Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of GH, only the ones I made up.

Warning: This deals with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.


Those Who Mourn Will Be Comforted:

Part 1

It was early fall and Stacey and Hugo had welcomed a new baby boy, James Robert Rodriguez. They nicknamed him Jim Bob for short. They were so happy. This was their second child together and their first
one since they re-married and year and a half ago. "I'm just glad that I have one girl out of our brood." she joked.

The Mansion:

Jim Bob was now 3 months old, and the light of his parents and grandparents lives. Monica and Jack were overjoyed. "Give me my grandson." Monica said as Stacey entered the den.

"Well, hello to you too." Stacey said as she handed him over to her mother.

"They don't stay little for long, Miss. Stacey, you know that" Alice added with a smile.

"How's James Robert doing today?" Edward said as he stood beside Monica, who was holding him.

"Jim Bob, grandfather." Stacey reminded him.

"Oh, good Lord, why are you calling my great-grandson that awful nickname?" he asked somewhat annoyed. "It sounds like that boy from The Walton's."

"If you say so, Edward." Hugo said. "Rest assured, we did not name him after that character on the show."

"Well, I hope not." Tracy said as she touched her great-nephew on the head. "He is mighty cute."

"Do I get a chance to hold him?" Jack asked his wife, who was hogging him.

"I suppose you can." Monica said with a laugh. "Here you go, grandpa."

Stacey could not help but think of her dad, as she heard the word grandpa mentioned. Alan really loved Rachel and he loved Alan too. Alan was little when his grandpa Alan passed away.

"Stacey, you alright?" her husband asked.

"Yes, I am just thinking of my dad, that's all. He would have been very happy too, and celebrating this moment with us."

The den was quiet for a few minutes until Alan came running into the main house. They all heard the door slam. "Mom, may I go and play soccer with my friends?" he asked.

"Is that how you enter a house young man?" Edward asked.

"Hello, my little man." Monica said.

"Grandma Monica, I am not your little man anymore."

"Alan Lee Quartermaine Baldwin, that is no way to talk to your grandmother." Stacey scolded her son.

"Well, for one thing, I am not little anymore and you all have him to love now." he was angry.

"Ah, so that's it, huh?" Tracy said. "Your jealous of your little brother?"

"I am not jealous aunt Tracy!" he shot back.

"Alan, calm down." Jack said.

"I don't have to." he said back, glaring at Jack.

"Little, I mean Alan, we all love you, and just because you have another little brother, does not mean that we love you any less." Monica said as she put her arm around him. "You believe me, don't you?"

"I don't know what to believe."

"That does it. Alan, you cannot go with your friends. I want you to go home and go to your room, but first I want you to apologize to your grandma Monica for your behavior." Hugo said.

"You are not my father. I do not have to listen to you." he reminded him. "Like having Mackenzie was not bad enough, then you had to go and have another baby. I wish Jim Bob was never born!"

"Alan, that's enough." Jack said. "What a cruel thing to say."

Stacey tried to stifle her tears. "Well, I am your mother, and you will listen to me. Apologize to grandma Monica now."

"Stacey, it's alright." Monica said softly.

"No, no it's not, mom."

"Apologize now!"

He looked at the floor for a few moments. "Sorry, grandma Monica."

"Apology accepted." Monica said as she hugged him. "I love you."

"Alan, go home and go to your room like Hugo said." his mother said angrily. "You are grounded until further notice."

"Mom!"

"Don't mom me."

"I want to go and live with my dad."

"Well, I have heard that before." she said back to him.

Alan stormed out of the den, and they heard the door slam once more.

"If he goes and lives with Baldwin, he will be worse off than he is right now." Edward barked. "He needs a swift kick in his britches."

"Edward!" Monica yelled. "That will not solve anything."

"I agree, daddy." Tracy said. "The way he just acted was unacceptable." she said as she took a sip of her drink.

"Alan has always had a problem sharing his mom with the other kids." Hugo said.

"Well, we won't be having anymore." Stacey said as she sighed. "I am so done having babies."

They all went into the dining room to eat their dinner, while Alice watched the baby.

After a nice dinner with the family, Stacey, Hugo and the baby went home. It was after 8PM.

"I better go and get this one to bed." she said exasperated.

"I'll be up in a few minutes, Stace." he said as he yawned.

She gave him a bath, changed him, and put on his pajamas. She sat down in the rocker and tried to lull him to sleep. His eyes were wide open, and he showed no signs of falling asleep. "Not tired, huh?" she asked him. He just cooed back at her.

He finally drifted off to sleep in her arms, and Hugo came in just as she was laying him down in his crib.

"He's so beautiful, honey." Hugo said as he kissed her. "He looks like you."

"He has your dark hair." Stacey said with a laugh.

"He has your eyes." he said as he winked at her.

They both took turns kissing him on his head before turning off the light.

She went to Alan's room. He was reading a book.

"Goodnight, Alan." she said to her son. He did not respond.

Stacey and Hugo stayed up a little while longer, talking and reading. They finally kissed each other goodnight.

Part 2

The Next Morning:

Stacey woke up to find Hugo's side of the bed empty. It was 6AM. She thought that she had slept through Jim Bob's cries, and he went to go and tend to him. She got up to go relieve him, as he had a shift at GH and he needed his sleep.

She put on her robe and walked to the nursery. She saw Hugo in the rocking chair holding their son. She did not notice him crying, as the light was out. "Here, let me take over. You need to go and get some more sleep. You have a 12 hour shift later."

Hugo looked up at her. "Stacey, I don't know quite how to tell you this." he began. He started sobbing.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"He's gone, sweetheart. He went in his sleep."

"What in the hell do you mean? Went in his sleep?" She clenched her hands into fists.

He put the baby down in his crib. "Stacey, listen to me." He took her hands. "He passed away honey. I got up to check on him and…."

"No! He can't be dead." She was in shock.

"Sweetheart, our baby boy is gone." He pulled her close to him. "I am so sorry honey."

"Your lying. Let me see."

"Stacey, don't."

She went over to the crib and felt him. He was cold to the touch. "He's just cold honey. Let me wrap him up." Stacey picked her son up and began to walk with him around the room, talking to him as she tried to warm him up.

"Give him to me, babe." Hugo said softly. "Please. He's gone."

