When Reality Hits, it Hits Hard by KathyLuvsJason - PG

**KathyLuvsJason**

This is the first fanfic I have written. I hope you like it. It is a short story, complete in three chapters. Chapter One will be posted today, and Chapter Two tomorrow, Chapter Three on Wednesday. If you like it, please let me know. Rating: PG

Thanks!

P.S.: Disclaimer: I do not own GH, ABC or any of these characters. This is just a story about what I would like to see played out on screen, instead of what really is.

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

Spoiler-free & lovin it!!!

Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

**KathyLuvsJason**

Chapter 1.

Location: 5^th Floor Nurses Station

“Excuse me Nurse Spencer, why do you look so sad?” asked Dr. Leo.

“Oh – I’m sorry Doctor – did you say something?” replied the obviously preoccupied nurse. “I was thinking about this patient...”

Dr. Leo could tell by the look on Nurse Elizabeth Webber’s face that she was NOT thinking about the chart she had in her hand, but about something else. “You look sad,” he repeated, “is there anything I can do to help?”

Elizabeth sighed as she looked up at the very handsome, very kind doctor. He had this beautiful way about him, one that made all the nurses swoon when his name was mentioned. He was very different than his friend Patrick, a brilliant surgeon at the hospital. Dr. Leo was grounded, realistic, and very much NOT the playboy as Patrick Drake was. Dr. Leo had asked Elizabeth to coffee a few months back, and while it was only a 15 minute break during rounds, they had a nice conversation which made her feel well at ease around him.

“All right, you caught me. I was thinking about something else. Not about the patient whose chart indicates he’s ready to move on – I mean go home – can you sign this, by the way?” Elizabeth holds out the chart so Dr. Leo can sign the patient’s release forms.

As he hands them back, Dr. Leo wonders what is happening in Elizabeth’s private life to create that look in her eyes. It hurt him, for some reason he did not understand, to see her look like that. Dr. Leo had this overwhelming urge to change that look – and immediately.

“Is there anything else, Doctor?” Elizabeth asked. She noticed he was looking at her funny, and was wondering what he was thinking. He had this curious look – like he was waiting for her to say something else – but at the same time the look was unsettling. What WAS he thinking about?

“Nurse Webber,” says Leo, “what are you and the boys doing for dinner tonite? I get off work at 6pm, and I see the schedule says you do the same. I heard there is a new merry-go-round at the park and I bet Cameron would love to go for a ride. We can pick up a picnic dinner on the way. The weather is supposed to be cool, with not a cloud in the sky. It’s a perfect night for a trip to the park. I know Cameron has lots of energy when he comes out of daycare (look of surprise on Elizabeth’s face – how did he know that, she thought) and where better to use it?”

“I’d love the company – my sister is on vacation with her kids, and I have to admit merry-go-rounds are one of my favorite rides. Has been since I was a child myself. I love taking my niece and nephew to the park whenever my sister needs a break. Jake is big enough to ride on the bucket swings now. I can’t believe he’s one already.” Dr. Leo noticed he was babbling a bit – and realized suddenly he was getting a little pushy. He didn’t even give Elizabeth a chance to say yes (or no) yet. “What do you think?”

Elizabeth looked at the babbling doctor standing before her. He looked so sweet as he was giving her reason after reason why she should say yes. She had a feeling there was more reasons coming if she did not answer soon…but she didn’t know what to say.

“I…I…I don’t know.” Elizabeth stammered. “I don’t know if I can, or if I...” If I should was what she stopped herself from saying. Elizabeth was already in love. She had the most perfect man. He led a very dangerous life, one that she was not willing to let her kids – even though he was the father of her youngest, Jake – be a part of. Elizabeth wanted Jason and only Jason.

But they could never share a life together, especially after Michael was shot. What was she supposed to do? Is she supposed to wait around forever? And what exactly was she waiting for? For Jason to get out of his dangerous life and decide to be a family with her and her boys? Jason had the chance to do that, he had many chances. Each time he chose the life. The life that did NOT include her. Elizabeth heard rumors about Claudia Zaccara hanging around Jason, trying very hard to get him to sleep with her. Even though Jason had told Elizabeth many times he wanted no one else if he could not be with her, can she make that same choice? Forever? Did she want to be a single mom forever? Even though her marriage to Lucky failed, he was still there for her whenever she needed him. If it was for a trip to the docks to watch the boats, or to watch the boys so she could take a break, Lucky was there for her. Even though Elizabeth slept alone every night, she did have someone who she could count on. But…Lucky has moved on with Sam, and Sam was now becoming more and more of a presence in her boys’ lives. They enjoyed the time they spent with Lucky and Sam as a family, and Elizabeth began to realize that she wanted that family too.

