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"What do you all think this is?  Some free for all?" Chris grumbled as he tossed his latest patient charts aside.  In between the sounds of laughter and cheer between his colleagues, he was finding himself caught up in a migraine and a nauseating feeling as he was in anything, but the Christmas spirit.  He let out another agitated sigh and spoke out again seeing  no response to his initial question.  “Hello.  Is anyone listening here?  You all have jobs to do here.”
 
“Lighten up already Ramsey,” Eve blurted out directing her attention away from Ian and Karen.  Chris looked at her realizing that had probably been the most she’d said to him all year.  “It’s Christmas Eve,” she continued.
 
“Which mind you is one of the busiest nights of the year,” he reminded her sharply.
 
“No one’s forgotten that Ramsey.  We’re just trying to make the most of it,” Ian started stepping forward.
 
“Well, how about you start by making the more of your job as tonight happens to be the biggest night of the year for attempted suicides around here,” Chris snapped in response.
 
“You wouldn’t by chance be willing to do the world a favor and make yourself a statistic, would you?” Ian questioned with a dry grin.
 
“Ian, that’s enough,” Eve chastised stepping forward, “Chris is just trying to do his job here by being his usual self.”
 
“Mean and bossy that is,” Ian nodded in agreement, “I guess it’s true what they say about someone being cold hearted for life there.”
 
“Yeah well you’re going to be cold and out in the streets if you don’t get your butt in gear Thornhart.  You might’ve been able to bring it on with Boardman, but you’re not going to get that chance with me.”
 
“Want to test that theory?” Ian challenged stepping forward.
 
“Ian,” Eve called out to him stepping between the two as she and Karen exchanged worried glances.
 
“You know, I think we’re all forgetting what’s important tonight,” Karen broke her silence stepping forward, “this is about the holidays and healing others, not tearing each other’s throat out.”
 
“Ramsey doesn’t know the first thing about healing,” Ian piped in.
 
“Thornhart, you’re walking dangerously close to crossing a line here,” Chris said tightly, “and unlike your Neanderthal methods, I’ll find ways to make your life a living hell without even so much as lifting a finger to do it.”
 
“You think you’re pretty smart, don’t you Ramsey?” Ian huffed.
 
“Yeah as a matter of fact I do,” Chris decided stepping forward as Eve shoved her hand into his chest bracing him backwards.
 
“Cool it Chris,” Eve warned looking over to Karen and Ian, “why don’t you two just finish up wrapping up this party here?”
 
“That’s right,” Chris huffed, “why don’t you just clean yourself up for a change,” he paused reaching into his jacket pocket and throwing out a few bills and tossing them to the ground at Ian’s feet, “and while you’re at it, why don’t you go and buy a new shirt?”
 
“That’s it Ramsey.  You‘ve crossed a line there,” Ian grumbled moving forward as Eve stopped him.
 
“Ian, that’s enough,” she looked over to Karen.
 
“That’s right.  Granted none of us want to be here, but look at it this way we’re all making the most of the time we’re having here,” Karen added lightly.
 
“That’s right, I guess considering who’s here tonight we could call this a divorcee celebration with a little Ian mixed in unfortunately,” Chris grumbled as Eve shot him a scathing look.
 
“Chris,” Eve started, “what happened to the holiday spirit?”
 
“Eve, you’ve lived with me long enough to know exactly where I stand on that,” Chris reminded her with a slight frown, “or did you forget my holiday celebrations already?  I see no point in them.”
 
“You don’t have even a little hope?” Eve asked lightly.
 
“Realistically there’s nothing to hope for,” Chris shrugged.
 
“How can you say that?” Karen asked.
 
“Because he’s a bitter man,” Ian huffed.
 
“Not bitter, smart enough to quit believing in mysticisms and fairy tales,” Chris replied dismissively.
 
“I know that’s not entirely true with you Ramsey.  I remember the tree with the black ornaments,” Eve nodded in response, “Granted it wasn’t very festive, but it showed there was promise.  You had a little something there to hold on to.”
 
“Nope, sorry no tree this year,” Chris shook his head, “I tossed it with you,” he said reaching for another chart as there was a page for him, “guess that’s my cue to get back to work and I should hope you’d all do the same.”
 
Ian watched Chris walk away and he scowled slightly, “That man has no taste Eve.”
 
“Cut him a break Ian,” Eve sighed, “he’s had a rough year.”
 
“We’ve all had a rough year Eve,” Ian replied thinking about the time they’d spent locked up together before.
 
“I know we have Ian,” she sighed reaching for his hand and squeezing it for a moment, “but right now we can’t let Chris ruin tonight for us, okay?”
 
“I just hate when he’s on his high horse like that,” he frowned before lacing his fingers with hers, “but you’re right, we can’t let him spoil our first real Christmas together like this.”
 
“That’s right,” Eve agreed stepping up on her tip toes to kiss him gently, “we have our own traditions to make here between us the way I see it.”
 
“That we do,” he nodded reaching out to touch her cheek gently, “you know I really do want to make this next year a better one for you Eve.  I know the past year was anything, but what you wanted or deserved.  I want you to find some peace and happiness this year.”
 
“I know you do Ian and I’m sure that together we’ll find a way to make that happen,” she replied softly as he leaned down to kiss her for a moment.
 
“Having you in my life means so much to me Eve,” Ian explained caressing her cheek, “you know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
 
“I’d be lost without you Ian,” Eve smiled in response meeting his dark eyes, “and I know that tonight is going to be magical for us.”
 
“I’m certain that it will,” Ian agreed kissing her once more as his eyes drifted to the clock again.  Why hadn’t he heard already?  Why wasn’t there an answer yet?  He’d grown tired of the waiting.
 
“What is it?” Eve asked searching his eyes as she felt him distance himself from her.
 
“I’ve just been waiting on some patient results for a while and the lab is delaying in calling here.”

“You could always call them.  You know how the lab is,” she suggested.

“I just might,” he nodded in response, “I’m just anxious that’s all.”

"Maybe if you tell me more about this mystery patient of yours, I could help a little," Eve suggested seeing the look behind his eyes, "Ian," she urged.
 