His wife sat down in the rocker as she held their son. Hugo took their son out of her arms and laid him back down. He then helped her up out of the rocker and led her to their room.

Stacey began to go off the deep end. She started throwing things off of the dresser. Hugo grabbed her by her arms and pulled her into an embrace. He was holding her tightly. Alan heard the commotion. It woke him. "What's going on?" he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

"Alan, come here, son." Hugo said.

"What's wrong with mom?"

"Jim Bob passed away during the night." Hugo said. Stacey just looked at him.

"What happened?" he asked.

"It looks like he died from SIDS." Hugo explained. "It's when a baby just stops breathing and there is no reason as to why it happens."

Alan walked over to his mother. "I'm sorry mom." he said as he touched hand.

"You get away from me. You wanted him dead in the first place."

"Stacey, don't say that." Hugo said. "This is not Alan's fault. It was his time, honey. God called him home for some reason, and we will never know why."

"Oh, save it, Hugo. I don't want to hear how this was God's plan. The God I believe in would not do this." She immediately turned back to Alan. "You get out of my sight. Your little tirade at your grandma Monica's house brought this on. Are you proud of yourself now? He's dead. No more baby for you to be jealous of. You stay away from Mackenzie too. I don't want you jinxing him."

Alan, your mother is upset right now. Please go back to your room. I will talk to you later." he said.

"Stacey, James Robert's death was not Alan's fault. Why did you say that? You really hurt him just now."

"Because it is his fault, damn it. He said he wished he was never born, and now look what happened."

"It was a coincidence, honey. Nothing more. You know he is not to blame."

"Leave me alone, Hugo. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

He left the room and called Monica.

The Mansion:

Jack fumbled for the phone. "Hello." he said still sounding asleep.

"Jack, this is Hugo. I am so sorry to wake you, but I am afraid I have some bad news." he was trying to remain calm.

"What is it, son? Is it Stacey?"

At that moment, Monica woke up. "What's wrong with Stacey? Is she alright?"

"Jim Bob passed away in his sleep." Hugo began to cry all over again.

"Oh, dear God." Jack said. He got a lump in his throat.

"What is it?" Monica asked alarmed.

"Okay, son. We will be right there."

"Monica and Jack sat up in the bed. "Monica, this is not going to be easy, so please listen to me." he took her in his arms. "The baby passed away in his sleep last night."

"Oh, my God." Monica began to sob. "I have to get to the gatehouse right away. Stacey must be devastated."

The Gatehouse:

When Monica and Jack arrived at the gatehouse, they arrived when they were taking her grandson away. She stopped them men. She wanted to give him a kiss on the head before they took him. "You will always
have a special place in my heart little one." She whispered. Jack led her inside.

Once inside, Monica did not like what she saw. Stacey was making breakfast like nothing else had happened. "Mom, Jack. Are you hungry?" she asked. She seemed somewhat cheerful, and that worried
Monica. She was acting like her normal self, not like someone who had just lost their child.

"No, we are not hungry. What are you doing, Stacey?"

"Making breakfast, what does it look like, mom?"

"I think breakfast can wait." Monica said looking at her daughter strangely.

"Hugo, Alan and Mack have to eat." she said as she continued to make some scrambled eggs. "Alan has to be on time for the bus, mom."

"The bus? You mean your sending him to school today after what just happened? You can't be serious." Monica was growing more concerned for her by the second.

"School is the perfect place for him to be." she snapped. "Stay out of it, mom!"

"Stacey, honey, Alan is not going to school today." Hugo said gently. In fact, he won't be going for the next few days, not until the services have taken place."

"You are not his father. Scott is. I would appreciate it if you would just shut up and leave me alone and don't tell me what my son is going to do. I make the decisions where he is concerned. Not you."

Hugo knew she didn't mean it. She was just lashing out. She knew he was a very good father to Alan when Scott wasn't around.

Jack could not contain himself anymore. "Stacey, you have just been through something very traumatic, and I am very sorry, but Alan needs to be home with his family now. We want to be here for you."

"I don't need anyone. I am fine. In fact, I am going to go up those stairs and change, I need to go on my run now."

"Your going to run today?" Monica said somewhat annoyed. "I don't think that is a good idea today, honey."

"And why not? Because I lost my son last night?"

"Yes, for starters." Monica shot back gently. "Have you called Rachel and told her about what happened?"

"For what? What can she do?"

"She can be here with you all for one thing. He was her brother. She needs to know."

"Enough, mom! I am going to go running now, and I will run everyday after that. I exercise daily, and today is no different, so would you all please leave now? I am tired of you all telling me what I should
and should not be doing."

Monica, Jack and Hugo looked at each other. "No one here is doing that, babe. They just care about you." Hugo said as he put his arm around her.

She left his embrace. "I don't need anyone to care about me. Understand? I am fine. I am a Quartermaine, and I am strong. I don't need any help."

"I understand why you would say that, Stacey. Your father pounded that in all of our heads every time we had a crisis. In fact, he told us that right before AJ`s memorial, remember?"

"Leave dad out of this." she snapped. She went upstairs to change into her running clothes. She came back a few moments later. "I am leaving now." she said walking right past them. She went out the door.

"I am so worried about her." Monica said.

"Give her time, Monica." Jack said. "I am sure the news has not set in yet."

Monica and Jack took Alan back to the main house with them. He was going to be staying there for awhile.

They went into the den to find Edward and Tracy up. They were having coffee. Alice had filled them in on what happened.

"How is my granddaughter?" Edward asked. "That poor girl, and Hugo too. They must be devastated. What a shame."

"She's taking it a lot better than I thought." Monica said exasperated.

"What do you mean?" Tracy asked.

Monica continued as she walked over to pour herself a cup of coffee. "The whole time we were there, she was going on with life as usual."

"What do you mean, dear?" Edward asked in a concerned tone.

"I mean she was cooking breakfast like nothing had happened, then she insisted on Alan going to school today."

"Well, his place is here with us." Edward said as he hugged Alan. "After all, he is Alan's namesake."

"And she insisted on going running." Monica said as she handed Jack a glass of orange juice.

"Sounds like she is in denial, Monica." Tracy said softly.

"Yes, I know. I am really worried about her."

Reach out to her, dear." Edward said. "Now you two have this in common."

