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CHAPTER 36 An exhausted Ned walked threw his front door and looked around. He spotted Tommy sitting on the floor watching TV. �Haven�t you seen this one like a million times?� Ned asked as he walked over and sat on the floor. Tommy laughed. �This is the real good part daddy.� �Oh it is, huh.� �Yep this is the part where the big rock falls on him and flattens him and then turns him into a funny instrument.� Ned just looked at his son. �Sounds very educational.� �She look daddy isn�t he silly.� Tommy said through laughter. Ned couldn�t help but laugh. �I think you�re silly.� �Something�s burning daddy.� �No that�s just me�� Ned began to say as the smoke alarm went off. �I can�t do anything right.� V yelled as she put out a slight fire in the kitchen. �Everything okay in here?� Ned yelled as he came flying through the door. �Nobodies hurt are they?� �Ned?� V quietly said as she hit the floor. �V!� Ned yelled as he ran over to her. �Rachel get me a glass of water!� �Mommy said you weren�t coming back.� �Why wouldn�t I be coming back?� Ned asked as Rachel handed him a glass. �Because mommy said dead people only come back to life in movies, or soap operas.� Ned looked over at the child as he slapped water in V� face. �Ned it really is you.� V screamed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. �You�re alive, but how?� Ned helped V off the floor and into a chair. �Did somebody call you and tell you we didn�t make it?� �No it was on the news.� �My death was on the news?� �Not only yours but��� she trailed off. �Alexis is fine V she�s in the hospital, very much alive.� �Thank God.� V screamed as she jumped back into his arms. �You know I�d never forgive you if you died on me.� �Where�s Kristin?� �She�s up in her room. She stormed off crying when she thought you weren�t coming back. I went up to talk to her but she locked the door and wouldn�t let me in. So I figured it would be best just to let her be for a while.� �Okay I�ll go up and talk to her.� Ned replied. He walked back into the living room to find his son still in grossed in the television. �Hey partner, what do you say we turn this off and you run into the kitchen and get something to eat?� �I want to watch.� Tommy yelled as Ned turned it off. �Go eat breakfast and then maybe I�ll let you watch some more later.� Ned told his son, as there was a knock on the door. �Go on get.� Tommy pouted his way into the kitchen and Ned went over and answered the door. �Ned!� Lois stated as she placed her hand over her mouth. �Daddy!� Brooke-Lynn screamed as she ran up to him and he held her tight. �Bobby, any word on Tracy.� Jax said as he grabbed her by the arm. �No we won�t know the full state of her condition until she wakes up.� �How long do you think that will be?� �It�s hard to say.� �Hey Bobbie, Jax. � Nikolas said as he walked up. �Just how serious is Lucky� condition, the doctors won�t tell me anything.� �Nikolas everything that can be done for him is being done, trust me.� �I know it is I�m just scared for him that�s all.� Nikolas replied. �Do you know where Ned ran off to.� �I think he went��� �What do you mean where�s Ned?� Jax asked Nikolas cutting Bobbie off. �You haven�t heard?� Bobbie asked him. �Heard what?� Jax asked to scared to hope. �Ned and Alexis didn�t die in that fire.� �Where is she?� Jax screamed. �She�s just down the hall, third door on the right.� Bobbie replied as Jax raced down the hallway. Jax ran up to her door and took a deep breath before walking in the room. �Alexis!� he screamed as he looked over at her empty bed and his heart sunk. �I�m over here.� Alexis simple replied. Jax ran over to her. �What are you doing sitting on the floor?� he asked as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. �Just thinking.� She replied. �And is there a reason why you couldn�t do that in bed?� He asked as he placed his hand on her cheek and stared deep into her brown eyes. �Why do you keep staring at me?� �I thought you were dead.� Alexis smirked at him. �I guess that�s irony for ya, because that�s exactly how I feel.� �You are by far the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.� Jax replied as he lends forward and kisses her forehead. �Are you in any pain? I could call the nurse and have her get you something.� �No I�m fine thanks.� She replied as she pulled the covers tight around her. �But if you don�t mind I am rather tried.� Jax got up and gently kissed her lips. �I�ll go, but I�ll be back.� �Thanks for helping me back into Bed.� Jax could see the sadness in her eyes and he hated leaving her like this. �Are you okay?� Alexis carefully and painfully slid her body into her bed and rolled over on to her side, so she wouldn�t be facing him. He grabbed the blankets and careful tucked them in around her. �I�m fine, really.� She finally replied as she closed her eyes. He knew something wasn�t right but he wasn�t going to push the issue, so he kissed her lightly once again and left. Alexis opened her eyes and looked over to the door as she heard it close. The blank expression on her face along with the dryness in her eyes spoke more then a thousand words ever could. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �Ned your alive!� Lois replied �Just as much as you are.� He shot back with Brooke still holding him tight. �Is Alexis here as well?� �No she�s still in the hospital.� He said as he motioned for her to come in and sit down. �She should be home in a few days.� �That�s good.� Lois replied suddenly feeling the awkwardness of the moment. �Can I get you something to drink.� Ned asked as he pried his daughter�s arms from his neck. �Daddy now that you�re not dead anymore can I stay here with you for a while?� Brooke-Lynn asked overly excited. Ned laughed. �Since I�m not dead anymore?� �You know what I mean.� �I think you�re fathers got enough to worry about after everything that�s happen to have to worry about you as well.� �No I�d love for her to stay.� Lois looked at the two of them and couldn�t help but agree. �I�ll be staying at the Port Charles Hotel for a few days so if you need anything don�t hesitate to call.� �Does that mean I can stay with daddy?� Lois got up and walked over to her. �You can stay but behave yourself.� �Great I�m going to run upstairs and find Kristin.� �Sweetheart why don�t you go in the kitchen first and say hello to your brother?� �Okay daddy.� �Listen I�m glad your alive and all.� �Thanks.� �I�ll call you later.� �I�ll be here.� He replied as he shut the door behind her. �Well since Brooke-Lynn is here to help you out I�m going to take off.� �And just where do you think you�re going?� �I want to go��� �Check on Alexis.� They both stated at the same time. �Tell her I love her and I�ll be back right after I go up and take a shower.� �Yes please do your stinking up the joint.� �Are you sure that�s me and not you.� Ned laughed. �I�ll be back.� Ned smelled he shirt and went upstairs. He walked over to Kristin� door and lightly knocked. �Kristin sweetie it�s daddy can I come in?� He tried the door when she didn�t answer but it was locked. �Kristin sweetie please let me in I want to explain what happened.� Still he got no response. �Okay daddy� going to go take a shower, I�ll be back in a few minutes. I love you Krissy.� Alexis was lying in her bed when she heard a slight knock on the door. �Come in.� �Hey.� Emily said as she peeks her head through the door. �Are you up to some company?� �I�d love some.� Alexis weakly replied. Emily walked over and sat down in the chair next to her. �How�s Lucky? Is he out of surgery?� �He�s in recovery right now, but Mom says he should be fine.� �You know that husband of yours help save my life.� �So I heard.� Emily sadly replied. �Want to talk about what�s the matter?� �I�m fine I�m just worried about Lucky that�s all.� �I can tell it�s more then that.� Emily looked around the room. �You know maybe I should let you get some rest?� �So how�s the baby? It won�t be long you know.� Emily didn�t know what to say and felt real uncomfortable talking to Alexis about her unborn child after everything that�s happened. �I promise I won�t break.� Alexis replied Emily finally looked at her. �The doctor said it�s a boy.� �So have you picked out any names?� �Not really.� Emily stated still felling really uncomfortable. �I remember when I was pregnant with Tommy Ned and I would spend half the night going over baby names.� �What about with Kristin?� �I always knew what I wanted to name her.� Alexis replied rather sadly. �So when are they going to let you out of here?� Emily asked desperately wanting to change the subject. �Who knows, every time I turn around somebody�s poking me with something or other.� Emily got up. �You know I really should be getting back to Lucky. I just wanted to tell you how happy on am that you and Ned made it out of the fire.� Alexis reached out to take her hands and Emily gave her a big hug. �He�s going to be fine the doctors around here seem to know somewhat what they�re doing.� �I love you Alexis.� �I love you too kid.� Emily walked over and opened the door and V walked in. �Hey are you a sight for sore eyes.� V said as she walked over to Alexis. �Is Ned with you?� �No it decided to shower before coming back.� V replied. �Are you okay?� �I�d be better if everyone didn�t keep asking me that.� Alexis yelled. �I�m sorry.� �No I�m sorry I shouldn�t have yelled like that.� �Trust me I�m a big girl I can handle it.� �Thank you so much V.� �For what?� �For taking such good care of my kids.� �I love those kids like my own.� �I know you do.� �So are you hungry?� V asked as she held up a bag of food and waved it under Alexis� nose. �Thanks V but really I�m not hungry.� �When�s the last time you eat?� �I just ate a little while ago.� She lied. �Okay because you�re going to need all your strength to run after those kids of yours when I move out.� �Did you sing the papers on the house?� �Nope but thanks to you and Ned that�s where I�m headed right now.� �Well then get out of here.� Alexis replied. �Can I get you anything before I leave?