Spencer trudged aimlessly down the halls of the vast hospital, unsure of where to go, but wanting somewhere he would be left alone. He'd evaded his guards fairly easily and with deliberate agility he moved behind a nurses station as Alan Quartermaine led a group of young, eager residents down an adjascent corridor. Realizing that his office would be empty, Spencer made his way to the staircases.
********************
Wyndemere
Alexis perused the legal brief nestled in her lap and released a deep sigh as she turned the page over to read the next sheet. Surrounded by a sea of folders and documents, she'd spent the entire day in her bedroom catching up on much of the paperwork that had taken a backseat in the past week. Stretching her arms above her head, Alexis contemplated the conversation Dominic and Dade had shared earlier in the day, hoping it had gone well. Her only child meant the world to her, but getting a second chance with Dade had filled her with the kind of joy she'd only dreamed about. So preoccupied with her thoughts, she didn't hear the footfalls enter the room and approach her quietly.
"Hey gorgeous," Dade drawled as he placed a large brown bag on the bed. Alexis jumped, startled by the disturbance. "Hey!" she exclaimed, feeling her heart skip a beat as she looked him over, clad in snug jeans and a black cotton shirt that only accentuated his toned upper body. Eyeing the bag, she smiled curiously.
"What's this?"
"I bring food, m'lady," he offered. Opening the bag, he let the aroma pull Alexis from her position on the bed towards him. "Mmmmm, smells wonderful," she marvelled. Dade laughed gently, placing the bag of food on the nearby bedside table. Wrapping his arms around her, he murmured, "first things first," before soundly taking her mouth in a searing kiss that promised more for later.
After parting, Alexis carefully removed her files and assortment of folders from the bed while Dade set about placing the mouth watering food on plates. Settling comfortably on the bed, they dug into their steaming meals. "How did your talk with Dominic go?"
Dade poured the chilled water into the glasses. "Better than I thought. He's a great kid Alexis. We talked things out and while there are still a few rough patches that need working on," he admitted, "I think we're over the most important hurdles."
Alexis smiled softly. "I'm having breakfast with him in the morning, he seems to have alot on his mind these days. I should have spoken with him about this sooner," she chastized herself.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Dade said gently, placing the warm bread on his plate before offering Alexis some. Alexis shook her head and turned to face the window. He was right, but still. Tears pricked her eyes as she gazed at the landscaped gardens below, trying to allow Dade's words to push her doubts aside. Miserably she brushed aside a fallen tear as she exhaled a ragged breath. It was useless.
"Hey now," Dade murmured as he pushed their food aside and gathered her in a strong embrace. Pressing a kiss against her neck, he pulled her close. "You're a great Mother Alexis, one only needs to look at Dominic to find ample proof of that."
Alexis wanted to believe him, but couldn't. Sensing her misgivings, Dade gave her a squeeze. "Talk to him at breakfast, I'm sure he'll put to rest any doubts you may have. I promise."
***********************
General Hospital
Monica perused the lengthy file, her hand reaching for the pen she would need to sign off on a patient due to be released later that day. With a satisifed smile, she quickly scrawled her signature at the bottom and glanced at the clock. Her stomach rumbled hungrily in response and with a sigh she swivelled in Alan's chair, grabbing the remaining files from his shelf.
"Paperwork first, then food," she grumbled and set to work.
When she'd nearly finished a loud bang startled her. Looking up sharply and ready to blast Alan or whomever had so rudely interrupted her, the words died on her lips almost immediately. "Spencer!" she gasped in astonishment. Quickly she rose from her seat, the pen dropping from her hand.
Spencer stopped dead in his tracks. Frozen in mid-step, his eyes widened. "Sorry!" he exclaimed. "I didn't think it would be so loud." Monica inhaled deeply, hoping it would calm her jittery nerves. "That's alright." An awkward moment passed before Monica spoke again. "This is a pleasant surprise," she said, offering a smile to her grandson. Moving around the desk, she placed her hand in the pockets of her lab coat nervously, wanting to get a closer look at the grandson she didn't get to see that often. A lump rose in her throat as she noticed the subtle changes he'd gone through since she'd last seen him.
"I didn't know anyone would be here," he stammered. "I'm sorry I disturbed you."
"Spencer, you're always welcome here," Monica insisted softly. The tranquility and reassurance in her voice triggered something deep inside that Spencer had been trying to hold in since leaving Harborview Towers. Face flushed, he bowed his head in a desperate attempt to control his emotions.
Monica observed the changes with curiosity. Something wasn't right. Why wasn't he in school? Why had no guard burst into the room after him? Alarmed, she took a step towards him, her instincts as a Mother kicking into high gear. "Spencer, what is it?" she asked in a firm but soothing tone. Her hand reached out and gingerly touched his shoulder.
Unable to hold it together, Spencer let out a sob and threw himself at Monica. "Grandma!" he cried before succumbing to the tears. Monica clutched onto Spencer, her own sudden tears slipping down her cheeks. Unable to speak, she carressed his fine red hair slowly, just as she had done many times before with Jason when he was a small child.