"What?" Monica asked curiously.

"You both have lost children." he said sadly.

Monica had not realized that until Edward uttered those words.

Part 3

A Few Days Later:

Hugo had made all of the arrangements. Stacey wanted no part in planning it. He decided to have it a little church in town. Friends and colleagues from GH came to pay their respects. Epiphany, Liz, Amy, Audrey Hardy, Stacey's very good friend, Tom Hardy, and his wife Simone, Gail and Lee Baldwin, Scotty came to be with Alan, Bobbie Spencer, Robin and Patrick, and Lesley Webber.

Hugo stood in the entrance way of the chapel to greet their family and friends. Stacey just sat in the front pew and stayed to herself. Monica just stood and looked at her with tears in her eyes. This was not the strong willed Stacey that she knew and loved. Stacey was showing no emotion whatsoever. Monica made an attempt to go and have a few words with her daughter.

"Hi, honey." Monica began. "Would you like me to sit with you?"

She didn't respond. Monica took that as a no, and went to find Gail.

Monica pulled Gail to the side. "I am worried about her, Gail. She is not showing any emotion."

"Give her time, Monica." Gail said gently. "This is all so new and fresh for her. I feel so badly for her." she said as she looked at her. "You tell her if she needs me, she can come and talk to me anytime."

"Thank you, Gail. I appreciate that."

When it was time for the service, they all took their seats. The front row was filled with the Quartermaines. Hugo was sitting next to his wife, while Monica was on the other side of her. Jack, Rachel, Little Alan, Tracy, Edward, Dillon and Ned took up the rest of the pew. Hugo and Monica both tried to take her hands, but she would not allow it. She sat with her arms crossed.

Then it came time to lay him to rest. They buried him in the Quartermaine crypt, where he would be with his grandpa Alan and the rest of the family who had gone on before him. While Hugo and Monica shed tears, Stacey didn't.

Quartermaine Den: The Reception

Jason looked at his sister. "Sis, are you alright?"

"Yes, why do you ask, Jason?" she asked, as she made herself a plate of food.

"Because you have not cried."

"Come on, now. Why would I cry? You were always so sensitive, Jase." she said as she rolled her eyes.

"Alright, then answer me this, sis. How come your making yourself a plate of food, when your husband is not even eating anything himself? Look at him. He is a mess."

She looked at him sternly. "Because Hugo is a fool. He is a Dr. and knows it's not healthy to go without eating. If he wants to starve, let him. I for one, am hungry."

"Well, then mom is a fool too, because she's not even eating anything either."

"Go away, Jason."

He left her alone.

"How is she, Jason?" his mother asked as she rubbed his back.

"Not good mom. She won't crack, and I tried to get her to open up to me, but she wouldn't."

"Thanks for trying." she said.

Later:

Everyone had left. Monica had come back downstairs to get her medical journal. She noticed Stacey out on the veranda sitting alone.

"Do you want some company?" Monica asked as she placed her hands on her daughters shoulders.

"Whatever, mom. It's your house."

"And your father gave it to me." she tried to make her smile.

"I am not in the mood to remember what you and dad used to say to
each other."

"Alright. Well, I just wanted to tell you that whenever you need to talk, you can count on me to listen."

"Sure." she said

"Stacey, I don't know if you realize this or not, and I had totally forgotten until your grandfather brought it up in conversation."

"What is it?"

"We have something in common."

"What? We have a lot of things in common." Stacey was becoming annoyed. "Spit it out, mom."

"Well, since you put it like that. You and I both have lost children. I lost your brother AJ and your sisters, Dawn and Emily, and you lost James Robert."

Stacey gave her mother an angry stare. "So, what does that make us mom? Are we a part of some sort of special sorority now or something?"

"No, I just wanted you to know that I totally know what it's like. I can relate. I know how you feel, sweetheart." Monica took her hand.

"Wow! You can relate to me. Nice."

"Stace, when are you going to take down that God awful wall that you have built up around yourself?"

"I don’t have a wall up, mom. I am being me."

"No, no your not. Not by a long shot kiddo."

"Let me deal with it in my own way, please? I don't need these types of talks."

"Yes, yes you do. It's getting you to talk to me."

"When your father and I lost AJ…"

"Mom, don't."

"Please, let me finish. When we lost AJ, your father and I handled it all wrong, when we should have handled it differently We should have been there for each other. Please don't let this drive a wedge in between you and Hugo."

"There is no wedge, mom. Get off my back."

"Have you two actually really sat down and talked about your feelings regarding your son's death?"

Stacey just looked at her. "No, we haven't. There is nothing to say."

"Oh, I think there is plenty to say, honey. Believe me. Don't make Hugo go this alone. He is trying to be there for you and you are shutting him out."

"I Can't even look at him mom. Hell, I can't even look at Alan. I said some hateful things to both of them, especially Alan. I told him it was his fault."

"You what?"

"I know it was wrong, but when he told us that he wished he was never born and then he died that same evening, well, I snapped."

"You must apologize to him. The sooner the better."

Alan came outside. "Grandma Monica, the phone is for you."

She thanked him and went on inside. He went to follow her.

"Alan, come here please. I want to talk to you."

He approached her slowly.

"I am so sorry for all of the terrible things that I said to you, Alan. I know it wasn't your fault at all. Your mom is just hurting right now. I should not have taken it out on you. Can you forgive me?"

"Yes, I can forgive you, mom, and I didn't mean what I said about wishing he were never born. I was just mad that you re-married Hugo, after you divorced my dad."

"I know that was hurtful for you. I loved your father, but I was not in love with him. I just could not stay married to him anymore. We could not go on any longer like we were. I didn't mean to lash out at you Alan. I know it wasn't your fault. I am so sorry for saying that. I love you, Alan."

"I love you too, mom."

They hugged while Monica watched them through the window. She had tears in her eyes.

Part 4

A Week Later:

Stacey arrived at GH ready to work. "Hey, Epiphany!" she said cheerfully.

"What are you doing here today nurse Rodriguez? You shouldn't be here." she said sternly.

"I was wondering the same thing." Monica said as she approached the nurses' station. "You need to be at home resting. Have you been getting any sleep? Your eyes look terrible."

"Gee, thanks mom." she said agitated, as she looked over some charts.

