obvious her dad was mad about something, but her mom quickly squashed the problem. Emma had met Dr. King and was utterly unimpressed with the man but hitting on her mom was just stupid. Everyone knew that Patrick and Robin Drake were completely devoted to each other.

 

“Dr. Scorpio-Drake – are you ready to go in?” Dr. Statler stepped up to the OR doors and Emma followed her in.

 

The next hour ran like clockwork as they opened up the patient’s skull and began getting the patient ready for the tumor removal. Her father’s precision in the OR was nothing short of amazing, not a flinch or a tremor. Her mom kept a close eye on everything going on and would occasionally give a small bit of advice which her father took. The biggest thing that struck her was that, just like at home, they were a team.

 

“Cous saw please Nurse Webber.” Liz handed Patrick the surgical instrument and he began to gently excise the tumor in precise, small slices. He took the pieces and placed them in a steel tray – Robin was taking the tumor for a full biopsy to make sure it wasn’t malignant. For the next hour, Emma watched the procedure and noted every move and decision made.

 

“Dr. Statler,” Patrick addressed the primary doctor on the case, “the tumor has been fully excised and I am ready to close.”

 

“Thank you Dr. Drake. I want to wait until he is in recovery before I go tell his parents the good news and I think it would be good for Dr. Scorpio-Drake, the younger of course, to see the full surgery.”

 

Patrick took a moment to absorb that his daughter had just observed him in surgery and looked at her for the first time since they had entered the OR. Emma’s eyes smiled at him from behind her surgical mask and he relaxed – she was proud of him, of both of her parents, he could see it. He gave her a little nod. “Please watch closely and, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

 

Emma nodded in response. She moved a little closer to the table and watched her father’s work closely making mental notes of things to ask in her follow up with Dr. Statler. 45 minutes later, the final suture was in place and they were ready to talk to the patient’s family. Emma followed her parents and Dr. Statler out of the OR and back into the prep room. They all began removing their surgical gowns, masks and gloves and Robin was setting the tray down when the tray slipped and made a small cut on her hand. Patrick moved quickly, grabbing another pair of gloves and bandaging up the small cut before taking his and Robin’s gloves and surgical garb and placing it in the biohazard bin. This one act almost broke Emma’s heart.

 

Emma had lived with her mother’s HIV status her entire life. To her, it was part of their daily routine, get up, have breakfast, mom takes her pills, etc. It never occurred to Emma when she was younger that it was anything out of the ordinary and, when she was older, her parents made sure that Emma and her siblings were well-informed about the virus and how it was transmitted. Robin always made it clear that her children shouldn’t touch her if she got a cut – her fear of infecting someone was always first and foremost in her mind.

 

Emma saw the slight smile her mom flashed her dad after he was done. No words were spoken, it wasn’t necessary, he would always take care of Robin and do everything he could to make her feel safe and special. She prayed she and Cam would be as happy and in tune with each other as her parents were.

 

“Emma?” Dr. Statler interrupted Emma’s thoughts. “Let’s go give our patient’s parents the good news.”

 

Emma smiled at her mentor and then, after a final look at her parents, followed her out to the waiting room.

Edited December 31, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Happy New Year!

 

 

Chapter 6

 

Patrick was going over some notes Robin had made regarding drug therapy options for one of his patients when he heard a knock on his office door. “Come in.”

 

“Dr. Drake?” Richard stuck his head in the door. “I need to speak to you please.”

 

Patrick stood up and gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat but if this is about me being at your meeting with Robin…”

 

Robin and Patrick had met with Richard yesterday to go over his data for his paper. Patrick hated to admit it but the paper was brilliant and Robin’s skills only helped magnify that. Richard sat down and shook his head. “No, in fact I want to apologize. I was out of line the other day. I tend to flirt around beautiful women and I crossed over a line that day. It won’t happen again.”

 

Patrick was surprised but he sat back down and nodded his head. “I accept your apology. Is that all?”

 

Richard began playing with a folder in his hands. “No – I wanted to go over your test results with you.”

 

“You could have just sent them to me by email.” Patrick didn’t understand why this had to be done face to face.

 

Richard sighed and handed him the folder. “No I couldn’t.”

 

Patrick took the folder with some trepidation and opened it up. “This must be a mistake.”

 

“I had the lab run it twice. I’m sorry Patrick, I truly am.”

 

Patrick stood up and began pacing the room. He took a minute to read the results again but the words stayed the same – HIV positive. “I don’t understand – we are always so careful and I always make sure...”

 

“I know this is a tremendous shock but we need to deal with it now. Because your viral load is so low there is really no way of telling when you were exposed. The good news, if you can call it that, is that your wife was the one who exposed you which means that you won’t be dealing with a different strain of the virus.”

 

Patrick turned around and glared at the man. “Good news? You call that good news?”

 

Richard stood up. “Patrick, I know you’re upset, especially considering the impact this has on your career but…”

 

Patrick shook his head. “Do you think I give a damn about my career right now? Yes, I will have to pull out performing surgeries but there are plenty of other things I can do - Robin showed me that years ago. All I care about right now is Robin.”

 

“But if you got it from your wife than you have the same strain, right?” Richard couldn’t understand why Patrick was worried about this.

 

“Robin’s biggest fear, since the day she found out that she was HIV positive, is that she might possibly pass it on to someone else. She never wanted to put anyone at risk. She makes you put gloves on for the smallest cut. Even the slightest chance of exposure is too great for her.” Patrick looked at Richard. “You have met my wife – she is kind, caring and wouldn’t hurt anyone. If she knew that she infected me, it would kill her.”

 

Richard was getting a clearer picture of Patrick's fears. “Patrick, you can’t hide this from her. Eventually, it will come out.”

 

“Not yet – not until I have my treatment going and I can find the best way to tell her.” Patrick paused and looked at Richard. “I know I gave you permission to tell Robin my test results but I am revoking that as of now. You do not have permission to tell Robin I am HIV positive. I will go and talk to Tom about my surgical rotation. I assume you have a protocol for me?”

 

Richard nodded. “Yes, I contacted a colleague and, given your nearly undetectable viral load, we have come up with a protocol. If it will help, I will arrange to get your first 30 days to you as a trial prescription. That way Robin won’t know yet.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“30 days Patrick. 30 days and then you have to tell Robin.” Richard left the office.

 

Patrick walked back to the desk and sat down. He picked up a picture of Robin and him with the kids, staring at it with tears in his eyes. He wiped his tears away and pulled out his phone. He stared at it for a few minutes before finally dialing an old familiar number. “Hey little brother, I was wondering if you could help me out with something?”

Edited January 1, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 7

 

Robin walked into the house studying her notes for one of her patients and stumbled over something sitting by the front door. “Oh!” She looked at it and called out for her husband. “Patrick!”

 

Patrick ran down the stairs. “Robin, sorry, I shouldn’t have left that there.”

 

Robin picked his suitcase back up and gave him a questioning look. “I don’t care that it was there, I just want to know why it was there. Are you leaving me Drake?”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand and led her to the couch. “I talked to Matt today and he wanted me to consult on a patient with him.”

 

“And you need to go there to do it?” Robin wasn’t sure what was going on – normally Patrick would just review the scans and make his recommendations.

 

“Well, I think he is feeling a little bit disconnected. Sure he has Tara and Rylee but ever since Dad died, he is missing that Drake family connection.” Matt had rebuilt his life after his release from prison. He was married to a high school science teacher and, not long after they were married, they welcomed a daughter. Rylee was just a few years younger than RJ and so much like her father it was almost scary.

 

“So you are headed to Georgia?” Matt was now working at the very hospital Robin had found Patrick at years ago. Noah had been asked there to be Chief of Neurology and Matt joined him as one of the staff neurosurgeons. They had been there for a year when Noah died suddenly from a heart attack. Patrick was devastated but Robin had helped him and the kids through it with the grace only she had.

 

“Yes – I think we could use a little brother bonding time.” Patrick was trying his best not to lie to her, just skirting around the truth. “I hope you aren’t mad.”

 

“Of course not.” Robin studied her husband – there was something else going on, she could feel it. “Are you sure that is all that is going on? It just seems like something is bothering you.”

 

Patrick gave her a sad smile. “It’s just been a long time since I’ve been there and I thought I’d go and see my mom and dad while I was there.”

 

Robin reached over and hugged him tight. “I know you miss them.” She rubbed his back and sat there with him for a minute before leaning back to look at him. “When do you leave?”

 

“My flight takes off in 3 hours so I will be heading to the airport in just a few minutes. I’m sorry I didn’t give you more notice.”

 

Robin was shocked but took it in stride. “It’s okay - I know this is important or you wouldn't be doing it. Do you want me to take you to the airport? RJ’s staying at his friends house tonight.” Stephanie had moved into the dorms at PCU so RJ was the only child still living at home. “I have the time.”

 

“No – you’ve had a long day and I don’t want our last minutes together to be sitting in a car fighting traffic.” He pulled her into his arms and laid back on the couch with her. “I want it to be this.”

 

Robin laid her head on his chest and sighed into him. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms tight around him. “I’m going to miss this and you.”

 

Patrick kissed the top of her head and squeezed her just a little tighter, fighting back the tears. “Me too.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Hey bro!” Matt was waiting in the airport for his big brother when the plane landed. Patrick grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug, finally letting himself release the tears he had been holding back.

 

Matt was shocked. “Patrick? Hey – what is going on?”

 

Matt knew something was wrong when Patrick called and asked to stay with him and Tara for a few days by himself. Patrick never went anywhere without Robin, at least not willingly. Not wanting to push the issue over the phone and always happy to see his brother, Matt had said yes immediately. Now that Patrick was here and Matt could see the state he was in, Matt was beginning to panic. Something was seriously wrong. “Is it Robin?”

 

“No – thank God.” Patrick pulled back and wiped off his tears. “I’ll tell you but I need a little time to figure it out for myself. Thank you for letting me visit.”

 

“Hey, you are always welcome and besides, Rylee can’t wait to see her Uncle Patrick.” Matt looked at Patrick’s small rolling suitcase. “Is that all or do we need to go to baggage claim?”

 

“This is it.” They headed out of the airport and Patrick pulled out his phone. “Hey babe, just wanted to let you know I made it here safe and sound. I know you are busy so I will talk to you in the morning. I love you.”

 

Matt could hear the strain in Patrick’s voice. They got into the car and Matt decided to just wait for Patrick to tell him what was going on. Not wanting a quiet car ride, Matt chose a subject he knew his brother would love. “So, what was it like watching Mal in his first race?”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 8

 

Robin paced the floor of her office. “I don’t understand Patrick, this was just supposed to be for a couple of days.” It had been a week since Patrick had left to help Matt and Robin was starting to get worried. She had thought something was wrong before he left and now she was certain of it. “What is going on?”

 

Patrick cringed. He had been able to avoid talking about the real reason he was in Georgia so far but Robin wasn’t buying it anymore. “This patient just needs some extra help Robin, that’s all.”

 

“Then send me the scans and I can work with you to figure something out.”

 

Of course Robin would want to help. Patrick stared out the window of his bedroom and watched as his sister-in-law and niece played in the backyard. “I already told you, Matt and I have it figured out but I appreciate the offer.”

 

Robin sat down on the couch in her office and shook her head. “What aren’t you telling me Patrick?”

 

“Robin, I’ve got to go. I love you.” Patrick hung up the phone before Robin could say another word.

 

“I love you…” Robin heard the dial tone of the phone and threw her phone to the couch in frustration.

 

“What did that phone do to you?” Robin looked up to see Richard standing there in her office.

 

“Nothing – just a frustrating conversation.” Robin stood up and walked over to her desk. “Did you bring the final set of numbers?” Richard handed her a folder and she began going over it.

 

Richard had been coming by every day for the last week to go over his paper and Robin was welcoming the distraction. She missed her husband terribly and it was nice to have something to do at work to keep her mind off the fact that he wasn’t there. RJ was at home with her at night and the three kids still in town had made it a point to stop by and spend time with her while Mal made nightly phone calls but she was still alone when she went to bed at night.

 

Robin tried to fight the loneliness by bringing home research and studying it in bed. She had filled Patrick’s side of the bed up with papers and books so it wasn’t empty. She slept in his old t-shirts and on his pillow so it felt like he was still close. She rested but she hadn’t really slept since the night he left. Patrick was hiding something from her and, giving the lengths he was taking to hide it, Robin was scared to death of what it was.

 

“Robin, are you sure you’re okay? I’m not trying to pry but you look exhausted.”

 

“I just, uh, miss my husband. It’s been a week and he just told me he’s not sure when he’ll be back.” Robin felt tears coming and was surprised when Richard walked over and pulled her into a hug.

 

“It’s okay – you can cry on my shoulder.” He rubbed her back and the tears Robin had been fighting came out.

 

“There is something he’s not telling me and I’m scared to find out what it is.” Robin’s body was tense and Richard sat her on the couch to try and get her to relax a little bit.

 

“What do you think it is?”

 

“I don’t know.” Robin pulled back and looked at Richard. “I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before – did something happen with Patrick’s test results?”

 

“No, everything was fine.” Richard looked away for a second. “Robin, I don’t mean to be nosy but is everything okay between you two? I mean, I know you have been together for a long time but…”

 

He stood up and walked away. “You know what, nevermind.”

 

Robin quickly followed him. “What? If you know something you need to tell me.”

 

Richard sighed. “Last week I surprised him in his office with his test results, I figured he would want to review the file himself since he was looking for a new doctor. Anyway, he was on the phone when I walked in and I heard him say that this situation was nothing like what happened with Lisa.”

 

Robin’s knees gave out and Richard quickly caught her and helped her to the couch. “No, he wouldn’t do that.”

 

“Who’s Lisa?” Richard took her hand and held it tight.

 

“No one. And Patrick wouldn’t do that do me – not again.” Robin took a deep breath and stood up. “Thank you for coming by. I will review the numbers and get back to you later today.”

 

“Okay.” Richard headed for the door but turned around one last time. “Robin, I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”

 

“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Richard left and Robin sat on the couch staring at her wedding ring. “He’s mistaken, I know it. You would never do that to me or our family again.”

 

Robin took another deep breath and headed over to her desk. Opening the file, she began reviewing the numbers. Patrick would be home soon and they would get through whatever was going on with him together.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Hey dad, been a long time.” Patrick laid the flowers down on his father’s grave and stood up straight. “Matt will be here in a minute but I wanted some time alone with you first. I have something I need to talk to you about. Something that I have been unable to tell anyone about but I think if I tell you, if I can finally say it out loud than I can finally begin to admit it is real and deal with it.”

 

He knelt down and played with the grass at the grave site. “Do you remember April? She was my patient when Robin and I first got together and she had end stage AIDS. I stuck myself with a needle covered in her blood and I was exposed. Robin and I really came together over it. I finally got a clear view of what she had to deal with and I was there for her when April died and she found herself sinking into a combination of depression and survivor’s guilt. And Robin, Robin was there to tell me that even if I was infected it didn't change who I am. April really is the reason I was able to stop hiding and admit what I was feeling all along – that I was in love with Robin and probably had been from the moment we met.”

 

He stood back up and paced in a little bit. “I’m sure you are wondering what this is all about. I mean, Robin and I have been happy for so many years and she is still healthy but I got some news that will devastate her and I don’t know how to tell her.” Patrick felt the tears flow down his face as he finally said the words he had avoiding. “How do I tell Robin that I am HIV positive and she infected me?”

 

“You just tell her.” Matt walked up and put his arm around Patrick’s shoulder. Everything made sense now. “It’s going to be hard and she is going to be upset but we will get through it together.”

 

Patrick shook his head. “Matt, your life is here.”

 

“I received a call from Tom Hardy earlier this week – he was offering me a job at General Hospital. He knows about your status I take it?”

 

Patrick sighed. “I gave him my file and had him pull me from rotation. He is going to have me start as the new administrative head of neurology when I get back, a lot of paperwork and consults but I won’t be performing any surgeries.” He looked at Matt. “Are you going to take it?”

 

“Tara and I talked about it and I report to GH next week. Tara and Rylee are going to finish out the school year and then join me in a couple of months, just in time for Emma’s wedding.” Matt rubbed Patrick’s shoulders. “I think it’s time we both head home Patrick.”

 

Patrick nodded and smiled at his brother. Matt was right – no matter how terrible the situation, he and Robin had always gotten through it together and this would be no different. “Let’s go home.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 9

 

“Ugh!” Robin hit the delete key and erased the last few lines that she had written. She was having a terrible time writing her grant proposal – she couldn’t seem to put together a cohesive statement to save her life.

 

She knew what the problem was – Patrick. Even since her conversation with Richard a few days ago she had been trying to get Patrick to talk to her but he wasn’t answering his phone. She had called Matt who assured her that Patrick was staying at the house and they were discussing someone’s treatment and that had reassured her a little bit. Matt would never cover for Patrick if he were cheating on her.

 

“Dr Scorpio?” Richard poked his head in the door and smiled at her. “Glad to see I’m not the only one burning the midnight oil.”

 

“Well, my son is at his friend’s house for the night – some kind of marathon gaming session and Patrick is still working with his brother in Georgia so I thought I would get some work done on the grant proposal.” Robin turned back to the computer and sighed. “Not that I’m getting anywhere. What are you doing here?”

 

“I was waiting for word on my paper and I just got it.” He pulled out a bottle of champagne from behind his back and smiled. “They are publishing it and I thought you deserved to celebrate with me. Care for a drink?”

 

Robin shook her head. The truth was that she wasn’t getting anywhere with the paper or Patrick so maybe a break was just what she needed. “Just one and then I need to get headed home.”

 

Richard poured the champagne and was getting ready to make a toast when Robin’s phone rang. “Excuse me.” She stood up and walked out the door into the hall. “Hello?”

 

“Hey Robin, I was wondering when I was picking you up?” Jason had insisted on taking Robin to and from work while Patrick was gone – Patrick had asked him to.

 

“I’m ready to go when you are so whenever you get here we’ll head out.” Robin had agreed to one drink but she was more than ready to head home after that.

 

“Alright – I’ll meet you in your office in about 15 minutes.”

 

Jason hung up and Robin walked back into her office, sitting down on the couch next to Richard. He handed her a glass and raised his. “To a wonderful working relationship.”

 

“Cheers.” Robin clinked her glass with hers and took a sip. “I better be careful – I don’t drink very often.”

 

Richard laughed. “Well don’t worry, you’re safe with me. Have you talked to Patrick lately?”

 

“We keep missing each other but, hopefully, he will be home by this weekend.” Robin really didn’t want to discuss he husband with him so she took another drink of her champagne. “When are they publishing the paper?”

 

“Three months.” He talked for a little bit about the paper while Robin finished her glass of champagne. “They want to double check a few of the figures but they were very impressed that you consulted with me on the case. You are a very special woman Robin.” Richard finished talking about the paper and scooted a little closer to her. “I hope your husband knows how lucky he is to have you in his life.”

 

“Trust me, he does.” Robin shook her head and set down her glass.

 

Richard moved a little bit closer. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes.” She gave a little laugh. “I uh, I just think the champagne is getting to me a little bit. I told you I really don’t drink.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He reached up and put his hand to her face. Robin quickly jumped up off the couch and knocked over the small table her glass was sitting on.

 

Suddenly the door to her office flew open and Jason came running in. “Robin? Are you okay?”

 

Richard quickly stood up while Robin stumbled over to Jason. “Yes, I had a little champagne to help Richard celebrate his paper being published and I think it just went to my head.”

 

“Do you need a ride home Robin?” Richard reached for her.

 

Jason quickly cut the man off. “I’m taking her home Dr. King but I’m sure Robin and her husband both appreciate your concern.”

 

“Of course Mr. Quartermaine. Good night Robin.” Richard quickly left the room

 

Jason watched the man leave and then helped Robin back to the couch. “Hey, are you okay?”

 

Robin nodded her head. “I think so. There is a bottle of water on my desk, could you hand it to me?”

 

Jason got the water and watched as Robin drank it all in just a few large gulps. “Robin, I know RJ isn’t home so I am going to take you home to stay with me at the mansion tonight so I can keep an eye on you, ok?”

 

Robin’s head drooped a little bit but she managed to get a few words out. “Okay. Who knew I was such a lightweight?”

 

Jason picked her up, carried her out the door and straight to the elevator. “I didn’t think you were but maybe that was a little stronger than what you were used to drinking.”

 

He was about to hit the garage button on the elevator when Jason looked down at Robin and noticed she was passed out cold. “Robin?”

 

Jason worried when she didn’t respond so he hit the 1st floor instead. Holding Robin carefully, he managed to get his phone out of his pocket and made a call. “Damn it! Patrick – something is wrong with Robin, I’m taking her to the ER. Call me as soon as you get this message.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 10

 

Robin opened her eyes and shut them again, trying to focus on where she was. She brought her left hand up to her face and felt a tug. Opening her eyes again, she finally noticed the IV stuck in the top of her hand. She looked around the room and smiled at the sleeping figure sitting by her bed. “Patrick.”

 

Patrick’s eyes flew open and he quickly sat down next to her on the bed. “Hey sleeping beauty – nice of you to join us.”

 

“You’re home?” Patrick nodded and Robin smiled at him. “It only took me getting admitted to the hospital for you to do it.”

 

Patrick’s guilt overwhelmed him. “That had nothing to do with you. Robin, I love you. Matt and I were making arrangements to head home when we got the call from Jason about what happened.”

 

Robin closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “Matt?”

 

“Yes – he took a position here at General Hospital. I was going to surprise you but uh,”

 

“But I ruined your surprise. So you were helping Matt?” Robin started crying.

 

“Hey,” Patrick pulled her up into his arms and held her, “what’s wrong?”

 

“It’s just you’ve been avoiding me and then someone said that they heard you on the phone talking about Lisa and I got scared that maybe you were…” Robin realized that she was being stupid. “I knew it wasn’t true, that you would never do that to me, but you stopped talking to me and …”

 

“And you began to let that sliver of doubt get bigger.” Patrick gently rubbed her back. “I talked to Matt before I left because I had something to sort out and yes, I did say something about Lisa on that call but just to assure Matt that my visit was not because I had done something stupid like that again. Who told you about the call?”

 

“Dr. King.”

 

Patrick tensed up. “Did he say anything else?”

 

“No, is there something else I should know?” Robin studied her husband closely, watching his reaction.

 

Before Patrick could answer, Dr. Hardy came into the room. He had taken over Robin’s case as soon as he heard Jason had been brought into the ER. “Good morning Robin. Glad to see you’re awake.”

 

Robin reluctantly looked away from Patrick and turned her attention to their boss. “Good morning Tom. Sorry about dragging you in here on your day off. I’m still not sure what happened.”

 

“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

 

Patrick shot a look towards Tom. “What is going on Tom? Did someone drug her?” Jason had filled Patrick in on the events leading to Robin’s being admitted to the ER.

 

“No drugs were found in your system.” Tom sat down in a chair and looked at Robin. “Have you ever had any issues with your insulin levels?”

 

“You mean like diabetes?” Robin shook her head. “No – I watch my diet very closely because of my HIV. I want to make sure to keep my immune system as strong as I can. Why?”

 

“Your blood tests showed unusually high levels of insulin which I think is what caused your episode last night.” Tom continued reading through the file. “Everything else looks normal. When was the last time you ate?”

 

“I had a banana and some yogurt at 6 when I took my meds.” Robin noticed the look Patrick gave her. “What – I wasn’t hungry.”

 

“So you drank champagne on an almost empty stomach after putting in 16 hours at the hospital?” Patrick gave Robin his best disappointed dad look.

 

“I wasn’t hungry and I had no intention of drinking last night and it was only one glass of champagne – it’s not like I downed the whole bottle. Besides, that certainly doesn’t explain why the symptoms came on so suddenly.” Robin had no intention of backing down. Patrick was the one who had been gone and hiding things – not her.

 

Tom cut in quickly. “I think it may have just been a combination of things but to be on the safe side I want to monitor your blood sugar for the next month. I want two readings a day – one in the morning and one before bed. Hopefully your levels will stay steady and we can write this off as a bad episode. I will get your discharge papers ready and then your husband here can take you home.”