"Eve, I would, but this time, well it's confidential," he explained seeing the frown upon her face, "trust me.  If I could tell you, I would, but right now it's touch and go."
 
"We always made a great team before," she reminded him.
 
"We still do," he frowned slightly as the doors to the ER burst open and in came a very vocal patient.
 
"Get me a doctor!" she moaned as she held her obviously swelled abdomen, "I don't care who I have to talk to here, but I need help like pronto."
 
"Duty calls," Eve replied hearing the woman moan as she and Ian parted and Chris emerged once more from where he'd been taking care of another patient.
 
"What are we looking at here?" Ian questioned following behind Eve.
 
"If you have to ask, then I know for damn sure that I don't want you as my doctor," the woman groaned as Eve stepped aside of her.
 
“Just try to calm down.  How far apart are the contractions?" Eve questioned.
 
"I don't know, but I sure as hell know that my beamer is all but demolished there," she explained as Frank walked aside of her and explained.
 
"I tried to get her to calm down, but she was rather insistent upon doing things her way," Frank informed them as Chris watched the scene unfolding.
 
"You!" the pregnant woman said seeing Chris breeze past, "you a doctor?"
 
"Yes, but what you need right now is...." Chris started.
 
"What I need is drugs," she growled at him, "and you're going to do just fine."
 
"Actually, I'd be more than willing to help you out here," Ian started seeing the woman's face cloud over in pain as she fell back into Frank slightly.
 
"This kid does not want your face to be the first one it sees when it makes it‘s way into the world," She groaned reaching out to Chris and squeezing his arm, "but you, you'll do."
 
"Guess you've lost all your charm with the ladies," Chris remarked smugly as Ian shot him a glare.
 
Eve pretended not to notice as she stepped forward, "why don't we get you checked in here as I'm sure you'd like to get off of your feet here?"
 
"More than you can imagine," the young woman moaned slightly, "this works one hell of a number on a person to have to go through this especially on the night you're supposed to deliver the celebratory toast for the chairman of the board there.  They're going to be furious I wasn't there on time."
 
"I think you've got an excuse this time," Eve replied with a light smile as Colleen brought over a wheel chair for her.
 
"And if not," Chris smiled slightly, “well then to hell with them anyways."
 
"Would you like me to call your husband?" Frank questioned watching her settle herself in.
 
"I don’t have a husband.  My boyfriend," she cut back sharply, "is more than likely off on some beach doing my ex-secretary right now, so the last thing you'll have to worry about is having to call anyone.  Right now all I want is for this kid to get out before he tears me in two.   You know," she let out a groan, "who'd have thought I'd spend my Christmas Eve here at a hospital?  I hate hospitals."
 
"It's better than being in a board room," Eve said lightly thinking about the woman's talk earlier, "I mean at least you'll be able to have some Christmas magic here tonight as opposed to some stuffy speech."
 
"Christmas magic?" the woman repeated, "listen Pollyanna, maybe for some that's important, but right now all I want is drugs and fast.  I'm not up for any festive save the world tonight speeches.....at least not any that I haven't written there and quite frankly I'm just not in the mood."
 
"Don't worry you've picked the right group here tonight," Chris smiled at her lightly, "as I say ba humbug.”
 
"Ba humbug," she laughed lightly looking to Chris, "somehow I knew you'd be a good choice for a doctor here."
 
"Darling, I'm the best choice," Chris teased lightly.
 
"Oh I knew you were a good idea," she smiled again as Eve and Ian exchanged glances.
 
"Eve, let's get her into a room here," Chris instructed as Eve nodded in response.
 
"I'll be back soon," Eve informed Ian before taking off with Chris to tend to their patient.
 
"I'll be here," Ian nodded as he noticed a few other patients come into the ER and he wondered if tonight was really about Ba Humbug, or would a little Christmas magic happen for him tonight?

<hr>

Karen looked at the papers before work before her and found herself becoming cross eyed after all the numbers she'd been punching all night.  Granted she'd tried to stay in the holiday spirit, but with all the work at the hospital she'd been doing lately, she really hadn't found time for much more.  The computer began to act up again and she smacked the monitor in frustration as she noticed the mistletoe dangling before her.
 
"Maybe I should come back," Frank replied watching the mistletoe go flying across the room in response to her action.
 
"Frank, I'm sorry," she said lightly, "it's just that this computer has decided to do everything, but give me a break on Christmas Eve here."
 
"Imagine that," Frank replied listen the computer beep out it's complaint to her as she tried to type in her information again.
 
"I knew I made a mistake in telling Ian that I'd finish this administrative work up for him," Karen sighed before noting the curious smile upon his face, "is there something I can do for you Frank?"
 
"Well actually," he smiled lightly taking a seat on the desk top, "I was thinking about that talk we'd had earlier in the week."
 
"What talk was that?"
 
"The one about us not making a big deal out of  Christmas," Frank informed her simply.
 
"Well, I meant what I said Frank.  I don't want the two of us turning it into something much more than it really is there.  I mean it's a nice thought, but I'm just not feeling very festive."
 
"Neither am I which is why I had alternative plans for the holidays," Frank stated.
 
"Frank, I've put my best face on here tonight for work, but right now all I really want to do is just curl in front of a fireplace with a good book and forget that it's even Christmas time."
 
"I didn't say you had to dwell in Christmas bliss here.  I don't think either one of us is up for that," he paused with a soft smile, "but just promise me that at the end of your shift, you'll at least make a point to see me."
 
"How do I know you'll still be around?" she questioned raising a brow.
 
"And miss a chance to spend an anti-holiday with you?" Frank flashed her a bright smile, “I wouldn't dream of it."
 
"Back to that flattery again, aren't you Frank?"
 
"Just promise me, you'll meet me in the on call room at the end of your shift."
 
"The on call room.  MY you are daring here in your rebellion.  Are you looking for Chris Ramsey to find a reason to get on your case?"
 
"I'll deal with Chris, but you Karen, you just meet me there.  Is it a deal?" he asked hopeful.
 
'You've twisted my arm," she sighed lightly, "but fine.  I'll meet you then."
 