"I am serious. You look like your about to fall flat on your face." Monica led her to the lounge. "Are you on something, Stacey?"

"What?" she looked at her mother with a puzzled look on her face.

"Are you taking anything I should be aware of?"

"No! Of course not. Why do you ask?"

"Because you look like hell."

"Damn it, mom. Will you cut it out with the insults already. Your doing wonders for my self esteem." She went back to the nurses' station.

"Nurse Rodriguez, I really think you need to go back home. I really don't need you here today. I have covered your shifts for another week, as Dr. Rodriguez said you would need another week off at least."

"Well, things have changed, Epiphany. I want to work."

Epiphany looked at Monica. "What do you think Dr. Quartermaine- Hansen? You're the Chief of Staff. It's your call."

Monica went against her better judgment. "If she wants to work, it's alright with me."

"Thank you, mom." Stacey said exasperated, as she put her stethoscope around her neck. "I have patients to see. Excuse me."

"She is not ready to be here." Epiphany said as she looked in Stacey's direction. "You even know she's not ready. She looks like she has not had any sleep at all, and she looks like she's losing weight. She better get a grip on herself. She won’t be any good to her patients otherwise."

"Alright, Epiphany. I will talk to her."

Later that day:

Stacey went to the cafeteria to get a drink. She sat down and reached into her pocket to take out a pill when Monica showed up. "Having some lunch, huh? May I join you?"

She put the pill back in her pocket without her mother noticing. "I'm not eating lunch, mom. I just came to get a soda. I needed some caffeine to keep me awake."

"Awake? What you need is some sleep, and you need to eat." her mother insisted. "You look like you've dropped a few pounds, Stace."

"Stop fussing over me. I hate it when you do that. Can't I have a soda in peace around here? Is that too much to ask?" She needed her fix and she wanted Monica out of the way.

"Hint taken. I will see you later." Monica left. Her feelings were hurt.

For a second, she felt guilty for treating her mother that way, but her need for Ativan was too great. Her guilty feelings quickly vanished. She took the pill out of her pocket once more and took it, and went back to the 2nd floor nurses' station. Hugo was there looking over a chart. Liz was putting away some files.

"Hi, there honey." Hugo said as he kissed her. "I was about to go grab a bite to eat. Want to join me?"

"I am not hungry. I just had a soda. I'm fine. You go ahead." She encouraged.

"I don't want to go without you. Come on, we can have a few minutes to talk. It will be like old times, you know like when I was courting you back in the day. It will be fun."

She began to get hostile. "I said no. What part of no didn't you understand?"

"Whoa, baby. Calm down. Okay, I will go eat alone. I should be used to it by now."

"What is that supposed to mean?" she snapped.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I'll see you at home." Hugo stormed off.

"If your not careful, you are going to lose him again." Liz said gently.

"I didn't ask you for your two cents Liz. It does not concern you."

"But it does concern me, you're my friend. That man loves you more than anything in this world. He’s hurting too, or have you forgotten that? It's not just you that it happened to, it also happened to him."

Tracy and Edward were at the hospital for a board meeting and were witnessing the whole thing in the lounge.

"Liz, one more word out of you and I swear I am going to haul off and smack you."

"If that's what you need to do to feel better, go for it."

"I better go get Monica." Edward said.

"I think that's a good idea, daddy." Tracy said in agreement. She walked a little closer towards them.

Stacey suddenly became very hyper. She kept herself moving. She had her hands in everything. Charts were everywhere.

"What are you doing? Your making me dizzy. Stand still." Liz said.

"You can always go somewhere else you know."

"Well, unfortunately, I have to work here with you today."

"Is that so? Gee, I am sorry."

"Stacey, dear, calm down and get a grip on yourself." Tracy said as she leaned into her.

"Shut up, aunt Tracy. "

Monica, Edward and Hugo stepped off of the elevator just in time to see Epiphany chewing them out.

"Nurse Webber and nurse Rodriguez, I suggest you both stop this at once." Epiphany was angry. "This is no way to conduct yourself in a hospital or anywhere else for that matter."

"Put a sock in it, Epiphany." Stacey shouted. "Don't tell me how to act. I am not a child."

"Well, by the looks of it, your not acting like an adult either." Epiphany slammed some charts down on the counter.

"Stacey, come on, let me take you home." Hugo said softly. "You need to get some rest."

"I am not going anywhere with you."

Monica and Edward walked over to her. She was shaking.

"Dear granddaughter, come back to the house please. You can go up to your old room and get yourself some rest."

"I agree with Edward." Monica said as she squeezed her shoulders.

"She's acting like she's on something, Monica." Tracy added.

"All of you go to hell." she shouted. "I don't need sleep. I don't need to eat, and I am not on anything. What I need is to be left alone." She went to the parking lot, got into her car and drove to the Metro Court.

The Metro Court:

Stacey was enjoying her second drink when Carly came up to the bar. "What are you doing here all by yourself?" she asked her.

"I wanted to be alone. Guess I can't get anyone to leave me alone these days." she sighed.

"It's not good to be alone, Stacey. Especially after all you have just been through."

"Please don't offer me any advice. I am not asking for any."

"I wasn't going to give you any advice. I was just going to say that your family, especially your husband, loves you very much."

"One more round, please." Stacey called out to the bartender.

"How many have you had, Stacey?" she asked her.

Stacey started laughing really hard.

"What's so funny?" Carly was confused.

"You! You asked me how many drinks have I had. I am not even counting, and neither should you."

"Did you drive here?"

"Yes."

"Well, your not driving yourself home. I will call Monica to come and get you."

"NO! Do not call her!"

"Then I will call Jason."

"Whatever." she said as she took a sip of her drink.

Carly called Jason and told him what was going on. Then she instructed the bartender to cut Stacey off.

When Jason got there, what he saw upset him. His sister was acting like the life of the party. She was getting the other patrons to sing songs as she sat on another man's lap. He walked over to her. "It's time to go now, sis." he said as he took her by the arm.

"What are you doing here little brother?" she was slurring her words.

"I'm here to take you home."

"I don't want to go home. I’m having a good time here." She was clinging onto the other man.

"Well, I am sorry to ruin your fun, but I am taking you home, and we are going now."

She finally agreed. "My brother's have always been very protective towards me, especially good old Jason here." He had to help her walk, as she couldn't on her own.