 

“Thank you Tom.” Patrick shook his hand and Tom left the two doctors to hash out what he had told them. “Not eating, working long days – what the hell were you thinking Robin?”

 

“I was thinking that my husband is avoiding me and I have no idea why. I wasn’t sleeping because I missed having the man I love beside me in bed so I figured I would keep busy with work. As for the not eating, you know I don’t eat when I am upset and that is what I have been – upset.” Robin flung herself back against the bed, tears making tracks down her cheeks.

 

Patrick reached over and wiped the tears away. “God Robin, I’m sorry. This is exactly what I was avoiding, why I have been gone.”

 

“Why? Patrick, I need to know what is going on.” She sat back up and took his hands in hers. “After all these years, do you not trust me anymore?”

 

Patrick squeezed her hands. “I trust you more than I have ever trusted anyone in my life.”

 

“Then what is it?” Robin searched his eyes for the answer and he turned away from her once again. “Everything was great until you had your monthly...”

 

Robin dropped his hands and gasped, the truth knocking the wind out of her as it hit her. “Oh God, I,” Robin found herself struggling to say the words. She looked at Patrick, her face pale. “No, tell me it’s not true. Tell me I didn’t…”

 

Patrick wrapped Robin in his arms and held her, desperately trying to reassure her. “Robin, it’s not your fault.”

 

“Oh God,” she collapsed in his arms, the weight of his revelation crushing her. “I infected you. Because of me, you are HIV positive.”

Edited January 6, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 11

 

“I infected you. You have this disease because of me.” Robin’s tears soaked his shirt as Patrick rocked her in his arms. “I never wanted you to have this – to have to live with this. And the kids? How do we tell them what I have done?”

 

“First of all, this is not your fault. I don’t blame you and the kids won’t either.” He gently lifted her chin and kissed her. “I have known, since that day at the Metro Court when you were fighting with Carly, that you are HIV Positive. I have always know and I have always wanted you. Robin, I love you and this disease has not and will not ever change that.”

 

“Then why did you leave?”

 

“Because I knew how much you would blame yourself and I didn't want to hurt you that way. I needed to get my emotions in check so I could help you.” Patrick smiled at her. “You and the kids are what matters. You have shown me for years how wonderful a life someone can live with HIV. You have been my rock and salvation through so many things and I wanted to make sure I was strong enough for you to lean on this time.”

 

Robin felt a mixture of joy and sadness at his statement. Of course his first concern would be how she would feel, not the fact that he was now infected. “That’s why you went to Georgia isn’t it." Patrick nodded his head. "So I take it that Matt knows?” Patrick nodded his head again. “I’m glad you had him do the second test.”

 

“What second test?”

 

“You had a second test run with a new blood sample, right?” Robin looked at her husband in shock as she realized he hadn’t. “Patrick – what if there was an issue in the lab and the specimen was contaminated? Or they mixed up your results with someone else’s?”

 

“To be honest, I was so blindsided by the diagnosis and worried about how I would tell you that I didn’t even consider it.” Patrick could see now what a mistake that had been.

 

“Okay,” Robin started calming down, “I want you to call Tom right now and have another test run immediately. Maybe it was a false positive or the first test was wrong.”

 

“And if it comes back negative?” Patrick was concerned that maybe the second test would be wrong. “Maybe my viral load is so low that it becomes undetectable in my system.”

 

“But there would still be a trace – call Tom and get someone in here to take the test immediately.” Robin didn’t want to waste a single second. “Please, do it for me.”

 

Patrick pulled out his phone and made the call. Within minutes, Tom and Liz were in the room getting the second blood sample. There were just finishing up when Matt walked in. “What is going on?”

 

Robin was holding her husband’s hand as they took the sample. “He’s getting a second test done.”

 

Matt looked at his brother and scrunched up his face at him. “You mean you didn’t have a second test run before you pulled yourself from surgical rotation and flew to Georgia?”

 

“You pulled yourself from rotation?” Robin glared at her husband.

 

“It was the responsible thing to do.” Patrick felt the need to defend his decision.

 

“It was but I assumed you had had a second test run before you did it.” Tom sighed. “Luckily we are always in need of great neurosurgeons. Dr. Hunter no matter what the test says – you have a position here.”

 

Liz put the filled tube in the tray. “I’ll take this right down to the lab.” She looked at Tom. “I take it you want to supervise the test?”

 

“Yes, in fact I will take it down to the lab myself.” He turned to the couple. “If it comes back negative, we will wait a week and have a third test run to confirm the results. If it comes back positive, I will personally review your protocol and take care of you.” Tom took the vial from Liz’s tray and headed towards the door.

 

Patrick was surprised. “I thought you weren’t taking on any new patients?”

 

“I think I can make an exception for you. Nurse Webber, please arrange for Dr. Drake’s medical records to be transferred to me. I am now his primary physician.”

 

Robin smiled at their boss. “Thank you Tom.”

 

“You are welcome. I will be back as soon as I can with the results. Until then, enjoy your family reunion.” Tom and Liz left the room and Matt sat down by the side of Robin’s bed.

 

“So, Patrick tells me you are in the middle of a grant proposal.” He knew that they needed to think about something other than the blood test currently being run. “Tell me all about it.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Dr. Hardy?” Richard saw the chief of staff coming down the hall and stopped him.

 

“Dr. King – I actually wanted to speak with you.” Tom held the vial in his closed hand. “I am going to need all your files on Patrick Drake.”

 

“Patrick Drake? Why?”

 

“Because I am taking over as his primary care physician. In fact, I am on the way to the lab right now to run a second HIV test on him. But I have to ask – why didn’t you insist he have one done?” Tom stared the man straight in the eyes, waiting for the answer.

 

“I really didn’t get the chance. He was so upset that I wanted to give him a little time to think about what he wanted to do. The next thing I knew he was headed to Georgia. I was planning on talking to him about it as soon as he returned.” Richard didn’t back down from the question. “It’s not my fault he went off half-cocked.”

 

Tom shook his head. Unfortunately Dr. King was right, Patrick took off without any notice so he couldn’t completely dress the man down but he did want to give him a friendly warning. “Next time please do not leave the patient until you are certain that they understand a second test is in their best interest. I need to get to the lab but please have all of Dr. Drake’s medical records in my office by the end of the day.”

 

“Of course Dr. Hardy.” Richard watched Tom head towards the lab before running back to his office.

 

He shut and locked the door before picking up his phone and making a call. “Something’s happened. We need to meet as soon as possible.”

Edited January 7, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 12

 

“You are staying with us until you find a place, right?” Robin smiled at her brother-in-law.

 

“That was the plan. If it is a problem…”

 

“Matt, you are never a problem.” Robin reached over and squeezed his hand, attempting to reassure him.

 

“Well, I wouldn’t say never…” Patrick was joking with his brother and they all laughed.

 

“I’m glad to see you all three in such a great mood.” Tom walked into the room holding a piece of paper. “Let me add to it – Patrick, these are the results to the blood draw we did a little bit ago.” He handed it to Patrick. “It says you are HIV negative.”

 

Robin sighed and leaned into her husband. “Thank God.”

 

“We’re not in the clear yet.” Patrick felt a little relieved but he wouldn’t feel completely secure about the results until a second test was run. “Should I make an appointment with you for next week?”

 

“Already done – I’ll see you a week from today at 8 AM. I will keep you out of the rotation until we get the results of the third test but I am pretty confident that we will see you back in the OR in no time.” Tom took in the relief in the room and smiled – this was one of the best parts of being a doctor, delivering good news about someone’s health. “Robin, your discharge papers should be ready so let’s get you out of here.”

 

Robin nodded her head. “Thank you for everything Tom.” He left the room and she turned to her husband. “The third test is going to come back negative – I know it will.”

 

“Me too.” Matt stood up and headed for the door. “I am going to go check out my new office. Call me when you are ready to head home.” He paused and smiled at his brother and sister-in-law. “I’m glad you both are going to be okay.”

 

Matt left and Robin smiled at Patrick. “I am so grateful that you are not HIV positive, that I didn’t infect you.”

 

Patrick shook his head. “I’m not ready to celebrate just yet but I do see a little light at the end of the tunnel. I need you to understand something – if this test is wrong and I am HIV positive, it is not your fault. I am responsible for my decisions and while there are quite a few I would change, being with you and has never been and never will be one of those. I love you Robin, so much, and I always will.”

 

“I love you too, so much.” Robin felt tears of relief starting to come so she turned away and took a second to compose herself. “Why don’t you go see where my discharge papers are so we can get out of here?”

 

Patrick leaned over and kissed her. “You got it. Why don’t you get dressed and I will be back in just a few minutes.” He stood up and headed to the door while Robin got out of the bed. “You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”

 

He took great joy in the blush of embarrassment that came over her face. After all these years, she still couldn’t take a compliment. She gave him a small smile and headed to the closet. “Just get my discharge papers so you can take me home.”

 

“Your wish is my command.” Patrick headed to the nurse’s while Robin got dressed, feeling better than she had in weeks. It was going to be okay – it had to be.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I don’t even understand the point in all of this.” Dr. King ran his hands through his hair as he met with his contact on the pier. “Why make Patrick think he is HIV positive?”

 

“To torture him. He has caused years of agony and it is time to pay it back but you messed it up.” They were not happy that Patrick had discovered the truth so soon.

 

“I was supposed to make it look like Robin cheated on him and we both know she wouldn’t consciously do that. I needed her out of it enough that I could get her in bed without leaving any evidence about how it happened. If she had eaten a proper supper it would have worked.” Dr. King had managed to get ahold of Robin’s records from her trip to the ER. “I would have had all the proof you needed and…”

 

“You would have finally gotten into Robin’s bed – just like you have wanted since the day you started at GH. You were supposed to make it look like Robin slept with you – not actually do it. You crossed a line and there is a price to pay for that.”

 

Before he could move, Dr. King was grabbed from behind and felt a knife go into his back. The figure in front of him shook their head. “We made it clear that Robin is off limits – it’s too bad you couldn’t listen.”

 

Richard was horrified when the knife was pulled out and he collapsed to the ground, barely able to move. He felt a hand go into his pocket, taking out his wallet.

 

“The crime rate down here at the pier is shockingly high. Too bad you came out here by yourself.” They walked over and nodded at their partner, who quickly rolled Richard into the river. They watched as Richard sunk below the surface of the water and made certain that he didn’t reappear.

 

“Too bad indeed.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 13

 

“Hey Steph, wait a sec.” Jack finished throwing his books in his bag and ran up the stairs of the lecture hall. “I was hoping we could meet at the library later and study up for the final."

 

Stephanie smiled at the young man. Jack Wilcox had been sitting next to her since their first day in Microbiology. Although she was pre-law, Stephanie planned to specialize in medical malpractice – specifically defending good doctors against frivolous lawsuits. Even the best doctors face a suit once in a while and she wanted to make sure they had the best representation possible. Jack was pre-med and made a great study partner. “Sounds good – tomorrow at 6?”

 

She walked with him out of the hall and into the quad where Aiden was waiting. Jack ignored the young man as he answered Steph. “Works for me – see you tomorrow.”

 

“What's tomorrow?” Aiden casually draped his arm around Steph’s shoulder.

 

“Study session at the library - why?” Stephanie watched Aiden, trying to see where he was going with his question. Aiden had insisted that they not be exclusive, saying it was too much pressure. Stephanie really cared about him but decided if that was want he wanted she would go along with it. Besides, she was firmly focused on school. Aiden was undeclared and barely skating by. He was an artist, a free spirit but Steph was on the Dean’s list and on track to graduate with her bachelor’s at 20. Her goal was to have earned a partnership in Alexis’s firm before she was 30.

 

“No reason, I mean it's not like I care – you can do what you want. No strings, right babe?” Aiden was trying to keep his jealously tempered but he wasn’t doing the best job.

 

“Okay, if you really feel that way,” Stephanie smiled at Aiden and then turned to Jack, “I have a family dinner tonight to welcome home my uncle; would you like to join me? It should be a lot of fun – my family is great and you could pick my sister’s brain about the best classes to take here at PCU to prepare you for med school.”

 

Aiden stood there fuming. “I’m sure Jack has other plans tonight, right?”

 

“Actually, it has been forever since I have had a home-cooked meal and I would love to meet the famous Dr. Drakes. What time?” Jack had no issues pushing Aiden’s buttons – Stephanie was too good for the jerk.

 

“6:30 and dress casually. I’ll text you the address.” Stephanie smiled at Aiden. “Ready to go?”

 

“Sure.” They turned to leave but not before Aiden snuck in a quick glare at Jack. “See you Jack.”

 

“See you later Aiden and I can’t wait to see you tonight Steph.” Jack walked off in the opposite direction with a spring in his step and a smile on his face.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“You want to tell me what is going on?” Emma stormed into her mom’s office, slamming the door behind her.

 

“Good morning Emma – it’s wonderful to see you too.” Robin sighed at her oldest daughter. “And what has you in such a fine mood this morning?”

 

“Oh, I don’t know – maybe the fact that my parents are hiding things from me. Seriously mom, I work here – did you really think I wouldn’t find out?” Emma sat down on one of the chairs in front of her mom’s desk. “Why were you in the ER two nights ago and why weren’t we told?”

 

Robin got up from her desk and sat down in the second chair next to her daughter. “It was late and your Uncle Jason didn’t want to wake you guys up over nothing. And that’s what it was – nothing. My insulin levels got a little high. I’m checking my blood sugar twice a day and Tom is keeping a close eye on me. I wasn’t even in the hospital 12 hours.”

 

Emma took a moment to look at her mom, really studying her. She didn’t look any different, as healthy as ever. “Promise there is nothing else going on with you?”

 

“I promise. Now are you and Cam still coming over tonight?”

 

“Yes and apparently Aiden wants to come with us.” Cam had called her a little bit ago and filled her in on what had happened with his brother and her sister earlier.

 

“He's more than welcome, of course, but I figured he was just coming with Stephanie.” Robin was a little confused about this turn of events.

 

“Well, something happened today that changed her plans." Robin raised her eyebrows at Emma. "Steph made plans to study with her friend Jack and Aiden decided he was going to prove to that he didn’t care because they aren’t exclusive so..” Robin started laughing and Emma joined in.

 

“He didn’t!” Robin couldn’t stop laughing. “That boy should have known that you do not challenge a Scorpio-Drake woman. Well, I’ve been hearing about Jack all semester so it will be good to finally put a face to the name.”

 

“Yes and Steph wanted me to talk to him about the best classes to take at PCU to get him ready for medical school.” Emma got up. “I have to get to my rounds. I’ll see you tonight at dinner. It should be interesting.”

 

Robin gave Emma her best smirk. “It’s a Drake family dinner – they are always interesting.”

Edited January 9, 2016 by cmahorror

[HeatLifer]

This video, you guyyyyyys. I DARE YOU NOT TO CRY.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 14

“Epiphany, could you file Mr. Halstead’s chart and mark it for transfer – he is being moved to a rehab facility in Manhattan in the morning. All the notes are there.” Robin handed the chart over to Epiphany and smiled. Despite her short stay as a patient, she felt great. “I am getting ready to sign out but I just want to make sure there weren’t any messages for me before I left.”

“No messages doctor…” Epiphany started answering her but another voice cut her off.

“Yes, your husband misses you and wants to know why you are leaving work early.” Patrick walked up behind Robin and swiftly turned her around so he could give her a quick kiss. “I was hoping to meet up with you for a consult later.”

“Well, someone has to get dinner ready for tonight and since we are not having pancakes – it’s up to me.” Robin turned back around and reached for her chart to make one last note. “Bring the chart home with you and we can discuss it later.”

Patrick leaned over and whispered in her ear. “It’s not that kind of consult.”

Robin giggled. “Oh, well we can still discuss it later. Right now I need to go to the store and get enough spaghetti to feed 15 people.”

“Are we really having that many people over?” Patrick had thought it was just going to be a small family dinner.

“Yes – there’s us, Jason, Matt, RJ, Uncle Mac and Felicia, John, Emma, Cam and Aiden, Maxie, Nathan, Steph and Jack. 15 of us.”

“Who’s Jack?” Patrick was genuinely perplexed by the last name.

Robin rolled her eyes. “Stephanie’s lab partner? She’s talked about him all semester – he’s pre-med and she thought he would like to hang out with some real doctors.”

Patrick thought about it for a second. “So Stephanie invited him instead of Aiden?” Robin nodded. “Why?”

“Well Aiden decided to play the whole no-strings, we’re not a couple card on Stephanie in front of Jack and, you know our daughter.” Robin smiled at her husband.

“Speaking from experience – he’s an idiot.” Patrick shook his head, remembering when he and Robin were first together. “Let me guess, Stephanie called his bluff.”

“Yes she did and not much later Aiden was calling his brother begging to be included tonight.” Robin handed the chart back to Epiphany. “Dinner will be interesting.”

“That’s my girl.” Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin’s waist and pulled her close. “Are you sure there is nothing I can do to change your mind about leaving right now?”

“No but we definitely have something to look forward to after dinner.” Robin kissed him. “Maybe a little dessert in bed.”

“Now that thought is enough to get me through the day.” He kissed Robin one last time before reluctantly releasing her. “I guess you have to go now.”

A voice called to them from down the hall before she could answer. Tom approached the couple. “Robin, Patrick – I need to talk to you. Have either one of you seen Dr. King? He missed his rounds this morning.”

Robin looked at Patrick and then shook her head. “Not since the other night.”

Before the conversation could go any further, Dante and Nathan walked up to the hub. Dante looked at the three doctors for a moment before he spoke. “That’s because he’s dead. Dr. King was found floating in the Port Charles River early this morning.”

Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin as she fell back against him in shock. “What happened?”

“He was stabbed in the back – it appears to be a robbery gone wrong. His wallet was missing.” Dante stepped closer to Robin. “Robin, what was your relationship with Dr. King?”

“A professional colleague – I was helping him with some research on a paper. Patrick and I met with him a couple of weeks ago to go over his paper with him.”

“When was the last time you saw him?”

Robin looked at Patrick and then back at Dante. “Two days ago – he brought some champagne to my office to celebrate his paper being published. I had a glass with him and he left – I haven’t seen him since.”

Dante took a deep breath and looked at Nathan. The two men had known the couple for years and this conversation wasn’t an easy one to have with them. “Anything else Robin?”

“No, absolutely not. Where is this coming from Dante?” Robin felt Patrick’s arms tighten around her in an attempt to comfort her.

“Robin, we found pictures of you on his phone. Some were of you,” Dante paused, “not exactly fully dressed.”

Robin’s knees gave out and Patrick half carried her to a chair not far away from where they were standing. He helped her into the chair, sat down next to her and glared at Dante. “How dare you come in here throwing accusations at her.”

“I’m sorry Patrick but I have to ask. My first impression was that Robin wasn’t aware that these pictures were being taken but I need to make sure. This is a murder investigation and I have to cover all possible angles.” Dante sat down next to Robin and smiled at her. “I didn’t think so but I hope you understand why I had to ask.”

Robin nodded her head, still trying to wrap her thoughts around what she was told. “How many people have seen these pictures?”

“Just me and the forensics guy who pulled them off the phone – I promise.” Dante looked at Patrick. “The ME is estimating time of death as a little over 48 hours ago. Do you two have an alibi for Wednesday morning between the hours of 9-11?”

Tom spoke up. “Robin was a patient here at GH. Patrick was by her side the whole morning. She didn’t get released until 10:45 that morning and I will provide you with all the paperwork needed to verify that.”

Dante nodded. “A copy of the discharge papers and the security footage should suffice.” Dante stood up and was going to leave but stopped. “By the way – was the doctor diabetic or doing research on diabetes?”

“Not that I know of – I review all my doctor’s medical records to make sure there isn’t a possible liability to the hospital. There was no mention of diabetes and his research had nothing to do with it either. Why?”

“We found a couple of bottles of insulin in a zippered pocket of his jacket. One of the vials was nearly empty but the other…” Dante was cut off by Patrick’s outburst.

“That son of a bitch!” Patrick pulled Robin off the chair and onto his lap, gently rubbing her back.

Dante noticed that Robin was suddenly very pale. “What is going on?”

“Robin was in the ER because her insulin levels spiked.” Tom sighed and shook her head. “She had a glass of champagne with Dr. King to celebrate his paper being published and went unresponsive right after she finished it.”

“Why?” Robin’s voice was small but strong. “Why would he do that to me?”

She shuddered and Patrick tightened his hold on her. Unfortunately, he some ideas about what Richard had planned for Robin and none of them were good. “Robin, don’t even think about it. Whatever he was planning didn’t happen and you are safe now – he can’t hurt you.” Patrick looked at Tom and Dante. “I would like to take my wife home now.”

Tom nodded. “Of course. Robin, I still want to monitor your blood sugar, at least for a couple more weeks. I just want to be on the safe side.”

“Of course.” Patrick helped her stand up and the couple walked to the elevator.

Robin suddenly stopped. “Oh my God Patrick – your test!”

“What test?” Dante and Nathan were truly confused.

“This goes no further than us – it is strictly off the record.” Patrick looked at both men who nodded their assent. “I mean it Nathan, no telling Maxie.”

“I understand – just tell us Patrick.”

Patrick sighed. “A few weeks ago I tested HIV positive. Dr. King was the one who administered the test and oversaw my results. Two days ago I had another test run and it was negative.”

“You’re saying that this guy wanted you to believe that you were HIV positive? Why?” Dante couldn’t understand the point. Yes, it was a terrible disease but Patrick would always have Robin to help him through the diagnosis. If what the couple was saying was true, that was the exact opposite of what Dr. King had wanted.

“To take away something he loves – being a surgeon.” Robin wrapped her arms around Patrick and held him close. “He was targeting you. Why?”

“There is only one reason I can think of – he wanted you and wanted me out of the way.” Patrick turned to Dante. “I want to know if you find out anything else about him. This man was after my wife and I want to know why.”

Dante nodded his head. “Of course Patrick – I will let you know if I find out anything.”

The couple left and Dante turned to Tom. “Please show me to Dr. King’s office.”

[ulkis]

Bryan Craig posts + listening to Hamilton the musical + previously rainy Sunday afternoon made me picture a Bryan Craig musical and resulted in this. I'm only kinda sorry. Strictly a parody, I don't think it actually happened this way, please don't sue me and all that.

(BRYAN and KELLY are gazing lovingly into each other's eyes while the cab driver talks)

Cab Driver: . . . and one year, it got so bad we had to eat dogs

BRYAN looks up suddenly

BRYAN What

KELLY: eeeeeeeew

BRYAN Fucking dog eater

You shoulda punched your wife

And beat her

Before you turned into a fucking dog eater

CAB DRIVER: we were starving!

BRYAN You shoulda chose to starve

Before you had submit to carve

Into Man's Best Friend

You shoulda chosen your end

Instead of being a fucking dog eater

Song slows down. The stage grows dark except for lone spotlight on BRYAN

I'm an American and prooooud of it

We don't eat that shit

Oh I could cry

When I think of the dogs who had to die

What they had to give so these pieces of shit

Non-americans could liiiive

Stage lights back up again.

BRYAN Come on babe, let's bust this popsicle stand before I break this guy's fucking fingers

CAB DRIVER what about my fee?

BRYAN you think I'm gonna give you cash so you can eat some more dogs?

CAB DRIVER well actually the whole reason I ate dogs was because of the whole no money thing, so if you paid me what I'm owed, I can buy non-dog mea-

BRYAN Enough!

Enough of your excuses and lies!

Come on babe, let's take to the skies!

Back to America where everyone eats the good red blood

Of cows still eating their cud!

ducks and chick!

Baby deer, delicious on a stick!

BK burgers in buns!

Freshly shot by American guns!

(All of a sudden, the stage is awash in red light. Fog smoke fills the stage. Alarms blare)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT we're sorry, the volcano is delaying our flight

BRYAN it can't be that dire

Sure there's smoke and some fire

Ever growing higher

But perhaps if you stopped eating pups

Right now we'd be going up

FLIGHT ATTENDANT What?