<hr>
 

“Joe, relax there’s nothing to be nervous about,” Gabi informed him as she watched his features cloud over, “my parents are going to love you.”
 
“I’m glad you feel confident for us here,” Joe frowned, “I just don’t want to make them wonder what I’m doing with their little girl here.”
 
“Relax, my parents will be easy to deal with,” Gabi smiled lightly, “It’s my brothers you need to worry about.”
 
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
 
“Joe, it’s going to be fine,” she tried to assure him, “Trust me.”
 
“I do Gabi, which is why I don’t want to let you down tonight,” he said giving her a quick kiss before the door opened and Gabi’s father stood before them.
 
“Gabriella,” he smiled wrapping his arms around her in an embrace.
 
“Papa,” she replied with a laughter in her voice as she hugged him, “it’s so good to see you.”
 
“We’ve missed you,” he explained.
 
“I’ve missed you too,” she confessed, “I’ve been meaning to stop by sooner, but the hospital has had me backed up there.”
 
“I still think my hija should spend more time with her family,” he frowned looking over to Joe skeptically, “and who is this?”
 
“Papa, this is Joseph Scanlon,” Gabi explained, “he’s a doctor over at General Hospital with me.  Joe, this is my father Hector Garza.”
 
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,” Joe said extending his hand.
 
“Like wise,” Hector replied reluctantly accepting the gesture.
 
“So it mama inside,” Gabi asked looking to her father.
 
“She’s waiting to see you.  Emilio is helping her in the kitchen,” Hector noted turning to Joe, “So tell me Jose, do you love my daughter?”
 
“Papa,” Gabi gasped, “what kind of question is that?”
 
“Any man that shows up at our home had better state his intentions where you’re concerned,” her father explained looking to Joe, “well?”

“Senor Garza,” Joe began with a deep breath, “I love your daughter very much and I’m glad that you asked that question tonight because I’d been meaning to come over and speak with you.”
 
“Have you?” Hector raised a brow.
 
“That’s right.  I think it’s time we had a talk man to man,” Joe nodded, “that is if you’ll allow me that.”
 
“Well, I suppose it wouldn’t be out of the question,” Hector agreed, “Gabi go help your mother in the kitchen.”
 
“But.....” she started.
 
“We’ll be fine,” Joe explained lightly as she gave him a puzzled look before leaving.
 
“Well?” Hector questioned, “I’m listening.”

<hr>

"Doc I know you're in there," Lucy called out slamming her fist into the front door of the lighthouse once again, “I know you can hear me, so you may as well let me in."
 
Kevin looked up from the bottle he'd been sitting in front of for what felt like an eternity now.  He rubbed his chin feeling the stubble growing there as a result of his lack of caring about anything.  He'd just about given up on the holidays and now that Victor wasn't around and Livvie was out of town, there was no reason to pretend.  He was miserable and no one was going to pull him out of his misery....not even Lucy.
 
"Kevin Collins, if you think that I'm just going to walk away from you here, well you've got another think coming because you know how I am when I make up my mind and I've already decided that I'm not leaving here until you let me see your face regardless of how angry you may be with me."
 
"Go away Lucy," Kevin groaned again reaching for the bottle only to find it empty.  Noticing the cloud of dust upon it, he'd assumed that it had been empty for quite some time now as he tossed it into the fireplace effortlessly.
 
"Doc!" Lucy called out hearing the sounds of the glass breaking as her face dropped.   There was no way that Kevin was going to shut her out, especially not tonight.  While he'd done his best over the past year to convince everyone that he'd been fine with the loss of Eve, Lucy knew that was quite the contrary.  Seeing Ian and Eve together had only sent him further over the edge, but while Lucy knew that was what was tearing at him, she couldn't help but feel responsible as if her actions had driven him to this point.  She pounded in the door again, "Let me in Doc."
 
"I have nothing to say to you Lucy," he groaned slightly pulling himself to his feet before stumbling over to the sofa and falling down with a moan, "Just go away."
 
"I can't do that," Lucy said with a frown realizing that this distance between her and Kevin was hurting her more than anything.  He'd shut her out of his life upon finding out the truth about her betrayal where the DNA test results were concerned and though she'd tried time and time again to reach him, he'd never let her in.  With a frown, she took a step back and thought about all they'd lost together over the past few months.  He was her Doc, her heart, the one man she'd give up anything for and she couldn't bear to see him this way, couldn't stand for it and as she looked around the lighthouse with a long contemplative glance, she knew that tonight she wouldn't.

After working with the security code outside the lighthouse, Lucy opened the door with her old key and found it snap open in time for her to find Kevin sprawled out on the sofa.
 
“Oh Doc,” she gasped rushing over to his side.
 
“Go away Lucy,” he moaned exasperated as he buried his head in the pillow.
 
“I most certainly won’t go away Kevin,” she insisted firmly, “not when you’re like this, so get up!”
 
“Lucy....” he groaned as she pulled at his arm trying to drag him off of the couch.
 
“I won’t let you drink yourself to death here,” Lucy informed him throwing down her purse as she pulled harder yanking him again.
 
“Lucy, I said go away!” Kevin snapped at her, “Don’t you ever listen to me?”
 
“Nope never,” she shook her head, “Doc, I’m not going to let you torture yourself like this.  You might hate me and that’s fine as you have every reason to, but I refuse to let you do this.  Do you hear me?” She tugged further, “I will....not.....let....you.....do this!” she groaned as she tugged once more toppling onto her back as he fell from the sofa on top of her and their eyes connected.

Lucy felt Kevin over her as she drew in a sharp breath finding his dark eyes gazing back at her.  She felt his breath upon her face as they lay there for a long moment in silence.
 
“Don’t you ever listen?” he grumbled breaking the silence between them but making no obvious attempt to pull away.
 
“I couldn’t let you kill yourself in here Doc,” she replied lightly seeing the fury behind his eyes, “I don’t care what you think about me right now, but the last thing I wanted was for you to lose yourself to a drunken stupor.”
 
“I haven’t had a drink in nearly two days,” he replied matter of fact.
 
“Really?” she asked a bit puzzled realizing she hadn’t smelt the alcohol on his breath, but none the less she frowned, “well you look like hell.”
 
