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Thanks once again for all of your great replies. I can't tell you how excited I was to see a couple of new posts on the board this morning. I'm anxious to read some other people's stories.

Anyhow, on with the show...err...story...

Chapter 9

Doc, what is it, Mr. Ardanowski asked.
We have found a match, Dr. Fleming told him.
Meaning?
Meaning well be able to do the bone marrow transplant, and soon, because the match lives here in Port Charles.
Thats wonderful. How is my daughter now?
Shes weak. I just checked on her, and she was asleep. The doctor looked down at his watch. Visiting hours are over, but given the circumstances, I could bend the rules.
No. Im a strong believer in rules. There is a reason for them. I will see my daughter in the morning. I have someone I have to meet with. Thank you for the wonderful news, though. Mr. Ardanowski shook the doctors hand.

Ned walked out of the kitchen with two bottles of beer in his hand. He walked to the couch and handed one to Jax. He sat down next to him. Thanks. Looks like Skye has taken to instant motherhood, Jax commented.
Yeah, shes wonderful with Kristina.
Jax took a drink. What happens when Alexis allowed visitation or even custody?
Jax!
Im just thinking of the inevitable.
Please dont tell me that youre going to marry Alexis, Ned said.
No. Im not. Im going to tell her no.
Good.
But no matter what happens, at some point, Alexis is eventually going to get some sort of visitation rights or custody of some sort. When that happens, where does that leave Skye?
Shell always be a part of Kristinas life if I have any say.
Youre using her.
Were using each other. Ned took a drink of his beer. He turned to Jax. I think you know how that goes, Jax. I havent forgotten how the two of you took over ELQ. You cant tell me that you two werent using each other then.
Jax nodded. Ok, ok. But Ned, I dont want her to get hurt.
Ah, you still care. Like Ive said to you several times, I have no intention of hurting her.
Ned took another drink. He notice that the light on the answer machine on his desk was flashing. He got up and walked towards it, but before he got there, there was a knock on the door. He went to it and opened it. Hello.
Mr. Ashton?
Jax looked over. Chuck.
Hi Jax.
You must be Vs father. Please, come in, Ned said.
Chuck walked in. Yes. Chuck Ardanowski. He put out his hand and shook with Ned.
Ned Ashton. I didnt think that we would be seeing you until tomorrow.
I decided to leave after my shift, he explained.
Please have a seat, Ned said, motioning for him to sit. Chuck sat down next to Jax.
Have you been to the hospital?
Yes. I spoke to the doctor and received some good news. Theyve found a match, Chuck responded.
Thats wonderful! Jax smiled.
Skye came downstairs. Hey, try to keep it down. I just got Kristina to sleep. Skye walked in and saw the other guest. And I didnt know that we had company. Im sorry.
Chuck stood and turned to look at Skye.
Uh, Chuck Ardanowski, this is my wife Skye, Ned introduced the two.
He walked over to her and shook hands with her. Its a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ashton.
Please call me Skye.
Yes, of course, Skye, he said.
Can I offer you something to drink? A beer or something, Skye asked.
Water would be ok, Chuck said.
Water coming up. Skye walked out of the room to the kitchen. Jax got up and followed her. She turned when she noticed his presence. What are you doing?
Well, I thought that I would leave Ned and Chuck alone so they could discuss that security job in private, Jax said. He took a long swig of his beer.
So I should give them a few minutes?
Yeah. He smiled. He took another drink.
Skye got a bottle of water out of the refrigerator and poured it into a glass that was sitting on the counter. So what were you all so happy about before?
They found a match for V. Isnt that terrific?
Yeah, its terrific. Skye smiled.
Its incredible! Jax picked Skye up and twirled her around.
Jax!
Jax suddenly realized what he was doing. He put her down. Im sorry. He looked down.
Yeah, she said. She shook her head, picked up the glass of water, and went back out to the living room.
So what do you say, Ned asked Chuck.
How can I refuse? Yes, Chuck answered.
Good. Ned and Chuck shook hands.
Chuck. Skye gave him the glass of water. Jax walked back into the room. Chuck stared into Skyes eyes for a moment, she got a weird feeling about it. Something wrong?
No. Uh, thank you for the water. He took a drink. When do I start, he asked Ned.
I assume that youll want to be there for Vs transplant. So any time after that is fine with me, Ned said.
Chuck drank the rest of the water very quickly. Well, thank you for everything. He stood. Ill be seeing you.
Goodbye Chuck, Jax said.
Jax. And with that, Chuck walked out of the gatehouse.
Nice man, Ned said.
Yes, he is, Jax said. Uh, I should go, too, he continued, feeling kind of strange about the incident in the kitchen with Skye. See ya. He left.
Well. Ned looked back over at the answering machine. I meant to check the messages earlier. Ned walked over to the machine and pushed play.

