CHAPTER 19:

(Authors note: Okay its been 3 days since the last chapter of dd. Nikolas is doing remarkably well and has moved out of ICU into a private room. Madison has been with him as much as she can but everytime she tried to Tell him that she was in love with him in someone conveniently interrupted them.... Ned on the other hand is still unconscious, which the doctors now consider a coma. They have all tried to remain optimistic but the longer he is in coma the less likely he is to ever wake up. Alexis has been with Ned constantly, she was so persistent on staying with him that when he was transferred to his own room, Monica put a cot in it so Alexis would at least sleep. Lois is still around and has been between Brooke and the hospital but hasn't actually been in to see Ned because of the restrictions on his visitors. Okay now on to dd....)

Nikolas `Hospital Room:

Nikolas lays in his bed aimlessly flipping threw the channels. It lands on MTV, and he sees the "Hey Mickey" video, amused he keeps it on the channel.

Madison comes bursting threw the door with a big teddy bear in her hand. Nikolas sees her and smiles then points to the TV.

Nikolas-(teasingly) Look its "our" song! sing it for me Madison sing "Hey Nicky!!"

Madison-(gives him a murderous look) I don't think so!!!

Nikolas-Come on Madison I was just in major surgery and you wont sing for me! what kinda girlfriend are you?

Madison-you know you don't seem like you came out of major surgery but Fine, (sighs) the things I do for my guy. (totally not into it) Hey Nicky your so fine blah blah blah....

Nikolas-(totally enjoying this) That's not right! Last time you had so much more enthusiasm and I don't think any of the words to the song are "blah blah blah"

Madison-You know if you weren't in a hospital bed right now id smack you up side the head!

Nikolas-Aww you know you find it attractive.

Madison-(sarcasticly) Sure sweetie, whatever you say.

Nikolas-Fine on to other business what's with the teddy bear?

Madison- I took Brooke shopping today to get her mind off things. She is a really sweet lil girl and she knows that things Aren't good even though they don't tell her. (shakes her head) Anyway she said that Nicky needed to have the bear cause quote "Michael said howspitals are scary and brown bear will make it all better" and I couldn't argue with that logic, so I promised id bring it to you. She also bought one for her daddy.

Nikolas-How is Ned?

Madison pulls a chair up to Nikolas' bed and plops down on to it. Her tone suddenly becomes more serious.

Madison-Pretty much the same, he is still in a coma and the longer he stays that way the worse it looks for him.

Nikolas-and my aunt?

Madison-Alexis is a mess Nikolas she hasn't left the hospital since it happened. V, Chloe, and I have all tried to get her to go home take a nap, a shower, something but she refuses to leave him until he wakes up. Im afraid for her Nik. She loves Ned so much, and with Ned in the hospital, Lois back in town, and Edward coming in any chance he gets to tell her this is all her fault.....

Nikolas-(confidently) My aunt is the strongest women I have ever met, she will be okay I know it.

Madison- I hope so.(sighs, and contemplates trying to tell him again how she feels needed to let him know more than anything.)

Madison stands up and moves her chair so that's its blocking the door in his room.

Nikolas-what are you doing?

Madison-There is something I have been trying to tell you for a while now and every time I've tried someone has come barreling threw that door. Interrupting me, im making sure that doesn't happen this time.

Madison walks back over to Nikolas and sits on his bed and takes his hand.

Nikolas- (interested but confused) So what is it?

Madison-When you were in the bombing and I didn't know if would live or die. All these things kept running threw my brain. Are first kiss, are dates at the grille, that time we almost well you know..... But didn't, us playing with Brooke at the park, then I started thinking of all the things we'd never get to do if you didn't make it.(fast and nervously) and I realized that I love you Nikolas, and even if your not quite there yet I understand but I needed to tell you. I don't want to waste anytime with you. I want to take every moment were together and savor it, treasure it, I love you so much and I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't survived. So, I just had to say that maybe im making a complete fool out of myself right now, maybe you don't feel like I feel but.......

Nikolas-(cuts her off) Madison I love you too!