“Who asked you,” he grumbled moving slightly in an attempt to pull himself up, but instead he rethought it and braced himself up on his elbows looking down at her, “So what are you doing here really?”
 
“I was worried about you Doc,” Lucy answered simply, “you can’t fault me that.”
 
“No Lucy, I can’t ever fault you anything, can I?  Like the time you made me believe that Eve was dead for one?”
 
“Kevin, you know how sorry I am for that, but I thought that I was doing you a favor,” she defended watching him, “at the time, I was just doing what I thought was best for you.”
 
“I didn’t ask you to do that Lucy.”
 
“I just thought you needed that Doc.  I thought you needed to have been spared from that pain,” she answered simply, “I never meant to cause you any pain.”
 
“Well you did,” he frowned watching her, “you once again broke the trust that we’d worked so hard to build with one another.”
 
“You know Doc,” Lucy frowned slightly pushing him away from her, “I hate to say this considering it’s Christmas Eve and all, but I’m not the only one who’s broken a trust here.”
 
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
 
“You figure it out.  Time after time you’ve hurt me, but because I love you so much, I’ve overlooked it, put your feelings above and beyond mine because in my heart I could never be good enough for you.  I could never be on that pedestal that you had me on and yet here I am yet again taking the blame for one of my reactions in haste.”
 
“Lucy what you did is unforgivable.”
 
“Do you honestly believe that?” she asked behind tears, “because I don’t Kevin Collins.  In all honesty I think that the only reason you choose not to forgive me is because you’re afraid.”
 
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
 
“You’re afraid that if you owned up to what you really felt right now, you’d see that you don’t hate me.  Quite the opposite.  You still love me very much and that terrifies you,” she finished watching him as he said nothing, “on second thought,” she scooped up her purse, “don’t say anything because I can see I’ve already overstayed my welcome.”
 
“Lucy wait,” he called out to her as she approached the door, “maybe you’re right.”
 
“Am I?”
 
“Maybe we should talk,” He agreed finally as he let out a sigh, “it is Christmas Eve after all.”

<hr>

"Are you sure that you're okay?" Jack questioned watching Livvie hug her coat to her body as they stepped inside the hospital from the cold.
 
"I'm fine," Livvie sighed, "I just wish I could say the same for my mom," she explained looking around the sanitarium, "I mean I haven't made any attempt before now to see her and she must hate me for that."
 
"Livvie, I don't think she's going to hold that against you."
 
"It's just been so hard Jack and I don't know if I even have the strength to do this, but still I have to do it, you know?"
 
"I know," he nodded taking her into his arms, "believe me I know how important this is to you."
 
"I"m so glad that you're here because I don't know how I'd be able to do this alone," she confessed lightly, "You've been here for me through so much."
 
"That's not going to change," Jack reminded her, "I"m going to be with you every step of the way."
 
"Thank you.  You have no idea just how much that means to me."
 
"I think I might know," he said kissing her forehead lightly, "and know that there is no place that I'd rather be than with you right now."
 
"Olivia," a voice called out as Livvie turned to see an orderly approaching them, "your mother is ready to see you now."
 
Livvie looked back to Jack as she squeezed his hand nervously.
 
"You're going to be fine," he said trying to assure her.
 
"I hope so," she sighed looking back to the orderly.
 
"Do you want me to go with you?"
 
"NO, I think that I have to do this on my own," she confessed lightly, "But thank you for the offer."
 
"I'm right here if you need me," he reminded her.
 
'I know that," she nodded, "and that's what makes this so much easier for me."
 
"I love you," He whispered giving her a quick kiss.
 
"I love you too Jack," she smiled in response as she turned towards the orderly ready to finally face her mother again at last as she wondered what time and illness had done to her.

<hr>

"How are we doing in here?" Ian questioned stepping into the room where Chris and Eve were tending to their patient.
 
"We were doing great until you showed up," the patient grumbled.
 
"Debra, Dr Thornhart is just trying to help," Eve assured her as she threw Ian a look.
 
"Obviously you've got it covered in here," Ian remarked lightly giving Eve a pleading look as he really needed to speak to her, to tell her what was on his mind as he thought about the call he'd been waiting all night for.
 
"Well now you know you're not needed, so why don't you spilt Thornhart?" Chris grumbled at him as Ian shot him an angry glare before stomping out of the room.
 
"Chris," Eve chastised before looking to Debra briefly, "I'll go see what's taking Dr. Neuman so long," Eve said hurriedly before chasing off after Ian.
 
"That woman has it bad for him, doesn't she?" Debra noted.
 
"I think she needs her head examined if you ask me," Chris shrugged lightly.
 
"Why is that?  Because she didn't choose you over him?" Debra questioned.

“If she was smart, she would’ve,” Chris noted.

“No ego there huh?” she half smiled as her last set of contractions had passed.
 
"Hardly," Chris turned his attention to Debra, "but right now isn't about me.  It's about you.  Can I get you something to make this easier for you?"
 
"Aside of drugs," she shook her head, "I'm all set.  I mean here I am with a handsome, opinionated, unattached doctor, so what else more would I need?”
 
“Who says I’m unattached?” Chris raised a brow.
 
“I didn’t see a ring,” she said lightly.
 
“You’re very observant,” he couldn’t help but smile, “so tell me Debra, why did you pick me tonight?”
 
“Because the other guy scared me,” Debra admitted, “he was a dead ringing for my ex and should he have come in here with me, I’d have torn his head off,” she looked to him offering a light smile, “good enough?”
 
“Good enough,” he nodded in response, “although you know since I’ve been your chosen one tonight, I think it only best we get to know one another here.”
 
“Why Doctor,” she looked to his name tag briefly, “Ramsey, are you hitting on me here in the delivery room?”
 
“Now what kind of professional would I be if I did that?” he laughed lightly amused with her despite her agitated considering.
 
“Forget being a professional,” she smiled lightly reaching out to accept his hand and shake it, “I rather enjoy you being a flirt.”
 
“Somehow I thought you might,” he couldn’t help but smile, “So tell me Debra, what is it you do exactly?”
 