He decided that it would be best if he took her to the mansion, so that Alan and Mackenzie would not see her in this condition.

Part 5

As they entered the mansion, Alice heard the commotion and went to see what was going on in the foyer. Stacey was drunk and she had the pills in her system. "ALICE!" she said. "Oh, sweet Alice, wanna wrestle? I think I can take on the Dominator! Come on, take your best shot. Grab me!"

"Miss. Stacey, as much as I would love to, I don't think it would be a fair fight because of the condition that you are in."

"Alice, Alice, Alice." Stacey began to tap Alice on her face. "Come on. I can take it. I can take anything. I am a Quartermaine, damn it! Wrestle me to the floor."

"What on earth?" Tracy said. "What in the hell is going on?"

"She's had a little too much to drink. I had to go and pick her up from the Metro Court. Carly called me." Jason said, still trying to hold up his sister.

"A little. She's drunk as hell." Tracy shot back. "Take her into the den and sit her down before she falls and breaks something."

"Mom, Jack! Hey!" Stacey said happily. "Did I ever tell you two how happy I am that you got married?"

"Now I know something's wrong." Tracy said looking at Monica.

"Shut up, Tracy. Stacey, you are sloshed to the gills my dear." Monica said.

"Good observation, mom!"

Jack was standing near the bar. "Hey, Jack, dear step-father of mine, pour me a little scotch, will ya?"

"Absolutely not! You have had quite enough already."

"Who says?"

"I do! That’s who!" Monica said. "We are going to take you upstairs and you are going to sleep this off." Monica said as she helped her daughter off of the couch. Little did Monica know that drinking was not her daughter's problem. "Alice, will you please make some coffee, make it black, and bring it upstairs?"

"Sure thing." Alice said as she went towards the kitchen.

Stacey slept for a long time, and that made her family happy. Monica knocked on the door lightly.

"Come in."

"How are you feeling today?"

"Like a ton of bricks fell on my head."

"Well, you were pretty drunk last night."

"I was?"

"You don't remember Jason coming and picking you up at the Metro Court?"

"I was at the Metro Court?"

"Yes you were and you were really drunk, so Carly called Jason to pick you up."

When Monica left, Stacey went into her secret hiding place in her old room. She hid some Xanex there, as she knew no one would go in there for anything. She grabbed a pill, and chased it down with a glass of water.

A Few Weeks Later:

Stacey's addiction was in full swing. She would find herself in the medication cabinet at the hospital, taking the drugs of her choice, which were Valium and Xanex, she was even taking sleeping pills. A few times, she even called in a few prescriptions, saying they were for one of Hugo's patients. She didn't do that often, as she didn't want to draw attention to herself.

She saw Hugo at the nurses' station and she walked up behind him and put her arms around her husband. He was shocked.

"How's my husband this afternoon?" she asked as she kissed him on his neck.

"I am doing well, and it looks like your doing terrific." he kissed her back.

She leaned into him. "Let's go up to your office." she said seductively.

"What for?" he asked

"You know what for." she giggled. "Are you going to make me spell it out to you right here at the nurses' station for others to hear?" she took his hands in hers.

"If I didn't know any better, I would say that you want me right about now." he said with a sly smile on his face.

"That's exactly right, Dr. Rodriguez."

They got on the elevator and went up to the 6th floor.

Part 6

Hugo's Office:

Once they were inside, Stacey dove right into him. He was really shocked by this, as they have not made love since their son's death a month and a half ago. "Slow down." he said. "What's your hurry?"

"I want you. Is that a problem?" she asked as she kissed him passionately.

"No, no problem, it's just that…" He knew something was not right, but he could not put his finger on it.

"Sweetheart, shut up and make love to me." she pleaded. "Please. I have missed you."

After they were done making love, Hugo sat there in amazement. "Honey, I don't know what's gotten into you, but I certainly do like it." he said as he kissed his wife gently.

"I can't help it if my hormones have all migrated to the right place." she said as she put her scrubs back on.

She was coming off of her high. She needed another fix. "Hugo, I love you honey, but I have to get back to my patients before Epiphany comes looking for me."

"I love you, Stacey." he sat there and pinched himself to make sure that the moment was real.

They kissed one more time and she left his office.

Weeks Later: The Gatehouse

Stacey had the day off from the hospital, so she was busily cleaning the house and doing other things that needed to be done. Each time she would think of that horrible night that her baby died, the moment it would creep up to the surface, she wanted to numb her pain. She looked everywhere for her pills, and she couldn't find them. She realized that she left them in her locker at the hospital, but she needed some pills now. She went to the main house, where she had a stash in her old bedroom at her mom's house.

The Mansion:

She didn't want to ring the bell, so she used her key, hoping no one would see her. She did this many times, as she knew no one was home at this hour, with the exception of Alice, but today was different however. She didn't know that Monica was home, and that her boys were there. She slowly climbed the stairs and she got to her old room unnoticed, or so she thought. She lifted up the mattress on the bed, and grabbed the bottle and tried to open it quickly so she could get out of there. She got the bottle open, and took out a pill and got the cap back on. The pill was lightly touching her tongue. She thought she was home free, when two voices called out to her.

"Mommy!" Mackenzie screamed in excitement as he ran over and hugged her.

Stacey was holding the bottle tightly in her hand. She couldn't hug him back.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Alan asked his mother.

Stacey was scared right out of her skin. She lashed out at the boys. "Damn it, Alan and Mackenzie. You scared me half silly. Don't you ever come up behind me like that ever again, do you hear me? What in the hell are you two doing here anyway?"

"Hugo brought us here." Alan began. "We didn't have school today, and since you were sleeping so long, he brought us here. He didn’t want to wake you."

"Why are you up here and not outside playing?"

Mackenzie started to cry, which alerted Monica. "If you two can't get along… Oh, Stacey what are you doing here?" she asked in surprise.

She had to think fast on her feet. "Um, I came here to look for some old photo albums from when I was in school. My sorority sisters and I are planning a get together, and I need the albums so we can relive old times."

"Oh, that's nice." her mother said. "Are you okay? Did you sleep well."

"Yes, I did. Do you mind if the boys stay here until dinner? I have a few errands to run."

Monica agreed. "Sure. I love having them here, and so does Edward."