Dr. Leo stood quietly at the counter and watched Elizabeth as she thought the invitation through in her mind. He could see the conflict on her face, and even though he did not know she was in love with Jason, he knew there must be something – or somebody -holding her back. Dr. Leo had observed how Elizabeth interacted with Lucky and Sam, and understood that Elizabeth had accepted them as a couple and was not pining for Lucky’s affection. So why was this so difficult for her, he thought to himself?

“Leo…” Elizabeth started. “I appreciate the invitation. I think the boys would love a trip to the park, and Cameron would definitely have a great time on the merry-go-round.” Elizabeth paused for a moment, and decided to move on. “I have been a little sad lately…I didn’t realize that it was that obvious. Your invitation made me realize something important…it’s time for me to move on. I don’t want to be a single mother forever. I want a family. I want someone to come home to after my late shifts, I want someone to bar-b-que burgers with on the weekends. I want someone to talk to, to hold me, to share my life with. Someone other than a child. I don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life” Elizabeth took a deep breath and went on. “I don’t know who that someone is yet. I would love to find out if it is you.” A sudden look of panic spread throughout Elizabeth’s face. “Oh no Leo – I don’t mean it like that – here you ask to take me and my boys to the park and I start talking marriage!”

Dr. Leo laughed. “Elizabeth, I have been dying to ask you out for months. While you were pregnant with Jake, to be honest. When I heard you were remarrying Lucky I figured I had no chance. When you divorced Lucky my hopes rose, but I heard you were already dating someone else, but never found out who that was. I am assuming that did not work out…or is that why you are so sad? It didn’t work out?” Leo paused for an answer, but Elizabeth just looked away.

“I am looking for someone to spend my life with. I am looking for a partner, and to be a father. Father to your boys would make me so happy. You are so beautiful. When I see that sadness on your face it breaks my heart. I would never want to be the cause of that look on your face. Never. Why any man would do that to you – he does not deserve you.”

Elizabeth looked taken aback for a quick moment, then smiled. While Jason would never intentionally hurt her, he had. Many times. By choosing his dangerous life over a life with her. She was done with that. “Leo – where shall I meet you? We’re ready for an evening of fun. Me and my boys.”

“How about here?” Leo replied. “We can go up to daycare and pick up the boys together.”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ll see you at 6.” Elizabeth replied. Her eyes got brighter, her smile a bit bigger. Nurse Leyla Mir approached the desk. She looked back and forth between Elizabeth and Leo, and could tell by the looks on their faces he had finally asked her out. She gave a big smile as Leo walked away. The sound of papers dropping on the desk behind the nurses made them turn around. Jason took one look at Elizabeth, turned around, and walked away.

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

Spoiler-free & lovin it!!!

Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

**KathyLuvsJason**

Chapter 2.

The park.

The evening had been wonderful, Leo thought. Elizabeth was wonderful, as he told her many times that evening. He could sense that she needed someone to tell her that. They had spent the evening chatting like teenagers, describing the past events in their lives that made them who they are today. Leo hoped that Elizabeth felt as wonderful about the evening as he did. Elizabeth hoped that next time it would be easier. It was a rough evening, but as it went on, she thought less and less about Jason and more about the man next to her.

Elizabeth and Leo were sitting quietly next to each other on a blanket. Jake was sleeping peacefully, snuggled between the two of them. Elizabeth looked down at him, thinking about how beautiful he looked at that moment, and how much he looked like his father. Jake makes the same sounds that Jason does when he sleeps, Elizabeth noted to herself.

Leo quietly watched Elizabeth watching her son, wondering to himself what she was thinking about. He was about to ask when Cameron ran over with his new friend. The mother wanted to introduce herself and exchange contact information so the boys could play again. Before Elizabeth could answer Leo happily stood up and recited Elizabeth’s address and phone number for her.

Cameron stopped and stared at him for a moment, then gave him a smile. “Push me on the swings Dr. Leo!” he called out. “Let’s go buddy, and wave good-bye to your new friend!” Leo responded. They both waved good-bye and ran off. “What a great dad Cameron has,” the mother commented. “But why does he call him Dr. Leo?” Elizabeth explained that she was a nurse and Leo was a friend and doctor from the hospital, and they were just having an evening out. “Cameron’s father and I are divorced, and I finally decided today I was ready to move on,” Elizabeth explained. The beautiful brunette then laughed. “I guess we’re going to make good friends like our boys will. I don’t know why I opened up to you so quickly! I am usually more reserved when meeting new people.”