“I’m the head of public relations for Lance Pharmaceuticals,” she explained looking at him as their hands were still laced together.
 
“Really?” he raised a brow.
 
“That shock you?” she asked watching him as if the thought had dawned in on her, “wait a second.  You’re Doctor Ramsey?  Doctor Christopher Ramsey?”
 
“The one and only,” he admitted with a nod surprised at how much he was enjoying her company, but then again considering no one even talked to him now a days it was nice to have someone to talk to even if it was a stranger.
 
“Imagine that,” she couldn’t help but laugh, “What luck!  Who’d have thought that the world would work in such a crazy way to bring us face to face like this?  And on Christmas Eve no doubt.  You were the source of a constant headache for me nearly six months there as I had to undo the bad press you and your buddy caused for the company there with your little antics.”
 
“It wasn’t nearly as bad as they made it out to be,” Chris offered lightly.
 
“Yeah right,” She rolled her eyes slightly, “you say that now, but you have no idea how much damage control I had to do there.”
 
“Somehow you strike me as a woman who likes to do damage control,” Chris noted.
 
“Well, I did, but somehow I think all of that’s changing right now,” she said in between breaths as she felt another contraction coming on.  “God, I could use a good drink right now.”
 
“You know I make killer martinis,” Chris offered feeling her squeeze his hand a bit.
 
“Oh that’s rich,” she laughed again, “A doctor offering martinis to a pregnant woman about to deliver.”
 
“Who said it was an offer?” Chris countered lightly.
 
“I’m not as blonde as I look Chris,” she replied letting out a scream feeling another contraction rush through her, “but you know if you get back to me after tonight, I might take you up on the offer.  In fact, it‘s a date.”
 
“You’ve got yourself a deal Debra,” Chris nodded realizing this had to be the strangest place he’d ever met a woman as she clamped down on his hand again causing a mutual scream between the two of them.

Dr Neuman entered the room finding the two of them together and she couldn’t help but laugh, “I see you’re making the most of your time with Dr. Ramsey here Ms. Stapleton.”

“I feel like I’m going to break in two here,” Debra groaned in agony.

“In that case, why don’t we work on getting that little one of your out into the world,” Dr. Neuman suggested lightly as Debra squeezed on Chris’ hand yet again.

<hr>

“Ian wait a second,” Eve called out after him as she finally caught up to him, “don’t mind what Chris says.  You know how he is.”
 
“Yeah I do Eve which is why I walked away and let you two be doctors there before I tore his head off,” Ian informed her lightly.
 
“Ian, while I’d like to give Chris all the credit for your mood, there’s something more to this.  What is it?”
 
“Eve,” he started reaching out to take her shoulders in his large hands as he realized there would be no keeping this from her any longer, “I’ve been doing a little research on my own and right now I’m waiting for something very important.”
 
“Like?” she questioned lightly.
 
“It’s a very private matter Eve,” Ian informed her as he heard a page for him over the intercom.
 
“Ian, you know you can share anything with me,” she said reaching out to him.
 
“I want to Eve,” he started as the page began again, “but right now I have to go.”
 
“What about dinner tonight?” Eve asked lightly, “are we still going to have that after our shifts are up?”
 
“Of course,” Ian nodded giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, “I love you.”
 
“I love you too,” she said watching him go off as she wondered what was going on with him.
 
Ian walked over to the nurse’s station and picked up the phone, “Dr. Thornhart here.”
 
“Dr. Thornhart, it’s Ms. Cringle here,” her voice explained, “it seems I’ve found a lead in that case we were working on together and it’s imperative that we meet tonight.”
 
“Tonight isn’t a good time for me,” Ian frowned slightly.
 
“That’s up to you, but I know how important this was to you,” she said with a pause.
 
“Alright,” Ian gave in reluctantly, “just tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”

<hr>

Gabriella took off her jacket finding herself puzzled completely as she and Joe entered her apartment.  Unable to take the curiosity building inside of her, she looked to Joe.
 
“What was it?” she asked lightly.
 
“What was what?”
 
“Your talk with my father.  What was that all about?”
 
“It was just a talk man to man,” Joe explained, “I figured it was time to get to know him.”
 
“Okay, I understand that, but over dinner tonight it was almost as if my father was doting on you and with those knowing glances, you two have a secret.”
 
“We do not,” he protested.
 
“Yes,” she nodded, “you do.”
 
“Okay, maybe a little one, but it’s nothing to worry about,” Joe replied simply.
 
“Nothing to worry about?  Joe, normally my father is ready to throw every one of my boyfriends out of his home, but tonight he was unusually friendly with you.  Why is that?”
 
“Maybe because like you, he sees a good thing,” Joe teased pulling her into his arms.
 
“I’m serious Joe.”
 
“So am I Gabi,” he replied looking into her dark eyes, “actually, there is something.”
 
“What’s that?” she asked lightly.
 
“Not yet,” he shook his head taking her hand.
 
“What are you doing?” she asked as they walked towards her balcony, “Joe?”
 
“We’re going to see the snow,” he explained throwing open the doors and stepping outside, “it’s beautiful isn’t it?”
 
“I’ve always loved the snow, but somehow I think you’re doing this to avoid the question with me.”
 
“On the contrary,” he began reaching into his pocket before dropping to his knee before her on the white blanket of earth, “I’m just beginning to get into it.”
 
“Joe,” Gabriella looked at him wide eyed as he reached for her hand.
 
“Gabi, I have loved you for quite some time now and you came into my life at a time when I’d made some horrible mistakes and I’d lost hope, but when I was at my worst, you managed to pick me back up again and love me regardless.  You’ve given me a new breath of life and I want to cherish that from this day on which is why,” he opened the tiny ring box in his hand, “I would like nothing more than to have you as my wife.   Would you make me the happiest man in the world and do the honors?”
 
“Oh Joe,” she gasped eyeing the ring as a smile spread across her face, “would I ever.”
 
With that he slipped the ring on her finger and she pulled him into an embrace, “I love you Gabi.”
 
“I love you too Joe and thank you for this,” she replied hugging him, “You’ve made this the best Christmas Eve ever.”
 