Monica and the boys left the room, and Stacey took her pill.

Little by little, her family and colleagues were piecing it together, but not fast enough. Months went by, until a day at the hospital changed everything.

General Hospital:

It was around noon, and she needed another pill to get her though the rest of the day. She headed to the medicine dispensing machine, entered her user ID, and it scanned her fingerprints, and she was granted access. She got her drugs of choice Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. Her addiction got the best of her. Liz walked up behind her.

"What are you doing, Stacey?" she asked as she stared her down.

"I'm getting some medication for a patient on the 4th floor. Dr. McNulty ordered it."

"Who are they for?"

"I don't see where this is your business, Liz. This is my patient. I think I can handle this myself thank you." She went to leave, but Liz stopped her.

"Those are for you, aren't they?"

Stacey got defensive. "Of course not." she said in a panicked voice.

"This is Liz your talking to." she began. "I remember when your father had this problem."

"I am not my father, damn it. Leave him out of this."

"Let me see what you have there." Liz took them out of her hands.

"Give those back, Liz. Now!"

"My God, Stacey! Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin!"

Stacey grabbed them back. "They are NOT mine. They are for my patients so I have to go now." She stormed out of there. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Liz immediately went to Monica's office. She had Hugo meet them there.

Part 7

Monica's Office:

"So, what is this about?" Monica asked. "This better be important. I have a tight schedule today."

"My plate is full too." Hugo said. "What's on your mind?"

"I don't know quite how to tell you two this, but I think I know what's wrong with Stacey."

"What do you mean?" Monica asked.

"I just saw her at the medicine dispensing machine, and she had four kinds of drugs in her possession."

"Well, obviously they were for her patients." Monica said annoyed. "You called us in here for this?"

"Hear her out, Monica." Hugo pleaded. "I have noticed a big change in her too, but I could not put my finger on it."

"You mean you are really going to sit here and listen to this?" Monica blasted. Deep down, she knew something was wrong with her daughter.

Liz continued. "She had Ativan, Xanex, Klonopin, and Valium, and when I questioned her, she said they were not hers, and that they were for her patients on the 4th floor, and that Dr. McNulty ordered it.

"Well there you go." Monica said. She didn't want it to be true.

"I checked with Dr. McNulty and he didn't order any of those drugs for anyone."

Monica had the Dr. paged and he soon was in her office. He verified Liz's story. He did not prescribe any of the drugs in question to any of his patients.

"It all makes sense now." Hugo said. One minute, she was sad and didn't want me around and the next she was happy and all over me. Her energy level was off the charts sometimes too. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what. Damn it, I am a Dr., How come I didn't know what was going on?"

"Because she did a very good job at hiding it, just like Alan did. It took me awhile to know he had a problem with his pain medication. Eventually, addicts get sloppy, as did Alan, and now Stacey, and she finally slipped, and Liz caught her, and then she used Dr. McNulty's name. That was her mistake."

"I still should have known." he said with tears in his eyes.

Monica had Stacey called into her office. A few moments later she arrived. The minute she saw Liz, she knew she was busted.

"Stacey, have a seat." Monica ordered. "We seem to have a very serious problem here."

She tried to remain clam. "We do? What kind of problem?"

"Cut the bull, Stace." Monica was pissed off now. "How long have you been stealing medicine out of my hospital?"

"What? Steal medication? I wouldn't do that." She was doing her best to lie.

Hugo was feeling badly for his wife, because he knew where his mother- in-law was going with her line of questioning.

"It's over, Stacey, my dear daughter. We know all about your little addiction to pills, and we know your lying, because Dr. McNulty was just in here and said he never ordered any of those medications to any patient of his today."

"Okay, okay. I only took them so that I could feel happy. I was trying to numb my pain for awhile. I don't have a problem with them though."

"So you admit it?" Monica snapped.

"I am not admitting to having a problem, I am only admitting to the fact that I took some medication out of the dispensing machine. I needed them to cope temporarily."

"For heaven's sakes, Stacey. You could have gotten some help from Gail or any other professional here at the hospital, you didn't have to resort to taking pills." Monica was furious, as well as scared. "I just can't believe this. This is Alan all over again. His addiction hurt us all, and you know what it did to the family. Why, why would you do this knowing how it affected your father, and all of us? Do you realize you could have killed yourself with an overdose?"

Her daughter didn't have an answer.

Hugo knew what was coming next. He went over to his wife and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Stacey, as of this moment, I am relieving you of your duties until you admit you have an addiction to those drugs that you have been taking, and complete a rehab program, and remain clean for 3 months after that before I let you back into my hospital. Do you understand me?" It was killing Monica to tell her that, but she could not have her working there, taking care of patients while she was under the influence of those drugs.

"Alright, fine. I don't need this hospital or you. You got that Dr. Quartermaine-Hansen?"

"Don't say that, honey. You don't mean that." her husband said. "Monica loves you and she wants to help you."

"If she loved me, she would help me, not kick me out of HER hospital."

"I do love you, Stacey, that's why I am doing this. If I didn't care, I would just sit back and let you continue on your downward spiral. I know you lost a son, honey, and I am so very sorry, but this is not the way to handle it. You're a nurse, you know the dangers of drugs better than anyone."

"Damn you, Liz. This is all your fault. If you would have minded your own business, this would not be happening to me right now."

"Don't you go blaming Liz. You were the one feeding a pill addiction, not her. If anything, she probably saved your life." Monica said.

"Well, at this moment, you are out of my life, Liz. A real friend would not rat the other one out."

"She is your friend, that's why she did it." Hugo said as he put his arm around her.

"Yeah, right. If you say so."

Stacey left her mother's office and went to go pick up her kids, who were at the mansion.

"I am going to call the house and have Alice search her room from top to bottom." Monica said as she dialed the phone.

"Why?" her son-in-law asked.

"Because I found her there one day in her old bedroom and she was acting very strange, and Alice told me that she saw her up there a few times, but thought nothing about it, as she figured she was looking for something that she left in there."

Part 8

The Mansion:

Stacey was there talking to her grandfather and Jack when Monica came in. "I think I will get the boys and go home now." she said as she gave Monica an angry stare.

"Not so fast." Monica said. "Alice, come in here please."

"You call me?"