Chapter 10

V was lying in her hospital bed, reading the newspaper, when Skye came into the room. She looked up and smiled. Hello.
Hi. How are you doing, Skye asked still standing at the door.
Good. Ive been told that theres match. They wouldnt tell me who. They just said it was someone in Port Charles. But, gee, if this works out, I owe this person a lot. Id really like
to thank them.
Skye bit her lip, as she walked over closer. Youre welcome. You now, the doctors told me that they would have to run some additional tests. But, in the next couple of days, theyll know if theres a perfect match and then I can...
Before she can finish her quick and very informative statement, V questioned, You?
Yep. Skye smiled at her. She wasnt sure how she had gotten herself into this or why, but she felt sort of good about it.
The door to the room opened and Vs father, Chuck, came in. He walked straight to her bedside. He kissed her on the cheek. Hows my baby girl?
Pop, Im good. Im glad youre here.
Chuck hugged his daughter. He then noticed Skye standing there. Hi Mrs...uh...Skye.
Hi. She waved over at him. She watched the interaction between Chuck and V and felt a little envious of the two.
Doctor told me last night that they found a match, he said to his daughter.
Yeah. I know. Its Skye. V pointed over to her.
Chuck turned to look at Skye. Can I tell you how incredibly grateful I am?

Alexis knocked on Jaxs door. Jax was in his hotel room, pondering a way to give Alexis his answer to her question. He walked over to the door and slowly opened it. Hello
Alexis.
Jax. You have an answer for me?
Yes. Come in. Jax motioned for Alexis to come in. He shut the door.
So, she said impatiently.
Jax stood in front of her. He took her hand. Alexis, he said, taking a long dramatic pause, and a deep breath, Im sorry. I cant help you, not this time. I cant marry you.
Well, I should go then, Alexis said, only sounding a little upset. She started out of the room.
Wait!
She turned back. What?
Im really sorry, was all that Jax could muster up.
Yeah. Alexis walked out of the room. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. What am I going to do now? She thought of ways to continue her plot to get her
daughter back.

Ned opened the door to the gatehouse. Junior, he groaned, as his cousin stood in front of him.
AJ had a file in his hand, he gave it to Ned. Nice of you to show up for work today, he cracked.
Thanks. Ned took the file. Look, I dont owe you any explanations. Lets just say that some things have come up.
Hmmm...So, hows little Kristina?
Shes fine. Alice is taking her for a walk. Ned opened the file and started looking through it, as AJ continued to stand there at the door.
And your bride?
Shes fine, Ned said without looking up.
Where is she?
The hospital.
Something wrong, AJ asked.
Shes having some tests run. It turns out shes a match for V.
Huh?
The bone marrow transplant. Theres a match. They have to do a few more tests, but Skye looks like shes Vs best chance. She could be having the procedure any time this
week.
Thats whats come up?
Yeah. Ned looked up at AJ. Any other questions, Ned asked, annoyed.
No.
Ok. Ned guided AJ out. Goodbye. He quickly shut the door.
AJ stood outside the gatehouse. Skye, Skye, Skye, I know what youre up to, he said in a mischievous tone. His cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his suit pocket. Yeah?
AJ, this is Alexis, she said on the other end of the line, sounding desperate. I know I am probably going to regret this, but lets talk.
Ok. Um, I have something to take care of at the hospital. Can you meet me there, AJ asked.
Sure. Alexis hung up. Time to make a deal with the devil.