BRYAN plus don't you know my honey

Is losing her money?

FLIGHT ATTENDANT Sir, this is costing us money too -

BRYAN I guess I gotta do everything myself

(He gets up on the roof of the plane and rips off his shirt)

BRYAN Hey Volcano! Do you have the guts to take on a proud American?

Don't expect me

To turn and flee

Just cause of lava

Hotter than java

I won't give dogs

To your fiery jaws

To stop your wrath

No I'll stop your path

With the strength of my will

To get back to Hollywood Hills

In the great U.S.

(The fog recedes. The lights turn back to normal. BRYAN lifts his arms)

Success! Yeeeeeees!

(He climbs back into the plane)

I stopped the volcano everyone!

FLIGHT ATTENDANT actually sir, scientists are actually saying -

BRYAN: Let's go home!

end scene

(I hear "fucking dog eater" sung in the same way as this guy bursts onto the stage: https://youtu.be/mVmBYIbklmc?t=57)

that came about from this musing over what a Bryan musical would be like:

First song: Bryan Craig getting the job and over dosing on advil

Second song: Kelly and Bryan meet-cute

Kelly: How old are you?

Bryan: 21. How old are you?

Kelly: 30

Bryan (turns to the audience): whoa, that's crazy motherfucking old!

(back to Kelly): but if I may be so bold, let's date anyway!

third song: first emmy nomination. covering his excitement, the show, and then the lament of losing

fourth song: Daytime Confidential has Confidence in You

fifth song: Only Six Bucks to Chat

sixth song: Motherfucking Dog Eaters

seventh song: engagement

Kelly: baaaaabe

Bryan: baaaaade

Kelly: baaaaabe

Bryan: baaaaabe)

Oh, and also there would be several interludes where Bryan purchases some sort of motor-vehicle

Of course, Chad and several back-up dancers would have to appear at some point, like some sort of greek chorus ("daytime confidential! called you erotic! erotic! erotic!")

other songs: "my ride or die" and the touching duet, "My Mentor Mo". It would be between Maurice and Bryan and then the whole cast would come out and sing.

[Chairperson Meow]

We need to start a kickstarter to fund this. Make sure that Freddie Smith gets cast as Bryan Craig.

[ulkis]

We need to start a kickstarter to fund this. Make sure that Freddie Smith gets cast as Bryan Craig.

 

I'm thinking Robert Palmer Watkins. He can dress the way he did in his Selena Gomez video.

[Chairperson Meow]

I'm thinking Robert Palmer Watkins. He can dress the way he did in his Selena Gomez video.

Ahh! Yes!

Submitted for your approval :

Robert Palmer Watkins as Bryan Craig

Linda Dano as Thighbolt

Brytni Sarpy as Flight Attendant

Roger Howarth as Maurice Bernard

Billy Miller as Cab Driver Who Eats Dog

Freddie Smith as Freddie Smith

[cmahorror]

Chapter 15

 

Robin stood at the stove stirring her sauce. She focused on the pot, trying to clear her mind of everything she had learned just a little while ago. Suddenly there was a hand on her shoulder and Robin jumped, dropping her wooden spoon into the pot of sauce. She watched as it slowly sank underneath the thick, bubbling surface. “Damn it!”

 

“I’m sorry Robin, I wasn’t trying to scare you.” Patrick tried to rub her shoulders but Robin quickly walked away and headed over to the silverware drawer.

 

“You didn’t - I just really want to get this sauce right.” She pulled open the drawer and grabbed a pair of tongs and another spoon.

 

She made her way back over to the stove but Patrick stopped her. “Robin – talk to me.” Moving carefully, he guided her to the table and sat down in a chair, pulling her down on his lap. “Please?”

 

Robin looked away from him but he turned her face back towards him. She bit her lip as the tears fell. “Why? Why did he do this to you?”

 

“Us Robin, he tried to do this to us and he didn’t succeed.” Patrick softly wiped the tears away from her cheeks. “He was a sick man who became fixated on my beautiful and brilliant wife but that isn’t your fault.”

 

Robin shook her head and Patrick put his arms around her, trying his best to reassure her. “Robin – this is all on him. We don’t understand what he did but he was obviously unbalanced and covered it well. We cannot let him take anything more from us.”

 

Robin leaned her head on Patrick’s shoulder. “It just – using my HIV status to hurt you, I don’t understand why he or anyone would do that. If he wanted me, than why did he do something that would hurt me so bad? It just doesn’t make sense.”

 

“Robin, you are trying to make sense out of an obviously unwell man’s motivation but I have a guess.” He rubbed her back as he explained. “He must have known that I wouldn’t want to tell you about my test results and he could take advantage of the distance I put between us to get close to you. Sadly, it nearly worked – if Jason hadn’t come to get you that night…”

 

“But he did and Richard didn’t do anything to me.” Robin kept her head on Patrick’s shoulder as the tears slowed. “I just hate that you didn’t feel you could tell me about it. Patrick, what is going to happen if you ever do actually test positive?”

 

“Robin, I…”

 

“You didn’t trust me enough to tell me what happened.” She lifted her head up and looked at him. “I understand trying to protect me but you cannot protect me from everything, especially not that. We can’t have a marriage without trust and obviously you don’t trust me.”

 

“Oh Robin, of course I trust you. The biggest mistake I have made in years was leaving instead of talking to you. I was just,” Patrick paused and gently placed his hand on her cheek, “Robin, I never want to hurt you and I knew that when I told you my results I would, not intentionally but it would hurt. I trust you with my life and I was headed home with Matt to tell you what I thought was the truth when I got the call from Jason that he was taking you to the ER. This was never about trust – it was about my own fears.”

 

“I understand what you are saying but I still need you to promise me something.” Stubbornness filled her face. “Don’t ever shut me out like that again Patrick. Promise me.”

 

Patrick gently rubbed her cheek. “I promise.”

 

“Good.” Robin reluctantly stood up but not before giving her husband a sweet, soft kiss. She picked up the tongs. “Now I need to retrieve my spoon – I would hate for anyone to get splinters along with their spaghetti.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Cam knocked on Emma’s already open office door. “Hello?”

 

She looked up from her computer and smiled at her fiancée. “Hey – I thought I was meeting you at home before we headed over to my parents?”

 

“We are but I am here helping with an investigation so I thought I would say hi.” He walked over to her desk as Emma stood up and met him halfway. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “Hi.”

 

Emma giggled and smiled at him. “So what is the case?”

 

Cam hesitated before answering. Emma had complained about Dr. King’s flirting with her mom many times. “Dr. King was murdered the other day.”

 

“What? Dr. King?” Emma sat down on the couch and took a moment to absorb what Cam had told her. “He’s dead.” Cam sat down next to her and Emma shook her head. “This is going to sound horrible but I’m almost relieved – something was off about him. I mean I know he flirted with almost anything but it was different with my mom, almost like he was really after her.”

 

Cam sighed and looked at his intuitive fiancée. Sometimes he forgot that she came from a long line of police officers and spies and those natural instincts presented themselves in many ways. “That’s because he was. We think he may have been stalking your mom.”

 

“What!” Emma stood up and began pacing the room. “Dear God, it’s Nikolas all over again.”

 

“No, King is dead and he never kidnapped your mom or you to get what he wanted.” Cam didn’t think it was anywhere near the same situation.

 

“Oh my God, he drugged her.” It was like a light bulb had gone off over her head. “He dosed her with insulin and would have kidnapped her if Uncle Jason hadn’t stepped in to stop him.”

 

Cam put his arms around her and held her tight. He couldn't deny what Emma was saying, they both knew it was the truth. “But Jason did stop him.” Cam sat Emma back down on the couch and looked her straight in the eyes. “Your mom is safe. She is home right now making a huge dinner for the entire family with your dad by her side. That is what matters now.”

 

“I know – I just hate that this happened to them again.”

 

“Your mom is one of the strongest women I have ever known. This incident with Richard is hardly the worst thing that has happened to her. She knows what happened and, according to Dante, took it as well as could be expected.” Cam’s phone went off and he read the text. “Damn it – I’ve got to go.”

 

Cam gave her one last kiss and stood up, helping Emma off the couch. “How about you pick up Aiden and I will meet you at your parents? This may take a little while and I know you want to see your parents as soon as possible.”

 

Emma nodded her head in agreement. “Sounds like a plan – I’ll see you at my parents in a little bit.” She went back to her desk as Cam headed to the door. “Cam, I love you.”

 

“I love you too Em.”

[ulkis]

Ahh! Yes!

Submitted for your approval :

Robert Palmer Watkins as Bryan Craig

Linda Dano as Thighbolt

Brytni Sarpy as Flight Attendant

Roger Howarth as Maurice Bernard

Billy Miller as Cab Driver Who Eats Dog

Freddie Smith as Freddie Smith

 

I think I'd rather have the guy who plays Carlos play Maurice but RoHo can stick around for some other bit part ;)

 

anyway, more parody:

 

Bryan's First Day. Just make up some vaguely rap-py music in your head

 

BRYAN First day on the job

But I'm so nervous I could sob

Even though I'm twenty-one, new

Still got the support of my crew

Gonna think of that

So I get this scene down pat

 

(spoken) oh, my stomach

 

thank god for ibuprofen

it's like a magic potion

 

(spoken) well I guess I can take two

 

DIRECTOR time for the scene to start

 

BRYAN Still not feeling great

Still the producer would hate

me being late

on this, my first date

So I'd better take another advil

so I don't feel green to my gills

Now I sweat from every pore

Better take 8 more

 

MAURA WEST Hey kid you're not bad

At first I wasn't glad

I was stuck with a new guy

But you're good on your first try

 

BRYAN Shit, I think I'm gonna die!

 

MAURA: Don't be nervous, you'll be fine

 

BRYAN No, I mean I'm in physical decline

It's not just my nerve

I am losing all verve

Just when I'm on the verge of all the glory I deserve!

 

(He collapses)

 

FRANK VALENTINI (spoken) What's wrong?

 

BRYAN I think I am expiring

Just as I was desiring

To become one of GH's greatest stars

I would have bought 18 cars!

 

I just don't know

How advil failed me so

they've always worked before

but now I feel evermore sore!

 

VALENTINI PICKS UP THE EMPTY PILL BOTTLE

 

FRANK VALENTINI Bryan, how many of these did you take

 

BRYAN Probably 10, maybe more

 

VALENTINI For Christ's sake

 

(spoken) Don't you know you shouldn't take more than 6 in one day, let alone one hour?

 

BRYAN Well I'm pretty tall

So I thought it would be okay

If I took 'em all

but now I'm in a bad way

 

(spoken) Please don't fire a poor boy!

 

VALENTINI (to the audience) I suppose once I was young and stupid like him

Or at least just young, I wasn't quite that dim

Everyone makes mistakes

New people get the shakes

 

(back to Bryan)

 

Don't worry, you're staying

just listen to what I'm saying

next time you feel ill

Please, just take a Flinstones kid pill

But remember how to step

We gotta maintain our rep

 

MAURA Is anyone going to call an ambulance?!

 

VALENTINI I suppose we can squeeze it in the budget

 

BRYAN I'm so glad you don't begrudge it!

 

------

 

SKIN CREAM TEAM

 

BRYAN Well we're doing okay

But some more cash

to store away for a rainy day would not be rash

 

FRIEND 1: Then we got the perfect thing for you!

Everything it says on the packaging is true!

 

(spoken) We sell skin cream on the side!

 

BRYAN: Skin cream?

 

KELLY: But the amazon reviews -

say - "it burned me, and it'll burn you too!"

 

FRIEND 2: Yeah just a smidge - it burns, it hurts

but that's how you know it works!

When you go to the gym, every muscle aches!

but if you wanna look good, that's what it takes!

 

BRYAN But going to the gym

ain't poisonous to your skin

well unless the guy before you

had sweaty boob rash

 

FRIEND 1: Neither is this!

It just hurts a bit

 

As they say, no pain, no gain

 

FRIEND 2: You're doing your fans some good

to help them look as hot as they could

 

FRIEND 1: So they might burn!

 

FRIEND 2: Bleed!

 

FRIEND 1: Start to turn green!

 

FRIEND 2: top layer might start to slough off!

 

FRIEND 1: some heart! palpitations!

 

FRIEND 2: may develop a teeny small cough!

 

BOTH FRIENDS: but if they have a little patience!

 

FRIEND 1: they will lose all of their zits!

 

FRIEND 2: blemishes and moles!

 

FRIEND 1: though they may get the shits!

 

ALL FOUR: they'll no longer look like trolls!

 

BRYAN Well, when you put it that way . . .

 

FRIEND 1: And we all get some extra pay!

 

FRIEND 2: for everyone, it's win-win

there's no extra sin

 

ALL: Okay!

 

(by the way, it looks like Bryan and Kelly have gotten rid of anything to do with good old nerium . . . I tried to look up the names of the friends they went into business with and the picture they took with them are gone, as is Bryan's "yeah this is the guy who shills skin cream" picture")

 

--------

 

BRYAN is alone on the stage. it is dark except for him in the spotlight

 

BRYAN month three on the job

one day it was quite a slog

had a scene with the 'rents

it was really too intense

Morgan was about to confess

about how he felt less

compared to his brother

that he was loved less by his father and his mother

I thought it was my time to shine

but I couldn't remember my line

I had always done fine

but that day I thought I'd have to resign

I said "shit, it's too much emotion"

 

(lights come on to reveal BRYAN rehearsing with MAURICE)

 

MAURICE It's just a show, son

 

BRYAN than why do I feel

like it's a big deal

the scene is too deep

it's too big of a leap

You're such a great soul

I'm thankful for this role

I wanna measure up to you

But I don't have a clue

 

MAURICE You're doing exactly that

And I'm not saying that just to chat

I always take a little pause

if the scene gives me cause

 

BRYAN I think my pause is too long

this funk I'm in is too strong

 

MAURICE Just keep repeating a word till it starts to feel absurd

 

BRYAN "You love love love, Mikey Mikey Mikey, more, more, more"

 

VALENTINI Bryan! What the hell are you going for!

 

BRYAN And that's when I was gonna say "sorry for doing so poor"

When my mentor Mo stepped in

and decided to rip in

 

(MAURICE rips up his script and flings the pieces into the air)

 

MAURICE don't you see how he feels so deep?

but he hasn't said a peep!

can't you see how hard he's trying

not to look like he's dying

he wants to give it his best

he views it as a test

if you just tell him to be calm

he'll view it as a balm

then he'll be able to act

cause he's the best, it's a fact

 

VALENTINI I feel lower than dirt

I feel so bad, today I'll let

Paevey keep on his shirt

 

(spoken) from now on, Bry and Mo get full compliance on the set!

 

(lights go down and BRYAN is alone again)

 

BRYAN and we completed the job

the scene became my first nom

 

MAURICE (approaches) um, hey what's up Bryan?

I'm not sure that's quite what did happen

 

BRYAN what do you mean

oh man we were a dream team

 

MAURICE the way I remember that day

I think this is what Frank had to say . . .

 

VALENTINI Bryan what the hell are you going for?

did you again take 20 advil galore?

 

MAURICE ah, cut him a break, please for my sake

 

BRYAN Mo did you just rip up your script?!

 

MAURICE no that was the sound of a set shift . . .

 

BRYAN (ignoring him) Aw, just for me??

 

VALENTINI Now do you see?

 

MAURICE Hey Paevey's still here

And Bryan's more than his peer

 

VALENTINI I s'pose you've got a point

I got too out of joint

 

(VALENTINI goes away, it is back to the present with just MAURICE and BRYAN)

 

BRYAN yeah that's what I said, man, for me, you bled

 

MAURICE Well, if you insist, I guess I'll take the cred . . .

 

BRYAN cause he's our Mentor Mo

He'll will take on any foe

to our great 50 year show

And he'll get all the glory

 

GENIE FRANCIS even though I'm part of its greatest love story

 

RACHEL AMES even though I was first on the set

 

JANE ELLIOT even though in terms of acting, I'm the best

 

BRYAN cause he's my mentor Mo

 

REST OF CAST appears

 

CAST our mentor Mooooo

 

BRYAN nothing he wouldn't do for GH

ain't that right, Rach?

 

RACHEL AMES Who are you?

 

BRYAN He is our acting teacher

and though we are unworthy creatures

he takes the time

to coach us through our lines

he gives us these beautiful presents

 

GENIE FRANCIS even though I was on Bare Essence

And even though I have way more experience

 

BRYAN don't listen to her, she's delirious

 

there's no one greater than him

he pushes us to the brim

takes us to new heights

shows us new sights

makes our talents rise

even though we can't match his size

except maybe me -

I'm the only one with hope to be -

he totally said so -

 

(REST OF CAST grumbles as Bryan finishes the song)

 

as great as our mentor Mooooo!

Edited January 11, 2016 by ulkis

[ulkis]

more parody:

 

BRYAN Now me and my babe Kel
Get along swell
Our love is full of power
a sweet blooming flower
"they're perfect", you're thinkin'
And let this sink in:
you're right
it was pretty much love at first sight
we connected unexpected
but at first we had a hurdle or two
let me tell it to you . . . .

 

(CHAD AND BRYAN are hanging out together when KELLY enters the room)

 

BRYAN: Whoa, who's that?

 

CHAD That's Kelly . . . Teebo, Teebad? Her last name's spelled kinda funny. It's French, I think.

 

BRYAN (to the audience) that's when I knew this lass
was full of class
I knew I couldn't approach her as just another piece of ass

 

(back to Chad)

 

do you know if she's seeing anyone?

 

CHAD I'm not sure, but I don't think so

 

BRYAN Not that if it matters if she was
I'm the new kid with the buzz
I know I got it with in me
to destroy a rival enemy

 

CHAD But I think she's a bit old -

 

BRYAN (not listening) I'm gonna go say hi to her

 

CHAD -er than you . . .

 

BRYAN Hey, I don't know if we've been formally introduced. I'm Bryan.

 

KELLY. Kelly. T. Since there are two other Kellys here

 

BRYAN (flirty) Not to me

 

KELLY Oh, once you see Kelly Monaco, there'll be two Kellys to you. She's gorgeous.

 

BRYAN I've seen her. Yeah, I guess she's hot, for someone her age.

 

KELLY (a beat) How old are you, Bryan?

 

BRYAN 21. But I'll be 22 in October.

 

KELLY Ah. You seemed older.

 

BRYAN Nope, I'm around your age.

 

KELLY is silent

 

BRYAN We are the same age, right?

 

KELLY Little older.

 

BRYAN ah, 25. (jokes) Maybe you can rent a car for me. Not that I don't have one. I spent my whole first paycheck on a brand new one! It's amazing! Do you think you'd like . . . a ride in it? heh heh.

 

KELLY I'm older than 25.

 

BRYAN (jokes) Well, don't hold me in suspense. (pause) and don't make me count. I'm not big on counting.

 

KELLY I'll be 31 in August.

 

BRYAN (turns to the audience)

 

Audience, I'm not gonna lie
as I looked into her old lady eye
Even though I stayed calm
I did have a qualm

 

Now sure I'm older than my years
but I did have some fears
that she would start to grow mold
she was so, so old

 

but that's where my brain
was confused and in pain
how could some old bat
Be as hot as all that

 

Could it be
someone pretty as she
hit the big three oh
even as she stood a-glow

 

she was so very hot
I wanted her a lot
I wanted her to be my home
but could she even use an i-phone?

 

BRYAN (back to Kelly) Oh. Cool. Hey, what kind of phone do you have?

 

KELLY (shows him her smart phone)

 

BRYAN (back to audience) thank god it was normal
Cause I was growing hormonal
What else should I heed
before I tell her what I need

 

BRYAN So, what kind of tv do you watch? I guess you like, CBS? Nature Documentaries? PBS?

 

KELLY: um . . . not really. I watch a lot of Netflix though.

 

BRYAN (to the audience) My grandma doesn't even know what netflix is!
So far she's passing this quiz
And then I saw the light
while she's old it's fine, alright
while she was a vast age
it was not at grandma's stage
as long as she looked the way she did
and any ugly shit was hid
she was smart sweet and kind
and most important, hot on the outside

 

BRYAN sounds like we have a lot in common! You wanna go out Friday night?

 

KELLY sure.

 

BRYAN and KELLY turn to the audience

 

BRYAN and from our unlikely beginning

 

KELLY now we are always singing

 

BRYAN could something as perfect as this happen to you?
and the answer is no
but hey, give it a go

 

KELLY cause while you won't get this high

 

BRYAN you might as well give it a try

Anything close to this
is enough of bliss

 

I hope you enjoyed this revue
Into our love so true

Edited January 11, 2016 by ulkis

[Chairperson Meow]

This is by far the best love story ever. I never Bryan Craig would make me want to throw roses.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 16

 

Patrick watched Robin as she moved about the kitchen, trying to make sure everything was perfect for their dinner. In just an hour the house would be filled with their family, a family that he never could have even imagined having before meeting Robin. It still amazed him how much he fought against being a husband and father in the beginning, determined to prove that he didn't need anyone as much as he needed his career.

 

It had almost worked, or it would have if not for the five-foot ball of fire running around their kitchen who had dragged him into the life he never knew he wanted. If you had told him when he was graduating medical school that the most important things in his life would be his wife and children, he would have told you there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell of that happening. But that was before Robin.

 

Patrick stood up, an idea forming in his head. He took his IPod out and, after finding the song he wanted, set it on the docking station in the kitchen. He then grabbed Robin as she ran past him to get something out of the refrigerator. “It can wait 5 minutes while you dance with your husband.”

 

“Patrick, everyone will be here soon.” Robin didn’t even try to move out of his arms, proof to him that she wanted to dance with him too.

 

“Five minutes sunshine, I promise.”

 

Robin didn’t say anything else. Instead, she put her arms around her husband as he pushed play.

 

He gave her the trademark Drake smirk as the music started. “An oldie but a goodie.” Pulling her close, he began swaying with her as the music played.

 

Don't ask me
What you know is true
Don't have to tell you
I love your precious heart

 

I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apart

 

Patrick’s hand reached for Robin’s face as he leaned down and gave her a soft, tender kiss.

 

We could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I'd make wine from your tears

 

I told you
That we could fly
'Cause we all have wings
But some of us don't know why

 

I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never, ever tear us apart

 

Patrick and Robin were so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice when Emma and Aiden walked into the kitchen.

 

I (don't ask me)
I was standing (You know it's true)
You were there (Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (We're shining through)
And they could never tear us apart

 

(You don't ask me)
You, you were standing (You know it's true)
I was there (Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (We're shining through)
And they could never tear us apart

 

I, I was standing

 

Patrick leaned down to kiss Robin when they were interrupted but the sound of clapping. Turning their heads towards the sound they were surprised to see their oldest daughter standing there. “You’re early Emma.”

 

“I thought I would see if mom needed any help.” Emma walked over and gave her dad a kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t realize I would catch you in the middle of anything.”

 

Robin gave Patrick a playful swat and hugged her daughter. “And you didn’t. Why don’t you and Aiden get the table set while Emma helps me with the salad?”

 

“Of course dear.” He gave Robin and Emma each a quick kiss before dragging Aiden out of the room. “You heard the lady – march.”

 

Patrick left the room and Emma sat down at the table with her mom. “Mom, I’m a grown woman now – you don’t have to hide things from me.”

 

Robin handed Emma a head of lettuce, some tomatoes and olives. She added a cutting board, a bowl and a knife to the veggies and pointed at her oldest daughter. “I know – that’s why you get to use a knife now.”

 

Emma began cutting up the veggies. “I know mom.”

 

“You know what sweetie.” Robin was getting the garlic bread started and was half paying attention to what Emma was saying.

 

“I know about Dr. King. Mom, I know what he did.”

Edited January 12, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 17

 

“Hey babe, are we using the good china or everyday dishes?” Patrick walked back into the kitchen and immediately noticed the tension between his wife and daughter. “What is going on?”

 

Robin took a deep breath and looked at Patrick. “Emma said that she knows about Dr. King, about what he did.”

 

Patrick walked over to Robin and put his arms around her. “What do you know Emma?”