� �I don�t suppose to could figure out a way to lock that door so nobody comes in behind ya?� �Sorry that I can�t do, anything else.� �No I�m fine I�m just going to try and get some rest that�s all.� �Okay call me if you need anything.� Don�t worry I will.� Alexis replied as V left. �Okay Kristin open the door sweetie this isn�t funny anymore.� Ned yelled through the locked door. �What�s ya doing daddy?� Brooke-Lynn asked as she came up the stairs with Tommy and Rachel. �Trying to get your sister to let me in.� He replied �Kristin� not in there.� Tommy stated. �Yes she is she�s just not answering me.� Ned shot back. �I saw her leave.� Tommy said. Ned got down on his knees in front of his son. �What do you mean you saw her leave?� �I was watching TV and she came down the stairs yelling I hate mommy and daddy and she walked out the front door.� �When?� A shocked Ned asked. �When I was watching TV.� Ned wasn�t sure what was going on but he wasn�t about to just stand there and do nothing. He pushed the kids out of the way and with his shoulder busted in her door. �Kristin.� He yelled as he made his way into her room. �Sweetie where are you?� he then yelled as he looked around. �I told you she left.� Tommy replied so innocently. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 37 Ned ran over to the window and looked out into the backyard. His heart started beating a mile a minute as he ran down the stairs and out the door. �Kristin, Kristin where are you?� Ned continued to panic as he searched the grounds. Brooke-Lynn came running out side to help him find her. �Daddy I looked all through the house and I can�t find her anywhere.� Ned ran over to her and pulled her in the house. �Did you look in the closet, under the beds, in the kitchen cabinets?� �I looked everywhere daddy really I did.� Brooke yelled through tears. Ned looked at his oldest daughter and took a breath. �I�m sorry I should be yelling at you.� �It�s okay I know your just scared.� Ned picked up the phone and dialed the police. �Where�s Tommy and Rachel?� He asked Brooke. �They�re upstairs.� �Okay go find them and stay with them.� �I will daddy I love you.� She said as she hugged him. �Yes I�d like to report a missing child.� Ned replied after they picked up. �How long has the child been missing?� �I don�t know, all I know is she�s gone.� �Has she been missing for more then 24 hours?� �I told you I don�t know how long she�s been missing.� �Well I�m sorry sir but we can�t help you until the child has been missing for more then 24 hours. Why don�t you try calling her friends?� �What.� He screamed so loud that the mirror almost cracked. �Do you have any idea who you are talking to?� �The father of a child who is probably just down the street.� �I want to talk to Mac Scorpio right away.� �I�m sorry sir but that�s impossible.� �You tell him Ned Ashton grandson of Edward Quatermaine is on the line, NOW!� �Right away sir.� ~*~ Meanwhile back at General Hospital Alexis is trying to get a hold of Ned. She tried the house but the line was busy, and he wasn�t answering his cell phone. She put the phone down and slowly tried to get back out of bed. �Going somewhere?� Monica asked as she entered the room. �I just don�t want to lie here anymore.� Monica pulled the wheel chair over to her and helped her sit in it. �Is that better?� �It would be if we could get out of this room.� �I think we could take a small walk.� �Thanks Monica.� �Where�s Ned I figured he�d be back by now.� �You and me both. Monica do you think something�s wrong?� �What makes you say that?� �I don�t know. I just have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.� �Alexis you just lost a baby; you�re bond to feel weird.� �But it�s a different kind of feeling.� Alexis replied. �You know the kind of feeling you get when you wake up sweating from a bad dream or the kind of feeling you get when your kids are outside playing and you hear a car screech .� �Alexis I wouldn�t let it get to you, your bodies been through a lot and your mind is probably just playing tricks on ya.� �I hope your right.� �Come on I do believe you said you wanted to get out of this room.� �More then anything.� ~*~ �Thanks for getting here so quickly.� Ned replied as Mac walked in. �Well find her Ned.� �Mac she thinks we�re dead.� �She�s a six-year-old child she won�t go far.� Mac stated. �Do you have the photo I asked you for?� �Yeah it�s right here.� Mac took the photo from him and turned to one of his officers. �Make sure you get these out right away. I want this child found before nightfall.� �Yes sir.� The officer replied. �Ned you need to calm down, it�s too early to fall apart.� �The thought of my child out there all alone......� �Ned where�s Alexis?� �She�s still at the hospital.� �You need to go to her and tell her what�s happened.� �No I can�t I need to find her. Alexis can�t know about this.� Ned before long this story is going to hit the news and I don�t think you want her finding out like that.� �No you�re right she�s lost too much already.� He grabbed his keys. �I need to be the one to tell her.� �I�ll have one of my men drive you.