So, its a pretty simple procedure, Skye asked the doctor as they sat in his office discussing the impending surgery.
Yes. Just a little anesthetic. Then we go in and extract the marrow from the hip bone. Youll spend the night in the hospital and youll be out of here the next day. You might
experience some pain in your hip, but we can give you pain meds for that. I would like to schedule the surgery as soon as all of the test results are back from the lab.
Ok.
I will call you when we get those final results, the doctor said.
Ok, thank you. With that Skye got up and walked out of the doctors office, running smack into AJ. What are you doing here?
I know what youre up to, he said with a sly grin.
Huh?
V is a very good friend of Jax. They kind of have a brother-sister thing going on. Hed be devastated if she died. So you come sweeping in offering to be a donor and wala Jax will
be forever grateful to you, probably fall back in love. Thats the plan, right? I mean, youre still in love with the guy, arent you?
Skye gritted her teeth at AJs suggestion. That is sick! And its wrong! I was tested because I wanted to help. And sure shes Jaxs friend, but she is also my husbands friend. AJ continued to smirk at her, thinking there was a sinister plot behind everything.
Look, I am married to Ned, and I am Kristinas step-mother. That was my goal. To be in Kristinas life, to give that little girl all of the love that she needs. I have no intention of
going after Jax again. Now, if youll excuse me, I want to get home to my family. Skye shoved past AJ and left.
Sure, sure, say what you want. I know the truth, AJ murmured to himself.
Alexis walked up behind him. Talking to yourself there?
He turned with a smile plastered across his face. Alexis.
AJ, here I am.
Yes, here you are. Looking lovely as ever.
Alexis stepped back. She had a disgusted look on her face. I thought you said that you could help me get my daughter back.
I can. I can. AJ looked her up and down. Hmmm.
So your plan?
First off, we have to come to an agreement. Yes, an agreement. Walk with me. AJ began to walk down the hospital hall to the elevator. Alexis followed him. You have to
help me get custody of Michael.
I dont know, Alexis said, knowing she did not like where AJ was going. The elevator doors opened. AJ got on, Alexis reluctantly followed.
You want your daughter back, AJ asked her, as the doors closed.

Moments later, the elevator doors on the first floor opened. Alexis slapped AJ, and walked off. Youll be back, he called out.

Note: For the purpose of my story, none of the current Cassadine stuff is going on, with the exception of Alexis wanting to get Kristina back. Stefan isn't in town. I've kind of been toying with this AJ/Alexis thing since the scene where AJ was talking to Alexis about getting Michael back and how he might be able to help her with Kristina.

Ok, I tried to post this a few minutes ago, and I had some problems. So, let's try this again.

Oh, thanks for your replies. I haven't answered any of your questions because as the story continues to unfold they will be answered, I promise.

BTW, this chapter sorta answers the question about Alexis and AJ.

Chapter 11

Days later...

Skye was in Vs hospital room talking to her about Kristina. Shes the most adorable little thing in the world.
You know, I cant wait to get out of here and meet this little angel youve been talking non-stop about, V said.
Kristina is pretty much all I have been talking about, isnt she?
Yeah. But, its nice to think about. She has her entire life in front of her. She could be anything. President, a cop, a singer, a...
CEO of ELQ, Skye threw in there. They both laughed.
If thats what she wants.
Well, she is a Quartermaine.
Were you upset when you found out you werent a Quartermaine?
Yeah. Skye sadly nodded. But, she said with a smile, Im married to Ned, so I guess that puts me back in the middle of the madness.
The door opened. Amy stuck her head in the room. Skye, theres some paper work that you have to fill out.
Yeah. Skye got up. Ill see you.
Thanks.