 

“I know about the drugging. That he dosed mom with insulin.” Emma watched her parents carefully and noticed that they both relaxed at her words. The truth hit her like a ton of bricks –that wasn’t all King had done. Emma did a quick inventory of what she knew about Dr. King. Narcissist, flirt, general practitioner, her dad’s doctor. Emma looked at her dad and took a chance. “And about what he did to you.”

 

“Emma, please understand, we didn’t want to worry you.” Patrick walked over to the table and sat down.

 

Robin sat down next to him. “It is all going to be okay. Dr. King is dead and he can’t hurt us anymore.”

 

Emma thought about the past few weeks while her parents were reassuring her. She looked at her dad. “Why don’t you have any surgeries scheduled?”

 

Patrick looked at Robin and then back at their oldest daughter. “Emma, your mom is right - everything is going to be fine.”

 

Emma closed her eyes. “Dad, are you HIV positive?”

 

“No!” Robin practically shouted her answer only to be cut-off by her husband.

 

“We don’t know for sure.” Patrick reached over and took Emma’s hand.

 

Emma looked at her parents in confusion. “Which is it?”

 

“The test Dr. King did was positive but Dr. Hardy ran a second test a few days ago and it was negative.” Patrick squeezed Emma’s hand. “We are running a third test next week and Dr. Hardy is confident that it will be negative and I will be back in surgical rotation by the end of the week.”

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Emma was hurt and didn't even try to hide it.

 

“He didn’t tell me either, at least not until he came back from Georgia.” Robin glared at Patrick for a moment before turning her attention back to Emma. “He hadn’t had a second test run so I insisted on him doing another one.”

 

“Dad!” Emma was shocked that her dad, a doctor, hadn't done a second test.

 

“Okay, I understand I was stupid to run off and not at least ask for a second test but there is at least one good thing to come out of it – Matt’s back home.” Patrick smirked at both women, proud of his rationalization.

 

Robin rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Tom is certain the Richard changed the results of your dad’s initial HIV test.”

 

“Why?” Emma couldn’t understand why anyone would want to hurt her family that way.

 

“We don’t know. Apparently he was fixated on your mom – I think this may have been an attempt to get me out of the way, at least for a few weeks. Sadly, it worked but your Uncle Jason stopped him before he could do anything to her.”

 

Emma looked shocked. She had heard her stories about her Uncle Jason’s former life as a mobster but she could never have imagined that he would kill anyone. “Did he kill…”

 

“No, no, honey we meant that your Uncle Jason stopped him before he could take off with your mom the night he drugged her.” Patrick could see how Emma made that leap but wanted that notion out of her head immediately.

 

“Oh,” Emma relaxed, “thank God. Then what happened to him?”

 

“We’ll let Dante and your Uncle Nathan figure that out.” Patrick stood up and headed to the cabinet. “All we need to figure out tonight is which plates we are using and whether we are having red or white wine with supper. Ladies?”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I must say that your resume is very impressive. May I ask why you have chosen to return to General Hospital after all these years? And why you switched from pediatrics to medical research? You do realize that this isn’t a research position?” Dr. Hardy was interviewing a candidate for Dr. King’s recently vacated spot. The man was already scheduled to interview for a part-time position when the full-time one became available.

 

The gentleman sitting across from him answered without hesitation. “I left GH to deal with a personal issue in Houston. While I was there a friend of mine was hurt and lapsed into a coma. I worked on a protocol that brought her out of her coma. It really spurred my interest in medical research and I realized that I had so much more to offer than I had previously realized.”

 

Tom nodded. The man’s references were impeccable and they really needed a replacement for King as soon as possible. “And the fact that it’s not a research position?”

 

“Well, I happen to know that you have one of the top researchers in the country working here – Dr. Robin Scorpio. In fact, Robin and I were friends back in the day. I can’t wait to see her again, and her husband of course. Maybe I can even work on a couple of cases with her.” He smiled at Tom. “I promise you Dr. Hardy, you won’t regret hiring me.”

 

Tom thought about it. The man was exactly what they were looking for and, better yet, available to start immediately. “There is 60 day probation period.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Well, then I only have one more thing to say – welcome back to General Hospital Dr. Jackson.” Tom stood up and held out his hand to their newest staff member.

 

Terrell stood up and shook Tom’s hand. “It’s great to be back.”

Edited January 13, 2016 by cmahorror

[ulkis]

LAMENT OF A TWO TIME EMMY NOMINEE

 

BRYAN (on phone) I can't wait for Emmy night
My clip has all of the power, all of the might
to blow the rest away
hold all competition at bay

all the rest of these schmucks
suck and are outta luck
they can cry themselves to sleep
that emmy's mine to keep

everyone says so, starting from mo
down to that guy who writes our show
it's incredible everyone praised me
including the people who raised me

 

(lights up on the other side of the stage, revealing the person BRYAN has been talking to. it is CHAD, on his own phone

 

CHAD you mean, your parents?

 

BRYAN yeah, they know talent when they see it

 

CHAD are you . . . surprised they praised you?

 

BRYAN not surprised gratified
they have always obliged
right now mom's on twitter
fighting all of the bitter
foes who don't want me to win
she's telling them "think again"

 

anyway did you see all the clips
all of these pimps
have got no chance
they'll be caught with no pants
if they expect to hear their name
oh, such a shame

 

CHAD uh, Bryan?

 

BRYAN yeah buddy?

 

CHAD I'm one of the other nominees.

 

BRYAN Oh, I thought we established that I'm talking about all the other nominees except you

 

Not that you have a chance either
Although it would be sweeter
If we could both share
but there's no chance there
you've grown over the hill
the possibility nil
It's mine 100 percent
On that I bet every cent

 

CHAD Okay . . . .

 

BRYAN then came emmy night

 

ANNOUNCER and the winner for outstanding younger actor in a daytime drama series goes to . . . Chandler Massey, Days of our Lives

 

BRYAN I'm sorry, is that even a real soap opera
someone call a cop or a
guard cause that guy is a joke
I think someone misspoke
check the envelope again
or someone misused their pen

 

And what the hell it said his clip was three minutes!
is that all it takes to win it?
well fine next year mine will be less
all it will take is 30 seconds to impress

 

Well then it was 2015
and when I picked my scene
I made it 10 seconds
the camera lens
showing my good expression
I had learned my lesson
short and sweet
would get me the treat

 

ANNOUNCER And the winner for outstanding younger actor in a daytime drama goes to Freddie Smith, Days of our Lives

 

BRYAN Again with this bullshit fake show
Maybe a mistake was made, I think so
They said in the role of Sonny
I could bet money
they meant in the role of Sonny's son
And that I really won

 

I checked the winner
It really was that sinner
I should dump skin cream on his head
and into his bed

 

As we drove past BK
at the end of the day
to ask to order an award
my humor was a little restored

 

thanks to my babe
giving me what I crave

 

KELLY I made you an emmy, Bry
made of chocolate from deep fry
next time it'll be yours
even if we have to rob 54 stores
assemble the team
to sell vats of skin cream
for bribes to get all of the votes
and then you can gloat
and we can beg frank
and anyone of high rank
to write every scene around you
and make sure to stick to Maurice like glue
after many  a"I hate Mikey" whine
for you that emmy will shine
forget Jason Thompson and Dom
yours is the only important nom!

Edited January 14, 2016 by ulkis

[cmahorror]

Chapter 18

 

“To Matt – welcome home!” Robin raised her wine glass and smiled at her brother-in-law.

 

“To Matt!” Everyone cheered and took a drink in honor of the man sitting next to Robin at the dinner table.

 

Matt turned red but smiled. “Thank you – now let’s eat.”

 

Food began being passed around the table and Robin couldn’t help but watch her family enjoying their dinner. Maxie, Nathan and Matt were chatting away, catching up on the families and pointing Matt to the best places for Rylee to hang out after she and Tara moved to town. Maxie and Tara had met not long after Matt and Tara got married and had instantly bonded while Matt and Nathan were slowly becoming friends.

 

Jason, John and Patrick were discussing Mal’s successes at the race track. Three races in and Mal had not placed lower than 15th place. “I tell you Jason, this is great for us. Plenty of publicity and we have a whole new customer base to work with.”

 

Jason smiled. Three years ago he, John and Michael had worked together to combine ELQ and Cassadine Industries into one large holding company. Technically, John was CEO of CI, Michael was CEO of ELQ and Jason was COO of both companies. Both companies had seen exponential gains since the merger and the two family-owned companies were stronger than they have ever been. “It helps that we have a great driver.”

 

Patrick’s chest stuck out proudly. “Mal is definitely a chip off the old block.”

 

“Old being the operative word.” Patrick gave RJ a dirty look.

 

“Watch it young man, this old man still has the keys to the car.” Patrick laughed and went back to his conversation with the two men while RJ turned to his Uncle Mac.

 

“He’d think something was wrong if I didn’t give him a hard time.” RJ took a big bite of spaghetti and smiled at Mac and Felicia. “Are you guys going to be able to make the tournament this weekend?”

 

“Wouldn’t miss it – last games before Regionals, right?” Mac wasn’t much of a baseball fan until RJ started playing, he preferred rugby, but it was still better than the hours of dance recitals he had sat through with all of his girls.

 

“Of course we will be there sweetie.” Felicia gave RJ a big grin. “Now eat up – you need to be at full strength if you are going to throw a no-hitter.”

 

“Oh RJ, I was supposed to tell you that Grandpa Robert and Grandma Anna are planning to be here for Regionals.” Robin smiled as all the kids stopped their conversations at her words. Her parents had remarried following their retirements from the life of espionage and were now enjoying their golden years in Italy. “Their plan is to stay here at least through Emma’s wedding.”

 

All four kids cheered at the news, even John. Robert had been so impressed with John’s actions with regards to Nikolas that he had made the boy an honorary Scorpio, despite his Cassadine bloodline. Jack looked at Stephanie. “I take it this is good news?”

 

Steph and Emma both laughed before Steph answered him. “Yes, our grandparents are the best. They were both spies and spent years teaching us karate and judo and how to shoot a gun…”

 

Jack swallowed hard. “You, uh, you know how to shoot a gun?”

 

“She’s a better shot than most cops on the force.” Aiden smirked at Jack and then smiled at Steph.

 

She shook her head and kept her attention focused on Jack. “Anyway, they have tons of cool stories about their escapades throughout the years, including quite a few with Cam and Aiden’s grandpa.”

 

Cam laughed, thinking about the stories he had been told. “Stories that we should save for another time. Emma, I believe Jack was picking your brain about classes.”

 

Emma smiled at her fiancée. “That’s right. So here is what I suggest…”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was getting ready to pick up her plate when Jack suddenly took it from her. “I’ll get that for you Dr. Scorpio-Drake. You made a great dinner; you shouldn’t have to clean up too.”

 

Robin started to protest but noticed that Steph, Emma, Cam and even Aiden were already cleaning up the table. “If you insist – thank you.”

 

“Thank you, it has been a long time since I have had a home cooked meal.” Aiden took hers and Matt’s plates into the kitchen and came back out to collect more.

Robin decided to find out a little more about the polite young man. “Are you going home for the summer?”

 

“Well, Port Charles is my home now so I plan on staying here and taking more classes. Can’t let Steph be the only one to graduate by 20.” He winked at Stephanie.

 

Aiden rolled his eyes. “She won’t be – her sister did it too.”

 

“I’m not surprised – you have a wonderful family Dr. Scorpio-Drake.” Jack picked up a few more plates and headed towards the kitchen but Robin stopped him.

 

“Thank you and please, call me Robin. I would like it if you sat down for a minute and talked to me – you are our guest after all.” Robin gestured to the seat her husband had vacated a few minutes ago. Patrick and Jason were out in the driveway going over Patrick’s new baby in detail.

 

He sat down. “Only for a minute and then I need to help with the dishes.”

 

“Were you raised around here?”

 

“Not really, I was moved around a lot as a kid by the state.” He saw a look of sadness cross Robin’s face as understanding washed over her. “My parents died when I was a baby and I didn’t have any family to take me in. I became legally emancipated at 17 and moved to Port Charles after I got a scholarship to PCU.”

 

Robin reached over and took Jack’s hand in hers. “I am so sorry.”

 

“It’s okay. I have built myself a good life here. I’m top of my class and I have good friends. All in all, I consider myself a very lucky man.”

 

“Well, feel free to come over with Stephanie for a home cooked meal whenever you want.” Robin felt for the young man. He had been dealt a cruel blow and she wanted him to feel like he belonged somewhere.

 

Jack stood up and nodded. “I appreciate that Dr., Robin. Thank you. Now I need to go and help in the kitchen – those dishes aren’t going to wash themselves.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 19

 

Robin hugged Stephanie as she and Jack prepared to leave. “I love you. Be good and I will see you at the tournament this weekend, right?”

 

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

 

“Jack, you’re more than welcome to join us.” Robin smiled at the young man and stuck out her hand for him to shake.

 

Jack smiled back at her and then took Robin’s hand in his, giving her hand a gentle shake. “Thank you but I am volunteering all weekend at the Stones Cates AIDS wing.”

 

Aiden stood behind the group and rolled his eyes for the twentieth time in two hours. Of course he was volunteering there. Robin, meanwhile, got tears in her eyes. “Really? That is wonderful.”

 

Jack was surprised by Robin’s response. He knew Stephanie’s mom was HIV positive but her reaction seemed almost personal. “I didn’t mean to upset you…”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around his wife and reassured the young man. “You didn’t. Stone Cates was Robin’s first boyfriend and she has been involved with the clinic in one way or another for many years.”

 

“I see.” He looked at Steph who nodded her head in agreement with her father. Her mom had always been honest about how she contracted HIV. “Well, I think it’s a very important cause.”

 

“I agree. Well if you get a break, come by.” Patrick reached out his hand to the young man. “It was nice finally meeting you Jack.”

 

“It was nice meeting both of you too. Shall we?” Stephanie led Jack out the door with Aiden nipping at their heels.

 

While Emma and Cam said their goodbyes, Aiden watched as Jack helped Steph into his car and then drove off. “He’d better be taking her straight home.”

 

“No strings – right Aiden.” Cam patted his brother on the shoulder. “Don’t hate her for playing by your rules.”

 

Aiden continued staring at the fading taillights. “I don’t – him on the other hand…”

 

Emma walked up to Cam’s side and took his hand. “You ready to go home?”

 

Cam shook his head at his brother and then squeezed Emma’s hand. “Let’s go.”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin stood by the couch and smiled down at her husband. He handed her a glass of wine and gently pulled her onto the couch with him. “You were wonderful tonight.”

 

“So were you Dr. Drake.” Robin snuggled in close to Patrick and relaxed. “Dinner went great – no fights…”

 

“Just a lot of nasty looks from Aiden at Jack.” Patrick shook his head. “You know – I like Jack.”

 

“Me too. He seems like a really nice kid.” Robin took a sip of her wine and then set the glass down next to Patrick’s on the coffee table.

 

“Looks like Aiden may be out the door.” Patrick smiled; he had never thought Aiden was good enough for his daughter.

 

“I wouldn’t count on it – she is too much like me and Aiden is too much like you.” Robin laughed at her husband’s expression – it was like she had stuck a lemon in his mouth the way his face scrunched up.

 

“He is nothing like me.”

 

“Handsome, likes to live life on the edge, brilliant in his chosen field – his paintings are amazing, and scared to death of commitment. Face it babe, she’s dating a younger more artistic version of you.”

 

Patrick thought about it and shook his head. “Damn it - why can’t she fall for someone like the grown up version of me?”

 

“Maybe she will be the one to change him, to convince him that commitment really isn’t a bad thing – just not too soon. She is only 18, I want her to finish college and pass the bar before she even thinks about settling down.” Robin wrapped her arms tight around her husband’s waist.

 

“Me too.” Patrick kissed the top of Robin’s head. “So are you absolutely sure that Steph isn’t interested in Jack?”

 

Robin giggled. “Sorry but no. I think they’re going to be more like me and Nik…” Robin stopped herself from finishing his name.

 

Patrick wrapped his arms tighter around his wife. “It’s ok – Nikolas was a good friend to you for years before Helena’s machinations convinced him that there was something more between the two of you.”

 

Tears filled Robin’s eyes as she remembered her old friend. “I miss him sometimes, the old Nikolas. The one who I used to talk to for hours about everything, the one who convinced me to fight for you, the one who carried me out of the Metro Court when I was shot. It’s still hard to believe that that man, my friend, is gone forever.”

 

“I know and I understand that, even with all the hell he put us through, you still have some good feelings towards the man. Besides, we may not have Mal and we certainly wouldn’t have Stephanie if not for him and I wouldn’t trade either one of them for anything.” Patrick gently stroked Robin’s back. “It’s okay to think about him the way he was – you are not betraying me.”

 

“I know and I thank you for that.” Robin leaned up and kissed her husband. “I don’t want to talk about him right now. If I’m not mistaken – I promised you a consult earlier.”

 

The words had barely left her mouth before Patrick stood up, carrying her with him. He practically ran towards the stairs. “About time you remembered that.” He started up the stairs but stopped halfway up to give Robin a passionate kiss. “Yeah, I think this consult is going to be a very long one.”

 

Robin returned the kiss eagerly. “It better be – you’ve got a lot of to make up for babe.”

 

"Then what are we waiting for?" Patrick ran the rest of the way up the stairs and took Robin to their room.

 

Setting her on the bed, Patrick took a moment to just take in the woman he had in his arms. Beautiful, courageous, caring, brilliant - she was more than he had ever deserved or wanted.

 

Robin stared back at him, trying to figure out what he was thinking. "Patrick..."

 

"I love you Robin."

 

"I love you too." She wasn't sure what he getting ready to say but she was getting scared. "Patrick, is something wrong?"

 

Patrick smiled down at her. "No, in fact everything is right. Our children are happy and healthy, Matt is back home, we are the top doctors in our fields and Dr. King is out of our lives." He ran his hands through her hair. "And now I have the most beautiful woman in the world lying in our bed and she wants to be with me. I would say that life is just about perfect."

 

Tears of happiness trickled down Robin's face. "I have the most handsome man in world with me, feeling the same way. You're right - life is just about perfect."

 

Patrick decided the time for words was over. Leaning down, he brought his lips to Robin's and wrapped his arms around her tight. The passionate embrace was just the start of their evening together and they both knew it.

 

It was going to be a long night.

Edited January 15, 2016 by cmahorror

[ulkis]

silliness:

 

"If Johnny went to you for help and you shot him down," said Dante, "Lulu's got to be his next logical step, right?"

 

"Dante, Dante," said Nathan, "Lulu was just here. You think she would have mentioned something if she'd seen or heard from him?"

 

"I don't know anymore what that dirty whore would or would not tell me," sighed Dante.

 

"Well, what did she tell you when she was here?" asked Maxie.

 

"Oh, a bald-faced lie," said Dante, leaning casually against the interrogation desk, his hands in his pants pockets. "That Rocco was too sick for me to pick him up. I think she just wanted to have a little date time with, uh, him and her new boyfriend, Dillon."

 

"You got to stop that, Dante," said Maxie, irritated. "Lulu is not seeing Dillon."

 

"Besides, even if she were," added Nathan, "don't you think it's a bit hypocritical of you, give that you were seeing Valerie?"

 

"No," Dante scoffed. "I am a man." He traced the shape of a rectangle in the air with one finger. "She's a woman." He traced a triangle several times over. He sighed. "I may not be much of a man now," he said, glancing down at his pants, "But I'm still a man."

 

He looked over at Nathan at chuckled. "I'm still more a man than you though." He smiled derisively. "Ah, you poor bastard."

 

He looked over at Maxie. "No wonder your girlfriend felt the need to go work for a cross dresser. She's probably getting her kicks on the side there. I would draw a shape for it in the air, but I haven't figured out the shape yet for a cross dresser."

 

"Dante, who the hell are you talking about?" asked Maxie. "Actually, what the hell are you talking about, in general?"

 

"You know, that giant red-headed dude you work for," said Dante. "Who dates Franco."

 

"You mean my sister, Nina?" asked Nathan, irritated.

 

"Yeah, your sister-cousin-daughter-wife-mother-whore," said Dante. "Whatever."

 

"Dante, are you alright?" said Maxie. "Do you have a fever?" She leaned over to touch his forehead. Something sizzled. "Get away from me bitch!" said Dante, pushing her away.

 

"Your necklace burnt him!" said Nathan, pointing to said necklace, which had a cross on the end of it.

 

"Oh God, Dante's a vampire!" said Maxie.

 

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life!" said Dante. "Even stupider than that time you thought you could pass your ugly baby as mine and my whore wife's." He glanced at his reflection in the interrogation room window. "Or you know what?" he sighed. "With this face it might not have been so far-fetched."

 

"No no," said Nathan. "That's not what's going on here, but something else is. I have some contacts who just happen to be in the area who might be able to help. Come on, Maxie," he said. They left, and Nathan locked the interrogation room as Dante howled through the door, "hey, what are you doing man?? Dicks before chicks!! Not that you have a dick, really, but still!!"

 

*

 

Two tall men walked in some time later. "Hello, Nathan, why didn't you ever, well, contact these contacts before?" whispered Maxie. "Because of the way you sound right now, that's why," replied Nathan.

 

"Not a good enough reason," pouted Maxie.

 

The commissioner walked in. "Nathan, who are these, two, um, gentlemen?" she asked, a bit flustered.

 

The (relatively) shorter one reached out and shook her hand. "Dean Winchester," he said. "This is my brother Sam."

 

"Hey," said the commissioner and Maxie at the same time.

 

"And this is commissioner Jordan Ashford and my girlfriend Maxie Jones," said Nathan, amused.

 

"Nice," said Dean, in a way that should have sounded sleazy but didn't. "I woulda stopped by a lot sooner, West, if I'da known Port Charles was worth stopping by despite all the bullets." He looked at the commissioner. "We're private investigators, here to help out Detective West with the case."

 

Jordan made a 'go ahead' gesture and said, "by all means. Feel free to stick around for lunch, gentlemen." She smiled brightly and left.

 

"So, what have you got for us West?" said Dean. "Headless Horseman?"

 

"We're a little far up north for that Dean," whispered the other brother.

 

Nathan gestured towards the interrogation room window. "In there."

 

"Ah!" said Dean, glancing in the window. "Stay away Sammy, it's a little person."

 

"Sam's terrified of little people. And clowns," he explained to Nathan and Maxie.

 

"He must be scared of everyone," muttered Maxie, glancing at the well over 6 foot Sam.

 

"Almost," said Dean.

 

"Shut up, Dean," replied Sam. "For real, West, what is it? Are you sure it's not a vampire? We heard there were some here a couple of years back." He glanced in the window. "And that guy seems pretty familiar."

 

Nathan ushered them in. "No, it's not a vampire," he said, locking the door. "I'm pretty sure it's possession."

 

"Who has a possession?" asked Dante. "Who the hell are these indescribably good looking men who I'm not attracted at all to, West? Are you planning on replacing me?"

 

"In a sense, I am," said Nathan. "Do your thing, guys."

 

Sam started chanting while Dean held down Dante. At the end of his chant, Sam splashed some water on him. "Oh God, they're trying to make me shower!" said Dante. "Do you know how long it took to get this hair to have the right amount of grease! It's so thick and fluffy!" Those were his last words before black smoke came out of his mouth and he slumped down.

 

Maxie gave a scream, luckily muffled because she had turned her face into Nathan's chest.

 

"Lookie here," said Dean. "Not a demon, but a ghost."

 

A lanky, decently tall ghost lingered the interrogation room. "Look, I didn't mean to hurt the little guy," said McBain, for that was he - former Llanview and Port Charles detective John McBain, who later disguised himself as "doctor" Silas Clay. "But he was standing next to some vulnerable spot under a full moon blah blah and I was able to possess him and just took the chance." He sighed. "But I guess it wasn't as great as I thought. I can barely get my ramen noodles off the shelf at the supermarket, and his mom, and his two girlfriends are always around and the boss too and blah blah. You might have done me a favor boys."

