“Gail? What are you doing here this late?” Lucy asked, opening the door. 
“I’m sorry, but I know that Scotty would want me to tell him…is he here?” 
“Yeah, he’s upstairs tucking Serena in. You look really shaken up, did something happen to Lee?” 
“No, no, he’s fine, I…” 
“I thought I heard your voice,” Scott interrupted, making his way down the stairs, “What can we do for you?” 
“Honey, you might want to sit down. I have something to tell you, but you have to promise me you’ll stay calm.” 
“Gail, you’re scaring me, just tell me what’s going on.” 
“Okay…Karen called me and asked me to take care of Sydney for her…” 
“Wait, who’s Sydney?” 
“The young girl that’s living with Karen. She was her patient and needed a place to live. Anyways, we went out and when we came home…well, we found…” Gail stopped to take a breath to keep from sobbing. 
“What did you find?” Scott demanded, worried about what she could be getting at. 
“Karen…she had overdosed on amphetamines, Scott.” 
The color drained from his face and he slowly sat on the couch. Lucy sat next to him and grabbed his hand. 
“How is she? She’s okay, right?” Lucy asked nervously. 
“She’s alive, but she’s far from okay. I don’t know how long she’s been using, but it seems to have been going on for a while. She’s lost so much weight, she looks so weak, Scotty…” Gail trailed off, taking another deep breath before continuing, “She’s at GH now, and Alan has her in a room with a guard out front so…” 
“A Guard? What the hell does she need to be guarded from? What did Ramsey do to her?” Scott yelled. 
“Chris saved her live, Scott. It’s to make sure no one finds out she’s there. Alan is trying to protect her from losing her job. He’ll have to take the Chief Resident title away, but he wants to keep her on staff. Alan’s always had a soft spot for Karen, he’ll do anything for her.” 
“I need to see her! This is all my fault! We’ve been fighting and we had a big blow out tonight and…” 
“Now’s not the time to worry about placing blame, Pal. We just need to get to GH and see Karen,” Lucy told him. 
“I figured you two would want to go so I told Lee I’d be staying here to watch Serena and Christina.” 
“Thank you, Gail, I’m glad you came by,” Scott said, hugging her before he and Lucy hurried out the door. 
 

When Eve and Sydney got to Karen’s room, they found her and Chris asleep in each other’s arms. They quietly turned to leave when Chris woke up. 
“How did I manage to get three beautiful women in one room?” He whispered, rubbing his eyes. 
“We didn’t want to wake you, Sydney just wanted to check on Karen,” Eve whispered. 
“It’s alright, I can just come back later. I don’t want to bother you guys…” 
“Please stay,” Karen interrupted, waking up. 
“Hey Chris, how would you like to join your old roomie for a cup of coffee in the on-call room?” Eve suggested. 
Chris looked to Karen, who nodded to let him now she’d be okay. He kissed her and jumped off the bed. 
“As long as you’re not making the coffee!” He teased, getting shot with a glare from Eve as he kissed Sydney on the forehead before they left. 
Neither Karen nor Sydney knew what to say. They both wanted to speak, but were unsure of how to begin. They had trouble looking each other in the eye as they both prepared their apologies. 
“You probably hate me right now, don’t you? I was supposed to be there for you to look up to and I blew it. I tried to talk you out of using drugs and show you that you could straighten your life out when I was the one who needed the advice. 
When I met you at the hospital, I saw myself. You were lost, you were battling an addiction and you were totally alone. I felt an instant connection to you and I wanted to make sure that you had everything that I didn’t. I wanted you to have someone to go to who would understand you and exactly what you were going through. 
My reputation is already pretty shot with you, so I’ll just be completely honest. I already told you about my childhood, but failed to mention my high school years. 
Jagger, my ex-husband, and I were just starting to…to become intimate, when I started remembering horrible things that happened to me when I was a child. I had memories of my mother’s boyfriend at the time molesting me,” Karen explained as Syd’s eyes widened, “I broke up with Jagger and shut everyone out. I thought that I deserved to be alone and that I couldn’t be loved. I met a man who convinced me to start stripping in his club to help me feel better and forget about everything.” 
Karen had to stop for a moment as the memories made her head spin. Syd closed her eyes, slowly absorbing the information as Karen continued. 
“I was going to school during the day, working a part-time job, in a program at the hospital for future doctors and stripping at night. Sonny thought he’d help me out so that I’d be ready for work by the time I got to the club, so he gave me drugs. I got hooked on Diazapam, just like you.” 
Sydney gasped as the realization hit her. Karen’s life was making hers look like a walk in the park. She had no idea how horrible things had been for her and the more Karen revealed, the more Sydney’s heart broke. 
“I was caught stealing pills from the hospital and was sent to Gail for therapy. This was before I knew she was my grandmother. The strip club was shut down, I got clean, married Jagger and became a doctor. He cheated on me and we divorced and then my fiancée dumped me, my father forgot I existed and my job became too much for me to handle, so I went straight back to the hospital supply closet! 
I really screwed up, Sydney, and I’ll understand if you want to move out and never speak to me again,” Karen admitted tearfully. 
“I tried to hate you, Karen. I thought hating you for lying to me would keep me from hurting. I thought anger would be easier to deal with then pain, but it just made it hurt more. You want to hear the worst part? I sat with pills in my hand wanting more then anything to take them!” Syd told her, raising her voice a bit. 
“Oh Sydney, please tell me you didn’t do it!” Karen begged. 
“I wanted to, I really did, but Eve talked me out of it. I went to the chapel and asked God to help me because all I could think about was getting high. Eve came in and got me to see that taking them would only make things worse, so I threw them away.” 
 