Skye was sitting in the hall, staring at the medical form in front of her. My full name.
Problem?
Skye looked up to see Jax walking towards her. Oh, Amy told me to be sure that I put my full name on this form.
And the problem?
Oh, I just might need an another sheet of paper, thats all, Skye said. The two laughed.
Antoinette, she said cringing, Skye Patterson Chandler Cudahy Kinder Davidson Quartermaine Jacks Ashton.
That is a mouth full. You really think they need all of those names?
She said full name.
Jax nodded. You know, I think what youre doing is really great, Jax said, smiling, wanting to hug her, but trying to control himself.
Its nothing, she said. The hardest part was probably rattling off my entire name, she joked. Theyre going to knock me out, take what they need, and Ill be fine.
Jax sat down next to her. Im pretty impressed with you, Mrs. Ashton. You hardly know V and youre doing the most generous thing.
Well, Mr. Jacks, I feel like I do know her. After everything that you and Ned have told me about her, Skye paused, she looked down at the forms in front of her, then back at
Jax, You know, I really have to finish filling these out. She pointed down at the forms in her lap.
Yeah. I guess Ill go in and see V. He got up and started towards the room. He turned back. Good luck.

Ned and Alan were in Alans office at the hospital. Im worried about Skye, Alan said.
Come on. This procedures pretty simple. Shell be ok.
Its not that, Ned. Skye has gotten married, become a step-mother, and now she is going into surgery, and she hasnt bothered to call her mother through all of this.
I dont know that she and Rae will ever have any kind of mother-daughter relationship. She lied to her about a very vital part of her life. Ned looked at the clock on the wall, not
even giving any thought to the words he had just said. Now, I have to go before they take Skye to surgery. Ned walked out.
Alan sat down at his desk, pondering picking up the telephone and calling Rae to tell her everything that was going on with Skye. Before he could make any kind of decision on the
matter, the phone rang. He picked it up. Dr. Quartermaine.
Hello. This is the other Dr. Quartermaine, Monica said on the other end.
Hello sweetheart.
AJ just called from the ELQ jet. He wants us all at the house for dinner this evening. He says he has a surprise.
He didnt say what it was, Alan asked.
Alan, its a surprise.
Ill try and make it home in time. But there are a few things here at the hospital that I have to take care of.
Ok.
I love you, Alan said, And Ill see you at home.

Skye was sitting on a gurney, about to be wheeled off to surgery. Ned rushed in. Hi. He kissed her on the cheek. Nervous?
Skye looked down. Now that Im in this atrocious hospital gown, yeah.
You know everything is going to be ok, Ned said with a reassuring smile. Ned kneeled down and looked up into Skyes eyes. Youll be ok. He took her hand and held it tightly.
She smiled at Ned. Then, she saw Jax standing at the door. They exchanged smiles.
Now, Ned said, this is from Kristina. Ned kissed her on the cheek. And this, he said, kissing her full on the lips, this is from your husband. He pulled her in and gave her the
longest, most earth shaking kiss she had in a long time. Mmmm..., he said lingering on the kiss, that was...
Nice, very, very nice, she said with a smile that almost demanded more.
But before anything more could happen, an orderly came into the room. Mrs. Ashton, its time to go.

Rae rushed into Alans office. She was frantic. Alans phone message said he needed to speak to her about Skye, but he didnt say what was wrong. Whats Skye done now?
Alan quickly got up from his desk and approached Rae slowly, but the story he began to tell her unfolded quickly, sort of like it happened. Shes married my nephew Ned and shes in surgery right now to donate bone marrow.
What?
I guess I should explain things further.
Yes, you should, Rae said.

Where are you staying, pop, V asked her father, as he sat on the edge of her hospital bed.
The Quartermaines. They have practically a whole wing of their house for staff and theyve let me move in already. Its not very comfortable. Not what Im used to at all. They have all of these beautiful and very expensive things that Im afraid Im going to break and end up spending my entire life paying for. But the conversations with the rest of the staff are pretty interesting. Id say the Quartermaines are a very strange family.
Yes, they are, V said.

Alexis and AJ stood at the front door of the Quartermaine mansion. Alexis had her head in her hands. I cant believe this, she said.
Neither can I. AJ smirked. But here we are.
Yeah, here we are, Alexis said, regretting what she had done and what was about to happen.