 

"Sure thing, McBain," said Dean. "You know, since you seem to be a docile ghost, who used to be a detective, we might have some use for you."

 

"A commitment?" said McBain. "I dunno . . . "

 

"Well, think about it," said Dean.

 

McBain floated out of the room as Dante groaned. "What happened?" He closed his eyes. "Actually, I do remember. And no one is going to believe me." He opened his eyes and looked up. "Are there two really, really tall guys in front of me?"

 

"Just one," said Sam. "The other is a bowlegged guy."

 

"Shut up, Sammy," said Dean.

 

"Don't worry, detective . . . " Dean trailed off.

 

"Falconeri," Dante said.

 

"Detective Falconeri, we all believe you," said Dean. "But probably best not to let it leave this room."

 

"Not even my wife?" asked Dante.

 

"Dante, how do you think, 'hey baby, I was possessed by the ghost of detective McBain and it made me have an affair with your cousin?' would go over with Lulu?" asked Maxie.

 

"I did sleep with Valerie," said Dante sadly. "But when we were on the docks at Halloween . . . that's when I got all funky."

 

"Well, that sounds even worse," said Maxie. "'The first part of the sex was me but the rest of the sex was ghost sex!'"

 

"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Dante.

 

"Look, it'll be alright," said Dean. "If you already managed to win her before by being a small town cop who's a bit on the shorter side, you can probably do it again."

 

Everyone glared at him, except Maxie, who nodded. "He has a point."

 

"Come on, let's go have that lunch, I'm starving," said Nathan. He opened the door and commissioner Ashford, and what appeared to be every other woman of the population of Port Charles, were waiting outside the door.

 

"We don't get a lot of hot, decent guys in Port Charles," explained Maxie helpfully. Dante and Nathan glared. "I said a lot, not 'completely devoid!'"

 

"Come on Sammy," said Dean. "Let's eat well. I have a feeling we're gonna have to tackle a few more possessions before we leave here."

 

*

 

For those of you who don't know, Sam and Dean are from a show called Supernatural where they hunt, well, the supernatural. Oh, and Sam says Dante looks familiar because DZ once played a vampire on that show

Edited January 15, 2016 by ulkis

[cmahorror]

Chapter 20

“Emma?” Patricia ‘Patty’ Smith looked around the locker room for her best friend before she started her shift.

An OB nurse, Patty had met Emma in Anatomy and Physiology class freshman year. The two girls instantly took to each other, especially after they discovered that Patty was named after Emma’s dad. Patrick had helped her father Joe get hired for a job with insurance and secured medical treatment for her mom, Angie, when she was pregnant with Patty. Sadly, her mother was taking counterfeit drugs during her pregnancy and died during childbirth. Patrick and Robin had worked with Dr. Kelly Lee and they saved Patty. A few years after Angie’s death her father remarried and moved the little girl out of town but Patty had earned a scholarship to PCU and, upon meeting Emma, the two families reconnected. Joe was looking forward to attending Emma’s wedding in a few months and seeing Patty stand up as a bridesmaid next to the young doctor.

“What do you need Patty? I’ve got five minutes to get dressed and get to my meeting with Dr. Statler.” Emma threw her scrub top on and headed to the door. “Walk and talk?”

Patty laughed, her blond ponytail jumping up and down as she nodded her head. “Works for me.”

The two women headed down the hall as Patty began talking. “So, I was wondering where you want your bachelorette party to be? We could do the Haunted Star – drinking and gambling, or the Floating Rib – drinking and pool and darts, or we could rent a room at the Metro Court and do drinking and strippers.”

“I’m noticing a theme here.” Emma couldn’t help but laugh as Patty was discussing her plans. Although Steph was her maid of honor, Patty had begged to plan the bachelorette party and both girls had given in. “How about the Haunted Star? My family and the Spencers go way back, they are practically family, so they will take good care of us. Plus I love playing poker.”

“That’s because you always win. It’s not fair that your superspy grandparents taught you how to bluff convincingly.” Patty pouted but she wasn’t serious.

“That argument might work if not for the fact that I learned everything about bluffing from my mom. Woman can’t lie to save her life but she can bluff like nobody’s business.”

They reached the elevator and Patty pushed the up button. “I need to get to the floor – c-section in 30 minutes. I’ll see you at lunch?”

“Sounds great – see you in the cafeteria at one. Text me if something changes.” Emma waved goodbye to her friend and headed to Dr. Statler’s office.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Patrick leaned in and softly nuzzled Robin’s neck as she stared at her computer. “Stop that.”

He leaned in again, letting the little bit of scruff on his cheek gently scratch her cheek. “Stop what?”

Robin shook her head and giggled. “Stop that - I need to get this proposal done so we can enjoy our RJs tournament this weekend, okay? Plus, you forgot to shave this morning.”

“I didn’t forget, I didn’t have time after we…” Patrick kissed her neck again and Robin finally turned around to face him.

“Hey – that was your idea!” Robin shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck. Patrick suddenly stood up, taking Robin with him, and sat them both down on the couch in her office.

“That’s better. Now you were saying about this morning?” Patrick leaned over and kissed her neck, slowly and deliberately.

Robin moaned. The man knew what he was doing, that was for damn sure. “I, oh, I thoroughly enjoyed this morning but we need to get,” Patrick continued to kiss Robin’s neck and she found it difficult to keep her line of thought going, “this proposal done.”

“I know.” Patrick placed his hands gently on Robin’s face. “But we have been at this for hours. We need to step away from the computer for a few minutes to clear our heads. I say we take a break.”

“Well, my parents will be here tonight and this weekend is going to be very hectic. I guess we had better take advantage of all the alone time we have when we can get it.” Robin smirked at him.

“That’s my girl.” Patrick started to lean Robin back on the couch when they heard a knock on the door. “Ignore it.”

Robin pushed him off of her. “We can’t – we’re at work.” Robin took a moment to fix her clothes and then opened the door. “Hi, Tom.”

Their chief of staff walked in the door. He saw Patrick sitting on the couch and noticed that the man didn’t look happy to see him. “Hi – am I interrupting something?”

Robin blushed briefly. “No, we were just getting ready to take a break. The proposal will be on your desk for review before we leave tonight.”

“That is great news. Anyway, I’m here because I want to talk to you about the doctor that will be taking over for Dr. King. He actually was on staff here years ago.”

“Great – then he’ll know the lay of the land.” Patrick stood up and walked over to Robin. “He should be able to jump right into the thick of things.”

“Exactly, anyway he specifically mentioned knowing you Robin.” Tom watched Robin carefully. He was worried that the man had lied about being friends with her. “His name is Dr. Terrell Jackson.”

Patrick instantly stiffened up at the name. “I’m sorry, did you say Terrell Jackson?” Terrell had attempted to come between him and Robin when they were separated because of the whole Lisa debacle. “I thought he was a pediatrician, not a GP?”

“Actually, he switched specialties and is now a researcher however he is more than qualified to take Dr. King’s place. Do you have a problem with Dr. Jackson?” Tom had noticed the change in the man’s demeanor.

“No he doesn’t.” Robin reached over and took Patrick’s hand in hers. “Patrick thought he was interested in me when he worked here before.”

Patrick protested. “He was Robin – he was constantly hitting on you.”

“Anyway, I am sure he has moved on from his, whatever it was, he had on me. He was a brilliant pediatrician and I think GH is lucky to have him in any capacity. I assume we are having a welcome dinner?” Robin squeezed Patrick’s hand.

“Yes, tomorrow at 8 at the Metro Court.” Patrick and Robin both cringed at the place. Although Jax was the sole owner of the hotel, the couple tried to avoid it as much as possible – too many bad memories. “I know RJ’s tournament starts tomorrow but there are no night games, right?”

“Right so we will be there.” Robin smiled at her husband. “Won’t we dear?”

“Yes, we’ll be there.” Patrick began pouting and Robin held back a laugh. “Is this for all new staff?”

“Your brother is already aware and planning on going. I’m looking forward to introducing two amazing doctors to the staff. We are one of the top medical institutions in the country and adding Dr. Hunter and Dr. Jackson to our staff only adds to our stature.” Tom turned to leave. “I’ll see you both at the games tomorrow. Is RJ pitching?”

“The coach said he plans to save him for the second game but they may bring him in to do some pinch hitting in the first one.” RJ had worked hard to be a well rounded player and he had one of the best batting averages on the team.

“Great – I will see you two tomorrow. Robin, send the proposal to my personal email and I will review it this weekend. We can get together on Monday to finalize it and get it sent out.” Tom smiled at the couple. “I’ll let you two get back to your break.”

Tom shut the door and Robin quickly walked over and locked it behind him. “Now where were we?” She walked back over to Patrick who just kept pouting. “You seriously cannot be upset about this? Some guy we knew years ago who may have hit on me…”

“May have! He did, constantly for months.” Patrick stomped over to the couch and plopped down on it angrily.

Robin rolled her eyes and sat down beside him. “He may have but I didn’t notice because there is only one man for me and he is sitting right next to me right now.”

Patrick turned to look at her. “He is?”

Robin smiled at him. “He is.”

“I might need a little convincing.” Patrick turned and pulled her into his arms before slowly lowering her to the couch. “You might need to stroke my ego a little bit.”

Robin wrapped her arms around his neck and shook her head. “The things I do for you.” Her back was against the couch and she pulled her husband’s head down so she could give him a searing kiss. “I love you, so much.”

“And I love you, so much.” Patrick began to kiss Robin’s neck again as his hands went to work on the buttons on her blouse.

Robin started to giggle at the tickling his beard was giving her neck but it quickly turned to a moan as she gave in to her desires.

Both of them were so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t hear the person standing outside Robin’s office door or the sound of the slight knock they gave it. Whoever was there waited a few minutes, listening intently at the door, before turning and walking away.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 21

 

“Come on Robin, I want to get this over with.” Patrick paced the living room while Matt sat on the couch waiting to leave for the welcome party. He looked at Matt who raised his eyebrows at his brother. “What?”

 

Matt shook his head. “It warms my heart that you are so excited to be attending a dinner in my honor.”

 

Patrick sighed and sat down next to Matt. “Sorry, this has nothing to do with you and you know it.”

 

Robin came running into the room, Emma right behind her. “Sorry, I was trying to find the right necklace to go with my dress.” Robin was wearing a dark green, off the shoulder dress that hit her right above her knees. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail and she wore little make up – she didn’t need it.

 

Patrick looked at Robin and his heart stopped. All these years and she still took his breath away. “You are beautiful.” He crossed the room and pulled Robin into his arms and kissed her.

 

Emma couldn’t help but smile at her parents. They love they had for each other was rare and special. After giving them a moment, she spoke. “You need to get going, especially since you are bringing one of the guests of honor with you.”

 

Matt stood up. “Now we’re talking. It won’t be much of a party with just Dr. Jackson.”

 

Emma saw her father’s face when Matt mentioned GH’s newest doctor - he actually had cringed. “Dad, do you have a problem with Dr. Jackson?”

 

Robin couldn’t help but laugh at her daughter’s question. “Your father just thinks that Dr. Jackson was a little too interested in me when he was working with us before.”

 

“Yeah, like anyone could get between you and Dad. Whatever made him think he stood a chance?” Emma was laughing until she noticed the uncomfortable looks that her parents and uncle shared. “Is there something I should know?”

 

An awkward silence engulfed the room. Emma had been just a little girl when everything happened with Lisa Niles and her parent’s separation – she didn’t remember any of it. As far as she knew the only separations her parents had had were because of Jerry Jax and Nikolas.

 

Robin finally broke the silence. “Of course not but we do need to get going.” She hugged her daughter. “Thank you for the necklace, it’s perfect.”

 

“Not a problem.” Emma couldn’t help but feel that there was something her parents weren’t telling her. She took one last look at her parents and knew they weren’t going to reveal a thing. “I, uh, I’ll let you guys get going. I’ll talk to you later.”

 

Emma headed to the door and the three doctors all let out a sigh of relief. “That was close. I didn’t expect…” Patrick’s voice trailed off as Robin hugged him close.

 

“I know.” Robin looked at Matt. “Are you okay?”

 

“I guess so – it just caught me off guard, that isn’t something I want to remember.” Matt had been defending Robin when he accidentally killed Lisa. He had done his time and worked hard to rebuild his life following his release from prison. Eventually, with a little aid from Robert and WSB, Matt was able to not only get his medical license reinstated but also get his record expunged.

 

“Me either Matt.” Patrick had never really forgiven himself for cheating on Robin. That one moment with Lisa had led to a year of hell and heartbreak. “I guess that is one of the reasons I don’t like Terrell showing back up – it reminds me of a time that I would just as soon forget.”

 

Robin held tight to her husband. “I know, although I did enjoy that Valentine’s Day when you tried to act like you weren’t jealous and challenged Terrell to a game of darts. That was one amazing kiss.”

 

“It had to be – I needed to remind you of what you were missing.” Patrick smiled at his wife, amazed at her ability to pull out one positive moment from that horrible time.

 

“I knew – why do you think I came back?” Robin stood on her toes and kissed Patrick one more time.

 

Matt rolled his eyes and shook his head. No one was coming between his brother and his wife – even a blind man could see that. “Alright lovebirds, let’s get going. I don’t want to be late for my own party.”

 

Patrick gave Robin one last kiss and then took her hand. “Let’s go.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Dr. Scorpio – it is a pleasure to see you again.” Terrell approached Robin and Patrick while Matt went to speak with Tom.

 

“That’s Scorpio-Drake Dr. Jackson.” Patrick pulled Robin in front of him and wrapped his arms around her protectively. “Been that way for, what, over two decades now?”

 

“Of course, I was just speaking professionally.” Terrell didn’t really look at Patrick, his focus was on Robin.

 

“Actually she goes by Dr. Scorpio-Drake professionally as well. If you paid attention to my wife’s research, you would know that.” Robin closed her eyes, almost embarrassed at her husband’s display of jealousy.

 

“Of course I pay attention to Robin – her work is extraordinary.” Terrell smiled at Robin. “I was hoping we could finally get that darts rematch now that I am back in town.”

 

“I’m sure we could arrange that. Jake’s is now The Floating Rib but Patrick and I would be more than happy to meet you out there one night for a few games.” Robin smiled at Terrell and then looked at Patrick. After Dr. King, she was making sure that there were no mixed signals with anyone. She was madly in love with her husband and she had no problem making it clear to any man who crossed her path.

 

Patrick leaned down and kissed her before looking at Terrell. “Sounds good to me – I seem to remember being happy with the outcome of our last darts game.”

 

Terrell’s smile became tight and he stepped away from the couple. “Great. Well, I need to mingle with the other doctors so I will talk to you both later.”

 

He walked away from them and Patrick set his chin on top of Robin’s head, gently swaying her to the music that was playing in the background. “I don’t think he likes me very much.”

 

Robin giggled and turned around to face her husband. “I don’t think so either but it doesn’t matter what he thinks because I happen to like you very much.”

 

“You do huh?” Patrick smiled at her and leaned down to kiss her again.

 

“Yeah – I do.” Robin couldn’t wipe the grin off her face as Patrick kissed her once again. “I really do.”

 

“Good because I kind of like you too.” Patrick kept Robin in his arms. “A little bit.”

 

Robin stuck out her bottom lip in a fake pout. “Just a little bit.”

 

“Well, maybe more than a little bit.” He leaned down and kissed her again but this time it was passionate and full of all the love he felt for her. Reluctantly, he pulled away. “Now, let’s go to our table before we add to our already notorious reputation.”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand and led her to their table. Minutes later Matt joined them. “I don’t think Dr. Jackson is having a good time.”

 

“Why do you say that?” Robin looked at her brother-in-law curiously.

 

“Because the glares he is giving this table speaks volumes. What did you say to him Patrick?”

 

“I was very nice to him. My wife, on the other hand, made it clear that she wasn’t interested in him.” Patrick wrapped his arm around Robin’s shoulders and pulled her closer. “He is probably just upset that he came back here for nothing.”

 

Matt watched Terrell carefully. Something was off about the man’s whole demeanor, he seemed almost obsessed with what their little family was doing. “That must be it.”

 

Matt turned his attention back to Patrick and Robin. “So, is RJ pitching tomorrow?”

 

Matt half listened as Patrick and Robin bragged about their youngest son’s pitching prowess. Nathan would be at the game tomorrow and they needed to have a little talk.

 

It was time to find out everything he could about Dr. Jackson.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 22

 

“Dr. Scorpio? I’m sorry Scorpio-Drake?” Robin laughed as Terrell poked his head in her office door.

 

“Why don’t you just call me Robin and leave it at that?” Robin waved Terrell in and he took a seat in the chair across from her desk. “Are you getting settled in?”

 

“Yes – I’m staying at the Metro Court for now but I spent the weekend apartment hunting. Hopefully I will have a place soon. And you? How was your weekend?”

 

“Great – my son’s team won both games in their double header and RJ pitched a no hitter.” Robin’s face lit up talking about her youngest son’s accomplishment. “He’s a real chip off the old block. Patrick’s curve ball was legendary in high school.”

 

“That’s wonderful. I saw Emma earlier. It’s hard to believe that the same little girl you were taking care of when I first met you is now a doctor.” Terrell looked around Robin’s office while talking to her.

 

Robin didn’t notice, she was too busy bragging about her kids. “Tell me about it. She graduated high school at 17 and got her Bachelor’s just a few months shy of her 21st birthday. My daughter is one determined woman.”

 

“Well she comes by it naturally.” Terrell took a moment and then handed Robin a folder. “This is why I stopped by – I have a patient that I have been working with and I was hoping that you would agree to come on as a consultant on the case.”

 

Robin took the file and opened it up – reading closely and carefully. After a few minutes she looked back up at Terrell. “How long have you been working with him?”

 

“Three years now. He heard about a couple of my other successes and sought me out.”

 

“It says here that he had a tumor removed as well as a chemical interaction that damaged his parietal and frontal lobes. Is the chemical completely out of his system?” Robin was already taking notes as she spoke with Terrell.

 

“Yes. What do you say, do you think you can help him?” Terrell stared intently at Robin who was still reading the file.

 

“I don’t know but I will try. When can I examine the patient?” Robin closed the file and tried to hand it back to Terrell but he waved her off.

 

“That’s your copy. Unfortunately, the patient has asked that I be the only person to examine him. You will be given all copies of his labs and scans but anonymity it very important to him.”

 

Robin was confused. “But why?”

 

Terrell shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the question. “His family doesn’t know about his condition and he wants to handle it on his own. His hope is that we will be able to fix the damage done so he can live a long life with his wife and kids.”

 

“Well, I guess I understand that but please reassure him that I am very discreet. I respect my patient’s right to privacy.” Robin placed the file back on her desk and reopened it. “I should have a recommendation for your patient by the end of the week.”

 

Terrell stood up. “Thank you Robin, I really appreciate your help.”

 

“Help with what?” Patrick walked into the office and took up a protective position next to his wife.

 

Robin stood up and hugged him. “I am just helping him with a patient.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and smiled.

 

“Oh, maybe could I help too.” Patrick reached for the folder but Robin stopped him.

 

“Uh uh, this is my patient and surgery is not an option for him. But if something changes, you will be the first person I call.”

 

“I better be.” Patrick gave her his best smirk and then turned to Terrell. “Is there anything else you needed?”

 

Terrell shook his head – Patrick was still an arrogant ass. “Only to comment that you and Robin have a lovely family.” He picked up a picture of the Scorpio-Drakes off Robin’s desk. “Those are 4 beautiful children you have although that one,” he pointed to Steph, “looks nothing like you Dr. Drake.”

 

“She has my looks but her father’s attitude.” Robin quickly stepped in to cut off Terrell, taking the picture from his hands. Patrick already didn’t like him and that comment just made things a hundred times worse. “We have a meeting with Tom so if you don’t mind.”

 

“Say no more. I will talk to you later Robin.” He smiled at her and then nodded at Patrick. “Dr. Drake.”

 

Dr. Jackson left the room and Robin turned to her husband. Patrick was glaring at the closed door. “He’s an ass Robin.”

 

“I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by that.” Robin took his face in her hands. “Everybody knows who Steph’s dad is and that is you.”

 

Patrick sighed. “I know – so are you ready to go? Tom said the results should be in by now.”

 

“Of course but I already know what they are going to say.” Robin took his hand and led him out of her office. She was shaking a little bit as they waited for the elevator. “You’re negative Patrick – I know it.”

 

“So you’re positive I’m negative?” Patrick’s attempt at a dumb joke worked. Robin relaxed the little bit she needed to stop shaking.

 

The door opened and the couple stepped on. Patrick waited for the doors to close and smiled at Robin. “You know we have 15 minutes before our appointment.” He hit the emergency stop button and gently pushed Robin against the wall. “Seems a shame to waste them waiting in an office.”

 

Robin bit her lower lip and wrapped her arms around Patrick’s neck. “Yes it does.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 23

 

“You should have seen it Jack, my little brother was on fire Saturday.” Steph and Jack were leaving the library after another study session. “Of course my Grandpa Robert swore it was because RJ inherited his great aim but my Dad was a high school baseball star.”

 

“So your Grandpa was a pitcher too?”

 

Stephanie laughed. “No, his aim with a gun. I told you he was a spy.”

 

Jack stopped and stared at Steph – shocked at how casual she was about it. “I’m sorry – how do you just laugh that off?”

 

“Well, I guess since it is just a fact of our lives. My grandpa and grandma were spies and to me that is just the way it is.” Stephanie could see Jack was having trouble wrapping his head around what she was saying. “I think I feel the same way I do about the fact that my parents are doctors – no different. They have a job and they are the best at it. My grandparents are the same way – they’re retired now but they had a job and they were the best at it.”

 

Jack decided to change the subject. “Speaking of – I really enjoyed meeting your parents and your family at dinner the other night. It was a lot of fun.”

 

“They enjoyed meeting you. Mom said to tell you that you are more than welcome to join us for the state tournament. We want as big a crowd as we can there cheering on the team.” Steph sat down in the quad underneath a tree. “Plus you’ll get to meet Mal, he’s taking a few weeks off to get some updates done on his car and he’ll be there.”

 

“Mal – he’s only a year older than you, right?” Jack sat down next to her and pulled out a couple of bottles of water from his pack and handed it to her.

 

“Yes. It goes John, Emma, Mal, me and then RJ.” Stephanie sighed and stared out at the quad. “It really is a gorgeous day today.”

 

Jack watched her for a second. “Steph, may I ask you a question?”

 

“Sure.” She looked at him curiously.

 

“I am a little confused about John. I know you said he is your brother but his last name is Vine and…”

 

“And he looks nothing like my dad or mom.” Stephanie shook her head. This was a question that she had to answer every once in a while and she was ready for it. “John is my half brother. We have the same birth father.”

 

“Patrick.”

 

“Actually, no. Our birth father was, to put it politely, insane. He was obsessed with my mom and I am the result of that obsession.” Stephanie looked away from him. She had known the truth for years but it still hurt to think about it.

 

Jack quickly wrapped his arms around her. “I am so sorry Steph, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

 

“You didn’t – the situation upsets me, even after all these years. But I got lucky, my dad is a great man who loves me just as much as he loves my brothers and sister. I am proud to be the daughter of Patrick Drake.” She smiled at Jack, trying to reassure him.

 

“Well he is certainly lucky to have you as a daughter.” Jack gently brushed her cheek with his thumb. “You’re beautiful and smart and courageous.”

 

Stephanie found herself looking Jack straight in the eyes. She reached her hand up and touched his face. Before he could doubt himself, Jack pulled Stephanie in to a kiss.

 

She didn’t pull away, in fact she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer. It only lasted for a minute but it was very nice. Finally Jack pulled away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”

 

Stephanie was shocked. She thought it was a good kiss. “Why? You didn’t like it?”

 

Jack took her hands in his. “God no but you’re seeing Aiden and…”

 

“Aiden and I are not exclusive, we are free to date other people and that most certainly includes you.” Stephanie squeezed his hand. “So, why don’t you come with me this weekend to the tournament?”