 

“So…” Eve started, not sure quite what to say as she poured the coffee. 
“You know…the whole time I was fighting to keep Karen alive, I was praying that I’d wake up and realize it was nothing but a nightmare…but it’s not, it’s real,” Chris stated, staring off into space. 
“We’re all pretty shocked. I mean, none of us had any idea. We don’t have a clue how long this has been going on or how many times she tried to tell us.” 
“I should have seen it, Eve. How could I not notice the change in her personality and the fact that she was barely eating. She looks so small and weak and I didn’t even notice. I love her with every inch of my heart and I still let her down.” 
“No, Chris, you’ve been exactly what Karen needs. She overdosed by accident, she wasn’t trying to kill herself. She fought to stay alive because she loves you and it’s what helped her live,” Eve said, sitting next to her friend. 
“Well, I’m not going to miss anything ever again. I’m going to be there for Karen and help her kick this addiction. Our love is going to get her through this,” Chris decided. 
“Now that’s the spirit!” 
“Karen is my life and I’m not going to ever come this close to losing her again. She’s the woman I want to spend my future with. I want to be her husband and have a house full of kids! When Karen’s well enough, I’m going to ask her to marry me.” 
“Wow, Chris Ramsey is ready to settle down! I never thought I’d see this moment!” 
“Yeah, well, you can thank Karen for it. She’s changed me, Eve. She’s taught me so much and made me fall so deeply in love with her that when she walks into a room, I feel like I can’t breath. My heart goes all tachicardic and my palms sweat,” Chris smiled dreamily at the vision in his head. 
“Sounds like true love to me.” 
“It is, Eve, Karen’s my soul.” 
 

Alan quietly entered Karen’s room, figuring she’d be asleep. He saw Sydney asleep in the chair next to Karen’s bed. He smiled at the sight, knowing of the bond the two women had formed. He thought back to the time when he was the closest thing to a father that Karen had. Now, she had Scott, but that only seemed to be making things worse. He let out a long sigh, which was interrupted when Karen’s eyes opened. 
“I figured you would have gone home by now,” Karen said quietly. 
“I couldn’t leave without checking on my favorite doctor. I’d ask how you’re feeling, but I already know the answer to that one.” 
“Every inch of my body is screaming for a fix. Knowing that the worst has yet to come seriously has me wondering if I should quit.” 
“Deep down, you know the answer. Not that I’m trying to push you, but have you given any thought to going to a rehabilitation facility?” 
“For like half a second, before I realized I’d never survive in one of those places. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to stay in Port Charles and face my problems. I’ll understand if you want me to leave General Hospital,” Karen said weakly. 
“Are you kidding? You’re one of the most talented, passionate, hard-working doctors I’ve got. I can’t lose you. That’s the reason I put a guard outside your door. No one knows you’re here. I’ve arranged for you to take a leave of absence and your job will be here when you’re ready to come back. However, I have to assign a new Chief Resident, which I’m sure you can understand.” 
“Wow…of course. I mean, I clearly couldn’t handle it, but I can’t believe you went through all that trouble! Thank you, Alan. I never would have been able to become a doctor if it wasn’t for you and now, here you are saving me again. I owe you big time.” 
“Honey, you don’t owe me a thing. Except maybe to fight this with all you’ve got and beat this addiction. I have faith in you, Karen, I know you can.” 
Hearing Alan tell her how much confidence he had in her brought tears to her eyes. 
“I can’t believe it, my own father doesn’t have five minutes to spend with me and you have your own family and career to deal with and you still make time for me,” Karen cried, not noticing Scott and Lucy appear in the doorway, “What am I doing wrong that Scott doesn’t want anything to do with me?” 
“Absolutely nothing. He doesn’t realize just how much he’s missing out on,” Alan told her, hugging her and stopping Scott in his tracks, “Now, I can’t speak for Scott and tell you what he’s thinking, but I can tell you that I’m going to be here for you. Whether you want a boss, a doctor, a friend or even a father figure, I’m here if you need me.” 
Karen hugged him back, too choked up for words. As the sting of what was playing out in front of hi, hit him, Scott let his presence be known. 
“So, I’m being fired, huh?” He asked in a clearly hurt tone. 
“I was unaware you had actually taken the job,” Karen replied bitterly. 
“Karen, I realize that I’ve been sleeping on the job and not spending enough time getting to know you and I want to change that.” 
“I’m going to leave you guys alone. Please call me if you need anything,” Alan insisted, touching Karen’s hand before leaving the room, with Scott’s annoyed glare following him out. 
Karen leaned back, staring out the window. The room was silent until Lucy spoke. 
“Gail told us what happened. Are you all right? I mean, of course you’re not all right, but…” 
“Look, I know what the real question you’re trying to get at it and the answer is no. I wasn’t trying to kill myself,” She answered shortly, still looking out the window. 
“We’re just glad that you’re alive, Karen. I know how things have been lately, but you have to know that your father and I care about you.” 
“When Gail told me that she found you unconscious, my heart stopped, Karen. She said that it was an overdose and I felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. When I left you, we had had a pretty nasty fight and…” Scott had to stop as the words caught in his throat. 
Karen could see the genuine concern in her father’s face, but she couldn’t help jumping into defense mode. 
“All we ever do is fight!” Karen raised her voice, waking Sydney, “I try to be the perfect daughter and you always manage to find something wrong with me! Well, this is who I am, Scott! I’m an imperfect drug addict who’s in love with Chris Ramsey and if you can’t accept that, then you can leave!” 
“I don’t expect you to be perfect. Hell, I’m far from it. I’ve realized that I’ve been a horrible father and I want to be here for you and help you through all this. Whether you chose to believe it or not, I love you, Karen and I’m so sorry about the way I’ve treated you,” Scott admitted tearfully. 
“I can’t let you in and then have you go back to being too busy for me. I couldn’t handle it.” 
“Karen, he sounds pretty sincere here. I’d give anything to have my father here admitting his mistakes and trying to fix our relationship. You have that chance and you have to take it,” Sydney told her, taking her hand. 
Karen looked at her for a moment, realizing that she should listen to her. 
“You’re right, Syd, I have to try,” She said to her before turning to Scott, “I want to make this work, Scott, I’m willing to try.” 
“Thank you, Karen, I promise you won’t regret this,” He said, hugging his daughter. 