“I’m only beginning,” he assured her kissing her again, “we’ll have the rest of our lives to share in the magic of Christmas together.”
 
“I look forward to that.” she replied kissing him again lost in their perfect moment.
 

<hr>
 

“Frank,” Karen called out entering the on call room as she noticed the lights were off.  She reached along the wall for a moment before she heard the sounds in the air.  She turned her head towards the sound and found herself met with a tiny palm tree with blue Christmas lights on it for a second before the lights went on and revealed Frank standing beside her.

“I know you said that you didn’t want Christmas, so how about your anti-Christmas here?” Frank questioned slipping his arm around her waist, “we have the palm tree, the Chinese take out,” he nodded to the table he’d set up, “and for our music selection, well we have the ocean waves, so instead of thinking about the New York winters, we’ll envision we’re somewhere warmer, somewhere that Christmas isn’t.”
 
“Frank, you didn’t have to do this,” Karen smiled lightly as she turned to look at him.
 
“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to,” He explained reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her eyes, “of all the things you said I couldn’t do, making you smile didn’t seem to be one of them, so I chose to do that tonight even if you weren’t into Christmas.”
 
“Frank, I appreciate that,” she smiled lightly, “more than you know.”
 
“Well that’s not all,” he replied with a smile pulling a package out of his pocket, “there’s one more thing.”
 
“Frank,” she replied with a slight frown looking at him, “I told you not to get me anything.”
 
“Just open it,” Frank urged as he handed the box over.
 
“Frank,” she started again before accepting the package and tearing into it to discover mistletoe inside.
 
“Like I said, I know you’re not in the Christmas spirit, but some traditions shouldn’t be broken and should you feel inspired either today or some other time, I thought you might want to keep that handy,” Frank smiled at her.
 
“Did you now?” Karen couldn’t help but laugh.
 
“Just in case,” he noted.
 
“Well, in that case,” she said reaching for it as she held it up in the air, “I suppose that is one Christmas tradition worth looking into.”
 
“I couldn’t agree more,” he smiled reaching out to her and drawing her into his arms for a long awaited slow, tender kiss.  Once they’d parted he met her eyes and smiled slightly, “Merry Christmas Karen.”
 
“Merry Christmas Frank,” she smiled again leaning forward to kiss him as her anti-holiday was turning out to be better than she’d anticipated.

<hr>

Ian stood in the dark alley wondering why he hadn’t just told Eve the truth considering how much she was looking forward to tonight.  Oh hell, he knew why he couldn’t have her there.  It was far too dangerous and if she was here tonight, there was no telling what she’d get sucked into.

“Dr. Thornhart,” a voice called out to him as he saw Kristina Cringle standing before him in the winter snow surrounding them, “I’m glad you could make it on time.”

“I assumed it was important,” Ian spoke lightly, “so what have you got for me?”

“I found him,” Kristina explained lightly, “It wasn’t an easy task, but I was able to locate him.”

“Seriously?”

“Did you have your doubts Ian?” she questioned abandoning all the formalities as she looked at her one time dear friend, “I told you that I wouldn’t rest until you were reunited with him again and well, I kept up to my end of the bargain.”

“I don’t know what to say Kristina,” Ian began at a loss as he anticipated the moment of what was ahead for him on this Christmas.

“Ian, I promised you a long time ago, that I would go to the ends of the earth for you, if it meant making you happy,” Kristina explained lightly, “and while you went to the ends of the earth to get away from me, that still applies.”

“I wasn’t trying to get away from you Kristina.  Just what happened back in that awful place.”

“But you’ve killed Harris.  Your work there is done and you’ve avenged the deaths of those children and apparently,” she paused with a heavy sigh, “you’ve found love again.”

“Kristina,” Ian began poignantly.

“I hear she’s a doctor, and a very lovely one at that,” Kristina continued still, “I’m quite envious.”

“Please don’t do this....”

“You know, in my heart I know she’ll never be good enough for you,” Kristina informed him lightly, “in my heart I know that you deserve so much more.”

“I love Eve,” Ian replied lightly, “she’s brought me life again.”

“There was a time when I was your life Ian.  When you and I were connected far beyond anything I’d ever known.”

“It was a long time ago Kristina,” he sighed gazing into her emerald eyes as she stepped forward.

“Even so, a love like that doesn’t come around twice in a lifetime,” Kristina reminded him, “but I won’t dwell on the past as that’s not about why we’re here.  We’re here to bring you together with your family again.”

“That’s right, so where is he?” Ian questioned lightly.

“Patrick and his wife are inside with their child,” Kristina nodded looking to the weathered building beside them, “they had their reservations about being here tonight, but once I’d told Patrick about how important this was to you, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see you again.  He’s missed you Ian.”

“I’ve missed him as well,” Ian replied lightly looking to Kristina, “I can’t thank you enough for this.”

“Seeing you happy is all the thanks I’ll ever need Ian,” Kristina smiled in response nodding towards the window where Ian could see his brother and his beautiful wife through the white flakes of snow, “go on.  They’re waiting for you.”

“Kristina,” Ian smiled in response finding himself at a loss before he finally uttered the words, “thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” she replied watching him walk off to go connect with his brother again and she felt a heaviness in her heart knowing that there was so much of Ian that she’d miss out on.  So much of a life with him, she’d never be able to share now that he’d moved on.  How she’d wanted to tell him about their son, about the child created from their love, but now seeing him happy and with Patrick, she knew that she could never spoil the life he’d made for himself now as for once Ian seemed to have the kind of dream in his life that he’d always wanted and with that she slipped out into the night leaving him to his happiness.
 

<hr>

Eve stood outside in the lobby waiting for Ian.  She’d heard that he’d taken off earlier, but she’d hoped he’d return.  About twenty minutes ago, she’d been searching for him only to discover Chris with Debra and her new son and somehow in being there to see something wonderful happen, Eve felt that she herself was going to have something wonderful.  She and Ian had planned on new beginnings and for once Eve Lambert had found that she’d rather like to settle down and she believed she’d found the perfect man to do it with in Ian Thornhart.  Watching Debra with her baby and Chris, she found herself dreaming about what it would be like to have a family, to have those kinds of miracles in her life and she prayed that some day it would happen for her.
 