Madison-(Studdering,shocked) You do?

Nikolas-Yes Madison, I've loved you from the start. The moment I set eyes on you, I loved you. I didn't know how or why but, I did. And the more I got to know you, the deeper in love I fell. Everything you are makes me love you more. Your wicked sense of humor, Your beautiful blue eyes, The way you can go from being totally silly to completely serious in the snap of a finger, The way you laugh and smile, The way I feel after I've kissed you. How could I not love you?

Madison has tears running down her face and she gently leans toward Nikolas being as carefully as humanly possible not to hurt him. She gives him a kiss on the lips sweet at first then more passionate. Finally she pulls away slightly and Nikolas opens up his arms to her.

Nikolas-(softly) Lay with me.

Madison-(wipes a tear from her eye) it would be my pleasure.

Madison slips in perfectly to his arms, and the two lie together in silence. Both enjoying just being with each other, so happy to have finally said what's in there hearts.

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Ned's Room:

Alexis is sitting on a chair next to Ned's bed holding his hand.

Chloe walks threw the door with two crutches and her bright purple cast. Alexis looks up at her.

Alexis-how'd you persuade them to let you in?

Chloe-on a technicality I am after all Ned's cousin, technically family. I had to twist Tony's arm a bit but he finally let me.

Alexis-ahh I see.

Chloe looks into Alexis eyes she looks tired and warn out. Her stress shows on her face.

Chloe- Alexis sweetie, (she hobbles over to her and places her hand on her shoulder) have you been out of this room since they let you in? (Alexis gives her an annoyed look) Don't answer that I already know what the answer is. You need to get out of this hospital take a shower, take a nap.

Alexis- (firmly)Im not leaving Ned.

Chloe-listen Alexis I'll stay with him the whole time your gone. He did it for me while I was in the hospital. I know Ned and I know he'd want you to take care of your self just take an hour ... just one hour and go home.

Alexis- (wavering) I don't know Chloe what if he wakes up or gets worse? I need to be here.

Chloe-if anything changes I promise you'll be the first one I call. I have all your numbers.

Alexis-but...

Chloe-No buts Alexis dot make me call the big guns and get Jax in here.

Alexis- (sighs) fine im just going to go take a shower and change clothes, all be right back.

Chloe-Okay good.

Alexis stands up and gives Chloe a kiss on the cheek.

Alexis-thank you.

Chloe-no problem.

Alexis walks out of the door, and Chloe gets comfortable propping her leg up and sitting next to Ned's bed.

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The Park:

AJ and Carly sit on a bench watching Michael and Brooke play in the sand.

A cold breeze blows by and carly shivers she begins rubbing her shoulders to keep herself warm.

Carly-remind me again why we didn't have leticia take them to the park?

AJ-because Michael's only going to be this age once, and he needs to do things with his parents, and we were both free, and he begged us to take Them and.......

Carly-(still rubbing her shoulders) all right, all right, I see your point.

AJ- I knew you'd get cold. Why didn't you bring your jacket?

Carly- a jacket really didn't go with this outfit.

AJ laughs at carly who rolls her eyes.

Carly turns as and watches Michael who is giggling and shoveling sand with Brooke.

Carly- I see why we came now our little boy has the sweetest smile.

AJ-(Proudly) he does, doesn't he. He is what we've done right.

Carly-yes he is the best of us.

AJ- I cant believe we almost lost him.

Carly- I know I don't know what id do without him.

AJ-neither do I.

They both look over at Michael and Brooke who are both unsuccessfully trying to flip over a bucket to start there sand castle. it keeps crumbling as it hits the ground.

AJ stands up and takes Carly's arm.

AJ-come on looks like they could use some help.

Carly stands up and they walk over to Michael and Brooke AJ kneels down next to Michael and Carly kneels down next to Brooke.

AJ-You guys look like you could use some help.

Michael-Yeah daddy it wont stay the sand keeps fallin.

Carly-that's because you need to pack the sand in like this.