“Scott, would you hurry up! We have a lot to do today,” Lucy yelled into the bathroom. 
“Karen’s not even home from the hospital yet, I have plenty of time,” He yelled back. 
“Karen? I was talking about the fact that we have to make sure that that crazy woman doesn’t come anywhere near out child!” 
“Luce, no judge in their right mind would give custody to that lunatic. We have nothing to worry about. I’m going to see Karen for a little while and then I’ll meet you at the hospital for the DNA test,” Scott told her, coming out of the bathroom. 
“But Scott, our little girl needs us. We have to do all we can to find any proof that Julie could be lying.” 
“Karen needs me, too and I want to check on her,” Scott told Lucy, who shook her head. 
“I understand that you’re worried about Karen, but Christina is a defenseless child who depends on her parents,” Lucy argued. 
“But, I’m Karen’s parent, too! I wasn’t there for the first twenty-something years of her life, but I’m here now and I can’t walk away from her.” 
“I’m not asking you to, Pal. I love Karen, too and I want to help her, but right now, we have to focus on keeping our baby.” 
“My daughter almost died, Lucy! Can you understand that?” Scott yelled. 
“Why do we have to argue about this? Let Chris and Sydney take Karen home and get her settled in and you can call her tonight. I’ll even go with you tomorrow if you want to visit her.” 
“Whatever…I’ll meet you in the car,” Scott grumbled, walking out of the bedroom in a huff. 

“So, how does it feel to be back in your own bed?” Chris asked Karen, who was sitting on the bed. 
“Better then hat hospital bed. I just want to get under these covers and sleep forever,” Karen said, trying to stay awake. 
“You should rest, you need it. Syd and I will be here when you wake up,” Chris promised, tucking her in and stroking her hair as her eyes closed. 
“She’s going to be out for a while. I had a friend who gave up speed and he slept for like three days,” Sydney whispered. 
“You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?” 
“Not as much as Karen, but yeah, my past is nothing to be proud of.” 
“Well, that’s something the three of us have in common. That and the fact that we all have a bright, blissful future ahead of us full of fame and fortune,” Chris grinned. 
“Speak for yourself, Ramsey…my life is going no where fast.” 
“How can you say that, Sydney? You have a family with Karen and me and you’re a smart, beautiful young woman who I’m sure has many hidden talents.” 
“Just a talent for screwing things up!” 
“I really hope that’s not true after all the trouble I went through…” 
“What do you mean?” She inquired, confused. 
“Karen told me about your passion for art and your extraordinary talent for drawing. Well, the other day, one of my patients just happened to be an art professor at PCU. I talked to him about you and he said that as long as you can put together a portfolio and fill out the application, he’d see about pulling some strings for you,” Chris told her, loving the look of excitement that flooded her eyes. 
“You did all that for me?” She asked in shock. 
“I did. So, what do you say? You think PCU is good enough for you? Or should we weasel our way into Harvard?” 
“No Chris, it’s perfect! Thank you so much!” She exclaimed, trying not to wake Karen, “If you weren’t my sister’s boyfriend, I’d kiss you!” 
“Aw, there’s enough of me to go around,” Chris teased, leaning towards her as she playfully pushed him away, “But seriously, you don’t need to thank me, Syd. Seeing you pursue your dreams is thanks enough for me.” 
Sydney threw her arms around Chris in an appreciative hug. He hugged the young girl back, smiling to himself.