“A penny for your thoughts,” Chris called out breaking her thoughts.
 
“What are you doing out here Romeo?” Eve asked turning her attention to him, “I thought that you were still working on making yourself a date there?”
 
“Well, you know me,” Chris shrugged slightly, “I work fast.”
 
“Is that so?” she couldn’t help but laugh, “You know you’re insatiable.”
 
“Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment,” Chris chuckled lightly, “so tell me Lambert, why are you still lurking around here now that your shift is up?  I mean since we both know it’s not because you’re a workaholic.”
 
“Ha ha,” she smiled in response, “actually I’m waiting for Ian.”
 
“So where is boy wonder?” Chris looked around.
 
“He’s running behind,” Eve paused for a moment, “but you know Chris, I wish you’d give him a break.  I love him and that means something to me.”
 
“Just like you loved Scott?  Or Kevin?” Chris challenged seeing the darkness cloud over her face, “look Eve, if you’re happy or you believe to be, that’s fine with me.”
 
“Is it though?” she asked watching him, “I mean for so long I don’t really think anyone’s happiness has mattered, just your own misery.”
 
“Eve, you have no idea what I’ve been through this past year,” Chris sighed.
 
“That’s because you never let me in,” she reminded him.
 
“You never wanted to be a part of it, so why bother to seek you out?” he countered.
 
“Chris, never once did I say that,” Eve frowned, “you should’ve thought more of me.”
 
“Why?  What reason did I have to do that?” he questioned.
 
Eve frowned for a moment feeling a silence fall between them as she thought about what he’d said.  She really hadn’t been a friend to him lately.  They really hadn’t touched base with one another and now surprisingly she found herself filled with an odd sense of guilt.
 
“I’m sorry,” Eve blurted out.
 
“What?” he asked turning to face her.
 
“For not trying to understand or be there,” she continued further, “you deserved a better friend than that and I’m sorry that I couldn’t be that.”
 
“You were too busy living the fairy tale life Eve,” Chris reminded her, “I just didn’t fit into the picture.”
 
“That’s not true,” she shook her head, “though it might not have felt like it, you’ve always been part of the picture.  Chris, you’re my best friend in this whole world here and despite everything that’s happened, I’m always going to feel that way.”
 
“Why do I doubt that?” he countered.
 
“Because I’ve given you plenty of reason to,” she sighed, “how about we start over again?”
 
“Start over?” he pondered the thought, “well I don’t know.  I don’t think Ian’s going to like the idea of that considering he hates me.”
 
“Ian can’t pick and choose my friends,” Eve reminded him, “I don’t want to lose my best friend because my boyfriend didn’t approve, I’m smarter than that.”
 
“You weren’t always,” he pointed out.
 
“Yeah well call it the spirit of the holidays or turning over a new leaf, but this time I’m serious.  I’m learning what the more important things in life are and when it gets down to it, its your friends that matter.”
 
“I suppose they do,” Chris agreed finding a smile upon his lips as Colleen approached them.
 
“Eve, I was supposed to give you this earlier,” she explained handing over a piece of paper to Eve, “I just forgot with everything that was going on.”
 
“Thank you,” Eve smiled accepting the note.  She read it over quickly and frowned slightly, “well I guess I understand now.”
 
“What is it?” he asked.
 
“Ian’s not coming.  He got caught up in one of his patients and he’s not going to meet me here,” Eve sighed, “well I guess it’s time for me to pack up and go home.”
 
“Gee, and I was just starting to enjoy this conversation,” Chris smiled lightly.
 
“So was I,” Eve confessed with a smile as she slipped into her jacket, “well, for what it’s worth Ramsey Merry Christmas seeing as it’s after midnight.”
 
“You too Lambert,” he smiled watching her walk away as he went to go sign out for the night.
 
Stopping in her tracks, Eve turned to Chris again, “You know Chris, if you’re not doing anything, I have a Christmas dinner waiting back at my place.  Ian’s not going to be around for a while, so if you’re not busy, you’re more than welcome to come over to my apartment....”
 
“I don’t know if Ian would want me lurking around his apartment there,” Chris started again.
 
“It’s not his,” Eve explained stepping forward, “it’s mine.  I have my own place.”
 
“Seriously?” Chris replied a bit surprised.
 
“I told you,” Eve smiled, “some things have changed and hopefully for the better.  I’m learning how to stand on my own two feet again and well, I just thought an apartment of my own was a good start.”
 
“I’d have to say that I’m impressed Lambert,” Chris admitted with a slight smile, “and well seeing as it’s not every day I get an invitation to your place, I think it’s only proper that I come over and christen your new domicile.”

“Excuse me?” Eve repeated with wide eyes.

“With my martini making skills of course,” he explained noticing the color on her cheeks.

“Of course,” she nodded.

“What did you think I meant Lambert?” he asked feeling a grin tug at his lips.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged it off, “You know I’ve missed your martinis,” Eve confessed lightly.
 
“I’ve missed our martini nights as well,” Chris explained, “it’s no fun drinking alone.”
 
“No it’s not.  So you’re coming over then?” Eve smiled in response.
 
“Did you have your doubts?” Chris questioned with a smile.
 
“Nah, with you never,” Eve shook her head, “because where it’s really important some things never change.”
 
“No they don’t, do they Lambert,” Chris smiled lightly walking with her to the elevators, “so tell me Ms. Festive, do you have a tree up?”
 
“That I do,” she nodded lightly.
 
“And?” he questioned giving her a pointed look.
 
She took in a breath before admitting, “it’s white with black ornaments.”
 
“I thought so,” Chris chuckled, “you couldn’t give up the whole feeling of Casa de Ramsey.”
 
“Unfortunately no because that was one of my better Christmases,” Eve informed him as they stepped into the elevators, “But of course I’m thinking that this one might be now that I have my friend again.”
 
“You never lost him Eve,” Chris smiled as the elevator doors closed.
 