Carly takes the bucket and begins packing in the sand with the shovel getting sand all over her "outfit" she then takes the bucket flips it over and starts there sand castle.

Brooke-wow! Your good!

Carly and AJ both let out a small laugh.

Brooke- mommys really good at sand castles too. She takes me to da beach sometimes and we play...... When is mommy coming to get me? I haven't seen her all day long!

AJ-she had a few things to do today she is going to see your daddy, so after Madison took you shopping we said you could stay and play with Michael for a while. Your Mom should be home in time to tuck you in tonight.

Brooke-Good I miss her.... I Miss daddy too. When's he leaving the howspital?

Carly-Your daddies got a lot of owies. So he might be there for a while, so the doctors can make him all better.

Michael-just wike they did with me Brooke! I had owies, I was berry berry sick and I went to the howspital and it was berry scary(micheal throws his hands up in the air to show how amazed he is) but they made it all better!

Brooke looks up at the two adults around her.

Brooke - so daddy will be all better?

AJ and carly both nod in agreement silently praying there right for Brooke's sake.

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Hospital Corridor:

Alexis is walking back to Ned's room. She took a shower got a change of clothes and is feeling a little bit better. Thoughts of getting back to Ned consume her mind and she doesn't even notice someone is coming toward her until they run smack into each other.

Alexis- im so sorry (looks up) oh hi Lois.

Lois-its okay, hi Alexis. How is Ned?

Alexis- (sad) the same nothing's changed.

Lois-(pointing to two chairs) do you think we could sit down and talk for a minute?

Alexis-(uncomfortable) ummm well I really should be getting back to Ned...

Lois-come on Alexis just for a minute (sees how uncomfortable she looks) I promise I wont bite.

Alexis smiles and almost laughs.

Alexis-okay I suppose.

Lois and Alexis sit down in the chairs.

Alexis- sooo......

Lois- soooo....... okay im not one for beating around the bush so all just get straight to it.

Alexis-(kind of scared) okay.

Lois- I have heard rumors that perhaps your family was behind this explosion?

Alexis-(shifts uncomfortably) I wont lie to you Lois its a possibility (pauses) a strong possibility. My family well they make the Quartermaines looks like a loving functional bunch.

Lois-(sighs) That's what I thought. I think its best if I stay with Brooke for as long as she needs to be in town. I don't want anything to happen to her.

Alexis- I completely understand.

Lois-(sighs) This is hard to say because well.... A part of me ... will always love Ned (Alexis gulps nervously) (quickly) but that's the past and I think you are good for him. Your family maybe crazy and I have to protect my daughter before anything else...(firmly) know that. (Alexis nods) however I think you are just what Ned needs. Ever since you two have been together....when Ned comes to see Brooke I can see that he has changed. He is easy in his own skin and that's something I could never do for him. let him be who he was.....I don't really know why im saying all this. Its just that if Ned wakes-(trying to be positive) no when Ned wakes up I don't want things to be awkward with us. Its not good for Brooke, and if your going to marry Ned were going to run in to each other a lot. I just didn't want you to think I was well anything but happy that Ned finally found someone who is perfect for him.

Alexis-Wow, that's not what I was expecting at all. I thought you blamed me for Ned's accident and I sure as hell didn't think you thought I was good for Ned. You saying that to me, it means a lot. Thank you.

Lois-No problem I only say what I mean. You should know that about me. I have to admit at first I was suspicious of you but, everyone I talked to but Edward whose opinion doesn't count for beans with me. Told me how happy Ned's been since you came into his life, and then seeing you here everyday by Ned's side. Well, I could tell how much you love him.

Alexis-Well as long as we admitting things I was a little (puts her thumb and finger together to show how little) jealous of you when you came here. The Quartermaines all seem to love you, even Edward. I just couldn't compete or measure up or whatever. Edward hates me because of who my family is and some other things I wont get into.

Lois-Listen Edward is a tricky old man and half of what he says he doesn't mean. Its not your fault your family is insane just like it int Ned's fault his family is. But, I do need to protect Brooke she is my first concern. I cant let anything happen to her because of either one of your families........