“I recently divorced as well,” the woman explained. “I started looking for Mr. Right before the papers were even signed though. I was ready a LONG time ago. Your Dr. Leo is very sexy, in a Latin sort of way. I’m more interested in tall, blonde and blue eyed guys though. There is this guy that is sitting over on the other side of the bushes” she whispered, “he’s been reading a travel guide for Italy and I am dying to go over and talk to him-“

“What?” Elizabeth interrupts. “Where?” The woman parts the branches of the bush they are sitting next to and points to a man sitting on a bench. It was Jason. Had he been there watching Leo and the boys all evening? Elizabeth was furious. Her new friend noticed the change in her expression. “What’s wrong? Do you know him? Oh! Is that your ex-husband?” she whispered, as the man was sitting so close he could hear EVERYTHING that had been going on. And the man had. Every single word, the entire evening.

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

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Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

Guest

Awww Leo and Liz are cute!
Why do I picture Jason singing, "I'll be watching you" by the Police? Wink

**KathyLuvsJason**

LOL - Jason sing - I would so long to hear him sing!! Chapter 3, the final chapter, will be posted tomorrow.

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

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Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

**KathyLuvsJason**

Chapter 3 - Final chapter

Elizabeth’s House.

Jason stood on the porch looking in the window, hoping that no one would notice him. Inside, Elizabeth, Leo, Cameron and Jake were sitting on the couch reading a book. Together. Elizabeth and Leo were taking turns, doing the voices, and Cameron was enjoying it more than Jason could remember him enjoying any story HE had ever read to the boy. Even Jake was totally engrossed in what was happening.

Elizabeth was having a pleasant evening with Leo and her boys. After the date at the park yesterday, Elizabeth was so mad at Jason for what she felt was intruding on her life, she invited Leo, very loudly as to make sure that Jason heard (even though there was no doubt,) over for dinner the next night. She even suggested he rent a movie that they could watch after the boys went to bed.

All of a sudden she had this feeling, Elizabeth felt something, or someone, she thought. She could not see anyone, but it felt like Jason. He was outside, somewhere, watching her. Somehow Elizabeth always knew when Jason was around. That connection was impossible to beak, no matter how hard she tried. Elizabeth made a little smirk on her face, smiled, and kept right on reading.

Once the story was over, she asked Leo of he would like to help her put the boys to bed. “It’ll give you a taste of what you say you’re looking for,” she teased. To her amazement, Leo happily and sincerely accepted her offer. Hmmm…thought Elizabeth. Maybe this could work out. If she could somehow forget Jason and how she felt about him…just maybe.

All four of them headed upstairs, when Elizabeth realized she left Jake’s favorite sleeping toy on the couch. She came back downstairs and thought she saw something in the window. She was debating if she should walk over or not, when all of a sudden the front door opens. Jason is standing there, looking at her. Just looking. “Mommy!” Cameron yells from upstairs. Come see what Dr. Leo did!” Elizabeth gives Jason a slight shoulder shrug, and turns to head back upstairs.

“Wait.” Jason says. “You can’t do this. I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” Elizabeth asks. “Move on with my life? You say if you can’t be with me you’d rather be alone. I can’t do alone. I won’t do alone. I love you – more than you will ever know. I’ve loved you for so long I feel like I have never loved another. But I can’t do that anymore. You’ve taken it away from me. If you can’t choose me, choose Jake, choose our family, then I need to make another choice. I need to do what is right for me, and my boys. Our boy as well. I don’t know if Leo is that person – it will take time, a lot of time. But I am done.”

Elizabeth turned to walk back upstairs. Jason grabbed her arm to stop her. “Elizabeth, I am done too. I can’t do this anymore. We’ll find a way. I want you, I want our son, I want Cameron. I want a family with you. I want to marry you. This time nothing will stand in our way. I choose our family.”

“Are you sure,” Elizabeth asks. “I can’t do this again.” “I’m sure,” Jason says , as he pulls out the most beautiful engagement ring Elizabeth has ever seen. Elizabeth jumps into Jason’s arms, as Leo stands at the tops of the stairs, watching. He pulls out his cell phone and whispers into it. “It worked!” he said.

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

Spoiler-free & lovin it!!!

Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

**KathyLuvsJason**

From Becky's event...which turned into partially a Liason event!!

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

Spoiler-free & lovin it!!!

Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8

**KathyLuvsJason**

Sigh...my man Steve at the kickoff:

Photos snagged from RTN...credit goes to Swish!!!

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Banner by: Maxiefan!

Spoiler-free & lovin it!!!

Laura fan #2, Elizabeth fan #6, Jason fan #9, Spinelli fan #12, Jason & Elizabeth fan #5, Georgie & Dillon fan #2, Max fan #8