 

<hr>

Livvie reached for her mother’s hand finding the tears flooding from her eyes as Rachel looked out the window, “Mom, I know life is never meant to be easy and after everything that’s happened, please know how much I love you.  I love your far more than you can imagine.  I just wish things were different, like they were before with us, you know?”

Rachel said nothing as her eyes were fixed on the window in front of her.

“I bought you a present,” Livvie continued, “some of that perfume that you liked and I also brought along some movies like we used to watch when I was little.  You remember what they were like don’t you?  All those nights that we watched Miracle on 34th Street together?  Well mama, I haven’t forgotten and I won’t forget.  I’m going to hold onto those memories and the hopes that one day I’ll have you back.  Kevin is okay in my life, but I miss you.  I miss our talks, our times together,” she paused, “I missed telling you about my life, about the latest friends and loves.  Speaking of love, mama I fell in love with the most amazing man and I just know if you met Jack, you’d love him too.  He’s outside and if you just let me know that you’re listening I’ll go get him and we can have him meet you.  He can see that you’re just as wonderful as I told him you are,” Livvie wiped at her tears, “can you please just do that for me?”

Rachel did nothing.

“Mom, Grandma and I miss you so much.  Life hasn’t been the same without you,” Livvie confessed sobbing, “please come back to me.  Please.”

Rachel sat still listening to Livvie’s words, but showed no reaction as Livvie sobbed for a few minutes.  Finally Livvie hugged her mother with a heavy heart.

“I’m not giving up on you mom,” Livvie informed her, “Jack and I are going to be out here for a few days with his sister, so I promise you I’m going to be back soon.  I love you mom,” Livvie whispered kissing her forehead before collecting her jacket and walking towards the door, “Don’t ever forget that.”

With that Livvie took one last look at Rachel before finding Jack waiting for her outside in the hall.  Sensing that it didn’t go well, he took her into his arms hugging her tightly.

“I guess I was just hoping for some kind of miracle,” Livvie explained with a sob.

“I know you were,” Jack informed her lightly, “and for your sake, so was I.”

“She’s never going to come around, is she?”

“Maybe in time,” Jack replied wiping at her tears.

“But we can’t be sure.”

“No, we can’t, but we have to keep believing.”

“It’s just so hard,” she confessed.

“I know it is, but if anyone can wish it into happening, I know it’s you,” Jack decided, “in fact maybe it’s time we go out and find our Christmas star and say a prayer for her.”

“I think you’re right,” Livvie nodded taking his hand, “I think we need that.”

“Then come on,” Jack suggested taking her out into the night while Rachel sat in her room.

Looking over to the box that Livvie had given her, Rachel reaching into the package tearing into it to find a picture of her and Livvie from years ago in Arizona.  Touching the glass Rachel felt a tear in her eye.  She hated deceiving Livvie, but for what she’d had planned this was only a start.  She hadn’t forgotten Port Charles, nor had she forgotten Kevin Collins.  She wouldn’t dare do that and soon, very soon, she’d be back and when she was, the world beware because this time she was taking no prisoners.

<hr>

Lucy stood silent before him as she crossed her arms, “Well?  I’m listening?”
 
“Lucy, I don’t even know where to begin,” Kevin admitted sitting up straighter on the floor, “You and I have a lot to work out here.”
 
“I didn’t expect you to just lay down and forget everything that’s happened Doc,” she explained lightly, “but what I was hoping for is a chance.”
 
“A chance,” Kevin repeated lightly.
 
“Yeah you used to believe in those once upon a time,” Lucy reminded him.
 
“I never stopped believing in them Lucy,” Kevin admitted looking down to the floor.
 
“You could’ve fooled me there Kevin,” Lucy huffed slightly as she watched him, “Unless of course the rule of second chances just applies to everyone, but me there.”
 
“Lucy, don’t you get what this is about?”
 
“No, actually I don’t other than the fact that you’re fighting tooth and nail to keep me out of your life because I was trying to protect you from the pain that I knew Eve was going to cause you,” she started again.
 
“Lucy,” he began meeting her eyes briefly, “it’s about the fact that you didn’t think I was strong enough to see the truth.”
 
“Kevin, I never doubted your strength.  I just didn’t want to see you hurting.  Maybe I didn’t go about it the right way, but I’d do anything in a heartbeat if it meant sparing you any pain.”
 
“What about the pain you’re causing me right now?” Kevin shot back at her as their eyes connected again.
 
“I’m not trying to cause you pain.  I’m trying to help you...” she insisted.
 
“Help me?” he repeated, “Lucy do you have any idea what it’s like to go through every day knowing just how you try to help me and how it goes against everything that we had together?  Or even worse,” Kevin paused taking in a breath, “how much I hate the fact that despite the things you do, I can’t get you out of my mind.”
 
“What?” she asked a bit surprised.
 
“Lucy, I know I should be angry with you, but the more time I spend here, the more I feel quite the opposite.”
 
“I don’t understand....I mean I think I understand, but then again I thought I understood a lot of things before,” she explained taking a step forward as she watched him pull himself up from off of the floor.
 
“What I’m saying Lucy,” he said matching her movement as she closed the gap between them, “is that I can’t just stop thinking about you, loving you, though I’ve tried endlessly to shut it off.”
 
Lucy felt her heart pounding in her chest as she stepped towards him, “Do you know why that is?” she asked feeling the tears building in her eyes.
 
“Because you’re so deep in my system that the idea of letting go terrifies me more than anything,” Kevin replied moving in closer and reaching out to wipe the tears from her cheek.
 
“No, silly,” Lucy replied unable to suppress her tears, “it’s because we’re soul mates here.  Don’t you see that after all that’s been said and done, the universe is trying to tell us something here?”
 
“Well right now perhaps it’s the universe of just the Christmas spirit in the air, but I find myself caught up in this overwhelming urge to kiss you,” Kevin explained lightly moving towards her, “that is if you’ll accept.”
 
“Funny thing,” Lucy breathed slightly feeling her pulse race at the nearness of him, “I have this overwhelming urge to let you.”
 
“Good,” he replied closing the gap between them as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss both of them knowing that there was so much to bridge between them, but at least now on this Christmas Eve together, they’d at least found a little piece of hope.
 
 

The End