Alexis- I understand... Ned loves Brooke more than anything,..... and well I was thinking if you didn't think it would be to much for her to handle. Maybe she could visit Ned it might be just what he needs to get him out of this coma.

Lois-Dont they have some rule about kids not visiting?

Alexis-Me and the doctors & nurses around Ned are like this. (crosses her fingers) they've grown accustom to me being with Ned 24/7, and I think I could persuade them to let me sneak Brooke in.

Lois-Well if it helps Ned ... All go pick Brooke up and ask her if shed be okay with it, and prepare her for it. You go talk to the doc's see if its okay?

Alexis-sounds like a plan.

They both get up and walk away. Alexis feels like a big weight has been lifted off her shoulders and she heads towards Ned's room.

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Simon and V's house:

V walks into her house and walks over to where the mail usually is. She instead sees another PIC of the same man and another threatening letter attached to it. she is physically and emotionally exhausted by everything that is happening and bursts into tears. Simon hears her and walks out of there bedroom to her and puts a comforting arm around her.

Simon-honey what wrong?

V- this is what's wrong.

She throws the PIC and letter at him.

V- (angry and still crying) I cant keep lying to you like this I thought that this was in my past but I was wrong and I need to tell you.

Simon- (Picks up the picture and letter) What are you talking about V your not making any sense? (Holds the picture up) Who is this?

V- (eerily calm) That's Marshall Monroe he was my partner about 7 years ago. I was a rookie cop, thought I knew everything. Marshall was my partner. He was like my brother. One night we went on a routine traffic stop The guy was high out of his mind, and we thought the guy didn't have a weapon. So I went to put the cuffs on the guy, and in what seemed like split second the guy pulled out a gun to shoot me, Marshall pushed me out of the way and got shot instead a bullet straight threw his heart he died on the scene.(crying) He he was my best friend.

Simon scoops V up into his arms and lets her cry on his shoulder. She pulls away and continues her story.

V- I blamed myself I thought the guy wasn't carrying..... and then a few days after marshals funeral I started getting pictures of him and threatening letters. I was scared and I didn't know what to do. After the 6th letter I knew I had to tell someone. I went to the commissioner he did some investigating, and put me under protection. One night I came home and the place had been trashed just like our house was. I was so afraid all the time. Finally the commissioner found out that Marshall's brother Mark was in a mental hospital. He had some serious problems. He had escaped and blamed me for Marshall's death. So he started stalking me. He was arrested had a trial and was found insane sent to a mental hospital. The letters stopped. I moved to Port Charles everything seemed to almost go back to normal.... That is until our honey moon I started getting the letters again, and the pictures. I didn't want to tell you. I didn't want this to be a part of us. I wanted it be in the past but ......

Simon-(Nothing but concern for his wife) V you should have told me, this man is crazy he could have hurt you. Have you let the police know?

V- no I thought maybe it would all just go away. I couldn't deal with it.

Simon- I think its time to go to the police.

V nods wipes a tear from her eye and Simon puts her arms around her.

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Ned's room:

Chloe sits next to Ned's bed holding his hand. Rambling on to him about recent events.

Chloe-............... So then Jax signs my purple cast. I know what your thinking how six grade of him but, it was really sweet. I know if you could you'd be gagging right now. (she laughs sort of sadly) Ned you need to wake up I need you to be my cousin/best guy friend! and Brooke beautiful Brooke needs her daddy, and Alexis she needs you Ned. So much your her everything.

Alexis walks threw the door almost excitedly.

Chloe-(looks at her) Wow, what happened to you?

Alexis-Lois and I had a lil talk and I persuaded Bobbie to let Brooke see her daddy. I think it might be just what he needs. (Alexis walks over to Ned's bedside sits down on it and gently takes his hand, she brushes it lightly against her lips) Isn't that right Ned?

Chloe-That's wonderful im sure Brooke is exactly what Ned needs to wake up. With you and her in the same room its got to make him come to.

Alexis- I hope so Chloe, I really do.

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