� �I�ll be fine.� �Ned you�re a wreck, I can�t let you drive.� �Okay.� �Daddy where are you going?� Brooke-Lynn asked. �Oh god the kids I need to find someone to watch them.� �What�s with all the cop cars out front?� V asked as she entered the house. �V Kristin ran away and I need to tell Alexis.� �When?� V asked. �I don�t know.� �I knew I shouldn�t have left her alone.� V stated. �Ned I�m so sorry this is all my fault.� �No V it�s not. You did what you thought was right. Don�t start second-guessing yourself now. I need you to be strong and help me.� �I�ll do anything.� �Keep an eye on Tommy and call Lois at the PC Hotel and let her know what�s happened.� �I will.� �Thanks V.� He replied as he ran out the door. �Get him to the hospital right away.� Mac yelled to an officer. ~*~ �Do you feel any better?� Monica asked as they walked back into the room. �I�d feel better if I were home.� Alexis shot back as Monica helped her into bed. �Alexis give your body some time to rest. You�ll be out of here in no time.� �I just want to go home and hold my babies.� Alexis replied as she fought back the tears. �You know that sometimes a good cry helps.� �I�m afraid if I start that I won�t be able to stop.� Monica looked at her and felt so sorry for her. �If you don�t mind I�d like to be alone.� �Okay I�ll go but if you need anything, even if it�s just someone to sit with, call me.� �Ned should be back soon, I�ll be fine.� �Alexis we�re family so don�t hesitate to call me.� Monica said before she left. ~*~ Kristin walked through the park and noticed a homeless lady sitting on the bench crying. She walked over to her and sat down. �Hi my name�s Kristin Ashton, what�s yours?� The woman looked up at her. �Didn�t you�re mommy ever teach you not to talk to strangers kid?� she yelled. �Why ya crying?� �Go away kid ya bother me!� �Would you like a piece of my candy bar?� The woman grabbed the candy and shoved it in her mouth. �What else you got in that bag of yours?� �Just clothes and some money.� The woman got up and grabbed the bag from her and ran off. �Hey wait that�s mine.� Kristin yelled as she ran after her. �Hey kid slow down before you hurt yourself.� A man said as Kristin ran into him. �I�m sorry.� �That�s okay just be more careful where you�re running to next time.� �I will be.� Kristin replied as the man walked off and she looked for the woman. ~*~ ~ General Hospital ~ �Well it�s about time you showed your face around here.� Monica replied as she ran into Ned just outside Alexis� door. �How�s Alexis?� �In my opinion still emotionally unstable.� �Monica I need to tell her something but I�m not sure how.� �Ned what�s the wrong?� �It�s Kristin.� Ned began to say as he heard Alexis scream. Monica and Ned ran into Alexis� room to find her screaming and crying uncontrollably. �Where is she Ned where�s my little girl?� She screamed as Ned held her. �I�m going to find her.� Monica wasn�t sure what was happening until she looked up and noticed Kristin� picture on the news. �According to Kristin Ashton� father the child has been missing for an unknown amount of time. If you see any child even resembling Kristin please notified the police immediately. Ned let go of Alexis and turned off the TV. �Listen to me baby we are going to find her.� �I�m going to call the house and make sure Reginald doesn�t allow Lila to see the news report till I get home.� �Thanks Monica.� Ned replied as she left. �What if someone took her?� Alexis screamed. �The man on the news said she ran away but what if someone took her?� �Nobody took her Honey, Tommy said he saw her walk out the front door.� �Oh no what if Helena has her?� �Helena isn�t going to get her hands on her I promise.� �If Helena gets her she�ll kill her Ned!� �Alexis sweetheart listen to me.� He said as he held her face in the palm of his hands. �We haven�t seen or heard from her in a long time I really don�t think she has an interest in kidnapping Kristin.� �Nikolas.� She yelled. �Nikolas keeps in touch with her.� �Why?� �Mostly so he knows what she�s up to.� She replied. �I need to call him and have him find out if she�s got her.� Alexis picked up the phone but Ned stopped her from dialing. �Do you really think that is a good idea?� Alexis gave him a strange look. �If Helena doesn�t have her and she knows she�s missing.......� �Then she might go looking for her.� she finished saying. �Oh Ned I just want my little girl to be alright.� �Mac has ever inch of this town covered if she�s out there we�ll find her.� �And if she�s not?� Alexis asked through tears. �Then I guess that means Helena has her!� �You get Helena out of your mind do you hear me.� Ned yelled. �That woman has done enough damage and I won�t allow her to do anymore.� �Ned I�m so scared!� �I know you are baby and trust me so am I.� ~*~ ~ PC Headquarters ~ �Any luck?� Mac asked. �No one has even come close.� Taggert replied. �You can�t tell me a whole police station can�t find one little girl.� Dara stated. �It�s like she just vanished into thin air.� Taggert simple added. �Little girl don�t just vanish.