"Alice, show my daughter what you found upstairs."

"Mom, not in front of grandfather and Jack."

"Oh, you don't want your grandfather to know that you have been addicted to pills for months now. What, are you embarrassed?"

"Dear God, is that true dear granddaughter?"

"It's not what you all think. I was taking them to numb my pain. I don't have an addiction. How many times do I have to tell you that, mom?"

Alice pulled out a bottle of Ativan out of her pocket. "I'm sorry, Miss. Stacey. She wanted me to search your room."

"She found these up in your old room, underneath the mattress. Were you using your old room as a hideout?"

"I didn't want my kids to get a hold of them."

"Likely story. You were using your room here as a hiding place. A Place for you to get your fix." Monica said with tears in her eyes. "Pretty crafty there, Stace. You were probably laughing at us behind our backs, while you were up there taking your happy pills."

"Monica, calm down." Jack advised. "She lost a son, and she coped in the best way she knew how. Just like you did when you lost Alan and Emily."

"What are you getting at, Jack?" his wife asked.

"You turned to alcohol to cope, she turned to pills. You two just picked different ways to ease your pain. You know what it's like to lose a child, and you also know what it's like to be an addict. Instead of sitting here attacking her, help her."

"Yeah, she was a lot of help to me, alright. She relieved me of my duties today at GH. I am suspended until further notice."

"Is that true, Monica?" Jack asked.

"Well, she can't be around patients under the influence of drugs." she answered exasperated.

"Of course not." her husband agreed. "Be there for her. Stacey, are you willing to get help?"

"I don't need help."

Just then, her boys came in. "If not for yourself, do it for them." Monica said as she put her arms around her grandchildren.

Stacey broke down and cried.

A few more months had passed. Stacey still found ways to get her drugs without being at GH. She was very resistant about going into rehab, and had barely spoken to Monica since she was suspended from the hospital. She had to go to the mansion to exchange recipes with Cook. They did that on occasion. She got her recipe box, and went on her way.

The Mansion

As she walked up the sidewalk, she noticed that Monica's car was not there. She was relieved because she knew she would not get hounded about going into a treatment program. "Hello, Miss. Stacey." Alice said happily. "You're mother is not home at the moment."

"I didn't come to see her. I came to exchange recipes with Cook."

"Oh, Cook stepped out. She should be back soon."

Edward shouted from the top of the stairs. "Dear granddaughter, you're a sight for sore eyes." he said as he descended down the long staircase. "Let's go into the den, shall we?"

"Well, alright."

"I think it's time that you and your mother patch things up." "Grandfather…."

"Don't grandfather me young lady. You two need to stop this ridiculous feud before it's too late."

They didn't know it, but Monica had come home early, and was listening at the door.

"It would end, if she were not so gung ho about getting me into a treatment program."

"Dear, don't you think you have a problem with those pills your taking?"

"No, no I don't. I am fine."

"How do you think this would have made Lila feel to know that you were taking those things?"

Those words pierced Stacey's heart. "With all due respect grandfather, she is not here to tell me her feelings on the matter."

"Well, I know how she would feel, and I am going to tell you. She would feel terrible and be so worried about you like I am. She would beg you to get some help."

"There is nothing to worry about, grandfather. Can we change the subject, please?"

"No you can't." Monica said as she came into the den.

"I was just leaving." her daughter said as she tried to walk past her mother.

"Not so fast." Monica said as she grabbed her by the arm. "You are not going anywhere. Edward, will you excuse us, please?"

"Sure, dear." Edward said. "Talk to you later, Stacey." he said before exiting.

"This feud, as your grandfather calls it, is ending right now."

They both sat down on the couch.

"Really? Your going not going to mention rehab again? Hallelujah!"

"Not on your life." Monica put her arm around her daughter. "Please hear me out, Stacey. What I have to say is really important."

"Is that right?" she was annoyed.

"It was bad enough when I lost AJ and Dawn, but the only difference was I had Alan to help me cope." She began. "Then when I lost your father, my whole world ended. Then, I lost Emily, and I went into a tailspin. I started to drink. I drank to numb my pain."

"Mom, I know all about this, I was there. What does this have to do with me?"

"Plenty. I've not only lost one child, I've lost 3, and I don't want to lose you too."

"I don't want to talk about James Robert. That is not on the table for discussion. That subject is closed." Her eyes welled up with tears.

Monica took her by the hand. "You have to talk about it, sweetheart, it's the only way you will heal. Look at me." Monica took Stacey's face in her hands and looked into her eyes. "Your eyes look glazed over, Stace. I know your still taking pills, maybe not as many as you were taking before, but I can still tell that you are on something. I know you are trying to numb your pain, I can relate to that, but you are going to kill yourself if you continue to take them."

"What if I am still taking them? It's my life!"

Monica took Stacey in her arms and cuddled her. "You were always the strong one out of my children, and now, your not so strong at all. You are not in control a lot of the time, and it scares me. You have Hugo worried sick, and Alan is asking what’s going on with you. Thank God Mack is not old enough to understand this."

Monica was starting to get to her. "But if you keep going on like this, you could lose Hugo and the kids. Honey, please get help. I love you, and I don't want to lose you. I want to help you, like you helped me, remember?"

"Are you through?" Stacey asked. "I have to go home and make dinner for Hugo and the boys." This was the first time that she didn't argue with her about the subject matter at hand.

"Sure, honey. Don't keep them waiting, but please do not wait too long to get help. You come first."

"I'll talk to you later, mom." She left the mansion.

Alan appeared. "Monica, you have to get her into rehab as soon as possible, do you hear me?" Alan said, his voice full of concern.

"Alan! Thank God!" She hugged him tightly. "I've been trying, and I think I am getting close to making her crack. She didn't argue with me this time."

"Monica, think for a second. When we didn't like what she was doing in the past, and she didn't like what we were saying, she either argued with us, which she did very well I might add, or she would ignore the bloody hell out of us."

"She wasn't ignoring me, Alan."

"All I am saying Monica is that she needs help and she needs help now. You can't let those pills kill my Stacey Q!" He had tears in his eyes. "Why did that terrible thing have to happen to her? She is such a good mother to my sweet pea, Alan and Mackenzie."

