Heart of the Matter

Chapter Three



Elizabeth slowly woke up disoriented. The last thing she remembered was going to see Patrick. Elizabeth didn’t know why she went there. It’s not as if he was expecting her but somehow she found herself walking the short distance to his house. It was as if Elizabeth had been drawn there.



It made no sense really. After all, they were nothing more than friends and colleagues. True they had gotten closer in the last year. So close that even gossips at General Hospital had noticed. Rumors had started of them do everything from having sex to running away together.



However, Elizabeth knew nothing could be further from the truth. They did not see each other that way. They were nothing more then two friends who leaned on each other. Elizabeth helped Patrick adjust to being a father. In turn, Patrick helped her deal with her ex husband Lucky. It was reminiscent of their early friendship. Full of teasing remarks and jokes. It helped to have someone who understood your life.



Maybe that’s why Elizabeth went there. She needed someone to talk to and Patrick was probably available. She and Lucky were having more trouble that usual. Elizabeth wondered how long he would stick around for Cameron now that he had a new girlfriend. She had hoped Lucky loved her son enough to keep his promises but that did not seem to be the case. At least he had kept them tonight.



As much as Elizabeth loved her son, she needed a break. The stress of being a single mother and full time pediatrician was starting to weigh on her. However, despite the sometimes-overwhelming stress Elizabeth would not change having Cameron. She had managed to care for him almost completely on her own since college.



“Hey there sleepy head.” A familiar male voice said softly.



After a few moments, Elizabeth recognized the sounds and smells of a hospital. It only made her more confused. Then she remembered about Patrick and Karen, about running away. However that did not explain why she was in the hospital. “Hey.” She said trying to sit up.



“Try to relax, Elizabeth.” Patrick said raising the bed with practiced ease. “Do you know what happened?”



Elizabeth shook her head no without looking at Patrick. She didn’t know of she could ever look at him again. Elizabeth always knew Patrick would move beyond Robin. In fact, she had encouraged him to do just that. She just never thought she would be a witness to the fact. Or that it would cause her such confusion. She wanted Patrick to be happy didn’t she?



“You had a mild heart attack wile you were driving. Apparently it caused you to lose control of your car.”



“Why are you here?” Elizabeth asked picking at her IV. She wasn’t sure she wanted the answer but asked anyways.



Patrick balked at the question. He couldn’t understand why Elizabeth would ask him that. Of course, he was going to be here for her. “They called me when you came in. You’re my friend Elizabeth. Probably my best friend. There is nothing that could keep me away.”



“Oh.”



“Are you feeling okay? The doctor said he was waiting for some test results but I can go find him.”



“I’m fine Patrick. Just a little disoriented.”



Patrick moved to her beside in full doctor mode. Without thinking about it began checking Elizabeth for a head injury. She sat still submitting to Patrick’s exam. At first, he did not notice the distance between them. When Patrick did however he didn’t understand it. “Well at the best neurologist in the state of New York I give you a clean bill of health.”



Elizabeth could not help but laugh at Patrick’s smug attitude. It made forgetting the last few hours easier. “Does that mean I can go home?”



“Probably not. I could call Leo if it would make you feel better.”



She shook her head and cleared her throat before speaking. “Thank you for signing the forms.”



“I have to admit when they call I was shocked. Not that I wouldn’t do anything for you but why me.”



“Because I can’t trust Lucky to keep his word. At least not since, he started seeing Sam. I knew you would. I meant to tell you.”



“Are you and Lucky having trouble again?”



“Again? Try still. I want him to be happy and if Sam makes him happy then that is great. It’s just...”



“He’s an asshole.”



“Patrick don’t.”



“What? You know I’m right Elizabeth. He has put you through hell. I don’t understand how you put up with that jackass.”



“Because he’s the only father Cam has ever known. I can’t take that from him.”



“I know. Cameron is good kid. Is that what you were fighting about?”



“In part. Sam hates how much time Lucky spends with Cam. Actually, she hates that he’s not spending the time with her. I just don’t know how to explain it to Cameron. This isn’t like when Lucky and I broke up At least then Cam was still young. Now... I just don’t think I can break his heart again.”



A knock on the door prevented Patrick from replying, which was probably a good thing. It was no secret Patrick hated Lucky Spencer. Ever since they met, the two men had disliked each other. Patrick especially hated the way Lucky treated Elizabeth.



“Dr. Webber it’s a relief to see you’re finally awake.” The older man with a white coat said. “I am Dr. Golf.”



“It’s nice to meet you.”



“Actually I’m sure it’s not.” Dr. Golf teased making Elizabeth feel more relaxed. “I have some of your test results and it seems you suffered a Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction or NSTEMI. I must say you are very lucky it could have been a lot worse. I do want to run a few more tests before releasing you.”



“So I’m going to be fine?”



“Yes. This type of heart attack does very little damage. Of course, we will have to a stress test and possibly a coronary angiogram. I want to figure out why you had a heart attack at such a young age. I need to rule out a blood clot before sending you home.”



“Thank you.” Elizabeth said slightly relieved. Cardiology wasn’t her specialty but she knew enough to know Dr. Golf was right. She had gotten very lucky. “How long will I have to stay?”



“At least two days. Now try and get some rest.”