Rae was in the hospital cafeteria, trying to wrap her mind around everything that Alan had told her about Skye. She went through the line to get a cup of coffee, and bumped into
Vs father. Im sorry, she said.
Its ok. Chuck squinted, as he looked at Rae.
Rae was a little curious as to what this mans interest was. Do I know you?
I dont know. Chuck shook his head. I just thought I recognized you.
Paging Rae Cummings to the second floor nurses station. Rae Cummings, the intercom called out.
Youll have to excuse me, she said to Chuck, then rushed off.
Yeah, he said, watching her leave, getting a feeling of dejavu.

Oh, what the sam-hell is this about, Edward shouted, as he walked into the dining room where Monica, Emily, and Lila were patiently waiting.
AJ popped his head in the door. Now grandfather, dont get your blood pressure up. He patted Edward on the shoulder, as he walked over to his grandmother and kissed her on
the cheek. Grandmother. He then walked over to Emily and Monica, kissing both of them on the cheek. I have a big surprise.
Emily looked at her brother, and suddenly noticed something. You got married! She had noticed a golden band on his finger.
Very observant, he replied.
Ok, what kind of floozy have you gotten yourself attached to now, Edward asked.
Hopefully not some stripper or gold-digger.
Edward, Monica shouted. She wanted him to stop his rant so they could find out exactly what was going on, although she was almost afraid to find out what her son had done.
AJ walked back to the doorway. Wheres Ned?
Hes at the hospital with Skye for the transplant, Emily informed her brother.
Oh, darn! And I so wanted him to be here for this, AJ said. Sweetheart, AJ called out into the hallway.
Alexis walked into the room. Honeybunch, she said mockingly, nearly making herself sick.
Meet the new Mrs. Quartermaine, AJ said, pulling Alexis closer to himself.
Oh, this is wonderful, Lila said.
This...this...oh, goodness, AJ what...oh...I..., Edward stammered.
Youre speechless, AJ exclaimed, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Ok, well, I happened to have another chapter ready, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it today. Enjoy!

Chapter 12

AJ pulled Alexis in and kissed her, as she rolled her eyes at him. Emily, Monica, and Edwards mouths collectively dropped. Lila smiled pleasantly.

Jax walked towards Skyes hospital room. He saw Alan, Rae, and Ned talking over by the nurses station. They seemed to be pretty occupied with their conversation, so he gently
opened the door and walked into her room.

You married my daughter so you could get custody of yours, an exasperated Rae asked Ned.
Skyes good with Kristina. She loves Kristina and Kristina loves her, Ned replied.
But do you love Skye, Rae asked.
Rae, I..., Ned started. Rae took off, Alan went after her.

Jax sat down next to Skyes hospital bed. He watched her gently breath. He closed his eyes for a moment and he could feel himself lying with her. He could feel her breathing.
Skyes eyes fluttered open. She looked around the room in haze. She was confused, as she came out of the anesthetic. She saw Jax there, and reached for him, brushing his leg.

Hello Mr. Ashton, Chuck said, as he walked up to Ned at the hospital. Hows your wife?
Uh, everything went well according to the doctor. She probably wont be awake for awhile. Hows V?
Shes doing pretty good. She was just telling me about her work at your record company.
I have to tell you, she was very good at it. You know, I have a CD player with headphones and some old Eddie Maine CDs in my car. Think V would enjoy that? I mean, give her something to do.
Yes. I think she would.
Be back in a flash, Ned said, as he started to the elevator.

Jax opened his eyes from his fantasy. He had felt her touch. He smiled at Skye. Hey.
Youre here, Skye softly said.
Yeah. Howre you feeling?
Like Im floating.
Probably the anesthetic, Jax suggested.
Mmmmm. Im kind of confused, though.
About?
Why youre here, Skye said, as her eyes drifted closed.
Jax shook his head, because he was grateful he didnt have to answer her question. It would be hard to tell the woman who was married to his friend that he was there because he still loved her, especially after everything he had put her through with...ugh...his mind did not want to go back to that place and time. He needed to put the past behind him.

Ned, this is great, V yelled as she listened to an Eddie Maine CD with the volume on the headphones cranked up.
Glad you like it, Ned yelled back at her.
Will you excuse me, Chuck said, then left.