Monica began to cry. "Alan, that's what I am afraid of. I am afraid the phone is going to ring one night, and it's going to be Hugo telling me that Stacey is dead."

"She was so afraid for me when I was suffering with my addiction. She even wrote me out of her life there for awhile. We were so close before, that when she told me dad, I won't talk to you until you get clean, it hurt me."

"I just can't rid her out of my life, Alan."

Part 9

"That's not what I am saying. She's hurting Monica. We both know what it's like to lose a child, now she does too. Help her cope, Monica, and get her into a rehab facility as soon as possible. I was watching the two of you, she’s not well. Her eyes give it away."

"I know." she agreed. "I've already called Stone Haven. That's where I got treatment for my alcoholism. It's a really nice place and it's a 30 day program. All she has to do is agree, and they will take her when she’s ready."

"You and Hugo got to get her in there, and get her in there soon. Don't let anything happen to Stacey."

"I promise." Monica said before Alan vanished.

Stacey was cleaning up from dinner, while Hugo and the kids were upstairs, when she heard a familiar voice. "Stacey Q, it's dad." She turned around to see him standing before her. She thought her eyes were playing tricks on her, as she had the substance in her system. She stared at him.

"Dad?"

"Yes, it's me. I have come to you, because I figure you need your father right about now."

She began to cry. Alan went over and took his daughter in his arms and held her tightly.

"I miss you so." he began. "I am so sorry that you lost your son, sweetheart, and I understand that you are having a terrible time dealing with it. I also know that you have been taking pills to numb your pain. Get off of those things kiddo." he pleaded. "Your mother is so worried that she is going to lose you, and she has certainly lost a lot in her life, and I think if something were to happen to you, it would kill her."

"I don't want to hurt mom, or my family, dad, but I don't know what else to do."

"Yes, you do kiddo. Get the help you need and reclaim your life. You have 3 beautiful children still with you, please, they need you, and Hugo needs you too. He loves you. If I were still alive and with you, Stacey, I would help you fight this addiction, but since I am not, promise me you will get some help. Please do it for dad."

She was crying her eyes out. She had not really cried at all since it happened.

"Your mother loves you, Stacey and so do I. She called Stone Haven, and they will take you when you are ready."

"How do you know?"

"I paid her a visit too." he said with a smile.

He said one more I love you, and vanished.

Hugo heard her crying. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Then why are you crying?" her husband asked.

"I do have a problem, Hugo, and I want help. I can’t to this anymore."

He was so relieved. He took her in his arms and kissed her. "I will be with you every step of the way, babe. I love you."

Stacey went back to the mansion. Monica was reading the paper. "Mom."

"What are you doing back here?"

"I saw dad, and he pleaded with me to get help, and I am here to tell you that I do in fact, need help." Her hands were trembling.

Monica got up and embraced her daughter and placed a call to Stone Haven.

Stacey was just about done with her stay at Stone Haven, and Monica was busy planning a party in her honor. All of her family and friends were going to be there. Hugo and the kids were elated that she was coming home. They missed her so much, especially Hugo.

Stacey's Homecoming:

Alice picked her up in the Bentley. "I thought Hugo was coming to get me?" she asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Dr. Rodriguez had an emergency. He asked me to apologize for him. He shouldn't be too late. What's wrong? Your not happy to see me?" she teased.

"Oh, Alice, I am sorry. It's just that I have been missing my husband a lot. I wasn't used to sleeping alone, nor was I used to not having any kids interrupting me at every turn." They laughed.

As they neared the mansion, she noticed a lot of cars in the driveway. "What in the heck is going on?"

"Mr. Jack is having his lodge friends over for lunch."

"Do you mind taking me to the gatehouse? I just want to be with my kids."

"Well, they are with your mother at the mansion."

They entered the house, and it was eerily quiet. "I thought you said Jack had people over here? It's so quiet."

"Let's go in the den and get you comfortable, and I will have Cook make you a nice lunch."

When they opened the den doors, everyone yelled, "Welcome Home, Stacey!"

She was floored. Hugo and Monica fought over who was going to hug her first, so they opted for a group hug. Her husband kissed her deeply. Alan and Mackenzie were very happy to see her. They were giving lots of hugs and kisses. Rachel came all the way from school to be there for her return home. "I'm proud of you mom!" she said as she hugged her.

"Finally your home, dear granddaughter." Edward said happily as he hugged her tightly. "I have really missed you. You look stunning my dear!"

They all had a wonderful time catching up with each other. Monica desperately wanted to mend fences between them because they were not on the best of terms when Stacey left a month ago. Everyone finally left, with the exception of Hugo and the kids. He gave Monica a moment alone with his wife.

"Stacey, you look radiant. I can't get over how wonderful you look."

"Thanks, mom." she said as she hugged her mother tightly.

"Are you made at me?" Monica asked with a frown on her face.

"I was at first, but I know you were doing it for my own good, and for that, I am forever grateful to you. I love you, mom. I just can’t wait to get back to work. I have really missed GH."

"I love you, too, and I am very proud of you. I knew you could do it. I have an idea." her mother said.

"What's that?"

"How about you let us keep the boys tonight so you and Hugo can be alone. He has really missed you." she teased.

"I've missed him too. I hated sleeping alone. I’ll take you up on that offer."

Hugo and the boys came back in the den. "Ready to go, babe?" he asked as he took her in his arms.

"Well, not quite. Mom had a wonderful idea. Mom and Jack want to keep the boys tonight."

"You do?" Hugo asked as he looked at Monica with a smile.

"Yes, I do. You two go on home. They will be fine here."

"You two enjoy each other’s company." Jack said with a smile.

They thanked Monica and Jack and headed to the gatehouse.

The Gatehouse:

Hugo carried Stacey across the threshold. Once inside, Hugo took Stacey in his arms and have her a very passionate kiss. "Here's to new beginnings." he whispered.

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I am so sorry for putting you through this hell. I should have leaned on you instead of those pills. Do you forgive me?"

"Of course I forgive you." he said as he held her. "You dealt with it in your own way, the only way you knew how. I am just glad to have the real Stacey back. You look incredible. I have really missed you, and so have the kids."

"I missed you more than you will ever know." She kissed him. "I am glad to be home and in your arms."

After a lot of catching up, they took her homecoming celebration upstairs.

Stacey's life was changed forever, for the better.