********************************
Justus's office
"I think it's a very good possibility."
Michael's face broke into a wide grin as Justus handed him the heavy legal book and pointed out the various sections that applied to Michael's case. As he read, Justus continued his strategizing. "We can file a motion first thing in the morning," he said, penciling it into his schedule. "Will they contest it?" Michael asked as Justus went over to his bookshelf and pulled a few more heavy law books down. Justus turned, handing Michael a few. "I don't think so, they want a reconciliation and should be willing to give you the space you need." He paused, contemplating his words before softly offering, "it'll kill them." He could only imagine Jason and Carly's devastation at the news their eldest son wanted nothing more to do with them.
"Good," Michael said coldly, "they deserve it." Justus placed the books on his desk and studied Michael's features carefully. "Michael," he started before the young man interrupted him. "NO! Justus they deserve whatever they get! I don't care anymore, they made this mess so if they hurt because of my choice GOOD!" Justus simply waited for Michael's pacing of the office floor to calm down before choosing to speak again. It was obvious Michael had alot of built up anger. "Michael, you have every right to be angry," he said taking the young man by the shoulders, "but don't let it consume you. Don't let it become more than what it's worth. Don't let it become about hate or revenge and don't hang onto it like a lifeline."
Michael looked at the older man solemnly. "I'm so angry, I just want to pound on something!" Justus laughed, the sudden memory flashing before his eyes.. "AJ used to box many years ago." Michael's eyebrows arched with curiosity. "Really? Was he any good?" Justus nodded, "I believe he won a few bouts before hanging up his gloves." Seeing the young man's interest in a connection to his Father, Justus took a chance. "Do you think maybe you want to start boxing? AJ could probably teach you, he's very patient and it would be a good way for you two to connect on your own. You could let out that steam too." Michael bit his lower lip uncertaintly, it wasn't that he didn't want to, but it felt a bit weird.
"If you want, I'd be happy to come with you," Justus offered. Michael grinned at the idea. "Really? You'd do that?" Justus nodded, "who knows, maybe I'm the next Ali everyone's been waiting for, I've just been hiding under this suit," he joked and both burst into laughter.
*****************************
Wyndemere
"So everything's cool now?" Mary's question bounced around in Dominic's head for a few seconds before he answered. Things between himself and Dade weren't entirely resolved, but he sensed that the road wasn't going to be as rough as he originally thought. "Not exactly," he admitted, "it'll take time, but I think things will be okay."
Mary smiled and squeezed his hand as they strolled the grounds of Wyndemere. They walked in silence for awhile before Dominic finally mustered up the courage to ask about Michael. "How are things with your family on the Michael front?" Mary glanced at him, but didn't slow her step. Sure her parents were as solid as ever. Things might be quiet at the Q mansion, but she knew there were no troubles other than what to do about Michael. "Dad hasn't pushed Michael, but I think he wants to see him."
"It's probably a good thing if he gives Michael some space," Dominic said neutraly but he sensed that Mary was more than troubled by the whole drama of Michael being her brother than she let on. He wondered if the calm and cheerful visage ever cracked considering what a burden it must be to keep ones' feelings to themself. "How about you?" Mary reared back, genuinely surprised. "Me? What do you mean?"
"It must feel strange how things are changing." Dominic said casually as they rounded the stables. Mary released his hand and turned to face him. "No, not really." The hint that Dominic had picked up on grew more intense and he knew there was more to it. Pressing her to open up might backfire on him, but he cared about her and wanted to help. "Michael is your brother now, all those secrets that were kept from your Father and how so many people, especially Michael suffered. I would think it was pretty overwhelming." Mary swallowed hard, feeling tears sting her eyes. Bottling up her emotions had been something both her parents had stressed would not be a good thing and they'd tried many times to talk to her about Michael and the current situation but as much as she wanted to, she found herself claming up around them. Being around Dominic, however, felt different. "Talk to me, I'm a good listener."
"It's just not fair!" Mary cried suddenly. "Michael's a good person, why would his parents do this to him?! My Father is a good man, but they kept him from his own son! I'm so angry!" she shouted, her fists clenched tightly. It felt good to release the pent up frustration and she exhaled a ragged breath. Dominic took her hands and slowly unclenched them. Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks and he handed her a hankerchief. "Michael's been through so much, and Spencer and Dad too," she sniffed. Dominic lifted her chin and gazed into her watery brown eyes. "So have you," he reminded her.
"Yeah, I'm not feeling that great either," she finally admitted. Dominic chuckled before giving her a hug. Asking her to unload too much wouldn't be good for her right now, he could see that despite the relief, the lines of worry were still visible on Mary's face. "C'mon, I know Mrs. Lansbury will send out a search party if we aren't back soon. I'm sure she's got hot cocoa all ready for us back at the house."
As they made their way back to the house, neither noticed the shadow who emerged from the stables mere moments after they passed. Jerry Jacks hadn't intended to listen in, but when the name of his enemy's son was announced, he couldn't stop himself. He smiled at the news that all was not well at the Morgan household. "Just you wait Morgan," he said softly, "the worst is yet to come."