What are you telling me, Alan, Rae asked as they stood in his office.
What are the chances, huh? Think about it, Rae. You have medical knowledge. How many BMTs are done with unrelated sources? I mean, its pretty rare, Alan said, as he stood in front of her.
Are you suggesting that this, uh, I dont even know her name...
V, Alan said.
V, Rae said quizzically.
Yes, V.
Youre suggesting that this V person could be a relative?
The best matches for BMTs are siblings. Rae, I think that you should consider telling Skye who her biological father is, Alan explained.
Theres a problem with that. Rae held up her hand, trying to stop Alan from going down that road.
Rae?
A near tears Rae looked up at Alan, whos eyes were pleading for some type of a response. I dont know his name.
What, Alan said in disbelief.
Rae looked down. As she told her story, she felt a bit ashamed of the event that had taken place. I was at the docks. This ship had just come in. Boys from the Marines and the Navy who had been injured in the fighting in Vietnam, they were coming home. They werent exactly welcomed back with open arms. They had fought for this country and they
were spit on, Rae said with a bit of anger. After all of the hell they went through for them to have been treated like that was terrible. I felt bad for them. Rae crossed her arms
kind of holding herself together. I...well there was this one who seemed so disappointed. It seemed like he was looking for something or someone when he got off that ship, and he
never found it there. I felt bad for him. I went to him and offered a shoulder to cry on. And we went out. We had some drinks together, and, Rae stopped when she looked up to see Alan looking away from her.
I dont need to hear anymore, Rae. Alan walked out of the office.
Rae stood there for a moment, thinking about what she should do, then she took off after him. Instead of catching Alan, though, she ran smack into Vs father, again, who was in
the midst of tucking his pack of cigarettes into his shirt pocket. The cigarettes went flying out onto the floor.
Im sorry...I...uh, Chuck said, as he picked up the cigarettes. My daughter tells me its a nasty habit, but I cant seem to quit. He gathered all of the cigarettes up, and tucked the box into his shirt pocket. He looked up to see Rae standing there. I... Rae looked in his eyes, and he looked in hers.

Jax was sitting in Skyes room, watching her in her state of unconsciousness. Ned quietly walked into the room. Jax, he whispered. Jax turned to Ned with a half smile. She wake up yet?
For a second, he answered.
Yeah?
She was kind of confused, Jax told Ned.
About you being here?

I was right, Chuck said to Rae, as they stood there looking at each other.
Right, she asked.
I know you from somewhere, dont I?
I dont know, Rae answered. If youll excuse me, my daughters in the hospital and Im here to visit her. Rae walked off.

Jax, Ned said. Jax just laughed. Come on, Jax. What are you doing here?
Jax smiled. He thought about telling Ned the truth, that he still cared very deeply for his ex. But, he gave it a second thought because maybe this little Ashton family that Skye had
going on was what she really wanted. Just visiting a friend.
A friend? Ned halfway bit his lip and studied Jax. He knew there was more. He had surmised that Jax still had feelings for Skye when he asked him to give her a job at ELQ.
Yeah.
Ill go. Jax smiled and got up. He started for the door, but it opened and Rae walked in.
Rae, he quietly said.
Jax?
Goodbye, Jax said, then walked out.
Rae looked over at Ned. What was he doing here?
Just visiting.
Shes still asleep, Rae said, as she went and sat down next to the bed.
Jax said she was awake for a minute, Ned informed her. His cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket. Yeah?
Ned, you need to get to the house immediately, Edward shouted on the other end of the line.
Grandfather, I am busy. I need to be with my wife, Ned told the old man.
Skye will be perfectly fine, Edward insisted. She is in a hospital, there are people there to care for her. This family, on the other hand, is in a complete state of disarray and we
need you here NOW!
Whats happened, Ned asked.
Your cousin has just managed to make things terribly unpleasant.
Whats Junior done now?
He went and married the mother of your child, Edward shouted.
Ned quickly hung up, slipping the phone into his pocket, and taking off without a word.
Rae watched as he left, she was baffled. Skye started to open her eyes. Rae turned to see this and smiled at her daughter.