 

“Why Miss Scorpio-Drake, are you asking me out on a date?” Jack stood up, he needed to get to his next class, and then held out his hand to help Steph up.

 

“Yes I am.” She didn’t let go of his hand once they stood up and began walking across the quad to his next class.

 

“In that case I say yes but only if you agree to have dinner with me tonight? Kelly’s? 7?”

 

“It’s a date.” They stopped in front of the building his class was in and she let go of his hand. “I’ll see you tonight.”

 

Jack leaned down and gave her one last kiss. “Tonight.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 24

 

“To being back in the surgical rotation.” Robin raised up her bottle of beer and happily clinked it to her husband’s. “I told you it would be negative.”

 

“What can I say, when you’re right, you’re right.” Patrick took a swig of his beer and smiled at Robin. “So, when is Matt going to be here?”

 

The couple had decided to go out and celebrate Patrick’s test results at the Floating Rib and they had invited Matt to join them. “He had one last patient file to review and then he was coming out to join us. He said he was going to call Nathan and see if he wanted to come out too – something about challenging us to darts.”

Patrick shook his head. “My brother should know better than to go up against you in darts. Your aim is legendary.”

 

Robin shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe he forgot so let’s take advantage of it.”

 

“What do you mean?” Patrick raised his eyebrows at his petite wife as she got a mischievous grin on her face.

 

“I say we play for beers. Play our cards right and we won’t pay for another beer the rest of the night.”

 

Patrick leaned across the table and gave Robin a kiss. “God, I love it when you’re ruthless.”

 

“You do, huh?” Robin giggled before giving him another kiss.

 

“I do.” Patrick wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her closer. The kiss this time was even longer and they didn’t pull back until they heard a familiar voice interrupting them.

 

“Knock it off – this is a public place.” Matt walked over to their table shaking his head with Nathan by his side.

 

Robin pulled away from her husband and smiled at the two men. “Welcome boys – sit down.”

 

Patrick stood up and took the chair next to Robin as he waved to the bar. “Four beers please.”

 

Matt and Nathan looked at each before taking their seats at the table. “Thanks man, I appreciate it.”

 

“No problem Nathan.” Robin noticed that Matt wasn’t smiling. “Matt – what’s wrong?”

 

“Matt asked me to look into Dr. Jackson for him.” Nathan decided it was best to just plunge right into the conversation.

 

“Terrell? Why?” Robin’s face was a picture of confusion.

 

“Because of the way he was watching you two at the dinner.” The waitress set the beers down at the table as Matt was explaining. He picked one up and took a drink. “Look, I really didn’t trust the guy when he first worked with us and I still don’t, especially after what happened with King. I just think it’s too coincidental that he shows up here right after everything that happened with the man he’s replacing so I asked Nathan to take a look into his past.”

 

“What did you find out?” Patrick had no issues with the investigation – he had never liked Terrell.

 

“This is crazy.” Robin rolled her eyes at the men.

 

“Crazy? Robin the man has been at the hospital for one day and he is already asking you to consult on a case. His office isn’t even set up yet he has everything in place for this patient.” Patrick loved his wife’s trusting nature but it definitely worked against her sometimes.

 

“What case?” Matt was surprised Terrell had already approached Robin.

 

“A patient who has damage from a tumor and a chemical exposure. He has been working with the patient for years and asked for any input I could give him. It’s not a big deal.” Robin found herself getting defensive. She was a good doctor and being asked for a consult wasn’t unusual.

 

“Calm down there – your drug protocols are legendary and I have no problem with you working with him it just seems like he might have come to you before he worked here about it if his patient is in such dire need of your help.” Patrick wasn’t trying to upset her – this was an evening for celebration. “I think coming to you is the best move he could have made.”

 

“Damn straight.” Robin leaned over and gave her husband a kiss before turning back to Matt and Nathan. “So what did you find out?”

 

Nathan sighed. “Did you know he was involved with Lisa Niles?”

 

Robin instantly stiffened up and Patrick wrapped his arm around her. Matt answered for all of them. “No, I don’t think any of us knew that. Was that while he was here in Port Charles?”

 

“No, it was actually back in Houston. There were some photos of the two of them together at various functions. It looked like it might have been pretty serious.” Nathan had heard all about Lisa from his wife Maxie, including the fact that Matt had accidentally murdered her in order to protect Robin.

 

“Son of a bitch!” Patrick hated thinking about that time in their lives. He had slept with Lisa just once but it was one of the stupidest things he had even done in his life. He had never forgiven himself for cheating on Robin or for the things Lisa did to their family after he refused to sleep with her again.

 

“So you’re saying that he came to Port Charles the first time because of Lisa?” Matt was trying to put the pieces together. “Why?”

 

“To drive a further wedge between Robin and I.” Patrick pulled on Robin’s arm and she willingly sat down in his lap. “Terrell was after Robin the second he got here and I imagine it was because Lisa put him up to it.”

 

“Robin goes to Terrell and then Lisa would get you? After everything she did to Robin and Emma, did she really think that plan would work - that’s insane.” Nathan couldn’t understand the logic of the plan.

 

“That’s Lisa.” Robin snuggled in closer to her husband. “So what has he been doing since he left GH?”

 

“Research in Texas.” Nathan took another drink of his beer. “As far as I can tell, the man is on the up and up. No criminal past, no other skeletons in his closet, just a doctor who was well regarded at his former hospital.”

 

“So why come to Port Charles? Revenge for Lisa’s death?” Matt was trying to figure why Terrell was in Port Charles.

 

“Or maybe because we are one of the top hospitals in the country – especially our neurological department.” Robin hugged Patrick and smiled at her brother-in-law. “His patient is pretty bad off so we would be the logical ones to turn to for help.”

 

“Maybe but I don’t want you alone with him, at least until we are sure of why he is here.” Patrick looked at Robin. “Better safe than sorry.”

 

Robin rolled her eyes but nodded her head in agreement. “Fine, I promise not to be alone with him or go anywhere with him. Happy?”

 

“Ecstatic.” Patrick kissed her and then turned to Nathan. “Can you keep looking into him – despite what my wife thinks, I still don’t like him just showing up after all these years.”

 

“Not a problem.” Nathan finished his beer and stood up. “Now how about I get us another round and we head over to the dart board? Matt and I against you two?”

 

“Works for me – want to play for beers?” Robin smiled innocently at the men before she climbed off of Patrick’s lap and headed to the dartboard.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 25

 

“Woo hoo! Go RJ!” Robin was screaming and yelling from her seat on the bleachers as her son finished up another three up, three down inning. It was the bottom of the sixth and RJ had a no hitter going. It would be the second of the season for him if they could just make it through the next inning.

 

Patrick smiled at his wife, always thrilled by how excited she got watching their son play ball. “That’s my boy.”

 

“Excuse me, I believe there may be a little bit of me in there – after all, my aim is legendary.” Robin leaned into her husband as he wrapped his arm around her.

 

“What can I say – when you’re right, you’re right.” Patrick finished his soda and stood up. “I’m going to get a refill – need anything?”

 

“I would love a lemonade and maybe some popcorn?” Robin batted her eyelashes at him. “Please?”

 

Stephanie and Emma sat on the bench below their parents and both girls laughed at their mom. She didn’t need to flirt with their dad to get him to do something, Robin had Patrick wrapped around her little finger. Patrick rolled his eyes and gave her a kiss. “The things I do for you.” He turned to their daughters. “And would you two like anything?”

 

“No thank you Daddy.” Steph smiled at him. “Jack is bringing me a sandwich.”

 

“And Cam is bringing me some chips after he picks up Mal but thank you dad.” Emma turned back to the game as her dad left to go to the concession stand. She tried to act nonchalant as she questioned her sister. “So, Jack is meeting you here?”

 

Steph had known the interrogation was coming so she watched the field and gave a simple answer. “Yep.”

 

“What about Aiden?” Emma loved Aiden and knew her sister and him were much closer than either one would admit.

 

“Aiden said we are free to date other people so that’s what I am doing. He actually went out with someone the other night – some girl from one of his art classes.”

 

Emma noted a slight bit of disdain in the statement but let it go. “Besides, Jack and I have a lot in common. In fact we are going to the opera next week. It is nice to go out with someone whose idea of a good time includes more than a movie and a burger.”

 

“I don’t know – a movie and a burger sounds good to me.” Emma had seen Aiden the night before and he was miserable over Steph and Jack.

 

Stephanie sighed and turned to her sister. “Look, I understand that Aiden is going to be your brother-in-law in less than two months but that doesn’t change my feelings about him or Jack. Not all of us are going to find the love of our lives while we are in our teens. Right Mom?”

 

Robin shook her head. “I’m out of this – as long as you are happy, I’m happy.”

 

“Look Ems, I’m 18, in college and I am dating two great, very different guys who know about each other. I’m not lying to anyone but I’m also not making any promises to anyone. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but if that future doesn’t include Aiden, I hope you will be happy for me.” Stephanie shook her head.

 

Emma suddenly felt very guilty. Steph was right – she was only 18 and she had every right to date whoever she wanted. “I’m sorry Steph. You’re right and Jack seems like a great guy. How about we have a double date next week?”

 

“That would be great!” Steph looked over Emma’s shoulder and saw Cam, Mal and Jack approaching with their food. “The guys are here – why don’t we go talk to them before the next inning? RJ won’t be batting yet.”

 

“Let’s go. We’ll be right back mom.” The girls stood up to go meet up with their dates while Robin watched RJ’s team begin their turn at bat.

 

Robin’s was so focused on the game that she didn’t even look when a lemonade was placed in front of her face – she just took the drink and set it down next to her on the bleachers. “Thanks babe, I really appreciate it.”

 

“Not a problem Robin.” Terrell sat down next to Robin and smiled at her. “This is a very good game.”

 

“What are you doing here Terrell? I don’t recall you having any children.” Robin was suddenly very uneasy. She looked to the concession stand and saw Patrick was deep in conversation with Tom Hardy, completely oblivious to what was going on with her.

 

“No, I was never as lucky as you and Patrick in that area but I heard that your son is a future Cy Young winner and had to see it for myself.” He took a drink from his lemonade and looked at Robin. “He does have a great arm. I see he got your aim.”

 

“But the rest is his father.” Robin scooted away from him a little bit and looked at him pointedly. “Who will be back here in just a minute.”

 

“Of course he will – I’m surprised I got you alone this long. You seem to be avoiding me Robin – may I ask why?”

 

“I’m not avoiding you – I gave you my recommendations on your patient yesterday.” Robin had made notes in her copy of the file and had one of the nurses deliver it to him.

 

“Yes by way of carrier pigeon. Every time I have asked you to meet with me, you have been busy. I am beginning to take it personally.” Terrell grinned at her. “I know you wouldn’t do that to an old friend.”

 

“Well, I am a very busy woman. Between work, my daughter’s wedding, house hunting with Matt, spending time with my children, my parents and, of course, my husband, I don’t have a lot of free time.” Robin returned her focus to the game. “You can understand that, can’t you?”

 

“Of course I can.” Terrell looked over at the concession stand and saw Patrick turn and finally notice who was sitting next to his wife. Patrick began to storm over, Tom right behind him. “I just wanted to tell you that I am starting your treatment next week. I will keep you posted on his progress.”

 

“Thank you Terrell.” Robin refused to look at him. She jumped and looked at him once again when he stood up and his hand brushed her leg.

 

Terrell smirked at her. “Sorry about that. I will talk to you later.”

 

He jumped down off the bleacher just as Patrick ran up. “Robin, are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine. He just wanted to tell me he was taking my recommendations for his patient.” Robin was not looking Patrick in the eye and he knew she wasn’t telling him the whole truth.

 

“And,” Patrick gently took Robin’s chin in his hand and lifted her head so she was staring into his eyes, “Robin, he could have called you to tell you that. Why show up here at RJ’s game?”

 

“He said he had heard about RJ’s pitching and wanted to see it for himself.” Robin was a little shaken by Terrell’s sudden appearance but she was trying her best to hide it.

 

“Robin…”

 

“Fine – I guess it bothers me a little bit that he just showed up out of the blue but, you know it’s no big deal.” Robin saw the kids heading back to the bleachers. “And we have more important things to worry about – like cheering our son on to his second no-hitter of the season.”

 

Patrick watched her carefully and then gave her a hug. He wasn’t going to get anything out of her right now; she was firmly planted in mom mode. “Fine – but we will be talking about this later.”

 

“I had no doubts about that.” Robin turned to their boss and smiled. “You want to sit with us Tom?”

 

“How can I turn down an afternoon with the family of the future MVP of the state tournament?” There was another game scheduled for later this afternoon for the winner of this game. RJ wouldn’t be pitching again but he would be pinch hitting. “Let’s enjoy an afternoon at the ball field.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Terrell watched from a distance as Patrick held on to Robin. He turned and walked away, going to his car and starting the engine. He took one last look at the bleachers and shook his head. “Enjoy it while it lasts Dr. Drake.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 26

 

The Scorpio-Drake clan sat in Kelly’s diner, celebrating RJ’s second no-hitter of the season as well as his great performance as a pinch hitter in the second game. Tomorrow was the state championship and RJ was scheduled to pitch again. Mal raised his glass of pop in the air and toasted his little brother. “To RJ and another hitless game.”

 

“To RJ!” Everyone clinked glasses and laughed before diving into their burgers and fries. Emma picked up a fry and looked at her mom. “So what was Dr. Jackson doing at the game today? I didn’t know he had a kid on the team.”

 

Robin tensed up a little bit but put on her best smile. “He doesn’t - he just wanted to talk to me about a patient.”

 

“And it couldn’t wait until Monday?” Emma was a little confused, Dr. Jackson had just started and only had a few patients.

 

“Apparently he thought so.” Patrick was still not happy about Terrell’s decision to harass Robin at the game. “Tom is going to talk to him about respecting the boundaries between a doctor’s work life and their home life so let’s talk about something else – like my son’s amazing performance today on the mound.”

 

“He has great aim, just like his Grandpa Robert I might add.” Robert said with a twinkle in his eye. Their flight had been delayed so the couple had not been able to catch the first game but were given a full breakdown as soon as they had gotten to the field by Robin.

 

“Excuse me – DeVanes are known for their wonderful aim. You have problems hitting the broad side of a barn.” Anna playfully elbowed her husband in the ribs and laughed.

 

“She’s got you there big brother.” Mac and Felicia had spent the afternoon at their granddaughter Georgie’s dance recital but had met up with the group after to celebrate. “Anna always did have better aim.”

 

“Sure she does.” Robert winked at his namesake. “Right RJ?”

 

“Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to go up against Grandma Anna in a shooting gallery.” Everyone laughed with the youngest member of the family – he was a smart boy.

 

“That’s right luv.” Anna smiled at her youngest grandson. “So where is Matt? I thought he was going to be joining us tonight?”

 

“He is at work.” Patrick answered the question. “He agreed to cover so I could be at the games today. But we did find a house for him and Tara and it’s just a few doors down from us.” Patrick was thrilled to have his little brother living so close to him again. He and Matt hadn’t even met until they were adults but they couldn’t be closer even if they had grown up together.

 

“Yeah, I’m still not sure if it’s a good idea to have two hot shot, ultra competitive doctors living so near to each other. I don’t even want to think about what our outside Christmas lights are going to be like this year.” Robin was certain their competitiveness would bleed over to their homes. “I’m going to need to get a second job to pay the electric bill.”

 

“Hey – we’re not that bad.” Patrick was surprised when everyone stopped talking and just stared at him. “We’re not.”

 

“Of course you’re not babe.” Robin kissed her husband and then turned back to the group. She smiled at her parents. “So, tell me all about what you have been doing in Italy.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I’m telling you that he is almost always by her side. It’s like the man doesn’t trust her.” Terrell was in the stairwell at GH talking on the phone. He didn’t see Matt on the landing one floor below, listening in to the conversation. “I know what you want and I am working on it.”

 

Terrell turned around and saw Matt standing there. Matt slowly climbed the stairs as he finished his call. “I will be there to see you on Monday and then we begin the drug protocol that Dr. Scorpio-Drake created for you. I’m sure that you will be very pleased with her protocol. I have to go but I will talk to you later.”

 

Matt stood in front of the man for a moment, studying him. “So Robin was able to create a protocol for your patient?”

 

“Yeah and he is thrilled. We are starting it on Monday actually.” Terrell just smiled at Matt.

 

“That’s great.” Matt headed towards the door to the 10th floor. He reached for the handle but stopped and turned back to Terrell. “Who were you talking about before?”

 

“Uh, this woman I’m interested in – her brother is always by her side and it is driving me crazy.” Terrell laughed. “You know how it is.”

 

“Actually I’ve been happily married for many years so no, I don’t.” Matt smirked at Dr. Jackson. “Although it sounded more like you were talking about a husband not a brother.”

 

“If you are hinting that I have any plans regarding your sister-in-law, let me assure you, I don’t. I am well aware that Robin is very much in love with your brother.” Terrell started walking down the stairs away from Matt.

 

“That’s right. Those two have gone through everything that could possibly be thrown at them and emerged even happier and more in love than ever.” Matt looked back at Terrell before leaving the stairwell. “No one will ever destroy what they have. Have a good day Dr. Jackson.”

[katie9918]

This kind of bothers me, that someone has been all about Robin for at least two decades (and all the kids are PERFECT don't bother asking and of course Noah is the grandparent not around despite the fact that Robert and especially Anna were the ones whose absences affected their daughter the most).

[cmahorror]

I appreciate the comments. I welcome all criticism, positive and negative, as I believe it will help me become a better writer.

 

I did note earlier in the story that Noah had passed away - Patrick and Matt visited their father's grave.

 

Anna and Robert are not living in the states and a constant presence - they are only visiting on special occasions which felt logical to me.

 

The children were raised by two highly motivated, dedicated and successful people and I saw no reason why they shouldn't be the same way. I tried to create some different paths for them to follow (race car driver, doctor, lawyer) but I understand if you feel differently.

 

As for Dr. Jackson, all I ask is that you continue reading - things aren't always what they seem.

 

Thanks!
Cristina

Edited January 24, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 27

 

Robin was on the phone with her husband as she headed to the lab. “I can’t believe he actually thought winning MVP would convince us to let him skip school for the day.”

 

Yesterday had been another great day for the Scorpio-Drake family. PCHS had won the state championship and a good part of that win was because RJ threw his third no-hitter of the season. Add in two doubles in three at bats and he was the clear choice for MVP.

 

Patrick just laughed. “Well, I think he knew it was a long shot but he still had to try. Anyhow, I reminded him that all the girls would just be waiting to see the star of the game and suddenly he couldn’t get to school fast enough.”

 

“Of course he couldn’t – he’s just like his dad. You tell him there is a chance that girls will be fawning all over him and he’s there.” Robin swiped her badge and entered the lab.

 

“There is only one woman I want fawning all over me and I am talking to her right now. How about I pick us up a couple of BLTs and we have lunch before my shift starts?” Patrick was coming in late today.

 

“That sounds great – I’ll be in the lab. See you in 10 minutes?” Robin was getting the components together for the protocol.

 

“Perfect. I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Robin hung up her phone and put it on the table as she began to work. She had only been at it for a few minutes when she heard the door open.

 

She continued looking at her slide as she heard the person walk in. “That was fast – had you already ordered before you called me?”

 

“No but if I knew you were hungry I would have brought you something to eat.” Terrell smiled at Robin.

 

“What are you doing in here Dr. Jackson?” Robin looked at the door, hoping Patrick wasn’t far away.

 

“I wanted to talk you. I administered the first dose of your protocol yesterday and the patient is having a few side effects.” Terrell sat down on the stool next to Robin. “Do you have a few minutes?”

 

“I’m actually in the middle of something but why don’t you meet me in my office this afternoon – say 1:30?” Hopefully Patrick or Matt would be able to be in there with her.

 

“It won’t take long and I am already here – why don’t we just do it now?”

 

Robin thought fast. “Because I am in the middle of another protocol and I wouldn’t want to get the two mixed up in my head. That wouldn’t be fair to either one of the patients.”

 

Terrell studied her for a moment and then stood up. “Fine, I’ll meet you in your office at 1:30.”

 

He turned around and his hand hit her phone. The phone skidded across the table and hit some beakers sitting on the end of the table. Before either doctor could move, two of the beakers hit the ground and exploded all over the floor. Smoke and an acrid smell filled the air. Moments later the alarms sounded.

 

Robin stood up and looked in horror at the scene before her. She attempted to run to the door but Terrell grabbed her and stopped her. “Don’t!”

 

“But we need to get out of here before…” Robin was interrupted as the sound of the automated locks could be heard, “we get locked in. Damn it!”

 

Terrell coughed. “Is there an O2 tank in here?”

 

Robin nodded and led them into the far corner of the lab. “There is only one mask so we will have to share. There are no gas jets open and the fail safe should be kicking in. The fire department will be here soon to let us out.”

 

Robin quickly set up the tank and attached the mask. She took a few deep breaths of oxygen and then handed the mask to Terrell. He noticed the fear in her eyes. “Robin, are you okay?”

 

Robin didn’t answer, she just stared at the lab door, remembering the first time she was taken away from her husband and daughter.

 

 

Flashback

 

Robin was coughing as the alarms blared through the lab. Meanwhile Patrick pounded on the door. “Damn it!”

 

Robin tried to desperately to get Patrick to leave. “Listen to me. Listen to me. You have to do this for me. I'm begging you."

 

Patrick wouldn’t hear it. “No! There's got to be another way!”

 

“Patrick, do you love me?” Robin needed him to focus.

 

Patrick looked at her. “Yes. You're my whole life.”

 

“You're my whole life. You and Emma are my whole life. Okay?” Robin felt horrible as she realized this was truly goodbye.

 

Patrick knew in his heart that Robin was saying goodbye. “Robin, no.”

 

Robin looked at him sadly. “Patrick.”

 

Patrick continued trying to open the door. “What?”

 

Robin needed to get him out there. “Patrick, you have to go. The doors are about to lock.”

 

Patrick wasn’t giving up. “I am not leaving you. I'm not going anywhere.”

 

Robin put her hand on the window against his. “I'm not gonna ever leave you, okay? I'm in your heart, just like you're in mine. I'll never leave you. You've got to go.” She coughed again.

 

Patrick took one last look at Robin. “Robin. I love you.”

 

An announcement came through the speakers. “Security doors lock in 20 seconds.”

 

Robin began crying. “I love you so much. I love you always, okay? I love you.”

 

Patrick made a decision. “Wait. Hold on, okay? I'm gonna go get help.” Patrick ran to the security doors and went through them.

 

Robin felt a sense of relief as her husband got to safety. “Go. Go!”

 

Robin headed back into the lab and fell to the floor. She had no sooner hit the ground when she felt someone pulling her away. She then lost consciousness, completely unaware that the lab had exploded and everyone, including her husband, believed she was dead.

 

End Flashback

 

 

“Robin – what is it?”

 

Robin still didn’t look at him. “Patrick.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick approached the hospital carrying his and Robin’s lunch. He was hoping he could convince her to come back to his office for a short consult after they ate – they were eating BLTs and needed to burn off the calories after all. He no sooner got in the doors when he heard the alarms sounding. He tried calling Robin’s phone but it went straight to voicemail so he called his brother instead. “Matt! What is going on?”

 

“There was a chemical spill in the lab.” Matt was headed to the elevator. “They are evacuating all unnecessary personnel and patients from the 10th floor until they can get it cleaned up.”

 

Patrick’s heart dropped into his stomach. “Matt – Robin was in the lab. I tried calling her but it went straight to voicemail.”

 

Matt stopped. “I’ll wait up here for you and we will find out where she is together.”

 

Patrick dropped the food on the reception desk and ran into the stairwell. “I’m on my way.”

 

He ran up the stairs as fast as he could. Not again, he thought as he took the steps two by two, it could not be happening again.

Edited January 25, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 28

 

“Matt – tell me you found her.” Patrick had just exited the stairwell and found his brother standing at the nurse’s hub with the firemen.

 

“I have but,” Matt shook his head, “Patrick, she is in the lab.”