� Mac yelled. �We just got word of a little girl matching Kristin Ashton� description being seen in the park about two hours ago.� An officer came running over to inform them. �Taggert get some men and get over there.� Mac ordered before turning to Dara. �Every time I think about that poor child being out there alone it just kills me.� Dara was about to say something when Hannah walked over. �We just back the report on the fire at L&B.� �And?� Dara asked. �It was a bomb.� �Who would want to blow up L&B?� Mac asked. �Beats me.� Hannah replied. �Well find out!� He yelled as he walked off and Dara slightly laughed. ~*~ ~ Alexis� Room ~ Ned hung up the phone and Alexis looked at him. �Well they think someone spotted her earlier in the park.� Alexis quickly got out of bed and fell to the ground. �Ned we need to find her.� Ned ran over to help her back into bed. �Sweetheart your legs are still weak, you�re not going anywhere.� �Ned our little girl is out there all alone and it�s getting darker by the minute.� �I�ll go and check it out but you have to promise me you�ll stay in bed.� Alexis brought her hand up to his face. �Bring her home please Ned, I can�t lose another child.� That was the first time since Alexis lost the baby that she mentioned it. Ned so wanted to stay with her and get her to open up over the lose of their baby but he knew finding Kristin at this point was more important. �I am going to do everything I possible can to find her and bring her home.....you just stay and bed...and as hard as I know it is I need you to get some sleep.� ~*~ ~ The Park ~ About a half hour later Ned ran through the park calling at Kristin� name when he spotted Taggert and some officers talking to a man. �Is this the man who saw my little girl.� Ned yelled as he approached them. �Yes it is and he�s sure it was her.� Taggert said. �Then where is she?� Ned yelled. �I just happened to be walking through the park and this little girl ran into me I told her she should be more careful and then she took off.� The man said. Ned walked over to the man and grabbed him by his shirt. �You just let a little six year old child take off!� Taggert grabbed Ned off of him and the man yelled. �Hey I didn�t have to call the cops and tell them anything.� �Where is she? What did you do with her?� Ned yelled at him. �I didn�t do anything!� he yelled back � I just saw her that�s all.� Taggert pulled Ned away from him. �Ned I know this has got to be killing in but he doesn�t have her.� �How am I suppose to go back to the hospital and tell Alexis I didn�t find her?� �At least we know she� safe.� �That was hours ago and now it�s almost completely dark.� Ned looked up at him. �She� afraid of the dark, we have to keep a nightlight on in her room and the bathroom just so she won�t cry at night.� Taggert didn�t know what to say as Ned continued to talk. �And she�s cold she� always cold at night......she the only child I know that sleeps with two blanket on when it 90 degrees in the house.� Ned stopped his train of thought and looked up. �She�s going to freeze to death out here isn�t she?� �Don�t even think that Ned.� �She was probably so upset when she left the house that she didn�t even put on warm enough clothes to be out here.� He placed his hands over his face. �It�s so cold out here you can even see your breath.� �Ned we are doing everything we can to find her. Why don�t you just go back to the hospital and take care of your wife.� �I can�t go back with out Kristin, I promised her I�d bring her home.� �Ned you just lost a baby, your daughters missing, you can�t help us find her any faster. Go to Alexis be there for her and let her be there for you.� �I know you�re right Alexis is so besides herself. Please call me the minute you hear anything.......good or.......bad.� �I will and just think positive thoughts.� ~*~ Ned walked back into Alexis� hospital room and she looked up. The tears in her eyes began to fall as she noticed the look on his face. She pulled the blankets back and he crawled in next to her. She laid her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. He began to sing the one song that always made Kristin fall asleep when she woke up from a bad dream. girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes silver white winters that melt into spring these are a few of my favorite things. Kristin had given up looking for the lady and dropped to her knees. She was hungry, scared, alone, and crying for her mommy and daddy. As she lay there in the middle of the cold ground crying she could have sworn she could here her daddy singing to her. when the dogs bite when the bees sting when I�m felling sad I simple remember my favorite things and then I don�t feel so bad. Ned looked down on his wife to find that she had finally given up and fell a sleep. He kissed the top of her head lightly and continued to quietly sing to her! Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens brown paper packages tied up with string these are a few of my favorite things. |
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