 

Patrick immediately started to take off in the direction of the lab but one of the firemen stopped him. “Sir, I understand that you want to get to your wife but we have to secure the room first. The cameras are still working so we can see her. She and the other doctor are both in a corner away from the spill and have an O2 tank they are sharing. Our hazmat team will be in there in just a few minutes and then we will get her out of there.”

 

“You can’t even come close to understanding what I am feeling right now.” Patrick ran his hands through his hair. “I need to see her.”

 

“The security office is in the basement and our chief is watching the feed there. You have two choices: you can go down there and see her or you can stay up here and wait. Whichever you choose, you need to stay out of our way and let us do our job.” They had determined that the risk of exposure was limited to the lab so he had no problem letting Dr. Drake and his brother stay on the 10th floor. “Which will it be?”

 

“You said she is doing okay?” Patrick’s eyes filled with tears.

 

“Like I said, she and the other person in the lab were sharing an O2 mask.”

 

Patrick looked at Matt and then back at the fireman. “Wait, what other person?”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Terrell shook his head. “I should have known – we are in the middle of chemical spill and all you can think about is your husband.”

 

Robin took a deep breath of oxygen and handed the mask back to Terrell. “You don’t understand – years ago I almost died in a lab explosion. I was actually kidnapped and Patrick was told I was dead. It took us almost two years to find each other again. He must be going crazy out there.”

 

Terrell took his dose of O2 and handed the mask back to Robin. “I’m sorry – I didn’t know. Listen, the fire department is here and they will be in soon to take care of the spill and get us out of here.” He reached over and squeezed Robin’s hand. “We’re going to be fine.”

 

Robin took another deep breath and tried to ignore the dizziness in her head and the burning sensation beginning in her throat. “You’re right.”

 

She handed the mask back to Terrell. He took it and watched her carefully – something was wrong. “Robin?”

 

He watched as Robin’s eyes suddenly rolled up in her head and she collapsed against the wall. “Robin!”

 

Terrell pulled her close to him and pulled them both as far away from the spill as possible. Holding her close, he kept the oxygen mask on her face only taking it away for occasional quick breaths for himself. “It’s going to be okay Robin.” He gently rubbed her arm. “I promise you it is all going to be okay.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick watched helplessly as the hazmat team walked down the hall to the lab. He began to follow but the same fireman stopped him once again. “Sir, we need to secure the lab before anyone can go in there.”

 

Matt stepped in. “But the people in there are going to need immediate medical assistance. Wouldn’t it be best to have two doctors there…”

 

“Four.” Matt turned around to see Tom standing there with Emma, Epiphany and Patty. “And two amazing nurses.”

 

Emma ran over to her dad and hugged him. “How is she?”

 

“They said they could see her on the cameras and she was okay.” Patrick was grateful that his oldest daughter was there. Emma was the only one of the children who was alive when Robin was presumed dead and she still remembered losing her mom. “Are you sure you’re okay with being here?”

 

“Where else would I be?” Emma couldn’t imagine being anywhere but with her parents at this moment. “Mom is in trouble and I can help her – there is no place else to be.”

 

The fireman couldn’t help but smile at the scene. He didn’t know this Dr. Scorpio-Drake but she sure had one hell of a family. “Alright – here is what is going to happen. Our men are going in with foam to neutralize the spill. They are in full hazmat gear with O2 tanks so, as soon as it as possible to safely get around the spill, we will extract everyone in there and bring them out here for treatment. We are looking at no more than 5 to 10 minutes so you might want to get everything set up for them.”

 

Tom got on his phone and immediately began ordering supplies brought up to the 10th floor. “I also want the files on Dr. Scorpio-Drake and Dr. Jackson pulled up.”

 

“Dr. Jackson?” Matt looked at Tom in shock.

 

“Yes, he’s the other doctor in there with Robin.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Terrell began coughing so he took a quick breath off the mask and then covered Robin’s mouth once again. She still hadn’t regained consciousness and he was getting worried. He looked at the tank gauge and noticed it was getting low – help had better be coming soon or they would be in real trouble.

 

Suddenly the door to lab entered and men in hazmat suits came in, blowing foam all over the spill. Less than a minute later two of the men came over to Terrell and Robin. “You need to help her.”

 

One of the men quickly picked Robin up in a fireman’s carry and ran her out of the room while the other helped Terrell up and led him out of the lab.

Edited January 26, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 29

 

The group of medical professionals watched anxiously by the cots as the fireman ran down the hall to the lab. Matt hugged Emma while patting Patrick on the shoulder. “She’s going to be fine.”

 

Neither one spoke, they just kept their focus on the hallway. After a few minutes they saw someone running down the hall. Patrick was the first to respond. “Bring them over here!”

 

The fireman ran over and placed Robin on the cot. “She was unresponsive when we found her.”

 

“Epiphany, I need O2 over here now!” Patrick began to exam her but Tom stopped him.

 

“Patrick, you need to let me take over.” Patrick glared at him but Tom stood firm. “She’s your wife, you cannot treat her. Go to the other patient.”

 

Terrell had been brought in and laid down on the other cot. Matt was examining him as Patrick stalked over. “What the hell happened in there?”

 

Terrell coughed and took a deep breath on his oxygen mask. “Robin left her phone on the counter and I accidentally hit it.” He took another breath. “It hit some beakers and they fell on the floor and broke. She went unconscious about five minutes ago. I kept the oxygen mask on her as much as I could.”

 

“You knocked over beakers in a lab!” Patrick was about to grab the man when Epiphany pulled him back. “She could have died.”

 

“Hey, she shouldn’t have left her phone on the counter.” Terrell began coughing again. “It was accident man. Why don’t you stop attacking me and go take care of your wife?”

 

Matt nodded at Epiphany who pulled Patrick away from the cot. “Dr. Drake, you need to check on your daughter.”

 

Patrick turned around and noticed Emma standing by her mom’s side, holding her hand. He ran over to her and hugged her. “I’m sorry.” He looked at Tom. “How is she?”

 

“Her lungs sound clear but I want an x-ray of her lungs and a blood draw.” Patty instantly went to work on getting the draw while Tom continued talking to the two doctors. “I wish I knew what was in those beakers.”

 

“Hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite.” Robin’s voice was weak and raspy. “How long were we exposed?”

 

Both Patrick and Emma’s hearts sank at her words.

 

“10 minutes – Epiphany, we are dealing with chlorine exposure in an enclosed space. We need to continue with the high-flow O2, get x-rays and two ICU beds for them. I want albuterol treatments started ASAP and get a pulmonary specialist in here now.” Tom smiled at Robin. “We’re going to take good care of you.”

 

Robin just nodded and turned to Patrick and Emma. She managed to mouth the words I love you at them before she was whisked away for her x-ray.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick and Emma sat by Robin’s bedside, each one holding one of her hands. It had been two hours since the whole ordeal started and they needed her to wake up so they could know the concentration of the chlorine gas. If it was less than 15 parts per milliliter than it would be considered a low level exposure and her chance of recovery was excellent. If it was higher than her chances of survival diminished significantly, especially with her compromised immune system.

 

“Patrick…” Robin’s voice was muffled by the oxygen mask.

 

“Hey you.” Patrick quickly got up from the chair and sat down on the bed next to her. “How are you feeling?”

 

Robin rolled her eyes at his question. Her throat was killing her and her chest was sore. “Great.”

 

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “Good to see your sense of humor is still intact.”

 

Robin squeezed Emma’s hand. “Hey baby girl.”

 

Patrick gently rubbed Robin’s arm. “Robin, we need to know what the ppm was for the chlorine. Do you know?”

 

Robin closed her eyes and thought. “They were both extremely low, less than 5 ppm, so it wasn’t a high level exposure.”

 

Both Patrick and Emma relaxed at her words. Patrick sighed. “Thank God.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Don’t scare me like that again.”

 

Emma kissed her mom’s other cheek. “I’m going to go tell Tom what the exposure was so he can plan your treatment. I also need to let everyone know that you are awake and doing well – the waiting room is full of people wanting an update. I love you mom.”

 

“Love you too.”

 

Emma gave her parents one last smile before heading out of the room.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Matt walked into Terrell’s room. “Dr. Jackson, you are a very lucky man. It was a low level exposure.”

 

Terrell removed his oxygen mask to speak. “Robin’s awake?”

 

Matt regarded the man suspiciously. “Yes but your main concern should be your health, not my sister-in-law’s.” He walked to the end of the bed and continued to tell Terrell the treatment plan. “We will be giving you albuterol treatments every 4 hours and doing another x-ray in 12 hours to make sure there are no signs of pulmonary edema. There will be one last x-ray before you are discharged and we would like you to meet with your primary doctor next week for a blood draw and follow up x-ray. He can determine if any further treatment is needed after that.”

 

“Thank you Dr. Hunter.” Terrell put his mask back on, effectively dismissing Matt.

 

“I will check in on you in the morning. If all goes well, you should be discharged tomorrow.” Matt turned to leave the room but turned around at the door. “Thank you for what you did for Robin. I understand that you made sure she was taken care of and we all appreciate it.”

 

Terrell took the mask off again. “I just did what I thought was right. I’ll see you in the morning Dr. Hunter.” Matt nodded and headed out the door.

 

Terrell waited a few minutes until he was sure Matt was gone before reaching for his phone and making a call. “I know it didn’t go the way we planned but I think we may finally have a foot in the door.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 30

 

“Robin?” Terrell knocked on the door to Robin’s room. “May I come in?”

 

Robin looked up from her tablet and smiled at him. “Of course – I have actually been wanting to talk to you.”

 

“Really?” Terrell took a few steps in and stood at the foot of the bed, placing his hands on it. “Why?”

 

“I wanted to thank you for keeping the oxygen mask on me. The fire chief told me that you made sure I got the majority of the oxygen after I passed out.” Robin and Patrick were both very grateful for Terrell’s actions.

 

“Anyone would have done the same.” He walked around to the side of the bed and sat down in a chair. “I’m just sorry that my clumsiness caused this whole thing.”

 

“Well my phone should not have been sitting on the counter so that is my fault.” Robin couldn’t believe she had been so careless. “Anyway, thank you. I appreciate your help.”

 

Terrell smiled at her and then stood up. “Well, I need to be going – I want to go home and sleep in my own bed tonight. You headed home too?”

 

“Unfortunately no.” Terrell was surprised to hear this. “My doctor and my husband ganged up on me and decided that, since I passed out, I needed to stay a little longer. I have a higher risk of pulmonary edema because of my compromised immune system.”

 

“Well, we still need to talk about our patient when you are able to. I will drop off the file in your office and we can talk about it once you are back in the office.” Terrell headed towards the door. “Sound good?”

 

“That sounds fine.” Robin yawned. “I think I am going to take a nap before my husband and children come back in. Thank you again.”

 

“You are most welcome Dr. Scorpio.” Terrell smiled at her one last time before leaving her room and heading towards Robin’s office.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick gave his sleeping wife a kiss as she lay in her hospital bed. “Wake up sleeping beauty, Prince Charming is here.”

 

Robin yawned and then sat up in the bed. “Prince Charming, really? I prefer Flynn Rider.” Robin was remembering a character from one of Emma’s favorite movies growing up.

 

“Hey!” Patrick pretended to be offended but then smirked at her. “Well, I do have a roguish, dangerous quality to me and a great smolder.”

 

Robin giggled. “Yes you do.” She kissed him and looked around the room. “Where are the kids?”

 

“Emma is doing rounds, Steph and RJ are in class and Mal is currently hitting on Patty down in peds.” Patrick shook his head. “Apparently he is into older women.”

 

“God help us, both our boys are their father’s sons.” Robin sighed. “What angle is he working?”

 

“What makes you think he is working an angle?” Robin stared at Patrick and smiled. “Okay, the fact that they will be walking down the aisle together at the wedding. Since they will be spending all that time together at the wedding, it seems silly to bring dates with them.”

 

Robin started laughing. “Oh man, that is so something you would have pulled.” Patrick tried to look innocent, but he failed miserably. “Don’t even – I know you too well.”

 

“Fine – it is definitely something I would have tried in my twenties.” He sat down on the bed with her. “But, in my defense, our son came up with the idea all on his own.”

 

“The way the male Drake mind works is a scary, scary thing.” Robin studied her husband’s face carefully. “But, unfortunately for you, I can tell when something is on your mind. What’s going on?”

 

“I have to go to a medical conference in San Diego in a couple of months, alone.” Patrick and Robin were both required to attend conferences but usually were able to go to them together. Since this conference was focused on surgical procedures, Tom had decided that it was for the best if Robin stayed behind and was available for consults with the other doctors on staff.

 

“When?” Emma’s wedding was coming up and no conference was more important than that.

 

“The week after Emma’s wedding.” Patrick reassured her. “I thought I might take RJ with me since he is looking at a couple of schools out there and we could meet up with Mal and John since there is a race there that weekend – a boys getaway.”

 

“Should I be worried? The four of you together in another state could be dangerous.” Robin couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“We will be fine. Anyway, Tara and Rylee will be here by then so maybe you guys can have a girls night out with Steph.” Patrick loved how close his and Matt’s families were.

 

“Maybe.” Robin nodded her head. “Is Matt going?”

 

“No, Tom said that he wanted Matt here at least one year before he started sending him to conferences.” Patrick turned around. “Scoot over, I want to lay down with you.”

 

Robin happily moved over a few inches and turned on her side. “I thought you would never ask.” Patrick laid down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. “How long do you think Mal will be down in peds?”

 

“Probably long enough for us to take a nap.” Patrick kissed the top of Robin’s head before setting his chin on top of it. “Get some rest Robin. I love you.”

 

Robin closed her eyes. “I love you too.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 31

 

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” The preacher smiled at the couple standing before him. “You may now kiss your bride.”

 

Cam reached over and pulled Emma to him and then gave her a long kiss while the church erupted into applause. He pulled back and smiled at his bride before they turned around and headed down the aisle hand in hand.

 

Robin reached up and wiped the tears away from her eyes before looking at Patrick and doing the same for him. The tears had started flowing from Patrick’s eyes as soon as they had started down the aisle. Later she would give him a hard time about it but not today. Today it was just another of the many reason why she loved him. “Our little girl is married.”

 

Patrick kissed her. “Yes she is.” He helped Robin to her feet as the followed the bridal party down the aisle. “He better treat her right.”

 

“He will.” Patrick heard Lucky behind him. “I told him I would kick his ass if he didn’t.” Lucky had arrived back in town a week ago to attend his oldest son’s wedding. Robin had been having a blast catching up with her old friend in between finalizing wedding plans. “Emma is special, just like her mom and sister. Too bad Aiden didn’t realize that.”

 

Aiden walked down the aisle with Stephanie, trying his best not to scowl at Jack as they passed him sitting in the pew. A month ago Steph had told him that they would be better off as friends. Since then she and Jack had been seeing each other exclusively and it burned Aiden to the core.

 

“She is so happy.” Steph’s voice cut through Aiden’s thoughts. “Your brother better treat her right.”

 

“He adores Emma, always has. I don’t think you have to worry about it.” They reached the doorway and Aiden reluctantly let go of Stephanie’s arm. “If not, I’ll kick his ass.”

 

“You’ll have to wait until I am done with him first.” Stephanie laughed and then smiled when she felt an arm wrap around her. “Right Jack?”

 

“I certainly wouldn’t want to piss you off.” Jack kissed Stephanie’s cheek and smiled at Aiden. “Aiden?”

 

Aiden smirked at Jack. “Jack – I didn’t know you would be here today.”

 

Jack shook his head. “Where else would I be? My girlfriend’s sister was getting married and I wanted to share it with her.”

 

“Still it’s pretty early in the relationship for a wedding date.” Aiden was trying to provoke a reaction but the one he got wasn’t the one he wanted.

 

“For some people, maybe, but I think it feels just right.” Jack hugged Stephanie.

 

Steph looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. “I agree.” She turned back to Aiden. “We’ll see you at the reception.”

 

Stephanie and Jack headed out the church doors, leaving Aiden standing there pouting. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see his dad standing there. “You were the one who didn’t want a relationship – not Stephanie. You can’t be mad at her or Jack for doing what you wouldn’t do.”

 

“I know Dad but it just kills me to see him with her.” Aiden knew he had been a fool to not fight for Stephanie. “It doesn’t matter right now. Tonight is about Cam and Emma, not my stupid choices. Let’s go celebrate my brother’s marriage.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Maxie, I just want to thank you again for your help in finding me and Rylee dresses for the wedding.” Tara sat next to Maxie at the reception catching up on old times and watching their daughters dancing the chicken dance. “Between packing and moving we really did not have time to go shopping.”

 

“Please, you and Rylee are honorary Scorpios, you know that.” Maxie smiled at Matt’s wife. Tara was a beautiful redhead with dark brown eyes. She had passed those eyes on to her and Matt’s daughter, who inherited her father’s dark hair and the Drake family dimples. “Besides, I love shopping for a redhead – gives me a whole new palette of colors to choose from.” She took a drink of her champagne. “How do you like the house Matt picked out?”

 

“It’s great! I love being so close to Patrick and Robin. You know, that was the hardest part of living in Georgia after Noah passed away, being away from the family.” Tara had been an only child and her parents had passed away years before she met Matt. The Scorpio-Drake clan had welcomed her with open arms and gave her the family she never knew she was missing. “I love that we are finally someplace that we can call home.”

 

Maxie smiled at her. “I understand exactly how you feel. I can’t imagine living anywhere but here in Port Charles.”

 

“I don’t know if it is a good idea to leave the two of you alone together.” Nathan laughed as he and Matt walked up to the table together.

 

“Well, there is a way to solve that problem – ask me to dance.” Maxie giggled at her husband as he pulled her out of her chair and out on the dance floor.

 

Matt held out his hand to his wife. “Shall we?”

 

Tara took his hand and stood up. “I thought you’d never ask.”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Patty?” John walked over to her as she stood talking to Steph and Jack. “May I have this dance?”

 

Patty smiled at him. “I would love to.”

 

He took her hand and led her out to the floor. “So, everything went well today. Emma and Cam are so happy.”

 

“Yes they are. I have to admit, I am a little jealous of your family. They seem to have great luck in the love department. I mean, look at your parents,” Patty nodded at Patrick and Robin dancing slowly together in the middle of the floor, “I want that.”

 

John smiled at her. “It takes a lot of work but I believe you will find it. Maybe even with someone you never expected.”

 

Patty blushed as John flirted with her. “Why Mr. Vine, are you flirting with me?”

 

“I certainly hope so.” John whirled her across the floor as Patty let out a girlish giggle.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I haven’t won any races yet but I am still starting out on the circuit.” Mal and RJ were talking to a couple of young ladies at the punch table. “And my brother here is one of the best pitchers in high school – has dozens of colleges after his arm.”

 

Patty’s half sisters couldn’t help but be impressed by the Drake men. Kara, who was in college, smiled at Mal. “I don’t know much about NASCAR but I would love for you to explain it to me.”

 

She offered up her arm which Mal took without hesitation. Meanwhile Janey, a senior in high school, turned her attention to RJ. “I actually saw you pitch your last no-hitter of the season. You beat my boyfriend’s team.”

 

RJ visibly deflated at her words. “Boyfriend, huh?”

 

“Well, ex-boyfriend.” She took a drink from her cup of punch. “So, tell me which schools are after you?”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Aiden stomped outside the reception hall – he needed a break for all the happy couples surrounding him.

 

It was his own damn fault. He could have been there with Stephanie if he hadn’t been so damn stubborn. His only hope was that, eventually, this relationship with Jack would fizzle out and he could have a second chance with her. Until then he had to bide his time and bite his tongue.

 

Aiden took a deep breath and was about to head back in to the reception when he heard Jack talking on his phone.

 

“I know this wasn’t part of the deal but I have everything under control.” Jack ran his hand through his hair. “No, they don’t know and I see no reason to tell them yet. To be honest, Stephanie is going to be mad enough at me when this all comes out and I want to delay that as much as possible.” Jack paused for a moment. “Fine, I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Good night.”

 

Jack put his phone away and straightened up his jacket before heading into the building. Aiden came back around the corner the was hiding behind and stared at the slowly shutting door. He didn’t know what Jack was up to but he was certainly going to find out.

 

Edited January 30, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 32

 

Patrick watched as Robin packed his bag. He had learned years ago that his wife’s organizational skills came in handy in many situations and packing a suitcase was definitely one of those. Even though Robin wasn’t going with him, she still packed his bag, making sure he had everything he needed and that it was easy to find. “I changed my mind – I think you should come with us.”

 

Robin laughed. “What happened to a ‘boys only’ weekend? You and your sons out there terrorizing California?”

 

“Well, my sons are all going to be looking for women while I am pining for the only woman I have ever loved – hardly seems fair.” Patrick gave her his best puppy dog eyes. “But if you are with me…”

 

“Then the boys wouldn’t get to hear all the stories they have been dying to hear about your wild and crazy single days.” Robin sat down on the bed and pulled Patrick next to her. “Look, I am in week two of a four week protocol and I need to have the final revisions done to my paper for JAMA in by next Tuesday. Leaving, for me, is not possible at this time and you know it.”

 

Patrick flung himself back on the bed and crossed his arms across his chest, pouting. “I know but…”

 

Robin laid down on top of him and placed her chin on his arms. “But you are going to have so much fun with the boys. The race is on Sunday, the conference doesn’t start until Tuesday so you have plenty of time for the campus visit and sightseeing. Plus, I don’t think you’ll be alone in your pining for a woman back here in Port Charles. Did you see Patty and John at the wedding?”

 

Patrick nodded. “I did. He told me that they had dinner the other night – he really likes her. I guess he has had a crush on her for a while but was worried that she wouldn’t be interested.”

 

“Yeah because the handsome and charismatic leader of a Fortune 500 company is not someone you want to be with.” Robin laughed. “Well, if the way they were looking at each other while dancing is any indication, I don’t that will be an issue. I hope it works out for them – he deserves some happiness.”

 

Patrick kissed Robin. “Yes he does.” Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin and held her close. “He really is a great kid. I am so glad he agreed to be a part of our family.”

 

“Me too.” Robin sighed. “Now, we need to finish getting you packed – your flight takes off in 3 hours which means you and RJ need to be out the door in the next hour.”

 

Robin tried to get off of Patrick but he held her close, refusing to let her get up. “It won’t take an hour to pack and I would much rather do something else with these remaining minutes than organize my suitcase.”

 

“But Patrick…” Patrick cut Robin off with a kiss.

 

“We have a half hour until RJ gets home from practice Robin – we’ll pack then.” Before she could say another word Patrick kissed her again.

 

Robin stopped trying to get up and melted into him and his kiss. He was right – they could finish packing in a little bit.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“It’s not funny Robin.” Patrick had been unpacking his suitcase as he talked to Robin on the phone. His and RJ's flight had landed on time in San Diego and the two had gone straight to the hotel and checked into their two room suite. “I cannot believe I forgot my shaving kit. Now I have to buy shampoo, razors, soap…”

 

“Because you can’t get any of those things at the hotel?” Robin started giggling. “I mean it’s not like they have soap in the bathroom or shampoo.”

 

“Very funny Robin.” Patrick sighed. “You know I am very particular about what I use on my hair and body.”

 

“Oh yeah, I am very aware of that.” Robin sat down on the couch and took a sip of her wine. “But it’s your own fault. You were the one who distracted me while we were packing. Because of your distraction, we had to rush the packing so we could get you and RJ to the airport on time. Not that it wasn’t worth it.”

 

Patrick smiled. “Oh yeah, it was definitely worth it. But that still doesn’t help me get my shampoo. What if they don’t have it out here?”

 

“Poor baby.” Robin opened her book as she settled herself into the cushions, enjoying the fact that she had the couch to herself. “Didn’t you spend a year living in a hotel when we first met?”

 

“That was different – I was young and stupid and completely unable to understand the joys of having a permanent home to live in. At least not until you showed me.” Patrick sat down on the bed and leaned back against the headboard. “You and me going up against Biff the landlord, the fight over the couch, Chinese food and mornings sleeping in…”

 

“You taking off with Pete to Vegas the day after I moved in – yeah, I remember it well.” Robin set her book down. “Boy, we really did not make it easy, did we?”

 

“No, but it has been worth every up and down to get to where we are. Still happy and in love after all these years. I miss you already.” Patrick was happy to get to spend a little time alone with the boys but the nights would be terrible.

 

“Me too but you and our sons are going to have a great time. You are going to the track on Sunday?” Robin still couldn’t bring herself to watch the races on TV, she was petrified that she would see Mal crash.

 

“Yep, Mal is starting in the fourth row.” He looked at his watch. “In fact, RJ and I need to get going if we are going to get to be on time to meet them. John has already made arrangements for the tour tomorrow at UC San Diego.”

 

“I think it is good for him to look at his options, even though I am almost positive that he has his heart set on John Hopkins or Cornell.” Robin had helped RJ create a comprehensive list of the schools he was interested in attending. The list was cross-referenced with any scholarships available as well as the schools who had already shown an interest in signing him to their baseball program. “Baylor is also a possibility. The truth is the best medical schools are in the northeast so I don’t think our boy will be moving too far away.”

 

“Which is fine with his mom I’m sure.” Patrick thought for a second. “Oh my God Robin, what if he decides to apply to the Sorbonne?”

 

Robin took another drink of her wine. “Well I don’t think they have a baseball team so I am not too worried about it but if he does, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”

 

RJ knocked on his dad’s door. “Dad, we need to get going. Mal and John are probably already at the restaurant.”

 

Robin heard her youngest son through the phone and laughed. “Go and give the boys my love.”

 

“Just the boys?”

 

“Of course not.” Robin shook her head at her husband. “I love you Patrick. I’ll talk to you later.”

 

“Love you too.” He hung up the phone and headed to the door. "Alright, let's go meet up with your brothers."

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

He watched her hang up the phone and set it down on the coffee table next to her wine glass. She was stretched out across the couch and obviously enjoying having a little time to herself. He took one last look at her and then walked back to his car.

 

“He’s gone – everything is a go for this weekend.” Terrell hung up his phone and started up his car. Finally, after months of planning, they would get everything they wanted.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 33

 

Robin was studying her file at the nurse’s desk when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She turned around to see her brother-in-law standing behind her. “Aren’t you supposed to be living it up? Reliving those carefree days of youth while your husband is across the country?”

 

Robin scoffed. “Matt, you know me as well as anyone – do you really think I had very many carefree days when I was young?”

 

Matt considered her question and smiled at her. “No, I guess not, but how about enjoying having the house to yourself?”

 

“You know, it just feels weird. This is the first weekend I can think of in years when I am not doing something for one of my children or with my husband and I don’t know what to do with myself.” Robin handed the file to the desk nurse and turned around. “Anyway, I needed to get some work done on a protocol I’m putting together for one of Dr. Walsh’s patients. He wanted it next weekend but if I can get it done today then…”

 

“Then you have the weekend free to spend with my brother when he gets back – good thinking Dr. Scorpio-Drake.”

 

“Exactly.” Robin turned and started walking to her office. “So what are you doing here today?”

 

“On schedule covering for my brother – remember? He gets to spend the day at the races while I am stuck here at the hospital. He so owes me.” Matt pretended to pout but Robin wasn’t buying it.

 

“Please, you love that you are able to help your brother out.” Robin stopped in front of her office. She turned to Matt and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “And I do too.”

 

“Yeah, well, if you love it that much – how about you have lunch with me? Burgers at Kelly’s?” Matt’s shift was over and Tara was out with Maxie, Rylee, Georgie and Steph shopping.

 

“Best offer I’ve had all day.” Robin smiled at him. “Let’s go.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Come on Robin, you have to watch the race sometime.” Matt and Robin were enjoying the lunch while discussing Mal’s career.

 

“Live – yes. On TV – no.” Robin sighed. “If I saw his car crash and I was here in Port Charles I...” Robin’s phone buzzed and stopped her train of thought. It was okay, Matt understood what she was saying. Robin read the message. “He’s in 10th at the 475th lap.” Patrick was texting her updates from the track.

 

“That’s great.” The two of them ate in silence for a few more minutes before Matt asked his next question. “Have you heard from Em?”

 

“Got an e-mail last night. She and Cam are having a wonderful time.” Emma and Cam were honeymooning at their grandparent’s villa in Italy while Anna and Robert were in Port Charles – it was their wedding gift to the couple. Once they had found out about the couple’s plans, Jason and Sam had offered them the use of the company jet. “They are having dinner with Brenda tonight and then Jason has arranged for them to have a short cruise on SS Lila around the coast of Italy over the next couple of days.”

 

“Better not let Tara hear that – she says I owe her a real honeymoon since we only had one weekend at a cabin.” Matt was still in the process of getting his license reinstated and rebuilding his reputation when the couple got married. He hadn’t had the luxury of taking more than a couple of days off at the time. “Don’t get me wrong, she loved our little getaway but she is hoping for something a little more romantic one day.”

 

“I’m sure we can come up with something.” Robin smiled at him. “Rome is beautiful in the spring and Rylee could stay with us. Or we could arrange a little family trip – I’ve been wanting to visit Brenda and I’m sure we could take care of Rylee and give you guys some time to yourself.”

 

“That may not be a bad idea.” Matt loved that Robin wanted to help him.

 

“Maybe we could even get Jason and Sam to join us – they hated missing the wedding.” The couple had every intention of being at the wedding but Danny got sick and they flew to Madrid to be with him. He was given a clean bill of health the other day but Sam stayed behind to make sure he was okay while Jason came home so he could get back to work.

 

“I know they did but everyone understood.” Matt took a drink of soda.

 

Robin's phone buzzed again and she read the text smiling. "Race is over, Mal finished 8th." She started laughing. "Mal's fine - go home and relax. I love you Patrick."

 

Matt smiled at his brother's message. He looked at his plate and then back at Robin, trying to not sound too suspicious. “Any word from Dr. Jackson regarding your patient?”

 

Robin shook her head. Terrell’s patient had taken a turn for the worse and he had taken a leave of absence from the hospital to take care of him. “Not in a couple of weeks. I told him to let me know if I could help out in any way.” Robin noticed the look on Matt’s face. “What?”

 

“Look, I am grateful to the guy for helping you out after the explosion in the lab but I still don’t trust him.” He put his napkin down on his now empty plate. “You need to promise me that if he asks you to go and see this patient you will take me or Patrick with you. I don’t trust him alone with you.”

 

Robin thought about arguing with him but there was no point – Matt was as protective and stubborn as his brother. “I promise.” Robin leaned back in her chair. “I am stuffed. You headed back to the hospital?”

 

“No, headed home. You?”

 

“Same thing – I am almost done with the revisions on my article so I will submit them tonight and then celebrate with Chinese food, wine and long bath.” Robin stood up. “Ready to head out?” Her phone buzzed and she answered it. “Hello?”

 

Matt watched her carefully – something was wrong. He mouthed ‘Patrick’ at her but she shook her head. “How long was the seizure?” She listened and nodded her head. “Alright, text me the address and I will be right there.”

 

Robin hung up the phone and Matt looked at her. “Terrell?”

 

“Yes, the patient just had a seizure and he is worried that the medication isn’t working anymore.” Robin headed towards the door with Matt right behind her.

 

“Well I’m going with you.” Robin rolled her eyes but Matt didn’t back down. “I meant what I said before – I don’t trust him alone with you.”

 

Robin’s phone buzzed again and she looked down at the address on the phone. “Fine – I take it you’re driving?”

 

“Of course.” Matt opened the door for her. “Let’s go sis.”

Edited January 31, 2016 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 34

 

“Robin, are you sure this is the right place?” Matt and Robin were sitting in Matt’s SUV outside an abandoned house near the outskirts of Port Charles. “This just doesn’t feel right.”

 

Robin opened up the text, read the address again and then looked at the house number. “No, this is the address he sent me. Maybe I need to text him back and make sure he didn’t mistype it.”

 

Robin was just getting ready to send the text when she was surprised by a knock on Matt’s window. Matt looked over to see Terrell standing there. Matt rolled his eyes at Robin and then hit the button for his window. “Sorry guys, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

 

“That’s okay, we were just getting ready to text you. I thought we had the wrong address.” Robin looked at the house. “It doesn’t look like anyone has lived here for a long time.”

 

“Looks can be deceiving – he stays mostly in the back of the house and he is sleeping right now so I turned off the lights while I waited for you.” Terrell backed away from the car so Matt could open his door and exit the car.

 

Robin got out of the car and joined the men, bringing her medical kit with her. “I hope you don’t mind Matt coming along to help. We were just finishing up dinner when you called.”

 

“Actually, I was hoping Dr. Hunter would come with you.” Terrell smiled at them and pulled out a gun. “I wanted her to have some company on our trip.”

 

Matt stepped in front of Robin. “She’s not going anywhere with you.” He made a move towards Terrell when he heard the clicking sound of a gun being cocked behind him. He turned around to see two men standing behind Robin, one with a gun pointed at her head.

 

“Like I said, we are going to take a little trip but we will need your cell phones before we head out.” Terrell held out his hand and both Robin and Matt placed their cell phones in his hands. He handed the phones to one of the men. “Take care of these.”

 

The man took the butt of the gun and smashed the phones to pieces. Minutes later a car pulled up next to the group and the trunk popped opened. “After you doctors.”

 

Matt grabbed Robin’s hand and pulled her close. Glaring at Terrell, he helped Robin into the trunk and climbed in carefully after her. It was a tight fit but Robin’s little frame helped them both be somewhat comfortable. Matt wrapped his arms around his sister-in-law in an attempt to comfort her. “It’s going to be okay Robin.”

 

Terrell walked over and looked at the two of them. “Don’t worry – it won’t be too long and we will be at our final destination.”

 

“Which is where?” Robin couldn’t believe that she had trusted this man for even one moment.

 

“Your new home Robin.” Terrell shut the trunk lid and got in the car, ready to begin the next part of their journey.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Dad, is something wrong?” Mal walked over to his dad after he had finished helping get the car ready for the trip to the next race.

 

“I can’t get in touch with your mom.” Patrick stared at the phone is his hand, willing it to ring.

 

“Maybe she is still at the hospital. You know how she can get with her research.” Mal didn’t like the look on his dad’s face – he looked scared. “Why don’t you have Uncle Matt check on her?”

 

“I already tried that. He isn’t answering his phone either and Liz said she saw them having a late lunch together earlier.” Patrick began pacing the garage.

 

Mal waved John and RJ over. John looked at the men. “What’s going on?”

 

“Dad can’t get in touch with mom or Matt.” Mal was hoping that John could come up with an idea about what was going on.

 

“When was the last time you talked to her?” John was immediately suspicious. Robin wasn’t the kind to ignore multiple phone calls and Matt’s phone only left his side when it was charging.

 

“I was texting her throughout Mal’s race but the last time I talked to her was this morning before she went to work.” Patrick ran his hand through his hair. “Something’s wrong John, I can feel it.”

 

“Did you try Tara? Maybe they are all together and…” John knew he was grasping at straws but he wanted to be sure all bases were covered before they began panicking.

 

“Of course I did.” Patrick shook his head. “She hasn’t seen him since he left for the hospital this morning. He texted her to tell her he was eating with Robin and that was the last she heard from him.”

 

“Let me call Jason – he’s in Port Charles and he can start trying to find them. Meanwhile I am going to get the company jet here so we can head home.” John pulled out his phone and called his cousin. “Jason, it’s John. We have a problem.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Matt rubbed Robin’s arms as they lay in the trunk of the car. They had been in there for what seemed like hours and had no clue where they were heading. “How are you doing?”

 

“You’re kidding, right?” Robin shook her head. “I don’t understand this – what is Terrell talking about my new home?”

 

“I told you I didn’t trust him.”

 

“Now is not the time for I told you so.” Robin felt the tears begin to fill her eyes. “He could have left you out of this.”

 

“And let you have all the fun? No way.” Matt hugged her close. “We are going to get out of this together Robin – I promise.”

 

The car suddenly stopped. Matt and Robin waited anxiously for the trunk to open while also being scared about what would happen when it did. The trunk opened up and Terrell stood there waiting for them.

 

“Let’s go.” Terrell smiled down at the two figures hunched over in the trunk. He put his hand out to help Robin get out of the truck.

 

Robin glared at him and ignored the offered hand as she climbed out of the trunk. Matt was close behind her and quickly put himself in between Robin and Terrell. Robin stumbled as she tried to regain her footing and Matt quickly reached out his hands to steady. “I’ve got you.”

 

“Thanks.” Robin nodded at him and then took a moment to look around at their surroundings. “Matt, look.” Robin pointed to a helicopter sitting in a field.

 

“Alright, it’s time to start the final leg of our journey.” Terrell kept his gun trained on the two doctors. “Let’s go and Robin,” Robin refused to look at him, “your cocktail is waiting for you on the copter.”

 

The two of them walked to the helicopter hand in hand, unsure what was waiting for them once they got on it. Terrell opened the door to the copter. “After you.”

 

Matt took Robin’s hand and helped her onto the helicopter and jumped on after her. Both of them buckled in while Terrell got on, shut the door and did the same. Minutes later the copter took off and they were in the air. Matt held Robin’s hand as they flew off to their unknown destination. He glared at Terrell. “What do you want with us?”

 

“I don’t want anything from Robin.” Terrell cast a hateful look at Matt. “My part of this involves you. My partner on the other hand…”

 

One of the men in the front of the helicopter turned around and looked at them. “I am very interested in what happens with Robin.” He smiled at her. “Hello Robin.”

 

Robin gasped. “Nikolas.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 35

 

“Stephanie calm down.” Jack paced the floor of his apartment while talking to his girlfriend on the phone. “What do you mean your mom is missing?”

 

“Just what I said – she is missing. My dad called my Aunt Tara earlier today and he couldn’t get in touch with my mom or Uncle Matt and the last time they were seen was together at Kellys.” Stephanie looked around her parent’s living room. “I came to my parents house hoping that maybe they were here and just not answering their phones for some reason but…”

 

Jack's heart broke at the sound of Stephanie’s soft crying. “Stay there – I’m on my way.”

 

“It’s him – I don’t know how but he has her.”

 

“Your birth father?” Stephanie had told him the whole story about Nikolas not long after they got serious. “But I thought he was in a high security prison?”

 

“Nikolas.” Pure hate dripped from every syllable of his name as she said it. “He was supposed to be but…” Stephanie stood at the mantle and stared at the family photo sitting there. “Let’s just say I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

 

“Then you are in danger too.” Jack was already heading out the door. “Lock the door and do not let anybody in except for me, your family or the police. Do they know what is going on?”

 

“I’m sure Maxie has said something to them by now and I am willing to bet my dad and brothers are on their way home right now.” Stephanie went over to the front door and locked it before heading over to the couch and sitting down. The reality of the situation hit her and she started crying louder. “This can’t be happening again.”

 

“Okay, call Mac and your grandparents and tell them to meet you at your parents place. I’m on my way and Steph I,” Jack stopped, now wasn’t the time for any professions of love, “I’m going to do everything in my power to help get your mom home.”

 

“Thank you Jack.” Stephanie hung up and curled up on the couch waiting for everyone to arrive.

 

Jack sighed and then headed down the stairs. He made another call on his way down. “You didn’t tell me Nikolas had escaped.” He heard the man on the other end of the phone start to say something but Jack cut him off. “It doesn’t matter now. You need to get to Port Charles as soon as possible – Robin and Matt are missing.”

 

Jack hung up the phone and got into his car. Stephanie was going to be mad as hell at him when the truth came out but that didn’t matter. All that mattered was finding Robin and Matt and bringing them home safe and sound.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“You are supposed to be in Steinmauer. You weren’t ever supposed to see the light of day again.” Robin shook her head as she stared at her ex-fiancée.

 

“You spend enough time in prison and you make a lot of friends, one of whom wasn’t too happy with being there because of your parents. His dying wish was that I make Robert and Anna pay for putting him in there.” Nikolas smiled at her. “He couldn’t think of a better punishment than losing their daughter again. After all, his kidnapping of you was one of the many charges that landed him in there.”

 

“You worked with Faison?” Robin couldn’t believe it.

 

“Wait – Cesar Faison? The man who was obsessed with Anna?” Matt looked at Robin who nodded her head.

 

“Yes, he didn’t think it was fair that he couldn’t be with his child and they could be with theirs.”

 

“You said dying wish.” Robin looked at Nikolas. “Is he dead?”

 

“Yes, he died right before I left the prison.” Nikolas reached over to touch Robin but she instantly pulled away. “Robin, I could have taken Stephanie too. You might want to rethink your attitude.”

 

Robin blanched at his words and quickly changed the subject. “Why bring Matt into this?” Robin wasn’t that shocked that Nikolas had kidnapped her again, he was obsessed, but Matt didn’t need to be drug into it.

 

Nikolas looked at Terrell. “Matt is actually here for the good doctor here. The two men have some unfinished business.”

 

Matt finally realized what was going on. “Lisa – you want revenge for Lisa’s death.”

 

“Murder, Dr. Hunter.” Terrell fixed Matt with at hate-filled stare. “I want you to finally pay for Lisa’s murder.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Jack walked into the Drake house to see the family in full reconnaissance mode. Taps being put on the phones, cameras being installed and tracking devices on the coffee table. He watched with a slight smile on his face as Robert argued with his equally stubborn granddaughter. “I really don’t care what you want. That man is insane and he will stop at nothing to get to you. This way we can protect you.”

 

“I am not disappearing again. I’m not a baby anymore – I am an adult and I have a say in this. I know how to protect myself and I want him put away just as bad as everyone else does.” Steph was determined to help find her mom this time.

 

“I know you do sweetheart but your mother will kill me if something happens to you.” Robert’s steel blue eyes softened as he gazed at his youngest granddaughter. Stubborn, just like her mother and grandmother.

 

“But don’t you see, I am the perfect person to help find her.” Stephanie pointed at the table. “We have all the equipment we need and we know he is going to come after me and John now that he has mom so let’s use that.”

 

Jack’s slight smile disappeared as he realized what Steph was saying. He ran over to the table and stood next to Robert. “No Stephanie, not a snowball’s chance in hell.”

 

Robert smiled at the young man. “I agree with your boyfriend here – you are not doing it.”

 

Anna heard the last statement and walked over to the group. “Is there a problem here?”

 

Robert smiled at his wife. “Do me a favor and talk some sense into your granddaughter.”

 

“Okay, what is going on?” Anna could feel the tension between Jack and Stephanie as they engaged in a stare off.

 

Jack never took his eyes off Stephanie as he answered Anna. “Stephanie wants to be bait. She wants to let Nikolas kidnap her and then we can hopefully track her to where Robin is.” He stepped towards Stephanie. “And there is no way in hell I am letting you anywhere near that son of a bitch.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 36

 

“Stephanie!” Patrick ran in the house and held his youngest daughter close. “Thank God you’re safe.”

 

Her brothers were close behind him and all took turns hugging her. Jack stood on the sidelines and watched with a smile on his face. “And we will do everything in our power to keep it that way, right Steph?”

 

Stephanie glared at her boyfriend and it was Mal who figured out what was going on. “Oh no, Steph – I agree with Jack on this one.”

 

“Agree with Jack on what?” Patrick was so happy his kids were safe he had missed the glares Steph and Jack were shooting each other. Jason had confirmed that Emma and Cam were safe on the SS Lila and they would be told about what was going on when they docked the next day. The jet was already on its way to Rome to bring them home.

 

“She wants to use herself as bait to catch Nikolas – doesn’t she?” Mal directed his question to Jack, not Stephanie.

 

John responded instantly. “Hell no!”

 

“Excuse me, I am over 18. I can make my own decisions.” Steph dug in her heels a little more each time someone told her no.

 

“Yes you can but we reserve the right to stop you when it is a dangerous and stupid decision.” Jack clenched his fists in frustration. “Damn it Steph, we love you too much to let you anywhere near that madman.”

 

Steph’s heart stopped. “We love me too much?”

 

Jack reached over and took Steph’s hands in his. “I love you too much. Please, Steph, your mom would want me to keep you safe and away from Nikolas.”

 

Steph couldn’t help but smile at him a little bit. “I love you too but…”

 

“Please Steph, let me protect you.” There was a pleading look in Jack’s eyes that broke everyone’s heart. He truly did love her.

 

“Stephanie, I tried that years ago and it didn’t work. Nikolas is going to be prepared for any tracking devices or tails you might have.” John put his arm around his sister’s shoulder and gave her a hug. “Just let all us keep you safe – you know that is what mom wants.”

 

Stephanie leaned her head against her brother’s chest and nodded her head. “Fine but I am not going to a safe house. I want to be here every step of the way.”

 

“Me too.” RJ stepped up next to the group. “I’m old enough to help too, even if it is only to stop my sister from doing something crazy.”

 

Patrick felt himself relax just a little bit at the scene unfolding before him. Yes Nikolas had Robin again but his children were safe and the boys would do everything in their power to protect Stephanie. Watching the commotion going on around him, Patrick was convinced that it wouldn’t be long before Robin was home and Nikolas was out of their lives for good.

 

Patrick was pulled out of his thoughts by the ringing of the doorbell. He walked over and answered the door. “What are you doing here?”

 

Jagger Cates stepped through the door. “I’m here because of Robin – I heard what happened.”

 

Patrick was confused. There had been a total media blackout about Matt and Robin’s disappearance. Tara, Rylee, Maxie and Georgie were already on their way to a safe house and the police had wanted to keep things as quiet as possible for the time being just in case there was a ransom demand. “How did you hear about what happened to Robin?”

 

Jack took a deep breath and spoke, never taking his eyes off of Stephanie. “Because I told him.”

 

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“I hope you are getting all settled in.” Nikolas opened the door to Robin’s room and smiled at her. “If you need anything, please let the guards know and they will get it for you.”

 

“The only thing I want is take my brother-in-law and go home to our family.” Robin stared out the barred window of her room. She was on the second floor of a house that stood on the edge of a bluff overlooking the ocean. “Where is Matt and why were we separated?”

 

“Dr. Jackson made it clear that he has some unfinished business with Matt.” Nikolas walked over to Robin and put his arms around her. She stiffened in his arms but he didn’t care. “He isn’t allowed to kill Matt but the extent of his retribution will be up to you. You behave and do what you are told and Matt will just live with the knowledge he will never see his wife or child again. You disobey me and Terrell can perform any number of experiments on him. Are we clear?”

 

Robin couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. “This is blackmail – emotional blackmail. You know I could never let someone pay for my actions, not after Gabriel.”

 

“I wouldn’t have to do this if you had just married me when we planned to. You let Drake and your parents poison you against me. They stole our children and our life Robin.” Nikolas’s grip tightened a little bit and Robin gasped. “This time will be different – this time they won’t be able to find us.”

 

“Where are we?” Robin thought they were on an island, she could only see water on side of the house.

 

“Don’t worry, we are someplace safe.” Nikolas kissed the top of her head. “Tomorrow we start planning the wedding.”

 

Robin shook her head. “Nikolas, I am married to Patrick…”

 

“In the United States you are, not here.” Nikolas released her and headed towards the door. “We will be married at the end of the week and then you will move into my room with me.”

 

Horror filled Robin as she realized what Nikolas was saying. “Nikolas, no…”

 

“We decided to wait for our wedding night Robin and I will honor that decision.” Nikolas smiled at her one last time. “Now get some rest and we will find you a dress in the morning. If you are really good, I may even let Dr. Hunter attended the ceremony. Good night Robin.”

 

Nikolas shut and locked the door while Robin stood at the window crying. She stared out at the water, trying to get some clarity on the situation but all she felt was hopelessness. She had no idea where she was or where they were holding Matt. She couldn’t make a move without guaranteeing Matt’s safety and Nikolas knew it.

 

She went over to the bed and laid down. She would try and gather information tomorrow when the sun came up but for now she wasn’t sure what to do. All she knew now was that if she didn’t figure out something soon Nikolas would finally get what he had wanted after all these years and she would be powerless to stop him.

Edited February 3, 2016 by cmahorror